New culvert for fish passage on Hidden Creek.

Thanks to a cooperative project between Alaska Department of Transportation, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Kenai Watershed Forum, and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the swim home for thousands of sockeye salmon just got easier in Hidden Creek on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.  The project focused on a section of the creek where it crosses under Skilak Loop Road. The old culvert which was small and perched above the streambed has been replaced with a wider, stream simulation culvert that allows more natural flows.  The new culvert is oversized and half full of streambed material  similar to a natural streambed.  "The fish will not even realize they are swimming through a culvert.  They'll just think they're going under some trees for a little while," said assistant refuge manager Claire Caldes who oversaw the Refuge's involvement in the project.  

The work was completed by the Alaska Department of Transportation, who manages the road which is located in one of the Refuge's more developed access areas. The culvert is large enough that bears may use it to cross under the road as well. The project was completed through the busy fourth of July weekend with minimal disruption to traffic.  "A few people called to inquire about the status of the road, but no one really complained about the road being closed for the 2 1/2 day period"  commented Deputy Manager Doug Staller.