The Tacoma News Tribune reported on the latest project of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric program on the North Fork of the Skokomish River, as part of the 2009 settlement with the Skokomish Tribe.

While adjustments have made to the dams on the river to allow for improved fish passage, a natural feature called Little Falls, two miles downstream from Cushman Dam No. 2, was too steep for fish to pass.

From the story:

So the utility collaborated with tribal officials, environmental consultants, and regulatory agencies to create a more natural-looking fish ladder at the Mason County location. They came up with a plan to ease fish passage by carving ascending resting pools into existing bedrock in the two channels of Little Falls.

The site presented challenges. Located 200 feet down a steep canyon trail, it required that all equipment was either hand carried, or helicoptered in, McCarty said. Workers did the bulk of work using jack hammers or hand chippers, then loaded debris into sacks which were helicoptered out.

——————–