Summary: The first phase of the Fenster project included the design and construction of a levee setback on the Green River to provide salmon habitat and flood storage benefits. 

Approximately 700 linear feet of existing rock levee were removed from the left (west) bank of the river, to reconnect the river with a portion of its historic floodplain. A new buried rock revetment was constructed approximately 200 feet from the river's edge to maintain flood protection for existing homes and infrastructure. Project features included removal of invasive species, excavation of an off-channel backwater, revegetation using native plants, and installation of 60 pieces of large wood with root wads along the shoreline.

Location: Fenster Nature Park, 2033 4th St SE
Status: Completed 2008

Partners: Washington Recreation and Conservation Office • Salmon Recovery Funding Board • WRIA-9 • King County Flood Control District • King Conservation District • King County Water and Land Resources Division • King County Road Services Division • Community Volunteers

View Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office PRISM Project #05-1398

Summary: The second phase of the Fenster project built upon prior salmon recovery restoration efforts by the City, King County, and others to set back or completely remove all of the levees within a two-mile stretch of high quality habitat between project site and the Neeley bridge at SR-18. 

The project removed the remaining 520 feet of the 50 year old agricultural levee at Fenster Nature Park to reconnect the river with more of its historic floodplain. The buried rock revetment constructed in the first phase was extended 900 feet to maintain flood protection for the area. As with Phase 1, invasive plants were removed and over 7,000 native trees and shrubs were planted. The habitat improvements will benefit Chum, Coho, and Endangered Species Act-listed Puget Sound ESU Chinook salmon and steelhead that migrate through and spawn in this reach.

Location: Fenster Nature Park, 2033 4th St SE
Status: Completed 2015

Partners: Washington Recreation and Conservation Office • Salmon Recovery Funding Board • Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed (WRIA-9) • King County Flood Control District • King Conservation District • King County Water and Land Resources Division • King County Road Services Division • Community Volunteers

View Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office PRISM Project #09-1429