Streams of Change

Streams of Change. Learning From The Past... For A Better Future. , SETTLING THE WATERSHED , Historically, Crescent Creek watershed was altered by human settlement through logging and farming. Today shoreline development continues to alter the watershed., PHOTO: Dr. Hiram Herbert Rust on Crescent Creek Bridge around 1915-1922. This park on left with present day Gig Harbor Masonic Hall in background (three story, white building)., BANK EROSION OVER TIME , Foot traffic has contributed to loss of native vegetation and bank erosion here at the park., Changing seasons brought rain and fallen trees which accelerated erosion on the bank. These photos [at lower left on marker] illustrate the effect of erosion over a length of time here at Crescent Creek., [bottom left photos read] , . Taken October 21, 2005 , . Taken May 4, 2006 , . Before this restoration project, no safe viewing area of the creek existed., SITE RESTORATION EFFORTS , Large rootwads were placed along the bank to slow erosion and provide more structure for fish to hide from predators. Two observation decks and connecting Low Impact Development trail were built to provide safe viewing areas. The streambank was planted with native vegetation to slow future erosion and provide a "water quality" filter for water entering the stream., In 2005, Friends of Pierce County approached the City of Gig Harbor to begin the Crescent Creek Restoration Project to help prevent bank erosion and provide better habitat for salmonids. With a grant from Pierce County and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the project began in the fall of 2006., PHOTO: An aerial view of Crescent Creek and its tributaries.