Calistoga Levee Setback

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: 8

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT: 2

WRIA: 10

CITY, COUNTY: Orting, Pierce County

Project Summary

Man-made levee systems disconnect the river from its floodplain and prevented the large river systems from meandering. In Orting, the Puyallup River would overtop existing levees during large storms, commonly causing flooding and property damage. Reconnecting the Puyallup River to its floodplain restored natural riverine processes and created off channel habitat for salmon. The project added about 100 acres of floodwater storage and off-channel habitat for salmon.

Key Actions

1.5 mile setback levee reconnected approximately 53 acres of floodplain of the river
Two culverts will be installed for 55 acres of salmon access, inaccessible since the 1930s
Planted the floodplain with native trees and shrubs to increase floodplain forest habitat
Added about 100 acres of floodwater storage and off-channel habitat for salmon

Benefits

Increased flood protection while restoring salmon habitat for three salmonid species
Near immediate use of juvenile salmon was observed in the newly accessible habitat
Newly planted native riparian vegetation and installed rootwads enhanced riparian areas and provided habitat for young fish
This and a handful of other levee setbacks in the area have been credited with raising the flood warning levels for this section of the Puyallup River, decreasing flood risk for these communities

Project Partners