Always working for safer and healthier communities
Ala Spit Restoration work included riprap revetment removal (concrete debris and large boulders) to prevent further erosion of the Spit’s neck; protect long term public access to the Park; and improve habitat conditions for juvenile salmon and natural ecosystem processes. Fish mix (sand) was added in front of the bulkhead wall to provide additional protection to the parking area as well as sediment nourishment for the spit.
Ala Spit post-restoration monitoring is scheduled to begin in April and will ensure that restoration efforts are successful. Please take caution as you enjoy the park during the upcoming months as the spit settles into its natural shape.
Restoration - Phase 2 Presentation (coming soon)
Ala Spit Restoration before and after photos A (updated 11/21/11)
Ala Spit Restoration before and after photos B (updated 11/21/11)
Ala Spit Park Re-opens October 14, 2011 (press release)
Ala Spit Restoration begins September 19, 2011 (press release)
The Maxwelton watershed is located on southern Whidbey Island and is the largest drainage basin (11 square miles) in WRIA 6. The primary drainage for the watershed is Maxwelton Creek, which provides rearing, foraging, and spawning habitat for anadromous salmonid species. The Washington State Deparment of Health has determined through flow modeling that the fecal coliform loading rates from Maxwelton Creek warrant the closure of public recreational harvest of shellfish. In addition, the Department of Ecology's 303(d) impaired water map identifies a segment of marine water listed as a Category 5 water based on dissolved oxygen levels.
Island County has recently been awarded a grant through the Department of Ecology that will provide resources for fecal coliform bacteria source identification, education and outreach, and on-site septic system training within the watershed. These efforts are expected to result in water quality improvements, ulimately leading to the Washington State Department of Health lifting the shellfish closure.
