Across Seward, there are countless failing culverts that are too small to pass high water flows. Many of these culverts also impede or totally block fish passage. This infrastructure exacerbates flooding, risks washing out the transportation routes above them, and prevents salmon from accessing important spawning and rearing habitat. 

With support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a multi-year effort is underway to bring together residents, scientists, and local organizations to identify and advance culvert replacement projects that will bring the most benefit to the community and to salmon.

These projects will make the community more resilient to damaging floods, restore degraded and disconnected salmon streams, and bolster fish populations.  

High precipitation in fall of 2012 causes Clear Creek and Japanese Creek to flood. Photos by Bear Creek Flood Service Area.  

Project Goals

1

Reduce flooding and erosion through culvert replacement projects and floodplain restoration 

2

Restore access to over 10 miles of salmon habitat and enhance habitat for other wildlife 

3

Strengthen the community’s resiliency to damaging floods and sustain its economy built on fishing and tourism

Community Involvement 

We want to hear from you!

Your input will help shape which projects move forward and how Seward can best balance safety, sustainable growth and development and ecosystem function.  

The project team is hosting public meetings, volunteer events, and outreach programs.

We want to hear from residents and landowners, gather local knowledge, and build community support for upcoming restoration projects. 

Seward Fins & Flood Survey north_east

Check Here for Upcoming Events north_east

Photo: Students from Seward Elementary participate in Trout Unlimited’s salmon habitat education field trip. Photo by Seward Elementary.