We assess the condition of the culvert to determine if an adult salmon can migrate through the pipe. If the pipe is too small or steep it acts as a fire hose with water speeds that exceed a fish’s swimming ability. If there is a waterfall created by the culvert, the fish may not be able to make the jump into the pipe. The barrier severity is then entered into a database, where culverts can be ranked in order of need for replacement and benefit to local fish populations.

Once you contact us, our assessment team leader will work with you to schedule a convenient date and time to do the assessment. This can be done via phone or email. On the day of the assessment, 2-4 trained Barrier Assessment Team members will arrive at the agreed time and location, checking in with you if you desire.

First, the team evaluates the safety of the areas at both ends of the culvert, possibly cutting away the minimal amount of brush needed to allow safe access to each end. After that, the team members will work together to measure and record the dimensions and characteristics of the culvert, the water that flows through it, and any other notes about the current conditions surrounding the culvert.

Pictures are taken of the culvert and any potential barriers to fish passage immediately up- and downstream. The collected data is then analyzed to determine if the culvert is an barrier to fish passage, and the findings are entered into our database, which shows all of the culverts our team has surveyed in Washington to date.

No. While we hope you will take it into consideration, allowing a culvert assessment on your property is strictly voluntary.

No. Landowners do not have to pay for any part of the assessment.

Typically, assessments take under 2 hours to complete, but each culvert and the conditions surrounding it are unique. Some sites have multiple culverts and difficult terrain can take up to 4 hours.

While you are not required to be present, you are welcome to observe and ask questions! We appreciate owners sharing their knowledge of the stream, culvert, and their history, as this information can give us valuable insights into what we are seeing. If you choose not to be present during the assessment, or are not there when we are finished, we will let you know when we leave the site.

Our BAT members are all part of Trout Unlimited, whose insurance policy covers them individually in the unlikely event of an accident or injury that might occur while performing TU-sanctioned functions. While we are passionate about this work, the safety and well-being of every person is of the utmost importance during these assessments.

Our team members never work alone, are equipped with fluorescent vests, and typically have experience navigating rivers and streams. Before beginning work, they take time to evaluate the area, looking for possible dangers in the form of fast or high water, slippery and unstable footing, steep slopes, dead trees, and anything in the waterway that might become dislodged or pose a threat during the assessment, as well as any other possible dangers unique to the area. This safety-first approach allows us to mitigate risk and prevent accidents during our surveys.

Yes! Sometimes, due to culverts or other barriers downstream, a fish population can become extirpated or entirely absent in an area that they used to call home. By removing barriers and improving habitat conditions, fish can return to their historical ranges naturally.

When we do these assessments, we consider whether there are additional barriers to fish passage downstream. We work our way upstream, knowing that barriers must be cleared from the mouth of a waterway to the headwaters to allow migrating salmon to make it upstream to spawn.

Maybe. During our scheduling meeting we will request approval to use hand tools to clear a small path to access the culvert. We will confirm and flag any plants that we are not allowed to cut.

Sometimes. Our team starts by performing a “Level A” assessment, following the procedures developed and practiced by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Occasionally sites require a “Level B” assessment, an advanced analysis that collects data on the hydraulics both up and downstream of the culvert site. If we can’t gather all the data in one day, we’ll coordinate with you to schedule a return visit.

A project manager from Trout Unlimited will reach out to you with next steps if your culvert is identified as a high priority for replacement.

There are grant programs available through the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) members, with the Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP) from the Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) being of particular interest to the holders of small, privately-owned forests. Details and eligibility requirements can be found here: RCO and FFPP Grant Information

No. Landowners are not obligated to make the recommended improvements and any action to upgrade the culvert will require your permission. If you decide to partner with us on a culvert replacement, we’ll ask you to review the design plans and suggest changes. You’ll always have the option to decline the upgrade if it does not meet your needs or expectations.

After we survey your culvert and process the data we gathered, the team leader can provide you with our findings. While we are happy to share the results of the assessment, some of the terminology may be unfamiliar to you, and our assessment alone is not enough to determine whether improvements will be recommended. Follow up questions can be directed to our BAT leadership, whose email can be found here: Barrier Assessment Team Page

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) was established by the State of Washington in 2014 to guide the coordination of barrier removal by counties, cities, the State, tribal governments, regional fisheries enhancement groups, conservation districts, private landowners, and others.. Members include:

● Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), providing resources to aid fish barrier removal across the state and developed the assessment procedures we use

● Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), working with both large and small private forest landowners with barrier removal projects

● Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) provides the Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP) with grants to fund fish barrier removal for small privately-owned forest owners.

● Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), who has been removing fish barriers under state highways for many years

The FBRB also works with county, city and tribal governments to further efforts those entities may be undertaking to improve fish passage on a more local level. There are an estimated 40,000 culverts across the state, approximately half of which are known fish barriers. The Washington Council of Trout Unlimited (WCTU, a non-profit 501(c)3), is assisting in identifying these barriers through our Barrier Assessment Team (BAT). The BAT consists of TU member volunteers trained to perform barrier assessments according to WDFW-specified procedures. We compile our assessment findings in a WDFW database, where they are ranked according to the positive impact expected from barrier removal. The most beneficial are considered for replacement and the owners (private, state, county, municipality or other) are engaged to work toward remediation.

Yes. After the recommended improvements are made to the culvert, the area can be restored to its former state or improved to increase its functionality. Any alterations that change the replacement site’s functionality require your approval. As the landowner, you can make changes to better suit your needs. However, if these changes do not directly improve fish habitat, you will be responsible for covering the cost.