Project Lead: Cynthia Nielsen

Project Partners: City of Anacortes, Samish Indian Nation, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Project Years:  2023 - 2024 

Project Overview: 

This project is part of a large collaborative long-term multiple year effort led by the City of Anacortes that aims to replace the existing trestle with environmentally friendly non-creosote material and remove the entire riprap causeway from the trestle crossing over to Weaverling Spit.  Full removal of the causeway will increase flow and flushing of the Fidalgo Bay system which will improve water quality, nearshore species and habitat and reduce wave energy and shoreline erosion. The trestle's creosote pilings contain toxic chemicals that leach into the sediment.  Creosote is also highly flammable and the trestle has burned twice in arson fires, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Removing the creosote pilings and associated sediment and replacing with environmentally material will reduce the fire risk and will improve water quality and health of aquatic organisms.

Feasibility Study and Conceptual Design:

The first phase of this project included a feasibility study and conceptual design.  The feasibility study will help determine whether to pursue funding for the second phase of this project for the removal of the causeway and replacement of the trestle. 

Community Education and Outreach:

Community education and outreach is essential for this project to succeed and the collaboration of multiple partners. The first phase of this project included the following community education and outreach efforts:

• • Community meetings and regular updates
  • Outreach booth at special events
  • Project website/StoryMap
  • Project videos
  • Three interpretive signs installed along the Tommy Thompson Trail at the project site

    1.  Interpretive sign #1

2. Interpretive sign #2 

3. Interpretive sign #3