This is a proposal to replace nine culverts on three tributaries in the Wenatchee River subbasin with pre-fabricated modular bridges. The problem of impassable or partially passable road crossings has long been known to be a problem, and there are a number of programs to correct them. According to the proposal, the three streams in question - Alder Creek, Clear Creek, and Beaver Creek - have been identified as high priority sites for barrier removal. However, documentation of species currently using these tributaries of the Middle Wenatchee and Chiwawa was not very complete, and the salmonid carrying capacity of the four miles (in total) of small streams that would be opened was not given. Other than to state that the culvert replacement projects would primarily benefit summer steelhead there was little quantitative discussion of how this work would benefit other listed species or resident fishes. Based on the information in the proposal and the photographs provided, the Alder Creek crossings appeared to be the priority candidates for replacement.

We therefore recommend that this project be funded in part with Alder Creek receiving top priority, with the understanding that additional funding may be warranted if stronger evidence for benefits to anadromous species can be presented for the Beaver Creek and Clear Creek sites.