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The Estuary Boardwalk was dedicated in 2011, allowing visitors to walk more than a mile over tideflats. At 5,539 feet, this is one of the longest elevated boardwalk trails in the state. It is used by thousands of visitors every year. But we knew it would need to be monitored for possible repairs, as all structures in dynamic and changing ecosystems must be. This year, we will be adding additional rock at the base of about 300 footings where erosion has exposed foundations.
The $2.8 million boardwalk was built using USFWS deferred maintenance funds and the refuge鈥檚 entrance fees. But most funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama. The purpose of the Act was to create jobs and invest in infrastructure. Pacific Northwest businesses supplied labor and materials for the boardwalk project, which was led by Five Rivers Construction out of Longview, Washington.
It was a tough project! No mechanized equipment was allowed on the tide flats. Work had to be scheduled around daily tidal cycles. Treated wood dust and debris was contained and collected to protect the habitat. Five pedestrian bridges were placed by helicopter. The design was by Western Wood Structure in Tualatin, Oregon; and a unique diamond pier foundation system came from Pin Foundations, Inc., of Gig Harbor, Washington. Ducks Unlimited provided technical support.
With tides in South Puget Sound averaging a change of twelve feet twice a day, erosion is not a surprise! The refuge had to shore up support around the boardwalk foundations in 2012, too. This was expected, as the estuary was still re-forming after restoration at that time.
This year鈥檚 work will be carried out by staff and volunteers, and must take place at low tide, limiting the hours of work. It can also be done only between July 15 and October 31, to avoid impacts on protected species like salmon. While the work is in progress, loads of rock will be hauled along the boardwalk with utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). To make room for visitors and create places for turning around, benches will be removed temporarily. Rock will be emptied from buckets into a chute to send the rocks down to the workers below. Then they place the material around the foundations. This can be noisy, so workers will wear ear protection.
Visitors wishing to avoid noise and vehicles should come at high tide or visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when work is on hold. Tides may be looked up on the internet. Here is one source:
