Beginning in the 1920’s, coal mining and railroad construction activities were conducted in the lower 7 miles of Moose Creek. This involved extensive creek modifications and rerouting. The creek was straightened to cut off meanders, and channelized to eliminate the functions of the floodplain. These changes caused the creek to cut and scour a 10-foot high barrier waterfall near river mile 3.  Salmon populations that were once abundant enough to feed the many mining camps and the local people rapidly declined. Remnant populations of chinook (king), coho (silver) and chum salmon continued to exist below the falls.

A channelized section of Moose Creek which dead-ended at a waterfall blocking salmon migration has been transformed into healthy stream with curves, pools, riffles, and a floodplain. The area disturbed by restoration construction has been revegetated with native plants to reduce erosion and hasten recovery of wildlife habitat.  About 1,850 linear feet of stream was constructed. In addition to the new stream habitat created within the project site, the upper watershed has been opened to salmon for the first time in decades. Within days of project completion, chinook salmon were observed spawning within the new channel, and were also seen as far as 4 miles upstream of the old waterfall site.  Coho salmon will begin arriving in the river in August and will also have access to the entire watershed. With access to 10 miles of additional stream plus an extensive wetland complex, salmon populations are expected to increase to the benefit of riparian ecosystems, wildlife, and people.