Fish Creek is the namesake for the local community and it provides the backdrop for many rich memories and stories. The creek is appreciated by residents and visitors, with many having spent countless hours near and in Fish Creek, enjoying its cooling waters, wildlife, and natural beauty.
The Fish Creek Watershed project and corresponding plan and volunteer committee was initiated by the Fish Creek Watershed Study Volunteer Leaders and developed by the Town of Gibraltar Planning Commission and Town Board, with the intent of compiling and interpreting existing data to inform discussions about the protection and restoration of Fish Creek.
More details about the Fish Creek Watershed Plan can be viewed in the documents below:
Fish Creek Restoration Project
Fish Creek Restoration: Fish Passage Designs
In June 2019, the town retained Miller Engineers & Scientists to create design concepts for the Fish Creek fish passage. At this public meeting, Miller presented three design concepts for the culvert to the Gibraltar Plan Commission and Town Board for consideration as described below.
View the concept plans here.
CULVERT DESIGN PLANS
Option 1: Converging Baffles (*This is the design the Town selected.)
This design allows fish passage through the box culvert by altering the downstream apron and creating current breaks within the culvert. Alterations of the downstream apron consist of cutting a trench through the apron and replacing this section with three elongated 6" steps.
Converging baffles will be cut out of the existing concrete "curbs" along the interior of the box culvert with the addition of approximately four wooden baffles on the downstream and upstream end of the box culvert.
Option 2: Block Baffles
This design option allows fish passage through the box culvert by altering the downstream apron and placing baffles within the culvert. Alterations of the downstream apron consist of cutting a trench through the apron and replacing this section with three elongated 6" steps.
Alternating timber baffles will be installed within the interior of the box culvert to provide current breaks fish "resting areas". A total of eight baffles (four on each side) are proposed.
Option 3: Box Culvert Channel Cut
This design option allows fish passage by altering the downstream apron and interior of the box culvert. Alterations consist of removing concrete from the downstream apron through the box culvert and replacing it with a constant sloped concrete channel.