Pierce County will celebrate Sept. 6 and Sept. 8 completion of its largest fish-passage project. The Spanaway Creek Fish Passage Project features a bypass channel that allows salmon and other fish to pass upstream of the Bresemann Dam for the first time since 1894 and opens access to habitat in the upper reaches of Spanaway Creek.

“Most importantly, this project is an example of our dedication to improving conditions for fish and managing surface water while also enhancing recreational opportunities and meeting the needs of Pierce County residents,” said Harold Smelt, Pierce County Water Programs manager.

A site dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6 and include remarks by Pierce County Executive John W. Ladenburg, District 5 Councilmember Barbara Gelman and Public Works and Utilities Director Brian Ziegler. The program will include a “Lucky Ducky Derby” in the stream and trail walks led by project engineers.

The Saturday, Sept. 8 program will feature an ice cream social, comments by Al Schmauder, Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Council chair, traditional blessing and storytelling by Danny Marshall, Steilacoom Indian Tribe chair, “Lucky Ducky Derby” and trail walks.

Both events are open to the public, and parking will be available along 145th Street South. The site is in the Bresemann Forest west of Sprinker Recreation Center and is accessed through the north gate near 145th and 11th Avenue.