The 2.5 miles of Padden Creek flows entirely within the Bellingham city limits, from Lake Padden to Bellingham Bay. It flows through the Fairhaven, Happy Valley, and Samish Neighborhoods; and drains 6 square miles of land. The primary land uses in the Padden Creek Watershed include residential, forestry, agricultural, commercial and industrial. There are also two parks that include Padden Creek Watershed in their scenery; Fairhaven Park and Lake Padden Park. Fish and Wildlife: Padden Creek provides suitable habitat for Chinook, chum, coho, and steelhead and resident trout. Major Issues: In 1892 a tunnel was built under 22nd Street in Fairhaven Park creating a barrier that blocks salmon from swimming upstream. This barrier has drastically reduced the fish population in Padden Creek. Schools within the Watershed: The schools within the Watershed include Bellingham Cooperative, Fairhaven Middle School, Happy Valley Elementary, Larrabee Elementary, Rufus M. Jones, Sehome High School, Wellspring Community High School, and Western Washington University. Restoration Projects: Since 1997 the Padden Creek Alliance, which includes NSEA, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local citizen groups, continue to work to restore Padden Creek. These groups hope to reroute Padden Creek to allow salmon to move more freely, provide better flood control, and restore the creek.  |
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