Situation
The Cedar River Royal Arch project was a habitat and river restoration effort located along the Cedar River in Maple Valley, Washington. The 22-acre site encompassed approximately 1,500 feet of river frontage and was previously developed before being abandoned and ultimately reacquired by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).
As part of a larger, multi-phase initiative, the project was designed to restore sections of the Cedar River corridor and improve the health of the surrounding ecosystem. The restoration effort supports long-term environmental goals focused on enhancing fish habitat, improving floodplain function, and increasing overall river resilience.
Solution
The primary objective of the project was to restore natural river processes and create diverse habitat for fish and wildlife. To accomplish this, Goodfellow Bros. constructed multiple side channels and floodplain features parallel to the main river channel, providing refuge, spawning, and rearing habitat for aquatic species.
The work included approximately 31,000 cubic yards of excavation and embankment to create new river channels and reconnect portions of the floodplain. In addition, 835 engineered log structures were installed using large woody material strategically placed throughout the project area. These structures help direct river flows, stabilize streambanks, enhance habitat complexity, and provide critical shelter for fish and wildlife.
Ecological restoration extended beyond the river itself. More than $750,000 in landscaping improvements were completed to reestablish native vegetation and restore the site to conditions that more closely resemble its natural historic state. Thousands of native trees and shrubs were planted throughout the project area, creating the foundation for a healthy riparian ecosystem that will continue to mature and thrive for generations to come.
Notable
The Cedar River serves as a critical component of Seattle’s municipal water supply system, making the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystem an important priority for the region.
The Royal Arch project is one of several restoration efforts taking place along the Cedar River to improve habitat quality, river function, and ecological health. Valued at $3 million, the project provided Goodfellow Bros. with the opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in complex environmental restoration work while building a strong partnership with Seattle Public Utilities.
Through successful project delivery and a commitment to quality, Goodfellow Bros. strengthened its relationship with SPU and is well-positioned to support future restoration efforts planned throughout the Cedar River watershed.
