Squalicum Creek Trail Cornwall Connector

Herrera worked with the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department to evaluate options for a critical non-motorized trail connection of Squalicum Creek Trail in a complex ecological setting. Site analysis and alignment options for the Cornwall Connector include considerations for impacts to adjacent creeks and wetlands, flood plains and flood ways, salmon and critical species habitat, native vegetation, and existing Julianna Park Improvements Cordata Parka Park Squalicum Creek Trail infrastructure.

Herrera coordinated with other capital projects within the project area which included rerouting an existing creek channel, construction of a new roadway, and associated wetland enhancement and creation areas. Herrera created a composite basemap in order to evaluate potential options and impacts and develop a plan to create a crucial trail connection without compromising critical natural resources. Herrera considered six alignment options, and summarized their benefits, impacts, permitting complexity, and estimated construction costs. A comparison matrix was developed in order to select a preferred alternative. The alternatives analysis is complete, and design and permitting is expected to begin as early as fall 2021.