In the uplands, where the headwater tributaries of Tenmile Creek begin, elevation ranges from 100 to 370 feet above sea level, with rolling terrain. Its major tributaries, Fourmile and Deer creeks, join Tenmile Creek in the lowlands, east of Guide Meridian and at Barrett Lake, respectively. Just downstream of Barrett Lake, a mile-long marshy area, Tenmile drains into the mainstem of the Nooksack River.

Most of the Tenmile Creek watershed is accessible to fish; chum, coho, steelhead and coastal cutthroat all use the drainage for part of their life stages. Historically, the creeks of this area supported large runs of coho and chum, but numbers have decreased, probably as a result of habitat alteration.

Salmon habitat issues in the Tenmile drainage are related to changes to the stream channel and land use. The loss of riparian cover has raised water temperatures, which in turn contribute to the decrease of dissolved oxygen in the streams, and has increased sedimentation; high levels of fecal coliform bacteria result from agricultural runoff as well as the presence of livestock in and near the streams; and channeling and repeated dredging have made it difficult for salmon to find quality streambeds for spawning. Additionally, there is increasing competition for water for both in-stream and out-of-stream uses.

Grassroots efforts to restore the riparian areas, coupled with changes in farming practices, are proving to be a model for the rest of the lowland region of Whatcom County. In addition, improvements in fish passage have been made through Whatcom County Public Works’ replacement of culverts that previously blocked or hindered the upstream migration of salmon.

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