The first phase of construction on the Salmon Bay Natural Area public plaza and other improvements are now underway and are expected to be completed in December.

The area is on five shoreline parcels at the end of 34th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 54th St. just west of the Ballard Locks.

"We are focusing on preserving the last piece of wooded shoreline for protection of juvenile salmon habitat," said Dave Boyd, co-president of Groundswell NW who describes himself as the "instigator" of the Salmon Bay Natural Area project.

The improvements create refuge and a rearing habitat for juvenile salmon that migrate through the bay to Puget Sound, according to Seattle Public Utilities in their project description.

The utilities refers to the area as a critical transition zone for juvenile salmon while they adapt from fresh to salt water after going through the Ballard Locks.

A deck overlooking the water, handrails, interpretive signage, bike racks, benches and a walking trail are also being built by Seattle Public Utility crews.

Groundswell, an open space advocacy group and Seattle Public Utilities raised over $1 million to buy the land in 1996.

Invasive plants have been removed and replaced with native plants and shrubs. This was a combined effort of Groundswell NW, EarthCorps and Seattle Public Utilities.

A new Department of Neighborhoods Matching Fund Grant of $56,250 will pay for public access improvement and outreach. Boyd said a block watch program will be set up to get neighbors involved to keep an eye on the site.

Future plans call for removing a house built on pilings with a boathouse next to it.

"It's great to see this finally getting done. It has taken along time to get to this point," said Boyd.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com