In order to increase juvenile salmonid habitat in the Nisqually River Basin, The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group hired Aquatic Contracting to create off channel habitat along Yelm Creek. Aquatic Contracting constructed a large pond and wetland area that connected to the creek. This pond was created to provide off channel habitat during high flows, and cold, deep-water habitat during summer months. Carefully constructed inlet and outlet channels provided year-round flow and created additional spawning habitat.

Research showed the pond was being utilized by juveniles days after completion. It has also provided habitat for amphibians, turtles, waterfowl and raptors.

The Yelm Creek Project was done in conjunction with Chinook Engineering, Nisqually Tribe and South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group.