Current Projects
Snohomish River Basin
Snoqualmie River Riparian Restoration and Awareness Project at Stillwater Wildlife Area
In cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, who owns and manages this wildlife area near Carnation, the Task Force will establish a 300-foot riparian buffer along two sections of the bank where native plants are sparse to increase vegetative cover. The aim is to plant 25 acres with native trees and shrubs with the help of volunteers and students. Funding for this effort comes from King Conservation District, Seattle City Light, Recreational Equipment Incorporated, and the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account.
Pilchuck River Riparian Restoration and Fish habitat Enhancement, Lake Stevens
Working cooperatively with private, agricultural landowners, the Task Force will enhance aquatic and riparian habitat for salmon and trout along a 1-mile reach of the Pilchuck River. Project partners Snohomish County Surface Water Management, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Snohomish Conservation District have provided valuable support in the implementation of the project. Objectives include large wood placement, riparian planting, livestock fencing, and weed control. Funding for this project has come from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
Cemetery Creek Restoration, Snohomish
Working with the Sustainable Fisheries Foundation, the Task Force will reduce invasive plant density and increase riparian vegetation diversity along a portion of both banks of Cemetery Creek (approximately 2.5 acres treated and 700 native plants) on property owned by GAR Cemetery. Snohomish Conservation District will assist with livestock fencing as part of this project. Funding for this effort comes from the Sustainable Fisheries Foundation with cost-share for fencing from the Conservation District.
Anthracite Creek at Timberlane Village, Skykomish
In partnership with the Timberlane Village Homeowners Association, the Task Force will replace a culvert and complete riparian planting along Anthracite Creek. In addition, large wood will be placed in the stream to enhance aquatic habitat. Funding comes from the King Conservation District Opportunity Fund with in-kind contributions from landowners.
Tychman Slough Assessment and Design, Sultan
The Task Force will work with landowners and R2 Resource Consultants to identify, evaluate and prioritize restoration project opportunities on private property along the 2-mile length of Tychman Slough, a side-channel slough of the Skykomish River. Snohomish County Surface Water Management and the Snohomish Conservation District will provide project support.
This assessment and design effort received funding from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
Tolt River Riparian Enhancement Project, Carnation
Seattle City Light and the Task Force are teaming up to control invasive weeds on 5 acres and replant approximately 2 acres of the riparian corridor with native trees and shrubs to improve habitat diversity along the Tolt River. Funding comes from Seattle City Light and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Community Salmon Fund.
Middle Pilchuck River Cooperative Enhancement Project, Machias
The Task Force will work with a private agricultural landowner to increase aquatic habitat complexity and diversity along 300’ of the river by installing large wood structures and enhance the riparian forest by planting approximately 1 acre of native trees and shrubs along 1,500 feet of the river. Thanks to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Community Salmon Fund grant program for project funding.
Stillaguamish River Basin
South Fork Stillaguamish Tributaries Knotweed Control & Riparian Planting
Along South Fork Stillaguamish tributaries Jim Creek, Canyon Creek, Turlo Creek, and others in Robe Valley, as well as along portions of the North Fork Stillaguamish, the Task Force will control invasive knotweed and restore or enhance 25 acres of riparian area with native vegetation plantings. The aim is to plant and maintain at least 15,000 native trees with the help of project partners including Snohomish County Surface Water Management, Noxious Weed Control Board, Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the Stillaguamish Cooperative Weed Management Area partnership. Funding comes from Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water and Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants.
North Fork & South Fork Stillaguamish Knotweed Control and Riparian Restoration
In an ongoing effort to address degraded riparian conditions in the Stillaguamish River basin the Task Force will team up with the Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board to control non-native, invasive knotweed and plant native riparian vegetation along the North Fork and South Fork Stillaguamish River. The objective is to treat 120 acres of knotweed and complete 5 acres of riparian plantings.
NF Stillaguamish Cooperative Riparian Enhancement, Whitehorse Creek
The Task Force will partner with a private, agricultural landowner to restore a riparian forest canopy along Whitehorse Creek, a tributary to the NF Stillaguamish, providing a highly visible opportunity for community involvement and outreach. Objectives include control of blackberry over 3 acres and planting 2,500 native trees and shrubs. Funding for this project was received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Community Salmon Fund with in-kind contributions from the landowners.
Island County – Includes Camano Island and south Whidbey Island
Maxwelton Creek Culvert Removal
The Task Force will assist the Whidbey Watershed Stewards (WWS) to remove a culvert from Maxwelton Creek on south Whidbey Island. The road crossing is no longer needed and so the culvert will not be replaced. This project will enhance fish passage for coho and chum salmon as well as cutthroat trout. Funding for this project is from WWS.