The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) worked with community partners to initiate several habitat restoration pilot projects in the Chehalis River Basin referred to as Early Action Reach projects. These projects are part of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP), a science-based plan designed to restore, rebuild, and protect the Chehalis River Basin to support a productive ecosystem that is resilient to the impacts of climate change. Each of the WDFW-sponsored river restoration projects includes: • Installing native trees and shrubs; • Removing invasive species such as blackberry and knotweed; • Constructing engineered log jams; and • Reconnecting floodplain and off-channel habitats East Fork Satsop Project Highlights - 3.2 miles of river habitat restored - 109 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat protected - 45 log jams installed - 107 acres of invasive plants treated - 62 acres of native plantings The East Fork Satsop River Restoration Project started construction in summer 2021 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2022. WDFW collaborated with Forterra, Grays Harbor Conservation District, and landowners to make this project a success. Forterra worked with three landowners to permanently conserve 109 acres of floodplain habitat. Landowners have been experiencing extreme winter flooding and damage to their properties, creating an opportunity to form a restoration partnership benefiting landowners and aquatic species. Following acquisition, one landowner’s home was demolished allowing extensive restoration to occur. Grays Harbor Conservation District is a key partner in landowner communications and floodplain restoration for this project. Over 50,000 new plantings will grow into a mature riparian forest that provides shade, insects, nutrients, and wood to the river that improves habitat for fish and wildlife. Skookumchuck Project Highlights - 1.1 miles of river habitat restored - 102 acres of riparian and upland habitat protected - 27 log jams installed - 30 acres of invasive plants treated - 67 acres of native plantings The Skookumchuck River Restoration Project was the first Early Action Reach project to start construction and was completed in summer 2021. This project served as an opportunity to partner with local landowners to implement restoration projects and to help inform future ASRP efforts. WDFW collaborated with Thurston Conservation District, Capitol Land Trust, and landowners to make this project a success. Thurston Conservation District staff facilitated landowner communications and led invasive removal and replanting efforts for the project. The planted trees and shrubs will grow into mature riparian forest that provides shade, insects, nutrients, and wood to the stream channel that improves habitat for fish and wildlife. Capitol Land Trust worked with two landowners to protect 102 acres of land in perpetuity and support implementation of restoration across the sites. Stillman Creek Project Highlights • 5 partnerships with local landowners • 2 miles of river habitat restoration • 38 acres of habitat protected • 113 large wood structures • 40 acres treated for invasive plants • 45 acres of plantings including 45,000+ native trees and shrubs The Stillman Creek Restoration Project started construction in summer 2022 and is scheduled to wrap up in summer 2023. WDFW is collaborating with Lewis Conservation District, Capitol Land Trust, and landowners to make this project a success. Lewis Conservation District is a key partner in landowner communications and floodplain restoration for this project. Their efforts will result in 40 acres of invasive plant removal. The district is also planting 45 acres with native plants, including over 45,000 new trees and shrubs, which will grow into a mature forest, providing shade, insects, nutrients, and woody habitat material for fish and wildlife. Capitol Land Trust worked with a local landowner to permanently protect 38 acres of habitat. This property is being restored with riparian plantings and enhanced with large wood structures to improve habitat for salmon, other native fish and aquatic species and wildlife. Wynoochee Project Highlights • 1 home relocated • 4 partnerships with local landowners • 1.25 miles restored of river habitat • 26 acres protected for riparian and floodplain habitat • 65 log jams installed • 116 acres treated for invasive plants • 14 acres planted including 30,000+ native plantings The Wynoochee River Restoration Project started construction in summer 2021 and was completed in summer 2022. WDFW collaborated with Forterra, Grays Harbor Conservation District, and landowners to make this project a success. Forterra worked with a local landowner to permanently conserve 26 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat. This landowner had been experiencing extreme flooding, resulting in restricted access and damage to their property. This created the opportunity for a mutually beneficial project benefiting the landowner and aquatic species. Following acquisition, the home was relocated to safer, higher ground, and the property was planted with floodplain trees and shrubs. Grays Harbor Conservation District is a key partner in landowner communications and floodplain restoration for this project. Along with being the project lead for the house relocation, their efforts resulted in over 30,000 new plantings which will grow into a mature riparian forest that provides shade, insects, nutrients, and woody material habitat for fish and wildlife.