"Riparian" is a term that means the land adjacent to water bodies such as streams, wetlands, lakes or marine shorelines. Riparian areas provide multiple benefits for fish, wildlife, and humans. Specific functions of a healthy riparian area include improved water quality, soil stability, sediment control, wildlife habitat, microclimate, shade (which reduces water temperatures and therefore helps improve dissolved oxygen levels), nutrient inputs, fish prey production, habitat structure/woody debris, shelter from predators, human health and safety, and aesthetics.

Riparian restoration projects are projects that have actions aimed at improving riparian conditions. These projects include planting native trees and shrubs, controlling exotic vegetation, livestock exclusion fencing, and alternative stock watering.


The projects listed below are divided into 3 groups (A, B, or C) based on location:

A. Big Quilcene lower mainstem. This reach begins at the mouth of the River (RM 0.0) and continues upstream to the Hwy 101 Bridge at River Mile 2.7

B. Little Quilcene lower mainstem. This reach begins at approximately RM 0.0 and continues US to the Hwy. 101 Bridge at RM 1.6

C. Independant Watersheds and Quilcene Bay

D. Little Quilcene upper mainstem. Hwy 101 Bridge to headwaters

E. Leland Creek and other Little Quilcene Tribs.

For a comprehensive report of riparian restoration metrics for this watershed please contact Luke Cherney, Habitat Biologist for the Hood Canal Coordinating Council at lcherney@hccc.wa.gov.