The Salmon and Snow Creek Estuary is the most intact of its type on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Located at the head of Discovery Bay in East Jefferson County, it is the unquestioned stronghold of the ESA listed Strait of Juan De Fuca summer chum salmon, with over 1500 fish returning already this year. Despite regulations, use and development are degrading the wetlands, riparian corridors and estuary. Several parcels are zoned for commercial or high-density development and two of the largest and most important are for sale.

Through conservation easements and fee simple acquisition, Jefferson Land Trust will partner in the perpetual protection of over 3 miles of streams and 300 acres of prime estuarine and riparian habitat for summer chum, other salmon species, forage fish and wildlife. The project fits well with the Hood Canal Coordinating Council Strategy for Salmon Recovery, which highlights estuary and nearshore habitats as Tier I for acquisition. Critical habitat acquisition is number one on their sequenced project lists for both Salmon and Snow Creek watersheds. This $498,500 project aims to protect 4-8 of 33 targeted parcels, and will build on acquisition and restoration work of our partners. WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD), North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC), Wild Olympic Salmon (WOS) and Jefferson County will all collaborate with the Land Trust to protect this critical summer chum habitat.

Compass Rose Farms Conservation Easements: 39 acres for $61,600