DESCRIPTION
This project will address one of the major factors leading to the decline of Hood Canal summer chum habitat in the Lower Hood Canal by restoring natal sub-estuarine tidal marsh and paving the way to protecting freshwater marsh and riparian habitat from development
High tides in 2012 damaged an 825-foot dike impounding a 7-acre pond and exposed an abandoned 21-inch CMP culvert, which had been buried during the installment of a 12" overflow tide gate. After the damage to the dike and the Theler Trail, which resides on the surface of the dike, salmon were observed swimming through the exposed culvert into the 7 acre Theler Pond. The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) proposes to the remove the abandoned culvert, the damaged 825-foot dike and another 425-foot dike (a total of 7,300 cubic yards of fill material) in order to fully restore the 7 acres of estuarine habitat. HCSEG will construct a new 500-foot setback dike and culvert and a 425-foot boardwalk to protect the nearby road and reconnect the Theler Trail. HCSEG will plant the banks of the setback dike and the reconnected pond. Additionally, HCSEG will complete the planning phases to acquire 38 acres of freshwater wetlands adjacent to the northern side of the Union River Estuary for future planning and restoration.
