DESCRIPTION
This project addresses the need to conserve quality estuarine habitat within the West Kitsap Ecological Diversity Group, and improve shoreline habitat near natal systems. The 17-acre site encompasses the entire Little Beef estuary, which is located less than 2,000 feet from Big Beef Estuary, an important natal stream for Hood Canal summer chum recovery. Little Beef Estuary is currently high-functioning but is somewhat constrained by the elevated roadway and concrete rubble deposited under the roadway bridge. While the armoring and rubble is located on parcels owned by Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT), acquiring the project property will allow GPC to support and better advocate for restoration activities at the mouth of the stream. Once the property is acquired, the site will permanently protect the existing quality estuarine habitat for Big Beef and other Hood Canal summer chum juvenile stocks.
This project addresses the need to conserve quality estuarine habitat within the West Kitsap Ecological Diversity Group, and improve shoreline habitat near natal systems. The 17-acre site encompasses the entire Little Beef estuary, which is located less than 2,000 feet from Big Beef Estuary, an important natal stream for Hood Canal summer chum recovery. Little Beef Estuary is currently high-functioning but is somewhat constrained by the elevated roadway and concrete rubble deposited under the roadway bridge. While the armoring and rubble is located on parcels owned by Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT), acquiring the project property will allow GPC to support and better advocate for restoration activities at the mouth of the stream. Once the property is acquired, the site will permanently protect the existing quality estuarine habitat for Big Beef and other Hood Canal summer chum juvenile stocks.
