This project is restoring riparian forest and off-channel habitat on 155+ acres of Nisqually Land Trust property in the active channel migration zone of the Nisqually Wilcox Reach (between river mile 28 and 29.5). Four phases of the project have been installed and phase five is currently being implemented.

Phase I: Flood Cleanup - Removal of residential debris and vehicles from site shortly after acquisition.

Phase II: Initial Reforestation - Doug fir planted adjacent to WA DOT mitigation site.

Phase III: Site Restoration Plan and Initial Implementation - Activities included: site assessment; development of restoration plan; removal of invasive species from 7 acres in the northwest part of the property; and planting of 2,000 native trees and shrubs north of the primary side channel. Monitoring and maintenance is ongoing, including weed control and summer watering of plants in full sun.

Phase IV: Northwest Understory Restoration - Activities included: control of blackberry and reed canary grass throughout 16 acres; plantings of ~2,000 native trees and shrubs adjacent to existing forest and in understory.Monitoring and maintenance is ongoing, including weed control and summer watering for plants in full sun.

Phase V: Reed canary grass Meadow Restoration - Activities included: mechanical and chemical control of 1+ acre of reed canary grass; installation of 600 7-ft live stake cottonwood and willow poles, 150 3-ft cottonwood and willow live stakes; and 200 shrubs. Monitoring and weed control is ongoing. Supplemental planting will be done if needed.

Phase VI: Restoration of Northeast 40 Acres - Activities scheduled for 2009-2012: Control of invasive species; planting of native trees and shrubs; mulching; and weed control. Remaining flood debris will be removed as time and funding allow.

Phase VII: Southwest and Southeast Shoreline - Activities scheduled for 2011: control invasive species across 30+ acres; plant 6 acres

The restoration plan contains additional recommendations for enhancement and restoration of this site. These recommendations include: understory planting on 70 acres southwest of primary side channel; reforestation of southeast corner of site.
Neighboring landowners are also implementing restoration projects along the Nisqually mainstem and along lower Horn Creek as it empties out into the mainstem.