Restoration of the Red Salmon Creek Watershed was started in 2005 with the development of a Habitat Restoration Plan for Nisqually Land Trust property in the watershed. Five restoration phases have been implemented in the lower watershed and maintenance for these plantings and control of invasive species are being continued by volunteers and Land Trust staff. Overall survival rates for the plantings at this site average above 80%.
Phase I & II: Red Salmon Creek and Spring Creek Restoration - Restoration activities included: removal of a total of two acres of Himalayan blackberry, one acre of Scotch broom, six acres of English ivy, and scattered holly adjacent to the Red Salmon Creek mainstem and Spring Creek; repair of the footbridge across Red Salmon Creek with untreated cedar to eliminate treated lumber adjacent to the stream channel; and a total of 2,220 native trees and shrubs were planted. An additional Supplemental plantings will be done if overall plant survival falls below 60%.
Phase III: Wash Creek Restoration - Restoration activities included: removal of a total of four acres of English ivy and four aceres of Himalayan blackberry adjacent and upland of Wash Creek; and installation of 1,000 native trees and shrubs in the cleared areas.
Phase IV & V: Lower Red Salmon Creek Restoration: Restoration activities included: weed control and fence removal along Red Salmon Creek between the culvert at the west edge of the property (under the railroad) and the footbridge; removal of Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry throughout the planting area; and installation of 4,200 native trees and shrubs in riparian and adjacent upland areas adjacent to the salt marsh and creek upstream of the railroad crossing. An additional 300 cedars were planted in the understory on the adjacent Land Trust property.
Monitoring and maintenance are ongoing at this site by Land Trust staff and volunteers.