The 2009 Marshland Subarea Plan will facilitate restoring over 400 acres of diked land to tidally-influenced wetland that will connect to the Snohomish River through Lowell- Snohomish River Road. Fish access to the area is presently blocked by the Marshland Flood Control District pump station and canal. The project represents one of the last opportunities for large-scale tidal wetland restoration along the main stem of the Snohomish River, and will provide improved rearing ad foraging habitat for Chinook and other salmon smolts. The plan also includes connecting Wood Creek and other drainages from the adjacent hillside into restored tidal wetlands and thereby restoring fish access to some streams; adding fish access to an area of preserved forested wetland habitat; restoring multiple non-tidal freshwater wetland areas; and riparian buffer enhancements. A phasing plan calls for restoring two smaller tidally influenced areas in initial phases, with the larger restoration area requiring the relocation of the Marshland Flood Control District pump station and reorientation of the Marshland Canal. Phase 1 is in public ownership and could proceed as a separate project. Phases 2 through 4 require property acquisition.

The Subarea Plan is a conceptual plan for restoration, land use, and infrastructure on 1,065 acres within the 6,000 acre diked area. The plan calls for creation of nearly the maximum amount of tidal wetlands that are feasible in the Subarea. The plan takes into account complicated and valuable infrastructure, the ability to create recreation opportunities on this site, and the interests of the other land-owners in the diking district. The plan was largely funded by the State Legislature through a $199,000 contract with the Department of Ecology, prepared through a public process involving a stakeholder committee, approved unanimously by Everett City Council, and is awaiting final approval by the Department of Ecology.

Next steps include property acquisition from willing property owners, and preliminary design, including geotechnical, hydraulic, hydrologic, drainage, and cultural resources studies.

Link to the Subarea Plan and additional information: http://www.everettwa.org/default.aspx'ID=1230