This project will implement comprehensive restoration and stewardship activities in riparian
areas of the Upper Snoqualmie River (above Snoqualmie Falls). A functioning and structurally diverse riparian habitat ecosystem will be realized through natural regeneration and planting of native
trees/vegetation. This work on public and private land will support (salmon) habitat recovery over an area of about 757 acres and 29 river miles and contribute to improved water quality. This project addresses fundamental processes that are degrading water and habitat quality in the headwaters of King Counties major Rivers. Due to lack of active land manager stewardship, there has been significant displacement of native vegetation by invasive weeds (particularly invasive knotweeds and butterfly bush) in the Snoqualmie watershed. This is threatening water and habitat quality through their ability to spread rapidly and displace native riparian buffer vegetation. Resulting losses in shade, erosion control and buffering potential of riparian corridors adversely impacts water quality (as reflected by TMDL reports). This project
aims to restore and maintain healthy riparian ecosystem functioning through a comprehensive replacement of invasive weeds with native vegetation, both planted and through natural regeneration. Environmental benefits include: a)
enhanced native plant communities; b) reduced water temperature by increasing shade along key reaches, c) improved water quality through enhanced hydrogeomorphological functioning of riparian buffers; d) improved microclimate, cover, resting and feeding opportunities for native fauna; and e) improved long-term community stewardship capacity for these riparian environments.