DESCRIPTION
We propose to acquire an 83 acre parcel of floodplain ground that lies along the old Stillaguamish Mainstem, across from Leque Island/city of Stanwood, and conduct a feasibility/design assessment for restoring estuary habitat on the parcel. The parcel proposed for acquisition falls within the estuary priority restoration area listed in the 2005 Stillaguamish Chinook Recovery Plan. This project will primarily benefit Chinook salmon, providing needed rearing habitat for juveniles. Data from the Stillaguamish estuary suggests that the current state of habitat is limiting smolt production (Griffith 2009), perhaps explaining why significant reductions in harvest have not translated to long term increases in adult returns (contrary to increases observed on the Skagit and Snohomish). This project will also reduce flood elevations on Florence Island and around the city of Stanwood by providing increased storage and improved conveyance in the old mainstem. Although little on-the-ground progress has been made towards the Stillaguamish Chinook recovery plan estuary targets, the proposed project should ensure that progress is made towards the goals
This project conducted a restoration feasibility study (detailing a preferred conceptual design), developed a monitoring and adaptive management (M&AM) plan, and collected very basic baseline monitoring data and fish and vegetative communities at zis a ba (restoration site located along South Pass). We partnered with the Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC), and convened an advisory group of potentially affected local stakeholders (Flood control district, Twin City Foods, City of Stanwood) to guide the implementation of the project. The feasibility study addressed four primary areas: fish benefit, tidal channel/distributary evolution, vegetation/habitat evolution, and effects on surrounding infrastructure (dikes, drainage, underground pipes, etc.). Based on the results of the study, a preferred conceptual alternative was chosen and the effects on the areas listed above described in detail. As part of the study, a M&AM plan was developed for the site, and baseline fish and veg. data collected. Match for the grant was in the form of hydrodynamic modeling of the preferred alternative undertaken by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) on behalf of Ducks Unlimited (DU).
