DESCRIPTION
The Stillaguamish Tribe conducted riparian restoration in the Stillaguamish Basin along the North and South Forks and Mainstem Stillaguamish River. Project-related work occured primarily in First and Second Riparian Priority sub-basins that support Chinook salmon as described in the Stillaguamish Watershed Chinook Salmon Recovery Plan. The overall goal was to establish native plants to promote long-term forest health and resilience by conducting weed control. This riparian restoration project benefits Chinook salmon, as well as coho, chum, pink, steelhead, rainbow, and cutthroat.
The project resulted in weed control and riparian planting on 52.5 new riparian acres at seven properties. In addition, we conducted stewardship activities to promote native plant establishment on 67.1 previously planted acres and installed signs to inform visitors about project activities and purpose. The Riparian Crew consisted of inmates from Snohomish County Sheriffs Office Corrections Bureau, supervised by a Deputy, or offenders from Monroe Corrections Complex, supervised by a Corrections Officer, and managed by the Tribe's Riparian Ecologist. The Crew completed restoration activities on Tribal and private land. In addition, Sound Salmon Solutions field staff assisted with project implementation. These ongoing partnerships provide a valuable resource in the long-term restoration of riparian forests in the Stillaguamish Basin.