Focus on the North Fork: Side Channels

Whatcom Land Trust used this funding for the project “Focus on the North Fork: Side Channels,” which acquired 42.35 acres of river frontage and side-channel habitat on the North Fork Nooksack. The two parcels acquired were a 17.35-acre tract at RM 49 with 1,300 feet of river frontage, side channels and small islands, and a 25-acre parcel at RM 42 on Bell Creek and the North Fork with 1,800 feet of frontage, forested side channels. and islands.

The project included riparian restoration of 34 acres of habitat on the two purchased properties and on a previously acquired 78-acre site on Maple Creek. A feasibility review and preliminary design of restoration opportunities on the three properties was completed by Lummi Natural Resources to address limiting factors. The 17-acre tract was acquired by Whatcom Land Trust in 2005 and is offered as partial match for this project. The 25-acre Bell Creek tract is desirable for rural development and is zoned for three home sites. The majority of this parcel is located in the floodplain of the North Fork. Channel stability, habitat diversity, and reducing sediment load are limiting factors for Chinook salmon along this reach of the river. The restoration portion of this project addressed these problems through the re-establishment of riparian conifer forests and feasibility review for construction of in-stream wood structures. Acquisition of the project sites prevents development in the floodplain, prevents removal of riparian forest, reduces storm-water runoff, and protects habitat from possible flood control efforts.

The goal of the project is to protect and restore native riparian vegetation along salmon bearing streams. The objective of the project is to protect and restore natural streamside vegetation, improve stream temperature, reduce erosion, filtration, and recruit large woody debris.