2021 Collaborative Skagit Riparian Stewardship

The Skagit River System Cooperative partnered with numerous landowners to address vegetation management and stewardship needs on five restored properties throughout the Skagit River basin. The project ensured the success of the previously revegetated riparian and floodplain areas by removing competing vegetation and controlling invasive species. This project is a companion project to 21-1406 completed by Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group. This multi-agency partnership, where the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and the Skagit River System Cooperative steward lands for conservation land owners across the Skagit Basin, has been ongoing and successful for many years. This project is expected to benefit Chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon, bull trout, and cutthroat trout.

The goal of this project was to ensure the success of previously revegetated riparian and floodplain areas by removing competing vegetation and controlling invasive plant species. This work will provide nutrients, shade, and a source of large woody debris for Chinook salmon and other species that utilize these reaches. The result of this project will eventually be mature and functioning riparian and floodplain forests.