Lower Big Quilcene River Riparian Protection

Jefferson Land Trust used this grant to acquire and restore a 14-acre parcel that includes approximately 1/4 mile of riparian habitat along both sides of the main-stem of the Big Quilcene river, located near the town of Quilcene in Jefferson County. Floodplain and side channel habitat are also included in the new Preserve area.The goal of this project was to contribute to a protected corridor along the lower Big Quilcene River, aiding passage and spawning of multiple salmon species including ESA listed Hood Canal summer run chum and steelhead, chinook, coho and others. This Preserve helps preserve the intact and functioning forested riparian/floodplain, main stem, wetland, and associated steep slopes on site and has allowed for noxious weed removal, including knotweed control. Following noxious weed removal areas were closely monitored. Natural reseeding of native conifers occurred, eliminating the need for extensive replanting. This project supported HCCC’s Summer Chum Recovery Plan which identifies the lower mile as the stretch of the river where most summer chum spawning occurs, and complements a number of planning, acquisition, and restoration projects funded in previous years both upstream and downstream of this property. Recreational fishing access has been expressed as an important community value and will continue with Jefferson Land Trust ownership. The local public school has also expressed interest in holding environmental science classes at the new Preserve.

The project goal was to acquire in fee and restore to native forest condition a 14-acre riparian forest that includes approximately 1/4 mile of the Biq Quilcene River, associated side channel, and floodplain habitat.