Nisqually Floodplain – Powell Creek Protection

The Land Trust is pursuing permanent protection of two properties totaling 41 acres along Powell Creek and its tributary Elbow Lake Creek, including the eastern third of the lower Powell Creek wetland, which is in the Nisqually River floodplain.

Property A, 32.5 acres including 750 feet of Powell Creek and 13 acres of ponded wetland, was purchased by the Land Trust in November 2023 with funding from the Thurston County Conservation Futures program. We are requesting SRFB/PSAR support for pre-acquisition activities and initial stewardship activities for this property, including demolition of a cabin and several small sheds that are in the riparian buffers of the wetland and the creek. Property B is 8.5 acres along 950 feet of Elbow Lake Creek, a tributary to Powell Creek.

These creeks are particularly important for Nisqually late run coho and steelhead spawning and rearing, but are also utilized by Chinook, chum and cutthroat. This project builds on habitat protection and fish passage projects have been completed downstream of these properties.

Permanently protect priority freshwater in-stream, riparian, wetland, and floodplain habitats. Provide opportunities for salmon recovery partners to enhance these habitats within the Nisqually River floodplain and along Powell Creek and its tributaries to support Nisqually Chinook and steelhead recovery goals.