This project will improve salmon habitat on the South Fork Nooksack by increasing the average riparian buffer along approximately 2800 feet of slough and river channel from 50 to 100 feet. Riparian areas along the South Fork Nooksack and tributaries have been devegetated and degraded by a century of agricultural land use. This watershed currently supports chinook, coho, chum, pink, steelhead, bull and cutthroat trout. This project, in conjunction with restoration activities presently underway will result in over 6000 continuous feet of protected and enhanced salmon habitat. NSEA has been working on a comprehensive riparian restoration project within the Van Zandt area for the past 5 years. We are presently working with 8 landowners on Black Slough, South Fork Nooksack, Caron Creek and an unnamed slough. This project provides an opportunity to expand on work already accomplished, increase public education and involvement, and actively involves the agricultural community in salmon habitat restoration.
