The proposed Riparian Management Program will implement large-scale native plant riparian management projects at selected locations along the NF, SF and Mainstem Stillaguamish River and Pilchuck & Portage Creeks. Projects include supplementing existing riparian restoration projects, inter-planting native conifer species in existing riparian forests dominated by deciduous species, and high density, intensive silvicultural plantings along stream corridors impacted by agriculture and livestock practices. The project will establish native plant cutting plantations on public lands to provide large amounts of easily accessible plant materials for live stakes and bioengineering projects. Large native trees up to 12 inches DBH will be harvested and relocated to restoration sites with the aid of a tree spade. Other activities include maintenance of existing riparian plantings, silvicultural treatments on existing stands to promote understory diversity, and removal of exotics where necessary. Plant sources include local native plant nurseries, tree seedlings from regional commercial forestry companies, and salvage sites within the watershed. The project will include baseline and long term vegetation monitoring. An intensive maintenance routine of weeding, mowing, watering, mulching & replacement will be implemented to assure successful establishment of planted materials. Staff from Snohomish Co. Public Works Native Plant Salvage Program will oversee project implementation.
