This project will improve nearshore and freshwater habitat along Skookum Inlet. Several tons of concrete beach armoring and pilings will be removed. An old stream crossing made with timbers will also be replaced with a ~30 timber bridge to allow for better fish passage, stream continuity, and tidal inundation. The existing crossing limits tidal exchange. The freshwater stream habitat will be treated with LWD and a small 2-acre wetland/salt marsh area will be re-established with native vegetation. In total about 750 plants will be planted in this area. This upland area is inundated by salt water during high tides and it is also possible that a small pocket estuary will be formed after these restoration efforts are completed. Increased sediment input from the stream would also benefit the local salt marsh communities.
This is an important project because of its proximity to Skookum Creek. Many salmon species rely on these small nearshore/freshwater areas for transition to saltwater (especially Chinook and chum). This project will also improve fresh water access for juvenile and adult salmonids. There has been observed chum spawning in this stream yearly. Typically forage fish, coastal cutthroat, coho, and juvenile Chinook use these areas as refuge.
This project is located within a high priority area recently identified by local nearshore experts. The project area is designated to be a protected shoreline by SPSSRG.
