Estuarine NAPs

This proposal is for the acquisition of high priority properties within 3 Puget Trough estuarine wetland NAPs. These NAPs contain the highest quality estuarine wetlands and associated uplands remaining in the Puget Trough. Dabob Bay contains 1 of the 2 highest quality coastal spits with native vegetation remaining in the region. This site contains 2 types of very high quality intertidal salt marsh communities & associated native vegetation, are of the two largest natural spawning areas on the west coast & provides important habitat for shorebirds and salmon. Kennedy Creek includes 3 diverse tidal river & salt marsh communities, & is 1 of the 3 highest quality coastal marshes remaining in the southern Puget Trough. This site supports a distinct population of native salmon & is a critical overwintering area for Dunlin, Greater Yellow Legs, Black-Bellied Plovers, Migratory Sandpipers & other shorebirds. The preserve is highly visible to Hwy 101 travellers & is a popular bird-watching area. The coastal salt marsh at Skookum Inlet is in excellent condition. The native marsh is intact & bounded along its upland margin by a mixed old second growth forest community.Three types of saltwater marsh occur here, all of which are listed as priorities for protection in the Natural Heritage Plan.