Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is initiating the restoration of 762 acres of the Nisqually estuary beginning July 14, 2008. This project will re-create almost an entire estuary by returning diked areas back to tidal influence. The project will also restore and enhance 37 acres of riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian surge plain forest and 246 acres of freshwater wetlands.
"This is the largest estuary restoration project in the Pacific Northwest and it has been identified as an important step in the recovery of Puget Sound," said Jean Takekawa, Refuge Manager.
Because so little estuary habitat remains, the project will increase salt marsh salt marsh
Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
Learn more about salt marsh in south Puget Sound by 50% and provide regionwide benefits for many fish and wildlife. It has also been identified as the top priority to recover Chinook salmon in the Nisqually watershed. The project was selected as the final alternative in the Nisqually NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan completed in late 2004, after eight years of planning involving extensive public input and the assistance of many partners.
Prior to the late 1800s, the Nisqually estuary was intact but by the early 1900s, 1000 acres were diked for farming, cutting off much of the estuarys salt marsh. Since the 1970s, the Refuge has managed the area as freshwater wetlands, but these areas have become degraded and difficult to manage. By reconnecting these wetlands with the Nisqually River, McAllister Creek, and the tides of Puget Sound, more than 21 miles of tidal sloughs and channels will be restored in the Nisqually estuary.
Project construction will occur over a 3 to 4 year period, starting in July 2008. Work in 2008 will include the construction of a new exterior dike to protect the remaining freshwater wetlands and the Refuge headquarters from tides; seasonal freshwater wetlands will also be enlarged. In 2009, work will include the removal of water control structures and cross levees, discing to speed restoration, construction of new interior levees in the freshwater wetlands and building up the riparian surge plain forest restoration site with dirt. The old exterior dike will be removed and the adjacent borrow ditch filled, allowing tides to once again flow into the restored estuary.
Because successful estuary restoration requires complete tidal circulation and sediments to reach the site, the dike must be removed and that will necessarily impact public access and trails. The Brown Farm Dike Trail will no longer exist but it will be replaced in 2009 and 2010 with a boardwalk trail that will provide a unique experience allowing visitors to walk above the estuary and experience the diverse habitats in various tidal cycles.
"Construction will affect access and cause trail closures that will change over time" Takekawa said. "We appreciate peoples patience with all these changes as we work to restore the estuary.
Updates on trail effects can be obtained by calling the Refuge office (360-753-9467), visiting the Refuge website at fws.gov/nisqually, or watching for signs posted at the Refuge Visitor Center and trails.
This restoration project is becoming a reality through the help of many partners, including key partners Ducks Unlimited and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Ducks Unlimited is providing technical expertise, engineering, funding, and contracting services. The Nisqually Tribe recently restored 140 acres of estuary adjacent to the project and is providing technical support to the Refuge. Together these projects will restore 900 acres of the Nisqually estuary. In addition to U. S. Fish and Wildlife funds and a Ducks Unlimited contribution, more than $4.5 million has been received in grants to date to construct the project, including Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration funds from all five South Sound watersheds and Salmon Recovery Funding Board funds from the Nisqually River Council; the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program administered by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"By working together with many partners and the public, we have a unique opportunity to restore the Nisqually estuary and benefit many fish and wildlife," Takekawa said. "This is a very important step for Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to be able to contribute to the recovery of Puget Sound."
The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
