The U.S. Department of the Interior is awarding the Nisqually Land Trust $1.95 million for two projects that will protect marine shoreline in southern Puget Sound, including intact habitat vital for the recovery of threatened orcas and Chinook salmon.
Wetlands in coastal watersheds are diverse and complex ecosystems that are also critical for the nation’s economy and an important part of the nation’s natural heritage. In recognition of the role wetlands play, the Department awarded a total of some $20 million to 22 projects in 11 coastal states.
With the first award, we (along with Washington Department of Ecology and other partners) will protect an 88-acre estuarine complex in Thurston County comprised of 4,200 feet of intact shoreline surrounding 7.8 acres of estuarine intertidal wetlands, 42 acres of intact freshwater forested wetlands and 38 acres of mature forested uplands.
The second award (also in partnership with Washington State Department of Ecology and other stakeholders) will protect a 93-acre waterfront property on Drayton Passage, along Anderson Island in Pierce County. The property is comprised of 4,000 feet of marine/estuarine shoreline and a coastal wetland complex consisting of barrier beach, barrier lagoon, closed lagoon, saltmarsh, bluff-backed beach, intact feeder bluff, tideland and associated upland forest habitats.
The projects represent the current phase of the our Marine Conservation Initiative and build upon extensive prior investments in coastal protection and restoration within the region, including the 900-acre Nisqually Delta restoration project and establishment of the 14,800-acre Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve.
According to Marine Conservation Initiative Project Manager Eric Erler, “This is an incredible achievement for Nisqually Land Trust in advancing our Marine Conservation Initiative. Developing these funding proposals and building necessary relationships and partnerships requires significant investment of time and resources.
“To put this in perspective, with these awards, the Land Trust secured two of only 22 awards made nationally and nearly 10 percent of the total funding. This success is a testament to the Marine Conservation Initiative vision and strategic approach.”
We received this video (click here) from Nancyrose Houston (Sound View Camp Outdoor Environmental Education Director). Nancyrose took the video a few weeks ago from the beach at Sound View Camp. From my perspective, this is the best possible confirmation that, with your support, the Marine Conservation Initiative is making an essential investment in the protection of Puget Sound coastal habitats (make sure your volume is up).