Conservation Values: Fish and wildlife habitats, including brackish and freshwater marsh; coastal streams; riparian forest corridors; and open fields that are being restored to forest
Property Overview:
Since 2001, the Land Trust has worked with residents in the Red Salmon Creek watershed to protect 40.7 acres directly upstream of Red Salmon Slough, including portions of Red Salmon Creek and its tributaries Washburn Creek and Spring Creek. This area is just upstream from estuary restoration projects on Red Salmon Slough in the eastern part of the Nisqually River Estuary. While Red Salmon Slough is utilized by all of the delta rearing salmon and trout species; the streams in this protected area are primarily utilized by a small winter chum run and cutthroat trout.
The Land Trust’s goals for this area are to maintain and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, with a focus on restoring habitats for anadromous fish in and around Red Salmon Creek. Restoration activities began at this site in 2006 with intensive efforts to control English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and scotch broom. Since then 17 acres have been planted with native trees and shrubs, some of which are over 15 feet tall today. In 2010, the Land Trust and partners received a ‘Coastal America Spirit Award’ from the Coastal America Partnership in recognition of the teamwork involved in this habitat restoration project.
Portions of this Protected Area are within the comprehensive plan boundary for the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and over the last five years the Land Trust has transferred 29.3 acres to the Refuge.
Conservation Partners: Environmental Mitigation Trust; Bud McBride & Richard Schneider; John Mounts; Diane Weaver; US Fish and Wildlife Service
Habitat Restoration Partners: US Fish and Wildlife Service; Nisqually Indian Tribe; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Veterans Conservation Corps; Nisqually Stream Stewards; Nisqually River Foundation Education Project; Pierce County Conservation District Stream Team; Intel Corporation; many volunteers
Property Guidelines: This Protected Area is closed to visits from the public, but is visited by school groups and volunteers who participate in organized habitat monitoring, maintenance, and restoration activities.
