The Skokomish Estuary Restoration project aims to restore the historic and natural estuarine form and function of the Skokomish River estuary in Washington State. The project is sponsored by the Skokomish Tribe and partners to address issues like sedimentation, flooding, and degradation of fish and wildlife habitat. Phase I of the project was implemented in 2007 and restored 108 acres by removing over a mile of dike and notching tidal channels. Phase II was implemented in 2010 and further restored the estuary by removing over 2 miles of dike, filling ditches, and installing additional tidal notches. The multi-phase project aims to improve water quality and restore tidal and riverine processes and habitats.

1. Skokomish EstuarySkokomish Estuary
RestorationRestoration
Skokomish TribeSkokomish Tribe
Department of Natural ResourcesDepartment of Natural Resources

2. Skokomish Watershed MapSkokomish Watershed Map
 240 sq miles240 sq miles
 80 miles or80 miles or
riverriver
tributariestributaries
 Enters HoodEnters Hood
CanalCanal
Anna’s BayAnna’s Bay

3.  UpperUpper
watershedwatershed
 LowerLower
watershedwatershed
 LargestLargest
river inriver in
HoodHood
Canal (LowCanal (Low
DO)DO)

4. Skokomish RiverSkokomish River
 Sedimentation of the Skokomish River channelSedimentation of the Skokomish River channel
 Frequent floodingFrequent flooding
 Impact to Skokomish Tribe/Valley residentsImpact to Skokomish Tribe/Valley residents
 Change to ecosystem structures, functions andChange to ecosystem structures, functions and
processes; and degradation of fish and wildlifeprocesses; and degradation of fish and wildlife
habitat including ESA.habitat including ESA.

6. Skokomish Estuary ProjectSkokomish Estuary Project
 Sponsor is the Skokomish TribeSponsor is the Skokomish Tribe
 PartnersPartners
 Goal: Restore historic and natural estuarineGoal: Restore historic and natural estuarine
form and functionform and function
 Restore tidal and riverine processes: PhysicalRestore tidal and riverine processes: Physical
processes.processes.
 Restore habitat for biological communities: fish,Restore habitat for biological communities: fish,
shellfish, shore birds, and vegetation.shellfish, shore birds, and vegetation.
 Improve water quality in lower Hood CanalImprove water quality in lower Hood Canal

7. Project AreaProject Area

8. Background of the Project SiteBackground of the Project Site
 Within The Skokomish ReservationWithin The Skokomish Reservation
 Nalley FarmNalley Farm
 Tacoma Public UtilityTacoma Public Utility

10. Phase IPhase I
 Implemented in 2007Implemented in 2007
 Approximately 1 mile/road of dike removedApproximately 1 mile/road of dike removed
 3000 foot walk way constructed3000 foot walk way constructed
 Tidal channels notchedTidal channels notched
 108 acres restored108 acres restored

12. Phase I Project DesignPhase I Project Design

14. BoardwalkBoardwalk

15. V-Notch ConstructionV-Notch Construction

16. Opening the NotchOpening the Notch

17. Phase I notch feature 1 year laterPhase I notch feature 1 year later

18. Re-colonization of salt marsh vegetationRe-colonization of salt marsh vegetation
2008 Phase I 20102008 Phase I 2010

19. Phase IIPhase II
 Implemented in 2010Implemented in 2010
 200 foot temporary bridge200 foot temporary bridge
 Over 2 miles Dike removedOver 2 miles Dike removed
 14,000 feet ditches filled14,000 feet ditches filled
 Culverts/tide gates removedCulverts/tide gates removed
 PUD polls replaced and TPU tower padsPUD polls replaced and TPU tower pads
 NotchesNotches

21. Phase II DesignPhase II Design

23. Dike ExcavationDike Excavation

24. Southeastern notch re-openedSoutheastern notch re-opened

25. NotchNotch

26. New PUD polls/TPU padsNew PUD polls/TPU pads

28. Tidal energyTidal energy

29. North face notchNorth face notch

30. Questions?Questions?