Dike Breach Restores Salmon Habitat in Skagit County
IMCO's Fir Island Project Featured on King 5 News
King 5 News
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"Monday morning the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife breached a dike at Fir Island Farms Estuary. The project will restore an estuary and water will flow across fields for the first time in 100 years.
The project began in 2009 and will restore 131 acres of habitat to benefit young salmon, provide a snow geese reserve, and protect agricultural land in the Skagit River Delta.
According to WDFW, the Skagit River is the largest river draining into Puget Sound and supports all five native salmon species. However, since the 1800s, about 72% of the historic tidal marsh habitat has been lost. The river is now identified as a top priority to help endangered salmon populations recover.
In addition, a non-hunting reserve is being established for snow geese, shorebirds, and other waterfowl. There will also be a viewing area with public access and a short walking trail."
