Kilisut Harbor Restoration Project Milestone |
|
Aerial Photo Credit: Island Places, Dean L Sanders Photography |
|
We are thrilled to announce that the Kilisut Harbor Restoration project reached the milestone we’ve all been working toward since 2011 – Oak Bay is now reconnected to Kilisut Harbor!
The land bridge connecting the two islands was built in the 1940s making it almost 75 years since these two water bodies have been connected. There are fish and crab in the newly constructed tidal channels and the water quality improvements to Kilisut Harbor are already apparent. Since the first weekend the channel was reopened, community members paddled back and forth between the two bays and we are reminded again that our nearshore projects are not only good for fish and ecosystems, but also our local communities.
In the photo above, Oak Bay is at the bottom of the picture. The clean, cold water is flowing north into Scow Bay/Kilisut Harbor. The ribbon of clean water is evident north of the bridge, as it slices through the red tide filling the warm waters of Kilisut Harbor. This mixing on each tide cycle is expected to improve water quality in Kilisut Harbor over time. Click here for more information and images, including some 360s!
|
|
We are excited to announce an opportunity for a talented individual to join our team here at the North Olympic Salmon Coalition! The North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC) has a reputation as a leader in salmon habitat restoration, education and volunteer programs on the North Olympic Peninsula.
NOSC is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to assist with the adaptation of the Real Learning, Real Work education curriculum to a virtual platform and to execute the online curriculum with students from North Olympic Peninsula, WA school districts. The Real Learning, Real Work education program teaches middle school students the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills necessary to envision, design, and implement their own salmon habitat restoration projects. Taking on the role of a restoration professional, students learn how to use new tools, take field notes, and practice adaptive management. They also connect with professionals in the fields of science, engineering and natural resource management so they can envision themselves in STEM careers.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) with the full job description and how to apply can be found here.
|
|
Railroad Creek Culvert Removal |
|
Another successful culvert removal project has been completed in the Hoko River watershed!
The Railroad Creek Culvert Removal project was completed this month with help from our WA Conservation Corps crew and donated time from one of Port Townsend’s own excavator drivers, Matthew Berberich. This small, hardworking team camped and worked at this remote site for two weeks to complete the project and restore this essential habitat! It is only thanks to a private landowner that we were able to undertake this work.
Railroad Creek is a small tributary in the lower Hoko River, which is home to the largest runs of chinook, coho, and steelhead of all the rivers draining into the Strait of Juan de Fuca west of the Elwha. Railroad Creek is the first accessible tributary that adult salmon come to as they swim upriver. It's low gradient nature and associated wetlands make it ideal habitat for rearing juveniles and provides refuge from high flows during the rain events that frequent this area. Due to the Hoko’s prevalent incision, storms can cause the river to flood extremely quickly and so migrating fish need access to slower waters and off-channel habitat like Railroad Creek in which to rest.
This completely impassable culvert was beneath an abandoned railroad grade which bisects the floodplain and blocked access to 2.5 acres of forested wetland. Our crew removed the culvert and created an opening in the railroad grade that is 8-feet wide at the bottom and 16-feet wide at the top. They also mulched the vegetation that had grown on the artificial berm and used it as erosion control on the newly cut slopes. Now, this floodplain is reconnected for the first time since the Hoko railroad was first constructed a century ago.
Thanks to Matt’s donated time and effort as a professional excavator driver, we were able to complete the project two weeks ahead of schedule and a little under our original budget. We are so appreciative to live in a community that is willing to get their hands dirty with us for a shared goal of helping salmon and ecosystems thrive once again. It is truly the heart and fortitude of our volunteers that make these projects possible.
|
|
There is still time to become a member! |
|
Thank you to all of you who have renewed or joined as a member this year! Your support is integral to the success of the Salmon Coalition, and we're so grateful to have you on board, this year and in years past! If you haven't had a chance to join NOSC as a member, please consider doing so today. Your membership will help ensure the continued development of future projects aimed at improving salmon habitat and boosting populations, such as the newly restored channel between Oak Bay and Kilisut Harbor in Jefferson County.
“My work is in Tribal treaty resource protection and restoration, and NOSC has been a logical and frequent partner in this work. I have appreciated from the sideline NOSC's highly skilled and capable staff; and overall effectiveness. I personally value ecosystem health and outdoor education. As a new Board Member I am glad to become more involved.” – Hansi Hals, NOSC Board Member
|
|
Searching for a Videographer! |
|
|
|
Our Real Learning, Real Work program is going virtual!
We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic volunteer film maker to assist with shooting and editing video content for our online class series.
|
|
Monthly Spotlight - Matthew Berberich
|
|
The Salmon Coalition is grateful to work with and learn from so many inspiring and dedicated people. To celebrate the contributions of this community, NOSC selects someone each month to highlight and give thanks.
This month we interviewed Matthew Berberich, who generously donated his time and professional excavation skills to one of our recent projects, the Railroad Creek culvert removal. This successfully completed project was accomplished a couple of weeks ahead of schedule thanks to Matt and the WCC crew's amazing work. We are so appreciative to work with people like Matt who deeply value giving back to the community and environment.
Learn more from Matt below!
|
|
I originally found the beauty of the PNW in my early 20s when I came out to Heronswood for an internship. I built MB Horticulture into the landscape, design, and garden management company it is today so that I could stay and enjoy this area I now call home. |
|
How did you hear about the Salmon Coalition? |
|
I learned about the salmon coalition through Rebecca Benjamin when she became the project manager. I have always been interested in the repair of the environment, especially stream ecology restoration, and therefore have remained interested and involved with NOSC. |
|
Why is habitat restoration important to you? |
|
For me, when we restore any habitat, it means we care about our future and our kids future. I love plants and birds and very much enjoy seeing native spaces returned to their natural beauty through habitat restoration. |
|
You’ve volunteered many excavation hours at the Railroad Creek culvert removal project, how did this come about and can you tell us a little more about your experience working on the project? |
|
I grew up on yellow equipment (excavators etc.) and when I heard the WCC crew was going to try and excavate 40 yards of fill dirt by hand I immediately wanted to help. I had the resources to get the machine out to them and the skills to help them with the job. I have a lot of fun with technical jobs and try and do some sort of volunteer project every year. Thanks to the Salmon Coalition’s organization skills we were able to pull off the job flawlessly. I had a great time with the WCC crew and we completed the dirt work needed in one and half days, it probably saved 3-4 weeks of labor. I was impressed with how hardworking and thoughtful the WCC crew was. Owen, the crew leader, did a fabulous job coordinating the physical and mental tasks of each day. I also enjoyed being on the Hoko river, the property was charming and beautiful, the weather was perfect. |
|
What motivated you to donate to the Salmon Coalition? |
|
I like giving back to the community. To be able to help the Salmon Coalition with my time and resources is fulfilling to me. I have fun meeting new people and enjoy working along side fellow environmentalists. |
|
Anything else you would like to share with our readers? |
|
Organizations like the Salmon Coalition are doing good work for the future. If you have interest in volunteering or supporting NOSC I would recommend it. If you are already a member, encouraging others to become members is also important. Now more than ever we need to make efforts to encourage all people to get involved with their community and natural environment. |
|
Thank you for all of your hard work and support, Matt! |
|
Base funding for the RFEG program comes from a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a portion of state commercial and recreational fishing license fees, and excess egg and carcass sales administered by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
|
|
Give Us Your Feedback
Questions or Comments? Let us know what you think!
outreach@nosc.org
360.379.8051
www.nosc.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
