Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.
This month’s feature project is North Fork Nooksack River Access on the ancestral lands of the Nooksack and Coast Salish people. The Department of Natural Resources used this grant to acquire approximately 3.30 acres to be used as a day-use river access site along the north fork of the Nooksack River, located in Whatcom County. The primary recreation opportunity provided by this project will be safe and sustainable public use of non-motorized water access and day-use facilities. Which will include added native vegetation for protected restoration areas with interpretive signage, a day-use picnic area, river access trail and beach area, gravel parking with ADA vehicle stall, and restrooms. This project while providing water and parking access to the North Fork Nooksack River it will also allow further educational and partnership opportunities among DNR, Whatcom Land Trust, and other community partners.
