Category Overview
Conserving land along our waterways protects important habitat and helps keep our rivers healthy, clean, and more resilient to drought. Riparian Protection projects conserve and restore fresh and saltwater habitat while protecting fish habitat. In doing so, the grants help provide our families, farms, and fisheries with clean water across the state.
Project Highlights
Whatcom Land Trust acquired 1000 acres in the Skookum Creek watershed, adding over 2 miles of the river to our existing 1200 acre Skookum Creek preserve. In total, the preserve now encompasses 2200 acres and 5 miles of Skookum Creek from it’s confluence with the South Fork Nooksack River to the confluence of Skookum Creek’s major tributary, Arlecho Creek. Skookum Creek contributes 21% of the late-summer streamflow to the South Fork Nooksack River, a 303(d) listed waterbody for low summer streamflow, temperature, and turbidity. This acquisition will allow for a significant portion of the watershed to be placed on track for becoming mature forest, protecting the year-round water supply from Skookum Creek. Whatcom Land Trust plans to actively manage the previously industrial commercial forest to improve forest health, reduce overstocking, and restore wildlife and hydrological functions of the forest. Through this grant, the land has been acquired, a forest management plan has been created, and noxious weed removal has been initiated. Whatcom Land Trust has invested money in our Stewardship Reserve Fund to ensure resources for long-term management.