Category Overview
The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category provides funding to two state agencies to help repair damaged plant and animal habitat. These grants focus on resource preservation and protection of public lands. Projects in this category help bring important natural areas and resources back to their original functions by improving the self sustaining and ecological functionality of sites.
Project Highlights
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) utilized this grant to control and remove invasive plants and replant part of the Chehalis River Surge Plain Natural Area Preserve. The preserve is 3,018-acres located at the mouth of the Chehalis River, between Aberdeen and Montesano, in Grays Harbor County. The primary wetland community is a Sitka spruce-dominated forest, with wide gaps created by wind-thrown trees, numerous winding channels, and dense native vegetation. Work included ecosystem restoration in the various sloughs and waterways within the preserve and a new 3 acre riparian wetland restoration area located on the shoreline of Preacher’s Slough, adjacent to a completed restoration project.