Smith Island Estuarine Restoration – Construction

Category Overview

Project Highlights

Snohomish County will use funding for design, permitting, and construction of a 325-acre estuary restoration project, reestablishing estuarine tidal marsh conditions and processes to benefit ESA-identified priority species including Chinook, Steelhead and Bull Trout. The project is located on county-owned land along Union Slough on Smith Island in the Snohomish River estuary, northeast of Everett, WA. Due to an increase in mitigation attributed “restored estuary acres” the total restored estuary acres attributed to this SRFB project is 307 acres. Restoration will include a) constructing a setback dike to protect adjacent agricultural properties, WA Interstate-5, and Everett Waste Water Treatment Plant infrastructure, b) creating habitat elements designed to jumpstart estuarine natural processes, including reconnecting/creating tidal channels, filling linear ditches to prevent fish stranding, creating large wood structures, suppressing invasive plants, and native species replanting; and c) breaching 4,500 linear feet of dike, allowing tidal inundation. In addition to reestablishing critical salmon rearing habitat, this project offers passive recreation including a non-motorized boat access point, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and walking. Once complete, this project will achieve more than 25% of the 10-year estuary restoration benchmark set with the 2005 Snohomish River Basin Salmon Conservation Plan.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Snohomish County of Category: Puget Sound Acq. & Restoration WWRP Grant: 3043884 Applicant Match: 708801 Project Type: Restoration County: Snohomish Legislative District: 38 Status: Active RCO Project # 09-1279

Location Details

From I-5 north, take the East Marine View Drive exit (#195); veer left at the end of the exit ramp. Follow East Marine View Drive north to its intersection with SR 529. Follow the left turn lane to the 529 access. Cross the Snohomish River, and turn right at the first exit, following signs to Langus Riverfront Park and Spencer Island. After turning right, turn right immediately and follow the frontage road south to a 3-way intersection. Turn left, and follow the road past Dagmar’s Landing (a dry dock moorage area.) Shortly after Dagmar’s Landing, the road forks. Follow the road (12th St.) to the left (east) over an overpass crossing Interstate 5. The proposed project site is located along 12th Street and along the east side of I-5

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.