Restoration in Marysville, Washington

Qwuloolt Project (Tulalip Landfill Superfund Site Restoration)

The Snohomish River Estuary, located in Marysville, WA, is the planned site for restoration work to be implemented as compensation for natural resource damages incurred at the Tulalip Landfill Superfund Site. Led by NOAA, USFWS, the State of Washington's Department of Ecology, and the Tulalip Tribes (responsible owners of the Site), an initial Restoration Plan was drafted in October 1998. This plan calls for approximately 360 acres of habitat to be restored to a thriving salt marsh community within this important watershed. A site for land acquisition has been chosen and most of the land to be restored has been acquired.

The primary techniques proposed for restoration call for breaching existing dikes to restore tidal influence to the area; widening ditches and sloughs to provide additional shallow water habitat; planting salt marsh species within the interior; planting trees and shrubs along the border to serve as a buffer between surrounding habitats; installing a tide gate in Allen Creek to better manage its water flow; and erecting nest boxes and/or perches to specifically enhance the area for birds. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2005 and last until the next year. A monitoring plan will be devised to track the progress and success of the manipulated areas and is estimated to last for 30 years.

The key goals of the project include improving the existing marsh and creating additional marsh for the benefit of fish, birds, and other wildlife; strengthening the food chain and increasing nutrient transport within the watershed; and providing a buffer region between the restored land and its surrounding habitat. With this project taking place in such a vital part of this estuarine system, restoration efforts will provide countless benefits to the Snohomish River watershed.

For more information

DARRP Web Portal Go to the DARP web portal for more information on restoration projects.