Siebert Creek Ecosystem Habitat Protection
Project (Funded 2001)
Current Status: Active
In lower Siebert Creek, 2 miles of contiguous freshwater and estuarine
salmon habitat will be perpetually protected using a combination of a
33-acre property acquisition and conservation easements. Acquiring
the property
will eliminate the possibility of development and will provide Siebert
Creek the highest level of protection at this vulnerable site. The project
reach, extending from the mouth to RM 2.14, contains a nearly pristine
estuary and a riparian corridor in unusually good condition. Fish species
include coho, cutthroat and steelhead.
The property targeted for acquisition was recently logged, converted
to non-forestland, and is for sale; time is essential in protecting this
important
salmon habitat. Reforestation of the acquired property will allow for
large woody debris recruitment and provide stability to the property's
steep
slopes. The conservation easements will be written to prevent development,
while striving to ensure access for future restoration projects.
Habitat restoration and protection efforts are taking place throughout
the watershed, including the removal of a harmful culvert from the project
reach in 1998, the development of a stormwater plan, and efforts at creating
conservations easements upstream. A diverse group of neighbors within
the watershed community strongly support this and other habitat protection
projects. The visually prominent location of the 33 acres will provide
a constant reminder to this community of salmon restoration in action.
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