Restoring river ecosystems in Washington for wild salmon
Wild salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest are thought to have declined by 98% since the turn of the 20th century. This is largely due to habitat degradation and loss. One example is the increase in pavement and hard surfaces next to salmon spawning rivers which lead to toxic stormwater runoff polluting the water. This project addresses this by planting trees in urban areas and along waterways in Pierce County, Washington State.
and healthy watersheds thanks to riparian planting
thanks to urban green spaces
sequestered over the project lifetime
(3.7 hectares) reforested with native trees
and partnerships promoted
This project is planting over 3,700 native trees–like, red cedar, fir, big leaf maple, and alder–on Pierce County’s publicly-owned green spaces, for example along Clarks Creek and tributary of the Puyallup River that supports chinook, coho, chum, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Like all reforestation projects, it's never as simple as just planting some seedlings, the land needs to be prepared and the trees require a lot of care. Invasive species, like reed canary grass, scotch broom and non-native blackberry, are removed and deterrents to stop deer and other animals from eating the tasty young saplings are put in place. The project will tend to the trees over the next 25 years to ensure as many as possible reach full maturity.
By planting a range of native tree species in carefully considered locations, the project is restoring precious ecosystems. Along rivers and streams, trees provide shade and soil stability, keeping them cool, oxygen-rich and free of sediment: the conditions wild salmon need to thrive. The trees sequester carbon dioxide as they grow and improve the beauty of urban areas for the local community to enjoy.
