Qwuloolt Restoration
- Effort References
- Wiki Rules
- Wiki text does not reflect the policy or opinion of any agency or organization
- Please adhere to our Social Contract and Style Guide
- Complain here, and be nice.
The Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project is a partnership of tribal, city, state and federal agencies aimed at restoring a critical tidal wetland in the Snohomish River estuary. The Qwuloolt Estuary is located within the Snohomish River floodplain approximately three miles upstream from its outlet to Puget Sound and within the Marysville City limits.
Historically, the area was tidal marsh and forest scrub-shrub habitat, interlaced by tidal channels, mudflats, and streams. The project area was cut off from the natural influences of the river and tides by levees, drained by ditches instead of stream channels, and stripped of its native vegetation. At acquisition it was known as the Portinga Farm, an old dairy. Through the cooperation of its many partners the first tidal flood was restored on the afternoon of August 28, 2015.
Notes
- Initial procurement supported by an NRDA settlement from the Tulalip Landfill Cleanup and Wetland Reserve Program.
- Initial construction inside the dike was supported by a mix of state and federal funds.
- Final construction of setback levees and breach to Ebey Slough supported by USACE's Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters funding.
- Monitoring resources from NOAA and ESRP were used to initiate Snohomish Delta Ecosystem Monitoring and Evaluation efforts, a collaboration between NOAA, Snohomish County, and Tulalip Tribes.
- Ebey Slough Restoration Feasibility proposes analysis of project effects to inform future restoration design.
- Official project sponsor website
- Cereghino 2007 provides a preliminary analysis of wetland condition and potential for restoration of vegetation
- Rice 2011 DRAFT proposes a monitoring strategy, currently underway, led by NWFSC
- USACE 2011 provides an environmental assessment of the project
- The project is anticipated to increase fish passage to Allen and Jones creeks while increasing estuary rearing potential.
- Groundbreaking ceremony August 27, 2013
- File:Meidev & Neslon 2016 qwuloolt lessons learned.pdf - describes lessons learned through final implementation.
- Land acquisition and initial work was funded by settlements under the Tulalip Landfill NRDA
- The Qwuloolt project is associated with seven PRISM contracts.
