Major Salmon Habitat Restoration Project Launches in Washington State
A major restoration project has begun on the lower East Fork Lewis River in Washington State. The Lower East Fork Floodplain Reclamation project, led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, aims to revive salmon habitat devastated by a 1996 flood. The project, set to conclude in 2024, is expected to bring significant economic benefits and job opportunities to the region.
The project, awarded $7.6 million by NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation, involves multiple local, state, and tribal organizations. It seeks to improve fish passage, reconnect floodplain habitat, and restore spawning and rearing grounds for various salmon species. The project also aims to reduce flood risks and support the genetic diversity of wild steelhead populations. The project, started by the company Tapani in 2020, is expected to generate over $40 million for the local economy and create hundreds of jobs in various industries, keeping forestry and infrastructure skills and equipment in demand locally.
The Lower East Fork Floodplain Reclamation project, with its completion slated for 2024, promises significant environmental and economic gains for Southwest Washington. By restoring salmon habitat and creating jobs, the project supports both ecological recovery and local prosperity.
