2005  Targeted Watersheds Grants:
                                   Skagit River
                                        Washington
 WHY IS THIS WATERSHED SPECIAL?
 The Skagit River watershed, located in northwestern Washington, drains over 3,000 square miles,
 and the river traverses 120 miles. It supplies about one-third of all the fresh water that flows into
 Puget Sound.  In addition to being well known for its natural beauty, the watershed is extremely
 productive, providing the natal habitat for 50 percent of the endangered Puget Sound Chinook
 salmon, winter habitat for 80 percent of western Washington's waterfowl, and foraging and
 staging areas for 70 percent of Puget Sound's shorebird population. The Skagit River also plays
 host to all eight species of anadromous salmon and trout.

 ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
 In addition to it's ecological importance, the Skagit  River watershed  is economically important.
 Commercial forestry, hydroelectric dams, agriculture and urban development are central to the
 watershed.  The Targeted Watersheds Grant funds will address the  impacts of these activities on
 the fish habitat and water quality.
    Seventy to ninety percent of historic wetlands have been lost to diking, draining and
    development.
    Salmon habitat has been destroyed by forestry, dams and agriculture.
    Salmon and shorebird populations are endangered or in decline.
    Shellfish area closures due to poor water quality are the result of failing septic systems and
    increased stormwater runoff.
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
The Nature Conservancy aims to improve water quality, restore
wetlands habitat and demonstrate that biodiversity is compatible
with agriculture and forestry. The Targeted Watersheds Grant
funds will enable The Nature Conservancy to:


•  Restore 50 acres of tidal wetlands and acquire conservation
   easements to protect the surrounding farmland from
   development.

•  Develop a habitat friendly farming program - Farming for
   Wildlife - where farmers are paid to grow wildlife-friendly
   crops, providing foraging habitat for shorebirds and reducing
   sediment and chemical runoff.

•  Partially rehabilitate agricultural drainage systems into
   streams and institute Best Management Practices to protect
   and restore fish populations.

•  Conduct water quality monitoring to evaluate the impacts of
   the restoration activities.
Farmer Dave Hedlin preparing soil
for habitat friendly farm experiment.
Credit: Kirsten Morse
 EPA840-F-07-001F
          www.epa.gov/twg

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A STRONG PARTNERSHIP FOR CHANGE
The Nature Conservancy has built a broad coalition
of support, including key stakeholders:

•  Western Washington Agricultural Association
•  Skagit River System Cooperative
•  Washington State University
•  Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland
•  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Skagit River System Coop salmon sampling crew.
    EPA's Targeted Watersheds
                 Grants

EPA's Targeted Watersheds Grants program is
a competitive grant program designed to
encourage collaborative, community-driven
approaches to meet clean water goals.
Fisher Slough contains 50 acres of tidal wetlands that will be
restored. Credit: Keith Lazelle.
        For More Information
        Contact:

        Kevin Morse
        Skagit Delta Project
        Manager
        The Nature Conservancy of
        Washington
        kmorse@tnc.org
        (360)419-0131

        www.tnc.org

        Funding: $774,000
                          2005 Targeted Watersheds Grants - Skagit River

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