Over the past few months, the Kus-kus-sum project has made significant progress, evoking a sense of hope and admiration among all stakeholders involved.
The vision of transforming the site into a thriving habitat is now taking tangible shape, marking a crucial milestone in environmental conservation.
鈥淭he restoration process has been both arduous and rewarding,鈥� comments Project Watershed鈥檚 executive director Caitlin Pierzchalski. Recent accomplishments in the past few weeks include the successful re-contouring of another third of the terrain to its final grade and the construction of an island with surrounding stream channel and deep pool features.
The island will host a variety of trees, such as alder, cottonwood, and Sitka spruce, providing essential shade for the water in the channel. Additionally, the deep pool will serve as a refuge for salmon even during low tide, offering a cool and protected area under the canopy of trees that will be planted along the banks. These accomplishments not only enhance the area鈥檚 aesthetic but also lay the foundation for the creation of diverse habitats.
Pierzchalski reports that the project is not without its challenges.
鈥淥ur biggest challenge at present is soil quality. Legislation concerning soils has changed and now the level of chlorine in the soil we have excavated is too high for convenient disposal, even though it is from naturally occurring sea salt. The new price tag for shipping and disposing of the soil is prohibitive and there is no room to continue recontouring the site. We are halting recontouring work until we have a robust plan for moving forward. In the meantime, we will be busy with other activities on site, such as habitat complexing and planting,鈥� says Pierzchalski.
Habitat complexing is an important aspect of the restoration as it creates a safe environment for a variety of wildlife, including reptiles and fish.
鈥淲e will continue to construct features such as specially designed hibernating areas for reptiles with southern-facing exposures, large rocks and strategically placed woody pieces for warmth and protection. The large wood pieces we are installing on the sloped banks and in the channel will provide safe cover for fish, particularly juvenile salmon,鈥� adds Pierzchalski.
The project team, working in collaboration with geo-hydraulic engineers, has carefully planned the installation to withstand strong storm events. This dedication to promoting biodiversity showcases the team鈥檚 commitment to meeting the specific needs of various flora and fauna.
Planting native plant species over the newly recontoured area is planned for the fall. This crucial step will further enrich the ecological diversity of the site.
鈥淭he community is encouraged to participate in planting activities this fall, with volunteering opportunities available from late September through early November. Dates and times will be posted on our website,鈥� says Caila Holbrook, manager of education and outreach.
鈥淭he immense efforts invested by volunteers, contractors, and staff members are paying off, as the project comes to life before our eyes. The progress achieved so far stands as a testament to the power of collective action in environmental conservation.鈥�
