The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in collaboration with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG), is opening the floor to public opinion on its latest eco-initiative. The Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve in Mason County is poised to undergo a significant face-lift with the restoration of seven acres of estuarine habitat. For those with a soft spot for wildlife and scenic trails, the Theler Wetlands is a frequented spot, nested along the Union River Wildlife Area Unit near Belfair, safely tucked away from any looming developmental threats.
According to a recent report by WDFW, the eco-makeover aims to bolster the habitat for various fish and wildlife cohorts, not least of which the Hood Canal summer chum salmon — a group that's been flashing its endangered status card under the Endangered Species Act. Plans are underway to permanently remove an old levee, which should bring back natural tidal rhythms and offer fish an all-access pass to the wetlands. In addition, they plan to give Roessel Road a bit of a lift to keep floodwaters at bay, along with a snazzy new boardwalk to connect nature lovers with the lay of the land.
The best part? They want to hear what Joe Public has to say about it. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review is in swing, with SEPA documents available for inquisitive eyes at the WDFW website, and they're accepting comments through various digital and snail mail channels until the 5 p.m. cutoff on April 16.
Chris Waldbillig, WDFW Restoration Coordinator, has enthusiasm to spare for the project. "We are excited to continue working with our partners, HCSEG, Mason County, and the North Mason community on restoring estuary functions,” he told WDFW. “This project builds on habitat restoration completed in 2013 and increases the shallow estuary habitat critical for juvenile salmon as well as waterfowl and shorebirds. We know from past restoration that juvenile salmon seek out these protected waters at high tides to eat, grow, and take shelter before moving into the nearshore habitat as they migrate toward the ocean.”
Let's not forget, the Theler Wetlands is part of the more considerable hectare-count of the Union River Unit and has been under WDFW's wing since '62. More lately, the North Mason School District chipped in, donating a commendable 106 acres to the Department's green cause in August. Katie Laushman, the WDFW Wildlife Area Manager, appreciates the community-backed conservation efforts and promises a bounty of outdoor activities, from birdwatching to boat launches.
Those looking to see the earth movers in action will have to hold their horses until late summer 2024. The project's financial backbone comes from a mix of federal and state sources, all of whom have a stake in a more salmon-friendly and bird-appealing estuary. And with HCSEG's Executive Director Mendy Harlow at the helm, where passion for salmon recovery runs as deep as the waters they swim in, the project is all but guaranteed to create waves of positive environmental impact.
Fancy having a say in the region's ecological future? All voices are welcomed, regardless of who you are or where you come from. It's all part of WDFW's grand plan to be the stewards of the state's lush tapestry of Nature, ensuring both bipeds and finned friends get to enjoy the lands and waters Washington has to offer.
