State gives update on Duckabush estuary project 

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An online meeting is planned this week to give an update on the design of a proposed habitat restoration project at the mouth of the Duckabush River in Jefferson County.

The meeting is 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 and will be hosted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group.

Fish and Wildlife and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group joined with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington State Department of Transportation to complete a preliminary design of the estuary restoration project.

The proposed plan is to reconnect the Duckabush River to its floodplain and wetlands by moving and elevating US Highway 101 onto a bridge spanning the area where freshwater from the river meets saltwater of Hood Canal.

“Our project team of engineers, biologists, and other specialists have been working hard to refine the design of this important estuary restoration project,” said Theresa Mitchell, a restoration project manager with Fish and Wildlife.

“We look forward to sharing an update with the community, and regret that we cannot host an in-person open-house meeting,” Mitchell added. 

Officials note the Duckabush River estuary is impacted by fill, dikes, and road infrastructure that blocks water channels and limits critical habitat for fish and wildlife, including endangered salmon species. 

The restoration project would occur primarily on public land at the Duckabush Wildlife Area Unit managed by Fish and Wildlife.

More information on the proposed project is available at https://wdfw.wa.gov/duckabush.

The online meeting will include an update of the project’s design and a  timeline for getting the work done. Officials will also share maps, graphics, and a realistic 3D post-project visualization of the estuary project.

The presentation will close with a question-and answer-session

The meeting will be held on Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81546903183#success.