Open house scheduled March 11 to discuss Leque Island restoration project

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled an informational open house March 11 in Stanwood to discuss an estuary restoration project on the Leque Island portion of the Skagit Wildlife Area.

The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Stanwood-Camano School District Office, 26920 Pioneer Highway.

Leque Island, located between Stanwood and Camano Island in Snohomish County, is part of the Stillaguamish River estuary and provides important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, including chinook salmon, steelhead, waterfowl and shorebirds. The area also is a popular site for recreational activities, such as wildlife viewing and waterfowl hunting.

WDFW, along with Ducks Unlimited and the Stillaguamish Tribe, have developed plans to restore about 110 acres of the Stillaguamish estuary. The project would restore habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water management for freshwater wetlands and agriculture, and maintain access for hunters and wildlife viewers, said John Garrett, manager of WDFW's Skagit Wildlife Area.

Representatives from WDFW and Ducks Unlimited will share the proposed restoration designs during the open house and be available to answer questions about the project. The Stillaguamish Lead Entity, which is responsible for coordinating local salmon-recovery efforts and working with local governments, also will have representatives at the meeting.

"This is a good opportunity for people who are interested in finding out more about the project," said Garrett. "Our goal is to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, while also maintaining recreational activities in the area."

For more information on the Leque Island restoration project, contact Garrett at 360-445-4441.