WDFW will use drone to gather data for Stillman Creek habitat restoration project in Lewis County

OLYMPIA – This summer and fall, scientists with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use a drone to survey habitat conditions of Stillman Creek, a tributary to the South Fork Chehalis River in Lewis County.

Stillman Creek is the last of five river restoration projects sponsored by WDFW as part of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan, a science-based plan designed to restore, rebuild, and protect the Chehalis River Basin to support a productive ecosystem that is resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Weather permitting, drone flights will take place for up to two days between late July and late August. The survey areas will be limited to privately owned lands where landowners have provided signed permissions for access related to the restoration project.

Later this fall, there will be additional drone flights depending on weather and construction progress. Data collected from the drone will help WDFW staff compare site conditions of Stillman Creek before and after the habitat restoration project.

The Stillman Creek Restoration Project will include installing native trees and shrubs, removing invasive species, constructing engineered log jams to help stabilize stream banks and provide protection for young salmon, and reconnecting floodplain and off-channel habitats to help keep cool water in the creek.

Funding for WDFW’s river restoration projects is provided by the Washington State Legislature through the Department of Ecology’s Office of Chehalis Basin.

For more information on restoring aquatic species and reducing flood damage in the Chehalis Basin, visit the Chehalis Basin Strategy website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.