Volunteers Plant Trees for Salmon and Eagles
By Sacha Johnson

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group is fortunate to work with a fantastic group of generous and energetic volunteers. Volunteers have been working with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group on a range of activities this fall: planting parties, spawner surveys, carcass distribution, and helping with the Junior Stream Stewards program. Our staff and board would like to express gratitude to all of you who have helped out this fall.

The salmon are returning to spawn, and our dedicated volunteers are ready for them. We have 18 volunteers and landowners surveying 20 different streams throughout the Skagit River watershed. These volunteers are responsible for counting the spawning salmon by species along a predetermined section of stream. Live salmon, dead salmon, and salmon redds are each counted. These numbers are important for SFEG and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to track spawning salmon populations throughout the Skagit River.

Our planting parties were blessed with great volunteers and good weather, for the most part. In total, 58 volunteers contributed 176 hours to plant 510 trees and shrubs throughout the Skagit River Watershed. Our work focused mainly on expanding the riparian buffer along the main stem of the Skagit River, planting native trees and shrubs in pasture land that is no longer used for grazing. These riparian forests will provide habitat for creatures such as bald eagles that take shelter along the river’s edge. As we go about our winter routines, the rain will come and the creeks will rise. Thousands of salmon will return to the Skagit River this year. Hundreds of eagles will follow them, taking shelter in the trees along the river’s edge. Over time, these small trees will eventually become large logs that will contribute to log jams, creating important habitat for salmon.

This winter, SFEG volunteers will also be leading tours of the Marblemount Hatchery during eagle-watching season. As thousands of visitors travel to the upper Skagit River to view the bald eagles and explore the river corridor, it is an invaluable opportunity to teach people about the connection of salmon and eagles, and about the importance of wild salmon habitat. We hope you all get a chance to venture outdoors in the next few months to enjoy the bald eagles and spawning salmon.

One of hundreds of coho documented in Ennis Creek at the restoration site.

SFEG Project Manager Perry Welch (left) with Elysian Meadows property owners Barb Trask and Ger Van den Engh during the November 3 planting party.