Prior to European settlement this area was part of a large wetlands complex along the Snoqualmie River that drained to the north through Pearsons Eddy. Since the early 1900's, this land has been cleared, drained, and diked to allow for agriculture and more recently dairy farming. Today the site is primarily a level monoculture of pasture grasses and effectively drained wetlands.
Approximately 230 acres are being restored and enhanced in three phases. When the hydrology is restored and native plants installed, diverse habitats from forested wetlands to marsh will be returned to this site. Analysis of old aerial photos and existing features have allowed a restoration strategy that recreates the prior conditions. Several streams and seeps from the surrounding hills have been taken from ditches and relocated to their natural courses.
As part of the restoration work off-channel refuge and rearing habitat for salmon will be restored and reconnected to Pearsons Eddy. The site has unique topography so that hydrology can be restored without affecting neighbors who wish to continue farming.
The SBMB will offer wetland, stream, and buffer impact credits. ESA credits for improvments to salmon habitat will be requested in the future based upon success in providing off channel rearing, refuge, and spawing habitat.
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