Prior to European settlement this area was part of a large wetlands complex along the Snoqualmie River that drained through Pearson Eddy. Since the early 1900's, this land has been cleared, drained, and diked to allow for agriculture and more recently dairy farming. The site was primarily a level monoculture of pasture grasses and effectively drained wetlands.
Currently 155 acres of 225 have been restored. 94 acres of newly re-established wetlands and 23 acres of wetland enhancement have been constructed.
As part of the restoration work, off-channel refuge and rearing habitat for salmon have been restored and reconnected to Pearson Eddy. The site has unique topography so that hydrology can be restored without affecting neighbors who wish to continue farming.
The SBMB offers wetland, stream, and buffer impact credits for local, State and Federal permits for impacts to critical areas. ESA credits for improvement to salmon habitat will be requested in the future based upon success in providing off channel rearing, refuge, and spawning habitat.
SBMB customers include: Washington State Department of Transportation King County Lake Stevens School District City of Marysville City of Monroe Public Utilities Private Developers Residential Lot Owners
