Action 7: Protect Riparian Ecosystem Functions at Scale
Riparian ecosystems provide vital shade to maintain or limit stream temperature, increase bank stability, provide sediment filtration, add leaf litter to provide nutrients and produce large woody debris which creates pools to provide slower, cooler areas along rivers and streams. These riparian areas support the function of instream habitat needed for salmon spawning and rearing and serve as critical climate refugia for the movement of multiple species of fish and wildlife. Riparian forest buffers provide critical barriers between polluting landscapes and receiving waterways using relatively little land. Forest buffers reduce the adverse effect of excessive nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended sediment inputs. In particular, in the context of climate change and warming waters, riparian forest buffers are critical.
Outcome 15: Increase riparian habitat complexity through conducting at least 1,000 large woody debris installations in fish-bearing streams across the watershed by 2031.
Outcome 16: Improve riparian habitat function through attaining maintenance levels of knotweed (95% control) and replanting riparian zones along headwater streams, mainstem rivers and major tributaries by 2031.
0-3 Year Actions
Action 7.1 Large Woody Debris Program
Develop new Snohomish Large Woody Debris Program. DNR will develop a new program to sell whole or partial trees to partners in WRIA 7 for use in large woody debris projects. Partnership and planning with Tulalip Tribes and fish enhancement groups will be sought. Explore opportunities to create or expand a regional wood bank.
Action 7.2 Riparian Restoration Targets
Update watershed-wide riparian restoration targets. Collaborate with WRIA 7 to update long-term riparian restoration targets. Provide data to support a complete inventory to identify full needs of riparian forest restoration.
Action 7.3 Riparian Restoration Strategy
Participate in and support development of a Riparian Restoration Strategy for WRIA 7 to address knotweed and other riparian ecosystem restoration needs. Contribute to data collection and monitoring. Fund and implement actions that improve ecosystem function in priority riparian zones in WRIA 7, especially headwaters. Ensure at least 60 acres of riparian replanting occur on state owned aquatic lands (this target may increase following prioritization efforts), using restoration corps crews and related resources.others to determine priority geographic area.
Action 7.4 Riparian Easement Program
Fund all remaining Forestry Riparian Easement Program small forest landowners currently on the program waitlist. Three landowners with 20 acres of land on list at present.
Action 7.5 Lidar Mapping
Use LiDAR data to contribute to monitoring of land use changes and climate impacts in riparian zones. Share data with partners for use in collaborative planning and restoration efforts.
4-10 Year Actions
Action 7.6 Riparian Forest Cover
Implement actions to avoid conversion of forested lands and protect riparian forest cover, as described in action 6.9. This will include responding to opportunities related to Land Conservation Initiatives in King and Snohomish counties where these address riparian lands.
Action 7.7 Knotweed Removal
Work with King and Snohomish County Noxious Weed Boards and other partners to remove knotweed infestations and conduct activities to control invasives annually in headwater streams, mainstem rivers and major tributaries. Efforts should be prioritized higher in watershed first, to achieve control levels by 2031.
Action 7.8 Good Neighbor Authority
Use Good Neighbor Authority to support riparian restoration projects. Focus areas include North Fork Skykomish (1 site), South Fork Skykomish (2 sites) for stream and side channel restoration.