Input sought on Theler Wetlands restoration project

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is seeking public comment on the planned restoration of 7 acres of estuarine habitat in the Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve in Belfair.

The project focuses on estuary restoration to improve habitat for fish and wildlife species, including Hood Canal summer chum salmon, which are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. It also includes removing a 1,250-foot breached levee to restore natural tidal processes and improve fish access to adjacent wetlands, elevating Roessel Road to prevent flooding and reconnecting the preserve's trail network through an elevated boardwalk.

The project is undergoing a state Environmental Policy Act review. The SEPA document can be read at wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/sepa/open-comments.Comments can be submitted through the PublicInput comment portal for this project or emailed to [email protected].

Comments can also be mailed to Lisa Wood, WDFW SEPA/NEPA Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

"HCSEG is excited to partner with WDFW to accomplish the saltmarsh restoration project that includes the renewal of recreational opportunities in lower Hood Canal," HCSEG Executive Director Mendy Harlow said in a news release. "The project will not only benefit the recovery of the ESA-listed Hood Canal summer chum salmon, but also a multitude of bird species that rely on saltmarsh habitat for foraging and rearing their young."

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is one of 14 regional fisheries enhancement groups assisting the state in salmon recovery efforts.

The projects include removing 825 feet of one levee and 425 feet of another levee; filling the straightened estuarine channel and excavating a new sinuous pilot channel that mimics other natural channels in the area, connecting it to the existing stream; and working with Mason County to raise Roessel Road to eliminate flooding and road closures, connecting the raised road with the existing raised trail/levee system.

A portion of existing gravel emergency access road will be raised to the new elevation of Roessel Road. An 18-inch culvert on the emergency access road will be replaced with a 15-foot culvert.

A 1,200-foot elevated piling support boardwalk will be constructed in the footprint of the removed levee and connects the existing trails. Native plants will be added at the end where needed.