After decades of planning and nearly two years of construction, the $23.5 million East Fork Lewis River Reconnection Project in Southwest Washington has been completed, enhancing floodplain habitat for salmon and steelhead. Led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership in collaboration with various stakeholders, the restoration aims to improve fish habitat, restore natural floodplain processes, and mitigate flooding risks for nearby communities.
Key benefits include the restoration of the floodplain disrupted by past gravel mining and floods in the 1990s, allowing salmon species to successfully spawn in the area. Local leaders, including State Rep. Ed Orcutt, highlighted the project’s dual impact on ecology and community safety. The completion celebration emphasized both the ecological transformations and cultural significance for the local Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
Moving forward, the focus will be on planting over 100,000 native plants and monitoring ecological recovery, which includes observing juvenile salmon habits and reinforcing the project’s goals of reconnecting habitats. This initiative underscores the importance of cooperative efforts in preserving and restoring natural ecosystems while providing recreational opportunities along the East Fork, which is recognized as an ecological gem.
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