Whatcom County receives over 300,000 in state funds to purchase land near California Creek and Drayton Harbor

The Washington State Recreation Conservation Office has allocated $14. 6 million for habitat restoration projects across several Puget Sound counties, with Whatcom County receiving nearly $370,000 for wetlands acquisition. The funds will be used to purchase over three acres of mudflat wetlands at California Creek and Drayton Harbor, vital for juvenile salmon development. Dr. Tish Conway-Cranos from WDFW stated that these shorelines are crucial for salmon as they provide feeding grounds before their ocean migration.

The project also aims to enhance water quality for oyster habitats and improve California Creek Estuary Park. In addition, $1. 8 million will be distributed among seven counties, including Whatcom, to assist landowners in reducing shoreline armoring. This funding originates from the Climate Commitment Act and contributes to the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, which has invested nearly $152 million since 2006. These efforts are expected to restore over 2,000 acres along waterways and open more than seven miles of streams.

This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment to improving marine ecosystems in Washington State.