The People
16 landowners along Scatter creek have volunteered to spearhead a salmon habitat project along the creek where they live. They have recently formed the first citizen steering committee to look at the creek and what it provides for salmon.
Thurston Conservation District staff are providing support to these landowners who wish to find out more about the habitat along Scatter Creek, and take steps to ensure a way of life for themselves and salmon for the future.
The Fish
Coho or "silver" salmon are a commercially and recreationally important species which spawn in the Chehalis river and Scatter Creek between November and January every year. Fry spend about a year in this area before their seaward migration. Good spawning habitat (clean coarse gravel) and high quality first year fresh water habitat (backwater, side channels and small creeks) are important to the continued survival of coho all over the Puget Sound,
The Project
The long term goal is to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan for Scatter Creek. This plan includes an evaluation of the current habitat on the creek and a compilation of guidelines for protecting this habitat for the future. The development of this plan is totally reliant on the voluntary participation of landowners, and it will be most effective for salmon habitat if the majority of landowners along Scatter creek participate.
Thurston Conservation District recently received funding which will enable staff to support the creation of the landowner organization and assist in the development of the Habitat Conservation Plan.
If you are a landowner along Scatter Creek:
There has been an overwhelming positive response to the first 3 open community meetings recently held to talk about the project with Scatter creek landowners, and the first phases of the project are underway.
The success of this project depends on participation front landowners along the creek.
Current levels of participation range from simply giving permission for the habitat evaluation team from Thurston Conservation District to access Scatter Creek, to the more hands-on involvement of those who wish to play an active role as part of the advisory group, Any and all levels of participation are welcomed. Participation is always voluntary . Landowners can decide to start or end participation at any time in the development process.
This project is totally reliant on the participation of landowners, and it will be most effective for salmon habitat if the majority of landowners along Scatter creek participate in the process.
Ways you can participate;
Join with your neighbors and contact Thurston Conservation District to find out how you can help specifically on your part of the creek, To get correct baseline information, we need to know what the creek is like in your backyard, The Habitat evaluation will be happening this summer, Phone Jenny Coffing or Wym Matthews at (360) 754-3588
Become part of the steering committee to develop the Habitat Conservation Plan. Phone Jenny Coffing or Wym Mathews at 754-3588 to receive a list of those who have volunteered so far.
Get your name on the mailing list to find out about future meetings and meet your neighbors up and down the creek, Phone Jenny Coffing or Wym Matthews 754-3588
The Conservation District
In 1948 the landowners of Thurston County voted to form the Thurston Conservation District. The District's -Board of Supervisors directs the work of the District. These 5 volunteers develop and implement programs to protect our areas natural resources.
The District is not a regulatory agency and has no enforcement role- We offer opportunities for landowners to participate voluntarily in programs to solve resource problems.
Some examples of our work include:
Helping livestock owners protect surface and groundwater.
'Stopping river bank and building site erosion
Helping landowners protect and restore streams and wetlands
Conducting workshops, field trips and trainings for Iandowners, students and other
community members
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Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council