OPPORTUNITY

The Edmonds community has an unprecedented opportunity to restore the Edmonds Marsh and its outflow as a fully functioning estuary, using land that the state will acquire after the cleanup of the Unocal property is complete. This restoration is consistent with the City of Edmonds’ environmental goals and Governor Jay Inslee’s key priorities for salmon recovery and improving the health of Puget Sound.

BACKGROUND

Originally the marsh estuary was more than 100 acres, including Willow Creek and its subsidiary Shellabarger Creek. It was the site of an important Native fishing village. The remaining 22.5 acres are now owned and managed by the City of Edmonds and have been designated as a wildlife sanctuary. An additional 22 acres adjacent to the marsh were provisionally sold by Unocal (now Chevron) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for a new ferry terminal. An agreement exists that transfers ownership from Chevron to WSDOT when cleanup criteria are met. The ferry terminal, however, is no longer planned, and WSDOT has given the City of Edmonds first right of refusal to purchase the land. That agreement may expire after 2023.

OBJECTIVES

·       Support acquisition of the WSDOT property to enlarge the marsh and restore a channel estuary to enable natural ecological flow from the marsh to Puget Sound, thereby improving viability of fish and wildlife populations.

·      Encourage changes to city codes and land-use designations to prevent development from further encroaching on the Edmonds Marsh.

·       Pursue funding from government and other organizations that support the health of Puget Sound to supplement funds committed by the city and raised through community action.

·       Design and complete the Willow Creek open channel and estuary restoration project to allow salmon and other native species access to the marsh.

·       Continue to plant native shrubs and plants to improve vital habitat for estuarine wildlife and fish.

·       Continue to develop and promote educational, cultural, and ecological opportunities associated with a marsh estuary.

·       Provide public access while protecting and respecting wildlife.

EDMONDS MARSH ESTUARY ADVOCATES is a community-driven effort to preserve, restore, and expand the Edmonds saltwater marsh and estuary on the shores of Puget Sound.  We are committed to using the best available science in all decisions and to collaborating with other stakeholders to achieve the best result for Puget Sound and the community. We are working together to improve water quality, support fish and wildlife populations, and provide a source for education and enjoyment for all who visit the Edmonds Marsh Estuary.