The Nature Conservancy Buys 92 Acres on Skagit River

Acquisition protects core salmon and eagle habitat

MOUNT VERNON, WA — September 11, 2008 — The Nature Conservancy has purchased 92 acres on the Skagit River to add to the heart of the Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area.

“It’s the hole in the donut,” said Bob Carey, the Skagit River program director for the Conservancy. The 92 acres is bordered by Conservancy land, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) land, and conservation land owned by Seattle City Light. All are part of the Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area, 8,000 acres on the Skagit River and its tributaries that have been protected by the collaborative efforts of private, local, state and federal agencies.

“This is in the heart of the most productive and highly protected reach of the Skagit River system,” Carey said. “It’s home to some of the highest concentrations of salmon, trout and eagles in the region. Elk, cougar, bear and waterfowl also use the area.”

A map of the new Skagit River acquisition in Skagit County, Washington. To enlarge this map, click here.

This new property, acquired with funding from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, is just downstream from the mouth of Illabot Creek. The Skagit is the most important river for salmon in Puget Sound, and a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Within the Skagit watershed, Illabot Creek supports one of the two largest bull trout populations and the highest density chum, pink and chinook salmon spawning in the basin.

“Although the majority of the property is forested, portions have been used for pasture and timber harvest. The first order of business for the Conservancy will be to assess restoration needs on the tract,” Carey said.

Skagit Land Trust, Skagit Watershed Council and Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) aided and supported the Conservancy’s acquisition. The Conservancy and Land Trust were partners in securing a $2 million dollar SRFB grant to protect high quality salmon habitat. The Skagit Land Trust played a particularly important role in working with the landowners and helping cultivate this project, Carey said.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.