The Skokomish River Watershed

The Skokomish Estuary is at the heart of Mason County, both geographically, and for its natural resources. It is vital to the health and abundance of many marine and wildlife species for which the county is known. The Skokomish watershed supports four anadromous fish species listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA): Chinook salmon, summer chum salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Coho and fall chum salmon also inhabit the river.

Degraded watershed conditions pose an ecosystem threat, and substantial and recurrent floods and rising groundwater levels menace local communities. Restoration of a well-functioning watershed is vitally important for species recovery and community revitalization.

Flood Impacts

The Skokomish River floods earlier and more frequently than any other river in Washington State.

Flooding impacts have worsened in recent decades due to aggradation of the river bottom (filling with gravel and sediment). These conditions, combined with water quality degradation, have harmed the economy, health, and quality of life of the Skokomish watershed and Hood Canal.

• Decreased channel capacity has raised groundwater levels, greatly reducing the Valley’sagricultural productivity

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  Heavily aggraded portions of the river have temporarily gone dry and become impassable for migrating fish for the past dozen years

• Degraded water quality conditions contribute to the low dissolved oxygen levels in Hood Canal, contributing to fish kills

Repairing the River and Ensuring a Livable Future

During the 20th century, land use practices took a huge toll on the river, the fish and wildlife, and the residents of the watershed. The 21st century is a time of healing for the Skokomish, aided by collaborative partnerships dedicated to restoring the watershed’s ecosystem health, fish populations, and quality of life.

While tremendous progress has been made over the past decade, particularly in stabilizing the upper watershed and the estuary, much work remains to recover severely degraded fisheries and improve human health and wellbeing in the valley. It is imperative that the Skokomish watershed function well for the revitalization of local communities menaced by substantial and recurrent floods and rising ground-water levels.

Community-Driven Restoration

The Skokomish Watershed Action Team works towards common community and ecological goals in the Skokomish River watershed through collaborative basin restoration projects.

The Path Forward

SWAT partners will continue to work together for common outcomes that benefit both the Skokomish watershed and the community. Work has begun on an updated Skokomish Valley Restoration Plan, which will outline key projects going forward. Moving forward, the SWAT Steering Committee’s focus is on the following tasks:

• Update SWAT Action Plan
• Revisit SWAT principles and goals
• Engage more partnerships
• Encourage more landowner participation