By Marjie Fields, Sno-Isle Sierra Club
During the 1960’s, the connection between the Edmonds Marsh and Puget Sound was channeled into a 1600-foot pipe with a tidal gate that is closed much of the year. This unfortunate development decision has negatively impacted the wildlife and ecosystem of the Marsh since its installation. Now, activists are seeking to restore this unique ecological transition zone.
As the last remaining saltwater estuary on Puget Sound, the Edmonds Marsh could provide critical habitat for wildlife like our endangered salmon. These restoration plans are facing roadblocks from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which is about to receive ownership of the property.
Despite these setbacks, there remains an opportunity to restore a critical link between the Edmonds Marsh and Puget Sound, and revitalize the area. This connection is critical to the restoration of the estuary because it is adjacent to the marsh and provides a natural route to Puget Sound for tidal streams. Currently, in the wake of abandoned terminal plans, the land appears to be excess state property. Yet WSDOT continues to withhold any portion of the land for critically-important nearshore environment restoration efforts or the salmon-recovery initiatives set forth by the Governor.
The city of Edmonds, Sierra Club, Save Our Marsh, and many other concerned citizens, have been working closely together on the estuary restoration project The city has budgeted over $1 million in matching funds for grant applications, citizens have donated to the marsh fund, and consultants have been studying the area to recommend best approaches. The transfer of land to the state seemed to create the perfect opportunity to move ahead with the project. But because WSDOT refuses to provide the necessary landowner agreements to allow streams across their land, grant applications for marsh restoration cannot proceed.
The Edmonds Marsh once covered 100 acres of Puget Sound waterfront before being carved up by the railroad, a state highway, an oil tank yard, and acres of development. It is now less than a quarter of its original size. With current understanding about the value of our estuaries, the time has come to fix the mistakes of the past.
The restoration project is critical for salmon, orca, birds, and all those that depend on the near shore ecosystem of Puget Sound. In addition, wetlands such as the Edmonds Marsh are also valuable for carbon sequestration in our battle against climate change. Sadly, tidal wetlands in the region have declined by more than 75%. Restoring the Edmonds Marsh is vital to increasing Washington State’s climate resiliency.
This property should be added to the Edmonds Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. This would not only further protect the marsh and necessary buffers, but would also promote educational, cultural, and ecological opportunities associated with a marsh.
Continued delays increase the risks of extinction to species dependent on the nearshore environment, such as our Southern Resident orca.
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Contact Marjie Fields at mvfields@me.com to get involved in the Save the Marsh campaign.