Big Quilcene Estuary facts for kids
The Big Quilcene Estuary is a special natural area located in Jefferson County, Washington, on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. It's where the fresh water of the Big Quilcene River meets the salty water of Quilcene Bay. This mix of fresh and salt water creates a unique habitat for many plants and animals. 47°49′04″N 122°51′24″W / 47.8177°N 122.8566°W
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Protecting a Special Place
The Big Quilcene Estuary is a protected area. This means people are working hard to keep it healthy and help it grow. Groups like the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, the Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have teamed up. They also worked with local landowners.
Their big project was to restore the mouth of the Big Quilcene River. They removed about 5,000 feet (that's almost a mile!) of old levees. Levees are like walls built to control water. By removing them, they helped restore 40 acres of salt marsh. They also brought back 3,000 feet of tidal channels in Quilcene Bay. This work helps the estuary return to its natural state.
Amazing Animals of the Estuary
The Big Quilcene Estuary is a vital home for many different species. It's especially important for several types of fish.
Primary Species Benefiting
- Chum salmon: These salmon are a main focus of the estuary's protection efforts. They rely on healthy estuaries for their survival.
Secondary Species Benefiting
Many other animals also thrive here, including:
- Bull trout
- Chinook salmon
- Coho salmon
- Coastal cutthroat trout
- River lamprey
- Steelhead: These are a type of rainbow trout that live in the ocean and return to rivers to spawn.
- Other Wildlife: The healthy environment supports all sorts of other animals, from birds to small creatures that live in the marsh.
