The conservation area of the Pysht River and its surroundings has grown from 64.5 acres to 74.
In May 2016, North Olympic Land Trust purchased 9.5 acres – a pivotal piece in connecting two existing Land Trust properties owned since 2010 and 2011. Nested between the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the property located south of Clallam Bay was acquired using State funds prioritized by local citizens through the North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery. Match support for this project came from the Lower Elwha Klallam and Makah tribes.
Pysht River in the fall. Photo by Lindsey Aspelund
The Land Trust’s ownership of the 9.5 acres provides the necessary access to support floodplain restoration work initiated and continued by the nearby tribes.
Kicking off the second day of summer Land Trust staff and committee members reviewed the land management plan for the newly expanded 74-acre Pysht River Conservation Area. Photo by Alana Linderoth
“The Pysht River Conservation Area is a fabulous place for local and out of town visitors to experience great birding, exposure to wildlife and see an active salmon stream,” said Tom Sanford, North Olympic Land Trust executive director. “We’re particularly proud that this is an opportunity to improve fish habitat along the river and we’re glad to hold hands with the Lower Elwha Klallam and Makah tribes.”
The restoration worked planned for the Pysht River Conservation Area will build on the overall effort to better fish habitat, as well as reduce flood risk to State Route 112. Crews are expected to begin the installation of engineered log jams mid- to-late summer in hopes of supporting the Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon, as well as Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout the Pysht is home to.
Stay tuned for a restoration progress report.
Phase IV, outlined in yellow represents the 9.5 acres recently purchased by North Olympic Land Trust. The addition to the Pysht River Conservation Area was key in connecting two existing Land Trust-owned properties.