Two local groups have received grants from Pierce County and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for community-based salmon restoration projects as part of Round 8 of the Pierce County Community Salmon Fund. Grantees received more than $61,000 in awards for projects that include restoration of a stream and wetland complex at a local nature preserve and access enhancement and an educational effort at a local creek.

The funds will enable Friends of the Hylebos to enhance 150 feet of instream habitat and more than 40,000 square feet of wetland habitat at the West Milton Nature Preserve through instream log placement, invasive weed removal and native vegetation planting, and assist the Puget Creek Restoration Society in protecting stream and wetland habitat by building a boardwalk to reduce foot traffic, placing education signs and replanting two acres of habitat.

“These projects demonstrate a strong network of restoration and community groups in Pierce County,” said Krystyna Wolniakowski, director of NFWF’s Western Partnership Office. “Our program strives to fund projects that bring substantial habitat benefit with local community involvement and stewardship — these projects will accomplish just that.”

The Pierce County Community Salmon Fund program was established to engage landowners, community groups, tribes, and businesses in salmon recovery. The program awards grants up to $40,000 for habitat protection and restoration projects that are marked by community involvement and watershed health benefits, and are consistent with local salmon recovery plans. Grantees matched this year’s grants with $26,000 in local funding for their projects.

“This program is a great mix of efforts and resources” said Debby Hyde, Special Project Coordinator for Pierce County. “Restoration projects are great opportunities for residents to get involved with their local watersheds.”