Skykomish River project aims to create salmon habitat, reduce flooding

SULTAN — Historically, the Mann Road floodplain across the Skykomish River from Sultan was connected through a network of side channels.

But in the 1960s, people disconnected channels when they began building levees and berms to protect buildings and farms.

A streamlined river means flows are heightened during heavy rain or snowmelt runoff and reduces the number of protected side eddies and marsh area for salmon smolt to mature.

A Snohomish County project funded by the Community Floodplain Solutions program hopes to collaborate with local property owners to restore former channels. County officials shared the latest designs at a meeting last week. But neighbors are wary of the project due to what they see as the county’s lack of communication.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/skykomish-river-project-aims-to-create-salmon-habitat-reduce-flooding/