Learn more about Chinook Bend restoration at a public meeting, Feb. 18 in Carnation

The public has an opportunity to learn more about plans for restoring the Snoqualmie River at King County’s Chinook Bend Natural Area by attending a community meeting, Feb. 18 in Carnation.

Hosted by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the meeting is set for 7 - 9 p.m. at the Vincent Schoolhouse, 8005 W Snoqualmie Valley Rd., in Carnation. The meeting will begin with a presentation on the Chinook Bend restoration project, followed by a question and answer period and an open house to view poster boards.

Located two miles north of Carnation in unincorporated King County, the Chinook Bend Natural Area is a 59-acre site that lies within the Snoqualmie River's 100-year floodplain and is adjacent to the river on three sides.

King County is developing the project to benefit chinook salmon, which have protection under the Endangered Species Act, and other fish and wildlife species. While the Snoqualmie River is one of the largest salmon-bearing rivers in Puget Sound, the chinook population is estimated at only 10 percent of its historic level.

Some key features of the proposed project include removing a levee to return the river to a more natural and historical condition and planting native vegetation.

A barrier-free trail, new parking lot and viewing platform are all scheduled to be added this year.

Restoration at Chinook Bend has occurred in stages. Earlier efforts included volunteers planting more than 12,000 trees over the past nine years to create a forested floodplain in the former pasture. The property was donated to King County in May of 2000 by the Nestle USA Corporation for use as open space and habitat protection.

The Chinook Bend Habitat Restoration Project is funded by the King Conservation District, Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

For more information, contact Mary Maier, King County at 206-296-1914 or mary.maier@kingcounty.gov.

Related information

Chinook Bend Natural Area

King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks