Trees removed to make way for estuary

July 10, 2019 1:30 am
Dozens of trees already have been removed between the north- and south-bound lanes of Highway 529 south of Marysville. (Steve Powell/Staff Photo)
Dozens of trees already have been removed between the north- and south-bound lanes of Highway 529 south of Marysville. (Steve Powell/Staff Photo)

MARYSVILLE — A dozer with a claw-like device known as a ripper is removing more than 100 trees to make way for a new estuary along Highway 529 south of Marysville.

There may be lane closures, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Trees are being removed from about 12 acres to help rebuild habitat for fish and other animals, said Ruth Park, a DOT biologist.

The department has been teaming with the Tulalip Tribes and the city of Marysville, which also have an interest in rebuilding fish habitat.

Treetops and roots will be scattered to create micro habitats.

Dikes in Steamboat Slough will be breached to flood the land with tidal waters.

The project is expected to be finished in October.

The DOT has plans to add an I-5 onramp and offramp at Highway 529 in the coming years. That state money also is helping to pay for the estuary.

An example of a similar but larger project is the nearby Qwuloolt Estuary, created in 2015. Between 10,000 and 100,000 Chinook are there, according to the tribes.