SEATTLE DISTRICT

General Investigation Study Purpose
The purpose of the Skokomish River Basin General Investigation (GI) feasibility study is to evaluate significant ecosystem degradation in the Skokomish River Basin; to formulate, evaluate, and screen potential solutions to these problems; and to recommend a series of actions and projects that have a federal interest and are supported by a local entity willing to provide the necessary items of local cooperation. There is a strong, united effort by federal, state, and local agencies as well as the Skokomish Indian Tribe for restoration of the Skokomish River Basin. Mason County and the Skokomish Indian Tribe are the cost-sharing, non-federal sponsors of the feasibility study.

Study Status
The Skokomish River General Investigation Study is moving forward with significant momentum to evaluate proposed alternatives and select a recommended ecosystem restoration plan. The Project Delivery Team has refined and screened over 60 potential restoration projects and has identified a final array of four large-scale alternatives that could be authorized for construction by the Corps. The alternatives were formulated to address critical issues of the study area (increasing channel capacity to reduce the frequency and severity of fish stranding as well as allow placement of additional habitat features such as large woody debris, improving sediment transport, and addressing the reaches of the river that experience low flows during the summer months). Features of the alternatives include large-scale sediment excavation, placement of large woody debris or engineered log jams, side channel restorations, and levee setbacks. Preliminary maps identifying the final array of four alternatives are posted under the “Links” sidebar on the left of this page.

Schedule
The study team has started developing conceptual designs for the alternatives; 10% design work is estimated to be completed by February 2013. Costs and benefits of alternatives will be analyzed in Winter 2012 and Spring 2013 with a Tentatively Selected Plan anticipated to be identified in April 2013. Public release of a draft feasibility report/Environmental Impact Statement is currently scheduled for September 2013.  Future design work (35% design) will be completed in 2014.

The Skokomish River Basin is located on Hood Canal, a natural fjord-like arm of the Puget Sound and water of national significance. The Skokomish River is the largest source of freshwater to Hood Canal as it flows into Annas Bay and of critical importance in the overall health of Hood Canal. Environmental degradation can be seen throughout the Skokomish River Basin including a loss of natural ecosystem structures, functions, and processes necessary to support critical fish and wildlife habitat. The degradation of riverine and estuarine habitat has resulted in the listing of four anadromous fish species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (Chinook salmon, chum salmon, steelhead, and bull trout) that utilize the river as their primary habitat. The impaired ecosystem has adversely affected riverine, wetland and estuarine habitats that are critical to these and other listed species.