Dick Vander Shaaf, Associate Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will give an update on the Kilchis Preserve and review its restoration goals. In 2015 the project removed dikes, reconnected Stasek Slough to the Kilchis, and recreated tidal channels that effectively doubled the habitat available to salmon in the Kilchis estuary. But the Kilchis Preserve has sparked controversy among the agricultural community and neighboring landowners, both for the loss of farm land it represents, and for changes made to the area’s hydrology. Then, December of 2015 brought the second highest flood on record to the area, leading to fears that the project was responsible. This presentation is a chance for the public to hear directly from TNC, and to air questions and concerns as time allows.

The Council’s regular monthly meeting will follow the TNC’s presentation. We encourage attendees to stick around and learn about the Council’s restoration efforts throughout the watershed.