Editor,

The Whidbey Island Conservation District, or WICD, is seeking partner landowners in the Crescent Creek Watershed to help salmon in their own backyard. This area of Oak Harbor is an important upland area influencing salmon health because of the creek running out to Crescent Harbor. Several segments of Crescent Creek are considered impaired waterways, meaning they are not healthy for young salmon and could be contributing to pollution downstream.

WICD can help you evaluate your needs and select solutions to increase stream health while meeting your land management goals. Participants are eligible for up to 50% reimbursement of installation costs on qualifying activities such as: planting buffers near waterways, fencing livestock out of waterways, enhancing your wetland habitat, and creating fish passage.

Interested residents can get started at whidbeycd.org/salmon to check whether you live in the watershed and learn more.

Allison Rinard

Whidbey Island Conservation District