HyleBlog - Friends of the Hylebos

Big Project at the Lower Hylebos

In past bloggings I've mentioned a big project coming up on the Lower Hylebos. As we're actually approaching the project's construction (this summer) I can finally point you to a site with some information and pictures.

This is a big one, isn't it?!

The mouth of Hylebos Creek is being restored in a major way. Across the creek, Wildlands completed a 7-acre restoration with lots of off-channel habitat and mudflats. When the Port's project is finished there will be a significant new mosaic of riparian, wetland and upland habitat for the creek's denizens.

Good job to the Port on this one! If you see a Port Commissioner, tell 'em you love the Hylebos project.

A Day Fit for Beavers

It is truly a day fit for beavers - better to be hunkered down in a beaver burrow than out in this gusty, stormy weather! And wouldn't you know it, Andy over at the Mirror decided to publish my column about our local Hylebos beavers on this most appropriate of days.

Since we're among friends here on the Hyleblog, I figure I can let you in on a little secret. Our beavers are quite likely young critters out on their own for the first time. You see, their dams are not of the highest quality - more like something you'd see an energetic, but basically inexperienced engineer build.

I do have confidence in our beavs. They need time and experience to learn their trade in forestry and dam building. Just don't go down to the Lower Hylebos Marsh expecting to see the  !

Stay dry this weekend!

Lower Hylebos Wetland

I was out in the Lower Hylebos doing some scoping work on a potential project and snapped a picture of this nice little open water wetland.

Not much in the way of signs of beaver activity. It was high tide and most of the dam-age was obscured by water. I did see some pretty clear small mammal trails and fresh cut trees.

More Action at Lower Hylebos

Friday, I had occasion to take another site visit to Lower Hylebos. This time, I saw several fish-wakes 
upstream of the 4th Ave bridge. Standing watch, looking for lunch, was a very determined great blue heron. I got with 20 feet of the snag he was on, and while he gave me the stink-eye, he did not budge from his spot. Too much fish action happening. Unfortunately, I did not have my digital camera and had to make do with the Blackberry, so the photos are a bit poor.

After the GBH's photo shoot, I trudged upstream and found that our friend the beavers, have built themselves a dam on the mainstem of the creek!

It's a sizable structure, creatiing about 3 feet of elevation behind and generating a side channel that the little buggers have tried to dam up, as well.

This is an example of the ways in which beavers can create stream channel diversity! Now, having this on the mainstem makes me a bit nervous, as it enhances the chance of upstream flooding.

I also wonder whether it creates a passage barrier for some species of salmon. The coho wouldn't be troubled by it. Pinks and chum, however, I'm not so sure.

One of my fellow ecologists suggested that the heron and beavers may have a deal going, with the beaver pimping salmon for the heron. Crafty. Very crafty.

Commencement Bay Port Project Tours

From our friends over at the Port of Tacoma:

This Earth Day…
Discover what the Port of Tacoma is doing to protect Commencement Bay.

Join us for a guided bus tour of the Port’s wildlife habitats and environmental projects.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
9:30 a.m. to Noon

Reserve your seat by calling (253) 383-9463 or email us at [email protected]

• Children age 6 and over are welcome.
• Space is limited and reservations are required.
• This tour involves some minor hiking.
• Please wear sturdy shoes and outdoor appropriate clothing.

All departures from The Fabulich Center at 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. From I-5, take Exit 136,
go one block past Pacific Highway 99 and turn left into office building driveway.

Bus Tours are subject to cancellation due to severe weather or unforeseen emergency situations.