Armed with weed wrenches, shovels and protective clothing, a dozen volunteers joined Pierce County Water Programs Division staff for a “Plant Removal Party” recently. The group removed non-native Scotch broom and Himalayan Blackberry from a section of county-owned land along Clover Creek.
This event was the first restoration activity since the county’s initiation of the Clover Creek Habitat/Floodplain Restoration project that kicked off with a community meeting in mid-July. At that meeting, local residents who live along the creek were informed that the county plans to restore the creek through the removal of non-native invasive plant species, potential relocation and reestablishment of the creek and adjacent floodplain, replacement of culverts and other activities.
Volunteer Ione Clagett, a Pierce County trustee for Cascade Land Conservancy, strongly supports such restoration efforts. “We’ve purchased and preserved nearly 100 acres of wildlife habitat, riparian area and open space along Clover Creek. We’re happy to join Pierce County Water Programs in restoring the creek,” she said. Cascade Land Conservancy has identified the Chambers Clover Creek watershed as an area of focus for the future.
Once a haven for fishing and swimming, Clover Creek has been modified extensively over time. Around 1900, part of the creek was split into two channels and forced higher on the creek banks to support agricultural activities in the floodplain. The creek remains split, and levees have been built, segments of the channel have been confined and the creek bed has been lined with asphalt in some places. These activities have contributed to degradation of fish and wildlife habitat and localized flooding.
The Habitat Restoration Plan being developed for Clover Creek identifies specific restoration activities and a timeline for implementation. Staff is encouraging local residents and interested community members to get involved early in this process. Those interested should contact Ingo Kuchta, Project Manager, at (253) 798-6165.
Information, including photos from the recent plant removal activity, can be viewed on the Clover Creek Habitat/Floodplain Restoration Web site at http://www.piercecountywa.org/cloverrest.
