Habitat restoration programs of the Army Corps of Engineers: recovering our nation´s marine resources

Relatively recent anthropomorphic impacts in the Puget Sound Basin have diminished marine habitat. The effects these impacts have on selected aquatic species including anadromous salmon species have been documented. With the listing of bull trout, chum and chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act the focus has shifted to recovery of the once prevalent cold water fishery in the region. One important aspect of the recovery of the fishery will be habitat restoration. The Seattle District Corps of Engineers has a variety of restoration authorities that can be utilized in this arena (Water Resource Development Act sections 22, 206, 1135 and General Investigations). Details on how the restoration authorities operate within the Corps, establishment of objectives, how projects are planned, designed and opportunities for partnerships are provided. A few case histories of completed projects and projects that are currently in planning are included to demonstrate how the process works