Estuary restoration effort is under way

Restoration of 762 acres of the Nisqually estuary is under way in a project that will re-create almost the entire estuary by returning diked areas back to tidal influence.

Construction on a new exterior dike began in July, with work expected to last three to four years. Some trail closures will be required during construction. After completion, the new exterior dike is expected to take a year to settle.

A pamphlet available at the refuge Visitor Center features a map of the plan and describes why the restoration is important not only for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife but also for the health of Puget Sound.

Because current dikes that include trails will be removed in a couple of years, a new trail and boardwalk will be built to allow visitors to walk to the far northwest corner of the refuge above the estuary, regardless of the tide level.

For progress reports and/or trail closures, phone the refuge at 360-753-9467. You may reach a real person, or you may need to follow the prompts to refuge updates.

Information also is available on the refuge Web site at www.fws.gov/Nisqually, including a quarterly newsletter, The Flyaway.