1. Bear River Estuary, Washington (Retrospective)
Project Submission by: The Pacific Marine & Estuarine Partnership
Purpose of the project: The goal of the Bear River Estuary Restoration was to rebuild a healthy, functioning natural estuary for anadromous fish including chum, coho, and Chinook salmon and cutthroat trout; migratory waterfowl and shorebirds; and to contribute to the overall health of Willapa Bay. This 500-acre restoration supports local watershed and salmon recovery efforts, migratory bird management and helps to increase the resiliency of Willapa Bay to sea-level rise.