For those who bird or enjoy Leque Island area in Skagit County: This is
from WDFW:

Leque Island Stakeholders and Interested Parties,



As most of you probably know, WDFW and partners have been planning a
project on Leque Island for the past several years. With input from a
stakeholder advisory committee and through public meetings, WDFW selected a
design alternative that involves restoring the site to estuary by removing
the levees that surround the island. Information about this process is
available at this link: http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/
wildlife_areas/skagit/leque_island_project.php.



Since selecting the design alternative, WDFW and partners have moved a
preliminary phase of the project through the design and permit process.
The bulk of the work included in this phase involves excavating new
channels on the island, filling some of the straight ditches, and building
higher elevation mounds. A site plan for this summer?s work (could not be
attached as tweeters does not allow, so view it on one of the links
please).



To allow for construction, WDFW will close the site beginning July 17 and
plans to reopen it by mid-October. More information about the temporary
closure is available at this link: http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jul0717a/.



The levees will not be removed until a second phase of construction is
funded, designed, and permitted. The second phase of construction will
likely occur in 2018 or 2019.



Thank you, and please be in touch if you have any questions or want to talk
about the project.



Loren



Loren Brokaw

Restoration Projects Coordinator

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

16018 Mill Creek Blvd

Mill Creek, WA 98012


Martha Jordan
Everett, WA