This proposed project will restore over 750 linear feet of shoreline located north of Greenbank on Whidbey Island. Project partners include Northwest Straits Foundation, Island County Marine Resources Committee, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Shore armor and debris include creosote-treated pilings, rock armor, concrete bags, and other materials that are infringing on and burying potential surf smelt and sand lance spawning habitat. Surf smelt and sand lance spawn in the mid to upper reaches of the beaches and are important prey for out-migrating salmon in the Whidbey Basin which are critical for the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Removal of the shore armor and fill could recover between 12,000 and 20,000 square feet of intertidal and backshore beach habitat.
Public access to the shoreline will be improved and made safer through the removal of large rocks and debris. Paths will be installed from the parking area and riparian zone to allow for hand carried boats to be easily transported to the water. Washington DNR is currently working with Whidbey Telecom to design access to the utility easement is maintained, while also improving habitat along that stretch of shoreline.
Timeline: The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the reallocation of DNR’s restoration funding. This has delayed progress towards permitting and final design phases of the project. We hope to resume project activities in 2021 in anticipation of construction in summer/fall of either 2022 or 2023.
- Hidden Beach Pre-Restoration: Ecology Coastal Atlas
- Hidden Beach 5-10 years post restoration
These design renderings are an approximation of the anticipated changes. Note that trail locations, parking lot sizes, and other details are being refined through the design process. The drawings are intended to show the change in shoreline and riparian vegetation that will improve habitat and enhance the public’s experience at Hidden Beach.
Click here for the Hidden Beach Assessment
Click here for the Hidden Beach Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
Click here for the Hidden Beach Community Meeting Minutes
Click here for the Hidden Beach Questions and Responses
Click here for the WRIA6 Salmon Recovery Grant Proposal Presentation