The Story of Similk Bay
The Salish Sea Alliance partnered with two adjacent private landowners to restore nearshore conditions and enhance degraded habitats along this unique shoreline.   Â
In 2015, private landowners living on Similk Bay attended a SHORE FRIENDLY workshop hosted by the Salish Sea Alliance. They reached out afterward to request an individual site assessment. They had a concrete bulkhead, making beach access difficult and separating upland habitats from the beach and marine shoreline. After the assessment, armor removal was recommended, coupled with native vegetation planting. For years, SSA and the landowners worked together to develop, approve, and implement a restoration plan.
Construction began at Similk Bay in 2021, removing shore armor across both properties. The shoreline was regraded and a storm berm was added to create a natural slope and provide additional protection from sea level rise and storm surge. After the armor was removed, native shrubs, grasses, and trees were planted to create a healthy backshore habitat. Post-construction monitoring began the summer after restoration and continues to this day.Â
COLLABORATORS: This project was designed by Coastal Geologic Services and on-the-ground construction was completed by PNW Construction.
BEFOREÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AFTERÂ Â Â Â Â
FUNDERS: Estuary & Salmon Restoration Program; US Fish & Wildlife Service Puget Sound Coastal Program; Marine & Nearshore Grant Program through the Habitat Strategic Initiative; landowner contributions.Â