$1 million grant announced for Elkorn Slough restoration

A $1 million grant from federal funds will go to the California Coastal Conservancy at the Elkhorn Slough in Monterey County. U.S. Fish and Wildlife service announced the funds will be used for restoration of critical wetlands.

“Step by step we are restoring the Elkhorn Slough wetlands, which have long been diminished and degraded but are vital to fish, birds, and sea otters,” said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the Coastal Conservancy. “This is good for wildlife, water quality, and the many people who visit this amazing part of the coast.”

In addition to federal funding, non-federal partners are providing more than $4.2 million in matching funds to support the Elkorn Slough wetlands restoration project.

In collaboration with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, project partners propose to restore 61 acres of tidal wetlands and establish five acres of perennial grassland, completing the second phase of a larger project to restore a total of 135 acres of tidal wetlands and perennial grassland.

This project is one of 25 projects across the nation to receive funding through the National Coastal Wetlands Grant Program.

Service Director Dan Ashe says coastal wetlands are a vital part of the world’s ecosystem, “The nation’s coastal resources provide resting, feeding and breeding habitat for 75 percent of waterfowl and other migratory birds, and nearly 45 percent of the nation’s endangered and threatened species are dependent on coastal habitats. Coastal wetlands also provide billions of dollars in ecosystem services through drinking water filtration, buffering against storms and flood control, as well as billions more to support local economies through outdoor recreation-related expenditures and jobs.”

Elkhorn Slough estuary in Monterey Bay supports the largest saltmarsh on the west coast south of San Francisco Bay.

“This project makes beneficial use of material generated from projects throughout our area, helping to establish new conservation partners to protect this this important area,” said Dave Feliz, manager of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.

These restoration efforts will increase the extent of the tidal marsh by 8 to 10 percent, reduce tidal scour, increase coastal resilience to climate change impacts, and protect and improve water quality.

Wildlife habitats in Elkhorn Slough provide a rich ecosystem that supports over 340 bird, 550 marine invertebrate and 102 fish species. The area provides important habitat for multiple imperiled species, including the southern sea otter, Western snowy plover and tidewater goby.

“This project is the result of long-time community investment and engagement across many partners that care about this special place,” said Mark Silberstein, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.