Fir Island (Washington)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Fir Island | |
| — Island — | |
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  Fir Island
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| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Skagit County |
| Bodies of Water | Skagit River and Skagit Bay of Puget Sound |
| Area | |
| - Total | 15.5 sq mi (40.1 km²) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC−8) |
| - Summer (DST) | PDT (UTC−7) |
Fir Island is bounded by North and South Forks of the Skagit River and Skagit Bay of Puget Sound in the southeastern corner of Skagit County, Washington. Triangular in outline, 5.3 miles (8.5 km) east–west by 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north–south with an area of nearly 9,900 acres (40 km²), Fir Island is occupied by 195 families. The village of Conway, located on the east shore of the South Fork of the Skagit River, is connected by bridge to the island. La Conner, 3.7 miles (6.0 km) northwest, is the nearest town.
[edit] Natural History
A major component of the Skagit River Delta, the island is an important habitat for wildlife. Migrating from the northern portion of Wrangel Island in Russia, 30,000 to 70,000 Snow Geese spend the winter on the Skagit River Delta and the Fraser River Delta of British Columbia.[1] Important internationally, this population and one that winters in California, are the only Snow Geese that migrate between Eurasia and North America and the only remnant still extant in Eurasia.[2][3]
Other migratory waterfowl include Tundra Swans and Trumpeter Swans. Over the course of a year, 180 species of birds have been recorded at Skagit Wildlife Area, 13,000 acres (53 km²) of mostly tidelands and intertidal marsh, the largest section of which is located on the southern margin of the island.[4]
Near the south end of Fir Island, the Wiley Slough Restoration Project is intended to restore natural processes to a 180 acres (0.73 km²) portion of Skagit Wildlife Area. The project includes removal of 6,500 feet (2,000 m) of existing dikes, construction of 6,500 feet (2,000 m) of new dikes, and construction of a new tide gate on Wiley Slough upstream of the existing one which will be removed. The main goal of the project is to increase the diversity of species that depend on estuaries, especially Puget Sound Chinook Salmon that are listed as threatened under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Despite opposition by hunters, the project is supported by many in the community and Governor Christine Gregoire.[5][6]
[edit] Skagit River floods
Island floods occur periodically. On November 25, 1990, the 152,000 cubic feet (4,300 m³) per second flow of the Skagit River caused it to overtop its 10 feet (3.0 m) earthen dikes and the island was inundated. No human fatalities occurred but livestock deaths were reported. Dike repairs the following summer cost $7 million.[7]
On October 21, 2003, a peak flow of 135,000 cubic feet (3,800 m³) per second occurred when the Skagit River crested at more than 14 feet (4 m) above flood stage. A total of 3,400 people were evacuated from flood prone areas along the river. On November 8, 2006, in the aftermath of a strong Pineapple Express storm, a flow of 125,000 cubic feet (3,500 m³) per second and a crest 8.2 feet (2.5 m) feet above flood stage were recorded. [8] Such floods deposit great quantities of driftwood along river channels and on tidelands.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b McQuaide, Mike. "Skagit River delta is a world of wonders for kayakers", The Seattle Times Company, March 11, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
- ^ Boyd, Sean. Lesser Snow Geese: an indicator of wildlife sustainability in the Georgia Basin. Environment Canada. Retrieved on 2008-02-12.
- ^ Kuznetsov, Sergei B.; Baranyuk, Vasily V, Takekawa, John Y (Oct 1998). "Genetic differentiation between wintering populations of Lesser Snow Geese nesting on Wrangel Island". The Auk 115 (4): pp.1053–1057. American Ornithologists' Union.
- ^ Garrett, John (2005). Wildlife Viewing Areas: North Central Washington (Region 4): Skagit Wildlife Area. Wildlife Areas and Access Points. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
- ^ Biological Assessment. Wiley Slough Restoration Project. Skagit River System Cooperative (November 30, 2006). Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
- ^ Wiley Slough Recreational Replacement Lands (pdf). Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
- ^ Egan, Timothy. "Fir Island Journal; A Peace With the River on Its Terms", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, November 18, 1991. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
- ^ USGS 12200500 Skagit River Near Mount Vernon, WA. National Water Information System. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
