QUILCENE — A popular shellfish site on Quilcene Bay is closed while a $600,000 restoration project is under way.
The Indian George Creek Estuary will reopen in November after three derelict barges are removed from the estuary, said Ginna Correa, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist.
Correa said the project also includes removal of fill material and restoration of the area’s natural habitat.
“This will help improve the facility for shellfish harvesters.” Correa said. “It will restore estuary function. It’s a good project.”
The project is the second Fish and Wildlife has undertaken since acquiring the property in 1993.
Two years ago, the department worked with the Jefferson Land Trust to restore the upstream part of the site, Correa said.
The current project, a joint effort by the department and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, will also include adding up to 20 parking spaces, two restrooms and an informational kiosk.
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