PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
BLYN — Tribal singers and drummers will greet dignitaries and partners as the Jamestown S”Klallam tribe celebrates the restoration of Jimmycomelately Creek from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday in Blyn.
The major restoration project, which took three years and $6 million to construct, transformed Jimmycomelately Creek and its estuary in Sequim Bay into a healthy wetland for fish and wildlife.
New meandering channels were created for Jimmycomelately and Dean creeks, and landfill from the site of a former log yard was removed.
Several roads and two dilapidated railroad bridges were taken out.
A new bridge on U.S. Highway 101 was constructed to accommodate the new Jimmycomelately channel.
The work restored important habitat for Hood Canal summer chum, which are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The creek also is home to steelhead and cutthroat trout, along with coho salmon. Work in the estuary also restored habitat for eelgrass, migratory fowl and several species of clams.
During the celebration, which will include a First Salmon Ceremony and feature Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Chairman Ron Allen and Gov. Christine Gregoire, as well as other dignitaries, the tribe will recognize federal, state and local representatives, as well as community organizations, landowners and volunteers who helped with restoration.
