Lyre Conservation Area

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: 6

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT: 24

WRIA: 18

CITY, COUNTY: Dungeness, Clallam County

Project Summary

The Western Strait of Juan de Fuca, a migratory corridor for Puget Sound salmon, is characterized by small pocket estuaries and high-energy beaches. The Lyre River nearshore, estuary and Nelson Creek tributary are critical links in the dynamic Strait of Juan de Fuca migratory corridor. Protecting the Lyre River estuary and Nelson Creek tributary ensures the protection of vital feeding, spawning and sheltered areas for migrating Chinook, chum and pink salmon, and cutthroat trout. Protection and restoration included the estuary at the mouth of the Lyre River, the confluence with Nelson Creek tributary, streams, tideflats, kelp beds, ½ mile of Strait of Juan de Fuca shoreline, wetlands, and a large, diverse upland forest.

LyrePanorama1100x600

Main photo: Patrick Downs; Above photo: John Gussman

Key Actions

Protection and restoration of 280 acres of diverse habitat and one half mile of Strait of Juan de Fuca shoreline

Photo: Ken Campbell

Benefits

Provides a critical link for numerous species of Puget Sound salmon by protecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca migratory corridor
Largely intact estuary from the Olympic mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca is protected through acquisition
Protected habitat is ideal for several salmon species and a variety of migratory and resident birds and wildlife
Public access makes this an ideal spot for non-motorized daytime activities like bird and wildlife viewing, surfing, picnicking, fishing and beach walking.
The North Olympic Land Trust will maintain the acquired properties, keeping with the standards set by the National Association of Land Trusts

Project Partners