Union River Estuary Restoration Project reconnects nature and people
Reestablishing natural tidal processes, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, mitigating flood impacts, and improving recreational access are all benefits of the Union River Estuary Restoration Project at the southeast end of Hood Canal.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) are restoring 7 acres of estuary habitat in the Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve, near Belfair in Mason County.
The Theler family donated property to the North Mason School District, which transferred 106 acres to WDFW in August 2023. WDFW owns and HCSEG manages that land, which is part of the 543-acre Union River Unit of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area.
“The Theler Wetlands offer one of Belfair’s only trail systems, drawing residents from Belfair and the surrounding areas for hiking, wildlife watching, nature education, and other outdoor recreation,” said WDFW Wildlife Area Manager Katie Laushman. “Being able to access wetlands in an urban growth area, right off a major highway, offers incredible value to the community and connects people with nature in such a special way.”
Progress in phases
Work began in summer 2024 with Mason County PUD moving powerlines farther underground. This made room for the summer 2025 installation of a new 15-foot concrete box culvert passing under a trail on the estuary. The new culvert, which replaced an 18-inch metal culvert, will improve tidal flow and fish passage, particularly for Hood Canal chum salmon and sea-run coastal cutthroat trout.
Crews also removed a 1,250-foot breached levee, refilled borrow ditches, dug a new sinuous tidal channel, and raised part of Northeast Roessel Road to act as a setback levee.
In the mid-1950s, portions of the wetlands were excavated for farming, construction of the levee, and installation of a tide gate to create a freshwater pond.
“The tide gate eventually failed, and the levee breached, creating a small opening where salt water would enter at high tide and flood Roessel Road,” said WDFW Restoration Coordinator Chris Waldbillig. “This ultimately led to a trail system closure. Fish also became stranded in the freshwater pond the tide gate created. This project helps to restore natural tidal flow, allowing water and fish to move more freely between the freshwater wetlands and saltwater estuary. Over time the wetlands will return, and we’ll have a diverse, healthy ecosystem.”
The final construction phase — building an elevated boardwalk where the levee was — is expected to be completed in summer 2026. The goal is to reconnect the 3.2-mile trail network so that visitors don’t have to walk on Roessel Road as they go between the trail’s north and south sections. Wildlife will be able to pass under the boardwalk. The final phase will also include a new driveway and restroom at the trailhead parking lot along Highway 3.
The Union River Estuary Restoration Project has received funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Puget Sound Partnership. Restoration design, construction, and management cost about $1.5 million, and the boardwalk and trailhead project are expected to cost about $1.6 million.
Conserving habitat and species
The Theler Wetlands provides recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts while protecting the estuarine ecosystem from development pressure in a growing community.
Many types of wildlife live in and pass through the Theler Wetlands, including deer, raccoons, coyotes, river otters, black bears, waterfowl, and songbirds.
The Union River is home to steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout and all Pacific salmon species except sockeye. It provides critical habitat for Hood Canal summer chum, which are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Fall chum also return to the river and nearby creeks, providing popular opportunities for salmon viewing.
“Union River continues to support the strongest run of Hood Canal summer chum in lower Hood Canal,” said HCSEG Executive Director Mendy Harlow. “This project will build critical rearing habitat for summer chum by expanding tidal connectivity inside the diked area, which will also positively impact plant establishment, tidal channel development, food resources, and habitat processes.”
Along with the restoration project, WDFW and HCSEG are renovating the Theler Wetlands Nature Center. An open house is planned for March 21 to invite community input and support for the project.
Project updates are available on WDFW’s and HCSEG’s webpages.
