When assessing an area for restoration, the City of Bellingham takes into account the unique attributes of the site and applies the appropriate restoration techniques.
Removal
In areas where invasive non-native species are prevalent, the invasive species are removed or controlled prior to planting.
Planting
Species planted in restoration project sites are native to City of Bellingham watersheds, and selection is conducted in accordance with the City of Bellingham Public Works Native Plant Materials Selection Guidelines. These guidelines emphasize the importance of using native plants that were grown from seeds or cuttings collected from the Puget Trough Ecoregion. By selecting plants in this manner, we will help ensure the plants are adapted to the unique environmental conditions of Bellingham watersheds and that they are genetically similar to our local plant populations.
- City of Bellingham Public Works Native Plant Materials Selection Guidelines
- Appendix A: Native Plant List, pdf format
- Appendix A: Native Plant List, xls format
Maintenance
Once plants are installed, the sites must be maintained to ensure that native species survive and thrive. In areas where beaver are present young trees and woody shrubs are enclosed in wire fencing to deter browsing from deer, rodents and beaver. When the trees grow beyond a critical phase, where they are able to withstand natural browse, the wire cages will be removed to eliminate the inhibition of growth. The Washington Conservation Corps crews continue to control invasive weeds at each site, performing maintenance at least three times each year.
More Information
For more detailed information on techniques used on specific sites, visit the habitat restoration projects section.
