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Prior to the 1940s, the USFWS owned 7,425 acres of inter-tidal marsh and second-class tidelands on Skagit Bay. In 1959 land exchange agreement, the federal government conveyed all of its bay ownership to the Washington Department of Game for Columbia white-tailed deer habitat in southwest Washington. With additional acquisitions over the years, WDFW now owns about 13,000 acres of estuary in Skagit, Snohomish and Island counties. There are six access sites (Headquarters, Milltown, Big Ditch, Jensen, North Fork, and Davis Slough) and one boat ramp (Headquarters Unit) for waterfowl hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, boating and kayaking.
The Skagit estuary contains critical habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, fish and other aquatic species. Prior to conversion, the Skagit estuary covered approximately 25,766 acres. It is estimated that 75 percent of the historic estuary habitat has been lost due to dike building, water diversion, and drainage before the turn of the century, and changes in the frequency and magnitude of flood events on the Skagit and Stillaguamish rivers. Upper Skagit River hydroelectric dams have also contributed to the loss of estuary habitat. WDFW is working with the Skagit River System Cooperative to restore natural hydrologic processes in the estuary to benefit salmon, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other aquatic species.
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Birds
Birds of Prey Eagles Marine Brids Shorebirds Songbirds Wading Birds Waterfowl
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Mammals
Small Mammals
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Other
Reptiles/Amphibians
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Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions |
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| Access Site #1 |
Driving Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Exit 221, just south of Mount Vernon in Skagit County. Go west from the freeway to Fir Island Road, following the sign for Conway/La Conner. In 1.8 miles, turn left onto Wylie Road and follow for 1 mile to a T-intersection and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sign. Turn left, following the sign for the boat launch. The estuary can be accessed by going downstream from the boat launch. |
Parking/Restroom Information
Parking and restrooms are located at the Headquarters boat launch. |
Other Information
This Unit is closed during hours of darkness. |
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| Tides and river levels may restrict access. You must carry and be able to understand a tidebook (tides here closely resemble those listed under "Seattle" in Puget Sound tidebooks). |
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OTHER INFORMATION
