Habitat Restoration & Mitigation

At Grette Associates, habitat restoration and enhancement are crucial components of many of our projects. From large-scale waterfront developments to smaller single-family residence construction, habitat restoration is key to striking a balance between the development needs of the region and the protection and enhancement of our unique natural resources.

Our staff at Grette Associates are recognized as leaders in designing and permitting innovative habitat restoration and mitigation solutions that meet the needs of our clients. Our expertise includes eelgrass restoration and transplantation, wetland sciences, fisheries and wildlife ecology, stream and riparian assessment, and natural resources permitting. We combine innovative and flexible approaches with proven knowledge and experience to achieve successful restoration of habitat.

Featured Projects

Drayton Harbor Eelgrass Project, Port of Bellingham: This project was constructed in conjunction with the Blaine Harbor Marina Moorage Expansion Project in Blaine, Washington. In order to provide suitable intertidal habitat for additional eelgrass in Drayton Harbor, Grette Associates staff provided conceptual design, permitting, construction monitoring and eelgrass planting for a 16-acre intertidal eelgrass bed. The project utilized more than 200,000 yards of clean dredge material to elevate the bottom of the harbor over seven feet to create conditions suitable for eelgrass. Grette Associates has been conducting annual eelgrass planting and monitoring services. The eelgrass bed is thriving.

Rhone-Poulenc Saltmarsh Habitat, Port of Tacoma: Grette Associates staff designed a 0.6-acre saltmarsh habitat on a remediated site in the Blair Waterway. The project was a component of the permitting Grette Associates conducted for construction of a 60-acre shipping terminal. The design objectives were saltmarsh production and juvenile salmonid foraging habitat. The project has become a model for saltmarsh restoration in Commencement Bay.