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Salmon Recovery in Mason County ​(WRIAs 14, 16 & 22)

Mason County includes three key watershed regions for salmon recovery: WRIA 14 (Kennedy‑Goldsborough Basin), WRIA 16 (Hood Canal tributaries), and WRIA 22 (Lower Chehalis Basin). Mason Conservation District and other local lead entity committees, working in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries, tribal organizations, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Puget Sound Partnership, and many regional partners, coordinate habitat restoration projects—ranging from fish barrier removal and estuary reconnection to streambank riparian restoration—to support recovery of Chinook, summer chum, steelhead, and bull trout across diverse Mason County watersheds.

What is a Lead Entity?
Lead Entities are local organizations designated by the state to coordinate salmon recovery efforts in their regions. They are responsible for developing habitat project lists, engaging local stakeholders, and ensuring that salmon recovery plans reflect local priorities while aligning with regional and federal recovery goals. Lead Entities play a critical role in vetting and prioritizing projects for funding through the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB).

Lead Entities Covering Mason County
WRIA 14 – Kennedy-Goldsborough (South Puget Sound Lead Entity):
  Coordinated by Mason Conservation District, this lead entity focuses on salmon recovery projects within WRIA 14. Key efforts include improving stream connectivity, restoring riparian buffers, and managing stormwater to improve water quality for fish and people.

WRIA 16 – Hood Canal (Hood Canal Coordinating Council):
  The Hood Canal Coordinating Council serves as the lead entity for WRIA 16. Restoration efforts here emphasize the recovery of Hood Canal summer chum and include large-scale estuarine and nearshore restoration projects.

WRIA 22 – Lower Chehalis (Chehalis Basin Lead Entity):
  The Chehalis Basin Lead Entity coordinates restoration work in WRIA 22. Efforts focus on restoring degraded habitat for multiple salmonid species and improving hydrologic function throughout the basin.

Local Coordination and Engagement
Mason Conservation District helps lead outreach, education, and technical assistance efforts to landowners, community groups, and local governments to support salmon recovery. These efforts are grounded in science-based strategies and include collaboration with tribes, schools, and nonprofits to increase community awareness and stewardship.

Salmon Recovery Grant Cycles
Each year, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) awards state and federal funds to high-priority, locally vetted restoration projects. Lead Entities guide applicants through the grant process, coordinate project review teams, and ensure that proposed projects align with regional recovery plans. These funding cycles provide essential support for implementing on-the-ground restoration across Mason County’s watersheds.
Click each WRIA (Water Resource Inventory Area) to learn more about their lead entities 
Click the maps for the status of WRIA's natural salmonID populations 
Mason Conservation District
450 W Business Park RD
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9436
Fax: (360) 427-4396
Mason Conservation District (MCD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and MCD does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Contact Rhonda Nydegger, Finance & Administration Manager, for more information. Email: [email protected]  Mail: Mason Conservation District, 450 W Business Park RD, Shelton WA 98584.