Compromises between farmers and environmentalists are most difficult in Puget Sound’s river deltas, the broad alluvial flood plains where fresh water in the rivers meets salt water in the Sound.
The deltas provide some of the best conditions in the world for farming, but they also provide salt marsh and wetland habitat critical for the health of salmon, shorebirds and other marine life.
Nowhere is the debate over land use more polarized than in the Skagit River delta, so heavily diked and drained for farming that it sometimes is referred to as America’s Holland.
More than 70,000 acres of diked farms in the Skagit estuary produce upwards of $200 million each year in raspberries, blueberries, wheat and vegetables.
But scientists say habitat in the Skagit delta is so important it must be expanded if there is any hope of preserving the Puget Sound ecosystem.
The conundrum has led to a tense standoff among farmers, environmentalists and Indian tribes, with government regulators, politicians and conservancy groups in the middle, trying to find middle ground.
One idea being promoted by The Nature Conservancy: let farmers and nature share.
In an experimental program called “Farming for Wildlife,” the conservancy asks Skagit delta farmers to do what for many is nearly unthinkable – breach the dikes and flood fields with salt water to create temporary habitat. Then, on a regular rotation, drain and plant again.
David Hedlin, a third generation Skagit Valley farmer, signed up for the experiment three years ago, covering three of his fields with salt water a few inches deep to attract migratory birds.
One day last month, Hedlin stood on the road bordering the fields and talked about what happened. To most of his fellow farmers, Hedlin said, the idea seemed like insanity.
“My grandpa spent his whole life trying to keep this dry,” Hedlin said, waving his hand out at the fields. “If he ever looks down on this, I’ll probably be lucky if I don’t get struck by lightning.”
Did it work?
Yes and no, Hedlin said.
The first year, he said, the experiment was a huge success. Birds flocked to the fields like crazy. By the second and third years, though, plants created such a heavy, impenetrable mat, the birds stopped coming.
From a farming point of view, there were advantages, Hedlin said. Keeping land fallow for three years satisfies a requirement to produce crops certified as organic, so when it’s back in production he’ll be able to get higher prices.
And, he said, the saltwater bath probably was a good way to break crop disease cycles.
Has the experiment attracted the interest of other farmers?
“Yes,” Hedlin said, “but we’re all worried about getting swept up in unintended consequences.”
Farmers fear legislative changes might mandate what he did voluntarily or apply wetland protection to the land, both fearsome prospects.
“We’re all very cautious,” Hedlin said. To paraphrase the old Paul Simon song, “there must be 50 ways to lose a farmer.”
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.