That ‘UFO’ over the river? It’s WDFW — and a major salmon project is coming.
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will begin flying drones this week over the Island Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area. The flights support preparations for a major salmon habitat restoration project launching this summer.
Officials say drones may also fly over nearby waterways and other WDFW-managed lands, and flights will continue intermittently through November 2026.
WDFW says the flights will collect aerial imagery to support planning, construction, and long-term monitoring of the Island Unit Restoration Project.
What to Expect
Drone pilots will maintain a visual line of sight at all times. They will also adjust operations to avoid disturbing wildlife, hunters, and other recreational users. The agency says the flights will not affect public access or private property.
What’s Being Built
The restoration project will significantly reshape the Island Unit, returning much of it to a natural estuary environment. Planned work includes:
Workers will plant those mounds with shrubs and trees to improve habitat diversity. Meanwhile, the boat landings will support small watercraft access for paddlers and boaters.
Why It Matters
Historically, the area functioned as a tidal estuary connected to the Skagit River system. It provided critical rearing habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon. Over time, however, development and flood control infrastructure changed those natural conditions.
The restoration effort aims to reverse some of that impact. As a result, it will support struggling salmon populations while also maintaining habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species. Furthermore, WDFW says the project will preserve recreational opportunities, including hunting, paddling, boating, and wildlife watching.
More information, including project maps and design details, is available on the WDFW website.
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