Through numerous education and volunteer programs, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) has been working with local community members to remove barriers and create watersheds for salmon recovery for the past 34 years. Created in the wake of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (RFEG) Program, established by Washington state legislature in 1990, NSEA is now a multi-million-dollar non-profit, and continues to make strides in supporting salmon growth throughout Whatcom County.
They concluded 2024 with over $3.08 million in revenue, 45% of which was from private contributors, and a team of about 4,000 people, mostly student scientists and volunteers, but also teachers and interns. NSEA also boasts a 16-member board of directors and a six-acre campus, which hosts summer camp events to teach preschoolers about salmon conservation.
Kendall Creek before in-stream work | Photograph courtesy of Nooksack Salmon Enhancement
Association
Kendall Creek six years post in-stream work | Photograph courtesy of Nooksack Salmon Enhancement
Association
The Current Five-Year Plan
NSEA’s current five-year strategic plan, which covers 2025-2030, was built with a community-based approach. The organization conducted surveys and individual interviews and held group learning sessions, pooling all the data together for analysis.
“What do they think we should be prioritizing? What are we not paying attention to? What are we doing really well that we should keep doing?” says Annitra Peck, the executive director at NSEA. “That way we can be strategic and focused with our work and really know when we need to stay in our lane and what we need to say no to.”
Photograph by Ben Stainbrook
Five strategic priorities were highlighted: the restoration of watershed habitats, providing salmon with a voice through outreach and education, getting community members to engage in salmon recovery, growing the capacity of NSEA to meet recovery demands, and maximizing recovery impacts through various partnerships.
Budget Cuts and Pivoting
Recent government budget cuts have threatened some NSEA operations, including field work and education programs. Peck says they’ve had to cancel their plans for in-stream work, which can only be done during the “fish window,” July 15 through the end of September.
“As a non-profit, we rely on grant programs,” says Peck. “We are in a tricky time right now, trying to figure out how we continue on in a new funding landscape.”
Photograph by Ben Stainbrook
With their initial plans canceled, Peck says NSEA has pivoted to what they’re calling the Legacy Project. Reformed habitat sites around 20 years old are checked on and receive care where needed. For example, plant protection like tubes or wiring that were applied to freshly-planted trees must now be removed to prevent any negative impacts.
“We face challenges and adversity, and when we can get through it and rise above it, we’re often stronger because of it,” says Peck.
How You Can Get Involved
“The main mission is that we engage our community in the process of salmon recovery,” says Peck. “There is a place for everyone to do something, and it all helps towards our mission.”
Photograph by Ben Stainbrook
The official NSEA website has everything you need to learn more about local salmon recovery efforts. Annual impact reports published on the site provide the community with detailed information from the past year, including the number of volunteers, number of trees planted, number of work sites established, number of events hosted and what kinds, and so much more. Be sure to check the work party schedule and sign up for their newsletter to learn how you can join your community in supporting salmon recovery with NSEA! 3057 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.715.0283, n-sea.org
