The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Friends of Lake Kapowsin are inviting people to join a celebration of Lake Kapowsin Saturday, July 7. The Lake Kapowsin Appreciation Day will feature fishing demonstrations, presentations on the lake’s history, geology and nature, booths and displays, and many other family-friendly activities.
What: Lake Kapowsin Appreciation Day
Who: DNR and Friends of Lake Kapowsin
When: Saturday, July 7, 2018
Where: Lake Kapowsin WDFW Boat Launch/Water Access
Parking is limited, so DNR and the Friends will provide a shuttle from off-site parking at 14625 288th st East, Graham WA
A Unique Place
Lake Kapowsin is Washington’s only freshwater Aquatic Reserve, designated in 2016 because of its unique habitat. The 512-acre lake was created when the Electron Mudflow rushed down the Puyallup Valley from Mt. Rainier and dammed a tributary creek, flooding the valley floor and drowning the native forest.
Geologists place this mudflow at approximately 500 years ago and many of the stumps from this ancient forest remain in the lake, now a legacy of the geologic event. The underwater forest provides valuable habitat for fish, amphibians, and the invertebrates that supply their diet. In addition, the lake’s extensive wetlands provide habitat for many small mammals and amphibians.
The lake supports a range of native and stocked sport fish, including coho, steelhead, and cutthroat salmon; rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkin seed sunfish, walleye, and bullhead catfish.
Aquatic Reserves: Protecting Vital Aquatic Ecosystems
Washington’s aquatic lands contain remarkable and unique habitat that supports an abundance of diverse wildlife. The Department of Natural Resources has established eight aquatic reserves throughout the state to protect important native ecosystems on state-owned aquatic lands.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment