WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New salmon recovery projects are moving forward in Whatcom County after the latest round of state habitat restoration grants.

Nearly $780,000 was awarded for three projects in the Nooksack watershed.

The largest grant, more than $470,000, goes to the Nooksack Indian Tribe to build 14 engineered logjams on the North Fork Nooksack River, creating side channels and improving salmon habitat.

The Whatcom Land Trust received $217,000 to buy and restore eroding riverfront property near Racehorse Creek.

Another $90,000 will help plant native trees and shrubs along the South Fork Nooksack to cool water temperatures and improve habitat for fish.

Statewide, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board awarded $21.5 million for 75 projects, including over $884,000 for restoration work in neighboring Skagit County.