Environment and Natural Resources

Skagit RiverSkagit County, centered around the third-largest river system on the U.S. West Coast outside Alaska, offers a fertile location for environment and sustainability-minded businesses across all its industry sectors.  The Skagit River has one of the largest wild Chinook salmon runs in Puget Sound, and is the only river in Washington State (and one of only a few in the United States) that supports all five species of native salmon.  The Skagit watershed also has the highest number and variety of raptors in North America.  The region’s forestry industry promotes green practices in timber and engineered wood production.  Skagit County offers unparalleled environmental research opportunities through its diverse network of institutes and national research facilities.

Leading Businesses and Institutions

  • Sierra Pacific Industries
  • Pacific WoodTech
  • Janicki Logging
  • Skagit Valley College – Environmental Sciences 4-year degree program
  • North Cascades Institute
  • Western Washington University – Shannon Point Marine Research Center
  • Walla Walla College - Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory
  • Padilla Bay National Estuarine Reserve
  • Skagit Land Trust
  • Skagit Watershed Council