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Happy Earth Day!
WRIA 8 Updates
Riverbend floodplain restoration project on the Cedar River celebrated
King County and Seattle Public Utilities recently completed construction of the Riverbend Levee Removal and Floodplain Restoration project along the Cedar River just east of Renton. On April 18, WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council Chair, John Stokes, and Vice Chair, Vanessa Kritzer, joined King County and City of Seattle leaders to tour the project site and celebrate the restoration. WRIA 8 directed nearly $12 million in state and local salmon habitat restoration grant funds to support the acquisition and restoration phases of the project.
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On the Cedar River there is adequate habitat for salmon to spawn, but not enough for young salmon to rear and feed. Reconnecting floodplains, like what was done at the Riverbend site, directly addresses this habitat limitation and significantly increases the amount and quality of habitat for multiple salmon species. The Riverbend project alone achieves 40% of WRIA 8’s 10- year goal to reconnect an additional 130 acres of floodplain to the Cedar River by 2025. (Photos by King County DNRP)
View the Riverbend Project video.
View the King 5 news story.
Read the Seattle Times article.
Native Kokanee continue to struggle in Lake Sammamish
After a return of 2,000 fish in 2021, returning spawners were estimated at only 81 last fall. Long-term data suggest high mortality remains persistent in the lake, and impacts include abundant nonnative predators, disease, recreational fishing, and increasing peak temperatures in the summer. Conservation partners are exploring opportunities to mitigate predation, disease, and other adverse effects, including those in spawning and rearing streams. Partners also produced over 26,000 juvenile kokanee this winter from captive broodstock kokanee, as part of the only salmon cryobanking program in the state, which will help preserve the distinct genetic identify of these special native salmon.
Salmon in the News
State of Salmon in Watersheds
View the full report.
Inbreeding hinders population recovery among endangered Southern Resident killer whales Read the full Puget Sound Institute article.
Puget Sound Institute newsletter features funding, research, and project updates. Read the full newsletter here.
Project and Program Updates
The Ruth Kees Environmental Award Winner: Robin Kelley, Executive Director of the Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH)
Ruth Kees was a teacher, mentor and role model for those committed to pursuing the vision of a sustainable Issaquah, starting in the 60’s. She and her husband Dan left a legacy that recognizes like-minded souls every two years that have demonstrated leadership and an ongoing commitment to environmental excellence. This biennium the award goes to Robin Kelley, the Executive Director of FISH. For over 6 years, Robin enabled the organization to be successful in its mission “To protect our salmon and ensuring their survival for future generations through education, advocacy, and outreach”. Robin has led efforts that range from early education with Salmon Camps for ages 5 to 8, Science Fairs for Junior and Senior High schools, and adult education and training docents to lead hatchery tours.
Conservation Futures program funding changes
King County’s Conservation Futures program is the region’s legacy source of funding for protecting important open space - including our farms, parks, natural areas, and working forests. The success of the County’s Land Conservation Initiative (LCI) relies heavily on this funding source.
With the restoration of Conservation Futures funding thanks to voter support, the County can further accelerate this work and reduce barriers to participation in the program. Based on partner feedback, the County is considering the following updates:
- Match reduction: from 50% to 25% while retaining the 100% match waiver for Opportunity Area projects.
- Site stabilization: allow limited late acquisition expenses (such as fencing, building demolition, and signage) as eligible for grant funding.
Let's plan ahead for flooding, together
Flooding is part of a healthy ecosystem. It recharges our groundwater, can help improve water quality, and creates habitat for fish and wildlife. Of course, flooding can also be dangerous to people and our infrastructure.
King County is developing a plan that will shape flood related programs and policies for years to come. Visit the 2024 King County Flood Management Plan engagement hub today. You can share what flooding problems concern you and what services would benefit your community in an online survey, open through June 30. You can also check out an upcoming events calendar or suggest events for King County to come to in your community.
For more information, visit kingcounty.gov/FloodPlan or contact Jason Wilkinson at 206-477-4786 or jason.wilkinson@kingcounty.gov.
Upcoming Events, Funding and Job Opportunities
Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group now accepting applications for Community Action Training School (CATS)
This FREE course explores scientific, cultural, and political issues related to salmon recovery--watershed health, clean water, native plants, habitat restoration, and more--and supports participants in the design and implementation of stewardship action projects in their communities. No prior experience or background in course topics necessary.
8 classroom sessions and 3 field trips take us from May - September, and we’ll celebrate project achievements in October. Applications due April 26, 2023, space allowing, we will review applications through May 15, 2023. Learn more.
CATS is funded by the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council through funding made available by the King County Flood Control District and supported by the King County Library System. Reach out to Tracy Banaszynski with any questions.
Puget Sound National Estuary Program's Strategic Initiative Leads Funding Opportunities
The Shellfish and Stormwater SILs are excited to announce two new funding opportunities for programs, activities, and lines of work that advance Puget Sound recovery and protection.
Stormwater SIL RFP to reduce Toxics in Fish in Puget Sound:
- This Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead Request for Proposals (RFP) is currently accepting applications until May 1, 2023, by 11:59pm.
- Up to $5.5 million is available for the two investment priorities included in this solicitation.
- Up to $1 million per proposal.
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View the website for more information.
Shellfish SIL RFP to integrate shellfish bed classification priorities in municipal and industrial wastewater facility function, planning and/or upgrades:
- This Shellfish RFP Solicitation opens April 11, 2023, and will be open for 7 weeks.
- Applications are due May 31, 2023, by 11:59pm.
- Shellfish has up to $1 million to award.
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View the website for more information
Apply for a 2023 Flood Reduction Grant!
The King County Flood Control District (District) has made available at least $12 million in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding. The deadline to apply for a 2023 grant is May 25.
The program targets flood reduction projects throughout King County. The District is specifically interested in reaching tribes, homeowner associations, non-profit organizations, schools, special purpose districts, cities, towns, and agencies in King County. Grants awarded in the past have ranged from $10,000 to $1.5 million. To qualify for funding, projects must directly address existing or potential flooding. Projects that achieve multiple benefits are encouraged.
Online informational meetings will be offered on April 18 and 20 to learn more about the grants and application process. Please visit the Flood Reduction Grants webpage for more information. Contact Kim Harper at 206-477-6079 or kim.harper@kingcounty.gov with questions.
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King County Watershed education team is hosting Jobs for Clean Water: Career Event
Are you interested in jobs that protect human health and the environment? King County Wastewater Treatment Division is hosting a career event to introduce teens to the variety of careers available that help keep our water clean. Professionals will be leading short sessions to share details about their job, their career story, and advice for getting hired. The sessions will be interactive and include time to ask questions. Each event will also share information about our paid Clean Water Ambassadors internship for high school youth happening this summer! Each event will have different professionals attending so youth can participate in both events.
In person, Renton:
- Saturday May 6, 2023: 10:00 am - 1:00pm Register here. (Includes lunch!)
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is currently hiring the following positions:
The Restoration Program Manager implements ecological restoration projects that focus on improving ecological health and function through stewardship of natural lands and public open spaces. This individual is responsible for a broad portfolio of projects with a focus on riparian restoration (to improve habitat for threatened Chinook and other salmon species), community-oriented restoration (in areas with less access to natural lands), urban forests, carbon crediting, climate resilience, and forest and ecosystem health
The Community Partnerships & Projects Manager is responsible for establishing and growing relationships with community groups, local and state agencies, local stakeholders, non-profit organizations, and volunteers in urban communities within the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (NHA). In collaboration with those partners, this position supports community-led projects and coordinates with other Greenway Trust programs to support implementation of ecological restoration, recreation, and education projects.
As well as multiple seasonal positions:
- Trail Crew Member
- Volunteer & Restoration Crew Member
- Restoration Crew Member
View the website for more information.
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