Kokanee News | Spring 2024

Each spring dedicated volunteers support Kokanee Education Day - a day dedicated to bringing the story of kokanee conservation to elementary school children. A big thank you goes out to organizers of this event, including the smiling faces pictured here.

Comment Opportunity

Proposed water quality standard for the toxic chemical 6PPD-q 

Kokanee Work Group (KWG) members have increasingly expressed concerns about the potential impact of toxic chemicals on kokanee salmon from road runoff and stormwater influences on water quality in Lake Sammamish and the surrounding streams. One such toxic chemical of concern is 6PPD-q, which research has linked to mass deaths of coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Lake Sammamish is a heavily urbanized watershed where toxic chemicals, including 6PPD-q, and stormwater discharge are a priority concern for salmon health and survival. As a result, KWG members are supporting a new regulation designed to limit 6PPD-q pollution in freshwater and better support aquatic life. Members: Please read the draft comment letter prepared on your behalf and send any requested revisions to aagness@kingcounty.gov by May 6th.

Kokanee Work Group Spring Meeting

April 24, 2024 

A meeting summary of the Kokanee Workgroup's spring meeting is available for review here. Questions?  Please follow up with Alison Agness, King County's Kokanee Salmon Recovery Manager (aagness@kingcounty.gov). Meeting highlights include a fish management update from Jim Bower of King County reporting on the 2024 remote stream incubator program and fry trapping results to date, as well as an update on the hatchery supplementation and captive broodstock programs. Additionally, we heard a presentation from Dave Kyle of Trout Unlimited on the status of Laughing Jacobs passage and restoration projects as well as an interactive work session to explore how can we enhance awareness of kokanee conservation and develop shared messages. A big thank you and kudos to the City of Sammamish for hosting such a successful meeting.   

Events and News

Join the Fun at Kokanee Education Day, May 14th - Volunteer Opportunity

The Kokanee Education Planning Team is thrilled to announce Kokanee Education Day 2024, set for May 14th at Confluence Park in Issaquah. This unique opportunity allows volunteers like you to play a vital role in facilitating a day filled with interactive and educational activities centered around the kokanee salmon. Volunteers are needed to assist with: Station Support: Leading or assisting with educational activities; Setup & Breakdown: Preparation and cleanup of stations and equipment; Timekeeping: Ensuring groups move through stations according to schedule; Lunch Sorting: Supervising waste sorting into garbage, recycling, and compost.  Interested in volunteering or seeking more details? Please reach out to Alix Lee-Tigner at Trout Unlimited via email at alix.lee-tigner@tu.org or phone at 406-868-1902.

Many Upcoming Stewardship Events around Lake Sammamish - Make a Difference

The Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP) hosts a calendar choked full of events for learning, connecting with community and supporting habitat restoration. Link to fun and rewarding activities you can join through the UWRP calendar of upcoming events.

Kokanee Fry Monitoring - There is Still Time to Help Count Kokanee!

A big thank you goes out to Wayne Lamm the co-lead of Trout Unlimited's kokanee fry monitoring program and all of the volunteers that support collection of this valuable data.  This work is ongoing until mid-May every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights. If you would like to volunteer, contact Wayne Lamm Learn more about the Kokanee Fry Monitoring Program here.

Upcoming Kokanee Workgroup Meetings - 2024

In 2024, the Kokanee Work Group (KWG) will continue to meet on a quarterly basis from 2-4pm on the last Wednesday of January (24), April (24), July (24) and October (23).  KWG meetings will be held in-person with hybrid capability.  Locations and draft agendas will be shared via Gov Delivery one month in advance of each meeting. If you would like to host a meeting or provide an agenda item, please follow up with Alison Agness (aagness@kingcounty.gov). 

Funding Opportunities

Please note, funding opportunities that could support kokanee recovery.  Please reach out to the points of contact identified in the below links to learn more. 

2024 Flood Reduction Grants 

The King County Flood Control District recently announced the availability of $12M in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding. These grants are for small and medium local flood reduction projects that address existing or potential flooding. Eligible applicants include homeowner associations, schools, non-profits, tribes, cities and towns, and King County agencies. Join the informational session April 23, 2-3:30 p.m. Applications are due May 31. Learn more and apply.

Washington Department of Commerce - Funding for Salmon Planning

Grants are available to cities and counties, fully and partially planned under the Growth Management Act and federally recognized tribes. Applications are due by 4:00pm on June 3, 2024.  Applicants encouraged seeking to protect and restore salmon habitat with long-range planning objectives. Learn more

Find Funding with a New Tool

The Puget Sound Partnership developed a funding tool that collects information about national, state, and regional funding opportunities in one central location. This tool makes it easier to find and apply for funding and helps to align funding opportunities with funding needs. Check it out today.