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WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Project and Program Updates
Salmon Day in Olympia
On February 5, 2025, WRIA 8 staff and partners joined representatives from the Washington Salmon Coalition (WSC), the Regional Fisheries Coalition (RFC), and the Council of Regions (COR) to educate state legislators about the importance of salmon recovery during a second annual “Salmon Day at the Capitol” in Olympia, Washington. The event focused individual meetings with legislators to educate them about funding needs and other programmatic priorities to advance salmon recovery.
More than 70 representatives from the partnering organizations met with over 90 legislators throughout the day. Despite snowy driving conditions, several WRIA 8 partners were able to join staff to meet with legislators from many districts in WRIA 8.
The shared messaging included:
- Support for funding for habitat restoration funding programs;
- Support for extending and improving the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program (HRPP), which provides streamlines permitting for eligible habitat restoration projects; and
- Support for "Salmon in the Schools" program
Salmon Day meeting with Senator Bill Ramos. In photo left to right: Tom Ostrom, Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group Board, Lisa Reynolds, Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group staff, Senator Bill Ramos (LD 5), and Carrie Byron, WRIA 8 Projects and Funding Coordinator.
An Aquatic Science Journey: AmeriCorps Member Gains Experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
AmeriCorps member Ethan Chaipatanapong shares his experience working with the Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office as a fisheries biological support service member. One of multiple career development programs at this facility, his six-month placement was made possible through a partnership with the American Conservation Experience: Emerging Professionals in Conservation program. Watch the video to learn more about Ethan’s journey.
Whale Scout is Looking for Student Interns
Whale Scout, a nonprofit organization based in King County, Washington is looking for student interns for spring and summer sessions of their Diverse Voices Student Leadership Internship Program to assist with salmon habitat restoration and outreach and education activities with diverse audiences. Dedicated to protecting Pacific Northwest whales through land-based conservation experiences, Whale Scout takes a boots-on-the-ground approach to recovering endangered Southern Resident killer whales and the salmon they rely upon. We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people, and recognize that certain local communities of color are disproportionately impacted by lack of salmon, poor water quality, and access to outdoor environmental experiences and education. Our programs, including this internship, work to address these issues. We are seeking applicants whose backgrounds, experiences, language skills, and interests align with environmental justice goals related to Puget Sound.
The summer internship may also include opportunities to participate in a field trip to San Juan Island. No prior experience is required for either program. Students are invited to apply for spring and/or summer sessions separately. Compensation is $23.50/hr.
This program is partially funded by WRIA 8 through the Cooperative Watershed Management Grant. Visit the webpage to learn more and apply!
Updates from the Hatchery!
While waiting for the coho salmon to get big enough to move to raceways, Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) is focused on teaching salmon conservation at school events and flood preparation. We provided interactive learning experiences on salmon biology and watershed stewardship with our Salmon Science Table education program at two elementary STEAM nights. We have also hosted two hatchery habitat stewardship events to fill over 150 sandbags. Big thank you to the 26 volunteers that supported both of these efforts!
The 2025 Wastemobile Season has Begun!
This free hazardous waste collection service will be traveling throughout King County from February through October, making it easy and safe for you to drop off unwanted household hazardous waste. Common items brought to these events include oil-based paints, pesticides, automotive products, cleaners, and batteries. Be sure to check out the full list of accepted items and quantity limits for residents and eligible businesses at the Haz Waste Program’s website.
View the website to learn more about the program and view the complete 2025 Wastemobile schedule. All Wastemobile events operate Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For questions or more information, call the Hazardous Waste Helpline at 206-296-4692.
Salmon in the News
Salmon Surveys Show Record Number of Salmon in Shell Creek.
Read the full article.
Upcoming Events
Winter Education Series: Building a Better Future for Salmon
Join Long Live the Kings for their Winter Education Series and dive into the fascinating world of salmon recovery! Hear directly from staff and scientists as they share insights into their projects, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions they’re bringing to life. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and get inspired to support the vital work of restoring salmon and ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Each session asks us what can we do to ensure we are building a better future for salmon?
All events in the Winter Education Series are free to attend. Visit the website to RSVP and learn more.
Green Infrastructure Summit of the Salish Sea
The Green Infrastructure Summit of the Salish Sea is back for the 10th year, and we are excited to gather in person again on March 14th, 2025, at Cascadia College in Bothell, WA! Last year sold out, so don't delay! The full agenda will be released soon, but this year we will discuss long-term maintenance, community connection skill-building, indigenous perspectives and approaches, and continue the conversation on addressing 6PPD-quinone.
Visit the website to buy tickets, which will be available until March 10th.
Grant Opportunities
Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Request for Proposals
The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund is enabled by court-ordered environmental mitigation payments related to Clean Water Act settlements by Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (Soundkeeper), Waste Action Project and other citizen enforcement groups. The Fund’s goal is to improve the surface water quality of Puget Sound and mitigate past pollution runoff by supporting water projects related to conservation, restoration, community science, and environmental justice. The Fund has two grant cycles per year, and the specific parts of the Sound where we may have funds for projects can vary from cycle to cycle depending on the requirements of individual settlements. The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is currently seeking proposals that fit with this fund’s opportunities. Visit the website to learn more about the Fund.
King County Parks Levy Grants
King County Parks will accept applications from February 24 to March 31 at 9 a.m. for the following grant programs:
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