King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 06/17/2025 12:58 PM PDT
Kokanee News | Spring 2025
Many thanks to all the amazing volunteers and partners who made Kokanee Education Day 2025 a big success, turning Confluence Park into an outdoor classroom for more than 100 students.
Video: From extinction's edge to a promising future: How King County and partners put Lake Sammamish kokanee on a path toward recovery
King County DNRP produced avideo to highlight leaders, partnerships and actions driving promising signs that Lake Sammamish kokanee are on a path toward recovery following a catastrophic decline.
"Biologists reported that more than 8,300 adult kokanee salmon returned to their spawning grounds during the 2024-25 spawning run, a stunning improvement over the 2017-18 run when just 19 returned. It was the second-highest return since King County began monitoring in 1996.
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has been working with the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group to enact emergency and long-range actions to ensure the survival of the unique salmon population that is important to the region’s habitat and history."
Kokanee Education Day 2025 - Thank you volunteers and partners!
Kokanee Education Day 2025 was a big success thanks to many volunteers and partners who came together with 100 3rd grade students for a fun-filled day of learning documented in a short video created by Trout Unlimited. Following Kokanee Education Day, students participated in a Kokanee Conservation Challenge hosted by Mountains to Sound Greenway to continue their conservation journey and take action to create a healthier environment - not just for salmon, but for all living things.
Kokanee Work Group Summer Meeting and Salmon Bake - August 13
Coming up on August 13th, the Kokanee Work Group will hold its summer business meeting followed by a salmon bake at the City of Issaquah's Tibbetts Creek Manor to celebrate the progress of kokanee recovery and thank the many partners and volunteers who are integral to sustaining this work. In particular, the Kokanee Work Group invites the Kokanee Interlocal Agreement's Management Committee including elected officials from local jurisdictions to share perspectives on the kokanee program, looking ahead to the 2026 budget. Please join us for this important conversation and stay for the salmon. Agenda and meeting details to follow.
Many Upcoming Stewardship Events around Lake Sammamish
The Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP) hosts a calendar 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.
Salmon Friendly Lakes website hosts a suite of resources to connect with online workshops and toolkits, sign up for technical assistance, promoting salmon-friendly lakefronts, natural beaches and starry nights. Sign up for a free site assessment to learn about shoreline redesign, revegetation, permitting assistance, and more.
NEW: Curious about reducing artificial light at night (ALAN)?
In 2025, the Kokanee Work Group (KWG) continues to meet on a quarterly basis. Our summer meeting will be held August 13th from 2-4pm at the City of Issaquah's Tibbetts Creek Manor (750 17th Ave. NW, Issaquah, WA 98027), followed by a fall meeting in October (22nd). 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. A meeting reminder will be shared via Gov Delivery one week in advance of the 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.
Apply now! $1M Lake Sammamish Dock and Shoreline Grants Program
The King County Flood Control District, on June 12, announced the availability of $1M in grant funding to reduce risk of flooding damages to Lake Sammamish docks and other shoreline structures, while providing erosion control and salmon habitat improvements. Eligible recipients are Lake Sammamish shoreline, single-family homeowners. Learn more at the informational session on July 8 and 14. Applications are due August 15. Learn more and apply.
King Conservation District Seed Money Grants
Rolling applications until Tuesday, September 30, or until funds are exhausted. Apply now at this link!
Details: Seed Money Grants support the creation of new community agriculture projects and help sustain existing projects. In turn, this promotes resilient food systems and communities and safeguards food sovereignty. Up to $3,500 in funding is available. Examples of eligible projects:
The Puget Sound Partnership developed a funding toolthat 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.
