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Happy Holidays from WRIA 9! Wishing all of our partners a great year ahead.
Partner Updates
The Salmon Recovery Summit: 25 Years of Action
On December 10, partners from WRIAs 7, 8, and 9 came together to reflect on 25 years of regional salmon recovery efforts. Past and present partners joined together to share experiences ranging from the original formation of the WRIA partnerships to how emerging research and evolving best available science has influenced our approach looking forward. At the center of everything was recognition of the importance and power of regional partnerships. The collective energy around salmon recovery was inspiring and it was fantastic to connect with partners past, present and future in recognition of our common goal of salmon recovery. View the video “25 Years of Salmon Recovery”, that reflects on the work done to create the model for salmon recovery and highlights how it continues to support and guide our work today and into the future.
The King County Flood Warning Center is Here to Help
Severe weather conditions continue to impact WRIA 9 and the Puget Sound region. King County has many services available to help people before, during, and after a flood. The King County Flood Warning Center is staffed at all hours during flood events. Call the Flood Warning Center at 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263 to ask questions about current flood conditions. Interpretation is available.
The King County Flood Warning Center is funded by the King County Flood Control District.
Salmon SEEson Program Wraps Up
The Salmon SEEson is coming to an end for the 2025 year with salmon having made their way back to rivers and streams to spawn. The Salmon SEEson website provides a map and details for several self-guided viewing locations as well as in-person interpretive viewing opportunities. See you all next year!
CSI Salmon Surveys Miller-Walker Basin Stewardship Program
The Miller-Walker Basin Stewardship Program’s Community Salmon Investigation successfully completed its 15th season! Mid Sound staff, King County staff, and 34 incredible volunteers surveyed Miller and Walker Creeks every day from the beginning of October to early December. This was Mid Sound's first year leading the survey which has played a role in the research unveiling the effects of 6PPD-Q on coho. This year our intrepid volunteers contributed over 330 hours, observed 144 salmon, and collected 8 salmon heads for researchers studying the chemical imprint of 6PPD-Q on the otolith (a small bone found in a salmon’s inner ear). We’re looking forward to another salmon survey SEEson in October 2026!
Volunteer with Green Tukwila
Join Green Tukwila staff and Forest Stewards as they roll up theirr sleeves to restore Tukwila’s natural spaces. Together we’ll remove invasive plants, plant young trees and native shrubs, and give a boost to our urban forests and watershed.
No experience? No problem! City of Tukwila willl provide all the tools, gloves, and training you need—just bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes, and your best smile. Come dig in and grow the forest of tomorrow with us! View the website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Grant Announcements
WRIA 9 2026 Salmon Recovery Grants
The WRIA 9 Watershed Ecosystem Forum is pleased to announce its annual request for proposals for salmon recovery grant funding through the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB)/Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration (PSAR) and King County Flood Control District Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) programs. Eligible activities (depending on the funding source) include habitat acquisition and restoration projects, outreach and education programs, and monitoring and assessment activities. For a full description of the application process, links to application materials, and other important information, view the WRIA 9 Funding for Salmon Habitat webpage. Applicants must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to apply for funding through this grant program by January 14.
WRIA 9 is also launching the Pre-SEED (Pre-Green Support for Engagement, Enhancement, and Development) awards to help partners build capacity and prepare strong proposals for the upcoming ReGreen the Green Riparian Revegetation Grant Program. These small, flexible awards—up to $5,000 per organization—are designed to reduce barriers to participation, support early project development, and encourage larger, more connected riparian restoration efforts along the Green/Duwamish River and its tributaries. Pre-SEED funding can be used for activities such as outreach, coordination, and concept development, with the goal of expanding engagement and strengthening future revegetation proposals. Applications for the first round are due January 9, 2026, with rolling review through June 2026 as funding allows. Learn more about Pre-SEEd awards.
Conservation Futures Open Space Acquisition Funding Available — Apply by February 9, 2026
The King County Conservation Futures grant round is open, with applications due on February 9, 2026, for awards of 2027 funding.
Conservation Futures land acquisition grants can help governmental agencies and qualified conservation nonprofits purchase land or easements for open spaces and parks for passive recreation. Grants may help purchase land to be used as urban greenspaces, passive parks, natural areas, restoration sites, forests, community gardens, farms, trails, stormwater parks. Along with acquisition, Conservation Futures grants can fund initial site stabilization costs such as demolition.
Visit the Conservation Futures application webpage for key grant-related information and to regiester for workshops offered in mid-November and early December 2025. Contact Ingrid Lundin with questions.
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