|
WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Project and Program Updates
Salmon Day in Olympia
On February 4th, 15 representatives from WRIA 8 and our member jurisdictions joined nearly 90 other salmon advocates from around the state for the third annual Salmon Day in Olympia. The day brought together individuals representing Lead Entities, Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, and Salmon Recovery Regions to advocate for salmon recovery in Washington State. Attendees met with dozens of members of the legislature representing districts in the WRIA 8 area to urge them to support funding for salmon recovery in this session.
Scientists Gather for the Lake Washington Basin Science Summit
Around 100 scientists and students attended the two-day Lake Washington Basin Science Summit, hosted by WRIA 8, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, and King County, on January 21 and 22. Presenters shared the latest science on urban and climate impacts on salmon in the Lake WA Basin and groups discussed knowledge gaps and priorities for guiding salmon recovery efforts. Many participants expressed how much they appreciated the rich scientific research, engaging conversations, and opportunity to connect in person. A summary report of the event’s proceedings will be available soon.
6PPD-Q: Bills in the Legislature, A Choice to Support Salmon
FISH Board Member Larry Franks, has been closely following the story around 6PPD, the toxic chemical in tires causing urban runoff syndrome in coho salmon for years. A bill in the Washington state legislature (HB 5421 / SB 6119) proposes to initiate removal of 6PPD in tires by banning the sale of tires in the state that contain 6PPD. WRIA 8 signed on to a coalition letter supporting the proposed legislation. Individual WRIA 8 partners are encouraged to consider supporting this legislation in communications with legislators.
ALAN Community Science Project
Mid Sound Fisheries, USGS, and King Conservation District have launched a new Community Science program working with residents to collect important data on Artificial Light at Night during juvenile fish migration in the lakes. What started as a question “Why is urban skyglow so bright at night during fish migration?” has led to growing partnerships across organizations, municipalities, and community members to figure out what steps we need to take next to help juvenile salmon survive the lake phase of their lifespans. Researchers and community scientists will be testing night skies until July and we look forward to sharing results in fall 2026.
Visit the website to stay updated.
Updates from the Hatchery!
Salmon Science Table season is just beginning, and our team at Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) is getting ready to be out in the community again this winter, spring, and summer! This program is an effective and engaging way to connect our community with salmon outside of spawning season. We emphasize hands-on materials and conversation rather than formal programming at science fairs, markets, and other local events to talk about salmon, and watershed health around Puget Sound. Visit the website for more information about the program!
George Davis Creek Fish Passage and Storm Improvement Project
The City of Sammamish is excited to share they are in the process of advertising for bid for the George Davis Creek Fish Passage and Storm Improvement Project. Construction is planned for the summer of 2026, with substantial completion expected in November 2026. This project will remove four fish passage barriers, daylight the creek to Lake Sammamish, and restore the riparian corridor to open the upper reaches of pristine habitat to salmon. The project has graciously received funding from the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (BAFBRB) on behalf of the Recreation and Conservation Office, the King County Flood Control District, and the Department of Commerce. The City, in collaboration with King County Parks, will be having a Groundbreaking Ceremony in mid-May to celebrate the start of this regionally significant project. Invitations will be sent out in mid-March.
Register for the Public Works e-newsletter, Cone Zone, to stay in the loop.
Grant Opportunities
Advance Notice of Potential Funding Opportunity: Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead (PSRSL) Grant Program
WA Dept. of Ecology anticipates receiving federal funding from the EPA for the PSRSL grant program. If funding is available, the grant program will launch in early spring 2026. This funding has not been secured yet, and it may change significantly or may not occur at all.
Learn more about the grant program and Puget Sound riparian grants.
Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund
The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund’s goal is to mitigate past pollution runoff by supporting community-based efforts to protect or improve the water quality of Puget Sound. The Fund was created by the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (Soundkeeper), and it continues to be funded through enforcement actions brought by Soundkeeper and Waste Action Project, among others. These groups share the goal of bringing polluters into compliance with the Clean Water Act to promote cleaner water bodies and healthier fisheries. The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment welcomes proposals from a variety of environmental groups including small grassroots conservation and environmental justice groups. Visit the website for more information.
|
