Volunteers Monitor Bull Kelp to Learn About Marine Health
Bull kelp is the largest species of brown algae native to our region. It is a vital part of our ecosystem because it serves as a primary producer in the food web, as shelter and habitat for fish, and buffers against current and wave energy to help protect the nearshore ecosystem. The Snohomish Marine Resources Committee (MRC) conducts kayak-based kelp monitoring each summer to understand how much kelp habitat is currently available in Snohomish County waters, and how the habitat is changing over time. This year, volunteers with MRC were joined by Snohomish County Councilmember Megan Dunn and Legislative Aide Paula Rhyne for a day of kelp monitoring in Edmonds, where some of the County’s largest kelp forests exist.
For more information about kelp in Puget Sound refer to the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan. To learn more about the MRC, visit the Snohomish MRC webpage.
 County Councilmember Dunn joined MRC volunteers and SWM staff to monitor bull kelp by kayak in Puget Sound.
Share Your Input on Floodplain Projects with New Interactive Map
Community Floodplain Solutions (CFS) invites Sky Valley residents and landowners to comment on active and potential project areas using a new interactive map. Your input will help further project designs along the Lower Skykomish River. Use the link below to access the map:
https://mplshdrshared.com/SnoCoCFS/map/
Potential project areas identified in the interactive map are still under review, and will need the help of willing landowners to be made possible.
Learn more at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/CFS, call 425-262-2443 or email CFS.info@snoco.org.
 View the interactive map to comment on active and potential projects along the Lower Skykomish River.
Snohomish County crews recently completed work to alleviate flooding over Sauk Prairie Road, approximately three miles northeast of Darrington. Following high precipitation events, road flooding occurs due to the buildup of sediment in Mouse Creek. Construction began in the summer of 2019 to remove a berm and excavate sediment from the channel upstream of the roadway. Excavation of sediment from downstream of the road this fall will reduce road flooding and improve passage for Coho and other species of fish, completing the project.
Learn more about this project here.
 Newly excavated channel in Mouse Creek will reduce flood impacts to Sauk Prairie Rd and improve fish passage for salmon and other species.
It's Time to Clear Your Storm Drains Before Flood Season
October marks the start of the rainy season in Snohomish County. Increased rainfall can wash leaves into storm drains and cause localized flooding in our neighborhoods. Now is the time to protect your property and prevent flooded streets by keeping storm drains near your home free of leaves and debris.
To report a drainage problem, submit a drainage investigation request, or call the SWM office, 425-388-3464.
To check flood conditions in your area, visit the Snohomish County Real-Time Flood Information webpage.
 Leaves and debris can block storm drains and cause flooded streets.
This fall, Snohomish County will begin preparing the 2022 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) plan. The SWMP describes actions Snohomish County will take to meet federal Clean Water Act stormwater requirements in 2022. The SWMP plan covers work by various County departments, including Public Works, Planning and Development Services, Conservation and Natural Resources, Facilities and Fleet, and the Airport. To view past SWMP plans and learn more about federal stormwater requirements, visit the County's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) webpage here.
If you have a water quality concern or questions about stormwater management in Snohomish County, contact the SWM office by phone (425-388-3464) or email (surfacewater@snoco.org) for further assistance.
 Drainage facilities, like this detention pond, help manage stormwater runoff.
Upcoming Public Events and Workshops
Learn more about upcoming SWM co-sponsored events and workshops on our events webpage. For the upcoming events below, pre-registration is required. Participants must have an email address and internet access.
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Volunteer with Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project – October 23: Join County staff, Forterra and other community partners in planting trees and other stewardship activities that protect and restore our forests. Sign-up to volunteer October 23 at Lord Hill Regional Park (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Snohomish). Learn more about the Healthy Forest Project here.
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Streamside Landowner Workshop – November 3: SWM is hosting this free, online webinar in partnership with the Snohomish Conservation District. The workshop will provide landowners with the information and resources to steward their streams and rivers that flow through or adjacent to their property. Workshop attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for site visits from staff and in some cases qualify for project assistance. Register today to attend Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
 Workshop attendees learn how to manage streamside land sustainably for future enjoyment, ensure clean water and protect habitat for fish and wildlife.
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