By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

On July 9^th, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board of Supervisors approved over $11.5 million to support critical habitat restoration efforts across the county. This funding will be allocated to various watersheds through the Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) Grants Program, aiming to recover endangered salmon species and restore vital watershed ecosystems.

The approved funds will support habitat restoration initiatives in four key watersheds:

• Snoqualmie/Skykomish (WRIA 7),
• Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish (WRIA 8),
• Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound (WRIA 9), and
• Puyallup-White (WRIA 10).

These investments are essential for the recovery of endangered salmon species and the overall watershed ecosystem health. The CWM dollar amounts allocated to each WRIA by the KCFCD typically makes up a majority of each WRIA’s annual funding package.

The following is a short summary of each project funded in 2024 by the KCFCD through the CWM Grant Program

WRIA 7

Sound Salmon Solutions received $73,403

The Salmon in Schools and Snoqualmie Watershed Service Learning Project supports the Salmon in Schools (SiS) program, which is a hands-on education program that engages elementary through high school students in salmon education and recovery. The program brings 150 salmon directly to students, providing them with a unique opportunity to get experience with a species that has significant meaning to our ecosystem, history, and culture. If funded, eight K-12 King County schools will be offered the program. Simultaneously, we aim to further students’ connection to our watersheds, salmon, and the tangible actions they as youth can take to improve watershed health within the Snoqualmie Valley by hosting middle and high school students for field trips at our habitat restoration sites and other public spaces with river access.

Sound Salmon Solutions received $34,913

The Community Action Training School (CATS) 2025 Project supports the CATS program by providing participants with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support to plan and implement on-the-ground projects to improve water quality and support salmon recovery. CATS participants learn from experts through formal presentations, field experiences, and guided discussions while receiving ongoing mentoring from their program facilitators to develop their own community-driven stewardship action projects to improve watershed health. The primary outcome will be minimum 20 individuals with a completed stewardship project (50+ hrs. of volunteer work) that improves watershed health.

SnoValley Tilth received $37,554

The Farming to Protect Salmon: An Educational Campaign to Inspire Public Action Project will utilize a public awareness campaign, sharing the stories of farmers who have implemented salmon friendly farming practices on their farms, with the goal of community members taking action to support salmon because of the campaign. Stories will be shared with the public via a variety of methods: farm tours, traditional media, and social media. Our intended outcomes include:

1. Increased public awareness of the practice’s farmers have implemented to protect salmon.
2. Increased interest in purchasing agricultural products from farms who have taken action to protect salmon.
3. The public and local farmers will report an increased interest in implementing salmon friendly practices in their own gardens, homesteads, and farms.

Orca Conservancy received $35,620

The Water Quality Monitor Training Project supports a program where volunteers will be trained to monitor physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters (temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness, alkalinity, and E. coli), collect and analyze data and report results. They will engage in synchronous monthly water temperature monitoring and asynchronously monitor water quality at least 4 times per year (some sites may be monitored year-round, but others can only be monitored at safe flow levels). Annually, they will monitor macroinvertebrate diversity, riparian habitat condition, and water temperature during extreme heat. We expect to train at least 30 volunteers each year for 3 years. They will be expected to present their results to at least one community group or elected officials.

Tulalip Tribes received $49,000

The 2024 Snoqualmie River Juvenile Salmon Outmigration Monitoring Project seeks to continue the annual monitoring of juvenile salmon outmigration in the Snoqualmie River Basin utilizing a rotary screw trap located at river mile 12.2 on the Snoqualmie River in 2025.  This project is a part of the overall Snohomish Basin juvenile salmon out migration monitoring effort which began in 2001. Project data provides managers with the ongoing status, trends, and abundance monitoring needed to support run forecasting, and is a quintessential indicator of successful salmon recovery monitoring in the Snohomish Basin.

Washington Department of Natural Resources received $75,252

The Addressing Upper Cherry Creek Data Gaps: Habitat Assessment, Fish Use, & Restoration Opportunities Project will assess water quality, habitat, fish use, and opportunities for process-based riparian and instream restoration along 3 miles of upper Cherry Creek. Initial site visits show that much of this reach consists of a single-thread channel disconnected from the floodplain, lacking instream wood, with large infestations of invasive reed canary grass and Himalayan blackberry that are preventing riparian succession. DNR will conduct a habitat assessment to determine the extent of habitat degradation and monitor biotic and abiotic factors. Data collected will fill research gaps, help to evaluate a suite of potential restoration actions, and to identify specific sites for riparian and instream habitat projects at upper Cherry Creek.

Wild Fish Conservancy received $70,994

The Weiss Creek Effectiveness Monitoring and Assessment Study will conduct an effectiveness study on: 1) the Lower Weiss Cr. Floodplain (LWF) project completed 25 years ago, and 2) a derelict culvert removal project, located on the adjacent property, completed 12 years ago. The LWF project and subsequent derelict culvert removal was designed to restore natural processes and flow path to lower Weiss Cr., a floodplain tributary of the Snoqualmie; however, in recent years this reach is increasingly overtopping its banks. WFC will collect and analyze monitoring data to 1) determine if the desired objectives on ~6,840 ft. of channel are being met and determine if adaptive management is needed to meet our original goals and objectives.

Snoqulamie Forum Staff received $130,000

The 2025 Snoqualmie Restoration and Project Assistance Program is an ongoing effort managed and delivered by the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum staff to maximize success in implementing the 2005 Snohomish River Basin Salmon Conservation Plan (Salmon Plan) in the King County portion of WRIA 7. The program will: 1) assist project implementers in identifying, developing, and advancing high priority habitat projects, water quality improvement, and planning efforts; 2) conduct Forum-led project coordination activities; and 3) support regional watershed management through policy and technical coordination.

Snoqualmie Indian Tribe received $153,211

The Tolt-San Souci Tributary Culvert Removal Project is proposing to remove a fish-blocking culvert on an unnamed tributary creek to the Tolt River, in the vicinity of the previously demolished San Souci neighborhood. The creek is known to have year-round use by juvenile Coho fry, as well as a small but consistent spawning run. The culvert in question blocks access to additional rearing habitat, and Coho fry and spawners have been observed just downstream. The approximately 35’ culvert passes below an unpaved driveway that once accessed homes on the river, which have been purchased by King County and demolished. We propose to remove the culvert, regrade the banks to a natural slope, and install native vegetation, returning the reach to an open, free-flowing state.

Oxbox Farms received $50,360

The Oxbow Riparian Shade Enhancement and Restoration Maintenance Project is requesting funds to expand and enhance river-shading riparian forest along 1,600 linear feet of mid-mainstem Snoqualmie River by installing 1.1 acres of new plantings and to maintain 16 acres (7500 linear feet) of riparian plantings at the same site, installed between 2004 and 2021. Invasive removal, mowing, and infill planting are needed to avoid re-invasion and to achieve the long-term benefits associated with maturing forests. Novel beaver-deterrent approaches will be tested. Community outreach and engagement efforts, central to the project, will promote community investment in riparian health, demonstrate ways for buffers and farm infrastructure to coexist, and increase the impact of grant funds.

Sound Salmon Solutions received $279,214

The Snoqualmie River Riparian Restoration & Stewardship Project proposes to conduct riparian stewardship & restoration on 21.35 acres along the mainstem Snoqualmie River. This work will take place at three worksites between RM 7 & 27. Activities will include invasive vegetation control and native plant installation along 10,605 ft of river bank. This will further enhance shade, reduce water temperature, improve soil stability, increase dissolved oxygen levels, and positively impact salmonid populations. SSS will host up to 8 volunteer events & publicly promote the project up to 6 times to increase community education and engagement with riparian restoration efforts.

Oxbow Farms received $65,115

The Fall City Floodplain Wetland Enhancement Project will remove dense Himalayan blackberry and install 7,400 plants to establish species rich native riparian vegetation across 3.3 acres of floodplain fields and wetlands adjacent to the Snoqualmie River at Fall City. This work will improve wetland function, reduce invasive propagule pressure, and further enhance and protect the habitat benefits associated with King County’s Fall City Floodplain Restoration Project, a large capital project that reconnected the Snoqualmie River with 145 acres of floodplain. The described work will be leveraged to educate and engage the public through integration of community volunteers and tribal partners.

Stewardship Partners received $64,366

The Changing Seasons Farm II & Sinnema Farm: Riparian Restoration and Maintenance Project proposes riparian habitat restoration and maintenance at Changing Seasons Farm along the mainstem Snoqualmie River and maintenance at Sinnema Farm along the mainstem Snoqualmie River and Ames Creek. At Changing Seasons, 400’ of the river will be restored in a 30,00 square foot area (.69 acres). The adjacent area to be maintained is 300’ at 22,500 square (.51 acres). The site for new restoration severely lacks ecosystem complexity and is comprised of primarily Himalayan blackberry. At Sinnema Farm SP will maintain 1,235’ (1.7 acres) of the mainstem Snoqualmie River and 950’ (1.2 acres) of Ames Creek. Much of the site has been restored but lacks conifers and there are large gaps in the canopy.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $105,120

The Snoqualmie River Farm Riparian and Floodplain Planting Project proposes restoring 39 acres of mainstem Snoqualmie riparian and floodplain forests by reducing invasive weed pressures and installing native trees and shrubs. King County will partner with Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center on a 3-acre portion of the planting footprint, where a flat and accessible site will provide an opportunity to host a series of volunteer events on this incredible riverfront property. The remaining 36 acres of planting will be coordinated by King County Water and Land Resource Division and will follow weed management conducted by King County Noxious Weeds.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $54,316

The King County Noxious Weed Control Program (KCNWCP) Maintenance Weed Control Trial Project wants to leverage their noxious weed control expertise to increase the efficiency and success of riparian planting projects through improved approaches to post planting riparian weed control on restoration sites. KCNWCP’s focus is efficient and effective weed control. For our partners, planting is a key activity, however maintenance weed control limits the number of planting sites they can complete. By managing maintenance weed control for 5 partner projects, this project will develop improved methods for long-term cost-effective site care in the watershed. Invasive Maintenance: Tolt MacDonald Park: up to 14 acres blackberry; Barfuse: up to 15 acres blackberry; 1 acre knotweed; Fall City Natural Area: up to 9.5 acres blackberry; 2 acres knotweed; Szwedko: up to 1.8 acres (tansy ragwort, reed canary grass, & creeping thistle); King County Three Forks: up to 1.4 acres blackberry & successional weeds.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust received $60,000

The Raging River Knotweed Survey & Control Phase 7 Project continues a multi-year effort to systematically control invasive knotweed along the Raging River and re-establish native vegetation through the floodplain and riparian corridor. This proposal seeks additional funding to continue and maintain the momentum on controlling this aggressive weed, extend control further into the floodplain, and continue efforts to re-forest the Raging River corridor while educating landowners on the importance of restoring critical salmon habitat. Greenway Trust staff will complete at least 5 gross acres of knotweed control on these parcels and install at least 2,250 native trees and shrubs in areas previously treated throughout the project area.

WRIA 8

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $99,952

The Salmon Bay Shoreline Restoration Design Project includes the development of preliminary and final designs for the removal of 60 feet of shoreline armor, regrading of the backshore area to reconnect it with the shoreline, and revegetation of the riparian area across to shoreline properties. Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group will work with the two property owners to develop this project.

King County Department of Local Services, Road Services Division received $400,000

The SE High Point Way Culvert Replacement and Fish Passage Improvement Project will complete a CDR for removal of an undersized culvert that conveys East Fork Issaquah Creek under SE High Point Way, the highest-ranked county-owned barrier for habitat priority. Because of benefits to Chinook, it is a Tier 1 project on the WRIA 8 Four Year Workplan. The project will restore access to at least 5.15 miles of stream (up to the next known barriers).

City of Bothell received $895,917

The Sammamish – Waynita Creek Restoration Project (this phase of the project) will finalize the restoration design and permitting process for 1,500 linear feet of Waynita Creek, 1000 feet of the Sammamish Riverbank, and ~12 surrounding acres. The results will provide the permits and final design plans to proceed with construction with the goal of providing juvenile Chinook and other salmonids with high-quality rearing and refuge habitat.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $285,800

The Keep It Simple Restoration Design Project will design a habitat restoration project in Bear Creek watershed on the “Keep It Simple” 7.63 acre site. This site was acquired as open space and is part of Middle Bear Creek Natural Area. The goal is to restore habitat forming processes to support critical spawning and rearing Chinook habitat. This phase will complete alternatives analysis, preliminary design, and final design.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $926,421

The Cottage Lake Creek Weir Removal Bidding and Construction Project will remove a failing weir, which is also a fish barrier, and concrete walls just downstream of the weir, regrade the stream channel and banks, place LWD in the channel, and replace existing noxious weeds with native vegetation.

City of Kenmore received $450,000

The Lakepointe Shoreline Acquisition Project is seeking to acquire a 13.38-acre property that includes 1,125 feet of Lake Washington and 1,900 feet of Sammamish River shoreline (measurements are approximate). The acquisition requires extensive environmental evaluation prior to the purchase which will be funded under this award. Once acquired, the property will be restored with a focus on salmon recovery.

City of Woodinville received $230,000

The Fish Passage Improvements on Little Bear Creek at 134th Avenue NE Phase II Project has identified the undersized culvert at 134th Ave NE as a fish passage barrier and is embarking upon a project to replace it and improve salmon habitat, prevent historical flooding, reduce water quality issues, and provide floodplain enhancement. Woodinville received a CWM grant in 2023 to begin design work on this project. The City’s consultant determined that a scope expansion was needed to include surveying and mapping, structural engineering design encompassing the evaluation of the railroad trestle for the bridge use, geomorphic assessment, and extensive permitting as required by Federal funding use guidelines.

Trout Unlimited received $142,599

The Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP) Riparian Stewardship Project will enhance and maintain riparian areas along stretches of Issaquah and Tibbetts Creeks to improve habitat and water quality for Chinook salmon and other native fish species and will increase public awareness and participation in local salmon recovery efforts by providing stewardship opportunities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) received $50,000

The Lake Washington Ship Canal (LWSC) is interested in beginning riparian habitat restoration at the Montlake Cut. The original proposal was to restore a specific riparian area but after review, the sponsor will modify the scope to work with WRIA 8 on an expanded inventory and prioritization of all USACE-owned properties in the ship canal, which may result in future phases of riparian restoration.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) received $127,777

The Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) and Consequent Predation Risk for Juvenile Salmon-Phase 4 Project will quantify ALAN in the Lake Washington Ship Canal, identify predation hot spots, and gain insight into migrating smolt behavior. This information will extend understanding of ALAN impacts on fish behavior and predation risk during a critical life stage and inform management actions to reduce impacts of ALAN to juvenile salmon survival.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received $124,501

The Use of ALAN and Diet to Quantify Predation of Juvenile Chinook in WRIA 8 Project will provide an experimental assessment of relative predation vulnerability based on the presence of ALAN, using a variety of paired lighted and unlighted sampling methods. The sponsor will also build upon previous work of measuring predation impact on Chinook salmon in known and emerging predator hotspots and assess differential impact of predation based on predator size, location, and season.

Trout Unlimited received $156,004

The Fish Response and Effectiveness Survey of Modified Aquatic Weed Treatment Methods and Lake Mapping Project builds on the knowledge gained during previous efforts to convene a technical workshop, develop and implement control alternatives, and develop an aquatic weed map to inform future management actions and planning efforts.

Trout Unlimited received $199,111

The Myxozoan Disease Risk Factors in WRIA8 Salmon and Their Habitat Project will conduct comprehensive monitoring of adult salmon within the basin, identify the C. shasta genotypes, and conduct dive surveys to evaluate habitat in critical areas that we suspect are significant myxozoan infection zones.

Seattle Parks Foundation received $72,937

The Mapes Creek Watch: Monitoring Fish Presence and Habitat Use at Lower Mapes Creek Project will evaluate Be’er Sheva Park’s beach and salmon habitat, targeting Chinook enhancement in Lake Washington. Construction aims for end-2024, focusing on expanding juvenile Chinook spaces for better feeding and growth. Funding will cover fish monitoring post-build, using snorkel and ROV surveys and cameras to assess habitat benefits, comparing results to pre-construction data, and enhanced communication work to convey results to the adjacent community.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $27,982

The 2025 Chinook (Fish-In) Monitoring Project involves the collection of escapement data for spawning adult Chinook in the Cedar River. The project is part an ongoing, annual, inter-agency effort to support long-term monitoring of the effectiveness of the WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $94,722

The Community Action Training School 2025-2026 Project is a free, all-ages program that guides participants through a robust series of 7 classes and 4 field experiences focusing on scientific, social, cultural, and political issues important to watershed health and salmon recovery. Participants will design and complete a 50+ hour stewardship action project that helps make a difference for salmon in the watershed. Funding will support two years of this key program.

Environmental Science Center received $20,000

The Salmon Heroes: Improving Stewardship Behaviors Through Science-based Field Studies Project is a multi-part program for WRIA 8 students and their teachers in 4th-8th grade reaching 40 classes (approximately 1,000 students). Using salmon as a local phenomenon to center the program, Salmon Heroes increases knowledge of local salmon habitat needs, challenges to their survival, and actions they can take to help keep our waters healthy for salmon and humans alike.

Friends of North Creek Forest received $41,500

The Friends of North Creek Forest Education Program 2024-2025 Project focuses on preserving and enhancing North Creek Forest (NCF) through environmental education, stewardship, and conservation in perpetuity. NCF, a mature forest with streams that connect to North Creek, home to threatened salmon. The goals are accomplished through community outreach, educational opportunities, summer camps, and work with local partners.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust received $35,186

The Greenway Education Program – Forests and Fins Project Fins is a 4th-12th grade curriculum that builds support and promotes behavior changes critical to long-term salmon recovery efforts in WRIA 8. Three hundred students will use Issaquah Creek as an outdoor classroom to evaluate the health of a salmon creek and do riparian restoration that contributes to larger, ongoing efforts.

Whale Scout received $25,078

The Inclusive Salmon Restoration Guided Experiences and Interpretive Signage Project will lead 30 guided walks and produce 20 interpretive panels in partnership with the City of Bothell at the former Wayne Golf Course and on a property along Bear Creek. The goal of this project is to increase awareness of and support for salmon recovery efforts and projects among diverse audiences where restoration projects are currently underway.

Seattle Aquarium received $13,200

The Beach Naturalist Program is an education program that engages beach visitors in learning about the nearshore, the animals that live there and the conservation actions we can all take on behalf of salmon and watershed health. Through its programs, Beach Naturalist “builds awareness and fosters public support” for salmon recovery and helps advance the goals of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Plan.

Seattle Aquarium received $13,200

The Cedar River Salmon Journey Project provides multiple opportunities for people who live, work, and play in WRIA 8 to learn about salmon – along the Cedar River, at the Ballard Locks, at community events, and through social media – and inspire them to take action. Through its programs, CRSJ “builds awareness and fosters public support” for salmon recovery.

Trout Unlimited received $199,111

The Lake Sammamish STREAM Connections Program Continuation Project deepens community engagement in watershed exploration and stewardship. This next phase expands educational outreach and conservation activities, emphasizes the ecological and cultural importance of salmon, fosters a profound connection between community members and the Lake Sammamish watershed, and encourages active participation in salmon recovery.

WRIA 9

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $1,017,502

The Auburn Narrows Restoration Project will include the following elements:

1. Remaining impediments to channel migration and floodplain habitat-forming processes will be removed to increase off-channel and channel margin habitat suitable for salmonid rearing and refuge habitat.
2. In-river and floodplain structure will be augmented by placing large wood, which will encourage riverine/floodplain engagement.
3. Terrestrial areas, which lack sufficient native vegetation will be revegetated and possibly augmented with imported downed wood, snags, or slash piles.
4. Remaining infrastructure within the floodplain will be removed, including the remaining groundwater well and power lines/poles.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $350,000

The Big Beach Armor Demo and Removal Project will take place in two phases. The demolition of the structures will happen as fast as possible. If the demolition isn’t complete by the time CWM funds become available, CWM project will remove the 7 buildings from three parcels. If King County has to use other funding for the demo to secure the site swiftly, the CWM funding will be directed toward the bulkhead removal design, engineering and permitting portion of the construction project. The armoring removal, stream daylighting, or acquisition metrics included in this proposal are there to give the reviewer a vision of the larger project.  Removing these buildings is an essential step toward restoring about 400ft of shoreline armoring and replanting 2.5 acres of marine nearshore.

City of Kent, Public Works received $628,637

The Lower Russell Habitat Area A Project will complete the final design; continue stakeholder coordination; and apply for required permits to construct Habitat Area A, formerly a part of the larger Lower Russell Levee Setback project on the lower Green River near Van Doren’s Landing Park. The preliminary design will include the construction of approximately 5.7 ac of off-channel habitat achieved by grading and reshaping the riverbank, installing large wood, and planting native vegetation. The project is expected to provide near-term rearing and refuge habitat for juvenile salmon, assist in flood storage and reduce flood risk, increase floodplain habitat connectivity, maintain or increase species diversity, enhance the wildlife functionality of wetlands through native plantings and woody debris placement, and increase native cover of both wetland emergent and woody species.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $109,795

The Midway Creek Culvert Removal Conceptual Design Project will explore options for removing a derelict 43” corrugated steel culvert on Midway Creek. The abandoned culvert is a fish passage barrier, blocking access to ~800’ of stream and one of the largest and highest quality floodplain wetlands (~12 acres) in the Lower Green River basin. Removing the culvert would open off-channel rearing and flood refuge habitat for juvenile Chinook and other salmonids in a wetland and stream that are protected by Seattle Public Utilities ownership. A feasibility study will explore how to remove the culvert while protecting the stream from contamination from a nearby leachate pond, protecting Seattle Public Utilities Solid Waste infrastructure, maintaining the integrity of the active upstream beaver dam, and navigating the slope/water drop from the culvert. The project will produce two conceptual design alternatives and preliminary cost estimates.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $271,363

The NE Auburn Creek Restoration – Construction Project will increase connectivity to 23,000 feet of existing floodplain tributary channel that is currently inaccessible due to a perched flapgate/culvert. The flapgate will be replaced with a fish friendly flapgate that allows for the creation of a 600+ linear foot tributary channel between the new fish-passable flapgate and the confluence of NE Auburn Creek with the Green River. Juvenile salmon will also be given access and refuge to a perched 2-acre depressional wetland through a fish egress channel that will reconnect it to NE Auburn Creek. This project will also restore a 150-foot wide riparian buffer along 1,500 feet of the left bank of the Green River. This portion of the river is identified by the Muckleshoot Tribe as having a critical need for riparian shade.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $224,317

The Wingfield Little Soos Creek Project relates to the Little Soos Creek, which runs through the City of Covington’s Wingfield Open Space, where it historically has been armored, disconnected from its floodplain, and regularly floods the adjacent trail in winter. This grant will complete final design to reconnect the stream to its historic floodplain, remove artificial armoring, add stream complexity and large wood, and improve biodiversity and native plant buffers. The project will improve over nine acres of critical habitat for salmonids and other native species.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $150,000

The WRIA 9 Project Implementation 2025 will support implementation of the updated 2021 WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan, including:

• development of project funding strategies, technical support for project development and grants applications; and
• solicitation of new projects and project sponsors, and implementation of vital monitoring and adaptive management projects.

This programmatic grant supports the capacity, resources, and tools vital for successful capital program implementation.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $126,825

The Juvenile Chinook Use of Non-natal Tributaries in the Middle Green Project will investigate middle Green non-natal tributaries to assess their use by juvenile Chinook for rearing/flood refuge habitat. Quantify tributary conditions regarding temperature and flow to assess the occurrence of water temperatures that exceed state standards for salmonids.  Non-natal tributary use by juvenile Chinook will be assessed using backpack electrofishing. 12 streams will be selected to represent the spatial extent of the middle Green, including those with potential impairments, as well as select streams on the south bank that are representative of reference conditions. The purpose of this work is to: 1) Quantify use of non-natal tributaries by juvenile Chinook in the middle Green, 2) Identify and prioritize locations for habitat restoration/enhancement that will have the greatest impact to salmon recovery, and 3) Quantify flow and stream temperatures to help prioritize riparian planting projects.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $200,642

The Quantifying Juvenile Chinook Salmon Use of Non-natal Streams Along the WRIA 9 Puget Sound Shoreline Project will quantify juvenile Chinook salmon use of non-natal streams along the WRIA 9 Puget Sound shoreline and relate juvenile Chinook occupancy in these habitats to landscape- and site-scale variables. Juvenile Chinook have been observed to pass through their natal estuary, enter the marine environment, then temporarily return to freshwater or estuarine habitats by rearing in small streams or estuaries along the Puget Sound shoreline. These streams do not support Chinook spawning, therefore any juvenile Chinook found in these systems originated from elsewhere. Because the Green-Duwamish watershed has lost much of its natural estuary habitat, small non-natal streams along the WRIA 9 shoreline may be important rearing habitats for juvenile Chinook after leaving the Duwamish waterway. To quantify the extent of non-natal stream rearing by juvenile Chinook salmon along the Puget Sound shoreline and to explain variation in Chinook occupancy in these habitats, we will identify and collect habitat data for 15 non-natal streams along the WRIA 9 shoreline, including Vashon Island, in fall 2024. We will then electrofish each of these streams during spring 2025 to estimate juvenile Chinook occupancy, and will relate Chinook occupancy to both landscape and site-scale habitat variables.

King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, Water & Land Resources Division received $50,011

The WRIA 9 Marine Shoreline Monitoring and Compliance Project Phase 5 Project will conduct boat-based surveys of the 92 miles of WRIA 9’s marine shoreline in the summer of 2025 to evaluate changes in marine shoreline condition (e.g. armor, vegetation, overwater structures, etc.).  This phase will build on and repeat the four previous shoreline assessments.  The project is intended to produce trend data for WRIA 9 and King County Clean Water Healthy Habitats, as well as evaluate if the Shorefriendly King County collaborative program between the King Conservation District, Mid-Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, WRIA 9, and King County is improving compliance rates.

Orca Conservancy received $41,305

The Berrydale Tree Farm Forest Salmon Restoration Project #1 will prepare the restoration site for shade-producing native plants which in turn will better ensure salmon habitat within the riparian zone of the Big Soos Creek location by further increasing insect production, encouraging beaver dam analogs and eventually, if needed, providing in-stream wood which will improve rearing opportunities for salmon success. During scheduled volunteer events at the proposed site, verbal education and community outreach will be conducted regarding the importance of salmon, the Southern Resident killer whale population, cultural significance, environment/ ecosystem, and how it’s all intertwined. Educational materials to further assist with invasive and native plant identification, ongoing stewardship of the environment, inclusivity, and social justice will be provided.

Green River Coalition received $64,694

The Live Staking Green and Duwamish River Project will use watercraft for shore access, a series of river trips will be made in transporting live-stake willows/dogwoods/spirea to access difficult slopes on the main stem of the Lower Green River and Duwamish River. Commercially purchased stakes and some harvested stakes will be transported and planted in dense configurations with the purpose of improving habitat, binding exposed soils, and supplanting invasive growth.  Other benefits in the long term include overall increasing water body shade and armoring soft-slopes.

Green River Coalition received $47,146

The Lower Green Riparian Restoration at Fort Dent & 57th Avenue Mini Park Project is a Fort Dent restoration site, which will have 1.44 acres of restoration completed and new expansion zones of 1.5 acres will connect King County restoration site (CWM-2021) and future King County revetment repair work at river mile 11.2. Riparian area will be enhanced with weed removal and plantings. These sites will receive a rich layer of sheet mulch and mixed conifer/deciduous tree plantings on a former lawn area, trail side as appropriate, and along the riparian corridor. Additional areas will be expanded near the pedestrian bridge near the Black River confluence. The 57^th Avenue Mini Park restoration will occur on a riverbank by clearing and grubbing 140’lf from the southwest corner.  Restoration will address the exposed heavily-used riverbanks with mulch applications, willow and aquatic grass plantings. This Mini park will also have mulching and enhancement of a mid-canopy collection of pines and spruces where shoreline gaps can be filled. 

Green River Coalition received $39,983

The Lower Green River Riparian Revegetation Phase VI: Maintenance Project will focus on Lower Green River main stem sites from Phases 4 and 5 (rm 8-14): maintenance of installed sites with a focus on Bicentennial Park, Riverbend N, Minkler and the Prologis site at 48th Avenue S. (2.75 acres).

Maintenance will be done by professionals and Paid Job Training crews. Each site is part of a phased approach; invasive conditions vary at each site, so Phase VI continues to advance unattained goals of Phase V based on the density of weed inputs, invasive plants, beaver herbivory & unforeseen access issues such as camping. Work by professional and trainee crews will remove invasive plants and replace plant losses with native four-season shade trees and a diverse riparian tree and shrub layer.

City of Kent, Public Works received $18,630

The Three Friends Fishing Hole Park Riparian Maintenance Project will provide maintenance for a one-acre area covering 650 linear feet of riparian area along the mainstem Green River at Three Friends Fishing Hole Park in Kent, WA (RM 17).  This work would remove understory/edge invasives that decrease habitat value, threaten establishment of healthy canopy trees, and/or are listed King County Noxious Weeds. Also host volunteer events on site to plant native understory and herbaceous plants, and interplant trees if existing stem density warrants. Grant funds will be exclusively used for invasives removal, vegetation management, planting, and plant establishment maintenance.

Seattle Aquarium received $37,500

The Beach Naturalist program engages WRIA 9 audiences in free, drop-in, hands-on learning designed to instill a sense of place, foster appreciation of our beaches and the natural and human communities that these vital habitats support and encourage conservation actions that benefit salmon and watershed health. With 250 active volunteers and 25 staff engaged on 11 King County beaches (eight in WRIA 9) for 20+ low tide days, the Beach Naturalist program will make 60,000+ contacts with beach audiences each year. We will continue to collaborate with the Aquarium’s Connections Team to provide opportunities for community partners to join us at the beach with additional support and resources. Through multiple opportunities for engagement with the Beach Naturalist program, WRIA 9 audiences will learn about the intertidal world, the salmon that use the nearshore, the forage fish on which they depend, and actions to improve water quality, protect and restore habitat and support salmon recovery. 

Vashon Nature Center received $32,000

The BeachNET: Engaging Communities for a Healthy Puget Sound Project will continue to strengthen and deepen community science and education programs on Vashon Island. BeachNET (Beach Nearshore Ecology Team) engages more than 150 adults and families on Vashon Island in helping to monitor shoreline restoration projects, salmon and trout use, and natural kelp bed ecology and extent along the shores of Vashon Island. We have well established hands-on science units in all three public schools where we take students out into the field to learn about marine biology, watershed health, and salmon. We have also started to work with Maury Island Aquatic Reserve and off island partners to bring youth from more urban parts of King County to the island to do community science and learn about healthy beaches and watersheds for salmon.  New funding will expand on existing programs, include more information on climate change, and offer career-based learning opportunities in a summer internship program.

Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA) received $29,998

The Delridge Greenspace Restoration and Education will be implemented by the DNDA, which has been leading 3rd – 5th grade students in environmental education lessons at the Delridge Wetland Park since 2016. In November of 2023, DNDA completed our seven-year long project of restoring the wetland and constructing an outdoor classroom. The site serves as an example of community effort in restoration and provides the opportunity for students and others in our neighborhood to engage in systems-based learning that fosters a stronger connection to our urban wetlands and creeks. DNDA will develop age-appropriate curriculum on topics such as watersheds (what they are and how they work), ecosystem functions, local flora and fauna, and the impacts of stormwater on delicate ecosystems. DNDA will also continue to lead volunteer events for the public that feature environmental education and horticultural demonstrations. DNDA also plans to once again lead an Environmental Justice Summer Youth Program that serves youth from underrepresented communities by creating paid internships for high school-aged youth from Delridge’s High Point community.

Environmental Science Center received $50,000

The Environmental Heroes: Improving Watershed Health and Salmon Habitat Through Education and Outreach Project will reach over 3,200 youth annually in grades K-8 with multi-part lessons designed to get students outside at a spawning salmon stream or a low-tide beach. A related annual teacher workshop series for 20-25 teachers will help enhance teacher participation in the Salmon Heroes program, increase their comfort in taking students outdoors, and assist with their student-led environmental action projects on school campuses. These school-based programs are designed to help connect students with their local salmon stream or nearshore habitat to develop a sense of place, understand key habitat features of each, and promote stewardship actions students can take to help protect and restore these habitats.

Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group received $23,549

The Green Duwamish Student Stewards Project will engage South King County middle and high school students and teachers in hands-on education and habitat restoration. GDSS invites students to investigate their watershed through a series of activities that foster understanding of ecosystem health, complex and competing land use practices, habitat restoration at multiple scales, and the impact of their stewardship. The program grows a network of schools that are adopting places in their local watersheds and advocating for change in their communities. GDSS participants are empowered to become actors and influencers in their friend and family groups, inspiring others to join them in the work needed to heal local watersheds. This project will expand GDSS to 3 additional South King County schools.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust received $18,698

The Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS-Highline) Project is a career-connected internship program run in partnership with Highline School District and Pacific Education Institute.  YESS-Highline fulfills a key component of the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan by engaging watershed-local students in education, job training, and salmon-friendly stewardship. Over six summer weeks, YESS-Highline equips up to 16 teens with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue green careers while earning a stipend and school credit. Through a combination of classroom- and field-based days, they meet conservation professionals, perform ecological restoration, discuss equity and social justice, and experience designing a project proposal. The students are mostly 15-18-year old youth of color who represent diverse and under-resourced communities. We center equitable hiring practices to help ensure that we serve teens farthest from justice, including those who may not otherwise have access to green jobs due to historic inequities.

Nature Vision received $19,494

The Youth Watershed Education, Stewardship, and Community Science Project will include up to 150 students from low-income and diverse schools within the Green/Duwamish Watershed, who will participate in Nature Vision’s educational programming, including restoration field trips and community science projects. Six classes of 3rd-12th grade students will become “Blue Teams” by completing an education-based action project and participating in data collection that aims to improve salmon habitat and water quality. An additional 250 students from 10 classes will participate in identical programming within the Green/Duwamish River Watershed with other matching funds. Nature Vision works with each class to create engaging curriculum adapted to their grade level, interest, and learning standards. Our program connects salmon conservation to basic hydrology, watershed science, water quality, and riparian ecosystem biodiversity.

WRIA 10

Payallup Tribe of Indians received $280,081

The White River Juvenile Assessment Project will monitor the outmigration of juvenile salmon, during late winter and spring of 2026, on the White River to estimate abundance, run timing and other biological characteristics of ESA listed salmon species (Chinook and Steelhead).

Sound Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group received $295,867

The Greenwater River Restoration RM 4.5 to 5.0 Project builds upon previously funded work (Greenwater River Restoration RM 3.8 to 4.8) to expand the project footprint upstream to river mile 5.0 to remove additional mainstem and spur roads and three culverts that are occupying and limiting active floodplain channels and migration zones.