WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat
Protection and Restoration News
Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed
From Your WRIA 9 Watershed Coordination Services Team
Previous E-newsletters are archived at the Water Resource Inventory Area 9
Salmon Habitat website: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/participant.html#Misc
April 29, 2004
Topics in this newsletter include:
 Salmon and Water in the Watershed
 Status Report: Strategic Assessment
 Status Report: Habitat Plan
 Show Me the Money - money obtained for the watershed
 Give Me the Money - money available for watershed projects
 Science News
 Restoration Planning and Design
 Near-Term Action Agenda Implementation Progress Report - chronicles action
in 2003
 Protecting Habitat for Today and Tomorrow
 Moving Dirt, Planting Trees
 Moving Dirt, Planting Trees, Tapping Volunteer Energy
 Volunteer Yourself!
 Educating and Outreaching
 Calendar of Upcoming Planning Events
Salmon and Water in the Watershed
Water Outlook and Howard Hanson Dam Operations
With the unusually warm and dry weather that has characterized much of the spring, the peak snowpack
melt in the Upper Green occurred by mid-April in contrast to its typical early May peak. This has
shifted forward the normal spring refill of the Howard Hanson Pool. At this time, the Army Corps of
Engineers expects to bring the pool level to its regular maximum level of 1,141 feet.
Status Report: Strategic Assessment
Technical staff have been busy completing and managing several key deliverables that will comprise the
Strategic Assessment. The Strategic Assessment will consist of multiple reports that address key
data gaps on salmonid population conditions and habitat. The final report will be a condensed
synthesis of these reports.
Since the start of the year, final reports issued include:
 Lower Green River Baseline Habitat Survey (also geographic information system [GIS] data)
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/LowerGreenBaseline.htm
 Marine Shoreline Inventory (also GIS data created through aerial photo interpretation)
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/ShorelineInventory.htm
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
Functional Linkages Report (exploring how changes in habitat translate into changes in viable
salmonid populations) http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/FunctionalLinkages.htm
All available reports are listed at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/StratAssess.htm
Draft reports nearing completion include:
 Salmonid Research Framework and Conceptual Model;
 Juvenile Salmonid Survival Studies (2001-2003);
 Upper Green Historical and Current Conditions;
 Green-Duwamish Water Temperature Conditions;
 Green-Duwamish Water Quality Data Report (2001-2002); and
 Nearshore Beach Seining Study.
Several other reports and analyses still being worked on include:
 Habitat Change Analysis;
 Historical and Current Viable Salmonid Population Conditions;
 Mill Creek Dissolved Oxygen Study; and
 Necessary Future Conditions.
Together, these reports represent a massive coordinated effort to understand the key habitat
problems facing salmonid populations in WRIA 9. Combined with previous reports and research
(WRIA 9 Reconnaissance Assessment, State of the Nearshore Report, etc.), this research will provide a
firm foundation for recommendations that will go into the WRIA 9 Habitat Plan.
A step toward translating the science into policy (policy synthesis) occurred on April 1 when a workshop
was held on functional linkages. Functional linkages are the qualitative and quantitative relationships
between habitat quantity and quality and the four parameters of viable salmonid populations (abundance,
productivity, diversity, and distribution). In other words, functional linkages help us say how much
healthier our salmon populations will be as a result of habitat improvements.
The workshop included information on conservation hypotheses developed by the technical team.
Conservation hypotheses are statements about how changes in habitat affect the overall health of
salmon. These hypotheses were reviewed and assessed for completeness. A workshop during the
week of May 17 will review the more detailed hypotheses and use them to develop strategies for
geographic subareas. All are welcome to attend the May workshop; contact Elaine Kleckner,
elaine.kleckner@metrokc.gov, 206-296-8013, for more information.
Status Report: Habitat Plan
WRIA 9 has developed a proactive approach to involving regional scientists and Shared Strategy at
strategic milestones in the development of the Habitat Plan. William Ruckelshaus, Chair of the State
Salmon Recovery Funding Board and member of the Shared Strategy Development Committee attended
the September 2003 Steering Committee meeting to hear about the WRIA 9 approach and encouraged
the WRIA to carry on. "WRIA 9 is doing exactly what watersheds should be doing," said Chair
Ruckelshaus. The Technical Committee has held one of two proposed functional linkages workshops
(see "Status Report: Strategic Assessment" above) that regional scientists, Shared Strategy and NOAA
Fisheries Technical Recovery Team members have been encouraged to attend. Shared Strategy staff
also met with the WRIA 9 Management Committee to discuss funding and support for watersheds.
The Strategic Assessment provides the scientific basis for the Habitat Plan and WRIA 9 committees have
had briefings on the emerging science in recent months. This will enable the Planning Work Group and
the Steering Committee to translate science into action as part of the Policy Synthesis phase of the
habitat planning process. With the Strategic Assessment draft scheduled for completion by June of 2004,
a WRIA 9 science symposium is tentatively planned for September of 2004.
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Work on Policy Synthesis tasks of the Work Plan continues with the following accomplishments in the
last two quarters:

Analysis of already-existing programs, initiatives and projects
Status: Summaries of activities by jurisdictions and large-scale resource management programs
have been completed. Existing projects have been mapped using an interactive relational
database tool (iMap: http://www.metrokc.gov/gis/mapportal/iMAP_main.htm). The database tool
also helps support near-term project implementation. The next step is to highlight the nexus with
the Habitat Plan and identify management gaps along with cooperative management
opportunities in the form of a summary matrix.

Land use and human impacts analyses to aid in siting new projects
Status: Several land use and projected growth analyses have been completed using GIS. The
data layers will eventually be analyzed in concert with Strategic Assessment results that identify
fish aggregation areas, currently functioning habitat, and areas with habitat potential. The
Planning Work Group will review the final land use analyses in May.

Economic analysis
Status: Both the Steering Committee and Forum have recently heard presentations on the
potential application of ecological economics in WRIA 9. Ecological economics could provide an
innovative and holistic approach to valuation of watershed services and the comparison of Habitat
Plan alternatives. Staff has developed a detailed scope of work, which the Steering Committee
approved in early 2004. A request for qualifications was issued and the submittals are now being
evaluated so that work can begin in May.

Legal analysis
Status: Legal issues related to salmon habitat planning include federal assurances, implications
of different implementation options, binding or non-binding nature of the Habitat Plan, applicability
of the State Environmental Policy Act, and the relationship of the plan to other policies and
regulations. Detailed scoping of this analysis will occur in the next several months.

Subarea Assessment - Strategies
Status: This task involves developing and mapping technically-based strategies for subareas and
reaches in the watershed, using Strategic Assessment findings. The Planning Work Group and
Technical Committee are now refining the scope and work will commence in May.

Opportunities and constraints analysis
Status: The opportunities and constraints analysis is a spatial analysis using geographic
information systems (GIS) that will relate science-based actions and projects proposed by the
Technical Committee to existing projects, development patterns and land ownership. Technical
Committee and Planning Work Group members will be working together in the near future to
refine the methodology for this pivotal activity.
The Planning Work Group was officially relaunched for 2004 on April 28. The Planning Work Group
supports the Steering Committee by developing draft ideas and clarifying choices for the Steering
Committee. Mayor Mullet, the Forum Chair, provided members with a letter of appreciation for their
commitment and important contribution to WRIA 9 planning. Doug Osterman, Watershed Coordinator,
provided a report on regional initiatives and other elements of the WRIA 9 work program. The group
reviewed a report on parallel processes that can inform habitat planning, the scope of work for developing
Subarea Strategies, and provided input on key questions for the public as Public Involvement Plan
implementation continues.
For more information on the Habitat Plan, contact Elaine Kleckner, Conservation Plan Manager,
elaine.kleckner@metrokc.gov, 206-296-8013.
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Show Me the Money!
WRIA 9 partners continue to obtain financial assistance to carry out actions to protect and restore salmon
habitat:
Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project Receives $500,000 in New Construction Start
Late last year, Congress approved $500,000 in Construction New Start money to begin implementing
the Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project. This step allows work to begin on two projects in
2004:
 North Wind’s Weir (formerly known as Site 1) in Northern Tukwila, where a 2-acre off-channel
slough/wetland will be constructed to provide rearing and transition habitat for salmonid smolts
 Meridian Valley Creek realignment and restoration in Kent to improve fish access
To celebrate, about 60 people from across the watershed met at the Tukwila Community Center on
February 19 to acknowledge the important role of the Congressional delegation in obtaining this
appropriation. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Norm Dicks (represented by District
Director Tom Luce) were applauded for their pivotal roles.
In addition to allowing construction to begin, the Construction New Start should make it easier to obtain
future federal contributions to implementation than would otherwise be the case.
Additional financial support came earlier this month when the King Conservation District awarded a
grant of $177,000 as approved by the WRIA 9 Forum. The amount will be split between King County
and the City of Kent to pay the costs of advanced planning, which is necessary to begin construction in
2004.
Learn more about the Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project at:
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/ERP.htm
Normandy Park Community Club Receives $50,000 from Community Salmon Fund
The Normandy Park Community Club received $50,000 earlier this year from the Community Salmon
Fund. The money will allow the Club’s many volunteers to restore the lower reaches of Miller/Walker
Creeks in Normandy Park. The Community Salmon Fund is a partnership that receives funding from King
County and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Give Me the Money!
Fifth Round Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) 5th Round Funding Cycle: Proposals Due
May 10
At its January and March 2004 meetings, the WRIA 9 Steering Committee finalized the approach the
watershed will take in soliciting, reviewing, and prioritizing projects for funding by the state Salmon
Recovery Funding Board (SRFB).
Interested governments and non-governmental groups must submit applications by May 10. Based on
contacts to date with potential proposers, staff expect the submission of five projects this year.
To date, WRIA 9 has received a total of $5.7 million for ten habitat acquisition, restoration, and
assessment projects.
Late in the 2004 session of the Washington Legislature, a proposed restriction on SRFB dollars to
restoration projects was eliminated. This means that $26 million is available statewide for projects
regardless of type (restoration, acquisition, and assessment). Calls and letters from WRIA 9 partners
contributed to the removal of this restriction, which would have harmed efforts in a watershed where
both restoration and acquisition have a place.
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Detailed information, including a matrix showing strategic priorities for this round of funding, is available
at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/funding.htm#srfb
King County Grant Exchange Grants: Proposals due July 1 (for grants over $2,000)
King County’s Grant Exchange program is seeking applications for:
 Watershed protection;
 Habitat restoration;
 Reforestation;
 Salmon conservation;
 Natural resource stewardship; and
 Related education efforts.
Last year, 53 community groups, schools, and other non-profit organizations received $827,964 for
innovative projects.
Grants are available for volunteer groups, schools, tribes, community neighborhood groups, non-profit
corporations, or local governments in King County. For help in identifying the most suitable fund for your
project, call Ken Pritchard, Grant Exchange coordinator at 206-296-8265
Learn all about the grant opportunities at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/grants.htm
Science News
Nearshore Subwatershed Stream Survey Shows Wider Fish Presence Than Previously Known
A survey released in March 2004 has shown fish are present in many more streams in the WRIA 9
Nearshore Subwatershed than previously known. The survey indicates that most streams were
incorrectly categorized in the past. In addition, several "lost" streams were found. Regulations
protecting these streams may consequently not be adequately protecting the resources of these streams.
The survey was completed by Washington Trout under contract to WRIA 9 and funded by a grant from
the King Conservation District.
The survey results are presented on the web interactively, allowing the viewer to zero in on streams of
particular interest and toggle on or off particular attributes. The site includes many photos that illustrate
the condition of the streams, show fish passage barriers, and show fish found in the streams.
See the website: http://www.washingtontrout.org/kcpuget/index.shtml
Intensive Investigation Into Cause of Coho Pre-Spawn Mortality Continues
In the fall of 2003, NOAA Fisheries Northwest Science Center, US Geological Survey, US Fish and
Wildlife, Seattle Public Utilities, King County, and Washington Trout worked together to investigate a high
rate of pre-spawn mortality in coho salmon in urban Puget Sound streams.
Since 1999, spawning surveys in several urban creeks around the Puget Sound region have revealed a
pre-spawn mortality rate of between 20-90% in coho. NOAA Fisheries NW Science Center has been
involved in the study since 2000 and is now the lead for the investigation.
Due to a reliable run of 160-300 coho yearly, documented incidence of coho pre-spawn mortality, easy
public access, and proximity, Longfellow Creek in West Seattle (part of WRIA 9) was chosen by
NOAA Fisheries as the focal point for intensive investigation. The study focused on finding possible
causes using a multi-tiered approach:
 Live juveniles exposed to filtered and unfiltered creek water;
 Tissue sampling of affected fish; and
 Conventional/storm water quality monitoring.
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The focus of the caged fish portion of the study was to track juvenile coho mortality in fish exposed to
filtered and unfiltered creek water during the fall spawning season. (During storm events, turbidity causes
low visibility in the creek, and the status of the adult spawners cannot always be observed. Keeping the
juvenile coho in aquaria on the creek solves this problem.) The results of the juvenile coho portion of
the study were somewhat surprising -- while adult mortality was approximately 60% in Longfellow
Creek in 2003, there was no mortality at all in the aquarium juveniles.
Tissue samples of sacrificed symptomatic (convulsing or gaping) and freshly-dead unspawned fish were
also collected and analyzed for any evidence of disease, as well as for biomarkers of pollutants. The
results of that analysis are still pending.
Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were continuously monitored in Longfellow and Des
Moines Creek (another affected creek also in WRIA 9). Water quality samples were taken in both creeks
during storms in the spawning season. The water quality samples were analyzed for the presence of
metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in quantities sufficient to kill fish. The conventional water
quality information showed that temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were well within
acceptable limits for adult coho. The water quality sampling results for the two creeks showed no
"smoking gun" - that is, no one contaminant in sufficient quantity to kill fish.
The investigation is planned to continue during the 2004 spawning season.
2003 Green River Japanese Knotweed Surveys
Last year, the King County Noxious Weed Control Program conducted surveys for the highly-invasive
Japanese knotweed in Kent and on Washington State Parks properties from Flaming Geyser State Park
to SR-169. The intent of the surveys was to obtain more detailed distribution information, expanding
upon a previous baseline knotweed survey conducted in 2001. These surveys are an important step
towards developing a complete picture of how knotweed is impacting habitat along the Green/Duwamish
River.
In the Kent area, surveys were conducted by canoe between RM 8 and 10.2 and in addition to Japanese
knotweed other noxious weeds were observed including giant knotweed, purple loosestrife, and tansy
ragwort. Roughly five miles of streamside surveys were conducted on foot through O’ Grady Park,
Flaming Geyser State Park, the Black Diamond Bridge site, and Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. These
parks comprise the largest nearly contiguous corridor of open space along the river. The findings from
the surveys demonstrate the presence of knotweed decreases the further away from human use and
development. Non-disturbed native stands of vegetation along the riverbanks in open space areas
appear to be the least susceptible to knotweed invasion.
The information collected from these surveys will support management activities as part of a
Cooperative Weed Management Plan for noxious weeds along the Green/Duwamish River that was
proposed in September 2003. There are an estimated 117 acres of Japanese knotweed at the sites in
WRIA 9 that were surveyed in 2001 and 2003.
This information complements riparian vegetation surveys completed as part of the WRIA 9 Lower Green
River Baseline Habitat Survey (see “Status Report: Strategic Assessment” above).
Fauntleroy Cove Student Researchers Document Pet Waste
For more than a decade, residents around Fauntleroy Cove in West Seattle have endured "the stench" as
a fact of life in warm weather. Fueled by excess nutrients in the water, seaweed grows in huge mats,
depleting dissolved oxygen and emitting waves of noxious hydrogen sulfide gas as it decomposes. The
only temporary remedy for the neighborhood has been periodic haulout of seaweed.
When state researchers diagnosed the problem years ago, they assumed that pet waste left near
tributaries to Fauntleroy Creek was a major contributor to fecal coliform and other nutrients in the cove.
Until recently, though, no one had taken a serious look at the assumption that pet waste mattered.
Page 6 of 12
Last spring, the Washington Foundation for the Environment funded a pioneering student study of pet
waste in Fauntleroy Park, where the creek originates. With help from the Washington State Department
of Ecology, a simple protocol was devised to count deposits of fecal matter along a section of popular
dog-walking trail. Teams of sharp-eyed students from Kapka Cooperative Primary School (K-2) have
been doing this "poop survey" every two months and tracking their findings on a large map at school.
In addition to prevalence of waste, the study is testing the effect of two possible ways to improve dogowner behavior. Students collected plastic bags and milk jugs to create "put and take" bag dispensers at
each park entrance and they're currently assisting with a public-information campaign. This baseline
study will conclude in May with presentations to the Fauntleroy watershed council, parents, and agency
staff.
Restoration/Protection Planning and Design
Miller/Walker/Salmon Creek Basin Plan
WRIA 9 watershed planning is complemented by more focused efforts at the basin level in some parts of
the watershed (see also the Vashon-Maury Rapid Rural Reconnaissance below).
One place where this is occurring is in the Miller/Walker and Salmon Creek basins in the Nearshore
Subwatershed. The Cities of Burien, SeaTac, and Normandy Park; and the Port of Seattle, Washington
State Department of Transportation, and King County are working in partnership to develop a basin plan
for the area. The basin plan will include cost-effective solutions to surface water, drainage, erosion,
and aquatic habitat problems in the basins.
A second round of public meetings on the basins was held in March and were attended by about 50
citizens. The next step in the project is to prepare a draft basin plan for public review. If finalized and
implemented, the basin plan will improve habitat conditions both in freshwater streams and in the marine
waters of the nearshore.
The headwater wetland for Walker Creek is being targeted as an important wetland that should be
preserved. Approximately 21 acres may be being acquired utilizing Conservation Futures Funds and
other funding sources. The Cities of Burien and Normandy Park are cooperating with King County on the
possible purchase.
For more information, visit the website: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/watersheds/puget/millersalmon/index.htm or contact Bruce Bennett, King County, 206-296-1952.
Vashon-Maury Rapid Rural Reconnaissance Completed
A Rapid Rural Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Reconnaissance report was completed for VashonMaury Island in February 2004.
In order to gain a better understanding of surface water drainage problem needs, streams, and
habitat issues on Vashon-Maury Island, the King County Council authorized, in 2001, the accelerated
development of a drainage plan for the island. The report provides a general overview of the existing
stream and basin conditions and problems related to surface water and identifies high priority capital
improvement needs and opportunities. The report presents capital action items for existing and future
drainage infrastructure needs in a way that identifies how to reduce road and property flooding, protect
and enhance aquatic habitat, and reduce stormwater pollution.
Based on this analysis, 36 action items were identified on Vashon-Maury Island. These action items
consist of CIPs, acquisitions, studies, and programs to be rolled into the proposed 6-year CIP list for the
rural area beginning in the 2004 budget process. These projects have been ranked and evaluated for
their urgency, effectiveness, feasibility, and benefit to the community. A public meeting was conducted
on Vashon to receive public comments on the report and allow Islanders to rank proposed projects.
Implementation of highest ranked projects has begun.
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For more information, contact Nathan Brown, King County, (206) 263-6181.
Lower Green River Corridor Assessment
In November 2003, the Lower Green River Corridor Assessment was completed. It identified, assessed,
and prioritized lands near the Lower Green River that have the potential to provide important ecological
and open space functions and values if preserved. The report was the product of cooperation between
King County and the cities of Auburn, Kent, and Renton. Information from this report may support
recommendations for habitat protection in the WRIA 9 Habitat Plan now under development.
For more information, contact Josh Kahan, King County, (206) 296-8052.
Near-Term Action Agenda Implementation Progress Report
Completed: Chronicles Action in 2003
In March, the second annual progress report was completed for the watershed. Intended to document
progress made in implementing the recommendations of the 2002 Near-Term Action Agenda for Salmon
Habitat Conservation, the scope of the progress report was expanded to include all actions benefiting
salmon in 2003.
The report:
 Records progress toward a healthier watershed for fish and people;
 Serves as a resource for people looking for others who have done or are doing similar things; and
 Encourages accountability even though implementation of the NTAA is voluntary.
The report includes information on actions by:
 16 local governments
 9 other governments/agencies
 18 non-profit/volunteer groups
The report runs to 62 pages and includes brief information on each action taken.
Groups and governments interested in starting new initiatives to help salmon habitat or water quality
should check out the progress report to find others who can provide “lessons learned” or opportunities for
cooperation.
The report is on line at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/NTAA-progress-report-2003.pdf
Protecting Habitat for Today and Tomorrow
Sawmill Creek Initial Preservation in the Upper Green: 300 acres
In March, a $2 million purchase of 300 acres on Sawmill Creek in the Upper Green was announced by
the Cascades Conservation Partnership. The Partnership raised $1.65 million in private donations and
Tacoma Public Utilities contributed $350,000 to the effort to purchase Sawmill. The Cascade Land
Conservancy will hold a conservation easement for the parcel, which was purchased from Plum Creek
Timber.
The two other sections of Sawmill, the Middle and Sawmill South also will be saved from logging and a
road for another year thanks to an extension by Plum Creek. This will give the Cascades Conservation
Partnership more time to seek funds from Congress to acquire them.
The health of Upper Green tributaries such as Sawmill Creek will be increasingly important as the 2007
date for fish passage to the Upper Green draws closer.
More information on the Sawmill Creek effort is available at:
http://www.ecosystem.org/tccp/articles/sawmill_032204.html
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Judd Creek Preservation on Vashon Island: 30 acres
In March, King County and the Vashon/Maury Land Trust acquired 30 additional acres of the important
Judd Creek headwater wetland complex on Vashon Island. The Judd Creek headwater wetlands are 85
acres of the 400 acre Island Center forest. The forest is managed for multiple objectives including
groundwater recharge, salmonid conservation, water quantity and quality, habitat diversity, passive
recreation, and forest health. Additional acquisitions and conservation easements are targeted in 2005
and 2006 to complete conservation of this important forest area in the headwaters of Judd Creek, which
is the largest stream basin on Vashon Island and home to coho and cutthroat.
Cedar Creek Park in the Soos Creek Basin: 27 acres
Earlier this year, the City of Covington purchased 27 acres next to Cedar Creek Park on the north side of
the city. The park includes the headwaters of Jenkins Creek, which is a tributary to Soos Creek in the
Middle Green River Subwatershed. Adjacent to the existing King County park, the new city park will
protect older second growth trees and wildlife habitat corridors. A conservation futures grant provided
$350,000 and the City contributed an additional $300,000. Primary uses will be trails with minimal
development.
Middle Green River Uplands Protected: 640 acres
In March, the Trust for Public Lands announced the protection of 640 acres in the northeastern portion of
the Middle Green River Subwatershed. These lands were slated for residential development but will
instead provide a connection between City of Seattle Cedar River Watershed lands and Washington
State Department of Natural Resources lands.
This acquisition is part of the Cascade Foothills Initiative, a collaboration between the Trust for Public
Land, Cascade Land Conservancy, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and King,
Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. The initiative aims to protect 600,000 acres of forested land across the
western foothills in the three counties.
While not adjacent to the Green or its major tributaries, the continuation of these lands in forestry will help
protect existing water quality.
Moving Dirt, Planting Trees
Levee Repair Projects Completed in 2003 Improve Fish Habitat
The Green River Flood Control Zone District completed two levee repair projects in 2003, one at the
Segale Levee in Tukwila and one at the Narita Levee in Kent. Both projects included in-stream
placement of large woody debris and native vegetation bank plantings for habitat restoration in the
affected reaches.
At Narita levee in Kent, the habitat elements of this levee repair included:
 Instream placement of 53 pieces of coniferous large woody debris (LWD) as cover and velocity
shelter for migrating juvenile and adult fish;
 Placement of 6 logs with rootwads anchored in the bench to provide mini-velocity refugia for
salmonids during floods; and
 Installation of live willow and red-osier dogwood brush layers within disturbed portions of the lower
bank slopes.
The Segale Levee Toe Repair Project in Tukwila included a log boom that serves as a series of flow
deflectors and LWD habitat structures along the full length of the repair site. Slopes above the ordinary
high water mark were reconstructed with several lifts of additional willow planting layers, using the willow
cuttings obtained from initial trimming at the site, together with plantings of a variety of native shrub
species. Plantings were limited to shrubs because the Corps of Engineers prohibits growth of trees on
federally-authorized levee systems, and because easement limitations prohibited a setback of the levee
structure itself.
Page 9 of 12
Maury Island Nearshore Work
People for Puget Sound and Earth Corps conducted a bulkhead removal and nearshore restoration
project on the Pat Collier property located on Maury Island. In 2003 and 2004, non-native plant species
were removed on site by Earth Corps Crews, replaced with native plants, and maintenance performed.
Funding was provided by King County. In 2004, pilings will be removed if additional funding can be
secured.
Moving Dirt, Planting Trees, Tapping Volunteer Energy
Miller/Walker Creek Work
Energetic volunteers at the Normandy Park Community Club have begun removing non-native weeds,
planting native plants, and installing large woody debris along the lower stretches of Miller/Walker Creeks.
The first volunteer project occurred on March 27 and another in honor of Earth Day took place April 24.
As an indication of the ingenuity and flexibility of volunteer groups, members found a neighbor with a
wind-blown 75 foot cedar. After reducing the length to 50 feet, they chained the tree to a truck and
dragged it a mile to the project site. For more information, contact Tony Cassarino, 206-246-9941.
Governor Locke Plants Trees at Hamm Creek
On April 20, Governor Gary Locke visited the Hamm Creek restoration project on the Duwamish. In
an event organized by People for Puget Sound, the governor signed his 2004 Earth Day Proclamation
and then joined middle school students in planting trees.
Other Projects
Other volunteer habitat projects that have occurred this spring include:
 Nursery maintenance multiple days - King Conservation District
 Des Moines Creek weeding/mulching on March 27 - neighbors
 Massey Creek weeding on April 14 - Mt. Rainier High School, WRIA 9, and City of Des Moines
 Whitney Bridge Park weeding on April 17 - King County
 Green River Natural Resources Area weeding/irrigation system on April 17 - City of Kent and People
for Puget Sound
 Duwamish Turning Basin weeding/goose excluder removal on April 24 - People for Puget Sound and
Port of Seattle
 Soos Creek Clean Up on April 24 - Friends of Soos Creek Park
 Newaukum Creek planting on April 24 - King Conservation District
Volunteer Yourself!
Get out there and get your hands dirty:
Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Green River Pipeline Levee Project, Tina Miller, 206-296-1909
Saturday, May 1 - Green River Litter Cleanup, Pat Sumption, 206-525-1708
Friday, May 7, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. - Garden of Goo Nursery Maintenance, Debbie Meisinger, 206-7643410 ext. 119
Friday, May 21, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. - Garden of Goo Nursery Maintenance, Debbie Meisinger, 206-7643410 ext. 119
On-going through early June: Big Spring Creek Smolt Trap Monitoring - Mark Stamey, 206-529-9467
Check http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/Volunteer.htm for future events and links to project sponsors.
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Educating and Outreaching
For the fifth year in a row, Covington Water District organized the annual Water Festival at Highline
Community College. On March 23-24, 1,800 students learned about ground water, surface water,
drinking water, and water for aquatic creatures from 70 presenters. WRIA 9 Public Outreach Coordinator
Dennis Clark introduced about 150 of the students to the watershed concept and why it matters.
The festival is paid for by contributions from the City of Auburn, City of Kent, Covington Water District,
Highline Water District, Soos Creek Water & Sewer District, and South King County Regional Water
Association.
Calendar of Upcoming Planning Events
Changes to meeting dates and times do occur. Check the WRIA 9 website for the most up-to-date
calendar information for all committees: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/Wrias/9/meetingschedule.htm
Friday, May 7, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Management Committee of the Forum at Tukwila City Hall (Team
contact: Doug Osterman, 206-296-8069, doug.osterman@metrokc.gov)
Wednesday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. - Noon: Ecosystem Restoration Project Management Committee in
Renton City Hall, Room 511 (Team contact: Linda Hanson, 206-296-8383, linda.hanson@metrokc.gov)
Thursday, May 13, 9:30 a.m.-Noon: Technical Committee at Pier 69, Port of Seattle HQ (Contact: Lorin
Reinelt, 206-296-1960, lorin.reinelt@metrokc.gov)
Thursday, May 13, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.: Steering Committee in Renton City Hall, Council Chambers (Team
contact: Doug Osterman, 206-296-8069, doug.osterman@metrokc.gov)
Week of May 17, Date/Time TBD: Functional Linkages Workshop (Team contact: Elaine Kleckner, 206296-8013, elaine.kleckner@metrokc.gov)
Wednesday, May 19, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Forum at Tukwila Community Center (Team contact: Doug
Osterman, 206-296-8069, doug.osterman@metrokc.gov)
Contact People
This contact list will help you find the right person to talk with about WRIA 9 planning and other activities.
Overall Watershed Coordination; WRIA 9 Steering Committee; WRIA 9 Forum
Doug Osterman, 206-296-8069, doug.osterman@metrokc.gov
Early Action Project Implementation including King Conservation District-funded projects
Linda Hanson, 206-296-8383, linda.hanson@metrokc.gov
Planning Work Group (Habitat Plan)
Elaine Kleckner, 206-296-8013, elaine.kleckner@metrokc.gov
Technical Coordination (Strategic Assessment)
Kathryn Gellenbeck, 206-263-6556, kathryn.gellenbeck@metrokc.gov
Technical Committee
Lorin Reinelt, 206-296-1960, lorin.reinelt@metrokc.gov
Public Outreach Work Group/Stewardship
Dennis Clark, 206-296-1909, dennis.clark@metrokc.gov
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Green River Flood Control Zone District; Basin Technical Committee; Basin Executive Committee
Steve Bleifuhs, 206-296-8011, steve.bleifuhs@metrokc.gov
Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Program
Noel Gilbrough, 206-764-3652, Noel.l.Gilbrough@usace.army.mil
Linda Hanson, 206-296-8383, Linda.Hanson@metrokc.gov
Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project - Steering Committee
Doug Osterman, 206-296-8069, doug.osterman@metrokc.gov
Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project - Nearshore Science Team
Jim Brennan, 206-296-8341, jim.brennan@metrokc.gov
Stewardship Activities
Tom Beavers (Enumclaw plateau), 206-205-5620, tom.beavers@metrokc.gov
Josh Kahan (Green River), 206-296-8052, josh.kahan@metrokc.gov
Ray Heller (Vashon/Maury Islands), 206-296-8391, ray.heller@metrokc.gov
Bob Spencer (Seattle streams), 206-684-4163, bob.spencer@ci.seattle.wa.us
Don Robinett (Federal Way), 253-661-4129, donaldr@ci.federal-way.wa.us
Water Quality
Lorin Reinelt, 206-296-1960, lorin.reinelt@metrokc.gov
Lead Entity Coordinator and Project Selection and Evaluation Committee (Salmon Recovery Funding
Board)
Jennifer Rice, 206-296-8302, jennifer.rice@metrokc.gov
New Topics/Corrections/Distribution
Items for the next newsletter, corrections, and suggestions are all encouraged. Send to Dennis Clark,
206-296-1909, dennis.clark@metrokc.gov.
Was this forwarded to you? Get on our distribution list directly by e-mailing: dennis.clark@metrokc.gov.
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