Nearshore Subarea
Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed
Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8

The Nearshore Subarea includes approximately 24 miles of shoreline that have been heavily impacted by human activities. One of the most imposing obstacles to restoring natural processes along the shoreline is the railroad grade that runs for most of its length. While the changes that have occurred in the nearshore/estuary have been well documented, their effects on salmon growth and survival are not well understood.

The nearshore/estuary environment is used by both adult and juvenile salmon of all species, particularly chinook and chum. Factors contributing to the decline of salmon habitat in this subarea include the loss of migratory and rearing habitat, loss of riparian function, and poor water quality and sedimentation.

The Nearshore Subarea includes these local jurisdictions:

• Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project - Nancy Malmgren, CWCAP, (206) 363-4116
• Puget Sound Nearshore Project - A joint effort involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers