| October 14, 2003
News Release Hicks Lake is too urbanized to be restored to a naturally functioning lake, but nearly 100 students from nearby Cascade Middle School are working to make sure the lake becomes a pleasant place for the White Center community, and for wildlife, to enjoy. With eight drain pipes directing stormwater into Hicks Lake (also know as Lake Garrett) and no outlet to give nutrients a way to leave, this small White Center water body has been under siege from decades of pollution and abuse from nearby developments. However, that doesn't mean the water quality of the lake can't improve. That's why the White Center students are helping King County monitor the three-acre lake located in Lakewood Park. Cascade is the first school to participate in the county's Lake Stewardship Program, which enlists volunteers to measure the water quality of King County's small lakes. Information supplied by the students will be considered in management plans to improve water quality and the ecosystem integrity of the small lake. Hicks Lake hasn't been monitored in more than five years. "These students are providing a wonderful community service by becoming the eyes and ears of the Lake Stewardship Program, alerting staff to problems and interesting events on Hicks Lake," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Ultimately, this information will help us make Hicks Lake a more inviting place for the White Center community, and for wildlife." "What I really like about this program is that these students are provided a terrific environmental education opportunity, and they take ownership in preserving their community's water quality," Sims said. The state Department of Ecology has listed Hicks Lake under Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, which means its water quality falls short of state surface water quality standards due to pollution. "This project is a real life situation that we can take into the classroom," said Marci Stadiem, Cascade Middle School science teacher. "The data is real. The students are working with real scientists. And collecting the data will show the students progress and teach them valuable skills. In monitoring a lake that's right in their own backyard, I believe our students will feel ownership for their own environment." Along with the heavy nutrient loads in Hicks Lake, there are other problems. During large storms, water levels rise quickly and flood Lakewood Park and its parking lot. The current pumps, designed to move lake water into a nearby sewer systemhave not operated when they are most needed and are due to be replaced by a new system this fall. Invasive weeds, like blackberry, have choked out native plants in shoreline areas, reducing wildlife habitat. The students' work will enhance several ongoing projects to improve the lake and its shoreline. The King County Water and Land Division plans to move the pumphouse and double the capacity of the pipes to reduce flooding problems. King County Parks staff are working with Youth Corps in White Center to remove invasive weeds and plant native species in the park. Meanwhile, the students will collect physical data on a daily and weekly basis, including information on lake level, precipitation, secchi depth (clarity measurement), and temperature. They will be asked to count Canada geese, and make general observations about activities on and around the lake. "By collecting this information, we can better understand how Hicks Lake works and how best to preserve its quality," said King County water quality planner Beth Cullen, who trained the students in how to monitor the lake. "We are excited to have Cascade Middle School aboard." For more information about King County's Lake Stewardship Program, contact the Sally Abella at 206-296-8382 or visit the program Web site. Related Information
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