October 4, 2002 News Release Salmon, salmon-watchers expected to return en masse to Cedar River Prospects for seeing bright red sockeye salmon, and even a few massive chinook, as they return to spawn are excellent on the Cedar River this fall. And thanks to a program titled the Cedar River Salmon Journey, prospects are also outstanding for learning about the natural history of these magnificent creatures. Trained volunteers will be stationed at four different salmon-viewing locations on October 19, 26, 27 and November 2, 3, 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to tell visitors about the natural and human history of the river, the life cycle and habitat needs of the fish, and what everyone can do to ensure the return of the salmon. The four locations include the Renton Library, Riverview Park, Cavanaugh Pond and Landsburg Park (see directions below). Due to limited parking at each site, carpooling is strongly advised. "Seeing this amazing process happen before your eyes gives you a perspective you just don't get from reading about it or seeing it on television," says Polly Freeman, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. "It's like the difference between getting a postcard from the Grand Canyon versus going there and staring deep into the natural wonder. You feel differently." Despite generally declining salmon runs, and the listing of other salmon species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, sockeye salmon are expected to return in great numbers to the Cedar River for the second straight year. "Wild salmon production fluctuates from year to year, but has been consistently on the decline for many decades. So while it's thrilling to see the Cedar River sockeye return in such numbers, it doesn't mean we can let up in our efforts to protect salmon runs overall," said Freeman. The Cedar River Naturalist program is sponsored by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, The Seattle Aquarium, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle Public Utilities, and the City of Renton. If you can't make it out to the Cedar River, follow these tips to protect our water quality and help salmon thrive: Compost. Enrich your garden with compost in place of chemical fertilizers. Avoid pesticides. Instead of pesticides use native plants, rotate your crops and learn to use "friendly" insects that naturally control harmful bugs. Conserve water. Water the yard infrequently but deeply and conserve water in your home. Use a car wash. Don't wash your car in the drive way or on the street. Take it to a car wash where water is treated and recycled. Control oil. Fix engine oil leaks and recycle oil rather than throwing it out. Scoop poop. Dispose of pet waste properly and fence larger animals away from streams. Don't get hosed. Use a broom instead of a hose to remove dirt from sidewalks and driveways, which both protects and saves water. Plant a tree. Plants and trees help control and slow water runoff. For more information about the Cedar River Salmon Journey, call (206) 205-3888. Information is also available on-line at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/cedar-river-journey.htm. Related Information Cedar River - Lake Washington Watershed Page The Dirt: DNR's Volunteer Calendar King County Volunteer Page Water and Land Resources Division News Releases

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