November 10, 2003
News Release
Lawmakers Examine Habitat Restoration Projects Projects highlight importance of regional partnerships
Three state lawmakers and King County Executive Ron Sims braved periodic downpours Monday, Nov. 10, to view migrating sockeye salmon at several newly preserved habitat restoration sites on the Cedar River. The tour, presented by King County and Seattle and hosted by Sims, highlighted projects funded through state and local collaboration to improve salmon survival in the Puget Sound region.
"Working collaboratively we have been able to restore salmon habitat along the Cedar River so that salmon can once again survive the journey so crucial to their survival," said Sims. "King County is proud to be part of this effort that has made our environment healthier for fish and people."
Collectively, the projects are responsible for protecting more than 180 acres along the Cedar River that is crucial to salmon habitat. An investment of $1.7 million from state and local sources was made possible such efforts as enlarging fish-spawnable areas, adding large woody debris and acquiring land for protection. These projects are only a handful of the many other projects that have been funded through local, state and federal partnerships.
Sims was joined by eleventh District representatives Velma Veloria and Zach Hudgins, 34th District representative Joe McDermott, and former King County Councilwoman Louise Miller to hear fisheries experts and community volunteers describe several innovative projects to protect and improve spawning habitat.
Several species of salmon live in the Cedar River watershed, some of which are listed under the Endangered Species Act or could be at risk in the future. The Cedar is also the source of drinking water for 1.3 million people in the greater Seattle area.
"This was a great opportunity to see finished projects and the work we still need to do," said Hudgins. "If we stay on this track, we will help improve the quality of life for fish and people."
The project toured include:
Wetland 79
This land provides important spawning, rearing and flood-refuge habitat for sockeye, coho, chinook, steelhead and cutthroat. The property is 6.6 acres with 3.5 acres of wetlands. The $705,750 project funded by King County and a state grant was responsible for removing a flood-damaged house and fill material, enlarging the fish-spawning area of the wetland, adding large woody debris (fallen trees), and adding native plants to the wetland and upland areas.
Rock Creek Ravensdale-Retreat
Rock Creek is the best remaining tributary habitat in the lower Cedar River. This project protected 135 acres and protects water quality and quantity, and cool temperatures that make Rock Creek good salmon habitat. The area also provides habitat for elk, bear and cougar. The $583,000 project funded by King County and a state grant builds on past efforts to protect Rock Creek.
BN Nose
The project includes an investment of $176,990 from County and state grants to protect 10 acres of forested property and .9 miles of river frontage directly across from the mouth of Rock Creek. King County protected an additional 14.6 acres including about 2,000 feet of river frontage, immediately adjacent to BN Nose for $250,000.
Lions Club Restoration Study
The Renton Lions Club owns 15 acres on the Cedar River and runs a youth camp program on the site. Using a Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant, the club conducted a $26,890 feasibility study for restoring a side channel on their property for juvenile chinook rearing habitat. They are working with King County on the restoration project.
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