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:

August 21, 2003

Topics in this newsletter include:

  • Salmon and Water in the Watershed
  • Status Report: Strategic Assessment
  • Status Report: Habitat Plan
  • Forum Approves 2004 Budget
  • Watershed Coordination Services: Staff Change
  • Show Me the Money - money obtained for the watershed
  • Give Me the Money - money available for watershed projects
  • Science News
  • Restoration Planning and Design
  • Moving Dirt, Planting Trees
  • Moving Dirt, Planting Trees, Tapping Volunteer Energy
  • Volunteer Yourself!
  • Educating and Outreaching
  • Nearshore News
  • Upcoming of Interest: Tours, Meetings, and the First Enumclaw Salmon Festival
  • Calendar of Upcoming Planning Events

Salmon and Water in the Watershed

Water Outlook and Howard Hanson Dam Operations

The watershed experienced a record dry three-month period over May, June, and July. So far, August rainfall also is below normal and temperatures above normal. Inflows to the Howard Hanson Dam Reservoir were at record low levels in July and it appears August will also have record low levels. The reservoir pool is at 1131.2 feet, slightly below the conservation rule curve.

Beginning September 20, the Corps plans to release more water for the benefit of migrating chinook in the Green River mainstem. Flow augmentation would last about 20 days; flow levels have yet to be determined.

As always, you can find out current flow conditions on the Green by visiting the U.S. Geological Survey web page at

Status Report: Strategic Assessment

The Technical Committee is continuing work on the Strategic Assessment as outlined in the workplan. A number of specific tasks have been completed or initiated, including:

  • An update of the WRIA 9 technical strategy (completed in June)
  • Continuing historic conditions analysis for WRIA 9
  • Continuing characterization of current conditions in WRIA 9
  • Continuing work to evaluate the limiting factors in WRIA 9
  • Allocation of 2003 KCD funding to priority studies to support the Strategic Assessment

The WRIA 9 Technical Strategy was updated in June 2003. Changes made to the document include:

  • Addition of a new section on Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters in WRIA 9 (including abundance, productivity, diversity and spatial structure)
  • Addition of a new section that addresses monitoring and adaptive management
  • Consistency with key technical questions from the lead entity guidance
  • Refinement of the three priority watershed goals with links to VSP

The updated document can be downloaded at

The Historic Conditions Analysis for WRIA 9 was initiated from River Mile (RM) 45 to RM 11 via a contract with University of Washington. It is scheduled for completion in August 2003. WRIA 9 is working in partnership with the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP) to support a parallel effort with the same researchers to complete an analysis from RM 11 through the Duwamish estuary and for the nearshore.

For current habitat conditions research, the Technical Committee is moving forward with the King Conservation District-funded mapping efforts for the Lower Green. A pilot reach was completed in August and the entire area from RM 6 to 32 will be surveyed by September of this year. A report for the WRIA 9 Lower Green River Baseline Habitat Monitoring Project is scheduled for completion in December 2003. Seattle is coordinating an effort to develop a methodology for characterization of current conditions in the nearshore areas of WRIA 9. The WRIA 9 nearshore work will be carried out in partnership with Seattle, in partnership with PSNERP or as part of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) grant. An effort to map multiple habitat attributes in the nearshore including substrate, riparian vegetation, freshwater inputs, shoreline modifications, and large woody debris accumulations will be contracted through Seattle. Bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) information is being collected in coordination with PSNERP. Finally, we are also exploring options for mapping subtidal vegetation and sediment sources, erosion, and accretion areas.

The current conditions assessment also includes fish habitat and population assessments and water quality and quantity assessments. A water quantity assessment scope of work focusing on the upper Lower and Middle Green subwatersheds is being developed for initiation in October. Fish monitoring, and freshwater and nearshore seining, are being carried out as part of the 2003 Juvenile Salmonid Survival Studies.

Water quality monitoring as part of the Green-Duwamish Water Quality Assessment (see the Near-Term Action Agenda for a description) is ongoing. This includes water temperature studies using continuous probes located throughout the watershed and a dissolved oxygen pilot study in the Mill Creek/Mullen Slough basin. Storm and baseflow sampling at 17 sites on the mainstem and tributaries will continue through December 2003. A water temperature report for data collected between July 2001 and September 2003 is scheduled for completion in December 2003.

A conceptual model of natural Green River chinook salmon is being finalized as part of the salmonid survival research framework. The conceptual model and research framework will be the basis for establishing research priorities for future work, including the fish utilization studies planned as part of the SRFB grant. The framework will be completed in October 2003. The functional linkages evaluation (approaches for linking habitat quality and quantity to fish population response) work is underway. A draft report is available that includes a review of analytical approaches and recommendations for use in WRIA 9.

Status Report: Habitat Plan

Work on the Habitat Plan continues with the goal of publishing a draft plan by May 2005. Completion of the science-based Habitat Plan depends on the results of the Strategic Assessment, scheduled for completion by June 2004. Consequently, staff and jurisdictions' efforts are focused on the technical work for much of this year.

While the technical work proceeds, staff and the Planning Work Group are building the foundation that will enable the Steering Committee to move science to policy in the form of Habitat Plan actions. These tasks include analyzing existing resource management programs and activities to identify protection gaps and management opportunities and compiling other policy-related data. A Summary of Activities Undertaken by Jurisdictions as a Response to Local and State Regulationswas prepared and presented to the Forum in July. It provides a starting point for further policy analysis as well as a useful reference now for WRIA 9 jurisdictions. Regional initiatives include Shared Strategy and NOAA Fisheries salmon recovery planning. Staff and jurisdictional representatives are participating in this dialogue to provide information on WRIA 9 research and habitat planning process and to better understand how WRIA 9 can contribute to regional recovery.

Planners are also compiling geographic information system (GIS) data for land use and projected growth. 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. This analysis is one of the ways WRIA 9 will move science into specific management actions and is called the Policy Synthesis task of the Habitat Plan Work Plan and Schedule. Technical Committee and Planning Work Group members will be working together in the latter half of 2003 to develop a more specific methodology for the Policy Synthesis.

Development of a socio-economic analysis approach and the criteria that will be used to evaluate Habitat Plan alternatives are other policy-related tasks that will be initiated in the next quarter.

Preliminary drafts of Habitat Plan introductory chapters have been prepared, including Goals and Objectives, the History of WRIA 9 Planning, and Watershed History, Characteristics and Challenges. Chapters in progress include Regulatory Development and Policy Responses, Philosophy and Approach and Scientific Framework.

The Public Outreach Work Group, with input from the Planning Work Group, have been developing the draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP). This PIP will guide public information and involvement efforts to support the development of the Habitat Plan in 2004 and 2005. This draft will be presented to the Steering Committee for its review in the fall.

For more information, contact Elaine Kleckner, Conservation Plan Manager, , 206-296-8013.

Forum Approves WRIA Budget for 2004

At its July 16 meeting, the WRIA 9 Forum approved the budget for watershed planning and action in 2004. Highlights include:

ALL Revenue and Expenditures Were Considered in One Budget Proposal

This budget carries forward the approach used in the 2003 budgeting process. The revenue sources include Interlocal Agreement cost shares, King Conservation District funds, and the Lead Entity operational grant. This consolidated approach allowed for an integrated approach to funding the various planning, assessment, and on-the-ground activities carried out by Watershed Coordination Services staff, partner jurisdictions, and volunteer groups receiving grants. Unique to the 2004 budget proposal is the inclusion of a significant amount of King Conservation District carryover funds from 2001 to 2003 as revenue.

Maintains Previously Established Forum Budget Policy

The budget is status quo and no increases in Interlocal Agreement (ILA) cost shares are anticipated. ILA revenue remains constant from 2002 and 2003 ($470,051). King Conservation District expenditure categories are maintained:

  • Ecosystem Restoration Project and Nearshore General Investigation
  • High-priority WRIA Research
  • Project Grant Match
  • WRIA Education and Stewardship, and
  • Technical Support Opportunity Fund.

Revenues increase for the Lead Entity grant because of the biennial nature of the State grant process ($30,000/$60,000 in two-year rotation) and to provide financial support for WRIA 9 membership on the Puget Sound Nearshore Restoration Project Steering Committee.

Emphasizes Plan Development, Public Involvement, and Strategic Assessment Needs

Within the overall budget, there are changes in the percentage of expenditure allocations (listed below). These shifts are suggested to align the budget according to the work program adopted by the Forum in May 2003, as well as previous Management Committee and Forum direction based on results of the Professional Assessment completed earlier this year.

Organizes Expenditures by Function

The expenditures are organized by the following functional categories (2003 budget percentages are in parentheses for comparison):

Administration/Program Management:9% (15%)

Planning:23% (8%)

Projects:27.5% (45%)

Technical:32.5% (22%)

Public Involvement/Outreach8% (10%)

The total budget including all funding sources (and carryover from 2001 and 2002) is $1,897,565. More detailed information about the budget is in the Forum meeting packet for the July 16 meeting:

Watershed Coordination Services Staff Change

At the beginning of August, Kathryn Gellenbeck became the new Technical Coordinator for the WRIA 9 team. Kathryn will support the work of the Technical Committee by being responsible for the analysis, management, and writing of certain Strategic Assessment tasks. She will also act as the WRIA 9 geographic information system (GIS) Lead. Upon completion of the Strategic Assessment in 2004, Kathryn will be responsible for preparing sections of the WRIA 9 Habitat Plan. Kathryn comes via Seattle Public Utilities where she worked as a GIS Analyst and Business Analyst. Her responsibilities included project management, feasibility assessments, business and data analysis, and GIS map production. A notable project that Kathryn supported is the Seattle Urban Blueprint for Salmon. Kathryn has also worked as a biologist for the Yakama Nation, U.S. Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy. She has a BA in Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MS in Resource Management from Central Washington University. Her thesis research was a spatial and temporal analysis of riparian vegetation along a significant steelhead stream on the Yakama Reservation.

Kathryn Gellenbeck, 206-263-6556,

Show Me the Money!

WRIA 9 continues to seek and find financial assistance to carry out the actions recommended in the Near-Term Action Agenda and those proposed by WRIA 9 partners:

WRIA 9 Grants Approved by King Conservation District Board of Supervisors

Three WRIA 9 grants were approved for funding at the August meeting of the King Conservation District (KCD) Board of Supervisors. Although each project is separate and independent, they all enhance WRIA 9 partnerships to advance acquisition of scientific information important to the preparation of the Habitat Plan. The approved grants are:

Project Name: Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP)

Project Applicant: Puget Sound Action Team

Amount: $50,000

Project Activities:

A.Acquire detailed nearshore bathymetric data for the King County shoreline (exclusive of Federal Way). PSNERP will use funds to support collection and preliminary processing of the Light Detection and Ranging (blue-green LiDAR) survey for 65 miles of WRIA 9’s marine shoreline. This survey will significantly improve the level of information for current nearshore conditions.

B.Provide historic nearshore habitat conditions assessment including information on physical conditions, geomorphology, and vegetation in WRIA 9.

C.Develop a habitat classification scheme (typology) to help WRIA 9, PSNERP, and other describe, evaluate and communicate about the array of nearshore processes and restoration opportunities.

D.Convene workshops to (1) obtain peer review of a white paper on “Salmon-in-the-Nearshore” and (2) review and evaluate approaches to nearshore habitat inventory and assessments - Fall, 2003.

Project Name: Enhanced Monitoring for Seahurst Park Nearshore Restoration

Project Applicant: City of Burien

Amount: $30,000

Project Activities: This enhanced monitoring program will supplement the monitoring program associated with the removal of the gabion and rock seawall in the southern portion of Seahurst Park.

Project Name: WRIA 9 Technical Committee Research Opportunity Fund - Supplementation of WRIA 9 2003 Juvenile Salmonid Survival Study - Screw Trap @ Green River, RM 18 in Kent

Project Applicant: King County Water and Land Resources

Amount: $16,746

Project Activities: This project will supplement the 2003 Juvenile Salmonid Survival Study, supporting the installation and operation of a screw trap on the Green River at River Mile 18 in Kent. The assessment will help determine where and how habitat restoration projects should be constructed.

Salmon Recovery Funding Board Awards Additional $600,000 to WRIA 9

On July 2, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board announced the allocation of $596,000 to King County for the Kanaskat Phase 3 Acquisition. This effort will acquire 48 acres of high-quality habitat along the Middle Green River in unincorporated King County. The reach of the Green River Watershed with the highest redd (salmon egg nest) density (400+ redds/mile) is just upstream of the Kanaskat Reach. It is highly probable that the Kanaskat Reach provides rearing habitat for many chinook. This is the third phase of an acquisition program that will be nearly complete with this project. King County is the project sponsor and is contributing $65,500 through the King County Rural Drainage Program. $39,500 of King Conservation District funds also will fund the purchases.

This latest allocation brings the WRIA 9 tally during the first four years of SRFB to 10 grants totaling $5.7 million.

The SRFB on July 2 also funded the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to continue its smolt monitoring program on the Green River over the next two years (2003-05 biennium). This is one of three smolt monitoring programs funded (the other two are on the Lewis and Wenatchee Rivers). The State smolt monitoring program on the Green River is an integral component of the WRIA 9 Strategic Assessment to provide information regarding juvenile salmon survival in the watershed. Ensuring funding for the trap was one of the 45 recommendations in the WRIA 9 Near-Term Action Agenda (Middle Green Study 4).

Fifth Round Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) Funding Cycle

The next round of SRFB funding is scheduled to begin in January 2004, with applications due in late June 2004. The SRFB will make final funding allocations to projects in November 2004. It is expected that a sixth funding cycle will begin in January 2005 and follow a similar schedule. Over the next two years, SRFB is expected to allocate $48 million for salmon recovery projects.

To be eligible for SRFB funding, proposed salmon recovery projects in WRIA 9 must be submitted through the WRIA 9 SRFB process. This process includes a technical review of projects and a formal review and evaluation by the WRIA 9 Steering Committee. A detailed WRIA 9 Fifth Round SRFB schedule will be available in the fall of 2003. This year the SRFB is focusing on restoration projects, but proposed projects can include restoration, acquisition, or assessment projects that strongly support the WRIA 9 Lead Entity Strategy. Please contact Jennifer Rice, 206, 296-8302, for additional information about the WRIA 9 SRFB process, the WRIA 9 Lead Entity Strategy, and the types of projects that are competitive for SRFB funding.

Community Salmon Fund Awards $15,000 for Newaukum Creek Project

Community Salmon Fund is a partnership between King County and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. On August 1, the Fund awarded $15,000 for the Mid-Sound Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group for its Newaukum Creek Outreach and Restoration Program. The program includes holding the Enumclaw Salmon Festival (see below for more info), two streamside landowner workshops, two volunteer training workshops, and three large planting events.

Icy Creek Preservation Effort at $600,000

Efforts to protect the Icy Creek area in the Middle Green benefited from the award of two grants totaling $600,000. Separate $300,000 allocations were awarded from the Conservation Futures Tax and the REIT programs, which fund open space acquisition. The money will be used to help protect Icy Creek and the springs that feed it. Icy Creek is an important year-round source of cold clean water for the Middle Green as well as for the chinook rearing ponds located at its confluence with the Green.