Fish and Wildlife

Indicator

King County's Wildlife Habitat Index is derived from two main groupings of results regarding numbers of stream insects and fish. This weighting system applies 40 percent of the stream insects, or benthic indicators of biodiversity index, and 60 percent of fish results. Chinook salmon are the only fish reflected in this category. Other fish species, mammals, birds and amphibians should be included in the assessment of wildlife health, but there is no consistently collected data regarding these animals in King County.

Status

Information gathered over the last 100 years indicates an overall decline in the health of native, naturally spawning salmon populations in Puget Sound watersheds.

Influencing factors

Development and deteriorating water quality impact wildlife habitat — particularly the amounts of hard or paved surfaces, loss of tree cover and other changes to natural environments.

Existing DNRP response

King County serves as the lead agency for three of the four Watershed Resource Inventory Areas (WRIA's) in its boundaries. These WRIA's are groups of representatives from cities and towns, scientists, water purveyors, sewer districts, environmental organizations and citizens that have developed local salmon restoration plans that are now being implemented within their respective watersheds.

Priority new actions

King County is actively working with members of Congress and the state Legislature to secure the funding needed to implement the salmon recovery plans. Recently adopted ordinances updating critical areas and clearing and grading regulations, along with soon-to-be-adopted changes to the Shoreline Master Program should help protect critical salmon habitats.

What you can do

Plant trees and reduce impervious surfaces by using pervious pavers in drive and walkways. Encourage your local city or town to make tree protection regulations stronger. Contact your elected officials and express how important wildlife protections are to you—including salmon restoration.

More information about King County's Fish and Stream Insects is available by continuing to the pages for these measures:

• Fish
• Stream Insects

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