Chinook Salmon Recovery Projects

About this measure: In 1999 Chinook salmon were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In 2005, the Puget Sound Region, including King County and all its partners, completed a comprehensive science-based Salmon Recovery Plan. The Plan outlines the necessary actions to achieve the delisting of Chinook salmon and benefit other salmonids including coho, and (the now ESA-listed) steelhead.

This KingStat measure reflects King County's completion of Salmon Recovery Plan capital restoration projects and land acquisitions in unincorporated King County. An initial and ambitious list of 136 projects, across three watersheds (Snoqualmie, Cedar, and Green), was identified in the unincorporated portions of King County. The Recovery Plan suggest that King County should implement these projects in a ten-year period 2006-2015. This timing would require King County on average to complete 13.6 projects per year. However, progress hinges on funding commitments from federal, state and local sources. Since the initial list was identified, adaptive management has led to the addition of new projects including actions in a fourth watershed (White River) and the removal of some actions. This measure reports King County's completion of priority salmon recovery projects compatible with the Recovery Plan goals and compares that progress to the ambitious plan goal of 13.6 projects each year.

2010 Results:

3 projects were completed in 2010

• Fenster-Pautzke Setback and Floodplain Reconnection (WRIA 9)
• Piner Point Bulkhead Removal (WRIA 9)
• Lower Boise Creek Restoration (WRIA 10)

Preliminary construction for 58 projects are actively underway across four watersheds

Cumulative number of projects completed in 2006 - 2010: 23

Cumulative number of projects actively underway and/or completed: 81

2010 Target: 13.6 projects per year would keep pace with original with the Chinook Salmon Recovery 10-year Plan.

2010 Results: Operationally, 3 projects were scheduled for completion in 2010.

2011 Target: 13.6 projects should be completed in order to keep pace with the Chinook Salmon Recovery 10-year Plan.

Completing 82 total projects by year end 2011 would keep pace toward accomplishing the 10-year goal by 2015. To date, 81 projects total have been completed or are currently in some phase of implementation.

Influencing Factors: King County's ability to meet our target is primarily hampered by a lack of dedicated funding for salmon recovery capital actions. The majority of dollars to support our success to date come from external grant sources. As of 2010, 10 projects have been dropped from that list due to results of feasibility studies and 9 have projects have been added.

Strategies Going Forward: King County continues to work strategically to prioritize and sequence its efforts to ensure most important projects are implemented first. The county is actively pursuing acquisitions and capital design and construction projects across all watersheds. We work closely with our regional partners to identify leveraging opportunities and other partnerships to facilitate the implementation of on-the-ground work. We will continue to pursue a more stable funding mechanism for salmon recovery and watershed protection efforts.

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