PNW 98 Session - Full Abstracts

Full Abstract

SCOTT MOORE (1)
Bob Aldrich (2)
Kathy Grigsby (2)

(1) Tsuga, Seattle, WA
(2) Snohomish County Public Works SWM, Everett, WA

North Creek and Swamp Creek Riparian Restoration Project

A unique riparian restoration project that integrates private and public partnerships has been implemented for two rapidly urbanizing watersheds in south Snohomish County, Washington. The overall vision of the project involves long term restoration of riparian ecosystem function within the urban landscape and developing a blueprint for such activities in other watersheds of Snohomish County. Each project is a demonstration project designed to foster citizen stewardship and to provide a catalyst for a cascade of adjacent sites that, in the long term, promote riparian connectivity.

Comprehensive watershed management plans for both North Creek and Swamp Creek were completed and Ecology approved in 1994. The plans identified post-development non-point source pollution, declining fish and wildlife habitat, and serious potential flooding as the most common problems throughout the two watersheds. North and Swamp Creeks are important tributaries to the Lake Washington watershed and encompass critical refugia for both anadromous and native stocks of fish, as well as important social and cultural connections to the community.

The comprehensive watershed management plans were funded in part by 1989 Centennial Clean Water Grants administered through the Washington State Department of Ecology. Implementation of the plan commenced in 1994 with the receipt of a 1994 Centennial Clean Water grant and subsequent hiring of a watershed steward. A 1997 U. S. Fish and Wildlife grant provides concurrent funds to identify and locate landowners adjacent to stream corridor riparian zones willing to participate in small-scale cost-share restoration projects. Projects typically consist of bank stabilization, revegetation with native plants, and various best management practices to reduce non-point source pollution. Projects are small scale and must be completed without use of heavy equipment.

An interesting sidebar to the overall project is the development of a GIS based data tracking and analysis system. The GIS tracking system allows such things as visual comparisons of preconstruction photographs, conceptual drawings, or artist renderings of future site conditions. This in turn allows more flexibility and spontaneity in not only project design but monitoring protocol of project success.

Project components include: 1) developing a flow chart of site selection criteria, 2) integrating innovative GIS applications for project tracking with site selection and design, 3) citizen contact and conceptual design, 4) Agreement on easement language and in kind match from landowner, 5) permitting and construction, 6) performance monitoring and maintenance.

Qds, and prove that doing it right the first time is always less expensive.