SWM highlights notable projects and wins for residents in 2024





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Conservation and Natural Resources, Surface Water Management - Utility News header




SWM and DCNR Highlight Accomplishments in 2023 Annual Report

Now in its third year as a county department, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) continues to provide services to Snohomish County residents, businesses, and visitors through collaboration and stewardship of the County?s natural resources. The?_2023 DCNR Annual Report [ [link removed] ]?_provides an overview of some of our top accomplishments and highlights our efforts to improve the quality of life for Snohomish County residents. The department is comprised of the Surface Water Management Division (SWM), the Parks & Recreation Division, the Office of Agriculture, and the Office of Energy & Sustainability (OES).?

?See?_SWM?s?2023?project highlights?here [ [link removed] ]_?and visit our?SWM News page [ [link removed] ]?to see SWM?s Highlights Reports from past years.

Surface Water Management 2023 Annual Highlights Report [ [link removed] ]

"SWM?s 2023 Annual Highlights?feature key programs and?progress?achieved?in the?last?year."

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New Stillaguamish Watershed Council Website Makes Its Debut

The Stillaguamish Watershed Council (SWC) recently upgraded its website to better tell the story of their work and share resources with the community in support of salmon recovery. SWC members and SWM staff worked in partnership with the Stillaguamish Tribe and CaravanLabs consultant team in the redesign effort. The new website covers the Lead Entity?s efforts in the Stillaguamish Watershed and now includes a searchable library of resources related to Stillaguamish Chinook recovery.

Visit stillaguamishwatershed.org [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

New Stillaguamish Watershed Council Website [ [link removed] ]

"The Stillaguamish Watershed Council (SWC) website highlights resources for salmon recovery."

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Jim Creek Project Uses Log Jams to Restore Vital Habitat

The Stillaguamish Watershed is the fifth largest tributary to Puget Sound and critical habitat for ESA listed Chinook salmon. Last summer, SWM completed a habitat restoration project on Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Stillaguamish River southeast of Arlington and north of Granite Falls. This instream construction project installed 13 new engineered log jams and enhanced one natural existing log jam. Adding wood structures results in more complex habitat for salmon and other species, creating protected pools for rearing juveniles and improving adult migration.

Learn more about what SWM is doing to coordinate efforts with many partners to restore aquatic habitat for salmon and shellfish [ [link removed] ] in Snohomish County.

Aerial view of Jim Creek restoration project

"Engineered log jams and wood structures create more complex habitat in Jim Creek."

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SWM Helps Residents Prepare for and Respond to Flooding

In December, Snohomish County experienced heavy flooding, including record flood levels on the Stillaguamish River. In this event, SWM joined Emergency Management staff to monitor potential risks and help reduce flood impacts to people, property, and infrastructure. This is one of many ways that SWM works year-round to help county residents prepare for and respond to river flooding. Other ways include:


* Community Floodplain Solutions (CFS) conducted extensive flood hazard mapping studies [ [link removed] ] to help residents better understand the flood hazard risks of living along the Lower Skykomish River and what programs are available. Learn more on the CFS webpage [ [link removed] ].
* SWM and partners operate river gauges around the county, providing real-time flood information [ [link removed] ] to forecast where and how fast rivers may rise.
* Every fall, SWM updates and mails Snohomish County?s Flood Safety Guide [ [link removed] ] to over 8,000 households to help residents prepare for and stay safe during and after a flood event.
Aerial view of Stillaguamish River flooding - Dec 2023

"Aerial view of floodwaters along the Stillaguamish River, December 2023. "

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*Upcoming Public Events and Workshops*

Learn more about upcoming SWM co-sponsored events and workshops on our?events webpage [ [link removed] ].


* *Natural Lawn Care Workshop* ?* Free & In-Person!* Register today [ [link removed] ] to attend either location:
* *Monday April 15 at the Longhouse at Evergreen State Fairgrounds*, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe ? 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
* *Wednesday April 17 at Brightwater Education Center*, 22505 WA-9, Woodinville ? 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
* Discover natural and easier lawn care!
* Lawn Aeration
* Soil Health
* Moss Management
* Diagnosing Problems

Natural Lawn Care workshops - register today!

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* *Septic System Care Workshop ? Now Available On-Demand!*
* The popular Septic Care Workshop is now hosted by the Snohomish County Health Department, your go-to resource for questions about:
* septic system permitting,
* operation and maintenance requirements, and
* finding certified septic system contractors.

* Taking the workshop also makes you eligible to earn up to $500 in rebates and can help your property become LakeWise [ [link removed] ]
* Visit the Savvy Septic Program website [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

* *Snohomish County Earth Week FREE Recycling Event ? April 27 at the Evergreen Fair Park: *Snohomish County Office of Energy & Sustainability is hosting a FREE earth week event for the public.
* *What: *Bring hard-to-recycle items to this event to be recycled or properly disposed of for free. Items accepted include Styrofoam, electronics, household batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, and metal including appliances like washing machines, stoves, or BBQs. Full list of items accepted is available here [ [link removed] ]. Once you drop your recyclables off, park your car and wander around the many tables to learn more about programs and initiatives across county government and beyond that are doing their part to improve climate resiliency.
* *When: Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.* (or until trucks reach capacity)
* *Where: Evergreen State Fair Park,* Red Parking Lot; 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272 ? More Info: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

Earth Week Recycling Event
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