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What King County is doing for salmon | What you can do for salmon Background information
» What we must do
What we must do
The King County ESA Progress Report 1998-2000 takes a look at what we've accomplished in the past three years in trying to meet the goals agreed upon in the Tri-County ESA Response. While the ESA related programs and accomplishments listed herein are not exhaustive, they do represent the progress King County has made in it's ESA focused efforts and establishes a benchmark for future work.
Overview
» Salmon Information Center (external link) The information contained in the King County ESA Progress Report 1998-2000 was researched and compiled by King County staff based on the best available information as of December 2000. All King County Departments and programs support our long-term commitment to the environment and protecting our quality of life. For more information on the programs listed in this report, call Jackie Kirn, ESA Policy Coordination Office, at (206) 296-3455. Alternative text formats will be provided to people with disabilities upon request. Call Saffa Bardaro, Department of Natural Resources, at (206) 296-8263 or TTY (1-800) 833-6388. Updated: March 21, 2002What King County is doing for salmon | What you can do for salmon Background information By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details. |
King County ESA Progress Report, 1998-2000
public education, and overall
natural resource protection. However, after more than a century of destruction of salmon habitat by human activity, we are in the unprecedented situation of being a major urban area trying to recover fish species under the federal Endangered Species Act. We are home to 44 percent of the state's jobs, yet while our region has grown and prospered, the mighty chinook or "king" salmon, symbol of the Northwest, has suffered sharp declines. Along with chinook, bull trout is also listed under ESA, and more species are expected to follow.
These listings are not only a troubling indication of the health of our watersheds but the ESA mandate to protect fish and wildlife also poses a significant challenge as we strive to sustain our economy. Since the ESA was adopted in 1973, across the nation, million-dollar construction projects and entire industries have been seriously impacted by ESA listings. Furthermore, a major enforcement provision under the ESA is an invitation for third parties to sue entities or persons in violation of the Act.
King County is committed to saving the salmon. We must seek compliance with the ESA to protect our operations, infrastructure, businesses and citizens' jobs as well as the vibrant economy and natural environment that make our region such a desirable place to live. Nearly all King County activities, from stormwater management and wastewater disposal to road and development practices, will be newly scrutinized for their potential impact on listed salmon species and their habitat; activities that comprise an annual average budget of $2.6 billion.
This document enumerates the extraordinary efforts we have undertaken as we work to meet our ESA obligations. Whether it's new development regulations, new roads maintenance practices, expert scientific analysis, habitat acquisition and restoration, or new levees with fish-friendly design, we are working to do our best for both people and fish.
Metropolitan King County Councilmembers 