EVENT/OPPORTUNITY: Fish Passage/Water Pollution Assessment Project
DATE: June 2002-December 2002
TIME: Monday thru Friday 8:00a.m.- 4:30p.m.
LOCATION: McAleer and Lyon Creek Watersheds
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: McAleer and Lyon Creeks begin at their headwaters in southwest Snohomish County and flow down through residential and commercial areas near Lake Forest Park, under Bothell Way and then empty into northwest Lake Washington. Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye and Kokanee salmon; along with Steelhead, resident, and sea-run cutthroat trout are known to migrate up these streams to utilize spawning and rearing habitat available on the main stem of McAleer and Lyon Creeks, as well as many tributaries. Unfortunately, there are many barriers in their paths.
The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation (AASF) has received funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology and King County Waterworks to conduct stream surveys in these two watersheds. AASF field crews will be evaluating stream crossings to determine if culverts (pipes) are providing proper fish passage for juvenile and adult salmon, and conducting stream assessments to determine current habitat and water quality conditions. AASF field crews will be stopping at public and private stream crossings and walking many neighborhood streams where property access permission can be obtained. AASF staff will also be available to answer questions or provide technical assistance on issues that landowners may have regarding fish passage, water quality, and stream habitat conditions.
Fish and Wildlife project manager Dave Steiner says, “Our field crews have just begun surveying the mainstem of McAleer Creek, and will be branching off to small tributary streams soon.” The majority of these streams flow through private property. The AASF is asking for assistance from private property owners and the general public in locating known fish passage, habitat, or water quality pollution problems in these two watersheds. There is an advantage to being involved in this study. Identification of problem culverts could result in obtaining government assistance or grants to conduct future restoration projects. Data gathered will be made available to the public and to land use decision makers.
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CONTACT PERSON: Dave Steiner, AASF Fish & Wildlife Project Mgr.
TELEPHONE: (425) 316-8592
REMARKS: Please publicize this information. Edit as you see fit. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.