Regional Planning, Policy, and Floodplain Science Introduction

Abstract

Janne Kaje will provide a brief introduction to the three-week series on salmon recovery planning, policy, science and implementation. The setting for the series is the Snoqualmie Watershed in eastern King County, where salmon recovery, the future of agriculture, rural population growth and the everpresent risk of flooding all come together in one beautiful place. Janne will provide an overview about the history of the planning process, how recovery plans are translated into prioritized actions, and the ongoing role of regional forums in implementation. Micah Wait will give an introduction to salmonid life histories and geomorphic processes as they relate to habitat occupation within the dynamic matrix of floodplain environments. Micah will then discuss the constraints to restoration planning in a working landscape, where public infrastructure, private agricultural property, rural residences, and salmon recovery must be balanced. Planning efforts for the Stillwater restoration project, a joint effort between WFC, King County and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will be discussed as a case study.