Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 24-189, approving Property Officer of the Department of Facilities and Fleet to sign temporary easement on behalf of Snohomish County Surface Water Management Department in favor of Snohomish County for access, construction staging, and log storage affecting portion of Tax Account Number 00528600000600 also known as the Middle Pilchuck River Project
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DEPARTMENT: Facilities and Fleet
ORIGINATOR: Carl Jorgensen
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Ken Klein 4/19/24
PURPOSE: This project proposes to add large woody debris in the mainstem Pilchuck River, enhance river complexity, such as bank edge habitat and pools, increase connectivity to the floodplain and side channels, and reestablish native riparian forest. In addition, with the addition of instream wood, river flow velocities will be reduced and therefore potentially reduce erosion.
BACKGROUND: The Middle Pilchuck River Restoration Project is a multi-faceted project that seeks to address a lack of habitat for juvenile salmon within the Pilchuck River and also reduce local flood risks. The majority of the project is contained within a parcel owned by Snohomish County. Beginning spring of 2022, County staff are working with adjacent landowners to review project details, address concerns, and to build support for the project. Project Objectives The information collected during the Middle Pilchuck River Assessment (conducted by the County in 2010-2011) indicated that the following actions will benefit landowners, fish and wildlife:
Restore flow to side channels - to provide more space for flood waters, reduce the river's impact on failing banks, and provide refuge for young salmon during winter flooding, winter, spring and summer rearing and outmigration, and during high summer water temperatures. Plant vegetation along the river - to slow erosion, maintain cooler water temperatures, and provide protective cover and shade for fish. Add large...
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