Building a Community of Stewardship Through Water Monitoring Salmon in Little Swamp Creek Eric Adman, President, Sno-King Watershed Council

You can use Community Based Water Monitoring to… Connect people to their local environment Involve adults and children Foster environmental stewardship Build community connections

What is CBWM & how did we get started? A Practical Model for Global Watershed Stewardship 3 3

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM – WHO WE ARE Community-based water monitoring (CBWM) program in the North King / south Snohomish county area. We foster watershed stewardship through the development of volunteer water monitors. Monitors use their data to advocate for protection and restoration of streams, lakes, wetlands and natural areas, provide environmental education, and increase public awareness.

SNO-KING WATER WATCHERS – WHY WE MONITOR Urban streams in the Puget Sound area have problems. Storm water pollution, sediment, and other contaminants have reduced our streams’ capacity to support salmon and other native wildlife. Streams are often unsafe for human contact. Agencies lack staff resources to stay on top of problems Construction stormwater runoff (turbidity) monitoring Bacteria monitoring

Bacteria Biological Indicators Water Chemistry WHAT WE MONITOR Bacteria Biological Indicators Water Chemistry Sites are tested monthly for water chemistry and bacteria. Sites are evaluated annually for “benthic macroinvertebrates”, stream-dwelling insects which are long-term indicators of biological health.

Action on construction stormwater problems 2017_INT SKWC_3day PROGRAM SUCCESSES Action on construction stormwater problems Action on bacteriological contamination issues Collaboration with local jurisdictions and enforcement agencies Training provided to other community organizations Educational partnerships with local environmental education groups

Effects of development Old construction with no stormwater control 2017_INT SKWC_3day ISSUES & CHALLENGES Water quality issues Effects of development Old construction with no stormwater control Lack of enforcement on water quality issues Organization issues Small organization All volunteer Limited resources Volunteer management Funding

Thornton Creek Alliance Lake Forest Park Streamkeepers 2017_INT SKWC_3day COLLABORATIONS Thornton Creek Alliance Lake Forest Park Streamkeepers Edmonds Community College Oxbow Farm Puget Soundkeeper & Unleash the Brilliance Local school groups Vision – integrate local monitoring groups

Monitor local streams & waterbodies Share information 2017_INT SKWC_3day WAYS THE GREEN-DUWAMISH COMMUNITY CAN USE CBWM TO HELP WITH WATERSHED HEALTH Create a program Monitor local streams & waterbodies Share information Partner with local organizations and schools Bring local knowledge to action We can help!