FY 2020 Implementation and Monitoring of Skagit Salmon Recovery Goals: Planning

The Skagit River System Cooperative primarily used project funds to provide input to regulatory processes reviewing proposed projects in local, state, and federal permit agencies permit processes. Reviewing proposed permits and providing input on avoidance and mitigation of habitat impacts is a key factor in implementing the Chinook Recovery Plan for Puget Sound. These funds were also used to provide input to proposed regulatory changes and to participate in technical advisory groups and stake holder groups to further the goals of the Chinook Recovery Plan.

The project will have direct and tangible benefit to salmon and steelhead by averting potential impacts to habitat via design and permit review, examination of flood control and other policies, and by requiring appropriate mitigation in cases where impacts are unavoidable. Finally, participation in and providing technical support to local stakeholder groups will help ensure that goals related to salmon recovery are incorporated into environmental solutions, while project evaluations will provide important information and planning to guide future projects.
This work will improve the prioritization and sequencing of habitat restoration and protection projects at the local watershed (lead entity) and link action done at the local watershed scale to actions done at the Puget Sound ESU.