City of Sammamish

The City of Sammamish has started to work on the fish passage barrier assessment and prioritization project. This science-based project is a partnership with Wild Fish Conservancy to inventory, assess, and prioritize fish passage barriers within the City.

This effort will then guide efficient restoration and repair strategies, inform funding opportunities, and engage the public and stakeholders through coordinated outreach and reporting. The City of Sammamish’s Stormwater Comprehensive Plan prioritizes sustainability and health as overarching goals. Part of reaching those goals is prioritizing existing fish passage barriers for repair and replacement.

Lake Sammamish is home to a variety of salmonoid species, including the kokanee salmon. Currently, kokanee salmon spawn in five streams within the City. Culverts and other barriers can prevent the migration of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish to upland streams to spawn. The City of Sammamish 2016 Storm and Surface Water Comprehensive Plan recommended the City fund an ongoing program to inventory, plan, and replace priority culverts to be fish passable.

One of the project goals is to incorporate public involvement and education by recognizing the importance of community context, values, and needs to the success of the overall project. Outreach will focus on communicating with the public on the importance of protecting salmonoid species, as well as gathering input on the prioritization criteria and improvement strategies.