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About DNRP

About DNRP

About the Department of Natural Resources and Parks

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks works in support of sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment. Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship and strengthen communities by providing regional parks, protecting the region's water, air, land and natural habitats, and reducing, safely disposing of and creating resources from wastewater and solid waste.

DNRP is organized by the following divisions:

The Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and water quality by serving more than 1.4 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Formerly called Metro, the regional clean-water agency now operated by King County has been preventing water pollution for 40 years.

The Solid Waste Division promotes waste reduction and recycling programs, and provides transfer and disposal services to King County residents via its eight transfer stations, two rural drop boxes and the only operational landfill within King County. The division maximizes ratepayer value by providing public access to efficient and reliable regional solid waste handling and disposal services at reasonable rates.

The Parks and Recreation Division looks after "Your Big Backyard" — more than 26,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 180 miles of backcountry trails, plus a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs.

The Water and Land Resources Division protects public safety and ecosystem functions in watersheds throughout the County. The division has developed comprehensive programs for flood hazard protection, storm and surface water, stewardship, groundwater, water quality, land acquisition and management, agriculture, habitat restoration, design and construction of drainage and water quality facilities.

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