Phillips calls for new rules to balance salmon habitat with swimmer safety

June 15, 2009

Summary

Placement of woody debris in rivers and streams for fish can also be hazardous to summer recreation

Story

With summer approaching and river recreation picking up, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips introduced legislation today calling for the development of rules to protect rafters and swimmers from the hazards created when large woody debris is put into rivers and streams to control flooding and enhance salmon habitat.

“It’s important that King County’s beautiful rivers and streams remain safe and accessible for people and fish,” said Phillips. “By taking adequate safety measures, large wood can be placed in waterways to benefit fish habitat and help control flooding while minimizing risks to people boating and swimming in rivers.”

Wood emplacements contribute to aquatic habitat, reduce erosion, and protect shorelines, but they can also be hazardous to rafters and swimmers.

The Council in 2007 directed the County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks to prepare a report on ways to mitigate the public safety hazard of large wood emplacements. Phillips is now calling on the Executive to adopt rules for the County to follow when establishing large wood emplacements in rivers or streams, and require that public safety be kept in mind when designing river habitats.

Phillips’ legislation would also require the County to inform recreational river users, environmental interests, and neighboring communities about proposed projects involving wood emplacements, and develop a public process for seeking input from them.

“With the right public safety approach, residents can enjoy these sunny days playing in King County’s rivers and streams while our work continues to shore up our shorelines to prevent flooding and improve habitat conditions for endangered salmon and other aquatic life,” said Phillips.


Read the legislation