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Bear Creek Watershed Management Study

The Bear Creek Watershed Management Study report outlines recommendations to restore Bear Creek to existing and designated uses, so that it provides a healthy environment for the community and aquatic species.

The Study of the Bear Creek Basin in the Greater Lake Washington (WRIA 8), formerly referred to as a Watershed-Scale Stormwater Plan, was completed in 2018. The goal of the Study is to link stormwater management and salmon recovery and identify recommendations to ensure hydrologic, water quality, and stream channel habitat conditions fully support existing and designated uses.

Read a summary of the study (3MB)

Partnership

King County led the planning process in collaboration with Snohomish CountyCity of RedmondCity of Woodinville, and the Washington State Department of Transportation to develop the Bear Creek Watershed Management Study report.

Goals of the partnership:

  • Demonstrate the ability of multiple jurisdictions to collaborate on a watershed basis: Establish multi-jurisdictional partnerships focused on working together to restore Bear Creek.
  • Holistically assess existing conditions of in-stream habitat, near-shore buffer integritywetlands, and watershed/stormwater characteristics: Look at existing data and studies; initiate the collection of new data; and develop the necessary mapping for accurate watershed characterization.
  • Model existing conditions and future conditions: Develop the analytical tools to estimate both hydrologic and water quality issues.
  • Model potential solution suites: Identify the land use and stormwater management strategies to achieve established goals for restoring Bear Creek, while recognizing possible economic constraints.
  • Collaboratively develop recommendations that transcends jurisdictional boundaries.
  • Complete recommendations that are realistic and achievable by all local governments involved.

Study area

For watershed-scale stormwater planning purposes, the Bear Creek watershed is defined as including Bear Creek and lands that drain to Bear Creek, with the following exclusions:

  • Evans Creek basin (a tributary to Bear Creek)
  • Bear Creek downstream of the confluence to Evans Creek
  • Cottage Lake and the area that drains to Cottage Lake.
area map of bear creek

Workshop documents

Public Meeting #3, March 7, 2018

Presentations

Posters

Notes

Technical Workshop #2, March 29, 2017

Presentation

Participant Agenda and Packet

Notes

Technical Webinar #2, December 12, 2016

Presentations

Notes

Technical Webinar #1, November 15, 2016

Presentations

Notes

Public Meeting #2, October 13, 2016

Agenda and Healthy Watershed handout (1.1 MB)

Presentations

Posters

5 Things to Create a Healthy Watershed

  1. Natural Streamflow and Good Water Quality
  2. Habitat for Fish and Animals
  3. Tracking Progress
  4. A Solutions Toolbox
  5. Stewardship and Partners

Notes

Public Meeting #1, February 25, 2016

Presentations

Posters

Notes

Technical Workshop #1, November 04, 2015

Presentations

Posters

Notes

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