PMB 2565, 1420 NW Gilman Blvd Ste 2, Issaquah, Washington 98027 USA
TEL: [425] 641-3008 FAX: [425] 641-4944
E-mail: info@savelakesamm.org
WEB: savelakesamm.org
Click on title below to go to article or just scroll through the entire newsletter
Sammamish Stewardship Saturday
Chestnut Lane Decision Appealed
Federal Grants Available for habitat restoration on private lands
Sammamish Critical Areas Controversies Include Lake Buffers, Drainage and Density
Environmentally Sound Fall Clean Up Practices in the Garden
King County conservation district Envirothon 2006
****************************************************
Sammamish Stewardship Saturday
Sponsored by Save Lake Sammamish, the City of Issaquah and the Mountains to
Sound Greenway Trust
On October 22nd, about 45 Sammamish Stewardship Saturday volunteers planted 300 trees and shrubs; including cottonwood, alder, and willow before noon. In the afternoon the volunteers spread mulch and uprooted and removed blackberries from the site. The local Microsoft Issaquah campus employees had prepped the area by removing the non-native plants/weeds prior to the Saturday event – they really helped make the day more productive.
The City of Issaquah is renowned for the salmon that return each year to Tibbetts and Issaquah Creeks, but most of these fish are threatened or endangered. Fortunately, volunteers are helping keep these famous fish alive and swimming.
|
In the spring and summer, invasive weeds crowd the creek banks, choking out native plants. These weeds provide little to no habitat for the bugs that salmon (or other wildlife) like to eat and don’t keep the stream shady enough; the warm water can be deadly for fish. Volunteers come to the rescue, digging up these plants to make room for native trees and shrubs that make the whole stream community healthier. Each fall, returning as faithfully as the salmon, volunteers plant thousands of trees and shrubs along the creeks to improve habitat for salmon and other wildlife, control flooding and improve air and water quality. The trees along Issaquah streams are critical to healthy salmon runs and clean water. Native vegetation shades and cleans the water, and provides important habitat for fish and wildlife large and small. The Issaquah Creek Basin is about 61 square miles and is bordered by Tiger, Squak and Taylor mountains. Even though the Basin has many acres of good habitat and abundant wildlife, existing streamside areas are filled with more than 50% non-native plants. These plants don’t provide shelter for wildlife and fish. Please help replace them with native trees that will make this creek more hospitable and beautiful for all of us. |
|
|
|
It will take several years before the plant communities along the creek banks are healthy enough to sustain themselves. In the meantime, dozens of volunteers are still needed each month to make “Trees for Issaquah” a success! The current events calendar http://ww.mtsgreenway.org/Volunteer/volevents.htm has a list of projects available, more information about the sites and links to a sign-up form. Thanks to all the volunteers for joining us, we couldn’t do this work without you! For more information, please contact Kelly Kirkland at 206-812-0122.
|
************************************************************
Chestnut Lane Decision Appealed
By Ilene B Stahl
|
The Sammamish Plateau rises easterly above beautiful Lake Sammamish. Now in the City of Sammamish, the plateau has been urbanizing quickly since the seventies. Development means much more stormwater, as trees are replaced with impervious surfaces like roofs and roads. Unmanaged plateau stormwater has had a large impact on the environmental health of Lake Sammamish, washing sediments and phosphorus into the lake causing algae blooms. This happens because the plateau is made up of soil layers recognized as having a severe or very severe erosion hazard. The hard top layer of soil is compacted clay left by the last ice age called glacial till. Underneath this hard upper shell are soil layers of rocks, soil and fine sand called advance outwash. The outwash soils contain fine sands and sediment that can easily be moved by water. The streams that flow down from the plateau have eroded deep ravines through these soils. The power of the flowing water causes erosion and sedimentation, threatening the water quality of the streams and Lake Sammamish and properties at the plateau edges and near streams. As the plateau has become more developed, more and more stormwater has eroded the ravines, but it is during large storm events, when 3 to 4 inches of rain falls, that catastrophic harm can happen. And it is only a matter of time before another large storm comes our way. Storms have washed away private property and wiped out the once common salmon runs in tributaries of the East Lake Sammamish Basin. King County determined that the only way to reduce the threat was by taking drastic action. So in 1997 the Erosion Hazard Overlay, or SO-190, was created. The Erosion Overlay puts strict limits on development in the erosion and landslide hazard zones and requires infiltration of stormwater on property draining to these areas. All stormwater has to be infiltrated because the water is not harmful when dispersed into the ground. The intent of the Erosion Overlay is to protect private property and significant water resources like salmon streams and Lake Sammamish. Ebright Creek, which flows through one of several highly erosive plateau ravines, is also one of the last viable wild Kokanee Salmon streams on Lake Sammamish. This geologically intact stream is home to other species of fish and wildlife, including Coho and Sockeye Salmon. Compared to other creeks, Ebright is still pretty much the way nature created it, largely due to the fact that there are many sensitive areas within its basin, which has meant much less development. The water in Ebright Creek has year round cool temperatures of 50 degrees flowing from groundwater springs. The springs are fed by groundwater that infiltrated into the ground in its basin. It’s arguably one of the most unique and important natural resources within the City of Sammamish. Historically, the Snoqualmie Tribe depended upon Ebright Creek and other East Lake Sammamish tributaries for sustenance and tradition for hundreds of years before we took over the land. |
 Chestnut Lane Drains To
Ebright Creek |
In recent years a grass-roots group of volunteers called Friends of Pine Lake has been trying to protect Ebright Creek in an appeal of Chestnut Lane, a 35 lot subdivision on the very edge of the plateau. Chestnut Lane drains to the steep-sloped no disturbance zone of the erosion hazard overlay. Current plans for the subdivision are to release stormwater on to a portion of the steep slope in the Ebright Creek ravine. Friends has argued that, to protect geologically sensitive erosion and landslide hazard zones and their associated streams and waterways, the city must not allow point discharges of stormwater into the erosion hazard zone. The outcome of this case may determine how the city applies the Erosion Hazard Overlay in the future, and whether point discharges of stormwater from development will be allowed within the overlay areas. This appeal decision will help determine whether development will be allowed to permanently harm these natural resources in the future or whether they will be protected. The decision will affect large areas of the plateau.
Chestnut Lane involves an ever changing interpretation of the Erosion Hazard Overlay by the City of Sammamish. The overlay clearly states that “all runoff from newly constructed impervious surfaces shall be retained on site...”. This means that all stormwater from the development must be infiltrated on site, and not allowed to be discharged into the no-disturbance zone. Yet the Sammamish Hearing Examiner, in his last decision, arbitrarily added the words “to the maximum extent feasible” - words that are not written in the law itself. This effectively “waters down” the law to the point that it would allow the developer to build as if the SO-190 did not exist. If the Court of Appeals applies the law as written the plat would be denied as currently configured.
We citizens know that words are powerful, especially in law. By adding these few words, we believe the Hearing Examiner weakened and distorted the SO-190 and its intent to protect Lake Sammamish and streams from additional stormwater and erosion. The Examiner’s decision allows Chestnut Lane to release stormwater on to the steep-sloped no disturbance area of the erosion hazard zone. Scientific studies have shown that point discharges, even if dispersed, will undermine the stability of the canyon wall, and cause erosion and sedimentation. The fine sands and clay could then bury the fine cobbles needed by the salmon for spawning, smother salmon eggs and clog the gills of young fish, significantly reducing the ability of salmon to survive.
If Chestnut Lane is built as currently proposed, one developer will be allowed to develop an investment property to its maximum density of homes for profit. However, we believe the citizens of Sammamish would lose the natural viability of Ebright Creek and their best hopes of saving the native Kokanee Salmon. Our streams are more than outfalls for development stormwater and will serve the greater public good for future generations if we let them. We are hoping that the higher court will apply the law as written and deny the plat as currently configured. On August 10 Friends of Pine Lake filed a Notice of Appeal to the Washington State Court of Appeals.
************************************************************
|
Federal Grants Available for habitat restoration on private lands Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife News Release 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 OLYMPIA - Private landowners can receive up to $50,000 in federal grant funding to restore habitat on their property for “species at risk” through a program coordinated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Applications are being accepted until Dec. 16 for habitat restoration projects through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). WDFW is developing a portfolio of potential projects to submit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for funding in 2006. Qualifying landowners are typically eligible for up to $50,000 in assistance. In addition, $50,000 will be set aside for small grants. An individual applying for these small grant funds may apply for up to $5,000. Eligible landowners must be able to make a 25 percent contribution, which may include cash and/or in-kind work. Project applications are due by Dec.16. ”Species at risk” are fish or wildlife species that are federally or state-listed as threatened or endangered, or proposed as candidates for listing as threatened or endangered, as well as any other animal species determined to be at risk by WDFW. ”With more than half of Washington in private ownership, it’s clear that restoring habitat on privately owned property is an important part of strengthening fish and wildlife populations across the state,” said WDFW Director Jeff Koenings. More information about LIP is available at wdfw.wa.gov/lands/lip or by contacting LIP Coordinator Ginna Correa at (360) 902-2478. |
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A GOOD RECYCLER AND A NOT-SO-GOOD RECYCLER GOOD RECYCLER: NOT SO GOOD: GOOD RECYCLER: NOT SO GOOD: GOOD RECYCLER: NOT SO GOOD:
|
************************************************************
Feeding Birds in Winter
John Hadidian, Ph.D.
When winter has left trees barren and daylight hours are few, birds still fill our suburban landscapes. We marvel at the resourcefulness of wild birds as they search out food and warmth through the long winter months.
We can help to provide these birds with food, cover, roosting areas, and nesting spots by planting native seed and berry-producing trees, shrubs, and vines. Should we also set out feeders? Experts disagree as to whether backyard bird feeding makes a significant difference for whole bird populations, but for the individual birds in your own backyard, feeding certainly can help. Winter feeding also gives you a chance to observe wild birds at close range.
When to feed—Feed more often at times of peak energy demand, such as during temperature extremes, nesting season, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted.
Where to feed—Birds are most likely to eat where they feel safe. Make sure that there is nearby cover to which birds can quickly escape from predators, such as free-roaming cats. Place ground-level feeders in spots where predators cannot hide easily, and set up a loose mesh fence around the feeder.
 |
If the feeders are near a window, alter the appearance of
the glass to help reduce window collisions. Try covering windows with a
fine plastic garden netting, placing hawk silhouettes about four inches
apart on the outside of the window, or painting a scene on the window’s
exterior with soap. Many birds will feed at more than one level, but they
do have their preferences:
|
Selecting a feeder—Plastic, steel, or glass feeders are best because they are easy to clean. Feeders with porous surfaces, such as wood or clay, can be difficult to clean and may grow dangerous algae and fungi. Smaller feeders empty out more quickly, so there’s less chance of wet, spoiled seeds. Rain can be a problem, so make sure the feeder has drainage holes, and consider placing a plastic dome on top.
|
Proper maintenance—Regular upkeep is necessary to keep your feeder free from contamination by disease-causing bacteria.
|
 |
 |
Water—Birds need water year-round for drinking and bathing. Set up at least one birdbath. The surface should be easy to clean, and there should be a gently sloping shallow end. Place the birdbath away from the feeders to keep the water from being contaminated. Rinse the birdbath daily before refilling it, and clean it once a week, using a 5–10 percent solution of chlorine bleach. You can use a birdbath heater that has a built-in thermostat to warm up the water just enough to keep it from freezing. Never add antifreeze or other chemicals to the water. In your absence—Keep your feeding schedule consistent, but don’t worry if you must stop feeding briefly—while traveling, for example. Wild birds will find other food in your absence, especially in suburban areas, where other bird feeders are just a short flight away. If you live in a rural or isolated area, however, try to arrange to have a neighbor maintain the feeders in your absence, just as you would have someone look after your pets or houseplants. Providing food for wild birds will help the winter pass more comfortably for them, while adding interest and activity to your winter days. Come spring, as the nesting season unfolds, you’ll have the added pleasure of recognizing many of the birds as individuals. Excerpted and adapted from The Humane Society of the United States’ brochure, Backyard Feeding of Wild Birds. You can forget mankind’s minor achievements like the building of the pyramids or landing on the moon. The technological advance that will define whether or not we humans have truly arrived on this planet will come with the invention of a squirrel-proof bird feeder. |
************************************************************
Sammamish Critical Areas Controversies Include
Lake Buffers, Drainage and Density
By Ilene Stahl
In early November the Sammamish City Council will begin review of suggested updates to its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). The CAO update, which the council will vote on in December, currently protects environmentally sensitive areas, and is updated at least every seven years to comply with the state’s Growth Management Act. The update is supposed to include the best available science (or BAS) to designate, protect and restore critical areas such as salmon habitat, lakes, streams and wetlands. Although sensitive areas need to be protected from the impacts of future development, the city must also balance the property rights of individuals and take its fair share of the region’s density. Not an easy task.
History
King County developed the first sensitive area ordinances by extensive study
of the effects of urbanization on the natural environment. The Sammamish
plateau was chosen as one of those areas because it had an unusually high
concentration of unique and significant wetlands, and because water quality
problems in Lake Sammamish were being caused by severe ravine erosion caused
by bad stormwater management. King County spent a lot of time, resources and
money studying the geology, hydrology, wetlands, wildlife and vegetation on
the plateau. In addition to the KC Sensitive Areas Ordinance, they were able
to develop the Special District Overlays, ordinances which were custom-fit to
the unique conditions on the plateau and that today are considered to be some
of the most innovative, comprehensive and beneficial protection methods.
|
Lake Protection Many lakefront property owners are happy without buffers because they can use more of their property. However, the natural vegetated shorelines of our lakes are disappearing fast, which over time will have negative effects. On Lake Sammamish, the shoreline conservation areas are under siege with proposals for development of large homes on what were formerly small recreation properties. Without buffer protections in code, there is a greater potential for environmental degradation. Some property owners, however, say they want to protect the shoreline without being punished with large buffers they cannot use. The city is proposing a means to designate all lakes as habitat conservation areas. This would give the city the ability, as it reviews each development, to require buffering of lake vegetation where it is not degraded and habitat value is high. At the same time, the city is trying to formulate incentives for lakefront owners to maintain and restore lake buffers. Special District Overlay Review |
If you see a problem on Lake Sammamish What will YOU Do? First, if the situation involves apparent illegal activity, such as dumping into the lake or you feel it involves imminent danger to people, call 911 to report it. The following are optional numbers to call during the
work week: King County Limnologist (lake scientist) If you do call 911 to report the problem, please also call Jonathan to alert him of the situation. King County Environmental Lab - Ben Budka - 206.684.2328 On weekends and holidays, call: Would you like to volunteer to help save Lake Sammamish or learn how to do your part to keep our lakes and streams clean? There is much to do. On the SLS website: savelakesamm.org see the Latest SLS News section for upcoming events and on-going activities. Send an E-mail to info@savelakesamm.org for more information. |
The Wetland Management overlay includes those properties which drain to Class 1 Wetlands in Sammamish, wetlands deemed unique and outstanding due to their size, the diversity of plant life and value of the wildlife habitat. Management of these wetlands includes clustering development away from the wetland, leaving 50% open space, limiting impervious surfaces to 8%, and limiting seasonal clearing. Protecting these highly valuable wetlands allows them to continue functioning as natural barriers to seasonal floods and guarantees that their aesthetic value and habitat will be preserved. The Wetland Management zones should all be zoned R-1 as KC intended, and all wetland protections should be preserved in these areas.
The Erosion Hazards Near Sensitive Water Bodies overlay applies to areas with soils mapped as having a “severe” or “very severe” erosion potential that drain to valuable wetlands, streams or lakes. The severe potential for degradation of Lake Sammamish and tributary streams justifies severe limitations on development in these erosion prone areas. Limitations include a requirement that stormwater be infiltrated into the ground on the site itself rather than be detained and released through a pipe into the erosion hazard zone. The infiltration requirement applies not only to those properties within the erosion hazard overlay but also those properties that drain to the steep slopes of the erosion hazard zone. Then there is a 50% open space requirement which serves to further buffer the impacts to the sensitive area from development. These limitations will prevent damage to property downstream, will protect water bodies and salmon streams from erosion and will prevent the plateau edges from eroding away too quickly. Unless point-discharges of stormwater are avoided in the no-disturbance zone of the erosion hazard areas, erosion has the potential to degrade streams at a catastrophic rate and adversely affect the water quality of Lake Sammamish. Unfortunately, all it would take is one severe storm event to recognize this fact, but then it would be too late.
We encourage the City of Sammamish to recognize the unique environmental limitations inherent in the geology of the plateau, and that certain areas will be unable to support urban densities without dire consequences or enormous public expense. Flexibility in land use is good where it will protect the integrity of the environment, but we must also be prepared to add more protection to important resources which have been determined to have a higher susceptibility to environmental degradation.
************************************************************
Environmentally Sound Fall Clean Up Practices in the Garden
By Teresa Gallion
Frederick County (MD) Master Gardener Program
Many gardeners wonder if they shouldn’t cut down and clear out the summer growth fearing it might lead to disease and insect problems for next spring. This question, as so many gardening inquiries, can be answered one sure way: It depends.
The kind of garden you are growing will determine how much “cleaning” you need to do at the end of the season. How concerned you and your neighbors are about yard neatness may also be a factor. If you grow annuals, tropicals, vegetables, wildflowers, have a woods or a plain lawn, your style will set your work schedule.
 |
One subject we learn about as master gardeners is integrated pest management (IPM). This term describes a decision making approach to gardening that is gaining popularity as more people learn the principles. You can actually do less in your yard and let nature work for you. Doing a big fall clean up may not be as necessary as you once thought. If it’s possible, leave some perennials standing. It’s fun to watch finches on coneflowers (Echinacea sp.) picking out the seeds. Sunflowers, liatris and other flowers that go to seed will provide food for wildlife. Watching birds can give you hours of enjoyment in the winter garden. Leaving flowers and stalks through the winter will also provide homes for overwintering insects. Gardeners familiar with IPM will welcome insects as pollinators and as food for birds and each other. An environmentally friendly garden will always have lots of bugs in it. By leaving seed heads and some winter protection for birds and insects in your garden, you’ll have lots of wildlife to enjoy this fall and winter. Milkweed pods provide seeds for food and flycatchers, vireos, wrens, some warblers, sparrows, orioles and finches will use the floss for nesting. You’ll have more insects in the spring, too. |
This is not a punishment for laziness but a reward for allowing nature to take care of itself. In spring, migrating birds will come looking for those insects and visit the garden that provides food.
When you simply must cut down perennial stalks, chop them into six-inch lengths (or so) and pile them in the garden as mulch with fall leaves. Stick piles give cover for wildlife, including overwintering butterflies like the Mourning cloak. The leaves and plant material you leave on the ground will mulch the garden and can be turned in to the soil in spring, adding important organic material.
Some work you will want to take care of this fall. Cut down and discard diseased plant material as a hygienic step. Remove this spent growth; don’t use it in your compost pile.
Vegetable gardens will need to be cleared of old growth, to assure the best conditions for next year’s crop. Prune back plants and shrubs with seed heads that start too many unwanted new plants. An example is the ubiquitous butterfly bush. Established Buddleia can be cut down to a foot high and regrow beautifully next season. Tropicals take a lot of care in this non-tropical area. I used to spend my October digging up, drying out and preparing to store cannas, glads, and dahlias. Plants that naturally grow here (and many are beautiful additions to your yard) will not take up your time, effort, and basement with the coddling that non-natives require. Do a little research with the Washington Native Plant Society (www.wnps.org) and trade those labor-intensive tropicals for plants that grow in our climate naturally.
Visit a garden where natives are in the spotlight or follow the link above to the WNPS Landscaping page and look over Pacific Northwest Native Plants For Western Washington Gardens, Compiled by Native Plant Steward Marcia Rivers Smith.
You won’t be checking hardiness zone maps or bringing in pots and bulbs to sit out the harsh winter because native plants evolved to live right here. Look for plants native to your back yard and they’ll flourish in the natural soil, temperature range and water available. They’ll repay you with less garden work and more garden enjoyment.
Your spouse or neighbors may ask why you’ve left some of your garden standing through the winter. It can take some getting used to, if you normally clear everything out of your garden in the fall. Take small steps at first. And while you’re saving time by not cleaning out your garden, fall is the time to clean, sharpen and oil your tools. They’ll be ready to make our spring work easier.
|
Envirothon 2006 - Time to form teams!!! Envirothon plans for 2006 are underway. The Envirothon is the largest North American natural resource competition for grades 9-12. The environmental theme this year is Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate. The NW Regional event will be held at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center in Snohomish County on Wednesday, March 29, 2006. The state wide Envirothon will be hosted by the King Conservation District in May 23-24, 2006. The winning state team will go on to compete at Winnipeg, Manitoba - Canada, July 23-29, 2006. To signup contact Roseanne Campagna at 425-277-5581 ext 125, or e-mail roseanne.campagna@kingcd.org, or visit www.envirothon.org for more details about this event. |
 |
Save Lake Sammamish invites submissions, comments or suggestions for this Newsletter. Credit will be given for articles and/or photos used. The Editor of the SLS Newsletter has complete discretion as to material to be published.
|
|
************************************************************
*
Hard copy edited by Dan Reider
Contributors:
Ilene Stahl
Edited by Dan Reider
SLS invites submissions, comments or suggestions for this Newsletter. Credit will be given for articles and/or photos used. The Editor of the SLS Newsletter has complete discretion as to material to be published.
We thank our many volunteers, contributors, and friends for your continued support. The future depends on you. Thanks also to the Seattle Community Network (SCN) for hosting the SLS web site and Listserve.
|
‚ Yes, I want to join Save Lake
Sammamish. Here are my membership dues of: ‚ $25 Individual membership ‚ $40 Family membership ‚ $100 Sponsorship ‚$250 or more Stewardship ‚ _________________ other ‚ I am already a member. I would like to make an
additional contribution of $_________. NAME: ____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________ PHONE: [ ]_____________________E-MAIL:__________________________
|
PLEASE HELP US
SAVE THE KOKANEE!!
Please Recycle |
Please send to:
PMB 2565
1420 NW Gilman Blvd Ste 2
Issaquah, WA 98027 USA.
[425] 641-3008
Thank you.
Contributions to SLS, a non-profit organization, are fully tax deductible by law.
FALL 2005