Friday, April 10, 2009
Mary Marsh's Bio-Chem students learn about stream habitat restoration.
These students are "mulching" to keep the plant roots moist and weed-free. It's one of the final stages of restoration. The first stage of restoration is removal of non-native, invasive vegetation (blackberries, reed canary grasses, and ivy are common). Invasive plants strangle trees and harm salmon habitat. The second stage is Fall planting of native shrubs and sapling trees. Native plants help keep the stream water cold for salmon and stream beds clean for salmon hatching. Mulching, monitoring, and maintenance are the final stages of restoration.
The Marchione Administration has begun a restoration program to keep our City Park greenbelts healthy. If you want to participate, stay tuned or click the link. Visit the Water Tender's site to learn about their 4/30 event.
Do you have a comment?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
ATTN: "Mayor John", Redmond kids, parents, students and teachers
If you are regular Redmond Neighborhood Blog readers you know a recurring topic is the importance and value of protecting Redmond's groundwater. Approximately, 40% of our city drinking water comes from "sandy, underground lakes and streams" known as aquifers. Citizens living in Education Hill, SE Redmond, the Downtown, and North Redmond all drink treated, underground water pumped up from 5 city wells.
I discovered an entertaining short cartoon video about 'groundwater' and it's importance and value to us. It is directed to kids and teachers but many parents and youth will be engaged by the animation. Click the link to see it!
Mayor John Marchione plans to visit various Redmond elementary schools this year, according to his interview on RCTV last month. I believe he'll start off at Norman Rockwell, the school he attended in his youth. Perhaps, "Mayor John" will bring this groundwater video to the attention of the teachers and students during his school visits.
Many thanks to the Water Tenders, a leader of Redmond's Derby Days "Green Team". The video is posted on their website: http://watertenders.org/. My daughter, Pam and I are proud members of the Green Team!
Children's video on "groundwater". http://www.leapingmedia.com/groundwater.html
Water Tenders website: http://watertenders.org/
Meet the Mayor - 2nd interview: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/inside0709b.wmv
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Invasive Species in our local Waterways
By John Reinke
Several species of invasive amphibians, reptiles, mollusks and mammals have established themselves in King County's lakes, rivers and streams. his piece discusses the three species that I've observed in the Sammamish River. It is almost a certainty that they can also be found in Bear Creek, which flows into the Sammamish River.
The three species are: Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), and the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
credit: John Reinke |
The American bullfrog is native to the eastern United States, but has spread throughout the country. It is a voracious feeder, and will consume anything that can fit in its large mouth. Body length can be as long as six inches, with the legs adding as much as another ten inches. Very large bullfrogs can weigh almost two pounds. I have seen and photographed them in and near the Sammamish River.
It has proven easy to raise in ponds for commercial sale. Consequently, the species is now factory farmed in many parts of the world for food. According to the New York Times, more than two million bullfrogs are imported live into the San Francisco Bay Area every year. The problem is that they bring with them the deadly chytrid skin fungus, which has wiped out hundreds of frog species worldwide. (It is not harmful to humans.) A study of nearly 500 fresh-bought frogs from San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York found that 62 percent were infected with this fungus. A few manage to escape and thus help spread the fungus in the U.S.
Locally, these bullfrogs outcompete (and also eat) native species, which are in decline partly as a result. Bullfrogs also consume ducklings, garter snakes, and even the native western pond turtle. That's why the King County environment website says: "If you catch one, feel free to eat it!"
Credit: John Reinke |
Like the American bullfrog, the red-eared slider is native to the eastern U.S. It is the most commonly sold pet turtle across the country. This has greatly contributed to its spread, as some escape into the wild and others are let go by owners who no longer want them.
Their name comes from the distinctive red patch of skin around their ears. The "slider" part comes about from their ability to quickly slide into the water from rocks and logs. Red-eared sliders eat a variety of animal and plant materials including fish, crayfish, tadpoles, snails, crickets, aquatic insects and numerous aquatic plants.
Red-eared sliders have overwhelmed native western pond turtles to the extent that according to Wikipedia, the latter have not been found in the Puget Sound area since 2007.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Water Tenders and onlookers spot about 35 salmon on Bear Creek this weekend
I thought you might be interested to see these photos of some hard working Water Tender volunteers at the booth set up on the Tolt Pipeline at the end of 148th St off of Mink Road close to Bear Creek on this weekend.
Reported and Photographs By John Reinke
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Vote YES on King County Charter "Open Space Amendment" #4
We have endorsed King County Charter Amendment 4, on your November ballot. The Open Space Amendment (OSA) will provide enhanced protection for approximately 156,000 acres of natural open space owned by King County. (photo of Cougar Mountain)
Through a new section in the county charter, the Open Space Amendment (#4) strengthens protection of certain high conservation value properties by requiring a 28-day public comment period, a finding of facts, and a supermajority vote (7 of 9) of the County Council before the property could be sold or transferred. This public process will help to safeguard our most cherished green spaces for future generations.
These properties are among our most treasured conservation and recreation spaces. County lands to receive additional protection include all the Bear Creek Waterways properties in Unincorporated King County (Cold Creek Natural Area, the Upper Bear Creek Conservation Area, Evans Creek Natural Area and many more) Squak Mountain/Tiger Mountain Corridor, Cedar River Waterways, Cougar Mountain, the Upper Raging River Forest, and the Snoqualmie Forest.
The properties protected by the Open Space Amendment are already owned or held in a conservation easement by King County – the amendment involves no new land purchases or direct costs.
The Open Space Amendment is unanimously supported by the County Council, Executive, Municipal League, many environmental groups, and community leaders. You can see a full list of endorsements and learn more about he Open Space Amendment at http://www.openspaceamendment.org/.
We urge you to vote Yes on King County Charter Open Space Amendment #4.
The Water Tenders
submitted by Terry Lavender
9/4
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Water Tenders: Lower Bear Creek is Relocated
And don't miss their 25th Anniversary newsletter edition here.
I apologize: the links are broken
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Water Tenders report on Indian artifacts found in Lower Bear Creek
Learn how to become a member of Water Tenders and read all their newsletters by visiting www.watertenders.org
Friday, May 18, 2012
Lower Bear Creek Natural Area by Avondale Rd. adds 1.6 acres
Lower Bear Creek "ox-bow" / BY (Look for the small Hartman Pool sign by the sidewalk on Avondale Road) |
Grows by 1.6 Acres
Friday, December 31, 2010
Willows Creek After Restoration
Logs and "el-wood" are positioned in Willows Creek |
Erosion and a significant sedimentation problems occur during periods heavy rains. The problem is augmented by a stormwater outfall servicing the surrounding roads and homes. High flow rates reduce the amount and quality of habitat for salmon and cutthroat trout. According to Tom Hardy, city stream specialist cutthroat are present but not salmon. Read more...
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Restoring Tosh Creek improves fish habitat and mitigates flooding in the Overlake neighborhood
City Planner Roger Dane (l) and Project Manager Steve Hitch book-end Tosh Creek |
Susan, Bob, and Steve Credit John Reinke |
Tosh Creek is an important tributary to the Sammamish River. Its headwaters are actually in the Overlake neighborhood up the hill from West Lake Sammamish Parkway. In 2013, the culvert running under the parkway was improved and the stream was re-aligned away from the road to be more "fish friendly," and to reduce sediment build-up near the culvert. Willows and other native plants were planted to shade the creek and keep it cool. The $1.9M project was managed by Roger Dane and Mike Haley and funded primarily from city stormwater utility funds.
Monday, November 12, 2007
10/25, Bear Creek Mussels - indicators of stream health
The photo above is one of the world's most sensitive "biological indicators" of natural resource health -- and it lives in our very own "back yard" -- Bear Creek. It's a 50-year old, middle-aged, freshwater mussel. Good luck trying to find it in the stream bed!
Did you know that 70% of all freshwater mussels in the U.S. are at risk or endangered? Freshwater mussels need fish to reproduce (their larva develop in fish gills) so their survival in Bear Creek is very dependent on salmon - another endangered species. Thus, mussels are very sensitive indicators of the condition of our local water quality and the health of our salmon fisheries.
Some alarming news was announced at a WATER TENDERS meeting last night. We learned that Bear Creek mussels have experienced a catastrophic decline -- a 93% mortality in the last year. But so far, in preliminary studies, experts from University of Washington and King County could not fully explain WHY.
The experts could not attribute the decline to water quality, sedimentation, urbanization, or even "first flush" of stormwater from roads. Toxic algae blooms, disease, and predation are more likely but even these causes have been ruled out for the time being. The experts have just begun their studies so with further study answers & solutions may be found.
These creatures have lived in "our back yard creek" for over 2000 years. Snoqualmie Indians once lived off the mussels and left large piles of shells (middens) on campsites along the banks of Bear Creek and Cottage Lake Creek.
How much longer will these historic creatures live in 'our neighborhood'? Right now, it doesn't look too good for them.
Monday, February 2, 2009
What's going wrong with Redmond's Commissions? What's right?
But, this 'sermon' is about city problems with the management of Commissions by our one-year old Administration. According to the Parks & Trails commission website Chair Sue Stewart of Parks and Trails has been a commissioner for almost 6 years. Ms. Stewart likes to make oral presentations at council meetings and I could swear remembering her quoting a much longer Parks commission term than 6 years. Peter MacDonald, Vice Chair of Parks and Trails and friend and political ally of the Mayor and according to their website has been a commissioner for about five years. Peter would be an excellent citizen to get to know if you want to be a Parks & Trails Commissioner or Youth Advocate. A Youth Advocate position is open. Council blessing of the non-resident commissioner appointee is soon.
Unfortunately, it's too late to apply for the Parks & Trails vacancy. The Commission went outside their normal selection standards (see comments - non-residents are allowed) and got permission from the Mayor to appoint a citizen not residing in Redmond. The Parks Director justified it by claiming the nominee lived near a trail the city was interested in acquiring. I don't think non-resident commissioners are good policy. Redmond has plenty of tax-paying citizens who would probably love the opportunity to give input on our many splendored parks. I don't believe parks commissioners should enter the commission with a special interest, especially, when they live outside the city.
A serious problem for the Parks & Trail Commission in 2008 has been the loss of the "public record" for the last six months of their regular meetings. The commission is required to tape their regular meetings for the public record. Weeks ago, I asked the Parks Secretary for two meeting tapes. I found NOTHING taped on their digital recorder or analog recorder for the last six meetings. The council Ombudsman-of-the-month's answer was "we all learned from the experience." No public Ombudsman report was given. No commitment to fix the problem was promised. To this day, I haven't received an apology or even acknowledgment from the Parks Director or Parks Commission Chair or the Mayor. Loss of 6 months public record is serious.
I knew I did something good for the city during this discovery, as follows: 1) I actively participated in the governing process by attempting to listen to meeting tapes and catch up on P&T meetings for the Eastern Park Corridor Program and Downtown Park, 2) I spent 3 hours of my personal time trying to help the city trouble-shoot and quantify the lose of public record. 3) I reported the problem through proper channels -- didn't jump to my blog. What resulted? Not one genuine thank you from the city nor promise the recorder would be fixed.
In my five years of active participation and reporting on the city, I've found a dysfunctional governing pattern -- The city's approach to a citizen reporting errors and omissions is to brush them under the carpet rather than give them even hushed appreciation. Such apathy and disregard for constructive citizen participation results in mediocrity and public dis-engagement within our government.
Redmond sponsors 9 Commissions. None are paid. Of the commissions I'm most familiar with, the entire Planning Commission is dedicated and professional, giving much of their time in meetings every week. Presently, they are looking to expeditiously fill one position. They are my favorite commission because I learn the most from them. They conduct Public Hearings, make Land Use decisions, and set land use policy.
The only problem I have with the Planning Commission is staff - NOT the commissioners! Last week staff interfered and discouraged my public testimony, at times. The Principal Planners gave me help when I didn't want it and didn't give me help when I needed it. During the Stream Map Hearing, to prepare, I asked as week in advance for known Stream Maps from three planners and an engineer. We used these maps during a tour with Kathy Lambert. Twenty minutes before the Hearing a Principal Planner told me flatly that they "didn't get them all". I'm guessing the Mayor was taking a stand on "the Rock of public records."
The map they gave me was so large it couldn't be projected on an overhead. Despite this, a second Principal Planner barged onto the podium, unannounced, interrupting my testimony while he was trying to position the large map! He interrupted me just when I was starting to talk about some observations of the lay of the land near our aquifer. For me, his abrupt, unasked for "help" confirmed the city may still have quality issues with our aquifer. My testimony was unscientific and anecdotal and I had rights to be fully heard. The principal planner's subtle interference was uncalled for. Some of these planners are paid over $95,000 for services rendered to taxpayers.
My last beef with staff at the Planning Commission Hearing was their lack of professional courtesy. I wanted to familiarize myself with the overhead projector before the meeting but a second Principal Planner brushed me aside saying they were too busy now and to come back. Three staff proceeded to huddle around the projector, blocking me off, until the Hearing started. Once I got to the podium various staff were all over me in front of the camera - interrupting, correcting me and fixing the projector, adjusting the microphone, putting unwanted maps on the projector, and mostly trying to give me the help I needed before my testimony. This behavior is a sorry example of poor service to a rare citizen with guts and time enough to approach the podium...... It would have been one thing if said staff were interns, associates, or even senior planners. But two highly paid Principal Planners were "helping me". I've seen other citizens fumbling at the start of their talk, also. It would not take much to fix this and so encourage citizen participation.
Not to forget, the Arts Commission is one of my favorites, too. They are looking for two new commissioners and one Youth Advocate. They hold three public meetings on RCTV. The Planning Commission is on RCTV most every Wednesday night at 7PM. The Parks & Trails Commission NEVER conducts their meetings on RCTV. Their website is incomplete and innacurate. What does this tell you? All said and done, I absolutely adore, admire and appreciate the commissions and every hour of volunteer work our commissioners give to our city. I love going to their meetings or listening to them. I think staff should do a better job servicing, acknowledging, recognizing, and empowering our invaluable human resources of caring citizens - espectially sworn volunteers.
Apply and sign-up for a commissioner or youth advocate position here.
Apply and sign-up for the nonprofit Water Tenders Youth Advocate position at the web site.
Water Tenders is a small group of passionate citizens compelled to sustain and protect local Bear Creek Basin habitats in Redmond. My daughter is a youth advocate.
CC: Mayor John Marchione ; Redmond City Council; City Clerk, OMBUDSMAN
RAC@redmond.gov, planningcommission@redmond.gov, parksandtrailscommission@redmond.gov
_________________________________________________________________________
Comments are encouraged below or by emailing me at REDMONDBLOG@GMAIL.COM for posting on this page.
Friday, September 27, 2013
It's Salmon SEEson once again! - Spot the spawners!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
City of Redmond signs Purchase and Sale Agreement for Keller Farm
The Keller Farm is a crucial piece of wetland-agricultural land important to the ecology of our Redmond area. The farm will be used as a "wetland bank" for off-site mitigation of wetlands lost to development within Redmond. As wetlands are destroyed by development in the City the developers must purchase rights to replace these wetlands on the Keller Farm so that there will be "no net loss" of wetlands owing to development. Wetlands are an important natural resource for Redmond since they help to recharge and purify the City aquifer which is tapped for potable well-water.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Sustainable Redmond" to hold booth at Derby Days; launches new website
Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about Sustainable Redmond - a grassroots organization focused on local sustainable actions. A group of dedicated Redmond-area citizens have been meeting since November to form Sustainable Redmond, which is part of the Sustainable Communities All Over Puget Sound (SCALLOPS) network (scallopswa.org). Some of the current group members come from a variety of other local organizations related to sustainability, such as the Audubon Society, Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, Water Tenders, Green Redmond, Redmond Pedestrian and Bike Advisory Committee, and the Marymoor Community Garden.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
"Sustainable Redmond" Spring Speaker Series
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Gift of Conservation Futures
Conservation Futures is a small portion of your property
tax specifically dedicated to acquisition of land in King
County and its cities for conservation and open space. It was first introduced
in the State Legislaturein 1971 by Kirkland Republican Alan Bleuchel as
part of a larger package of environmental legislation that also established the
State Department of Ecology. The legislation stated that it is a ‘fundamental
and inalienable right’ of citizens to have a healthy and pleasant environment.
Governor Dan Evans signed the legislation into law. Every county was granted
the right to collect funds to purchase Open Space.
The interesting fact is that no county used this authority until 1982
when King County used it to jump-start the Farmlands Preservation Pro-
gram and purchase a large portion of Cougar Mountain. King County has
collected the funds ever since.
This region is shaped by conservation—it is our soul and our legacy. In
the past three decades, Conservation Futures has been the largest single
financial contributor to this effort. In Bear Creek, these funds have con-
tributed to nearly every piece of property protected—from the Upper,
Middle, and Lower Bear Creek Conservation areas; Cold Creek and Mary
Cash Farm; the wetlands along Evans Creek; the newly purchased proper-
ties south of the Tolt Pipeline Trail; the confluence of Mackey Creek, and
others in the works. Snohomish County used this authority for half of the
funds to purchase the Paradise Valley Conservation Area. You can multiply
this success across King County in every river and creek system, city open
space parks like Bellevue’s Mercer Slough or Seattle’s Thorton Creek, over
100,000 acres of forest development rights purchased and protected farm-
land.
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of King County using this fund. At a
celebration of some of the founders and longtime advocates, King
County Executive Dow Constantine, a strong supporter of this funding gave
a speech on the measure.
Read Terry's entire article and Dow's speech in the Water Tenders Fall Newletter
Saturday, May 17, 2008
UPDATE: Restoration funding for Lower Bear Creek keeps getting closer! Rep. Ross Hunter indicates his "okay" at recent Town Hall Meeting.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
UPDATED: Evans Creek - Where is it? Where does it go? What went wrong?
click on the pics to enlarge
Can you guess where Evans Creek is in this picture?
Find a graphic satellite map HERE of Evans Creek running through the industrial park and connecting with Bear Creek. Can you find the confluence of Bear & Evans Creek on Keller Farm on the left of the map? Zoom in. Can you can find the stream culvert and creek banks?
Evans Creek is a important salmon-bearing stream located in SE Redmond. The picture on the right is the beginning of Evans Creek near the county - city border. This photo was taken on the historic Red Brick Road looking west. See the beaver dam? You pass over Evans Creek everytime you drive on Union Hill Road near 192nd Avenue NE, just south of the Red Brick Road. Another good landmark is Legacy Roofing.
In the photo on the left, Evans Creek is further downstream into the industrial park running through a pipe (culvert) under the gravel road. A small bridge over Evans Creek is marked by orange posts. The creek flows left (west) under the tiny bridge & parallel to NE 84th Street through this industrial business and several others. About a half mile downstream adjacent Millennium Park it connects with Bear Creek on Keller Farm.
Bear Creek and Evans Creek are state and city protected salmon-bearing streams. Federally endangered wild Chinook salmon run through the Evans Creek industrial area on their way to spawn upstream. I don't know how far they make it. Evans Creek is supposed to have a 150 -200 foot buffer but the industrial businesses on 84th Street have been grandfathered for scores of years with a 25 foot buffer. As you see from the left photos the 25-foot buffers have been ignored by the landowners and city. Trucks, junk and debris sit directly on top of the bank.
Without a buffer, the salmon and other in-stream critters and wildlife lose the natural "riparian" food and protections they would have received from trees, shrubs, logs, and spongy earthen banks. Every truck, car, and piece of junk on the stream bank contributes to polluted run-off into Evans. The city's Department of Natural Resources has a distant goal to re-locate Evans Creek north and away from the industrial park. The stream banks could be restored with 200 foot buffers. The business owners land values on NE 84th Street would increase, too, and redevelopment would be possible. If you want to send a message to the city about Evans Creek buffers contact Code Enforcement Officer Carl McArthy or Mayor John Marchione. "What went wrong" with the buffers was not Mayor John Marchione's doing. (In this photo, the creek runs right to left between the trucks/cars and the trees).
6/3/08 Planning Commission's report (currently under review by Council): "[The Planning Commission] did however, discuss the issue of how to address existing industrial users along Evans Creek and the Sammamish River. The Planning Commission acknowledged lands zoned for these users are limited, and it is appropriate to allow these structures to continue to operate and possibly expand under certain circumstances."
- 2007 Shoreline Master Program Update staff report is (here)
At the 6/3 council meeting, Councilman Cole mildly reasserted the Planning Commission's recommendations. Councilman Myers said he wasn't interested in the Shoreline plan going to court. Councilwomen McCormick & Allen discussed holding multiple study sessions. The Department of Ecology Hearing and final decision will be made by December 1, 2009. Comments can be sent to Cathy Beam, Redmond Environmental Principal Planner and David Pater, State Ecology Shoreline Planning Manager. A statement by Mr. Pater is under "comments".
State Department of Ecology Website: Shoreline Master Program (SMP)
King County Website: Evans Creek Natural Area
If you or your friends and family are interested in taking a closer look at Evans Creek, the Water Tenders (a local nonprofit that cares about Bear Creek Basin), is sponsoring a car tour of the Evans Creek riparian corridor this Sunday afternoon, June 8. Please contact Bob Yoder (me) for details.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Mission Statement, Goals, Achievements
Alternative neighborhood news, opinion, comment, and posts contributed by citizens and business engages and connects citizens with our communities and local jurisdictions. The Blog strives to be nonpartisan and independent. Presently, every candidate running for office in the City, School Board, and Public Health District #2 knows about the Blog.
In 2005, preservation of priority Urban Open Space and the cultural habitat of Perrigo Woodlands and Hartman Wetlands drew me into community activism. Discovery of hazardous waste on a shallow city aquifer in SE Redmond triggered the beginnings of this blog. Land use review practices, Public Notice and developer-centric planning were early reports and are ongoing. In 2008, I worked with the Water Tenders and other citizens to leverage our voice and empower City and regional officials Our message was successfully targeted to State representatives. We secured $8M funding from the State to restore Bear Creek and mitigate SR520 flooding.
Reporting on city governance brings positive changes, as follows:
- Independent, alternative neighborhood news and reader comments and contributions keeps government in touch with our needs and each other.
- TRANSPARENCY: Our electeds' work is more visible. Minutes and recordings of meetings are taken and with consistency. Elected conduct more meetings outside of their Chambers and in neighborhoods. Committees have more voice. Electeds' and staff meetings are more visible, efficient and productive. Senior administrators and CEO's listen and respond.
- City of Redmond and other local jurisdictions are subjected to public scrutiny for positive change.
- Land use review process, Public Notice, Public Records and access is improved.
- Human resource problems are identified.
- Access to governments' website resources are improved and more transparent.
- Commissions, Boards and Councils are energized and empowered.
- Mistakes and unintended consequences during the planning process are minimized by community participation and more functional internal (staff) communications
- Neighborhood and community Voice is leveraged and targeted to create positive change in Greater Redmond, the County and State.
The Redmond Neighborhood Blog provides alternative news to traditional reporting while remaining independent of commercial and government dogma. I cherish, and pay for this freedom! I hope you will take advantage of this resource and participate, with your stories, your news, your comments, insight and of course, your readership!
Sincerely,
Bob Yoder
Community Activist
Publisher and Editor
"Redmond Neighborhood Blog"
10019 169th AVE NE
Redmond, WA. 98052
425-802-2523 (cell)
redmondblog@gmail.com
9/27/09, revised 10/17/09