News archive
Cedar River - Lake Washington Watershed

See Salmon this Season

Oct. 18, 2010
External report, NW Cable News
Sewage problem in Seattle neighborhood polluting Lake Washington

Oct. 6, 2010
External article, The Seattle Medium
City To Conduct Tests To Determine Which Sewer Lines Are Improperly Connected At New Holly

Oct. 5, 2010
County leaders mark 50 years of flood warning services, urge preparedness
Floodplain residents encouraged to make safety plans, sign up for flood alerts

Sept. 14, 2010
King County wins $1.4 million in science grants to study health of Puget Sound, watershed

Aug. 13, 2010
Warm, dry weather: The perfect time for a trip to the lake…and stinky lake algae?

Aug. 10, 2010
External artcle, Seattle P-I
Part of Cedar River Trail to close Aug. 16 for levee repairs

Aug. 3, 2010
Summertime algae blooms!

July 27, 2010
External article, Sightline Daily
The Real Worth: Puget Sound

July 6, 2010
King County gets $3.6 million in grants to improve water quality, protect habitat

June 11, 2010
Habitat restoration event helps Cedar River watershed ecology, popular fly fishing area

Dec. 15, 2009
King County watersheds share $2.6 million in state grants for salmon habitat protection, restoration

Nov. 13, 2009
King County adds new alert system to public safety tools for flood season

Nov. 6, 2009
External release, Port of Seattle
Port of Seattle Announces New Partners in Rail Corridor
King County, Sound Transit, others join in preserving 42-mile line

Oct. 11, 2009
Crews respond quickly to wastewater overflow at temporary pump station in Bellevue

Spot the spawners in the Lake Washington, Cedar and Sammamish Watershed

Jul. 31, 2009
King County making crucial repairs to levees; Portion of Cedar River Trail closed during work

Jul. 14, 2009
Busy flood levee construction season gets under way along King County rivers
Ambitious work schedule follows emergency repairs from winter storms

May 28, 2009
Learn more about proposed open space charter amendment at upcoming public meetings

Apr. 30, 2009
Community, students helping shape future of King County’s Skyway Park

Apr. 18, 2009
External report, KING5 News
Tugboat sinks, spills diesel in Lake Washington

Mar. 16, 2009
Council acts to reduce levels of harmful phosphorus in County lakes and streams
Patterson initiative limits use of fertilizers that choke oxygen out of waterways

Feb. 20, 2009
King County needs volunteers to help save native plants for future habitat restoration
March 7 native plant salvage in Maple Valley; Volunteers also needed at nursery

Jan. 31, 2009
FEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Center In King County

Jan. 31, 2009
External article, Seattle Times
Flooding victims in 8 counties can request federal help

Jan. 30, 2009
Presidential declaration of disaster issued for flood event in King County

Jan. 27, 2009
King County residents affected by flooding can receive vouchers for free flood debris disposal

Jan. 23, 2009
Juanita Bay Pump Station replacement increases system capacity, improves design

Jan. 22, 2009
King County checking for more flood damage as emergency levee repair work is completed

Jan. 12, 2009
External article, Seattle Times
King County to open flood-damage hotline

Jan. 12, 2009
External article, Seattle Times
As nature's buffers disappear, flooding becomes routine in Puget Sound region

Jan. 11, 2009
King County crews make progress opening and repairing flood-damage roads and levees
Flood Warning Center closes as river levels drop

Jan. 10, 2009
Damage assessment and debris removal begin as flooding recedes
King County and city officials help residents clean up flood debris

Jan. 10, 2009
Emergency repairs under way to flood-damaged levees
Safety information available for citizens returning to damaged homes

Jan. 9, 2009
Historic flows, significant road and structure damage visible as King County Executive tours flood damaged communities

Jan. 8, 2009
Flooding cuts off residents in East King County
Levee upgrades, farm pads keeping residents and animals safer this year

Jan. 7, 2009
Cedar River joins Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers at Phase IV flood alert
After receding, Issaquah Creek climbs back to Phase III flood alert

Jan. 7, 2009
Drinking water wells, septic systems at risk during floods

Jan. 7, 2009
Residents, motorists urged to stay safe as King County experiences historic flooding

Jan. 7, 2009
Green, Cedar river levels climb; dangerous levels persist on Tolt, Snoqualmie

Dec. 12, 2008
Next phase of habitat restoration work starts soon at Snoqualmie River’s Chinook Bend

Nov. 4, 2008
King County ready for wet and wild weather
Flood warning center poised for duty if river flows surge

Oct. 31, 2008
King County offers free ‘naturescaping’ session, native plant salvage, Nov. 12 in Maple Valley

Oct. 29, 2008
King County seeks volunteers for Nov. 1 native plant salvage work in Maple Valley, Sammamish

Oct. 17, 2008
Cedar River Trail bridge replacement project will improve access for trail users, vehicles

See Salmon this Season

Aug. 25, 2008
Heavy rains result in small overflow in University Slough

Aug. 12, 2008
Big chinook salmon return highlights need to continue watershed recovery efforts

Aug. 5, 2008
Cedar River Trail closure coming as King County repairs damages sustained during 2006 flood

July 11, 2008
External opinion, Seattle P-I
Puget Sound: We're the polluters

July 11, 2008
External article, Seattle P-I
County's dilemma: Cut trees or lose federal funds
Greenery on Washington levees must go, feds say

CAO Ruling FAQ

July 9, 2008
External article, Seattle P-I
King County fined for sewage spill

June 25, 2008
Flood levee repairs get under way throughout King County
First 55 projects undertaken by countywide Flood Control Zone District

June 16, 2008
Public areas reopened after Ravenna Creek cleanup

May 22, 2008
External article, Seattle Times
Ravenna Creek cleanup a dirty job
County crews wade in to remove sewage from spill

May 30, 2008
King County works with agencies to carry out clean up of Ravenna Creek

May 28, 2008
Crews investigate wastewater spill into Ravenna Creek

May 22, 2008
External article, Seattle Times
Raging Green, Cedar rivers pose dangers to swimmers, boaters

May 19, 2008
External article, Seattle P-I
Boy dead, 2 missing as rivers swell
High, fast waters lead to closure of Green, Cedar

May 17, 2008
Snowmelt keeps flows high as King County continues to monitor dangerous river conditions

May 14, 2008
External report, King 5 news
Hot weather expected to stress rivers

May 8, 2008
King County hosting May 13 public meeting on Black Diamond sewer improvement project

Lakeside Living Landscape Design

March 2, 2008
External article, Seattle Times
Black Diamond wants to keep natural look

Dec. 28, 2007
External article, Seattle Times
Urban streams in sad shape, report finds

Dec. 27, 2007
External article, Seattle P-I
Fixed city creeks are still foul Salmon are back, but the water is far from pristine, report says

Dec. 21, 2007
King County added to federal flood relief Residents and businesses now eligible for aid

Dec. 20, 2007
King County watersheds share $8.3 million in state funds for salmon habitat protection, restoration

Dec. 4, 2007
King County responds to wastewater overflows caused by Monday’s rainstorm

Dec. 4, 2007
King County responds to wastewater overflow at Seattle’s Meadowbrook Park

Nov. 21, 2007
Cyanobacteria Blooms in Lake Washington

Nov. 28, 2007
Public comment period extended two weeks on plan to improve popular Burke-Gilman Trail

Nov. 21, 2007
Mild weather leads to late-season algae blooms in lakes across King County

Oct. 22, 2007
Safety improvements, upgrades proposed for King County’s Burke-Gilman Trail

Oct. 4, 2007
External Aricle, Seattle P-I
Chinook returning to Cedar River big-time
About 300 fish came back this fall, compared with 79 four years ago.

Sept. 14, 2007
Explore career opportunities at King County’s wastewater utility

Sept. 14, 2007
External link, Seattle P-I
Tar bubbling up at Gas Works

Aug. 29, 2007
External link, Seattle P-I
Sewage spilled into Portage Bay is traced to UW

June 22, 2007
External Article, Seattle Times
Fish in Lake Washington among state's most tainted

June 21, 2007
Public gets two extra weeks to review, comment on King County’s proposed shoreline management rules

May 8, 2007
External Article, Seattle Times
Puget Sound steelhead declared "threatened"

May 7, 2007
Executive Sims' statement on steelhead listing

May 2, 2007
Bring old batteries, bulbs and bug killers to the Wastemobile in Renton, May 18-20

Mar. 12, 2007
King County Wastewater utility crew responds to small overflow on Mercer Island

Jan. 29, 2007
King County hosts Maple Valley public workshop for shoreline management review, Feb. 13

Jan. 24, 2007
Community invited to Feb. 3 open house to learn about Mercer Island emergency sewer repair project

Jan. 16, 2007
King County's flood protection gets boost from County Council's unanimous vote

Dec. 12, 2006
King County watersheds get $1.5 million from state for salmon habitat conservation, restoration

Nov. 9, 2006, 4:30pm
Sims proposes to waive disposal fees for residents
with flood damage

Nov. 9, 2006, 2:30pm
River flows dropping, flood patrol teams monitoring rivers

Nov. 8, 2006, 7:30am
Dangerous conditions persist even as river levels drop

Nov. 7, 2006, 10pm
Green, Cedar flows remain high

Nov. 7, 2006, 9:45pm
Executive Sims visits flooded areas in King County

Nov. 7, 2006, 8:30pm
Additional Emergency Shelters open in Bellevue and Renton

Nov. 7, 2006, 4:45pm
Need for residents to report flood damages

Nov. 7, 2006, 4:15pm
Flood levels rise on Cedar, Green rivers

Nov. 7, 2006, 2pm
Sims: Heavy rain, historic flooding underscore need for flood-protection upgrades

Nov. 6, 2006
King County Executive issues emergency proclamation due to river system flooding

Nov. 3, 2006
King County ready to protect people, property from floodwaters

Oct. 30, 2006
Sims: Predictions of warmer, wetter winters heighten need for flood-protection upgrades

Oct. 11, 2006
External Article, Seattle P-I
Low-impact methods have high impact on ecosystems
Rain barrels, green roofs play a key role in saving orcas

Oct. 11, 2006
External Article, Seattle P-I
Toxic stormwater is one of the Sound's biggest threats
Knowledge goes only so far in controlling polluted runoff

Oct 10, 2006
External Link, Seattle P-I
A rising tide of chemicals and sewage
Modern chemical is now found at the top of the food chain

Oct. 9, 2006
Investing in the "infrastructure of our future"
Sims proposes upgrades, repairs to roads, wastewater and solid waste systems

Oct. 2, 2006
As flood season nears, Sims encourages residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for rising waters
Executive also reiterates need to shore up aging levee system

Sept. 28, 2006
Follow the salmon up the Cedar River this fall

Sept. 1, 2006
External link, Seattle P-I
State's freshwater fish tainted, study says
Chemical used in flame retardants is culprit

Executive Proposed 2006 King County Flood Hazard Management Plan
Water and Land Resources Division

May 11, 2006
External link, City of Seattle
Community, City, County to Celebrate Ravenna Creek Daylighting
Wastewater improvement project now a walk in the park

May 9, 2006
King County to begin emergency sewer line replacement project in Ballard

March 10, 2006
Bridge repairs scheduled next week along Cedar River Trail

Feb. 13, 2006
Arson at Big Finn playground continues park vandalism trend

Feb. 9, 2006
King County offers volunteer opportunities on trail, environmental restoration projects

Jan. 16, 2006
County crews continue efforts to control massive slide near Renton

Jan. 13, 2006, 5 p.m.
Phase Two flood alert issued for Cedar River; Flood Warning Center continues to monitor river levels

Oct. 25, 2005
Celebrate new overflow controls for Lake Washington

Oct. 19, 2005
Best in the nation floodplain management rating

Oct. 18, 2005
Cedar River Naturalist Program provides interpreters to Hispanic community

Oct. 17, 2005
Closures impact Cedar River Trail

Oct. 3, 2005
Cedar River offers prime viewing of salmon homecoming

August 17, 2005
Convenient Assistance on Rural Stewardship Planning
this fall in Black Diamond and Carnation

Aug. 17, 2005
External link, Seattle Times
Recycling project saves creek habitat for salmon

Aug. 9, 2005
Waste not, want not, Wastemobile wants your hazardous waste
Wastemobile visits Maple Valley, August 12-14

July 28, 2005
Get a Free Car Wash Kit and Keep Pollution Out of Streams and Puget Sound

July 26, 2005
External link, King County Journal
`Rural Majority' working to protect land, quality of life

July 24, 2005
External Link, Seattle Times
How clean is your beach?

July 15, 2005
Cedar River Trail Bridge to close for repair

July 14, 2005
Summertime noxious weed workshops offered throughout King County

July 11, 2005
External link, Seattle P-I
Lake Washington's ecosystem in trouble
Rise in water temperature having profound effects

July 8, 2005
External link, Seattle P-I
Why are so few sockeye returning to the Ballard Locks?

June 27, 2005
Plan to ensure salmon can thrive in state's most urban watershed wins approval

June 22, 2005
External link, Seattle Times
Trying to solve the mystery of the 200,000 missing salmon

June 21, 2005
Learn how to fight green invaders
King County offers Noxious Weed Workshop for rural landowners

June 21, 2005
Opinion, Seattle Post Intelligencer
Trailway an investment in healthy region

June 8, 2005
Survey finds more users on regional trails
32 percent of trail users commuting to work or school

June 8, 2005
Stimson Marina receives King County EnviroStars Award
King County Executive Ron Sims, Mayor Nickels present award

June 7, 2005
Landmark agreement new model for conservation
Conserves open space, protects working forests, fosters recreational improvements and promotes planned community growth

May 28, 2005
External link, Seattle P-I
Salmon rescue plan takes big jump forward
Seattle, King County, local governments finish document

May 31, 2005
King County takes first step to purchase rail corridor

April. 5, 2005
See how King County is safeguarding the environment: Check out the 2004 DNRP Annual Report online

March 14, 2005
Sims hires rural liaison

March 14, 2005
External link, Seattle Times
Dry spell could mean trouble for lake

March 9, 2005
'Global warming-like' conditions prompt Sims to lay out King County's immediate, future water planning efforts
Executive says King County won't hesitate to enact drought-response plan

Feb. 25, 2005
Sweyolocken Pump Station upgrade increases capacity, reduces odors and noise

Jan. 28, 2005
Sims praises collaborative spirit behind Juanita Woodlands Open Space Acquisition Project

Jan. 19, 2005
King County, Kenmore show how birds and buses can co-exist

» Critical Areas Package - CAO Resources
» Aquatic Areas Fact Sheet (Acrobat PDF)

Dec. 30, 2004
Largest-ever cash gift to King County Parks honors Bothell man's love of outdoors

Nov. 27, 2004
(External Link, Seattle Times)
Local governments' salmon-saving plan up for public review

Nov. 10, 2004
StormReady designation rewards King County's nationally-acclaimed work serving flood-prone areas

Public Review, Public Meetings:

WRIA 8 Draft Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan
Submit comments through December 17

Oct. 29, 2004
Sims to host joint annual forum for King County Unincorporated Area Councils

Oct. 20, 2004
Big sockeye return expected to draw plenty of Cedar River Salmon Journey visitors

Oct. 8, 2004
Cedar River Salmon Journey combines terrific salmon-viewing opportunity with natural history lesson

Sept. 30, 2004
With flood season on the way, Sims encourages residents to keep families safe

Aug. 25, 2004
Concerned about flooding issues? King County schedules workshops to gather public input on flood plan update

Jul. 30, 2004
Volunteer naturalist sought for Cedar River Salmon Journey

Measuring for Results

Natural Resources and Parks Second Annual Performance Measures Report.

Jun. 24, 2004
County Council committee to hold special meeting and tour in Ravensdale on July 1st

Jun. 23, 2004
The Seattle Times Practical Gardener
Gardening wisely on the water's edge

Jun. 8, 2004
Community meeting June 23 on shaping design of Brightwater Treatment Plant

Jun. 3, 2004
King County, Bothell to celebrate completion of underground facility to protect environment

Jun. 2, 2004
External Link, Seattle P-I
Anglers hooked again by Cedar River

Apr. 23, 2004
King County project to prevent power outages at south Mercer wastewater pump station

Apr. 22, 2004
At Earth Day Expo, Sims urges residents to take personal action to protect the environment

Mar.22, 2004
King County completes new pipeline for Seattle's Ravenna Creek restoration project

Mar.12, 2004
King County Responds to Landslide on the Cedar River

Jan.28, 2004
King County seeks volunteers to help salvage native plants near Newcastle and give them new life

Jan.15, 2004
Planned improvements to King County transfer station will restore Thornton Creek

Nov. 29, 2003
External Link, Seattle P-I
How many eggs does a sockeye lay? Ask Homer

Nov. 21, 2003
Record numbers enjoy Cedar River Salmon Journey

New Report:
The Current Status of Kokanee in the Greater Lake Washington Watershed

Nov. 10, 2003
Lawmakers Examine Habitat Restoration Projects
Projects highlight importance of regional partnerships

Oct. 31, 2003
Close relationship with Cedar River keeps volunteer naturalist dispensing streamside wisdom

Oct. 13, 2003
External Link, NW News
Kokanee PACE students learn about nature first hand

Oct. 1, 2003
External Link, Seattle P-I
Cedar River's chinook get big breakthrough

Oct. 1, 2003
External Link, Seattle P-I
Critics roil waters for sockeye hatchery plan

May 7, 2003
Salmon recovery projects in King County awarded $2.6 million in grants

Apr. 29, 2003
King County, neighborhood group receive national 'landscape' award for Denny Creek fish ladder project

Apr. 9, 2003
(external link, Seattle Post Intelligencer)
Toxic metals in Lake Washington peak during rush hour

Mar. 27, 2003
King County and Friends of Rock Creek partner to restore natural ecology of Cemetery Reach

Dec. 23, 2002
Rock Creek Headwaters Preserved as part of Huckleberry Land Exchange

This Week:
Denny Creek Fish Project Completed

Nov. 7, 2002
Last chance to view salmon in the Cedar River!

Nov. 1, 2002
Volunteers needed to help fish and wildlife

Oct. 30, 2002
Watch salmon as you help restore habitat

Oct. 25, 2002
Time to prepare for flood season

October 30, 2002
Don't miss chance to watch, learn about Cedar River salmon

October 11, 2002
New King County committees strive to protect region's groundwater

October 11, 2002
King County, neighborhood group to dedicate fish ladder

October 4, 2002
Salmon, salmon-watchers expected to return en masse to Cedar River

September 18, 2002
Sims recommends protection of ecological lands
Protection of habitat lands critical to endangered fish and other wildlife that represent high priorities along the Cedar River and other lands in the watershed.

August 29, 2002
Salmon Watcher Program: A distinctly northwest volunteer experience

August 12, 2002
Large woody debris helps King County protect Renton community from erosion, landslides in Madsen Creek

August 5, 2002
External link - Seattle P-I
Taking steps to return salmon to Denny Creek

July 31, 2002
External link - Seattle P-I
Lake Washington closed for sockeye

June 21, 2002
External link - Seattle P-I
Girl rescued after 10 minutes underwater

June 6, 2002
River users cautioned to plan ahead before taking the plunge

May 13, 2002
School children release fish fingerlings to highlight Community Salmon Fund project

Land and Water steward training: applications due February 22, 2002

November 20, 2001
Naturalists educate record-breaking numbers about salmon and the Cedar River

November 16, 2001
Taylor Creek project bringing back salmon
Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon are now swimming and spawning once again in the lower reaches of Taylor Creek.

November 16, 2001
(external link, South County Journal)
Cedar floods could force families out

October 5, 2001
King County breaks ground on North Creek Storage Project
Facility is a key to preventing sewage overflows and backups in the north Lake Washington service area.

October 5, 2001
Naturalists poised as salmon, salmon-watchers return en masse to Cedar River

August 24, 2001
King County decries illegal dredging of May Creek

August 23, 2001
Juanita Creek contamination not related to sewage

August 21, 2001
Juanita Creek water samples normal; Juanita Beach still closed

August 20, 2001
Juanita Beach closed as a precaution

August 14, 2001
(external link, South County Journal)
County to restore part of Taylor Creek: Move will help increase salmon spawning areas

August 5, 2001
(external link, Seattle Times)
Notebook: Lake Washington chinook numbers are rebounding

Salmon Watcher Program- 2001
Volunteer to record salmon returns in the creeks and rivers of the greater Lake Washington watershed.

July 11, 2001
(external link, Seattle Times)
State delays sockeye season

July 5, 2001
(external link, Eastside Journal)
Lake Washington run being assessed

In pictures: Spring Planting at Cavanaugh Pond on the Cedar River

Come join us May 5, 2001
Seeking volunteers at Cavanaugh Pond, Cedar River watershed

April 23, 2001
Council Endorses Effort to Protect May Creek Basin, Works to Identify Flood Problems, Set Environmental Policies
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously adopted the May Creek Basin Plan. The plan recommends several ways to resolve local flooding and environmental protection problems brought on by area development. See May Creek Basin Plan.

April 23, 2001
Irons: Citizen Input Played Major Role in May Creek Basin Action Plan
Metropolitan King County Councilmember David Irons applauded residents around the May Creek Basin for helping craft an action plan approved today by the Council. The unanimous vote puts in place a plan addressing flooding, erosion, sedimentation, water quality and wildlife habitat for land located in the Renton/Newcastle area through which May Creek runs. See May Creek Basin Plan.

April 19, 2001
Sims honors City of Lake Forest Park as Earth City

April 1, 2001 (external link)
Seattle, South King County depend on the Cedar River

April 1, 2001 (external link)
Watershed's wonders open to children this fall at center

March 1, 2001 (external link)
Renton Residents Cleaning Up After Mudslide