2006 Accomplishments
Water and Land Resources Division

The mission of the Water and Land Resources Division is "to protect King County's water and lands so that its citizens can enjoy them safely today, and for generations to come." Here are a some of the projects, products, milestones, and other achievements we accomplished to carry out our mission in 2006:

Floods and protecting citizens

2006 saw the completion of a new Flood Hazard Reduction Plan outlining crucial repair and maintenance needs for King County's levees and revetments. Thanks to many hours of hard work by the Flood Reduction and Regional Services staff, the Council recently adopted the flood plan and has begun discussions to create a new countywide flood control zone district and possibly a new, multi-jurisdictional revenue stream to fund Prompt, dedicated response to two significant flooding events took place in 2006. Water and Land staff members from throughout the division worked late into and sometimes overnight to serve King County's public in need -- thank you for your dedication!

Restoring waterways

Every year, thirty percent of surface water management fees are spent on projects to improve drainage and restore waterways. This year, six major and dozens of smaller projects were constructed. Work continues on various aspects of the multi-year Taylor Creek restoration and in revamping White Center's entire drainage With the potential creation of a countywide flood district looming, the efficiency and productivity of our capital program and rivers group will be put to the test. Their track record so far, shows they are up to the challenge.

Salmon recovery

Work to implement the stream restoration, acquisition and program projects to help Chinook salmon and bull trout species rebound continued. Together, the WRIA's, King County, Shared Strategy and King County's local jurisdictions worked together to see a Puget Sound -- wide plan adopted at the federal level and significant funding appeared in the Governor's Local funding success came with the continuation of the King Conservation District assessment and grant program. KCD grants provide much needed local matching dollars that leverage additional state and federal funding.

Assessing shorelines

Despite approval delays, the Shoreline Master Program update made significant headway last year. A GIS computer model assessing the condition of King County's shoreline was created. The public can access the characterization of their shoreline property by way of an interactive Web site and public meetings are underway. This project involves the efforts of many and will continue throughout this year. Thanks to those working on the effort thus far and into this year.

Stakeholder Outreach

Last year, WLR's ORPP staff reached almost one forth of unincorporated, rural King County households -- that's over 10,000 people attending a workshop, participating in training, or working with Water and Land staff to develop a stewardship or forest plan. By the end of 2006, Almost 1,000 acres held by private property owners was managed either by a Rural Stewardship or a Forest Stewardship Plan and 33 Rural Stewardship Plans were initiated with 76 Forest Stewardship Plans approved. Our staff in ORPP are on the "front lines" of communications with county residents implementing often times, not-so-popular regulations or recommendations. Their professionalism and knowledge serves the divisions' and the departments' interest more than they realize and is very much appreciated.

Visual communications created over 600 projects supporting a wide variety of mediums for the division, the department and the County. As always, this award winning unit won an additional six awards in 2006 for excellence in graphic design and communicating complicated messages visually.

Council Television celebrities Doug Rice and Greg Rabourn continued with the production and airing of five new "Yard Talk" shows. Biologists Gino Lucchetti and Beth Cullen aired two new videos that talked about the natural processes and protection of lake and beach shorelines.

Land conservation

Enrollment in land conservation incentive programs are on the rise. In 2006, an additional 600 acres was added to 6,800 acres in the Public Benefit Rating System program. Over 1,000 acres totaling $8.3 million of critical natural resources lands were purchased in 2006. This includes 645 acres from the Black Diamond land transfer where critical forestlands were protected in exchange for new

The Transfer of Development Rights Program and Mark Sollitto continue to lead the nation in cutting-edge conservation schemes. With Vulcan and the Girl Scouts, the TDR Program received the Cascade Land Conservancy's Innovative Conservation Award which permanently protected the 438 acre Camp River Ranch -- for free. Also last year, the program sold 31 credits to an urban developer for over $900,000 -- a very significant achievement toward implementing growth management in a tangible way.

The E-Lab

The environmental lab continued its track record of excellence by increasing production by 16% on 165 projects from last year. Over the past 22 years, the lab maintained its state accreditation with "outstanding" ratings and this year received an excellent review from the consultant working with the Wastewater Treatment Division's Productivity Initiative.