Summary

The King County Flood Control District has approved $15,000 in grants going toward Vashon beach restoration efforts to coordinate a comprehensive citizen science program that monitors beach restoration projects and forage fish on up to five different beach sites on Vashon-Maury Islands. These funds were part of $4.6 million the District approved as part of the Cooperative Watershed Management Grant Program.

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The King County Flood Control District has approved $15,000 in grants going toward Vashon beach restoration efforts to coordinate a comprehensive citizen science program that monitors beach restoration projects and forage fish on up to five different beach sites on Vashon-Maury Islands. These funds were part of $4.6 million the District approved as part of the Cooperative Watershed Management Grant Program.

“The beaches on Vashon and Maury Islands are distinct natural wonders,” said Supervisor Joe McDermott. “Protecting these important habitats through outreach organizations like the Vashon Nature Center helps to educate area residents, foster community involvement, and protect wildlife.”

“When we invest in restoring King County’s critical habitats we invest in the future of our region’s ecosystems,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the Flood Control District. “I look forward to seeing the results of these projects throughout our four major watersheds.”

Vashon Forage Fish and Beach Monitoring sponsored by Vashon Nature Center will receive $15,000. These funds will be used for their comprehensive citizen science program that monitors King County’s beach restoration projects and forages fish on up to five different beach sites on Vashon-Maury Islands. This program is a partnership with King County, Washington Department of Natural Resources, University of Washington, Vashon schools and the greater Vashon community.

King County Flood Control District grant recipients participating in the Cooperative Watershed Management Grant Program must address high priority habitats or watershed processes that significantly influence productivity in each basin. To ensure high quality projects, only those that have been scientifically vetted and ranked competitively by their respective WRIA Forum are candidates for funding. Cities, towns, special districts, public schools, King County, federally recognized tribes and non-profits are eligible to apply for the grants. 

The Flood Control District Executive Committee oversees project selections and King County’s Water and Land Resources Division administers the grant allocation process. Since 2012, the Flood Control District provides funding for watershed management projects.