Citizens can comment on proposed Grand Ridge trailhead
September 18, 2012
King County parks planners asked the public for input on a proposed trailhead facility to add access to Grand Ridge Park and Mitchell Hill Forest near Preston.
The county Parks and Recreation Division is hosting a public meeting on the proposal Sept. 27.
The meeting includes a public question and comment period. Staffers intend to provide a summary of comments received to date, plus information about possible access and road improvements.
State receives $22 million for salmon recovery projects
September 11, 2012
State salmon recovery managers received $22 million to support restoration projects statewide, officials announced Sept. 6.
The total includes $15 million for the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board to award as competitive grants for projects statewide. In addition, $3.3 million from the federal grant goes to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for hatchery and harvest reform projects.
“A healthy Washington state economy is reliant on healthy salmon populations,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement. “Salmon support jobs and small businesses — especially our mom-and-pop tackle shops, restaurants, fishing guides and hotels.”
Recreational salmon fishing creates almost $130 million in economic activity annually, according to a 2006 Department of Fish and Wildlife study.
Washington receives $22 million for salmon recovery projects
September 8, 2012
NEW — 8 a.m. Sept. 8, 2012
State salmon recovery managers received $22 million to support restoration projects statewide.
The total includes $15 million for the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board to award as competitive grants for projects statewide. Officials announced the $22 million federal grant Sept. 6.
In addition, $3.3 million from the federal grant goes to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for hatchery and harvest reform projects. Projects to monitor the effectiveness of state efforts receive $2.9 million.
“A healthy Washington state economy is reliant on healthy salmon populations,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement. “Salmon support jobs and small businesses — especially our mom-and-pop tackle shops, restaurants, fishing guides and hotels.”
Issaquah Salmon Hatchery celebrates 75 years
September 4, 2012
See salmon, Snoqualmie carver at open house
Members of Girl Scout Troop 200 and some Canadian Girl Scout guests sit at the edge of one of the fish ponds Oct. 3, 1970, during a tour of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery given by Mayor Keith Hansen (far left) during the first Salmon Festival. File
Salmon reached the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery late last month, but the arrival is not the only celebration at the downtown landmark.
Press Editorial
September 4, 2012
Healthy ecosystem supports salmon
Last week, the first returning salmon of 2012 were seen at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery where they have come home to spawn. More will follow in the fall months ahead, crowding the many tributaries that feed into Lake Sammamish.
A healthy return of the Northwest’s favorite fish is an important symbol of the health of our streams, lakes and Puget Sound ecosystems.
While some residents are crying about the imposition of tough city laws meant to strengthen the salmon’s habitat — and our own — the fact remains that Issaquah has embraced its role as watershed steward. Our waterways are healthier today than 10, 20 or 30 years ago.
Spawn is on as first salmon reach Issaquah hatchery
August 28, 2012
Salmon spawning season at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery started early Aug. 25 as a hatchery docent-in-training spotted the first fish, a small chinook in Issaquah Creek.
Volunteers needed to report spawning kokanee salmon
August 28, 2012
The Kokanee Work Group needs volunteers to report spawning kokanee salmon this fall in creeks feeding Lake Sammamish.
Volunteers will be asked to survey creek sections once a week during the 2012-13 spawning season from October through January. Trout Unlimited of Bellevue-Issaquah is registering volunteers wishing to participate.
Fish biologist Hans Berge will make a presentation at a public meeting of Trout Unlimited at the Issaquah Brewhouse at 7 p.m. Sept. 12. He will discuss plans and actions to restore the threatened kokanee population in Lake Sammamish.
He will also be available to answer questions about counting spawners and the training to be offered in late September.
Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery gift shop opens
August 28, 2012
The nonprofit Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is reviving the popular hatchery gift shop, or FISHop, starting Labor Day weekend.
The gift shop debuted last year, and organizers plan to offer salmon- and Issaquah-themed merchandise for another salmon season. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 18.
Merchandise includes apparel, books, pins, games, toys and more. Based on the success last year, the shop will include expanded lines of merchandise to celebrate salmon and Issaquah, and offers educational materials and souvenirs for visitors.
FISHop is on the west end of the main hatchery building, 125 W. Sunset Way, near the bridge across Issaquah Creek.
FISH is also seeking artists of salmon- or watershed-themed works to sell. Contact Jane Kuechle at 392-1118 or jane@issaquahfish.org.
Spawning salmon reaches Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
August 27, 2012
NEW — 2 p.m. Aug. 27, 2012
Salmon spawning season at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery started early Aug. 25 as a hatchery docent-in-training spotted the first fish, a small chinook in Issaquah Creek.
The recent drop in temperature aided the salmon on a long journey from the Pacific Ocean to Issaquah Creek. Cool conditions often prompt the fish to depart Lake Sammamish and head upstream.
The initial fish, a female, or hen, appeared just below the weir across the creek at the hatchery. The arrival occurred as Friends of the Issaquah Salmon conducted training for docents and other volunteers.
Late August is a typical arrival time for spawning salmon. The hatchery recorded the initial fish last year, a pair of chinook, early Aug. 23.
Issaquah unveils salmon-centric city logo
August 21, 2012
The triangle is out. The salmon is in.
Issaquah leaders plan to phase out the longtime city logo — a triangle and stylized As meant to evoke the Issaquah Alps — and use a salmon-centric emblem instead.
Issaquah’s updated city logo (above) replaces 11 former logos used to represent the city, and municipal departments and boards.
The shift comes as the city and a contractor complete a monthslong effort to overhaul the dated municipal website and forge a more modern image for city government.
