Title
A MOTION in support of the conservation efforts for the Lake Sammamish Kokanee.
Body
WHEREAS, Lake Sammamish Kokanee are a significant ecological, cultural, historic and social asset in a highly urbanized watershed, and
WHEREAS, the Lake Sammamish Kokanee is in decline and in jeopardy of extinction, and
WHEREAS, immediate action is needed to prevent the extinction of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee, and
WHEREAS, a coalition of cities, nonprofit organizations and King County has been established to promote the recovery of Lake Sammamish Kokanee and has filed a petition seeking to protect the Lake Sammamish Kokanee in accordance with the Endangered Species Act, and
WHEREAS, a biological study has been completed that recommends immediate action to begin artificial propagation for protecting and sustaining the genetic material of the population and improving the abundance of the population, and
WHEREAS, the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife in Issaquah runs and operates several hatcheries in close proximity to the remaining Lake Sammamish Kokanee population that could be the location of a Kokanee propagation program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. King County is increasingly concerned that the future of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee is being jeopardized by the alarming decline in their abundance, productivity, diversity and distribution, significantly impairing their long-term viability;
B. King County commends the cities of Issaquah, Bellevue, Sammamish and Redmond, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Trout Unlimited, People for Puget Sound, Save Lake Sammamish, Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and many citizen volunteers for their leadership and collaboration in the conservation of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee;
C. King County strongly encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list as endangered the Lake Sammamish Kokanee in accordanc...
Click here for full text