Surface Water Management Division
Snohomish Basin Recovery Technical Committee
The Snohomish Basin Salmonid Recovery Technical Committee formed in the mid-nineties, prior to the listing of Chinook salmon as a “threatened” species under the Endangered Species Act, to coordinate data collection and research across the basin. is comprised of scientists from state and federal agencies, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the Tulalip Tribes. Technical Committee member organizations make in-kind contributions of time and resources on a voluntary basis. The mission of the Technical Committee is to provide scientific support for protection and enhancement of the abundance, productivity, diversity, and spatial structure of all salmonid populations in the Snohomish River Basin.
The Roles of the Technical Committee
The current roles of the Technical Committee are to provide technical support to the Forum on implementation and adaptive management; scope and coordinate a research and monitoring strategy for the Snohomish Basin Salmon Conservation Plan; share information about current research related to salmonid habitat, harvest, and hatchery management; evaluate project proposals for the Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant process and as requested by the Forum; and review and provide technical comment related to harvest, hatchery, land use, water quality, and water quantity management.
The Technical Committee seeks to use the highest quality scientific data available to develop and test hypotheses; promote preservation and restoration strategies that work with natural ecosystem processes and recognize the dynamic nature of rivers and watersheds; emphasize restoration of habitat for salmonids and other native flora and fauna through the restoration of properly functioning ecosystems; use historical information on site conditions to guide restoration; and use monitoring and assessment to guide adaptive management.
Technical Committee Members
Scientists from Snohomish County, King County, the Tulalip Tribes, Snohomish Conservation District, NOAA Fisheries, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Seattle City Light, Snohomish Public Utility District, City of Everett, and Port of Everett participate on the Committee.
Technical Committee Business