Shohomis Conservation District
528 91st Ave NE, Ste A,
Lake Stevens, WA 98258-2538
Phone 425-335-5634, ext 4 FAX 425-335-5024
Website: www.snohomishcd.org

July 31, 2007


Submitted by
Lois Ruskell, Information & Education Coordinator
425-335-5634. Ext. 108, lois@snohomishcd.org

For Immediate Release
Of Special Interest to Cities of Brier, Lynnwood, Snohomish

Grant to Fund Healthy Backyard Streams

Snohomish Conservation District was recently awarded a grant by the Washington State Department of Ecology to work on water quality in urban streams. The grant is tied to two areas of Snohomish County, the City of Snohomish and the Swamp/Scriber Creek watershed in Lynnwood and Brier. The grant is for four years and is geared to reach out to urban landowners with property near or on streams.

The grant’s focus will be to increase public awareness on what is a healthy stream and what citizens can do to keep their streams healthy. District staff will work with residents on issues involving eroded stream banks, sustainable yard and garden practices, pet waste, naturescaping, and septic system awareness.

In addition, the District will be publishing a streamside landowner’s booklet next year that covers many sustainable living and water quality issues. Innovative ideas like rain gardens, compost fences, naturescaping and more will be covered. The District is also updating their website so that residents have access to up-to-date information and resources.

Conservation District staff will be available for presentations to groups on many of these issues, and will have a restoration technician available for free, on-site recommendations. Any citizen or group wishing more information can contact Lois Ruskell at 425-335-5634, extension 108 or Victor Insera at extension 106