Climate Conversation explored next steps in restoring salmon to our local streams

Dr. Jeff Jensen

What is the next step in restoring salmon to our local streams and creeks?

The third LFP Climate Hub Climate Conversation, “Salmon Stories: Past, Present and Future,” explored this question.

There is no easy answer. Restoring salmon requires coordinated work by local, county, state and federal agencies, along with community groups, neighborhoods and individuals.

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen illustrated these challenges by describing the salmon journey through the locks, Lake Washington and the slough to Lake Sammamish. At the locks, sea lions feed on returning salmon. 

Those that pass through the fish ladder face warmer water. To help, the Muckleshoot Tribe is trucking some fish from the locks to cooler streams. In Lake Washington, salmon face a “lake squeeze”: warm water above and oxygen-poor water below leave a narrow layer of suitable habitat. 

Evan Lewis

Predatory fish, including bass, yellow perch and northern pike, pose another threat.

Outdated stream culverts are another barrier to salmon restoration. Evan Lewis of King County shared a map showing hundreds of culverts on private, city and other public property. 

Plans call for replacing round, corrugated-steel culverts with box culverts that more closely resemble natural stream bottoms. This is a long-term project, and the county is prioritizing replacements that will have the greatest impact.

Lake Forest Park has two of these newer culverts: one in the town center near Weeping Willow Park and another on Ballinger Way at 35th Avenue NE. Residents may remember the lengthy construction. 

The work required diverting streams, detouring traffic, rebuilding the roadbed and replanting nearby areas. Cost is also a factor.

Ken Feathers

Ken Feathers described how climate conditions have affected stream health over time. He shared a StoryMap showing local changes in temperature and tree canopy cover. 

When complete, this searchable resource will explain how climate change affects local salmon habitat and what local groups are doing to restore salmon.

A next step is to turn this climate conversation into action: remove barriers, protect stream habitat and support local restoration efforts. Agencies, tribes, community groups and residents all have a part to play. 

There is no single fix. But joining the LFP Climate Hub, the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, StreamKeepers, Salmon Watchers can help reconnect salmon with the habitat they need. 

The future of salmon in our local creeks depends on the choices and commitments we make.

--Sarah Phillips

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Innis Arden Way road closure extended to November 30, 2026

This photo, taken in August, shows the full depth of the excavation we completed.
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline.

Shoreline is replacing the culvert below NW Innis Arden Way for the Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement Project (Hidden Lake Phase II). 

This work will help minimize flood and erosion risks in the area. It will also help remove barriers to future fish passage.

NW Innis Arden Way is fully closed between NW 166th Street and the entrance of Shoreview Park. We had planned to reopen the road by October 31. While we have made considerable progress on the work in this area, our contractor needs extra time to rebuild the roadway and have Seattle Public Utilities connect the water lines. 

The road closure will now last until November 30.

We know that construction and road closures are disruptive to project neighbors and everyone who travels through the area. We appreciate your continued patience as we complete this work and reopen the road safely.

After the road has reopened, we may still need to temporarily close single lanes of traffic during work hours. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic through the work area.

This photo, taken in September, shows the size of the culvert we placed. This culvert is the largest size available. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Project Progress

Since the road closure began in June, we have fully excavated the existing roadway and placed the new culvert and stream bed.

We’re currently working to backfill over the culvert, continue improving the stream bed, and plant trees and other vegetation.

Project information and updates here

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