2005/08/10 Council Agenda Packet

t3 Exhibit 1 Snohomish River has been identified in the Salmon Overlay as a significant potential limiting factor for juvenile salmonid function in the estuary. To ensure the protection of I-5, the project would likely require internal diking on City property along I-5; this diking may make restoration of the southernmost portion of the site impractical. Also, a bridge or large culvert would be needed under Smith Ave. Road and measures would be required to protect Smith Ave. Road and other features of Langus Riverfront Park. Within the site, new channeling would be designed to provide circulation and fish access to all portions of the site. To the south, an existing channel would serve this purpose, to the north, existing connections would be enhanced and channels would be excavated to provide access through generally higher elevation wetlands. Existing trees and shrubs would be left in place as riparian vegetation. Following site construction, the dike would be breached downstream of existing Langus Park facilities, restoring tidal connection to the river. (2) Schedule: This project could be constructed in conjunction with park improvements to Langus Park. It is anticipated that the park improvements will require some fill or other impact to low quality palustrine wetlands. As was the case with the Sewer Treatment facility, the reconnection of the restoration site with the river would result in an overall increase in shoreline function. Therefore, the most likely scenario for restoring this area is at the time of park improvements. For planning purposes, it is assumed that this project will occur after 2014. If funding were available prior to park improvements, Parks would be willing to have the connection made sooner, assuming that an agreement regarding advanced mitigation could be reached with regulatory agencies. It may also be possible to structure an approach that would allow the Parks Department to sell mitigation credits to private developers. (3) Costs/Funding Sources: Unknown. Funding has not been identified for the park improvements or the restoration. Potential Funding Sources - grants, development mitigation. The ability to implement this project and the actual timing of any restoration is contingent on securing funding for park improvements and/or funds for restoration. (4) Habitat Function Benchmark Gain: The model indicates that a high level of function would be provided. A major factor that contributes to this function is the large and deep tidal slough that would be wetted at all tide stages, thus providing fish with refuge from river flows and allowing them to remain in the site over multiple tidal cycles. 124 Section 3 General Goals, Objectives,Policies and Regulations Page 3-54