Critical Area Regulations Monitoring Program, Snohomish County

A paired catchment study was initiated to take a closer look at impacts to critical area functions and values as part of a larger Critical Area Regulations (CAR) monitoring program. Small drainages were selected for inclusion in the study following review of permit applications and zoning maps to identify sites and small drainages that will likely develop in the near future under newly implemented CAR regulations. In addition to invertebrate samples, at each site survey crews measured channel cross-sections and habitat conditions and measured temperature continuously in July and August using temperature loggers. Results will be compared with those from small drainages with similar characteristics deemed unlikely to experience significant development.

Contact: Robert Plotnikoff, Robert.Plotnikoff@snoco.org, 425-262-2015