Questions Answered at Public Meeting for Culvert Replacement Project

Camano Island residents gathered on June 22nd to learn about Snohomish Conservation District's work with Island County to replace the Kristoferson Creek culverts at Barnum and Russell Roads. The new crossings are designed to allow passage at all times of the year between Triangle Cove and Kristoferson Creek for the different salmonid species, including endangered Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Island County, Snohomish Conservation District, and local residents and salmon recovery citizen volunteers have known about and tried to replace these two fish passage barriers for over 14 years, but funding, differing approaches, and salmon recovery priorities never aligned before now. In the meantime, however, the Kristoferson family and others have worked to improve the habitat conditions and water quality of Kristoferson Creek.

Construction may begin late this summer if permits are approved and suitable construction bids are received. If not, construction will occur in the summer of 2018. One culvert will be constructed at a time to provide for continual, easy access in and out of the neighborhood, and construction activities are expected to last between four and six weeks. No changes in road design are planned. Once completed, endangered juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead will be able to fully access lower Kristoferson Creek for rearing. Coho and chum salmon will have improved passage to about 1.6 miles of Kristoferson Creek for spawning and rearing. 

Questions? Please contact Kristin Marshall, Snohomish Conservation District project manager, at 425-377-7017 or kristin@snohomishcd.org. Comments may also be submitted online at snocd.org/kristoferson_comments. Interested parties may receive emailed construction updates by signing up at snocd.org/kristoferson-creek."

Manure Spreading Season

One of the many services offered by the Snohomish Conservation District, specifically for horse owners, is manure spreading. Michael Hipp, our Resource Planner, runs this program and has many insights into why this service is important for Sound Horsekeeping. 

The goal of spreading manure is to keep a clean stable for your horses and also take advantage of the nutrients found in manure. As you sweep up the area where your horse meanders, you can set the manure aside for moving around your property as convenient. It also helps to mitigate the land use and helps horses maintain a sense of safety and security. No one wants to stand in their manure very long. 

The Snohomish Conservation District has two manure spreaders, one large (photos below are of the large one) and one small. They are available on a seasonal basis from approximately April to October, after the rains have ended. (We'll see!) Each time the spreader goes out, Michael delivers it to the horse owner and explains how it is used. The time allowed is three days so pick up and drop off days are Tuesdays and Fridays.

For example, you might receive the spreader on Tuesday morning and Michael will pick it up on Friday morning so he can deliver it to someone else.

Keep your horses upright and happy by scheduling to use one of our spreaders today. As Michael said, "It's one of the most beneficial services we have for horse owners. It's a great benefit."

Contact Michael at 425-377-7019 or mhipp(at)snohomishcd.org to schedule your spreader today. Read more here about when it is best to spread manure.