Monitoring Progress

In order to adequately assess the impacts of the actions outlined in this plan and to provide for adaptive management, DNR proposes to create a robust, state-ofthe-art monitoring program. This can be implemented in partnership with entities leading innovative salmon recovery work in the watershed, such as the Tulalip Tribes, as well as educational institutions such as the University of Washington and the ORCA School in Everett. It should also coordinate with all other relevant monitoring programs and indicators, such as the Puget Sound Partnership’s Vital Signs and Common Indicators.

This monitoring system for the Snohomish Watershed should track progress regarding each outcome in this plan, assessing the timing and level of success of implementation of strategies and the corresponding delivery of outcomes. While all impacts will not be detectable within the 10-year horizon of this plan, trends should be detectable and can guide future work.

A monitoring system of this magnitude will require investments; DNR will fully scope the need and seek adequate funding. Models and lessons from the Olympic Experimental State Forest will be assessed.

DNR will create a monitoring dashboard to track implementation of all outcomes. The dashboard will provide regular data updates to highlight successes and keep actions on track. A full action plan assessment should be conducted in 2025 to assess the success of the nearterm actions and provide recommendations for adaptive management for the remainder of the plan.

Sunrise over the Qwuloolt landscape, site of a significant restoration effort led by the Tulalip Tribes in the Snohomish Watershed.

Photo courtesy of Snohomish Basin Salmon Recovery Forum.