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Attendees Watershed residents: Dennis Hinton, Steev Ward, Jon Jolly, Karen Farnsworth, Steve Bomkamp, Judy Pickens, Luli Weatherwax, Scott Dolfay Fauntleroy Community Association: Phil Sweetland Fauntleroy Church: Randy Sleight Seattle Parks: Chukundi Salisbury, Jacobo Jimenez Seattle Public Utilities: Kathy Minsch ArborWise: Laura Zybas, Chrissy Scannell

Facilitator: Dennis Hinton / Scribe: Randy Sleight

Notes

1. Introductions The roster circulated for updates.

2. Approval of minutes and agenda The minutes and agenda were approved as distributed and posted.

3. Upper-watershed project updates/action requests Trails maintenance in Fauntleroy Park: Chukundi Salisbury (trails program manager) and Jacobo Jimenez (trails specialist) provided an excellent detailed description of the extensive trail work that Parks staff, the Consejo summer crew, and volunteer groups have been doing over the last 10 months. They distributed a map showing work to date and work remaining according to lettered trail segments.

The maintenance assessment completed by EarthCorps last spring identified initial spot improvements and then the emphasis shifted to upgrading arterial trails to meet Parks' safety standards. Chukundi said that he has been working periodically on this goal for the last 4 years with help from a variety of volunteer groups. The project shifted into high gear, he said, in response to the Fauntleroy Watershed Action Plan.

Jacobo reviewed trail improvements on the map keyed to their workplan, including checking erosion, installing structures (bridge, stairs, raised "turnpikes") intended to last at least 10 years), and closing a section of trail.

Discussion ensued to clarify the types of materials being installed (non-creosoted) and areas that might be maintained differently from what is called for in the EarthCorps assessment. One such is the wet area on the north side of the park where the alley becomes the trail (candidate for a turnpike?). In response to concerns about street runoff that is eroding the Cambridge Street trailhead, Kathy Minsch noted that Seattle Public Utilities is working with Parks to rectify the problem as part of SPU's erosion-control project in the park.

Chukundi outlined the merits of having a trails master plan (an action item in the watershed plan). He urged the Council to look into it sooner than later so that the extensive work done by EarthCorps could be applied.

Action Item: Judy Pickens will contact an appropriate person in Seattle Parks (as identified by Chukundi Salisbury) to understand logistics, costs, and timeline for developing a trails master plan for Fauntleroy Park.

Vegetation management plan: Chrissy Scannell and Laura Zybas reported that they have inventoried 15 separate plots, made 3 transects, and identified three forest types in Fauntleroy Park (riparian, mixed deciduous, and upland conifer). They will be working closely with Sheldon and Associates (consultants on SPU's erosion-control plan) to describe wetland areas. The final report will include assessment of the overall health of this ecosystem. Parks will host a public meeting in the next few weeks for input and another after that to solicit comments on the final draft.

Kapka projects: Judy P. reported that, in conjunction with planting and maintaining native vegetation at the Barton Street entrance to the park, students from Kapka Cooperative Primary School have launched a pet-waste study. She described study procedures and objectives, including reducing the load of fecal coliform bacteria into the creek and Fauntleroy Cove. Staff with the State Department of Ecology is advising the yearlong project.

Erosion control/habitat enhancement project: Kathy Minsch reviewed the funding secured for this extensive in-stream in Fauntleroy Park and the reach between California Ave. SW and 45th Ave. SW ($80,000 over two years from SPU, $25,000 from NOAA to EarthCorps to fund its crews).

4. Agency updates/action requests Natural Neighborhoods pilot: Kathy distributed copies of the "Dear Neighbor" letter signed by SPU and the Council to promote a series of classes on natural lawn care: April 8 - Cisco Morris on Growing Healthy Plants April 22 - Healthy Soils and Composting May 6 - Smart Watering and Natural Pest Control She emphasized that this pilot (together with one in Magnolia) is assessing the value of neighbors learning from and reinforcing one another. Consequently, households on streets already known to be especially "neighborly" were targeted for invitations. The attendance strategy includes door prizes, door hangers, and phone calls.

Natural drainage: Confusion about who was doing what resulted in our having no speaker on this topic. Instead, Kathy referenced the abstract of a recent report on the effectiveness of two types of stormwater natural drainage techniques (printed on the back of the agenda) and promised to follow up on a later agenda as members expressed specific interest.

5. Lower-watershed project updates/action requests Emergence and smolt monitoring. Steev Ward reported that Tom Linde had counted up to 16 "home hatch" fry from one redd left by last fall's spawners. He and Tom have fitted the smolt trap they built with the assistance of Laura Reed at SPU. They plan to stake it in place below a weir in the fish ladder on April 1 to begin the first count of out-migrating smolt.

Mouth stabilization: Judy P. reported that the build-up of sand at the mouth of the creek remains a major concern and that the ferry system has disavowed any responsibility. Key staff members at SPU and DCLU are "on the case," however, and Judy expressed optimism that a plan of action will be forthcoming.

6. Executive Committee news/action requests Legislation: Judy P. reported that a floor vote in the state senate on SB 5375 is expected soon. The bill would weaken State Fish and Wildlife's authority to require hydraulic permits for in-stream work, thus allowing diversions and other activities to take place without oversight. Randy S. outlined the history of the HPA process and its importance to habitat preservation.

Action: The Executive Committee will send a letter to our 34th District delegation strongly opposing any diminution of HPA requirements.

Creeks proposal: Judy P. reported that the City Council will decide next Monday whether to send Initiative 80 alone to a citywide ballot in September or also send an alternative crafted by SPU and certain councilmembers.

Nature Night: Judy P. again called for anyone interested in helping with this annual community event to contact her.

Agenda topics: Randy S. invited input for the May agenda and comments "for the good of the order."

2002 Annual Report: Judy P. noted that copies were available on the back table. She will be e-mailing next week it to agency partners and others on our courtesy list.

7. Announcements § Park work parties - second Sunday only (1-3 p.m.) as long as peace demonstrations continue in the Alaska Junction on Saturdays. § Salmon watcher dessert - Sunday, April 6, 2-4 p.m. at Sherry Richardson's § Next meeting - Thursday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. in the Burgundy Rug Room @ Fauntleroy Church (4th floor)