In a recent Seattle City Council meeting, officials discussed Council Bill 120854, an ordinance aimed at acquiring two parcels of land in King County to enhance salmon habitat protection and watershed management. The proposed acquisition, which is part of Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) ongoing efforts to support the Cedar River Habitat Conservation Plan, is set to add 20 acres of critical habitat for salmon recovery.

Brent Lackey, representing SPU, highlighted that this initiative is crucial for the protection of endangered species and the region's drinking water supply, which serves approximately 1.6 million residents. The Cedar River is a vital source, providing about two-thirds of the area's water. The acquisition is fully grant-funded, with an estimated total cost of $3 million, ensuring that local ratepayers will not bear the financial burden.

The ordinance includes a life estate agreement with 93-year-old Helen Sherry, the current property owner, allowing her to remain on a three-acre portion of the land for the remainder of her life. This arrangement reflects SPU's commitment to balancing environmental conservation with the needs of local residents. Lackey shared that Sherry has a deep connection to the property, having resisted previous offers to sell, and emphasized the importance of building trust and relationships with landowners in conservation efforts.

The council is expected to vote on the ordinance soon, with officials noting the urgency of the matter given Sherry's age and the significance of the land for salmon recovery. The acquisition is seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore and protect vital habitats along the Cedar River, contributing to the broader regional salmon recovery plan.