The small yet mighty kokanee salmon, native to Lake Sammamish, has unexpectedly surged in numbers this year. In a record-setting comeback, the city of Sammamish witnessed a particularly remarkable event: over 8,000 kokanee salmon returned to the area's streams in late autumn to spawn. This figure starkly contrasts the average of fewer than 400 fish seen over the past eight years, marking a significant ecological milestone.

As reported by the City of Sammamish, the reason for this upswing is multifaceted. One contributing factor has been the removal of culverts along the East Lake Sammamish Parkway, which, before their replacement, had posed a barrier to fish attempting to reach their upstream spawning grounds. With these obstructions out of the way, salmon have better access to vital habitats, allowing them opportunities to reproduce and, ultimately, flourish.

This environmental success story doesn't just hinge on infrastructure improvements, however. There's a human element as well: residents who have dedicated untold hours to the preservation and promotion of the kokanee. Volunteering their time with groups like the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group, Trout Unlimited, and the Snoqualmie Tribe, these individuals have participated in various conservation efforts. From fish counts to assisting with the management of egg incubators, their actions have been an integral part of the salmon's rebound.