Snohomish County’s environmental efforts have been recognized with the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) Vision 2050 award for its work on the Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site (LBCAMS). The county will receive the award at a ceremony taking place on their campus on July 28, an achievement that underlines the county's dedication to sustainable practices and conservation.
The Vision 2050 award spotlights exemplary initiatives that significantly contribute to a sustainable future in the central Puget Sound region, with LBCAMS being honored in the "On the Ground" category for its achievements in open space preservation and transportation investments. In a statement obtained by the Snohomish County news release, County Executive and PSRC President Dave Somers said, “We’re so proud of this project because it helps us to realize a bright future for the more than 850,000 residents and counting, here in beautiful Snohomish County.”
LBCAMS involves a 17-acre site near Woodinville, transformed from a former homestead into a conserved wetland. The project, begun in 2019, involved the removal of structures, restoration of wetlands and streams, and planting over 21,000 native trees and shrubs. This mitigation site has created valuable wetland credits for the county, to proactively meet future environmental mitigation needs. Snohomish County plans to ensure the site's ecological success by monitoring its development over the next decade.
Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder highlighted the project's innovative approach, which represents significant cost savings and positive environmental impacts, a fact resonating with the PSRC values. According to the Snohomish County news release, Snyder noted, “It is a shining example of what can be achieved when leadership, innovation, and sustainability converge.” The award adds to LBCAMS’ growing list of accolades – including the Washington state and National American Public Works Association Project of the Year awards and the Washington State Governors Smart Communities Award.
Beyond this project's recognition, Snohomish County Public Works oversees an extensive infrastructure network including roads, bridges, traffic signals, and waste management, emphasizing safety, mobility, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability. The department has won numerous state and national honors for its comprehensive and environmentally conscious approach to public works management, and provides updates on its initiatives through its website and social media channels.
