Conservation & Natural Resources

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HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Health is all about balance.

Snohomish County Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) strives to bring balance between the enjoyment, use, and stewardship of Snohomish County’s natural resources. DCNR promotes a healthier environment by protecting and enhancing salmon and marine habitat, improving water quality, preserving natural resources and open space, and reducing the impacts of climate change. DCNR advances healthier communities in Snohomish County by supporting local farms, providing and promoting recreational opportunities, connecting people with nature and their culture, supporting energy conservation improvements, and reducing the impacts of local flooding. 


We’re helping all of Snohomish County find the right balance every day. Because the healthier our watersheds, farmlands, recreation spaces, and communities are, the better off we all are.

OUR MISSION

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources partners with Snohomish County communities to steward resources and manage infrastructure for the purpose of protection, enhancement, use, and enjoyment of our land, air, and water now and into the future.


OUR VISION

Through the stewardship of the natural and built environments, the DCNR fosters inclusive, thriving communities across the county.

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DCNR DIVISIONS AND OFFICES

Logan PlaygroundDivision of Parks & Recreation

The Snohomish County Parks system is incredibly diverse and boasts almost 12,000 acres of parks and open space; over 110 park properties; hundreds of miles of trails and access to 34 miles of fresh and saltwater shorelines. Major regional park assets such as the Evergreen State Fair Park, Kayak Point Park, Lord Hill Park and the Centennial, Interurban and Whitehorse Regional Trail systems host local, regional and national events that draw over 5 million visitors each year to Snohomish County.  

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​Surface Water Management (SWM)

SWM is a utility that provides services to unincorporated Snohomish County. These services are funded by charges paid for by property owners in unincorporated Snohomish County. SWM partners with the community to reduce flood damage and to protect and enhance our water resources for future generations by providing customers with services in four core areas to address: drainage and road flooding, water quality, salmon and marine habitat, and river flooding. Sign up to receive the latest SWM news.
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​Energy & Sustainability

Snohomish County's Office of Energy & Sustainability (OES) collaborates with a range of stakeholders to conserve natural resources, facilitate environmental stewardship, and develop innovative solutions that support a healthy and vibrant community.
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​Agriculture

Agriculture has been a dominant feature of Snohomish County's fertile landscape since the county was founded in 1861. The Agriculture Office provides services to local farmers including regulatory, business, technical help, food systems, economic development, education and oversees the Agriculture Advisory Board.

HISTORY

In 2020, Executive Somers collaborated with the County Council to create a brand-new department of Conservation & Natural Resources to consolidate multiple county functions, offices, and departments into one organization to achieve more of the County’s environmental and natural resource goals. Previously, Snohomish County’s efforts to manage, protect and enhance natural resources took place across multiple departments. By consolidating Parks & Recreation, Surface Water Management, the Office of Energy and Sustainability, and the Office of Agriculture, DCNR can better collaborate on important county programs related to parks, salmon and Puget Sound recovery, agriculture, food systems, sustainability and climate action, recreation, water quality and flood protection, to name a few. Read his full letter. 

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