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Meghan Jordan

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Snohomish County Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Highlights Achievements in 2022 Annual Report

The report showcases the many projects, programs and initiatives that are managed by DCNR staff.

Snohomish County, Wash., April 4, 2023 – In the second year as a new county department, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) collaborated to provide a variety of services to Snohomish County residents, businesses, and visitors through its stewardship of Snohomish County’s natural resources. The 2022 DCNR Annual Report provides an overview of the department’s top accomplishments, though it is challenging to communicate the full extent this work has contributed to improving the quality of life for Snohomish County residents. The department is comprised of the Surface Water Management Division (SWM), the Parks & Recreation Division, the Office of Agriculture, and the Office of Energy & Sustainability (OES).

“I am proud of the work that DCNR has achieved in its second year as a consolidated department. Snohomish County is defined by our beautiful and abundant natural resources. From the Salish Sea and two major river valleys, to forestland, farms, ranches, and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity, and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “More than ever, our efforts to curb climate change, led by DCNR, are essential to ensure we can preserve what is best about our region,”

“We have begun to see the harmony that our two divisions and two offices can achieve under a shared mission. I am proud of the work our staff achieved last year; none of this would have been possible without their dedication,” DCNR Director Tom Teigen said. “I want to thank Executive Somers for having the foresight to create this new department, allowing for increased collaboration to meet the county’s environmental and sustainability goals.”

Key accomplishments from the report include:

• The department was awarded $22.4 million in grant funding in 2022.
• Significant progress was made on the Meadowdale Beach Park and Estuary Restoration Project.
• The Focus on Farming Conference attracted approximately 250 attendees who gained knowledge in a variety of farming and forestry topics.
• The Savvy Septic Program awarded more than $130,000 to low-income homeowners for septic system repairs, replacements, and maintenance.
• SWM completed 12 capital projects in partnership with Public Works, including five fish-barrier culvert replacements, three conveyance improvement projects, three projects to address erosion and flooding and one project to update a stormwater facility to improve water quality treatment.
• More than 1,600 residents attended educational workshops hosted by SWM.
• Several Parks projects made significant progress or were completed in 2022, including Whitehorse Campground Phase 2, Corcoran Memorial Park playground, SR 530 Slide Memorial, Lord Hill Preferred Plan, and improvements made at the Evergreen State Fair Park.
• The Evergreen State Fair attracted 253,902 attendees, with a return to normal after a reduced fair in 2021.
• A new Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER) Program was launched to provide a financial tool for commercial property owners to obtain low-cost financing for certain projects.
• 100 low-income homes had weatherization upgrades completed to lower utility costs and improve comfortability. 

The report also outlines how public resources were used across the department in 2022 and how grant funding was used to stretch local tax dollars.

About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources

The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy, and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region's water, air, land and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5758.