However, after more than a century of destruction of salmon habitat by human activity, we are in the unprecedented situation of being a major urban area trying to recover fish species under the federal Endangered Species Act. Along with chinook, bull trout is also listed under ESA, and more species are expected to follow. These listings are not only a troubling indication of the health of our watersheds but the ESA mandate to protect fish and wildlife also poses a significant challenge as we strive to sustain our economy. Since the ESA was adopted in 1973, across the nation, million-dollar construction projects and entire industries have been seriously impacted by ESA listings. Furthermore, a major enforcement provision under the ESA is an invitation for third parties to sue entities or persons in violation of the Act.
King County is committed to saving the salmon.
We must seek compliance with the ESA to protect our operations, infrastructure, businesses and citizens' jobs as well as the vibrant economy and natural environment that make our region such a desirable place to live. This document enumerates the extraordinary efforts we have undertaken as we work to meet our ESA obligations. Whether it's new development regulations, new roads maintenance practices, expert scientific analysis, habitat acquisition and restoration, or new levees with fish-friendly design, we are working to do our best for both people and fish. Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Louise Miller , Dwight Pelz , Larry Phillips , and Pete von Reichbauer , have joined me in taking a proactive approach for the past two years in reprioritizing and allocating resources in County budgets and work programs to accommodate this new ESA variable. This brochure highlights our successes since the proposed listing of chinook salmon in March 1998.