SNOHOMISH COUNTY - Snohomish County Public Works has been recognized with a VISION 2050 Award from Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) for the Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site.
Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site is a groundbreaking 17-acre wetland restoration project that redefines how local jurisdictions approach environmental mitigation. Located in one of the county’s most urbanized areas, the site allows Snohomish County to proactively generate wetland credits for future infrastructure projects, saving more than $30 million in public funds across at least 10 road projects while delivering long-term ecological benefits.
Unlike the traditional project-by-project approach to mitigation, Little Bear Creek consolidates mitigation efforts into one high-functioning, permanently protected wetland. The site, once a degraded property built on wetland fill, now supports thriving native vegetation, improved water quality and returning wildlife, including salmon.
Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive
“As a fish biologist, I appreciate the opportunity to implement creative stormwater management while restoring critical habitats for Snohomish County residents at Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site.”
Josh Brown, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council
“The Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site is a model for regional sustainability by promoting compact urban growth, reducing infrastructure costs, and preserving natural ecosystems in one of the fastest-growing areas of the region."
Establishing LBCAMS required a $4.2 million upfront investment and more than seven years of adaptive planning, permitting and restoration. The county removed 17 derelict structures, 4.25 acres of fill and over 37,000 square feet of impervious surface, replacing them with more than 21,000 native plants and compost-rich soils. The site is now permanently protected, ensuring it will remain a natural habitat for generations to come.
Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site not only meets current ecological needs but also positions Snohomish County to support future growth efficiently. By reimagining wetland mitigation as a tool for smart, sustainable infrastructure planning, Little Bear Creek sets a new standard for environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.
The VISION 2050 Awards celebrate progress to enhance the region’s communities and natural environment while advancing equity and opportunity for all. The awards recognize innovative work in the region to create a better future for the central Puget Sound.
The award will be presented at the Snohomish County campus on July 28.
VISION 2050 is the region’s plan for growth. By 2050, the region's population will reach 5.8 million people. The region’s cities, counties, Tribes, ports, agencies, businesses, and communities have worked together to develop VISION 2050 to prepare for this growth and serve as a guide for sustaining a healthy environment, thriving communities and a strong economy.