Who is Sound Salmon solutions?

Sound Salmon Solutions is a local non-profit Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (RFEG) that has supported and implemented salmon recovery efforts in the Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and South Island County watersheds for over 30 years. We are committed to the restoration and conservation of salmonid habitat through invasive weed control and native revegetation of under- and overstories, actions that help provide cold, clean, & clear water in the face of a changing climate and rapid urbanization.

Why are noxious weeds so detrimental to salmon?

First, we need to understand what a healthy river system looks like. The land on either side of a river or stream is referred to as the “riparian” zone. Over the past century, many riparian areas and adjacent lands have been logged or converted for agricultural purposes or development. Following the removal of trees and shrubs, these areas often become overgrown with invasive weeds, which can grow aggressively and hinder the natural reestablishment of native vegetation. The abundance of noxious weeds and lack of native trees along rivers and streams has contributed to rising water temperatures and reduced soil stability. High water temperatures can be detrimental to adult and juvenile salmon alike, and the input of fine sediment caused by excess bank erosion can also have negative impacts on egg and juvenile survival. By removing invasive weeds and replanting riparian zones with native trees and shrubs, we can achieve reduced water temperatures, stabilized river and streambanks, improved water quality, and numerous other benefits to salmon and other aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

Partners

SSS partners with both private landowners and public organizations such as local tribes, town & county parks, and the Forest Service, to plan and enact invasive weed removal procedures. We primarily target Himalayan Blackberry and Knotweed (Japanese, Giant, Bohemian, and Himalayan) due to their destructive nature and rapid growth. However, we will remove other weeds listed on the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board should they be present at an active site.

FAQ’s

What is Himalayan Blackberry?

SSS crew member applying herbicide to Himalayan Blackberry monoculture.

Himalayan Blackberry is a common, invasive, and fruiting shrubby plant known for its dense, thorny stands that tend to outcompete any surrounding vegetation; going as far as to grow on top of itself as it shades itself out. It is most notable by its sheer size when compared to other local blackberry species and its 5 point leaves, creating a pentagon shape. Himalayan Blackberry threatens salmonid habitat by preventing the establishment and sufficient growth of native tree & shrub species, which are important for providing adequate shade to our local water bodies. This leads to murky and warm water, which negatively impacts salmonid species’ ability to navigate and spawn.

Himalayan blackberry leaf noted by 5 distinct points.

What is KNotweed?

Knotweed is a quick growing noxious weed in Western Washington State. It is most notably defined by its oval to triangular leaves that alternate in a distinct zig-zag pattern, its white/green flowers that bloom from early August to late September, and hollow bamboolike stems. In Snohomish and King counties, there are 4 species present.

Giant Knotweed (fallopia sachalinensis)

The largest in the knotweed family , growing up to 20 ft tall with large slightly heart shaped leaves with greenish flowers. Sometimes Hybridizes with Japanese Knotweed to produce Bohemian Knotweed.

Bohemian knotweed (fallopia x bohemica)

A hybrid cross between Giant Knotweed and Japanese Knotweed. It grows up to 16 ft tall and grows much more aggressively than either parent species, both of which are invasive to the region. The flowers tend to be cream colored.

Japanese knotweed (fallopia japonica)

The first knotweed species to be introduced in Washington, it grows up to 10 ft tall and has a much more slender appearance than its Giant and Bohemian counterparts. The flowers tend to be pure white.

Himalayan knotweed (persicaria wallichii

Closely related to Japanese Knotweed but quite a bit easier to distinguish than the other three as it features longer, skinnier leaves and pink flowers. Noticeably smaller, generally not exceeding a height of 6 ft in its lifetime.

why am i seeing this sign?

You may have come across our notice of herbicide application signs in your local public spaces, and might have some questions. First, why are you seeing this sign here? Is it safe to be around?

The presence of this sign or one that looks very similar, perhaps with a different chemical name, is there to let you know that members of our restoration crew have applied an herbicide to the plant species specified on the sign somewhere behind it.

The specified plant threatens current and future salmonid habitat by either outcompeting native vegetation or increasing erosion (if not both), leading to undercut banks and murky water.

At SSS we use aquatic formulations for our herbicides. This means that even though we are applying them near water, the herbicides have been formulated in a way that is safe and causes minimal to no harm to fish and other aquatic species in the area. Additionally, our dedicated restoration crew takes every safety precaution , and strictly adheres to herbicide safety laws and handling protocols.

Some things to keep in mind however to safely enjoy your public spaces when this sign and associated herbicides are present:

These signs are here for your safety. Do not enter the regions behind them until the specified time window has ended. While the herbicides are formulated to be water safe, there are still risks when direct exposure is possible, either through direct contact with or ingestion of affected plants.
This risk extends to your pets! Please do not let your pets enter affected areas, even if on a leash.

If you have any further questions regarding invasive weed control in your area feel free to reach out to our habitat team as listed on our staff page.

Invasive weed Control