Title
Special Recognition - Stream Team 30th Anniversary
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize the collaborative legacy of Stream Team in expanding environmental awareness and stewardship over the last three decades in partnership with adjacent jurisdictions and many partners.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize the 30th anniversary of Stream Team.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Environmental Services Supervisor, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Presenters:
Jesse Barham, Environmental Services Supervisor
Michelle Stevie, Senior Habitat Biologist/Stream Team Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
In 1989, the Olympia City Council directed Public Works staff to create a program for engaging and educating citizens in aquatic resources protection and enhancement. The Stream Team was launched in 1990 by the Storm and Surface Water Utility. In subsequent years, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County also initiated Stream Team programs though their stormwater utilities. These jurisdictions work collaboratively providing education and outreach to the community about the Salish Sea, local wildlife and their habitats, water quality, and how citizen actions can protect and improve these important local natural resources.
Over the years, Stream Team has been involved in many innovative programs and continues to adapt to the pandemic with virtual lectures, events and educational materials. Stream Team relies on our amazing volunteers that help with programs such as Salmon Stewards, amphibian monitoring and tree planting events. The youth of our community is another focus of Stream Team. Events like Marine Creature Monday and Beach Seines (fish foraging) provide hands-on, educational activities for school-aged kids.
Stream Team partners with many local community groups and agencies to increase awareness and stewardship of local water ways and water quality. Partners and collaborators over the years include:
• Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Washington Department of Ecology
• Squaxin Island Tribe
• LOTT Clean Water Alliance
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
• Washington Service Corps
• Washington Conservation Corps
• Washington State University - Washington Stormwater Center
• WSU Extension - Native Plant Salvage
• The Evergreen State College
• Thurston County Noxious Weeds
• Thurston County Environmental Health
• Thurston Conservation District - South Sound GREEN
• Port of Olympia/Harbor Patrol
• Olympia School District
• Puget Sound Estuarium
• Nisqually Reach Nature Center
• Pacific Shellfish Institute
• Capitol Land Trust
• Olympia Ecosystem Coalition
• Thurston ECO Network
• Black Hills Audubon
• Olympia Beekeepers
• Boston Harbor Marina
• Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities (STORM)
• Thurston County Master Gardeners
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community is passionate about protecting local waters and environmental concerns.
Options:
1. Recognize the Stream Team.
2. Do not Recognize the Stream Team.
3. Recognize the Stream Team at another item.
Financial Impact:
Stream Team is funded with Storm and Surface Water Utility rates.
Attachments:
1. Stream Team Website
2. 30 Years Slideshow Video
3. Stream Team Facebook Page