Environmental Programs

What We Do

  • Flood Reduction Program Implementation
  • NPDES Permit Compliance
  • Environmental Education
  • Grant Administration
  • Community Involvement and Outreach
  • Surface Water Management/GIS Mapping
  • Park Planning
  • Liaison to Regional Environmental and Flood Reduction Organizations
  • Commission Administration
  • Volunteer Coordination

Want To Get Involved With Your City?

NPDES Water Quality Permit

The State of Washington first issued a permit in 2007 to comply with the federal Clean Water Act (1972). The City has met these permit requirements and continues to build on its water quality programs each year.

The NPDES permit (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) requires the City to develop the following six program elements:

1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Involvement and Participation
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment
6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Each year the City submits an annual report regarding the City’s efforts to satisfy NPDES permit requirements.

Annual Report

The 2019-2024 NPDES Permit requires the City to electronically post its Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan.

We want to hear from you! The City of Lake Forest Park is interested in your comments, questions, or feedback regarding the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan. Please contact Andy Silvia or call 206-368-5440 to give us your input.

Maps

  • Land Use
  • Environmental
  • Transportation
  • Utility
  • Emergency

View Maps Here

What You Can Do To Help The Environment

Our Actions at Home
There are many ways in which residents can help at home to preserve the natural environment. Most of Lake Forest Park’s pollution comes from: 

  • Failing septic systems
  • Leaking vehicles
  • Improper fertilizer application on lawns and gardens
  • Car washing
  • Improper disposal of animal waste
  • Inappropriate disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste
  • Construction runoff

Why Our Actions Make a Difference
Lake Forest Park offers an abundance of natural beauty and each day residents work hard to preserve it. In our busy, everyday lives, it is sometimes easy to forget that our individual actions at home make an impact on the community at large.

Every time you make the right choice to reduce chemicals at home or to visit a commercial car wash, your actions make a difference and ultimately positively influence your community. For more information go to: What You Can Do To Help the Environment.

Wildlife Management

Human/Wildlife Coexistence
In an effort to maintain a healthy ecosystem the City has a Wildlife Management Plan that provides the framework for human/wildlife coexistence. The program includes a regulatory element and a Wildlife Hazing Program that was developed by the Wildlife Taskforce in 2011 and approved by the City Council. The City also adopted a Wildlife Ordinance in an effort to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Common Urban Wildlife Species
Lake Forest Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife that all play an important role in the ecosystem. The links below provide information about coexisting with these common species.

Wildlife Do’s and Don’ts

Do's

1. Keep your pets on a leash when outside of a securely fenced area.

2. Remove attractive food sources from your yard. This includes outdoor feeding devices when your pets are not actively eating. Securely cover your garbage and compost too. Also, collect fruit that has fallen from trees.

3. Keep your pets indoors and only allow controlled access to the outdoors (fenced yard and leashes). Never leave your pets outside from dusk until dawn. Be sure to provide them with shelter that protects from predation.

For more information visit Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Living with Wildlife website.

Don’ts

1. Do not feed wildlife directly or indirectly, excluding the use of hanging bird feeders that provide seed, suet or nectar.

2. Do not allow wild animals to approach you, children or your pets. Urban wildlife that have lost their natural fear of humans can be dangerous. When wildlife get too close make noise, wave your arms and/or throw objects near them to scare them away.

3. Never approach coyotes. Coyotes are wild animals that should have a natural fear of humans. If you see a coyote, do not approach it or turn your back to it. You should leave the area by slowly backing away from the coyote while facing it. If you are approached by a coyote you can attempt to scare it by yelling, throwing sticks and small rocks toward it, but not directly at it, and making yourself seem as large as possible. If the animal gets too close you can use a stick or pepper spray to keep it away. Call 911 if you are stalked or attacked by a coyote.