Green-Duwamish Watershed
The Green-Duwamish watershed spans from the Cascade foothills to Elliott Bay in Seattle, encompassing over 500 square miles. It is one of the most urbanized watersheds in Washington, yet retains ecological significance as salmon-bearing habitat. The upper Green River flows through forested public lands and supplies drinking water to 1.5 million people, while the lower Duwamish has been heavily modified for industry and shipping. The Duwamish River corridor is a Superfund site, reflecting historic pollution and environmental injustice affecting communities like South Park and Georgetown. Unlike more intact nearby watersheds such as the Cedar or Nisqually, the Green-Duwamish is marked by fragmented habitats, channelized streams, and high impervious surface coverage. Despite these challenges, Chinook, coho, and steelhead persist. Land use includes commercial forests, urban development, transportation infrastructure, and industrial zones. Local economies center on port operations, logistics, aerospace, and a growing service sector. Equity-centered restoration is increasingly prioritized. (Placeholder text by ChatGPT 2025).
Relationships
- located in: king county