We're in this Together
The Puget Sound ecosystem is in trouble as indicated by imperiled orcas and the declining Chinook salmon that are their primary food source. Now leading companies and institutions are committing to taking action to protect water quality and wildlife habitat in tributaries across Puget Sound. Take the Puget Sound Pledge on behalf of your organization. Then join one of our virtual sector-based meetings to help turn your commitment into action.
The Pledge Commitments
Action 01
Commit to getting involved in your watershed
Every project or site is part of something bigger. Many watersheds have restoration or recovery plans defining strategies that can benefit important salmon-dependant species such as killer whales. By getting involved in your watershed your organization can incorporate these watershed-based considerations in site operation and further development planning decisions.
01
Action 02
Commit to on-site habitat restoration
Even highly urban sites can support larger natural systems. Seek to restore degraded habitat based on native species as well as future needs for climate change adaptations. Habitat diversity can make your site more resilient and adaptable.
02
Action 03
Commit to ecological new site development
Design or expand sites with the goal of avoiding impacting wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat. Habitat can be retained, reestablished, or both, as part of site development.
03
Action 04
Commit to planning for site resiliency
Plan current site operations or new development for future site climate resiliency based on potential climate change conditions, particularly related to stormwater and changes to peaks, seasonality, and volume. Your organization's site planning can positively contribute to natural system performance even as climate impacts accelerate.
04
Action 05
Commit to protecting water quality during construction
Implement construction site pollutant control and runoff protection measures that achieve zero sediment discharge. Protect and salvage healthy native soils, vegetation, and habitat structures.
05
Action 06
Commit to rain gardens and other green infrastructure for stormwater management
Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the biggest source of pollution in Puget Sound. By dispersing and infiltrating stormwater on site through green infrastructure approaches like rain gardens, green roofs, and even planting trees your organization can significantly reduce downstream impacts from your site operations.
06
Action 07
Commit to water conservation
Climate change is affecting the quantity and quality of water available for downstream aquatic life. Install rainwater harvest systems to balance water budgets. Limit water demand by selecting native and non-native vegetation adapted to site conditions and climate.
07
Action 08
Commit to pesticide-free or low input landscaping
Commit to low input land management practices, water conservation, and pesticide-free or integrated pest management practices in the ongoing operation of your site. These practices can be embedded in site management guidelines, policies, or landscape contractor agreements.
08
Action 09
Commit to community benefit in site planning and operations
Every site or new development has the potential to enhance community and public health alongside water quality protection and ecological goals. Consider how equity and inclusion can be incorporated in the design and longterm operation of your site, or how you might support projects in your community that provide environmental benefits while reducing economic stress on disadvantaged communities.
09
Action 10
Commit to environmental education through your site
Almost every site presents opportunities for interpretive signage and/or demonstration projects highlighting features that reduce downstream impacts on Puget Sound and contribute to an ecologically functional urban landscape.
10
Take the Pledge by November 10, 2021
With so many pledges coming in, we've extended the deadline to Nov 10. To take the Pledge, simply select three or more of the actions. Not ready to make that level of commitment? Start with even a single action. Three organizations with high-level commitments will be selected for an eco charrette with Salmon-Safe's independent science team. Please fill the form below by November 10 to officially join the Pledge.
How We Use Data
Any information your provide will be entirely confidential and used only for the purposes of the Pledge. Salmon-Safe does not share lists.
Follow Up Notes
Interested in a complimentary individual action session with Salmon-Safe to discuss pledge options for your company or organization?
Schedule an individual Pledge action session
A Pledge that Delivers Value to your Organization
Urban Visions is committed to sustainable development principles that protect Puget Sound and promote healthy salmon habitat.
Greg Smith | Founder & CEO Urban Visions
We commit to water conservation and green building practices to protect the ecosystems essential to the whole community.
Donna Moodie | Executive Vice President of Community Development
As a leading construction company, Skanska is committed to protecting Puget Sound’s water quality and natural habitat.
Kevin McCain | General Manager and Executive Vice President
Stormwater runoff is still the largest source of pollution to Puget Sound. Let’s pledge to do more.
Aaron Clark | Stewardship Partners & 12,000 Rain Garden Campaign
Salmon-safe certification is one important step we have taken toward environmental sustainability and protecting Puget Sound.
Mayor Will Hall | City of Shoreline