Snohomish Co. assessed the extent of invasive knotweeds within the Little Bear Creek watershed and developed a strategy prioritizing control and riparian reforestation work. Little Bear Creek originates in Snohomish County west of State Route 9 and Clearview. The 8600-acre Little Bear Creek watershed is in the northern part of the WRIA 8 Lake Washington -Basin. Our goal is to improve riparian habitat quality and integrity that is threatened by increasing occupation of knotweeds which displace and prevent recruitment of native plant species. We successfully identified watershed partners and formed a Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA); implemented a comprehensive survey for invasive knotweeds & other invasive plants; documented forest stand conditions; prioritized stream reaches for control; and developed strategy & budget for long-term control, survey, & reforestation. Deliverables included a draft & final assessment report, as described in the project proposal (Attach. #7). Priority species addressed in the Salmon Recovery plan utilizing Little Bear Creek include Chinook, Coho, sockeye, and steelhead. Implementing a programmatic approach to knotweed detection and eradication in Little Bear Creek will protect and preserve vital natural resources. Snohomish Co. has made substantial investment in preserving headwater areas through acquisition, fish passage improvements, and in-stream and streamside habitat projects. Unrelenting spread of knotweed puts long term success of these projects at risk. Snohomish Co. and King Co. Noxious Weed Control programs endorse this project and will be active partners.