Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection

Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection We protect and restore the natural environment, and the health and welfare of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for present and future generations.

Views on this page are those of members of our staff and not the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. At the end of 2013, the Swinomish Senate and Committees decided to reorganize the former Planning office and establish the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP comprises all the environmental functions from the Planning Department including the Water Resources Program and the Enviro

nmental Compliance & Management Team that developed and matured within Planning. We continue our close collaboration with the Planning Department and new Lands Management Department in the same location. Our functions fall into three major categories with associated projects:
-Environmental research and monitoring: monitoring water levels and quality in freshwater streams, marine waters, wetlands and groundwater; beaches; habitat restoration; environmental human health; and environmental education;
-Environmental policy and ordinance development: Updates of ordinances to address climate change; and, drafts of Water quality standards and Aquifer protection ordinance;
-Environmental management: environmental permitting and compliance; environmental clean-up and spill response planning; air quality and indoor air assessments; and, noxious weed control.

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊Next sampling is schedul...
09/02/2026

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊
Next sampling is scheduled for 9/15/26.

In honor of the 20th annual Clam Bake here at Swinomish🦪— Join us in looking back at the first ever Clam Bake in 2006, w...
08/27/2026

In honor of the 20th annual Clam Bake here at Swinomish🦪— Join us in looking back at the first ever Clam Bake in 2006, which was hosted by the Swinomish Water Resources Program (which later became Swinomish DEP) at Lone Tree Point🌲! There was a strong emphasis on family connection🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒, community gathering🍽️🐟🦐🦪, and waste reduction♻️, which continues to this day!
Although the location has changed throughout the years and the event has grown in size, it’s our community that continues to keep this day special. As our elders say, “When the tide goes out, the table is set.”Come join us for fellowship, food, and the 20th Annual Clam Bake today at noon at swәdәbš Park. We will have DEP staff stationed by waste bins to help you know what dishes to compost. Raffle prizes to those who bring their own utensils! 🪎🎁

“We didn’t inherit this earth from our grandparents, or our parents, we borrowed it from our children. It’s just loaned to us, we are stewards of this earth.” — Brian Cladoosby, Swinomish Elder/ former Chairman

08/26/2026

🦪You’re gonna want to come to the Clam Bake tomorrow and you’re gonna want to bring your own utensils! 👀🍽️‼️🎁

DEP tries to make this event as waste-free as possible 🗑️♻️ so staff will be at stations to help sort out trash, compostable items, and recycling!
If you are able to, we encourage you to bring your own (reusable) plates and utensils 🍽️ to be entered into a raffle! We thank Cultural Dept and the Trading Post for getting us some great raffle items!

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊Next sampling is schedul...
08/26/2026

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊
Next sampling is scheduled for 8/31/26.

Recent news may have you asking what you can do to protect your home 🏡 from wildfires. Those of us who choose to live in...
08/26/2026

Recent news may have you asking what you can do to protect your home 🏡 from wildfires. Those of us who choose to live in beautiful places abundant with trees, such as the Salish Sea region🌳🌲🌊, benefit greatly from wildfire preparedness! There is lots homeowners can do to increase fire resiliency on their property. Even small actions and habits around your property can make a meaningful difference in reducing wildfire risk🌲🔥💨
1. Reduce fuels near your home⛽️
2. Maintain a defensible space💨
3. Stay informed and safe ‼️🚨

It’s time for our monthly molt hunt 🦀 Wednesday August 26th at Lone Tree point at 12:30 pm! Hope you see you there! ...
08/20/2026

It’s time for our monthly molt hunt 🦀 Wednesday August 26th at Lone Tree point at 12:30 pm! Hope you see you there!

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊Next sampling is schedul...
08/12/2026

🟢All 6 monitored beaches are SAFE for water contact! Happy swimming, paddling, and recreating. 🏊
Next sampling is scheduled for 8/18/26.

Just published: a paper on our Swinomish Camas Project & one on regional Indigenous stewardship camas work in the PNW!Op...
08/04/2026

Just published: a paper on our Swinomish Camas Project & one on regional Indigenous stewardship camas work in the PNW!
Open access Links in our Linktree in bio.
We've learned and done a lot since starting our Swinomish Generation Camas project in 2019 and grateful to have our paper published to share. Camas work coming up this year: Community dig in AUG; cultural burn in SEPT.

Address

11430 Moorage Way
La Conner, WA
98257

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13604667280

Website

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