Lake Ballinger is recognized as a gem for the recreational amenities it provides residents of Mountlake Terrace and those who visit our area.

For the last several years, however, we have experienced storms that have caused significant flood damage to public and private property. While we have been fortunate this winter, the severity of these floods should not be underestimated.

The flooding and water quality issues affecting our community have been a priority for the Mountlake Terrace City Council for several decades and their commitment continues today.

Since the early 1960s, our city has partnered with surrounding communities to maintain the character of the lake and adjacent areas. We partnered with Edmonds to provide sewer service and reduce the impact of septic tanks around the lake. From the 1970s to the 1990s, increased emphasis was placed on water quality, via improvements to McAleer Creek, Hall Creek and the lake itself.

In addition, over the past 20 years, the city has developed and implemented new regulatory measures, policies and improvements that protect and preserve environmentally sensitive areas such as the Lake Ballinger and Lyon Creek watershed basins.

Today, Mountlake Terrace’s commitment to the Lake Ballinger watershed includes funding water quality programs such as catch basin inserts to filter debris and pollutants and a proactive street sweeping program. These efforts help to reduce the amount of debris and sediment entering our storm drains.

The city has also identified necessary funding for a project to help alleviate frequent flooding at 230th Street Southwest and Hall Creek. The proposed project will involve removal of existing culverts, sidewalk and roadway to open up the natural stream bottom and provide fish-friendly access to upstream habitat.

In 2008, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Shoreline and Snohomish County formed the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Forum to work together on common watershed issues. Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith is the city’s representative and serves as the Forum’s chairman.

The Forum conducts monthly meetings and invites participation from the Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, citizen groups and Congressman Jay Inslee’s office.

After considerable public input and financial assistance from the state Legislature, a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) was developed that identifies solutions to mitigate upstream Lake Ballinger flooding (primarily in Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace) and downstream flooding (primarily in Lake Forest Park). The Forum and councils from each member city adopted the SAP last summer.

Last month, the Forum adopted a Capital Improvement Project list that includes: modifying the weir at Lake Ballinger to better manage the lake’s water level; developing a FEMA floodplain boundary map; upgrading McAleer Creek’s culvert system; and, flood-proofing homes.

Next steps include developing a financing strategy for priority projects (expected to total in the millions of dollars) and exploring ideas to continue the Forum partnership that is expected to sunset in June.

Our thanks to the cities of Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood and Shoreline and Snohomish County for their leadership in making the protection and preservation of this watershed a priority. We’d also like to thank Congressman Inslee and his staff for their support in sponsoring much needed federal funding for projects in the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed.

We are confident that our joint efforts will help safeguard our streams and creeks and the recreational use of Lake Ballinger and its shorelines. What we decide today will have long-term benefits for this pristine and environmentally exquisite area.

John J. Caulfield is city manager for Mountlake Terrace.