West Sound Partners for Ecosystem Recovery (WSPER) is a locally driven partnership working to recover salmon and restore the health of Puget Sound in the West Sound. We bring together local governments, tribes, agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to coordinate science-based actions that support healthy watersheds and resilient communities.
WSPER serves in two formal, state-recognized roles:
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Lead Entity for salmon recovery in eastern WRIA 15
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Local Integrating Organization (LIO) for Puget Sound ecosystem recovery in the West Central Action Area
These roles allow WSPER to align local priorities with regional and statewide recovery efforts and support effective planning, coordination, and implementation across jurisdictions and sectors.
Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery
As the Lead Entity, WSPER coordinates salmon recovery planning and guides state and federal investments in habitat protection and restoration. Lead Entities are community-based organizations supported by the Recreation and Conservation Office and Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office to ensure efforts are science-based, locally informed, and effective.
In this role, WSPER:
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Develops and implements local salmon recovery strategies and plans
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Supports and coordinates project sponsors
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Prioritizes habitat protection and restoration projects for investment
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Brings together technical experts and community input
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Helps secure and align local, state, and federal funding
This work strengthens partnerships, supports local jobs, and ensures public investments deliver real benefits for salmon and communities. WSPER has served as the Lead Entity since 1999, originally as the West Sound Watersheds Council.
Local Integrating Organization (LIO)
As the LIO, WSPER coordinates local action to support Puget Sound ecosystem recovery. We work with the Puget Sound Partnership, Strategic Initiative Leads, and the EPA’s National Estuary Program to align priorities and leverage funding.
In this role, WSPER:
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Coordinates across jurisdictions and sectors
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Supports development of science-based priorities and projects
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Helps address key threats such as stormwater, shoreline modification, habitat loss, and water quality
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Shares tools, information, and resources to support effective local action
The LIO was formed in 2010 and merged with the Lead Entity in 2020, strengthening coordination and our ability to address complex, cross-jurisdictional challenges.
How We Operate
WSPER works under adopted Operating Guidelines and aligns with regional and statewide recovery plans, including the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan, Puget Sound Steelhead Plan, and the Action Agenda. Our work emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and locally informed decisions grounded in the best available science.
WSPER is guided by an Executive Committee of representatives from participating jurisdictions, which provides leadership and oversight. We also convene a broad network of partners, practitioners, and technical experts who contribute local knowledge, scientific expertise, and on-the-ground experience.
Purpose, Mission, and Vision
Purpose: To help recover salmon and the broader Puget Sound ecosystem by serving as the Lead Entity (LE) for salmon recovery in eastern Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 15 and the Local Integrating Organization (LIO) for Puget Sound ecosystem recovery in the North Central Action Area.
Mission: To implement a science-based, community supported ecosystem recovery plan of actions in the West Sound focusing on recovering and sustaining thriving salmon runs and shellfish beds and improving watershed ecological functions including water quality and habitat that support native biodiversity.
Vision: We envision a healthy and resilient West Sound ecosystem supported by vibrant human communities.
Learn More
This website brings together maps, planning resources, restoration priorities, and ways to get involved in salmon recovery in the West Sound. Whether you’re new to the work or a long-time partner, we invite you to explore and connect.
