Update after talking with Beaver's Northwest...
Two permits that we need are very difficult to obtain.
King County Clearing and Grading permit.
This permit was not required when we installed levelers 10 years ago. Also, most people don't know this permit is required and enforcement is poor so most people don't get this permit. However, since the levelers are on King County Land, we have no choice but to apply for the permit. The permit is 5 pages of inquiry and nearly $400 to start. Its not really a good fit for our project so its difficult to figure out if it will be granted or not unless we apply for it. It could incur additional charges as well in the process. King County is "working" on streamlining their processes for beaver issues like ours but are in NO HURRY. The are at least a year or more away from making the process changes we need.
I'm going to work with the group who is streamlining the process and see if I can get more help. Other than that, our only choice right now is to apply, pay the fee and hope we get it.
WDWF Hydrology Permit
We were awarded this permit on the first set of levelers. Getting this permit now is going to be very difficult. Beaver's northwest have been working with another group trying to permit a single leveler in a very easy situation with no potential fish involvement. This permit is being handled by a new biologist under Larry Fisher's training. Both have been involved with discussions. This permit was just recently denied. Beaver's northwest tells me if this permit can't be granted, no levelers would be eligible. The current code restricting levelers is impossibly restrictive. They have not been enforcing the full code or interpreting it in this ultra restrictive way. Now, the way they are interpreting/enforcing the code makes a permit its nearly impossible. Its possible we may need to push for code change and its not clear how to do this. Beaver's northwest is going to work with WDFW to see if they can make progress on the Kirkland leveler. This is a big challenge that will take a long time to work out.
Its believed Larry would likely approve a permit for dam notching which is free to apply for. This may be an interim solution. Beaver's northwest has suggested language for best success.