Yakima Side Channels

• The Yakima Side Channels (YSC) Project was initiated in ’97 and is co-managed by WDFW and the Yakama Nation as part of the Yakima-Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP).
• The projects aims to protect high value flood plain containing healthy and functional side channel, wetland, and riparian forest habitats.

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture

YSC Acquisition Criteria

• We follow a directed approach:
  • willing seller
  • high value habitat quality and quantity
  • prime spawning and/or rearing habitat
  • critical habitat for listed Mid-Columbia steelhead
• Preference to properties that have a water right, and/or are adjacent to protected lands.

YSC Project Success

• Protected ~976 acres of high value habitats in five priority reaches.
• YSC has generated over $1.5 million in matching, non-BPA funds for habitat acquisitions.
• Partnered on several restoration projects (e.g., Hanson Ponds, Holmes).

YSC Project Status

• Phase 1 Goal: Protect a total of 2,000 acres of the most productive mainstem and side channels by 2009 (1,024 acres to go).
• Complete feasibility studies and restoration activities on key floodplain reaches.

Acquisition Update What we aim to protect by 2009

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Easton Flood Plain

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Upper Easton Reach

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Future Restoration Actions

Cle Elum Flood Plain Reach

Cle Elum Reach Properties

Cle Elum Reach Properties

Cle Elum Reach Properties cont.

Lower Cle Elum Reach

Lower Naches Flood Plain

Lower Naches Floodplain

Holmes Restoration Phase I -2006

• Funding:
  • Community Salmon Fund Grant
  • Mid-Columbia Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group
• Phase I Work Elements:
  • Fish By-Pass
  • Road Decommission
  • Riparian Planting
  • In stream Restoration

Holmes Property

Holmes Property

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Community Work Party –April 2006

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Holmes Restoration Phase II -2007

• Funding:
  • Mid-Columbia Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group
  • Community Salmon Fund -Kittitas Cons. Trust
• Phase II Work Elements:
  • Riparian planting/restoration
  • In stream restoration
  • Pond outlet-fish passage improvements

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Project Partners -Support

• Kittitas Conservation Trust (Sponsor)
• Yakama Nation –YKFP
• Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Ellensburg School District
• Cascade Land Conservancy
• Central Washington University
• NOAA Fisheries
• Yakima Basin Environmental Education Program

Strategies to further YSC work

• Complete Habitat Conservation Now, Avoid Lost Opportunities and Increased Costs.
  • Utilize BPA habitat acquisition funds and leverage matching funds (SFRB, MCRFEG, WWRP, other).
• Expand landowner outreach and support.
• Continue coordination and partnerships with agencies and organizations.
• Work with local governments to implement incentive-based habitat protection programs.

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