This project aims to restore unimpeded fish passage to 22 miles going downstream and more than 100 miles of main stem and tributary habitat going upstream along toppenish creek and its tributaries…

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $1,615,400 Cooperative Agreement to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (CTBYN) to restore fish passage and wetland hydrology on Toppenish Creek and its tributaries in Washington. Under this National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) award, the project aims to open up 22 miles of downstream and over 100 miles of upstream habitat by removing two diversion dams, replacing a failing fish screen, and installing new fish screens to reconnect 2 miles of high-quality side channel habitat and 6 miles of wetlands. The project will also revegetate up to 5 acres of disturbed riparian areas. As a federally recognized tribal government, CTBYN has a long history of delivering a wide range of environmental protection, fisheries development, and other services through federal contracts and grants.

This project aims to restore unimpeded fish passage to 22 miles going downstream and more than 100 miles of main stem and tributary habitat going upstream along toppenish creek and its tributaries by addressing passage issues and restoring wetland hydrology in the lower main stem of toppenish creek. Passage actions in the project were chosen based on priorities identified in a recent fish passage assessment using washington dept. Of fish and wildlife (WDFW) protocols. Specifically, the project will remove 2 duck club diversion dams and replace them with roughened channels or other suitable fish passable structures. IT will also replace a failing and non-functional fish screen at the intake to a yakama nation (YN) wildlife program wetlands area with a modern screen that will prevent fish entrainment and allow for enhanced wetlands hydrology over 125 acres. In addition, 2 new fish screens (one on each side of the creek) will be installed at a second wetlands intake system that currently is completely unscreened. These screens will allow for fish-safe reconnection of 2 miles of high-quality side channel habitat and hydrological reconnection of 6 total miles of a wetlands complex side channel. This floodplain reconnection will restore some of the original function of the toppenish creek floodplain that have been degraded through alteration of channel alignments and hydraulic geometry. Riparian revegetation of up to 5 acres will be enacted in areas disturbed by the project and on previously overgrazed sites, and riparian protective fencing will be installed where feasible and practical.