This project specifically requests funding for implementation to remove two fish passage barrier structures at the wilson and dorrance diversion locations

These diversions are two of eight irrigation diversions planned for restoration on the wallowa river leading up to the wallowa lake DAM which is also scheduled for rehabilitation to include fish passage in 2025.both diversions are identified by odfw priority fish passage barrier list 2019 and the oregon fish passage barrier data standard dataset 2020 as a priority partial fish passage barrier. As per odfw documentation access would be improved for 10 miles of fish distribution above this diversion including several miles of pristine tributaries located above wallowa lake following wallowa lake DAM rehabilitation. Once the barrier is restored all life stages of spring chinook salmon coho salmon and sockeye salmon steelhead bull trout and pacific lamprey migrating through this portion of the wallowa river will benefit by regaining access to critical spawning rearing and foraging habitat upstream. All life stages of ESA threatened spring chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout are present in the project area as well as recently reintroduced coho salmon and pacific lamprey. As comanagers the state of oregon and the NEZ perce tribe are currently planning the reintroduction of sockeye to wallowa lake and its river. Sockeye will migrate through this portion of the wallowa river and will directly benefit by gaining access to critical spawning rearing and foraging habitat upstream. Additionally the western ridged mussel is being petitioned for listing with USFWS.