The kittitas environmental education network (keen) has managed and restored wetland and shrubsteppe habitats at the 64-acre helen mccabe state park propertyfuture site of the yakima canyon…

The kittitas environmental education network (keen) has managed and restored wetland and shrubsteppe habitats at the 64-acre helen mccabe state park propertyfuture site of the yakima canyon interpretive center (ycic)for over 20 years. This site serves as a hub for central washington shrubsteppe education through k-12 summer camps, volunteer events, and hands-on restoration programs. Keen also oversees invasive species management, recreation access, and habitat improvements at the property. This proposal focuses on two critical habitat restoration efforts:wetland restoration:a 5-acre wetland at ycic is heavily infested with invasive reed canary grass, reducing open water and near-shore habitat vital to migratory songbirds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Keen plans to implement a combination of mowing, herbicide application, physical removal, and prescribed burning to manage the invasion. Native wetland plants and shade trees will be established to prevent regrowth. Monitoring will continue for at least five years to ensure long-term success. Shrubsteppe and pollinator habitat restoration:wildfires have reduced native forb and shrub diversity at ycic and the nearby umtanum creek recreation area, negatively impacting pollinators like the ESA-candidate monarch butterfly and forage-dependent wildlife such as mule deer and ELK. Keen aims to restore at least 50 acres at ycic and up to 500 acres at umtanum creek by reintroducing native forbs and managing invasive species like russian thistle and cheatgrass. Efforts include RE-seeding native flowering plants, hand-removing invasive species, and propagating sagebrush and rabbitbrush for planting. These restoration efforts are bolstered by partnerships with tribal, NGO, state, and local stakeholders. Keen is revitalizing the yakima river canyon scenic byway partnership, uniting public agencies, private landowners, and nonprofits to address tourism management, recreation access, habitat improvements, and educational outreach. Funding is sought to support staff dedicated to advancing these collaborative efforts and implementing habitat restoration and recreation projects throughout the canyon. This comprehensive approach combines strategic habitat restoration, invasive species management, and community engagement to preserve and enhance the ecological health of the yakima river canyon.