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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 14.B.
For Meeting of: January 7, 2020
ITEM TITLE: 2019 Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Accomplishments
SUBMITTED BY: David Brown,Assistant Director of Public Works, 509-575-6204
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
2019 Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Highlights newsletter attached.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Partnership Development
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
D e letter 12/17/2019 r Me o
YBIP
YAKIMA BASIN INTEGRATED PLAN :::. .. .
HIGHLIGHTS •
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Aerial of the Cle El inn River In Washington. .: >';':',' ...: :" 4-....�*
Welcome to the Yakima Sarin
Integrated Plan 201 9 Highlights
Celebrating 10 years of working together for a reliable water future
In 2019,theYakima Basin Integrated Plan celebrated 10 Development Phase,rewarding more than six years of ef-
years of work on resolving conflicts in the Yakima basin and fort to gain federal support.The Integrated Plan now has
is moving forward from inspiration to implementation. the state and federal authority needed to proceed with
The projects highlighted address the complex issues of the both program and projects.
Yakima River basin,including drought,declining snowpack, Since 2009,the Integrated Plan's dedicated work group,
fishery restoration and ecosystem health. including government at all levels from federal to local,
The Integrated Plan's strategies proved effective in respond- the Confederated Tribes and Bands of theYakama Nation,
ing to this year's drought.Prior investment in conservationirrigation districts and conservation groups,has pursued
and efficiency reduced economic impacts on agriculture a robust vision for water and natural resource resiliency in
and helped sustain the basin's fishery. Washington's fertileYakima River basin.What follows are
results of that effort.
Early this year,Congress approved the Integrated Plan's
approach and authorized projects of the 10-year Initial
YAKIMA BASIN
BUILDING A FUTURE FOR WATER,
WILDLIFE&WORKING LANDS
3
New Legislation Supports • Expanding water conservation to areas
Integrated Plan Actions not supported in prior federal laws,in- •.:.•..: x`,•<,:
cluding tributaries and the upper basin, " ` '` ':A'
In 2019, Congress enacted the with a target of 85,000 acre-feet(half of • 532-=...,•,
John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, the overall 30-year conservation target
to be achieved in the first 10 years of
Management, and Recreation Act, the Integrated Plan). ,..'......' A ^ a,„.
authorizing the Integrated Plan.
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• Supporting groundwater recharge and : • • ^• i ^�-
This is a significant milestone because both voluntary water transfers.
state and federal government have now included
endorsed the Integrated Plan,ensuring • Expanding Yakima Project purposes,in- Momentous legislation
future progress. cluding municipal and domestic water new water supply authorizing
supply and fish and wildlife recovery. Kachess Drought Relief Pumping
The Dingell Act authorizes the following: • $75 million of system improvements for Plant(KDRPP)project.Reclamation
• Implementing thefirst 10-year Initial De- Pacific Northwest Indian irrigation prof- and Ecology continue to coordinate
with velopment Phase of the Integrated Plan as ects,including the Wapato Irrigation mental compliance
completeenviron-
well as planning for subsequent phases. Project on the Yakama Reservation. mental compliance ngstorfor PP,in
addition to evaluating storage op-
• Constructing the first major water supply With state and federal authorization now in tions to meet the 450,000 acre-feet
project,Kachess Drought Relief Pumping hand,the Integrated Plan can move for- goal of the Integrated Plan.
Plant,using an innovative financing mech- ward.After environmental and other review
anism that allows irrigation districts to is complete,projects laid out in the Initial
finance,construct and operate the project Development Phase may be implemented.
as part of Reclamation's Yakima Project.
Drought cane �_. ....'
•
Benefits Fish and Farms iiiiiiifigingeggiiiiigeppipaggiggefigifiggigifiggiggippiegifitfigagrimigig ;,:s:4'•.
Responding to drought is a primary 4.01.
• it; iiiii ilk driver for the Integrated Plan.
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Water shortages result in the loss of valuable F s _ 1 1• •.'� �� ""' ••;";xw�`
crops,and low water levels and increased tem- r Fz.a '.r .c-.; :•
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peratures impact fisheries. a' ' fJ ; .
In 2019,the region faced another serious 81 ;::xr.Me .' ti • + ',,'.`'^.''•
tea '' �^ ' w.x..
drought,with the third driest June through .a� •
-44
"A
August since 1895.In April,Governor Inslee "' :44 s k
declared a drought emergency in the UpperYa- • Kgig
kima basin,and in May,the drought declaration " ,
was extended to include the entire basin. .:,;H':µ'+ z: .roai<;, < ." ,,,q
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A keyoat of the lnte rated Plan is assuringi. ;"'oia •rz ayjr�a. x ' v2' ' ;: ;;.... .Cit :x'. :^._ ,..,, x .,A'
sar•'•..::,•'.... - °�'1%`..:"�:::..u:"A..:•::i;:."„:—%isM:�., x�,.,aM '- s..,..F,r3�M�a::
.aayf, 4.x.A„aa try,. 4 fi4k38 8r_m:•'-Him')3.844 <^Ya 4'''aa3.,^a...., 4a a
that junior irrigation districts receive 70/0 of S�;M:y.yryyya,�;�,a. ea, •�,,;�;;,,:_•�;M,;:,,. �„ .;,_ a., ,,, ,:�-5�^a„;:;;s'„a:::;:�;;•„:x�;r�.Y: ,:1:;;•
their normal allocation,even in drought years, Fortunately,Integrated Plan actions coupled Yakima River Basin Water
while also meeting the needs of fish. with a cool summer and late summer rain Enhancement ProjectWorkgroup
Preparing to use those reduced supplies effec- averted economic disaster.While earlier in 10-Year Anniversary.
tively by lining and piping canals,switching to the summer,the proration level looked like it
more efficient irrigation practices,and having would be below 70%,it ended the year at 72%.
mechanisms in place to transfer water among The 2019 drought reinforced the Integrated
users are also important parts of the Integrated Plan's strategy of making the best use of exist-
Plan.Innovative use of irrigation canals to sup- ing water supplies for farmers and fish through
plement stream flows in upper basin tributaries, conservation,efficiency,water marketing and
as well as using conserved water for fish flows, operational flexibility,while pursuing addition-
helps fisheries during drought. al ground and surface water storage.
YBIP Highlights 2019
x. Recovering species
max'. .- Captive Bull Trout will be trans
ported back to the upper basin
- .. and set free into their natural
„.x...•. .. .. '' , .:.;; habitat toestablish lagerpopu
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,, w" lations in spring 2020. ,
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Nighttime capture =< . .At - w. :. ;
Armed with flashlights,fish nets h *-• . :{
gritty determination,Bull Trout f • `A '� j
.y
411 rescue crews search for fry amon . ' :, •; > .�, �.t' *, 14- , =5i.:•:. �'-
pools adjacent to Gold Creek an he' :,,:.;7,' a::'' ': .' ;• 1''
�� t
Kachess River this summer. - '. k
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Bull Trnut Pripulation ,
Restoration and Monitoring
Collaboration is the hallmark of the term solution to keep these populations viable
Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. while longer term restoration projects are
implemented in the upper basin.Project success
TheYakama Nation is partnering with will be monitored and evaluated over time
the Washington Departments of Ecology with the use of PIT tag antennas,demographic
and Fish&Wildlife,U.S.Fish&Wildlife surveys,and redd surveys.
Service,Reclamation,Mid-Columbia
Fisheries Enhancement Group,and others In spring 2020,the captive Bull Trout will be
implementing Bull Trout recovery efforts in transported back to the upper basin and set
the basin. free into their natural habitat to establish larger
populations.This project includes long-term
The Bull Trout Population,Restoration and monitoring to determine if the rescued fry
Monitoring Project utilizes captive rearing to become viable,reproducing adults,in addition
save the Gold Creek and Upper Kachess River to removing Brook Trout in Gold Creek and
Bull Trout populations from stranding due to Kachess River.
seasonal loss of flow.
Throughout the project,theYakama Nation will
Managed by WDFW,rescue operations began compile Bull Trout restoration data from other
in July 2019.Many of the young-of-the-year agencies in the Yakima basin,combine it with
Bull Trout rescued from the dewatered reaches this most recent study,and develop solid Bull
were transported by theYakama Nation to Trout population management strategies for
the LaSalle High School Restoration Facility. the basin.
These fish,which were destined to die without
rescues,will be reared for up to one year and
then returned to their natal streams.The
project is intended to be an effective short-
YBIP Highlights 201 9
5
Yakima River Gap-to-Gap
Ecosystem Restoration
In su ort of the goalsofthe
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Integrated Plan,this unique Hw; , w ''n===Yin eiv : :.. ``*:,a •
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ro ect will enhance ecosystem w:..�> s. .....
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functions, protect infrastructure ,s '. :r 'szl '~r=====__ _____€€ :.~m~=::: ; ' is 1
;r:. .:ate�a .„�,
and reduce flood hazards. x. . - .t .:.:.:r.::::::: ::'.:sssss:::: #####sr. °R%per i ,
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The Yakima River has been confined bythe �" "' :.. t -:. ..t;a,:.:
t.Rconstruction of numerous levees over the :v.::. =t:�'":. a..r ,.:::.;;, r:::: :.:: �^•. ` 4
ems;:; <r ::.x... .rs: :. 1..::..: ......... .r.: . ,,
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pastcentur Although providingvaluable • ' 4'):.s.4:< "" '? . ,`.
flood protection,levee confinement inter- il' . , • ... Y.r.—r.
rupted natural riverine processes resultingin -^
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reduced channel complexity and degraded r. :. .::.
habitat conditions. Fr:. is:. .W .
The Yakima River Gap-to-Gap Ecosystem " '.0,f EEE:E"
Restoration Project is alarge-scale collabora- j' Y
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tive effort to reduce flood hazard and restore "�' "' •
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critical habitat for salmon migration,life ' : .rr ". )'; :r::::"
history diversity,productivity and survival in ; ...
the Yakima basin.Project elements include the •{ 1'r:: ; •. : �::: : :r::;;€#s:::: „ is
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following:improving channel structure,width . ' y:
and complexity;increasing refuge and rearing " ''': a • •
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habitats for listed salmonids;and enhancingJY' ° ' -`*:9" ••�n.•• .....",
riparian vegetation and wetlands. # r: .??{."<;: ;;.;.
To date,$37.4 million has been spent on <:::';;.;.;x;
p a •is t .�. ....
various project components,including land >' . .: "' > .
acquisition,upgrading channels,bridge expan- ;: "'` "`"f``> ' ''''' t"
�... � ..M a'a, Ak
sion,levee setbacks and flood lain restoration. ''"' ''
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Yakima County and its partners(Yakima Coun- ±' '> , • 'Ea. """ ;r_t .: .::' <sr amt* r• '' • .
ty Flood Control Zone District,Reclamation, :14: ; linikriaiiiiiiii .a
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the U.S.ArmyCorps of Engineers,Washington -�': t
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State Department of Transportation,City of M.>:.: .'Mas'
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Yakima,and manyothers)are now entering444' 41:
the final phases of the infrastructure recon- " iiti 'tt`::-x; 4.•• : '
figuration.This final work is supported by the i' ''M'='">x"""k
Corps'Ecosystem Restoration Project,with ' •' •1 '''`" •
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local match(primarily from real estate,much M ...:z . 4,44, `.,
of which was purchased with Integrated Plan :x >x:': <x;. •• •
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funds),and a grant from Ecology's Floodplains :".'a ;, ;�" •
by Design Program. ...'.'.' `" ;:, M° : .
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ii65aaesof Wastewater util'it 4::.s;:::N '
,m<corridor(top photo)converted to.:4<444t4
;i, active floodplain and rep lanted"with ' °:..•
:native vegetation(bottom photo). • . 44..
fit. .
3 YBiP Highlights 2019
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Panorama ofCleElumDamandReservolrinWashmgton.. .: <: b •�., .,-'�� r. $ �.'.vr�:";.��:w":x,�:�® -..Y�>;,�:
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Cie Elum Fish Passage ,
Finding collaborative solutions the intake,gate and helix,along with a tunnel ', ;;r;`..
to restoring fish runs in the
bypass.The intake system has six levels;as the
reservoir fluctuates(over the top 63 feet),one " -tl,.
Yakima basin is a priority. Key of the six intake gates can be opened to provide tr:v•t *AS.'
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elements of the Integrated Plan downstream passage.The intake leads juvenile .1s. 3
•
address fish passage and habitat, fish into the helix,a downward spiraling � •�` .-»+'
and watershed protection and waterslide that carries them to a 1,250-foot- Cie Elum fish passage project
long tunnel bypass that delivers the fish to the benefits Sockeye Salmon.
enhancement at reservoirs and river below.
important tributaries. The intake and helix designs are uniquely
The Cle Elum watershed located in theYakima suited to the Cle Elum Dam.Reclamation
River basin historically produced a thriving engineers built several experimental models
Sockeye Salmon population along with and created this innovative system to move fish
other anadromous fish species.These fish downstream of the dam (see YouTube video,
were blocked from their spawning grounds The Helix:Collaborative,Revolutionary Design).
and nursery lake when Cle Elum Dam was In support of this project,theYakama Nation
built in 1933.Theextirpation of anadromous is working cooperatively with Reclamation,
species above Cle Elum Dam and other Ecology,Washington Department of Fish and
locations throughout the basin affected the Wildlife and others to restore habitat and
Confederated Tribes and Bands of theYakama return Sockeye to their historical home.This
Nation and others that depended on the fish reintroduced run of Sockeye will contribute
for their livelihood. significantly to returning marine-derived
The commitment to restoring fish passage nutrients in the watershed by ultimately
has made great strides with the Cle Elum Fish returning thousands of fish to theYakima basin.
Passage Facilities and Reintroduction Project. Construction of the project is expected to be
The project has several construction phases completed by 2024,dependent on funding.
that will facilitate upstream and downstream When complete,the project will provide access
passage.Construction has been moving to about 10 miles of lake habitat and 29 miles
steadily forward since 2015. of stream habitat needed for Sockeye and other
Reclamation is currently focused on building anadromous fish to reproduce in the upper Cle
the downstream passage facilities,including Elum watershed.
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YBIP Highlights 2019 4:::::::::::
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Cal' .y 'ti"a:. - s :!;',.5.,..•atiit•:i t*:.I- _: y:ts::- . -4.-..,.:a
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Shoreline 4. _ .�a, w
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An integrated approach to :;`'"'' •.
water management is essential
for restoring aquatic functions, :': w .
providing increased reliability of _ ~ ' r:" _ •
water resources and ensuring long- >":' :. i;•:: •
term ecosystem restoration in the :" .a= ;i '
.mow .. �:.'}�hk:V:•.$`mCv..:'xu... '.,^'�.i: .
n. i'Yakima basin.
Reclamation recently completed modifications
to radial gates on the spillway of Cle Elum Dam, ,..-_" ...-
which allows the reservoir to be raised by three
feet(from 2,240 to 2,243 feet).Raising thepool
P ool
will provide up to 14,600 acre-feet of water to - - "w•. �i',a;; ;.:a• �s::°€'( {%-.-:i:-•--';
enhance instream flows for fish rearing,fish . ,, f;' :':ti�;''t':.:.:::�: _ :�.t w�=�'.+=�r: .•,;. .�.+„� .. •.t:-
habitat and migration downstream from the a_- .':'.;;;,,. ,....x.x..v...: � u .:." {yt *:T•_a -;"-e
vv. • ...
dam.However,the affected shorelines at Cle K" :.-.:;s gif:vi' .:, €:: '
Elum Reservoir must be protected before the u ;w.._;;:. . '::• .. '
•water level can be raised. "-"-- 77
The first shoreline protectionprojectwas '•: Armotiag'the§ilOrei�08; "''�'%.=`' < _,.' `:4 : .. :n=; ,.. 74,46r.:
completed November 2017 for the U.S.Forest Lar9etreeshelp Oaten.Htesfiore me''e; : " . ,4 {-tit tT "'"^"'iy'
atC1e EIS Reservoir.`,.'M.'>;., " .;.:.a,. .. , . r ti r 4.a '
Service Cle Elum Campground.In 2019, •, . a, ".1"'=�. ..:f�'� #;
Reclamation continued focus on shoreline ' ' ` ' °' '' "-r •-_ j"x'M -
protection at USFS facilities and completed "'""""""""""""""""""'""" """ """" •
renovations at the USFS Speelyi Day Use Area
in May.In addition to providing shoreline
protection,Ecology funded a more visually """
•
appealing and functional day use area for
visitors.The site received new asphalt paving • •
•
for the parking lot,and an Americans with :, ; ;..
•
•
Disabilities Act-compliant walkway/ramp was •" •- -
created to allow access to the reservoir by all.A 14R '
new concrete boat ramp and ADA-accessible '
• •
.
restrooms also were constructed.In addition, ;p
Reclamation placed rock and riprap where '
needed,and completed native plant seeding. :-:.:....,..
The Wish Poosh Campground protection •
project is expected to begin in summer 2020.
Completion of all shoreline work and raising '
the pool is anticipated in 2025,depending on
available funding. . ;. :aa�
e:Proteiiing recreation.. �,. , „. µ •
tt:'Speelyl Willie Areailiureline
rotettiotraitlens::„_' ' . <a�x.= ...":1, .
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5 YBIP Highlights 2019 _`�"'�''�""" ��
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8
Toppenish Fan Shallow
Aquifer Recharge
TheToppenish Fan Shallow Aquifer
Recharge Project will help restore
natural function to a degraded -:••••••-•,> ._,—:,&:••,M' ., ':
creeks stem. ..x..
TheToppenish Creek corridor has traditionally '
, .Y'.�.�-.. y�Gw:�� ��'��. `.�..• ...
w.xxsi Ni :.
•
' •(:�f.'i3"%''bey;!•' .`;.:_.
supported high cultural and natural resources • ,,:=-,;;,_g,;,,,,.,;.•. .,�_ . •
forYakama Nation.However,large-scale devel- • •.x. , . •
YpR"• .
opment of irrigation projects and flood control
levees has changed the hydrology,impacted . Restoring an aquifer
M1u. ..
wetlands and decreased flows to springs and The project n....;..
creeks.TheToppenish Fan Shallow Aquifer 4 water to areas with high infiltration capacity.
Recharge Project aims to reestablish Toppenish
fan's hydrologic cycle and increase water levels
in the aquifer.
Starting in 2015,the Yakama Nation diverted
water at times of excess flow from Toppenish
Creek and delivered the water to the Toppen-
ish alluvial fan.The process mimics natural pro-
cesses while protecting existing infrastructure.
During the winter of 2018-19,Yakama Nation i 1
recharged the aquifer by an additional 4,000
acre-feet.Groundwater elevations adjacent to
the infiltration area increased by as much as
15 feet.
After infiltration,the groundwater elevation •j :I
slowly recedes as the stored groundwater
discharges to seeps,springs and adjacent �.
creeks.The cool,stored groundwater provides •
•
—
thermal refugia for migratory fish during the • }, {b• _
late summer and fall.
Next year,Yakama Nation Engineering will =
automate the Toppenish Creek head gate,
•
�',?
allowing instantaneous control of diversion „� .;`6:r•'':':f
•
quantities and increasing the amount of water
delivered to the recharge area.
This project is an important step toward the •
restoration of fisheries,wetland habitat,and
cultural resources of the Toppenish Creek corri- "'' "'''
dor by re-establishing these natural processes. .. " : '.': . .
Monitoring recharge success
Installation of a monitoring well on the r. • '
Toppenish fan aquifer recharge project. :??? .;
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YBIP Highlights 2019
9
LB72 Pipeline Project
. ..:.:.. ....:
• Total Project Cost:$1.58 millioniigiteigis
`Before ;
..y
'••�.::.:. .......... ........................................::::::i::::::isv: :::::::::::::::::::::::i:::::::ii:::::::iiiiiiiiii:
• Cost per acre served: $1,693
• Cost per acre-feet of system :-•- ':
k :... " ..;: . •• �"y :efficient savings:$1,058 . . -fi pt �, ^ ::v-. ryi 11. . •�?�•,. - • - t' '::• :�$t1.� :.•�. :� ,•4� �1 • Ab.{+1. .. :L 'ty'.:.4hAi f : y
ltr
This successful partnership project w k - '.: L fit: °r:',: ;;
benefits fish and farms in the "•: ' `k: '•-
Yakima basin. . s «'. s... ..>:. .. , .
TheWapato Irrigation Project,located on %,•.: ..Y,....:,
the Yakama Nation Reservation,aims to -.:°A new automated self cleaning trash-raikand b",ryq, •�r..- A .:
'a K<,..^.
improve drought resiliency through improving jntakestructureensuresreliability. , .,;•.., ' , .' `:.*:i +;.>a,.
operation efficiency and minimizing losses to =`='. '• 'a:=: ` :
seepage and spill.
.
Befor¢ •
WIP is the Bureau of Indian Affairs'largest • • A ,
Indian irrigation project in the United States `"::•: d; "'•"'
and currently has over$100 million in deferred >-:,a'':. <-:;:. ' a: `;.. ?r:r.. ` .. _ .. : 4�s: ".
maintenance.The degraded irrigation °"" '::"•""% -h"' ' , "' - +: «
infrastructure leads to difficultyin delivering /;;;; 4.". ..: . twk, ` t.it
water to farms and controllingflows.The _-r-:. A ";•' u : '•fe ''
Yakama Nation and WIP have been working '`' .A A'. :' :aa <, ,a.:
with Cal Pol Irrigation Trainin and Research •'�:r>` ••••• :.
Center to develop plans to prioritize future „+ �.;�'' :.•".:::.
:ciii. x;;.;:. ,' r *Yri::^T5?a.":'iv %i .., '7.S. _.
nfrastructure upgrades within the project. :? -. .., , «.,: .: .;fir
Improving inefficient aging irrigation pipelines ::;• .i::5:+ '::''r' «r:r.-4.: „ . .-,... ,
is a critical component of these plans. • N r"93 . ::
The L672 Pipeline Replacement and ,:Replacement ofthe ieakppii elite ape el m n fe p"i ii .:. , 72
Modernization project is an example of +• - x :.w:r..x....
:' ail-end discharge;reducing spill int oppenishCreek:': :: '.r:.::.::
ongoing conservation projects within the WIP. _s... ,. ... ,.., ,�,,,, :..r:v.•: . '� : '
Lateral L672 serves 930 acres of irrigated lands. "' """"
The old leaky concrete pipe required frequent •
maintenance and repairs.
?Ater ore 1 i ': ......:' ....
Recent upgrades include installation of 5 miles '
of pipe,19 electromagnetic flowmeters,and vintin,
an automated trash-rack and intake structure. x-:'2 '-0"`' 'jjjl'r:j''"•` =r
Project benefits include significant water and "` -" ' x x tity .. ,.
power savings,increased rel i a bil ity for farmers, - 'wt`""`'r 1, 'N : ''� " `s�`"c
and flow and water-quality improvementsfor
Toppenish Creek and listed Steelhead. � r '..r . 2 : :. ��''''''''' �«,1;:. .. '";: .v:_.tr,y: yi"k'�,e'
' �' ..lr...: ':-1-`441 ia. van •• "' rt:.
The project conserves an estimated 1,500 acre- , ,. "'r;;'" : .....: '4S. " `"+'.'
feet of water per year.Funding was provided by '#:' . , ':r"'.';'. >,b' : `1 '
Ecology and Wapato Irrigation Project. • :v:::.:r. ^e;:: ",.
«)c eaky concrete dellveryboz s rrep acediN.with ?Hy`.k'." "
::-electromagnetic`floivmete• •` '-' `°' ' :,
...... ... x.... xi:w ,�fd 'p✓fi:a} .'R t
•Y�
r�y$a ro
7 YBIP Highlights 2019
10
Lower River SmoSmolt u
The study will identify factors the study will identify factors affecting smolt
survival,and help resource managers prioritize
affecting smolt survival and help
actions designed to increase migration success
resource managers prioritize actions and sustain fishery resources.
to improve migration success.
The lowerYakima River can be a perilous reach
for juvenile Salmon and Steelhead (smolts)toII
navigate on their spring and summer migration • . '.:. :M.:<: ;::;:.:;:.._ <t ..-
from the Yakima River to the ocean.Smolts
that successfully reach the ocean and grow to
adulthood can then return home to the upper
Yakima streams to spawn the next generation
offish. `.
..,i':::z7„...i*:.4 ii:i:: ii:..:......... ''iiii�. ...' ..i •
.:' .x:xt:
The survival of migrating smolts can significantly ' .... ::.:::,;:::':::::'
influence the abundance of returning adult
Salmon—and returningthem in higher numbers '
: x. •is a longstanding goal for resource managers. ? . :.. ~°
.::.........
•
Smolts are hindered not only by natural ...: • `"'>`„ s
predators but by poor water quality,high
0.
temperatures,inadequate volumes of water, • '
u
and structures such as dams.The Lower River •:.:rr.. :.:.:"` ,,_ '-
Smoltvulnerabilit�
Smolt Survival Study will inform project and :,, , .'
resource managers about how,when,and where
Resource managers are
migrating smolts become vulnerable in the river. studyinghow,when, ry *x:
and where migrating v, Ale
In 2019,fish biologists captured and surgically smolts become
...::::::::..:
taggedover 1,300 Salmon andSteelhead sm •o is vulnerable in the river. :. ......
at Prosser Dam,transported them upstreamik, �
and released them near the City of Yakima.Fish
were implanted with acoustic tags,which last for Tracking their movements \' > liii
about 40 days and emit a unique code that can In 2019,fish biologists captured
be detected,stored and analyzed to estimate fish and surgically tagged over 1,300
survival.The smolts were tracked and monitored salmon and steelhead smolts at
as they migrated past Wapato,Sunnyside and Prosser Dam.
Prosser dams and at other key locations in the
lowerYakima River.
In addition,Yakama Nation Fisheries surveyed ~'''" >»» x:' , ,
the river weekly to count and locate smolt ,'
IleF
predators like Smallmouth Bass and American .,
White Pelicans,which also can affect smolt
survival.
The study is being conducted from 2018 to 2020
bythe U.S.Geological Survey,Yakama Nation ,ii x: ••_.:-`.,-� s: ':.:: ::.r:.r::.. . r� u :.: _,--ry_...�:,
Fisheries,Reclamation,and irrigation districts. = .:'»'`:'>:::::..::»»>:>:»>x»»» ; >:><>:zz;<>:::;;=:
m
In 2019,river flow conditions provided a strong
contrast to conditions observed in 2018.This willii
allow researchers an opportunity to compare
survival under varying environmental conditions. = --m
Fish will be captured,tagged,released and
monitored again in 2020.When completed,
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YBIP Highlights 201 9
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11
Yakima Delta Restoration
„- _, _" '~Y,: : ,,, ;:" The Yakima Delta Restoration
' ' ' """* "A *:*0 4 . Project is an integral art of the
_ : R '.t
;a° M, ..a.“,,./t
Integrated Plan.
a :: ':. :-"` :�" "'`• `'.;•: " " Adult Salmon and Steelhead encounter a
`.:; <; `:;; ?:i• `�' A• er:m ,7; critical blockage at Bateman Island,located
\Ry. at the mouth of the Yakima Delta at the
ri: 'b•'" f:"`x: .. <y c.� confluence of theYakima and Columbia rivers.
ig
°Cy- �f, g „ .., az A human-made causeway on the south side of
a..A;....r. g.,.' .: ..:. ° a,.S.,Y.r. . . . theisland k flows,
z is an blocks resulting in verywarm
"�a .::$:>" water tem eratures.Thewarmwateralso
,... ••• "t sE:::: , : �;' '` . .. . `*4`" ''`'". provides ideal habitat for non-native fish that
;M': . "�a`••e .+ ', i; :r'• prey on juvenile Salmon.
cgr k In August,the Corps and Washington 1:
Department of Fish and Wildlife agreed to
'''+ evaluate and improve environmental issues
x in the delta that mayinclude modifying the
0. ':<ys ' .. causewaytorestore flows around Bateman
.. .. .. ..•. • d a
a.•: •;.•.: :... . �„ ��°nr: t:>x:�`, " � ;� Island.The project willenhance Yakima basin
vszsriffirkt maintain
'•`" • fisheries improve water quality r ua it and
oak: recreational access.
• • -rw,":.... .•
.it . . .: ;
Bateinan�slandtaus�Vaji� "�"` `i <; :' ar: ,::
• :3*!S.R"JE�fia4Isete;ramisRSs.:x.x ....n.x.ua ... ... .• i;1.5i 3.",Ill . ....
The causeway contributes to water-quality and temperature issues
at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers.
Partners s Work to Improve
Water Marketing
keting
Market reallocation moves in drought years.The recent proliferation of
existing water rights to new uses rural domestic wells throughout the basin has
and improves streamflows in the added to the problem.
Yakima basin. Reclamation and Ecology are working with
numerous partners to evaluate the steps and
Kittitas Reclamation District and Trout devise a more efficient process for transferring
Unlimited continue to research market- water.In 2019,the partners have been
based water transfers in theYakima River researching water rights suitability,water
basin funded through a Reclamation transfer regulation,streamflow needs,outreach
WaterSMART grant and Ecology.Historically, and market strategy development.
water in the basin has been over-allocated
and competition for existing and new users The partners continue moving forward to help
continues to grow.Water users faced limited inform the way stakeholders move water in the
water supplies that rely on variable snowpack, Yakima basin.Afinal report on water marketing
with manyfarmers'water allocations cut short is anticipated by fall 2020.
9 YBIP Highlights 2019
12
Tributary
Supplementation
Roza Drought In the spirit of the Integrated surprised to find a newly spawned spring Chinook
Management Actions Plan, numerous entities are redd located at the Hundley Road bridge.Afew
days later,the spawned-out female carcass was
In response to droughts in collaborating to implement discovered in a pool immediately downsteam of
2015 and 2019,Roza Irriga- a holistic approach to stream the redd.Thiswas the first documented spring
tion District has taken steps restoration in the basin. Chinook redd in Little Creek since extensive
to improve water efficiency spawning surveys were initiated by the Yakama
and conservation. The Tributary Supplementation Program is in Nation in the early 1980s.
37+miles of open lateral its fourth year since its inception in the 2015
• drought,using the Kittitas Reclamation District Over time,it is anticipated that re-establishment of
canal replaced with pipe canal to augment flows to upper Kittitas this habitat will help with recovery of Steelhead in
funded with$10 million County tributaries that are intersected by the the basin.
of Roza grower funds. main and south branch canals.
• 2.6 miles of concrete- Water conservation is a key component of
lined canal sealing this program.The ability to supplement flow
mostly funded through to these creeks depends on increasing canal
state capital funds. capacity to deliver irrigation and tributary
• Completion of the
water.During the 2018-2019 season,KRD `"^ '°•••••�I' "
lined 4,300 feet of the south branch canal and "'
Wasteway 5 Re-regula- ---•--
tion reservoir. 2,185 ft of the north branch,which resulted a "M
in conserving about 920 acre-feet of water.To ;:;;;;;
• Installation of 50+ ' rv�4::
date, lining projects(19,1561inearft) .).1•P:w:r:::
expansion joints to have been completed,resulting in 4,680 acre-
reduce heat damage feet of conserved water.
to concrete-lined canal ::: •:n :.
Tributaries receiving augmented flow are 4vv
9 .,
sections during future Tucker,Big,Little,Tillman,Taneum,and Lining saves water y.vl:rrl: :':::=
mid-season shut downs Manastashcreeks.Evaluation ofNelson KRD canal lining project
due to drought,
..::tr
and Swauk creeks for potential future flow completed spring 2019. rts ::x":"::.:.,Fru. :=:4s
• Examination of addi- supplementation is underway.
tional water marketing
r, 4 ;...
As part of the Integrated Plan,several entities ,,�'. . , +. , _ 4..
opportunities. %;:-: . :- � ' ; ta
a re worki ng together to add ress flows,habitat .:.:r,:`g.. • : ''' ;{,- •••3;..
• Activated pumps to restoration,fish passage(Tucker Creek)and '- ,<::.: �e - ).151v. - 'ti �e ::
recover seep water from Coho Salmon supplementation.These partners .«Ρ'� ' -: ` `1i- *-' <;;:=,..,y`
concrete-lined sections include Reclamation,Ecology,Washington • �`•'} .4 � „'�, ,`:' .;,•�Y_r- �`
of the Main Canal.
Department of Fish&Wildlife,U.S.Fish & i„
• Fostered more intra Dis Wildlife Service,National Marine Fisheries =•. " 4 * `2:Z.c• .,•..a.,„:„.::*;', r M`k.=,>.
trict water transfers Service,Yakama Nation,Trout Unlimited,
K'} slits.{ .err°
between growers by Kittitas Conservation District,Yakima Tributary ';. ^ tt..-*.
Habitat Enhancement Program,and KRD. K "
extending the pooling 9 ;. t ���`;;,;
deadline twice.
Water-quality and fish monitoring remain ,�- �• •...., f ,� -g•�.�:
• Advocated for expedit- important components of the program,with an •7.• .:': `�'4xi '1• j-.. ., i `•* a: n
ed drought well permit emphasis on flow,water temperature,dissolved • ..nryk .1 1 �r •1 {fgisi "s •nn
issuance byEcology, oxygen,pH,and relative fish abundance by 1I
Flo • lementation :.:' .ar<..:: .
species.Installation of additional PIT tag ;-.• • PP •, �,;., .: ' : ' 'r�:: r~ r
• Ended the irrigation KRD canal provides kl,., tz,., ., ,.x• ,r.
detection arrays this past spring was a key �• • r �. �.. ea �
season early. augmented flows to several ,y; _+ :,1�';: ; '" ' .addition to the monitoring program. ..: >.>! . .
upperKittitasCounty >. :, ::- rzt• .;.,5
Last October,during a habitat survey of Little tributaries like Tillman Creek. • '•;= y?..}-;: -
Creek,fishery biologists were pleasantly .
........................
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YBIP Highlights 2019
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• a
Low-water-use demonstration gardens in downtown Yakima Creating a Conservation
Ethic in the Heart of Yakima
A critical component of the To counter this perception,the City installed
Integrated Plan is municipal water fourdemonstrationgardensfeaturingwater-
COnseYVdtlOn. thrifty,native plant species that are
pollinator friendly.
The Integrated Plan designates 50,000 acre- Project activities included clearing existing
feet specifically for municipal and industrial landscaping,adding rock,and retrofitting
use for future growth.To access that water, existing irrigation systems with water-saving
communities must demonstrate that they are technology.Garden sites contain educational
efficiently using their water. interpretive signs,and information and
The City of Yakima partnered with other photos are posted on the City's website.This
municipalities and agencies to identify best collaborative effort shows that low-water-use
management practices and develop basin- gardens can be aesthetically pleasing as well
wide resources that promote municipal water as environmentally friendly.
conservation.
In 2016,the City received funding from
Ecology and Reclamation's WaterSMART In 2019,the Heritage Garden Program
program to design and install low-water-use s,h k public
f dt hosteworee ucworso
demonstration gardens. P P
The project initially started as a xeriscape, sponsored by the North and South Yakima
but many people envision xeriscapes as an and Benton Conservation Districts.A total
unattractive expanse of cactus and rocks. of 155 participants learned how to create
unique,water-thrifty gardens.
.:..:..:..: ..:::. .. 'syed4u":.;y .........................uw. . ..........,;.:msm..::....
:ix.:.::::: ..Y"_lii:.:i�.yyx.:::::::xx:.:iiiiii:.........::::::.:::..:::::...:::..v:..;x;..:.... ........ ......
..... .......... ............:..:x....... .:.:is:.................wk:W..•::::cd xvc....:.,;... ........x.....xm.x.:..
.
dIIIIP. n.r. ..a
•
Upper Kittitas County farmland:. -
a:
1...9 YBIP Highlights 2019