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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/04/2022 11.B. Yakima Basin Integrated Plan 2021 Annual Report Highlights 1 • 1v41 rr 11 i i�O enc u nrry 1 BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 11 .B. For Meeting of: January 4, 2022 ITEM TITLE: Yakima Basin Integrated Plan 2021 Annual Report Highlights SUBMITTED BY: Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works David Brown,Assistant Director of Public Works, 509-575-6204 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: Attached is the 2021 Annual Integrated Plan project highlights report with the City's Nelson Dam project on the cover. This report does not include all projects;just the current high profile projects with 2021 accomplishments. ITEM BUDGETED: NA STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Partnership Development APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: Description Upload Date Type ❑ Report 12/21/2021 Corer Memo H . ights 2 yelip 2 0 2'1 Overview 1 o .,: `.r o- Major milestone completed for Cle Elum fish passage • • •` .- �r C yt= tea.•,; �• Y' a Partners work toward k '.. restoring Gold Creek 5 . +t, T Yakama Nation finds success ] c t with bull trout captive rearing �. � Nelson Dam removal makes room for modern diversion 7 �� ` �' i. n r' y' _• ' ::, 1 Shoreline stabilization underway , • , /in anticipation of pool raise 9 „ i ��` • Collaboration identifies new -( opportunities for conservation 1 0 .,%' i U lid"' Partners celebrate completion of the / ,ffl - .+ 7� , Schaake Habitat Improvement Project 1 1 / ?�, •0 , Building a better market strategy 12 • '�_ •6. - ' 2 i �-/- -,r - • Demonstrating efficient :, �a_ irrigation technology within `' �p�. =' Wapato Irrigation Project 1 2 ' • ter 5<- KRD: Fish and farms benefit , through water conservation 1 r �y�'� r_c7 •. • • •, ••,- . - y .7 ' - • . .. • •.. •S. - - • �• .. . •• Kachess drought relief t '.. -- pumping plant study continues 1 5 _ Wapato Irrigation Project improves i --i' `' irrigation deliveries and fish passage 1 •,; . • Smolt survival in the lower Yakima River 1 7 YBIP Social Media News 1 8 IMP 3, Y -. 171."1 tia) ...... .."1".....imm. , ,,41.., ., , • . . ,k,. „..,,,,..,if...,... 6.....e..,,,i,_ .....,.. .. 43_, , YAKI MA BASIN ,y .r _/,., ... � 1 �, , � BUILDING A FUTURE FOR WATER, s ilr �# P .� or WILDLIFE&WORKING LANDS ot -k- - _ `.' � r .!' �' 'a\ www.yakimabasinintegratedplan.org 1- • , , ..4. - • '4:1_,CIL i ,, ill... _ 1 -- r1/4li ‘ ' ..iirf,(Itic, ..., , .,,,..,..., ,_; i. _ .___ _ % • - ' . -"1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 4 I I I I IW1 I ibi..'.-- : ---- - CI III 11411:''' -A-;‘%.,,' 1 cqt . .., _ It• ` I 4i o Welcome to the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan 2021 Highlights This was a topsy-turvy year for the Yakima We're planning for loss of snowpack,by making overall River basin. Snowfall in winter was water management more efficient,and increasing storage in surface and groundwater reservoirs.We're prodigious, lending confidence that all constructing passage for fish,so they can reach cold-water, would be well in this valley that supports high-elevation refuges,and successfully move through agriculture,tribal and recreational fisheries, the hot lower valley rivers more quickly.And,we are communities,and industries. addressing forest health to reduce fire damage and supply colder,more reliable,stream flows through the Teanaway Then it was hot—early and record breaking.The snow Community Forest and other projects. rapidly melted.Farmers faced stunted and withered crops.Salmon struggled to migrate through high river Congress worked hard this year on legislation to support temperatures.It was dry,causing parched soil and hardship infrastructure throughout our country.Washington's for these farmlands. Congressional delegation knew that YBIP and its projects are well positioned to compete for funding from this While producers relying on irrigation from large reservoirs legislation and included water,ecosystem restoration had normal water deliveries,tributaries that fish and and salmon recovery programs.With enactment of the farmers depend on dried up.It was smoky.Wildfires,both Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,we have projects local and distant,made the air dense and dangerous. identified,designed and ready to go. These conditions started early in spring and lingered into These highlights show there is great promise ahead and fall and are the very circumstances we're tackling through progress is being made.People from all walks of life are the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.Both short-term drought working together to achieve common goals. and long-term impacts of climate change are at stake.We know we must make the best use of every drop of water, YBIP is the way forward—the vision of robust water and for both fish and farms. natural resources resiliency in Washington's fertile Yakima River basin is becoming a reality. The 2021 water year is not an aberration.It's the future playing out now. YBIP Highlights 2021 4 j_ ' - '` j ® / s� a o // 2" iy - _-i r!_ you -i R ` ' :y. As you read these highlights,note the"seven elements"of Habitat/Watershed Protection -Fish the YBIP that are crucial to the success of the plan and note and wildlife habitat enhancements in the basin include that each project falls into one of these elements: floodplain restoration,flow improvement,fish passage barrier removal,screens for diversion,and land and river Reservoir Fish Passage-Upstream and corridor protection. downstream passage for anadromous and resident fish will be established at all Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs, Enhanced Water Conservation — allowing access to high-quality,cold-water habitat essential Conserving up to 170,000 acre-feet of water per year is for restoring depleted runs of fish. the goal on the agricultural side of this program,allowing better instream flows for fish and more precise water Modernization Measures -such as improving delivery and use.Local governments actively encourage canal efficiency,balancing reservoir levels,improving fish improvements in water conservation from individual passage,and making operational changes—benefit both the homeowners for indoor and outdoor use. fish populations and the agricultural water supply. Market Reallocation -YBIP proponents are Surface Water Storage- Water projects developing short-and long-term strategies to increase in the first ten-year Initial Development Phase include market reallocation of water during droughts while accessing 200,000 acre-feet of water already stored at minimizing adverse effects on other water users and Kachess Reservoir via a new pumping plant facility,and the environment. 14,600 acre-feet from raising the level of the Cle Elum Reservoir.Building new reservoirs and expanding an existing reservoir are proposed for later YBIP phases. Groundwater Storage- Additional water supplies will be gained by intentionally storing water in Cover: aquifers and then either pumping it or allowing it to return Top photo-Aerial view of Nelson Dam.Photo credit:Nate Herbeck to the river to improve flows,meet demands and reduce Middle photo-Bull trout.Photo credit:Todd Newsome water temperatures. Bottom photo-Pumpkin field.Photo credit:The Patch,Ellensburg,Wash. YBIP Highlights 2021 II 5 Major milestone completed for ri '. I - m fish passage Element: Reservoir Fish Passage 41 ; The Cle Elum watershed historically produced a thriving sockeye salmon population vital to the '��' livelihood of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. However,they were "" ""`" " , F'� extirpated,and their spawning grounds and _ e `" �1`i_ "nursery"lake blocked when a crib dam was d ------j`• constructed at the lower end of Cle Elum Lake in fi '�'` 1908. Soon,the fish were completely wiped out i ,50 t �: �, r Ni from the watershed. �� ^°� As part of its responsibility to support listed species,such as .,"h - _ 4 ' ;l steelhead and bulltrout as well as the goals ofYBIP,Reclamation is 1 4 � t : - , working with theYakama Nation and the State of Washington to ep restore fish access to Cle Elum Reservoir. c Construction is well underway to remedy conditions and provide -- —' r _ ' _ upstream and downstream passage,restore damaged habitat,and _ return sockeye to their historical home.The Cle Elum Fish Passage Facilities and Reintroduction Project includes an innovative helix Tunneling operations at intake level 6 system that will transport juvenile fish downstream from the Cle Elum Reservoir. (this is the lowest intake elevation). Photo credit:Richard Visser A major milestone this year was the completion of the 1,250-foot bypass tunnel in March 2021.The tunnel excavation and construction run from the base of the Cle Elum Dam to the bottom _ _ 4 of the secant vault,where the soon-to-be installed helix will deliver dk-, `". "--:- - - downstream migrating fish. `'""' ` ' 4 y" Tunnel construction included an outer steel plate liner and the - - ` placement of the inner smooth concrete liner approximately 6.5 _;hic„__. -- _ feet in diameter.This concrete will become a very slick surface that f- . . will provide a safe slide downstream for passing fish.The tunnel - --- outfall will be completed as part of the Adult Collection Facility - '""— _ _I Construction with an additional 200 feet of constructed tunnel. -; m The Nation,Bureau of Reclamation,Washington State ' � "'_ � " � departments of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife are collaborating Ao►d on this massive project,and construction is slated for completion 414.; 4', _ - ,.41 by 2025.When it is finished,an additional 29 miles of tributary habitat will be available to the sockeye to reproduce in the upper Sockeye on the Cooper River, Cle Elum watershed. above Cle Elum Reservoir. Photo credit:Joye Redfield-Wilder YBIP Highlights 2021 6 �l I`a ' i al a1E . % N•••••emee-ee�elrrrrrrArr.iss�wy /hell/ , I . ✓ 1 1 r , IAi, • /i ' ��J I _ / l� G t - ; kW I v . I yI - J 1/141k \ c, �''� •I � i• t - s - - .fir- - - l,,,:` 'a ..R•:.-� - • - _ - 414 jT y.- 1 4 p.V \ w .ffi4.� _ .. -. .. 11 Installing a side liner for intake 6 crest gate,looking out at Cle Elum Reservoir. Photo credit:Richard Visser YBIP Highlights 2021 4 7 Partners work toward restoring Gold Creek Element: Habitat/Watershed Protection At the Yakima River headwaters,Gold Kittitas Conservation Trust,in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service,Yakama Nation and the Washington Creek flows unimpeded from the Alpine Department of Fish and Wildlife,studied the area for years Lakes Wilderness Area and passes under before creating the Gold Creek Valley Restoration Project Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass to in 2013. Keechelus Reservoir. New kiosks,interpretive panels,and trail loop signs Gold Creek was once a healthy wetland and creek habitat, help to tell the story of the creek,from the impacts of a robust ecosystem filled with salmon,steelhead and bull the gravel operation to warming temperatures and the trout that thrived in the cold,clean,fast-flowing water. critters that rely on the area,all thanks to funds through Then,during the building of Interstate 90,it became a Conservation Northwest. water-filled gravel pit.Today,the creek's ecosystem is dangerously out of balance.The salmon and steelhead are Full restoration is under consideration,and a new gone,and only a few bull trout return each year to spawn. recreation trail and day use features are planned. Additional interpretive signage will describe what a That is changing now.A broad coalition is working to healthy and recovered habitat means for all of the return Gold Creek Pond to its natural state. creatures in the Gold Creek ecosystem. .,Lasting Impacts of . ' k . Gravel Mining Gold ,r a Reconne Creek 1rS'� S„ whY Rest 7 oratlo) - cling etland r s and to a.ane _ � Pla - River,vp ey o eg to t bnded.whatremanedwasa � , ? r od In Ill- ''''-vi--;1'.% psd tlmg Ip dM1 tlp k tllevee,separadng - M1 p frothe natural rkhnme . dandcan.'.'• a++»e� u er _,: � J 'zn of ly P _ \ I Goltl Geekbo e°..�:w. �.� � ;00.4., � °�:^"�n<.nn,+za large po not is Xootlpla n. + "� �.,, 1 .F� �`l { \ ratu F.. p^.4.n L '1�. wr.. k o ethe u�mmerM water'n mond hear.so.,Y 7,1:° ""^^° w + �I ::'""''°n1' _ r temper es lharsan be lethal to bulltrou[.The P[s ,� � �' �• vw ��' p` ��� In` n. a o+.°r,°,°,m�,p tlefp[ degrounWT17[able,tlraw ng b �ti haav[from Gold Creek,which contr bates to the '+h �T �.+ s.a ve��Yj'"a°'„"^^gym mL'N0 yt ra' .G » � �a«mna. � °reek going drye" Grounelikyv T blc .m. T '� +`/�,. 41yjOiti r These ra noltlts wit cove NASVou walkaround th rtoh n " ne may ,",°'; "°'remeXorts with a f" side of the pond youwlln Xce � `j' ?_ y �`� 7°�, � plhn[s have larBelY bee X H nd w c cePing out of the steep "yf-` * ��., �'� vaswe plane spec esa g _ bank severalfeet above the '°n 'va.+aw°.,,,, KabMf ` pontl,where the naturzl g Y y;.�.yR �_ := groundwater level should bc. ..wa e, ,� s- " a rankly �, rest••`n<pond,as th S lowesn^o rat on °n.iY. "wan+um livtt 0. �Y t»»wa en.w«r �. / he XoodPla soPho 6 #l.' a °M^,,n W. um.e er to would nerw so - C ns to the reek , re aN»� 1/ —USDA,ad.......a•m..n.w"+". ''• 4,.._ m,"gym_- [."._.. Love ' and Recover 4___ pace We _0� Restore a Gold r.k ValleY :. � Pathway to a I lealthler and More Resilient Watershed ring for e "ro °te�n...Y. ca Habitat in u..."n,a.a c.°.r .m f..,,4lns a to P s Creating „ ...Mg,h, . der.ow. t �. 6' .»,d t n rreYar D' WI trout? , ��®1sH M mP ' ,.:�n.d �,/, ,. ....,..... .d......^..d,M..."�,,.+. .�.... w V:MM 0 _ *, ,lea.,Strc ��. da F nd l� rn ",. 1 Qol.f G e by sle 11 ':+�; "m - 'uf1a, llr I aw ` .: -._+ � ' ,.,, y�`Y rd,Z,c' .: v .:.I® {+ • f r d.,"d.d„ _du...a X'' ^ `4 �kw+.wro�Mrtad.n ncs u5U ---iu��A . - SP Photo credit Laurel Baum,Conservation Northwest YBIP Highlights 2021 �Qr �• = Bull trout are reared - =— in captivity before r jf) release in the spring. Photo credit:Zac Mays ` -- I • _ _ - - i G1 _ Er . gn. Yakama Nation finds success with bull trout captive rearing Element: Habitat and Watershed Protection To return bull trout numbers to The goal of this adaptive management approach is to self-sustainable levels,Yakama Nation maintain bull trout viability,while the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan works to restore degraded spawning Fisheries and its partners released 531 and rearing habitat. bull trout into Kachess Reservoir and 61 bull trout into Gold Creek, a tributary to The project has made substantial gains,andYakama Keechelus Reservoir.This year's releases Nation biologists and partners hope to expand operations and begin to reintroduce bull trout into were a great success with increased additional tributaries by 2023. survival rates ranging from 89%to 95%. This is the second season biologists have rescued juvenile bull trout from isolated pools within the dewatering reaches of Gold Creek and the upper Kachess River,reared them in tanks over the winter,and released them in the spring. YBIP Highlights 2021 il q" 9 • 'r"-. ,.t s F 'E.rK .. T.G ..�A�. 0`. V '1 y� A t x� - a. _ - I q,,,�q;t" _ rl . N .s ' t ;r_ .;,ix. . Bypass for the Nelson Dam removal b±J -s y - to the right of the old fish ladder. " Photo credit 5(eve MaTxh a . . J Sr+c N , M. :� ram. s a« tk 4 Nelson Dam removal makes room for modern diversion Element: Habitat/Watershed Protection Removing Nelson Dam on the Naches River over the years,the current dam and infrastructure is one component of a large effort to reduce affected upstream and down stream reaches as veil as a downstream tdbutaryThe proposed replacement dangerous flood hazard sand restore diversion will change the sediment transport dynamics to important habitat in the Naches River. allow for habitat recoveryand reiuce Ord dsk.Thedesign of the new roughened channel takes intoconsideration Site preparation began in July 2021,with actual dam physical and bblogicalconditions wit h the object iaeof removal in late 2021 and construction continuing into restoring ecosystem processes while maintaining the eery 2023.Replacing the dam with a modem nature-like diversion needed bythe City ofYakima. channel will albw unimpeded fish passage to 309 miles of habitat,red ucefiocd riskfor bcal communities, Many stakeholdersandcommunilygroupsare providing consolidate fourdiversbns into one,and more effectivey funding for the$24.7 million project,including the City of serve irrigatbn needs in theC dyofYakima. Yakima,YakimaCounty,Ecology's Fbodplain by Design, Brian Abtott Fish BarrierRemoial Board,Resources legacy Fund and Bureau of Reclamatbn have all contributed orearmarked funds for current and future phases of the project. YBIP H9hI9htz202 t _—10 — — _ ' t+ s - - • + of •, —- .'t. • a _ • . .... I Ii _,..arre. _ i . . r %_ , 4,..4..../..4, -0 - a@''• -fit au; FtCs',`_' t 1 j Y w:1 • . h >tt ' + e iy i f , A ' , .v , , , ,a I py, [ y e^�6<- .e.. i \I - -''. . 1 tir, 41104 .. - ... �- �lelson Dam before removal. YBIP Highlights 2021 ii 1 ii - 1. a S. a7 p ,I. 1 I S d I h.q ` .1 ' lifi4t. r f'- � �2 } -_ � Af, , _ - '-fifp a � ' r'--a!�1s R9a fs * � • / • .. !s ue. ../7,-._.• .... .. ...,A,-,,, . x;;,.-.4. am% , : ,. \---- . : - , -,— _,,,...9k,4,6,-_ ,. - ,, „-_,--„-, , ,- r -- - - 1 goo 4 i -— -0 ----• .FPF'-. Nit -.Z. -:1: '''''- Shoreline stabilization underway in anticipation of pool raise Element: Structural and Operational Changes Wish Poosh campground sits near the Campground improvements include a new access road southeastern shore of Cle Elum Reservoir to the campground's well house,repaving the existing parking lot and boat launch,a new vault toilet,and a new in the Okanagan-Wenatchee National culvert to promote fish year around migration up Davis Forest off of Highway 903.Wildly popular Creek.The construction is on schedule and is slated for with anglers and campers of all ages, it is completion in spring 2022.The vegetation planting of most known for its peace and quiet and native plants will take place in 2023. spotlessly clean facilities. Under the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan,the Cle Elum Reservoir Pool Raise Project will raise the full pool water Due to the Cle Elum Pool Raise Project at the nearby surface elevation by three feet.This modification allows Cle Elum Reservoir,modifications are needed at the an additional 14,600 acre-feet of storage.This additional campground and beach area.To allow the reservoir pool water will be used to augment instream flows for fish and to be raised up to three additional feet for storage,the to improve aquatic resources for fish habitat,rearing,and surrounding areas need to be protected from the increase migration in Cle Elum River and upper Yakima River. in water levels. To raise the surface water three feet,modifications to In spring 2021,shoreline protection work began at the existing spillway radial gates were needed;that USDA Forest Service facilities at Wish Poosh Campground. construction was completed in 2017.Shoreline protection Construction has been completed at Cle Elum River work began that same year and has been ongoing. Campground and Speelyi Beach Day Use Area and boat launch. 9 YBIP Highlights 2021 Collaboration identifies itilh new opportunities for conservation Element: Habitat/Watershed Protection The Watershed Lands Conservation Plan, In addition to deepening the collaborative partnerships began in 2019,is an integral part of the among the diverse members of the Watershed Lands Conservation Subcommittee,the Phase 2 Plan provides Habitat and Watershed Protection and for expanded collaboration with theTapash Forest Health Enhancement element of the Yakima Basin Collaborative,the East Cascades Recreation Partnership, Integrated Plan.Conserving, restoring, the Cascades Checkerboard Partnership,and the enhancing,and protecting the forested Teanaway Community Forest Local Advisory Committee. Through identifying shared opportunities for additional headwaters,tributary/floodplain,and shrub land conservation,healthy forest management,and steppe habitat lands of the Yakima basin collaborative approaches to federal lands designation are essential to achieving the ecological the Phase 2 Plan represents how working collaboratively restoration and climate resiliency tenets can identify new creative opportunities across the of YBIP. Yakima basin. The Phase 2 Plan will help YBIP advance toward additional The Phase 2 Lands Plan was developed by the Watershed lands conservation,a proposed federal lands designation Lands Conservation Subcommittee over the course of package for the Integrated Plan,and better coordination of late 2020 and 2021.It was approved by the executive forest land management in the Yakima basin. committee in August 2021.Phase 2 is an effort to update, refine,and adaptively manage changing circumstances and increasing knowledge added to the original plan established in 2012.Without the ability to manage these lands to achieve the ecosystem and water supply goals of YBIP,all of the work on the other YBIP elements would be at risk of failing. Page 9 images: 1.An excavator leveling out a gravel access road to the pump house at Wish Poosh Campground and Boat Launch.Photo credit:Chris Garent 2.A construction worker compacts base course where accessible parking will be located.Photo credit:Chris Garent 3. Davis Creek Culvert at Wish Poosh Campground.Photo credit:DaveEmpel 4.A finished wall at Wish Poosh Campground and Boat Launch.Photo credit:Chris Garent S.Construction near restroom facility.Stone veneer being applied to a wall by construction workers at Wish Poosh Campground and Boat Launch.Photo credit:Chris Garent 6.A finished vault toilet at Wish Poosh Campground and Boat Launch.Beside the toilet is a prepped area for accessible parking.Photo credit:Chris Garent YBIP Highlights 2021 1 0 13 ''ue['_ "��..._ .._.�.. • 1-4 x .; •t , ps 6 d ,,, A'''*.;1.'''' ..7*.;- ' --/i// / /1 i/i ,'d,i' g‘ -!.r.',-----4,' f � / � ,ititqqa 1, , �f.p.ti e" -xra' r �41 ICI S � � ri r..: ,1fr,4 ,401. ' Z 1,- ,,,i/'-',."1." „40 Jr ,-' "7, Ls ',I' Horseshoe wetland • 's' '� ,, Horseshoe wetland (,,,A it " • before restoration. c, ,,ti, sF <;� , after restoration. _ r.�3, w:.tea $ It'', -..,:.:.' ' , _ Partner lebrate completion of the Schaake � bitat Improvement Project Element: Habitat/Watershed Protection Construction is complete on one of the Construction took place over the last three years.The first largest floodplain restoration projects in the year,completed in 2019,included constructing a flood protection berm away from the river;removing nearly one Yakima River basin at the former Schaake mile of existing levee;floodplain recontouring;and initial feedlot property near Ellensburg. In 2003, seeding of native grasses for site stabilization. Reclamation purchased the 280-acre Schaake property under the authority of the Yakima The second year,completed in 2020,included additional floodplain recontouring,construction of a new wetland, River Basin Water Enhancement Project for partial excavation of the new side channels and seeding and its high potential to benefit fisheries and to planting with native species. advance the goals of YRBWEP. Historically,the site was used for cattle,feedlot,and packing- The third year included finishing construction of the side channels and opening them to the Yakima River;placing house operations. large wood in the floodplains;removing remaining infrastructure(roads,asphalt,staging areas)and ongoing Project benefits include the following: revegetation,which will continue through 2024.Construction • Create and maintain refuge and rearing habitat for was completed in October 2021,and a virtual event was held juvenile salmonoids. late October to celebrate this important milestone. • Promote natural river processes while reducing ongoing Over time,these actions will help restore natural floodplain maintenance needs for flood control features. processes and provide critical off-channel habitat for • Create and enhance 40 acres of wetlands. juvenile salmonids. • Maintain protection for infrastructure from inundation and erosion. Reclamation would like to thank theYakama Nation,Ecology and over 40 stakeholders,including city,county,state, • Maintain or decrease the risk of flooding. federal,and tribal agencies;water users;local industry;and nearby landowners for their support and contributions to the critical project. YBIP Highlights 2021 14 Building a etter market strategy Element: Market Reallocation Water—vital to the health and well-being The partners plan to deliver a report that provides of environmental,cultural,economic,and guidance for how to implement a smart market that streamlines and makes the process more transparent. agricultural stakeholders in the Yakima Along the way,the partners will identify market basin—is often a source of conflict.Creating participation limitations,past market activity,and impacts a market-based transfer tool for reallocating of water supply changes with an expectation of building a water is one way to alleviate conflict, better strategy for the Yakima basin. especially during times of shortage. The Yakima basin has an existing water market.Market-based 4, a# reallocations are moving water to areas of need to provide , ,� r . 474, agricultural producers additional flexibility by facilitating `r 1. ' ? .a 1,k. . continued irrigation in downstream areas during drought V.r� years.Past market water transfers also have helped to 4, ti } i- ' ,,, icy ,- *t } ?I enhance ecosystem restoration while replenishing streams ,� r .\` v` r andprivate homes. rI ,,J� + '' :;; €� � ' ' � '�' �� ,� ���� �v, � � care �� �", rR��� xr Kittitas Reclamation District and Trout Unlimited are '. In44;.,V{" ,. v 4; EViroisti �!At developing a Yakima basin"smart"market framework that , >' .. e'' 7,, automates as many transfer steps as possible and then A. A ` ' ` efficiently matches buyers and sellers. , __.__ A Valley orchard near Wapato,Wash. Demonstrating efficient irrigation technology within Wareto lrririitirn Project Element: Enhanced Water Conservation To find cost-effective and efficient ways to „o - , improve water supplies along the Wapato ...Rai.L.. -- -- -- — - Irrigation Project,the Yakama Nation is undertaking the South Ahtanum Irrigation Demonstration Project. Rolled out in phases,the project will exhibit state-of-the-art .� A"x �° - irrigation methods and conservation projects.The Tribe aims to accomplish this by installing a combination of lifts and laterals,as well as reconditioning parts of the current Wapato Irrigation Project. ,\ h �„4:44 ,. e`.r • q i i¢ ,° ,, It also will include a phased farming expansion to provide ey ,, s �r 1' J 44. r •,L, �,` 4 rl future sustainable economic benefit by taking advantage ''a''. i•' "f, ;T- ' '• % ; . , • , . • ; K`r' %, of the south facing slope for maximum sun absorption, Irrigation system watering crops. remarkable soils,and air movement. Photo credit:Reclamation YBIP Highlights 2021 li 15 KRD : Fish and farms benefit through water conservation Element: Enhanced Water Conservation r,,n„-L ,,� w4►g0,t,t 0:,y0,,A,,t, h! In 2021, Kittitas Reclamation District e , , '"a �� �� received $2 million from state and federal �`►. a,;.l ,i 4; , vVv'-- .p�-,►04,1' 4� grants to install 2,300 feet of 7-foot piping .farmRref 1 3 � u,�S=� ;,/P,aAr on the South Branch Canal that supports a awl 4, 'f_ } t, �1tm,/' \ the KRD Tributary Supplementation ��►�� s; t program. Since 2014, KRD has installed 44,4116;��� 1, '�r;1 1, Xc ',, 9.1 miles of lining and piping—aggressive \ma y , • $?..t 3 s.,S Anti' �11, .. ,\T- z� z _ water conservation projects that resulted °�$�' S ,' +'�' in a water savings of 6,109 acre-feet.This N- installation benefited fish through the '_ �. �. £ k' t' .. KRD Tributary Supplementation Program - - and farms through a more efficient water v delivery system. ,�� Farms benefit from water conservation in drought years • 4 ' through more efficient delivery.Conservation also frees �� g Y " '' canal space used to convey water for the KRD Tributary Supplementation Program which increases flow in : selected streams. The KRD Tributary Supplementation Program,initiated F. _r _ during the 2015 drought,is yielding fish benefits through ,�, ,IA e �e ,,a,,�� enhanced streamflow.Tributary flow augmentation W 'i . using the KRD canal water delivery system has improved the salmonid migration corridor,allowing fish to move 0 " , r' freely between the Yakima River mainstem to the cooler H o : \ headwater reaches of these tributaries.Salmonid spawning - :,a. ki. F ,r and rearing habitat also have improved. a IV ;:; In July 2020,KRD partnered with the Yakama Nation's N � . Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project to release 1,000 tagged IA _' �� juvenile Coho salmon into Tucker Creek.The results �' re: . - showed flow augmentation improved fish migration in ` /. ,, , May and June that otherwise would have been limited or non-existent.Tucker Creek also had its first documented I! Coho redd in modern times. if T. Yakama Nation Fisheries employee working with Kittitas Reclamation District to relocate coho for spawning into Tucker Creek. Photo credit:Kittitas Reclamation District YBIP Highlights 2021 Pumpkin patch at Hunter Farms, Ellensburg,Wash.Photo credit:Hunter Farms a- . - ,r _.�,� i. Y" ] • I • le r , • 46...;IN 7..)-4 , ,..r, ... . . _ elikribbil. r tar; . ... ... ,.. • • „.,.. ,, ......._ A. • tip . • . '' le Si; Y V r ' �co�. 'k' % ilt 4" .' - �+ � t Little Creek delivery at the Main Canal. -,.-Yt -ili�. •T'•e . • Photo credit Ki[[i[as Reclamation District T}41ytic:__yy l• ' 1 X*lam s-1. '- `mo S9itse. a Safi ,. :,a -c • - �< .r • - 4 y %$01 ter ' r. ram! x I, w � +`♦ t + J C. . • F ` ...o g 1♦ js YBIP Hi.h • s 2021 1 4 Kachess drought relief pumping plant study • continues Element: Enhanced Water Conservation Consideration continues for a proposed floating pumping plant at Kachess , Reservoir to help pro-ratable water users during years of drought.The Kachess Reservoir plant would access water stored . - below the reservoir's current outlet. _ . . Roza Irrigation District,in coordination with Reclamation and the Washington Department of Ecology,is currently I , preparing a feasibility design option to be considered as _ part of the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement of the f--.7 floating pumping plant alternative for the Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant.Once design options are ready, Reclamation and Ecology will prepare the Tier 2 EIS for Y• public review and comment,anticipated in 2022. Roza,and other proratable waters users that participate - in the project(likely Kittitas Reclamation District,Wapato , _7 Irrigation Project,and Kennewick Irrigation District),would fund,design,construct,and operate the drought relief pumping project. c 1. 0 S Kachess Reservoir drawdown. Aerial image of Kachess Reservoir. Photo credit:Tim Poppleton,Washington Department of Ecology iii YBIP Highlights 2021 18 Wapato Irrigation Project improves irrigation deliveries and fish passage Element: Enhanced Water Conservation Work is underway to improve irrigation The proposed solution means building a new diversion deliveries and stream flows to support fish that would pump water from the Marion drain directly to the Unit 2 feeder canal.This operation would minimize and habitat along Lower Toppenish Creek. diversions from Toppenish Creek and eliminate water mixing in the creek from the Marion drain.Ultimately, Water has been diverted along Toppenish Creek since the upstream drains would be routed to Marion drain for construction of the Wapato Irrigation Project,which began pumping to Unit 2. in 1933.During drought and low flows,there is not enough water in the creek to satisfy the irrigators who rely on the The selected alternative comprises concrete weirs in a Unit 2 pump house of the Toppenish Creek diversion within concrete-lined channel combined with a radial gate for the boundary of theYakama Nation.Additionally,the flushing flow.Provisions were made in the diversion to intervening years have seen a decline in fisheries,flora,and pump water underneath the diversion to eliminate mixing fauna at this important juncture of the creek. project water with Toppenish Creek.Construction was completed October 2021. Originally,the intent was to capture Toppenish Creek water along with agricultural drain water upstream and pump The total estimated construction cost is$3.7 million,which it uphill and then by gravity help hydrate other crops. is funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and Reclamation. • • zit wi 1l e j F .. .yL1� 0 Yti k ' -tt Toppenish Diversion • - � z Photo credit:Richard Dills YBIP Highlights 2021 1 6 19 Smolt survival in the lower YaI� ; ma River Element: Structural and Operational Changes Projects designed to improve fish survival supports the salmon and steelhead ;, enhancement goals of YBIP. In the lower Yakima r�► � ` ��' ° River,salmon populations traveling to and t mow- from the ocean rely on the reach from Union Gap to the confluence with the Columbia River. However, predators, poor water quality, low river Juvenile Chinook salmon being an ed flows, irrigation diversions,and hydroelectric before tagging.Photo credit:Tobias Kock,USGS facilities threaten their journey along the way. Studies and projects are underway to understand and address many of these factors. Methods to improve fish passage at the confluence - - of the Yakima and Columbia rivers is the focus of the Bateman Island Causeway project.The removal of a causeway that connects Bateman Island to the mainland,which causes warm ¢' water conditions that can affect migration,is under evaluation. — - River flows,facilities,and predators can collectively impact smolt survival.Preliminary results in the Lower Yakima River Smolt Survival Study show survival •.w declined when river flows were lower,warmer,and predators more active,and smolts diverted through canal bypasses had lower survival than fish remaining in the river.In 2021,these results led The lower Yakima River near Horn Rapids, to the installation of a fish guidance boom at Sunnyside Dam to Benton County,Wash. improve fish survival. Adult salmon face different challenges,so monitoring their migration through the lower Yakima River also is occurring.Water - quality monitoring and water temperature modeling efforts will help guide future water management objectives such as releasing - flows from reservoirs to aid fish migration. Water stargrass,a native aquatic plant,becomes overgrown in the lower Yakima River,where it negatively impacts salmon habitat.Harvest and removal of water stargrass from key locations are being evaluated to improve habitat conditions. These lower Yakima River studies and projects are supported by many entities,including Benton Conservation District,Yakama Nation Fisheries,Washington Departments of Fish&Wildlife and Ecology,irrigation districts,Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group,Bureau of Reclamation,U.S.Geological Survey,and U.S.Army Corps of Engineers.Funding comes from a r.- wide variety of sources,including YBIP.�pA, A causeway to the left of Bateman Island creates hot and predator-filled backwater. Photo credit:Jason Jaacks YBIP Highlights 2021 YBIP Social Media News II__ l� Ecology Central Region 0 @ecyCentral.Nov f8 nj:, Yakima Basin Integrated Plan May 30 0 Partnerships through the @YakimaBasinPlan restored this former cattle This amazing work is ha cams feedlot next to Yakima River into prime fish habitat&natural flood control peening in collaboration with Integrated plan partners,antl is an important step in recovery of bull trout lia cleaner water yakimaherald.com/sports/outdoor...via in the Yakima basin.#partners#collaboration populations area, #yakimawater#bulltrout @Yakima_Herald - • e yakimaherald.com Floodplain restoration project creates new fish habitat,cleaner water ELLENSBURG—Thanks to significant rain over the past week,plenty of water flowed rapidly through two new Yakima River side channels... Yakima Basin Integ rated Plan @YakimaBasinPlan�Mar 22 Todayis#WorldWaterDay!�The theme of 2021 is'Valuing Water',which ©Sv' recognizes the marry needs for water.In the Yakima Basin water is cmcial Yakima Basin Integrated Plan •• for fish,farms,families and forests,and the e September 30 O solutions to address all of these needs. @YakimaBasinPlan seeks As part of the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project,a habitat restoration #yakimawater#solutions project in the North Fork Teanaway wrapped up in August.The project tea... — www.waWwaterda entailed removing sections of a relic darn and using the gravels for f instream replenishment,in addition to installing engineered/loose wood to the channel and floodplain,this will increase instream habitat What does water complexity,add needed spawning gravels and improve floodplain function for native fish.This is the third and final phase of restoration in this reach of the Teanaway. mean to you? #restoration#habitat#fish water taboo,em thin todlflemrp e in agncuMre.;"d"strYwa e"e'm'varon,.mercan sae l Jon a,e+waawereroa4 cone�n 'podpnm.arq www,aar;y --T r. P1 Ir r( C .- F.t I. • YBIP Highlights 2021 L '., {r, 1T Ililijmil,1 •41 ; ) _ I '' .r' r t r , i , , -. �� _ - , *' r • - �' , 1 � _ _ 'd* y; a Ei� i i"` e� I 4 lid ��` 'tx 1` �am, d` `� � p� 4-e,:LLc.;;;fi. ,.... %, .0 •3e f zt'X , d''F^ °{WWI 'is' '" • v� ji= ,.�Y ..-- --- -%."-- „., '., - -!,-- 1/47::,..,.',', , ,,,,,- -.? -,::,,,,.;,,,:ii4,2,,,,, ,..,--,..t,,,-,, -,:-.7-c-i,„.,,,,H-:,,,t,,,7,,,,z.i. ,.. t.4-1 ��MMyy ,�'r , ' , \1jTtV Pr u•i., „i ,�. v r.� t i4 ,,104 '., I, of is . a- .4.� ' ",�, rTa*:_• t ... 1% ice` r ,} j r�"y, ;,-, �- x -�-Gam% . illillarlw- � , iY' Participants tour the " ' ake � �^ r ty Participants tour the Schaake property on Oct. 20 while listening to Assistant YRBWEP Manager Jeanne Demorest explain the features of the completed floodplain restoration project. More about the Schaake Habitat Improvement Project on page 11. Photo credit:Reclamation