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Title: Supplement Analysis for the Watershed Management Program EIS (DOE/EIS-0265/SA-94) - Yakima Basin Side Channels Project, Browitt Property Acquisition

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/824164· OSTI ID:824164
 [1]
  1. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Portland, OR (United States)

BPA proposes to purchase approximately 42 acres of privately-owned land in the Yakima River Basin in Kittitas County, Washington as part of the Yakima River Side Channels Project. Title to the land will be transferred to the United States Government, Bonneville Power Administration for fish and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement. The goal of this project is to contribute toward the rebuilding of Yakima Basin spring chinook salmon and steelhead populations by improving survival during their first year of life. This will be accomplished by protecting and restoring off-channel rearing habitats associated with the mainstem of the Yakima River. Historically, these habitats have been severely degraded through the construction of transportation corridors, irrigation developments, and diking activities. The subject parcel is located near the Cle Elum reach of the Yakima River which contains a variety of aquatic and riparian habitats that support native fish, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as waterfowl. These lands are located in a portion of the watershed where a large percentage of the basin’s spring chinook salmon spawn. The Browitt Property contains shallow backwater channels and wetlands that are protected by a thick over-story of native trees and brush. These features are important for the development of young fish during their first year of life. The Browitt Property will be preserved in its natural condition to ensure that this critical fish-rearing habitat is maintained in the future.

Research Organization:
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Portland, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of NEPA Policy and Assistance (EH-42)
OSTI ID:
824164
Report Number(s):
DOE/EIS-0265/SA-94
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English