Methow River Acquisition 2010 RM 39.5

Methow Salmon collaborated with Reclamation and the Yakama Nation to identify, prioritize, and implement projects that lead to recovery of listed fish in the Methow Basin. In response to the public outreach connected with Reclamation’s M2 reach assessment (2010), the landowners contacted MSRF about options for protecting the floodplain portion of their property. The property initially included floodplain portions of three contiguous parcels with river frontage of about 2100 linear feet. However, only two of the parcels were able to be acquired in this contract reducing river frontage to about 1550 feet. The properties acquired lie within the area of the upcoming Silver Reach Assessment, are adjacent to property currently held by WDFW for habitat protection, and are within the area designated by the RTT as the Middle Methow Reach. The properties acquired encompass 12.2 acres of adequately functioning riparian and floodplain habitat adjacent to the river. Acquisition of these properties will assure future disturbance associated with access road maintenance, recreational site development, and view shed maintenance will not occur. Sponsor will manage property to maintain natural connections between the river and floodplain habitat to achieve natural river function. Provisions for education and outreach have been incorporated in the deed of right restrictions. Sponsor developed a stewardship plan to guide site management and plan for future restoration actions.

The goal of this project is to purchase the floodplain portions of 3 contiguous parcels with river frontage of about 2,100 linear feet. The properties encompass 15 +/- acres of adequately functioning riparian and floodplain habitat adjacent to the river. Acquisition of the properties will assure future disturbance associated with access road maintenance, recreational site development, and view shed maintenance will not occur.