Methow River Acquisition 2010 RM 41.5

MSRF proposed to acquire aproximately 14 acres adjacent to the Middle Methow River. The acreage estimate was based on Okanogan County assessor information and represented the floodplain and riparian portion of the larger Risley property. As a result of required land survey work, the riparian floodplain portion of the property was more accurately identified to contain 18.65 acres. Based on survey and landowner consent, 18.65 acres was acquired.
The area includes riparian, wetland, and side channel habitat. The Middle Methow is a Category 2 watershed, where habitat protection actions are a Tier 1 priority. The Upper Columbia Biological Strategy states that protecting habitat “to allow unrestricted stream channel migration, complexity, & flood plain function [should be the] highest priority for protecting biological productivity” (RTT 2008). The acquisition will protect over 1,500 linear ft of shoreline, off-channel wetlands, a side channel, floodplain, & riparian habitat from residential & recreational development. These habitats are currently functioning well & provide natural water storage & habitat diversity, incl. critical rearing, refuge, & migratory habitat for Endangered Species Act listed spring Chinook, summer steelhead, & bull trout, & a variety of wildlife. The properties are adjacent to existing conservation properties & complement those protection efforts. Project partners include Town of Twisp, Bureau of Reclamation, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, US Geological Survey & Yakama Nation.

The goal of this project is to acquire the riparian floodplain portion of the existing 20 acre lot along the middle Methow River (surveyed acreage of the acquired property is 18.65 acres). The acquisition will protect more than .25 mile of shoreline, off-channel wetlands, a side channel, floodplain and riverbank habitat from residential and recreational development. These habitats are functioning well and provide natural water storage and habitat diversity, including critical rearing, refuge and migratory habitat for endangered upper Columbia River spring Chinook, upper Columbia River summer steelhead. The target property is downstream of a restoration area identified by the Yakama Nation for enhancement of in channel and side channel habitats (Sugardike Reach). MSRF has acquired one additional property in the reach and is developing a purchase & sale agreement in support of the Yakama Nation for several additional properties. Restoration work is anticipated for each of these properties at a later date.