Upper Methow Goat Creek Conservation Easement

Methow Conservancy completed a conservation easement on 11.2 acres on July 14, 2021 which ensures the floodplain and a buffer around the floodplain are protected from development and allows for the opportunity for restoration by removal of two levees on the property. Subsequently, Methow Conservancy worked with Cascade Fisheries (CF) to assess the potential for restoration on the Lucy property, and adjacent private landowners and USFS lands on Goat Creek. Cascade Fisheries completed a Goat Creek habitat assessment in April and intends to pursue restoration actions with the USFS and others within the lower three reaches of Goat Creek and will reach out to partner organizations to request outreach to the HOA about potential water efficiency actions for the private diversion. Rio ASE completed a 30% restoration design for the mainstem Methow that includes selective levee removal and large wood placements and CF is now applying to the SRFB and Tributary Committees for funding for a final design for this project. CF also met with and continues to reach out to private landowners that own or are adjacent to land where project actions are proposed.

This project acquired high quality, high priority Methow River floodplain habitat to protect from degradation and to facilitate future restoration, thus benefitting ESA-listed spring Chinook and steelhead.