NF Walla Walla River Spring Protection

Spring sources located adjacent to the NFWWR between RM 3.6-8.8 were dissected by a road prism associated with turbidity, sedimentation, and elevated water temperature impacts. The drainage along the road was improved at a number of these springs via the installment of porous cobble mattress installment. Off-channel stream was also reconnected in several spring locations. Planting was done in both riparian and wetland areas.

The NFWWR is inhabited by two ESA listed species; steelhead and bull trout. In addition, rainbow/red band trout, spring chinook salmon, and mountain whitefish are also present. The NFWWR is described in the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) Walla Walla Sub Basin Plan as a Priority Protection Area. Page 188 of the 2004 NPCC Plan estimates that a 52% increase in adult steelhead may be achieved with complete restoration of passage and active restoration in tributaries. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Mid-Columbia Steelhead Distinct Population Segment ESA Recovery Plan classifies the NFWWR as Critical Habitat, and 1 of 5 primary steelhead spawning locations and part of 1 of 3 independent populations in the Walla Walla Basin. The Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team classifies the overall population status of steelhead in the Walla Walla Basin as intermediate in size and at moderate risk of extinction. Recent trends based upon return numbers indicate classification as a small population at high risk of extinction. During the 2021 migration season, adult steelhead counts at McNary dam are at historic lows. This trend is most likely to continue as effects from the 2020 Walla Walla Flood and subsequent emergency instream flood repair activities, which was responsible for significant salmonid mortalities due to displacement and excessive sedimentation in the water column for several months. re observed over the next 3-5 years A main objective of the project is to restore intra and inter connectivity of salmonid waterways to provide resilience towards the potentially negative effects resulting from catastrophic events and habitat degradation.