Restoration of the Toppenish watershed (comprising more than 10% of the Yakima sub-basin) is critical to restoring healthy runs of steelhead to the Yakima River. Recent spawning ground surveys and smolt trap data indicate that Toppenish Creek and its tributaries contribute far more to the Yakima River summer steelhead run than was previously believed. Combined, the steelhead runs in Satus and Toppenish Creeks account for 60%-70% of the steelhead in the entire Yakima Subbasin.The upper Toppenish Creek Watershed Restoration Project was originally concieved as an extension of the Satus Watershed Restoration Project in the adjacent Satus Creek Watershed. This proposal addresses degradation in the upper watershed, complementing three major restoration efforts underway in the lower, agricultural area. Proposed activities are those recommended in the FY98-99 watershed assessment. Our goal is to improve steelhead habitat by moderating flows from the upper watershed and reestablishing the watersheds natural recuperative processes. The methods identified in the watershed assessment for achieving these goals include: 1) improving grazing management, 2) rehabilitating degraded channels ? including stabilizing headcuts, removing dikes, etc., 3) revegetating meadows, floodplains and denuded uplands, 4) reestablishing beaver habitat, 5) participating in landuse management planning efforts (e.g. prescribed burning, transportation, timber harvest,?), and 6) monitoring the effectiveness of the various treatments. Restoration treatments will also favor riparian dependent wildlife species and reestablishement of coho and spring chinook. Meeting these objectives will gradually increase the hydrologic retentiveness of the upper watershed, thereby moderating flow regimes in the fish bearing reaches of Toppenish and Simcoe Creeks.This proposal is consistent with the 1994 Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program, Measures (principles 1-5, pp.15, and habitat strategies, pp. 25-26), Wy-Kan-Ush-Me-Wa-Kish-Wit, and the Yakima River Subbasin Summary, Statement of Fish and Wildlife Needs, pp. 353-375 which emphasize the importance of healthy watershed functioning to both aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Moderate flow regime a. rehabilitate degraded channels ongoing $ 8,055 b. reestablish access to floodplains $ 0 c. improve road drainage $ 0 d. improve beaver habitat $ 0 2. Foster vegetative recovery. e. re-integrate fire as a management tool ongoing $ 5,370 f. restore vegetation where natural recovery is not occuring $ 0 3. Participate in landuse management planning activities. g. continue participating in planning exercies for: timber harvest, burning, grazing, roads, irrigation, fish/wildlife
