Wilson Creek is a 382 square mile watershed that enters the Yakima River at RM 147. At present, diversion structures near the mouth have blocked anadromous fish access to most of the watershed. However, juvenile densities below the barriers are high relative to the rest of the Yakima Subbasin (Pearsons, et.al., Yakima Species Interaction Study, WDFW 1994). Implementation of this project would allow for removal of two gravity-fed diversion structures, and four unscreened irrigation diversion points would be consolidated and screened to prevent fish entrainment. The dams are migration barriers to all life history stages of anadromous fish. Spawning and rearing habitat would increase by roughly five miles. The riparian zone in the project area is dominated by weedy species, but this project would provide fending and riparian restoration, to allow for establishment of a productive riparian habitat. The landowner has also agreed to provide an area for riparian plant propogation. Seeds and cuttings of desired plants will be sown, irrigated, and maintained in the propogation area until they are ready for transplanting to the streambank. The project would serve as an example of positive collaboration between private landowners, tribal biologists, the Conservation District, and other resource managers.
