Restoring the Upper Yakima Watershed

The group is a voluntary organization that is open to the public and meets quarterly to coordinate and collaborate on the issues related to restoring the health of the watershed while balancing the economic, ecological, and social demands on the landscape.

The entire watershed is of interest and discussed by this group, but initial focal areas were chosen to address in the early stages of the group.  These focal areas are Gold Creek, Swauk Creek, and Upper Manastash Creek.

To download a PDF map of the entire watershed with focal areas highlighted click one of the two options here:  small file ( MB) or large file (3 MB).

Current participants in the watershed discussions include Cascade Land Conservancy, WA Department of Transportation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, American Forest Resources Council, Kittitas Conservation Trust, Kittitas Conservation District, Kittitas Audubon Society, WA Department of Ecology, Conservation Northwest, WA Snowmobile Association, North Cascades Conservation Council, WA Dept. of FIsh and Wildlife Service, Grizzly Bear Outreach Project, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, Mid Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, and Yakama Tribes. 

Please contact Jen Watkins at jwatkins@conservationnw.org if you are interested in participating or for further information.

Next meeting currently being planned for May 2008.

Resources for Upper Yakima Watershed:

Map of potential Commercial Thinning Units in the Upper Yakima Watershed.  Prepared by the Cle Elum Ranger District to facilitate discussion on upcoming plans for a Stewardship Contracting project to focus on restoration of plantation stands and road density reduction to meet AMA plan guidelines.

US Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Recovery Plan for Bull Trout in the Middle Columbia River Recovery Unit 20.  Site includes links to Executive Summary, Strategy for Restoration, and more.

Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Recovery Board.  Site includes draft salmon recovery plan.

Yakima-Klickitat Fisheries Project.  Site includes the subbasin plan.