This project will remove two diversion dams and a non-functional fish screen and replace them with appropriate fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.
Learn more about fish passage structures on the Toppenish Creek in Washington. Removing these barriers will provide a clearer migration path to spawning habitats for Pacific lamprey and threatened steelhead. In addition to the benefits for fish species, this project will restore and enhance more than 450 acres of wetland habitat on the floodplain of Toppenish Creek. These floodplain wetlands are invaluable wildlife habitat for both migratory and resident species. Toppenish Creek is culturally significant to the Yakama Nation and the area serves as an educational site to retain tribal culture. Yakama Tribal members also hunt on the properties, and gather traditional foods and materials such as Wapato, tule, currants and chokecherries, and willow and dogwood.
Project Quick Facts:
Project Status | In Development |
Location | WA, Yakima County |
NFPP Project Funding | $1,615,400 |
Restoration Techniques | Fish Screen Installment |
Accomplishments | 100 Stream Miles Reopened, 5 Acres Reopened |
Partner Project Lead | Yakama Nation |
The National Fish Passage Program: Leaders in Building Bridges and Fostering Connections
The National Fish Passage Program is a national leader connecting watersheds and people. The program has decades of experience implementing infrastructure projects with partners. Under BIL we are bringing that experience to bear to foster collaboration between federal agencies, Tribes, states, and non-profit partners.
Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. However, proposals must be submitted and completed in cooperation with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. (Please note that fish passage projects being used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by existing federal or state regulatory programs are not eligible for funding through the National Fish Passage Program.)
CONTACT A FISH PASSAGE COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA TO GET STARTED.
200 million dollar investment in rivers, wildlife, and communities.
Clean free-flowing waterways are vital to wildlife, people, and ecosystems. But across the country, millions of barriers fragment rivers, block fish migration, and put communities at higher risk to flooding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.
Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , signed in November 2021, included $200 million for restoring fish and wildlife passage by removing in-stream barriers and providing technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program.
