Upper Yakima Riparian
Description:
The Upper Yakima River Riparian Protection Project proposes to acquire a ~200 acre block of intact and highly complex riparian habitat in the lower Easton reach of the Yakima River. The project is just upriver from 212 acres of WDFW land and adjacent to several hundred acres of protected open space associated with the Suncadia Resort. The properties would be co-managed to protect the entire floodplain, as part of a strategic plan by WDFW and the Yakama Nation, who aim to acquire and enhance the most productive floodplain habitats in priority reaches, using existing protected lands as habitat anchors. Yakima River rafters and fishing interests would also benefit from the project. The property contains prime spawning and rearing habitat, and is located between from the Cle Elum Spring Chinook supplementation facility and the Easton acclimation site. The project will also protect a prime riparian corridor utilized by elk, deer, cougar populations, and several other terrestrial species. The threat to the property is fragmentation through subdivision and rapid development, as evident on nearby properties. Habitat acquisition is a key stategy for protection and enhancement in the Easton reach, as listed in the Yakima Sub-basin Plan. This project is supported by the Kittitas County Critical Areas Ordinance and the Shoreline Master Plan. Public support for the project comes from the Board of Kittitas County Commissioners, four local conservation/environmental groups, several fly-fishing businesses and Washington State Parks.
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Upper Yakima Riparian
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The Upper Yakima River Riparian Protection Project proposes to acquire a ~200 acre block of intact and highly complex riparian habitat in the lower Easton reach of the Yakima River. The project is just upriver from 212 acres of WDFW land and adjacent to several hundred acres of protected open space associated with the Suncadia Resort. The properties would be co-managed to protect the entire floodplain, as part of a strategic plan by WDFW and the Yakama Nation, who aim to acquire and enhance the most productive floodplain habitats in priority reaches, using existing protected lands as habitat anchors. Yakima River rafters and fishing interests would also benefit from the project. The property contains prime spawning and rearing habitat, and is located between from the Cle Elum Spring Chinook supplementation facility and the Easton acclimation site. The project will also protect a prime riparian corridor utilized by elk, deer, cougar populations, and several other terrestrial species. The threat to the property is fragmentation through subdivision and rapid development, as evident on nearby properties. Habitat acquisition is a key stategy for protection and enhancement in the Easton reach, as listed in the Yakima Sub-basin Plan. This project is supported by the Kittitas County Critical Areas Ordinance and the Shoreline Master Plan. Public support for the project comes from the Board of Kittitas County Commissioners, four local conservation/environmental groups, several fly-fishing businesses and Washington State Parks.
- 47.2 -121.05
From Interstate 90 going west past the town of Cle Elum, take Exit 78 to the stop sign, turn right and the property is between Golf Course Road and the Yakima River behind the red gate next to the district fire department. The Hundley's own this mile of river, upstream and downstream of the gate. From Interstate 90 going east from Seattle take exit 78 to the stop sign. Turn left, passing under the highway and to the red gate next to the district fire station. The property is behind the gate between Golf Course Road and the Yakima River. The Hundley's own this mile of river, upstream and downstream of the gate.
