2008 Feature Accomplishment
Little Klickitat River Project Phases 1 & 2
Resource Challenge
The Little Klickitat River has a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for elevated temperatures.
Project Summary and Results
Two stream bank restoration projects were constructed adjacent to each other within the City Limits of Goldendale.
These two projects were designed by District Cluster Engineers with components for stream bank repair, fish habitat and stream shading. Ten to twelve foot vertical banks were sloped and planted with grasses and native shrubs. Toe-logs and root-wads were installed to provide bank stability and fish habitat. Severe stream meanders were stabilized and improved, with log vanes installed to direct stream flow away from the banks.
The Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for the TMDL states that all of these Best Management Practices are required elements for implementation of the plan to lower the stream temperature in the Little Klickitat River. It is estimated that the sediment reduction for these two reaches could total over 42 tons annually, more in higher flow events. The target for shading in this reach, according to the DIP for the TMDL is 77% to 82%, with actual shading estimated at 12%. The shading provided by this project is estimated at 55% or more once the native plants mature. These two projects also address actions identified in the recently completed WRIA 30 Watershed Management Plan.
Key Project Partners
These projects were completed with the cooperation of Department of Ecology, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the City of Goldendale, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Klickitat County Parks and Recreation District, Army Corps of Engineers and four private land owners.
Other Accomplishments
The photo above shows the Little Klickitat River at Pipeline Road, Phase 1. Both phases of the stream bank restoration were accomplished during this fiscal year. Phase 1 was funded by a grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Phase 2 was funded by a grant from WA Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Fund. These projects involved 4 land owners, repaired 1,100 linear feet of stream bank, and provided for fish habitat and stream bank plantings for shade.
Central Klickitat Conservation District also helped local landowners by providing cost share assistance for permanent cover, livestock water improvements, livestock exclusion fencing, and irrigation efficiency improvements.
The District’s No-Till Drill (purchased with grant funds from the Yakama Nation) was rented to producers for seeding of over 300 acres of grasses, legumes, and spring grains.
More Work To Do
The TMDL for the Little Klickitat River and its tributaries has been a major focus for the District since the Detailed Implementation Plan was finalized in March 2005. The District has been working in conjunction with the WRIA 30 Planning Unit and DOE to mitigate the temperature TMDL. Currently there are four similar projects identified. The trend toward smaller acreages has increased the workload for the District by requests for Technical Assistance and cost share.
Firewise is an additional program the District has recently undertaken. This program teaches homeowners how to reduce fire risk around their home.
For more information on current projects and programs please contact the District Office. Information taken from the Washington State Conservation Commission 2008 Annual Report.
