Twisp, Washington –Yakama Nation Fisheries recently completed an assessment of recreation use of the Methow River between Winthrop and Twisp. The assessment prompts the tribe to consider the safety of the most novice users of the river when developing habitat restoration projects. The Middle Methow Reach receives heavy recreational river use during the summer months. The study shows that a majority of river users were from out of town, with minimal experience of the river conditions in the Middle Methow Reach.
Habitat restoration work begins with a broad, science-based assessment of the river where restoration work is likely to increase the amount of spawning and juvenile-rearing habitat for salmon.
"This is part of our process to better understand the nature of potential interactions between river recreation and engineered wood habitat," said Hans Smith, Habitat Biologist for Yakama Nation Fisheries. "We will develop solutions that allow restoration work to proceed and minimize potential conflicts with river users."
The Middle Methow Reach Recreational Use Assessment will be used by project staff to develop habitat restoration projects, appropriately sized and located, to minimize public safety concerns.
Copies of The Middle Methow Reach Recreational Use Assessment are available on the Yakama Nation Fisheries website at http://yakamafish-nsn.gov/restore/projects/uchrp
About Yakama Nation Fisheries
The Yakama Nation Fisheries Program strives to preserve, protect, enhance, and restore culturally important fish populations and their habitat. The Fisheries Program employs more than 200 professional and technical staff members and manages 104 fishery management projects in eight sub-basins (White Salmon, Wind, Klickitat, Rock Creek, Yakima, Wenatchee, Entiat and Methow). We combine our traditional knowledge of the river system with cutting-edge science. The Upper Columbia Habitat Restoration Project works with local communities and landowners to restore spring Chinook and steelhead populations to self-sustaining harvestable levels.
