CONSERVATION PROJECTS
“I am I plus my surroundings and if I do not preserve the latter, I do not preserve myself.” - Jose Ortega Y Gasset
Conservation Projects
Conservation efforts often start with awareness, first of few, then of an entire community. When everyone comes together, the difference we can make in supporting native species is enormous. Whether it is getting out in the field or bringing the conservation conversation into classrooms, businesses, and events, we look for unique opportunities to bring people together in the name of saving our coldwater fish!
Below, please check out some of our conservation projects across Washington state.
A Steelhead Story:
The Legacy of
Bill Mcmillan
This amazing film details the tale of a self-made citizen scientist, who dedicated his personal time and efforts to documenting and better understanding the habits, behaviors, and needs of the fish he had come to admire. See some of Washington’s most beautiful scenery in moss-filled forests and clear mountain rivers. We hope it inspires you, too!
Snake River Dams Removal
With the removal of the Snake River Dams, there is a huge potential to bolster our wild populations of steelhead and salmon. Currently, it is estimated that for every 100 smolt that exit the Snake Basin, less than 2 adults return. By removing the dams and finding alternative energy and transportation solutions, we have the opportunity to ensure these amazing fish survive, continuing to contribute to ecosystems throughout our state.
Snake River Dam at Dusk
Icicle Creek Boulder Fish Passage Project
This complex project required bringing together a wide variety of stakeholders in order to alleviate some of the pressures on the largest tributary of the Wenatchee River subbasin. As many different industries and developments in the area had impacted the stream over time, the combined effect was limiting the passage of fish to undisturbed habitat in US Forest land and wilderness. Through dedicated assessments, bringing together stakeholders and technical experts, and developing agreeable alternatives, TU has helped make this project a reality.
Wenatchee Instream Flow Enhancement
Irrigation is a crucial part of agriculture, particularly in regions that might receive limited rainfall in the summer months. As a result, in periods of drought or high temperatures, rivers and creeks can run perilously low for migrating fish of all ages. Warmer waters also carry less oxygen, making for a deadly combination to these aquatic creatures. Check out this project, a collaboration between TU and Pioneer Water Users Association in bringing together the community in the Wenatchee Valley to make a better solution for not only fish, but agriculturists, too!
Methow Valley irrigation System Upgrade
Working with the greater community of the Methow Valley, Trout Unlimited built a solution to increase anadromous and resident populations by completely upgrading the existing irrigation system. By maintaining higher levels of instream flow, stream temperatures could be kept lower, which is much safer for fish, as well as maintaining enough depth that fish can move freely through their habitats.
Roaring Creek Flow Restoration Project
By successfully completing projects such as the Roaring Creek Flow Restoration, Trout Unlimited helps improve the production of desirable fish, making Washington’s streams and rivers reliable and fun for folks who love to fish! By improving flow, the water’s temperatures become lower and with the removal of some 100-year-old barriers, fish could freely migrate further. The result? Increased redds, healthier fish, and an improved irrigation system!
Elwha & GLines Canyon Dam Removal
The decision to remove the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams is evidence of the huge impact that removal of barriers to fish passage can have not only on our treasured steelhead, salmon, and trout, but an entire river ecosystem.