Fish Habitat Improvement Partnership in Taneum Creek

Published: September 11, 2009

By Diana Carson

CLE ELUM?The Cle Elum Ranger District, partnering with the Yakama Nation and Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, is proposing to place woody debris along a 500-foot stretch of Taneum Creek just south of Shadow Creek. The need for the wood placement in Taneum Creek has increased over time due to past management practices that have depleted it. Years of timber harvest, grazing, recreation and fire suppression has left the creek lacking the trees that would have naturally fallen into it. Woody material in creeks is critical for improving fish habitat. The newly-fallen trees will help slow the water, make it more meandering and create pools for fish spawning. The trees will be removed upslope from the creek and then dragged down into the water. All the work would be completed by the Washington Conservation Corps using hand tools, including grip hoists and bumper winches. ?The Cle Elum Ranger District is proud to be part of this partnership that will improve the fish habitat in Taneum Creek,? said Cle Elum District Ranger Judy Hallisey. Work is proposed to begin in late September. For additional information or to comment on the proposal, contact Cle Elum Ranger District Hydrologist Diana Carson at (509) 852-1044.