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In early July 2000, as in the past 5
years, a fish rescue operation was conducted in the levee section of the Walla
Walla River. As flows from snowmelt decreased and irrigation diversions turned
on, it became necessary to relocate the fish to better habitat with running
water. The rescue operation moved some 5000 bull trout, steelhead, and other
fish to deeper and colder waters further up the river. The effort was conducted
by fish biologists from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation (CTUIR) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in
cooperation with area landowners, Tri State Steelheaders members and Watershed
Council staff. Although this operation was deemed a success, fish rescues along this section of the Walla Walla River have become a memory of the past. This is due to the cooperative efforts of the three local irrigation districts in an agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In 2000, the districts gave up 13cfs of water, bypassing their diversions and leaving it in the mainstem of the river. In 2001, the districts bypassed 18cfs, resulting in a free-flowing river even during the lowest flow period (September). In 2002, the districts will bypass 25cfs. The Watershed Council assists in monitoring flow, temperature and other water quality indicators to document the improvements (click here for more information on WWBWC monitoring). Clicking on an image will open a larger version.
To see a map of the location of the levee section, click here. |
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