Author: James Kraft, Executive Director
Washington Water Trust just completed one of our largest streamflow restoration projects EVER! Through collaborating with local partners, we permanently protected more than 250 million gallons of water in the Little Klickitat River to benefit steelhead and salmon.
The Little Klickitat River is a tributary to the Klickitat River in the Columbia River basin. It provides important habitat for Middle Columbia River fish. Unfortunately, the Little Klickitat also suffers from low flows and warm water temperatures in the summer, which poses a serious risk for fish.
Spring Creek
WWT worked with local landowners on the Little Klickitat project, brothers Keith and Adam Fahlenkamp, to find a solution for their farm that diverts water from Spring Creek for irrigation. The Fahlenkamps sought a win-win solution that allowed them to continue to farm while at the same time protecting the fish they care about so much.
“The experts at Washington Water Trust managed a lengthy process to validate water rights in a way that maximized our benefit as landowners,” said Keith Fahlenkamp. “The collaborative effort enabled current and future use of some water for agricultural purposes while returning a significant amount of water to a stream that is important for salmon and steelhead runs in the Klickitat River. As landowners and fishermen, we achieved an ideal balance that benefits both fish and agriculture.”
Former WWT Sr. Project Manager Ethan assesses streamflow in the Little Klickitat River.
With this project completed, valuable cold water from Spring Creek flows into the Little Klickitat River where it provides habitat for steelhead and salmon, particularly during the dry summer months when they need it most.
Finding partners like the Fahlenkamps and building the trust needed to achieve big wins for fish takes time and perseverance. Our supporters empower us to forge these essential relationships. Thank you to our partners and supporters for helping us restore the Little Klickitat River so steelhead and salmon have the cold water they need to thrive!
