Where is this project?

This project is located on the Methow River between Twisp and Winthrop in the vicinity of Bear Creek.  The project has been developed in collaboration with the irrigation company and the neighboring landowners.  The project is somewhat unique in that the majority of the habitat work is being completed on privately-owned lands under voluntary agreements.  Some project elements will be constructed on bed lands controlled by WA Department of Natural Resources.

Why is this project being constructed?

The side channel at the Barkley irrigation diversion is one of only a handful of remaining Methow River side channels that connect each year between Twisp and Winthrop.  A recent agreement between two irrigation companies to share a diversion presented an opportunity to restore ecological processes at the historic location of the Barkley Irrigation Company diversion to improve fish habitat for steelhead and spring Chinook.

Restoring habitat for steelhead and spring Chinook within the Methow River between Twisp and Winthrop has been identified as a high priority in the Upper Columbia Biological Strategy. Aerial records and historic fish counts show that spawning and rearing opportunities for these species are the significantly reduced from historical conditions.  This project has been designed to address these limiting factors.

The project will address the highest priority ecological concerns identified within the reach including:

• Increase the quantity and availability of peripheral and transitional habitats

• Increase instream channel complexity

• Increase the quantity of native riparian buffer

• Reduce anthropogenic barriers in Bear Creek

The Basis of Design Report (BDR) provides more information about the design process, design decisions and background scientific information for this project.

What will this project do to address ecological concerns?

The approved project design will repurpose and enhance the irrigation features no longer needed by the Barkley irrigation company to improve floodplain connectivity.  Specific actions include creating a new inlet to the existing side channel, removing the existing head gate and converting the irrigation canal into side channel habitat. The project will also remove riprap protecting the irrigation canal and reconnect Bear Creek with the Methow River. Engineered logjams and other wood placements within Methow River and sidechannel and the floodplain to increase habitat for the endangered salmon.  

When will this project be constructed?

On March 13th, 2020 Methow Salmon submitted required permit applications to Okanogan County for review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the Shoreline Master Program.  The applications will also be reviewed by state and federal agencies and will provide opportunities for public review and comment. In addition to this environmental review and permitting, all actions, whether on both public and private property, will be subject to written landowner approval and agreement.  Participation in the project is entirely voluntary.

Construction is planned to be completed in three phases starting in the summer 2020 and will be completed in 2022 after the Barkley Irrigation Company has completed their transition to the new diversion downstream.  Work within the Methow River is limited to the month of July in each year to protect fish species. 

Who is doing this project?

This project has been developed by the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation and Anchor QEA in coordination with landowners and project partners. Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration provided funding and technical support. 

Learn about other Salmon Habitat Projects