Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project

Home | Integrated Plan | 2010 Basin Study | 2009 Workgroup | IOP | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Authorization

Manastash Creek Tributary Enhancement Program

The purpose of the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project (YRBWEP) is to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife through improved water management; improved instream flows; improved water quality; protection, creation and enhancement of wetlands; and by other appropriate means of habitat improvement.

Manastash Creek is an important tributary to the Upper Yakima River, near Ellensburg, Washington. Reclamation has completed a Final Investigation Report for the Manastash Creek Enhancement Project. The objectives of the study were to:

  • Identify effective means for providing increased instream flow in Manastash Creek for fish
  • Increase Irrigation water use efficiency; and
  • Improve operation flexibility for agricultural water users of the Kittitas Reclamation District

The project involves construction of a pressurized pipeline to convey irrigation deliveries currently made using the South Branch Canal 13.8 Lateral of the Kittitas Reclamation District. The Project would be performed in conjunction with the Manastash Creek Restoration Project, which is currently being implemented by a Manastash Creek Steering Committee with assistance from the Kittitas County Conservation District.

The study was performed under the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Tributary Enhancement Program, and was conducted in coordination with the Yakima Nation, State of Washington, Manastash Creek water users, and the Kittitas Reclamation District. The evaluation concluded that the proposed Manastash Creek Enhancement Project, in conjunction with the Manastash Creek Restoration Project, can achieve the study objectives and will have major positive benefits for the fishery resources and the agricultural community of Manastash Creek. The project is scheduled to be completed in April 2014.

Reports
03/2013 FINAL Manastash Creek Investigation Report PDF 3.17 mb
02/2013 FINAL Manastash Creek Biological Assessment PDF 1.67 mb

Contact

Contact

Wendy Christensen
(509) 573-8050
(509) 454-5611 FAX
gchristensen@usbr.gov

Bureau of Reclamation
Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project
1917 Marsh Road
Yakima, WA 98901-2058


Last Updated: 6/30/20