The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Cascade Fisheries have announced the initiation of the Lower Peshastin Creek Habitat Restoration Project. This endeavor, spearheaded by Cascade Fisheries, aims to detoxify lead waste, reconstruct fish habitats, and fortify essential cold-water refuges at the confluence of Peshastin Creek and the Wenatchee River. The operation will be conducted at the Dryden Dam Access Site, which is under the jurisdiction of the WDFW.
Peshastin Creek serves as a crucial conduit for native fish within the Wenatchee watershed, supporting species such as upper Columbia Spring chinook, upper Columbia steelhead, and bull trout—all listed under the Endangered Species Act. Past human activities, including the construction of Highway 97 over Blewett Pass, have significantly altered the creek, cutting off its connection to over one-third of its natural floodplain. According to a release by the WDFW, the first phase of the project, which is set to begin in late August, will concentrate on excavating and processing contaminated soil.
The lead cleanup involves meticulous work to remove the top layer of soil, segregate and recycle the unearthed lead shot, and encapsulate the remaining contaminated soil on-site. This approach promises to protect local wildlife and water sources from lead exposure while preventing human contact with the tainted terrain. Moreover, the implementation of protective fencing is intended to safeguard the public against areas affected by pesticide use.
Subsequent to the lead abatement efforts, the second phase will unfold in the summer of 2025 to restore ecological harmony to the lower reaches of Peshastin Creek. Over 21,000 cubic yards of dirt will be moved to reconnect the waterway with its historical channel and to augment the floodplain, thus enhancing the creek's functional capacity. Additionally, natural features like Engineered Log Jams and wooden structures will be utilized to promote plant diversity, sediment stability, and water pooling. All of which facilitates a more robust and resilient habitat for local fish populations.
The fruits of such labor, however, span beyond the immediate ecological benefits. This comprehensive effort also entails the introduction of 3,500 cubic yards of streambed material to reinforce the channel, protecting it from potential damage in high-flow scenarios, and the revitalization of approximately three acres of riparian vegetation following the earth-moving operations.
