The Lower Peshastin Creek Restoration Project has been completed after 12 years of planning and construction.
A major restoration operation in Washington will protect the region’s wildlife. The project, led by Cascade Fisheries and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, “cleaned up pollution, reconnected the creek to its historic channel, and improved critical habitat for threatened and endangered fish species,” according to Life NCW.
Endangered fish — chinook, steelhead, and trout — breed in Pechastin Creek. They often cannot survive the warmer temperatures of the Wenatchee River. Since the creek is one of the only cold-water refuges in the lower Wenatchee Basin, these fish seek refuge there.
A new river culvert was laid to connect the creek to the Wenatchee River. This connection was blocked by the construction of Dryden Dam in 1975, but its restoration will be more hospitable to fish and other aquatic organisms.
Besides, 3 acres of plants have been planted to expand the habitat and support the survival of local flora and fauna. More than 2,000 pounds of lead and toxic waste were removed and safely disposed of, making the area safer and cleaner for the community, as well as the wildlife that calls the creek home.
Although wildlife is the most obvious beneficiary of the restoration project, a thriving ecosystem can benefit local residents as well. Protecting natural habitats helps protect pollinators, and thus the food supply.
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The local economy could be greatly helped by a large-scale project such as the Lower Peshastin Creek Restoration Project. Cascade fisheries He said This work generated $160,000 for local contractors, $60,000 for local businesses, and brought in $80,000 in local sales tax.
A similar creek restoration project in Oregon saw local trout numbers skyrocket, while in South Africa, a stunning farm transformation showed how quickly nature can return to its natural state.
Jason Lundgren, CEO of Cascade Fisheries, commented per Echo Leavenworth: “Projects like Peshastin Creek offer a glimmer of hope for salmon and steelhead making the long journey home.”
“We’re 500 miles from the Pacific Ocean. We’re trying to give them the best possible chance of survival.”
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