R25AP00443

Award purpose: The purpose of this award is to work with several entities to determine the best mechanisms to procure water that would provide for added volumes of instream flow and to utilize measures to reduce the impact of water stargrass on the water systems in the Yakima River Basin.

Activities to be performed: This project will provide incentives to irrigation districts with senior water rights to reduce diversions.

The non-consumptive water they forgo can be stored and used for a June pulse flow while maintaining the water supply available to junior irrigators already facing a pro-rationing of their entitlements.

Ecology may also compensate districts to shut down operations in early October and retain most of the month's water supply in storage to benefit the Yakima Projects 2026 carryover volume.

Other options may include water leasing and diversion reductions with individuals fallowing fields to save consumptive water.

This project will also issue one or more subawards to partners engaged in water stargrass abatement.

These partners are experienced in operating vessels used for water stargrass harvesting in the lower Yakima River and safely disposing of the vegetation.

Expected deliverables or outcomes: This will help to ensure flows in the Yakima River are adequate for fish and other species and that junior water right holders can meet irrigation needs.

This project will also remove water stargrass which has impacted both aquatic habitat and water users over the last several years.

Intended beneficiaries: Members of the Yakama Tribe, irrigators and recreational fishermen.

Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award): None.

Washington State Department Of Ecology

CPN FWCA

15.517 - Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) [DOI]

Yakima, Washington United States

County-Wide

R-R-CPN-21-001