Despite significant investment in salmonid habitat restoration efforts, the Yakima River Basin continues to face challenges in restoring native fish populations due to historical declines and ongoing habitat degradation.

Numerous factors, including over a century of commercial harvest, unscreened surface water withdrawals, dam construction, habitat degradation, and non-native species introduction, have contributed to the decline of native salmonid populations in the Yakima River Basin. The Endangered Species Act listings of Columbia River bull trout and Middle Columbia River steelhead underscore the urgent need for comprehensive restoration efforts.

The WRCD facilitates collaboration among stakeholders and coordinates project planning and implementation to ensure efficient and effective restoration efforts. By leveraging funding from the Bonneville Power Administration and fostering partnerships, we work towards the shared goal of revitalizing salmonid habitat in the Yakima River Basin through the Yakima Tributary Access and Habitat Program (YTAHP).