The Yakima River Basin was once home to thriving populations of native salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Despite significant investment in habitat restoration, a combination of pressures over the past century — heavy commercial harvest, unscreened water withdrawals, dam construction, habitat loss, and the introduction of non-native species — have taken a serious toll. Today, Columbia River bull trout and Middle Columbia River steelhead are both listed under the Endangered Species Act, a clear signal of how much work remains to bring these fish back.

WRCD brings together landowners, agencies, Tribes, and other partners to plan and carry out restoration projects across the basin. Through our Yakima Tributary Access and Habitat Program (YTAHP), we’re working to reconnect and restore the habitat these fish need to survive — one project, one partnership at a time.