Wallula floodplain restoration project aims to revive Walla Walla River ecosystem

In a recent meeting held by the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners, significant discussions centered around the Wallula Floodplain Restoration Project, a collaborative effort with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This ambitious initiative aims to reconnect the lowest six miles of the Walla Walla River with 1,500 acres of its historic floodplain, marking one of the largest floodplain restorations in the Pacific Northwest.

The project is designed to restore natural river processes that have been disrupted by historical channelization and deep incisions along the riverbanks. By allowing the river to overflow its banks and spread across the floodplain, the restoration will enhance habitat diversity and improve conditions for various wildlife species, including endangered species such as bull trout and summer steelhead. The project is particularly crucial for the Spring Chinook salmon, which were extirpated from the Walla Walla River about a century ago. The restoration aims to improve juvenile salmon habitat, which has been severely limited due to poor conditions in the river.

The meeting highlighted the ecological benefits of the project, emphasizing how reestablishing the floodplain will create a more complex habitat. This complexity is vital for the growth and survival of young salmon, as they thrive in the rich, marshy environments that provide ample food sources and cover from predators. The restoration is expected to alleviate the bottleneck effect currently experienced by juvenile salmon, which suffer high mortality rates as they navigate through the river's confined stretches.

In addition to the primary focus on the floodplain restoration, the meeting touched on the importance of ongoing communication with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and other stakeholders, as the success of the project is closely tied to water elevation management in the McNary Pool. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of habitat restoration efforts and the broader ecological health of the region.

As the project moves forward, it represents a significant step toward revitalizing the Walla Walla River ecosystem and supporting the cultural and environmental needs of the local tribes. The anticipated outcomes of this restoration project not only promise to enhance wildlife habitats but also aim to restore a vital resource for future generations.