Middle Entiat Bremer Restoration

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The Middle Entiat Habitat Improvement Project has been in development since 2014, when the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) originally led a technical team to develop concepts for implementation over a 4.5-mile reach in the Entiat River. This project is intended to improve spawning and rearing habitat for Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species. Later in 2014, Reclamation competitively awarded cooperative agreements to project sponsors to undertake landowner negotiations, complete state and local permitting requirements, and ultimately contract for construction of projects, now known as Project Area(s) A, B, C, D, E, F. It was intended construction costs would be covered by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). In 2016 BPA rescinded this commitment. In response, Reclamation has committed to complete the design and fund the construction of these projects. To date, and under separate agreement, CCNRD has worked with stakeholders to secure construction authorizations, provide project updates, conduct site visits, and incorporate feedback into project development. CCNRD has worked with Reclamation staff to organize and facilitate meetings, site visits, and conduct surveys within the project area. Additional previous work under cooperative agreement with Reclamation includes the successful completion of several projects, namely the Harrison Sidechannel Project, the Lower Whitepine Project, the Peshastin Irrigation District Fish Passage Project, and their current efforts on the Upper Whitepine Project, which has recently moved to the construction phase. CCNRD has and continues to perform well on these projects and is an invaluable partner in Reclamation’s efforts to improve wildlife habitat in the Entiat Sub-Basin.

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