One phase of Lower Peshastin Creek Habitat Restoration Project wraps up, another begins soon
Work is moving forward on the Lower Peshastin Creek Salmon Habitat Restoration Project to clean up toxic lead waste, rebuild fish habitat, and preserve a critical cold-water refuge where Peshastin Creek meets the Wenatchee River. Peshastin Creek is very important for endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species. This work, led by Cascade Fisheries and supported by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is located at the Dryden Dam Water Access Site, managed by WDFW.
As of April 2025:
- Lead remediation completed: The lead cleanup phase was successfully completed in fall 2024. This phase involved excavating and processing approximately 2,500 cubic yards of soil to remove lead contamination. Measures were taken to prevent further human contact with contaminated soil and protect groundwater, surface water, plants, and animals from lead exposure.
- Contractor mobilization: Preparations for the habitat restoration phase are underway, with contractors scheduled to mobilize in at the end of April 2025. Log trucks and heavy equipment will be active during weekdays until September.
- Boater safety class: Cascade Fisheries will host a boater safety class May 21, 2025 at Colchuck Consignment in Cashmere to raise awareness of the impediments to Peshastin Creek boaters. Contact for details.
- Habitat restoration phase: The second phase of the project will begin in 2025 and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. This phase will restore Peshastin Creek’s channel to its historical location, expand floodplain connectivity, and enhance fish habitat through the installation of Engineered Log Jams (ELJs) and floodplain roughness wood structures. Riparian vegetation restoration will follow earthwork activities.
- Interpretive Trail Construction: Following the habitat restoration phase, 1,810 feet of an interpretive trail will be created with an educational kiosk and interpretive signs. The trail will educate visitors on the history and importance of salmon in Peshastin Creek.
The habitat restoration phase will address ecological impacts in lower Peshastin Creek:
- Approximately 21,000 cubic yards of excavation will restore the creek’s channel and floodplain area.
- Installation of 34 engineered log jams and 13 floodplain roughness wood structures will improve sediment sorting, gravel retention, and pool creation.
- Approximately 3,500 cubic yards of streambed material will be placed within the channel to rebuild the streambed. This will enable water flows to access the entire channel, facilitating channel splitting during periods of high flow.
- Fish habitat will be restored through improved ecological complexity and diversity.
Riparian vegetation restoration will cover approximately three acres once earthwork is completed. This project has been made possible through collaboration with multiple partners. As the work is taking place on property managed by WDFW, the Department is facilitating the project. The Washington Department of Ecology provided funding and technical resources for lead cleanup. Habitat restoration funding was provided by the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Bonneville Power Administration.
The total project cost is estimated to be $3.5 million. Completion of this critical restoration effort is anticipated by fall 2025.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833–885–1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
