A big thank you to Cornerstone Pie in Ellensburg for donating a portion of their proceeds ALL DAY, June 12th, to Mid-Columbia Fisheries. We also have the patio reserved for a social with friends, members, supporters, and colleagues starting at 5 pm on the 12th.

Students exploring a marker of river health - larval insects, aka macroinvertebrates!

Mid-Columbia Fisheries' Restoration Technician Gavin Skaar working to identify macroinvertebrates with students from Valley View Elementary.

Spring 2024 Education events are in the books!

From Salmon in the Classroom to interacting with the general public at various regional events, Mid-Columbia Fisheries has had an impact. Thanks to all of our partners who volunteered during our salmon release field trips including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Yakama Nation, the Washington Department of Ecology, Central Washington University, and the US Forest Service.

Here is a snapshot.

Salmon in the Classroom

• 425 students in Kittitas County
• 679 students in Yakima/Grant Counties

Other Field Experiences

US Forest Service 4th Grade Camp

• 235 students from 7 regional schools

Water Jam

• 350 students

White Salmon 7th Grade Field Trip

• 90 Students

David Reavill of WDFW works with students on macroinvertebrate investigation with students from Damman Elementary.

Marc Divens of the WA. Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Abrielle Teer of Mid-Columbia Fisheries lead Damman Elementary students through an investigation.

Mid-Columbia Fisheries' Yakima Basin Program Director Rebecca Wassell makes bull trout advocate buttons during a May 19, 2024 World Fish Migration Day event sponsored by the Yakama Nation. Photo Credit: Megan Haydon

Mid-Columbia Fisheries' Restoration Technician Justin Finkbeiner working with students from Damman Elementary.

Scott Kline of WDFW with students from Valley View Elementary School.

Jennifer Nelson and David Reavill of WDFW discussing good habitat with students from Damman Elementary.

Mid-Columbia Fisheries' Operations and Grants Coordinator Emily Smith working with students from Valley View Elementary.

Come volunteer with us this summer! Click HERE to sign up for any of the above opportunities!

Tori Wood, our Education & Outreach Coordinator, has taken Mid-Columbia Fisheries’ education program to new heights. This program reaches more than 2,000 students in 18 school districts and five counties. Tori has worked to ensure our curricula reflects the current Washington state learning standards. Tori also helps organize the Populus Committee, which includes implementation of the annual Populus Riparian Symposium and other workshops for restoration practitioners to improve the success of riparian revegetation projects.

"Tori has brought such enthusiasm and professionalism to all of our educational initiatives including our Salmon in the Classroom programming and the facilitation of the Populus: The Columbia Basin Riparian Planting Partnership," said Yakima Basin Program Director Rebecca Wassell. "Tori's creativity, attention to detail and passion for all things education have allowed us to expand our educational offerings which are so critical in developing future environmental stewards. Thank you, Tori, for all that you do!" 

Tori joined the Mid-Columbia Fisheries in March 2022. Tori completed her Masters of Science in Environmental Education at Southern Oregon University after receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies from Western Washington University. During her college career she worked in a variety of environmentally-focused roles and organizations including with our sister organization the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association! 

An avid birder, hiker, and adventurer Tori spends her off time with her beloved dog Winston exploring the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and beyond on a recent trip to Panama!

Donate HERE to be eligible to win this great piece of one-of-a-kind art!

Rock dams illegally constructed on Rattlesnake Creek, a tributary of the Naches River in Yakima County.

Mid-Columbia Fisheries’ Bull Trout Task Force spends countless hours educating the public on responsible recreation. This work focuses on waterways, impacts to species that inhabit them, and specifically why rock dams pose such a problem to migrating salmonids.

Rock dams are recreational structures built by campers to create pools, splash areas, or lounging spots. While these illegal dams seem harmless, as water levels drop during the summer these structures lead to the death of migrating salmonids. 

With hot weather, people want to cool off, so these dams start popping up around every campground, often at nearly every campsite. Now imagine the cold-water dependent fish species also trying to escape the heat. They don’t just encounter the federally authorized dams impacting migration, these fish now have to navigate thousands of smaller dams. For the scale of the issue, Mid-Columbia Fisheries has removed nearly 4 miles of rock dams since 2018. Here are some recreational alternatives: 

• Camping in upland areas usually will get you further from the crowds.
• Rivers have natural pool features that you can utilize to cool off without impacting river flow.
• Lakes and reservoirs provide excellent swimming and cool off opportunities.

Please join us by becoming a part of the solution to fish migration. Remove rock dams if you see them and spread the word to your neighbors and friends to not construct rock dams!

Photo Credit: Sam Schreck

Single Hill Brewing is making a beer in honor of salmonids with proceeds to support native salmon restoration and education! 

Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is dedicated to protecting and restoring wild salmonid populations, their habitats, and ecosystem functions that support native fish species through restoration, protection, education, and community involvement throughout our region.