W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Floodplain Management Plan Project Activity Update

November 2017

W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area

Floodplain Management Plan

NOVEMBER 2017 UPDATE

Purpose: To provide updates on implementation of the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Floodplain

Management Plan (FMP).

Plan Overview: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is implementing the

W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area FMP. The $20 million improvement plan complements ongoing habitat

restoration efforts to recover spring Chinook salmon and other Endangered Species Act-listed fish

species within the Tucannon River Basin.

The FMP focuses on improving the Tucannon lakes, restoring and enhancing habitat in the floodplain,

burying the powerline between the Tucannon Fish Hatchery and Camp Wooten, and relocating

campgrounds out of the floodplain. Progress continues to be made on implementing the plan.

PROGRAM UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updates to Organizations: WDFW and consultant staff are available to provide progress updates on

implementation actions to clubs, service groups and other organizations. Please contact Kari Dingman if

you would like to have someone come brief your organization on the latest efforts in implementing the

FMP.

Project Website: Check out the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area website:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/wt_wooten/

Program Contact for Additional Information: Kari Dingman, WDFW Assistant Wildlife Area Manager,

509-843-1530, Kari.dingman@dfw.wa.gov

RAINBOW LAKE ENHANCEMENT AND REHABILITATION PROJECT – PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

This summer, WDFW started construction to increase the depth and size of Rainbow Lake by removing

accumulated sediment and a spit in the middle of the lake, expanding the lake to the south, and

installing a settling basin and supply pipeline. A looped road was also developed through Campground

3. This year’s work is the first phase of construction.

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W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Floodplain Management Plan Project Activity Update

November 2017

Looking north across Rainbow Lake from the south end of the newly constructed portion of the lake.

Looking west across Rainbow Lake from the ADA fishing pad.

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W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Floodplain Management Plan Project Activity Update

November 2017

The actions at Rainbow Lake this year and planned actions for next year will improve fish and wildlife

habitat, water quality, storage capacity, and access for anglers. Overall, the local fishing experience

should be much improved in future years, given the ability to stock more fish and increase the number

of fishing areas around the lake. This year’s actions are part of a larger plan to improve the lake and

campgrounds around the lake, and remove a portion of the lake from the Tucannon River floodplain.

Impacts to Fishing at Rainbow Lake in 2018

There will likely be impacts to 2018 fishing opportunities at Rainbow Lake. Construction in 2018 is again

expected to occur from June through September. Overall, the number of fish available to be caught at

the Tucannon lakes will remain unchanged.

FUNDING STATUS

State funding allocations for the Wooten FMP continue to be at reduced levels from the 6-year schedule

included in the FMP. Full plan implementation will likely take 10 or more years with the current and

future projected funding allocations. The Wooten FMP competes with other spending priorities across

the State.

The sediment basin that will reduce the amount of fine sediments that enter Rainbow Lake.