Over the past 3 years WWCCD has been working with landowners to complete a river restoration project that encompassed 0.5 river miles to improve floodplain connectivity, water quality, and salmonid habitat. The project included a variety of engineered log jams and riparian plantings. The video below is a timelapse of the installation of Bioengineered Log Jams (ELJ). These structures assist in improving water quality through bank stabilization and increased floodplain connectivity. The ELJ are strategically installed to restore floodplain functionality. This is one of many projects throughout the county where WWCCD has collaborated with funding agencies and landowners to improve our natural resources.

Floodplain Connectivity

The district has obtained three grants to fund the work.

The Floodplains by Design project focuses on improving floodplain connectivity. The goal is to help with flood recovery and improve the region’s ability to handle future high-water events by restoring and improving the floodplain. By restoring natural floodplain function, flood water can be directed away from infrastructure (homes, roads, buildings) and instead to historical flood areas where flood energy can be safely dispersed and waters slowed.  The first phase of this project is between Wickersham bridge and Blue Creek. WWCCD staff will  engage with landowners to gain their input on what’s needed to protect their land and the surrounding ecosystems.  This work is funded by a grant from the Department of Ecology.

Water Quality

The district also obtained a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) program. The NWQI supports voluntary farm conservation projects that focus on water quality improvements in a particular reach or watershed. The district will conduct field surveys with landowners to identify current conditions and then find the NRCS-funded practices that could be implemented to improve water quality conditions. These include practices to promote soil health, reduce erosion and lessen nutrient runoff to benefit natural resources while enhancing agricultural productivity.  The NWQI project area is from the mouth/confluence with the Walla Walla River up to the confluence with Blue Creek.

Salmon Recovery

Finally, a  Snake River Salmon Recovery project is also in progress to develop a stream restoration design with a specific emphasis on salmon habitat. It’s focusing on the 2-mile reach between the Last Chance Road Bridge up to the Wallula Avenue Bridge. Mill Creek is within a designated Major Spawning Area (MSA) for Mid-Columbia steelhead from its confluence with the Walla Walla River upstream to its head waters.  It’s focusing on the 2-mile reach between the Last Chance Road Bridge up to the Wallula Avenue Bridge, and is funded by the state Recreation and Conservation Office.

Why focus on Mill Creek?

According to the Water Distribution Division for the City of Walla Walla, the Mill Creek Watershed supplies 80-90% of the city’s water needs. These projects aim to uphold and enhance water quality for our residents and their water needs. Flood events have damaged private properties and people’s livelihood. These projects work to reduce future flood damage. Mill Creek provides ideal fish habitat and is essential for recovery of the Walla Walla River population of Mid-Columbia Steelhead.. We are looking forward to working on these Mill Creek projects with the local community and stakeholder groups. If you have any questions relating to these projects please contact Alison Crowley, Project manager, at the district office.