Tucker Creek has experienced channel erosion downstream of the Kittitas Main Canal at the hardened siphon crossing, which has created a six foot vertical drop, blocking fish passage to the upper portion of the creek.

Construction of a ramp to allow fish passage over the siphon was previously proposed by the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program and the Bonneville Power Administration in 2001, but the project was never completed due to timing limitations and difficulties in obtaining all the required permits and easements. In 2004, Reclamation and the Yakama Nation Fisheries decided to move forward and complete the project.

Reclamation will construct an earthen structure below the Kittitas Main Canal siphon where it intersects with Tucker Creek. The structure will be a roughened channel ramp composed of various sized rock and sediment, approximately 280 feet in length and 22 feet wide with a slope of 5.4 percent. The structure will be located completely within the footprint of Tucker Creek.

If you have questions about the EA, or to request a copy of the document, please contact: Dave Kaumheimer, Bureau of Reclamation, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima WA 98901, (509) 575-5848 ext. 232, or email:dkaumheimer@pn.usbr.gov.