LOWER SNAKE RIVER, Wash. – Riparian habitat development to begin Jan. 9 at Rice Bar and Central Ferry habitat management units (HMUs) on the lower Snake River will require temporary closures in work areas and where equipment is stored, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations officials.
Hunting is also not allowed in these areas. Visitors are encouraged to check information kiosks near HMU parking areas for maps showing temporary restricted zones.
The 40 acres of riparian plantings to occur at Central Ferry HMU and 20 acres at Rice Bar HMU mark the final stage of a multi-year effort to develop 200 acres of high-quality riparian habitat which meets the requirements of the Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan (Comp Plan).
A $3.9-million contract was awarded to Environmental Assessment Services, LLC, an Alaska Native corporation-owned small disadvantaged business from Richland, Washington, to perform the work, which includes removing invasive non-native species and replanting with native species in areas where they would naturally occur along the river.
The new plantings are composed of native willows, cottonwood, elderberry, chokecherry, and serviceberry, along with other plants based on availability. The native plant species will encourage wildlife to return to the area and help to maintain these sustainable lands
The riparian habitat is desirable for native and migratory birds in Washington. It supports tree and willow growth near water sources, while transitioning to sagebrush-steppe area farther upland. By complying with the Comp Plan, the Corps meets USFWS and WDFW requirements for habitat mitigation -- a total of more than 12,000 acres of various types of habitat. Corps HMUs provide not only quality native-species habitat for wildlife, but also opportunities for visitors to enjoy wildlife-oriented outdoor recreation activities.
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Release no. 17-002