Mill Creek Low Flow Project prompts closures at Mill Creek and Bennington Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is resuming work on the Mill Creek Low Flow Channel Project, requiring public safety closures around Mill Creek and Bennington Lake from June 5 through Nov. 30.

Closures include:

• The unpaved section of the Kingfisher Trail and the South Gravel Levee east of the visitor center.
• The pedestrian bridge near Mill Creek Dam, south of Rooks Park.
• The Mill Creek project office overflow parking lot off Reservoir Road.
• Temporary, intermittent closures of the Whitetail Trail may occur to accommodate construction vehicle access.

The Mill Creek Visitor Center, Rooks Park, Bennington Lake Recreation Area and its trails, and the paved portion of the Kingfisher Trail north of Mill Creek will remain open.

Public parking remains available at the Visitor Center, Rooks Park and Bennington Lake.

For the safety of visitors and their pets, dogs on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed lands, including Rooks Park and the Kingfisher Trail, must be leashed.

The Mill Creek Low Flow project will modify 40 weirs along Mill Creek to improve habitat for endangered fish. These improvements will enhance water flow to aid the downstream migration of young salmon and attract adult salmon returning to spawn, benefiting species such as steelhead, bull trout and spring chinook. This project is part of a larger collaborative effort to enhance fish passage and ecological conditions within Mill Creek.

The Walla Walla District appreciates the public’s understanding and support as it implements these important improvements.