15-002 Corps seeks public input for Clover Island ecosystem restoration project

Published Jan. 6, 2015

KENNEWICK, Wash.  – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District (Corps) invites public input, ideas and concerns regarding a proposed ecosystem restoration project along the Clover Island shoreline.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Port of Kennewick (Port) are partnering on a feasibility study of ecosystem restoration along the Columbia River at Clover Island (River Mile 329), located in Kennewick, Wash.

The scoping period of the study will run from Jan. 6 through Feb. 10, 2015. During this period, the public is encouraged to submit comments to the Corps regarding the scope of issues and alternatives to be addressed in the feasibility study. Comments can be submitted via e-mail, at nepanww@usace.army.mil; or by using U.S. Mail addressed to

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
ATTN: Clover Island 1135
201 N. Third Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362

The purpose of this project is to improve aquatic and riparian habitat that is important to four salmonid species listed under the Endangered Species Act (upper Columbia River spring-run chinook salmon, upper Columbia River steelhead, middle Columbia River steelhead and bull trout). Construction of McNary Lock and Dam (including federal levees) filled natural shallow-water habitat along the shoreline of Clover Island and removed riparian vegetation. Shallow-water habitats are critical to the foraging, resting and rearing of migrating juvenile salmonids. Riparian vegetation attracts food sources (insects) for juvenile salmon, and provides shade that cools water temperatures along the shoreline where juvenile salmon rest and feed as they migrate to the ocean. Restoration alternatives will be focused along the island’s outer edge as it faces the Columbia River. 

As part of the feasibility study process, the Corps is preparing a Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment (EA) that will identify and evaluate the effects of alternative plans. The study process and documents will be prepared to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable laws and regulations.

Additional information is available on the Walla Walla District website at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/CloverIslandEcosystemRestorationProject.aspx.

-30-


Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 15-002