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As part of the on-going implementation of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) developed by Reclamation and Ecology in coordination with the Yakama Nation and the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Workgroup (YRBWEP Workgroup), Reclamation, Ecology, and the Yakama Nation accepted the KRD Upper Yakima System Storage (UYSS) Project into the YBIP through the Adaptive Management Process.

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The UYSS Project was established to identify and assess off channel storage opportunities in the vicinity of the KRD service area to help meet the goals of YBIP. A study conducted identified the Springwood Ranch location as the highest potential priority for water storage.

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Springwood Ranch

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​An Appraisal Level Evaluation for the Springwood Ranch location was conducted. In March 2023, the Trust for Public Land (TPL) purchased Springwood Ranch from its long-time owners. Their purchase is one step in an ongoing collaborative effort among the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) partners to secure the property for long-term ownership to achieve multiple YBIP goals.

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Over the course of 2023-2024, TPL worked with future landowners, Kittitas County, Kittitas Reclamation District, the Yakama Nation, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other YBIP partners to secure the funding for ultimate disposition of the property and to finalize the details of long-term ownership of the Springwood Ranch property.

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On October 31, 2024, ownership of the Ranch was conveyed from TPL to its new landowners. Each owner has individual goals for their parcels, and they all agree on one thing; the off-channel storage is the ultimate goal. KRD will be the interim owner of the storage site while the feasibility study is conducted.  If the feasibility study is favorable, construction will be able to begin in continued collaboration with the Springwood landowners and the other YBIP partners.

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Fish & Farms

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What makes this site uniquely suitable for water storage, aside from geology, is its proximity to the KRD’s canal infrastructure.  Already in place, the KRD has the Main Branch canal starting at Lake Easton running down to the western border of the Springwood Ranch where it divides into the North and South Branch Canals. Using the infrastructure already in place, the canal can transport water directly to the storage site thus capturing water that will be sent down the river at times of the year when it is advantageous to meeting the goals of YBIP.  This project will create a place to store water to assist with spring outmigration flows. 

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Feasibility Study

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A Feasibility Study for this project has been underway that started with appraisal and scoping. Initial feasibility analysis will include things such as hydrologic analysis, hydraulic analysis, survey information, public/stakeholder engagement, value planning and alternative plan formulation.

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Work occurring will include Design, Estimating and Construction (DEC) review, a Final Feasibility Design Report, Economics Report, a Final Feasibility Report and environmental compliance.

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Public Access

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Each landowner will be determining when and where public access will be allowed. Currently the entirety of the approximately 3,600 acres is closed to the public. The KRD’s portion of the Ranch is closed to the public to allow for the feasibility study to take place and if feasible, the subsequent construction at the storage site.  Public access to the remaining portions of the ranch is subject to the decision of each landowner.

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Yakima Basin Integrated Plan

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The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) is a collaboration of state, federal, tribal, business, and community organizations committed to addressing water, fishery, habitat and climate variability challenges to ensure a robust Yakima River Basin within its built and natural systems.

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The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan constructing a water storage reservoir at this site will help to meet its goals. For more information on YBIP visit: www.yakimabasinintegratedplan.org.

 

FAQ’s

• How many acres will KRD hold? KRD will receive approximately 1400 acres for the storage site.

• How was this project funded? Funding for the Springwood Ranch acquisition was provided through a direct appropriation from the state Capitol Budget through the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office to the Trust for Public Land.

• What happens if we can’t build a water storage facility? If the feasibility study determines that the site is not appropriate for water storage, the KRD, consistent with Washington State legislation, will distribute their acreage to one of the other landowners: Kittitas County, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife or Yakama Nation.

• Why can’t the public be on the storage\ site?  During the feasibility study the KRD and USBR will be conducting various types of work, with personnel and equipment, making it an unsafe area for the general public.