The objective of the project is to restore natural processes to the Wenatchee River by removal of a 300ft long levee and restore the riparian area. The project addresses the limiting factors of habitat diversity and quantity and channel stability as listed in the Recovery Plan. The riparian restoration (planting) area is approximately 35ft wide by 300 ft long. A floodplain fence was installed to help accumulate woody debris and to help protect the adjacent orchard without limiting the river from accessing the floodplain.


The project site is located on the lower Wenatchee River at approximately River Mile 13.5, two miles east of the town of Dryden, Washington. It is located just upstream from CMZ 11 and the Gagnon Back Channel Project. It is located on the inside of a meander bend. See location map, attachment A. The lower Wenatchee River is a Category 2 watershed and is not designated as a major/minor spawning area (UCRTT, 2008). It does provide rearing habitat for a number of species such as Coho, Chinook and steelhead.

The levee removal was completed in 2013 and the riparian planting was planted in spring 2014. The levee was removed down to the elevation of existing dogwoods. Note the height of the levee adjacent to the telephone pole in the before and after photos.