BPA Contract 83002. The Twisp Ponds project is in the Lower Twisp River Assessment Unit (AU), a major spawning area for both spring Chinook and steelhead. Both the Biological Strategy and EDT rank the Lower Twisp/ Twisp-Lower AU as a top priority for restoration. The project addresses important ecological concerns as identified in the Biological Strategy. Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) and BPA technical leads will identify in channel complexity improvements that will prevent seasonal disconnection of the intake that feeds the side channel network. Design leads will also review potential improvements within the intake channel that could A) provide increased habitat for target species or B) reduce winter ice build up at three road crossing culverts.

Project is intended to restore a perennial connection to the Twisp Ponds side channel network flowing from an existing connection to the Twisp River at River Mile 1.5. This project will increase off-channel rearing habitat and main channel for juvenile spring Chinook and steelhead by providing a perennial connection to the Twisp Ponds side channel network and increasing instream complexity in the main channel.