Bear Ck, Libby Ck, and Lake Osoyoos Pump Screen

This fourth contract year of the programmatic agreement between BPA and WDFW is continuing significant improvements in fish protection in the upper Columbia watersheds by bringing existing fish screen facilities into compliance with federal and Washington State fish screening and passage standards. WDFW identified three fish screen projects (Bear Ck, Libby Ck, and Lake Osoyoos pump screen) for correction to protect Spring Chinook and steelhead populations.

WDFW will continue to explore consolidation alternatives for fish screen and fish barrier projects and strategize to correct the respective issues using a logical and sequential approach that includes diligent communication with BPA, local experts, and water users. WDFW will continue working closely in partnership with the Methow Salmon Recovery Funding Board (MSRF), local entities, landowners, water users, and the Upper Columbia Salmon Recover Board (UCSRB).

WDFW completed the Skyline, Maltais, MVID, Twisp Power, and Aeneas Lake fish screen projects in the third year of funding. Under this agreement WDFW will work with an engineer to determine irrigation efficiencies and water quantity needs to install a test well for the Bear Creek diversion, assess the feasibility to install a test well or fabricate and install a new fish screen for the Libby Creek diversion, and help purchase a new compliant pump screen for the Lake Osoyoos diversion as deliverables. WDFW will continue working with local partners to identify future fish screen projects based on likelihood of impact to fish life, diversion volume, location, and landowner willingness.