Written By
By Tim Logan, Community Corrections Supervisor for the Washington State Department of Corrections and Nicole Shepherd, Visitor Services Manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In early December, high winds and torrential downpours from an atmospheric river created hazardous conditions throughout the state of Washington. In Chelan County, this included the flooding of both the Icicle and Wenatchee Rivers that flow along the banks of Leavenworth, Cashmere, and into the Columbia River on the north end of Wenatchee. Orchards and homes were flooded, highways collapsed, and the small communities of Holden Village and Stehekin on Lake Chelan were ordered to evacuate. Governor Ferguson declared a statewide emergency due to the large-scale scope of the flooding, landslides, mudslides, and wind damage.
The Wenatchee Department of Corrections office work crew has contracted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth for many years. Typically, the work crew assists the fish hatchery with grounds maintenance and set-up for events such as school field trips. However, at the end of December, they were asked to assist with a difficult situation caused by the flooding of the Icicle River. A large amount of debris consisting of trees, tree limbs, mud, and sand had accumulated along the bank of the Icicle River, wedged against a wheelchair accessible fishing dock, funded and built by Trout Unlimited volunteers. This debris was compressed together so tightly by the flood waters that it had to be removed by hand.
Under the watchful eye and clear direction of work crew supervisor Alissa Pheasant and Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery staff, this task was undertaken by individuals completing community service and non-confinement sanctions on the work crew. Three days of labor finally cleared the platform from this debris, which reduced the risk of damage to the dock and restored access for visitors.
This is just one example highlighting how the Washington State Department of Corrections work crew has become a reliable, mission-aligned partner to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Through well-planned service projects and on-site coordination, the crew supports stewardship of hatchery grounds and public spaces, helping us keep trails and visitor areas safe, clean, and welcoming while enabling hatchery staff to focus on fish culture, conservation and education. This partnership also advances DOC’s re-entry goals by providing meaningful, skills-building work that fosters teamwork, accountability, and a sense of contribution to conservation and community well-being. The result is a relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose that delivers tangible improvements and creates positive pathways for crew members to gain experience through service that truly matters.
The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a salmon that was raised at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 39.9 million anglers who spend $99.4 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime. Learn more about Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery!
