Projects and Research

We have four programs:

  • Yakima Basin Program: We focus on monitoring and evaluation, bull trout trapping and hauling at Bureau of Reclamation dams, mussel monitoring, improving instream flows, restoration, protecting existing high-quality habitat, and providing fish access to headwaters.
  • Native Fish Conservation Program: We evaluate and monitor bull trout, Pacific lamprey, and other understudied aquatic species to evaluate the status of populations and assist with conservation efforts. 
  • Hatchery Evaluation Program: We look for ways to optimize the performance and contribution of the fish we raise in our hatcheries.
  • Habitat Restoration Program: We work cooperatively with our partners to enhance and restore aquatic habitats through innovative techniques and best available science for the benefit of our native species in the Mid- and Upper Columbia.
A bull trout is held in water in a cooler while a tag is attached to its body.
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Yakima Basin Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

The goal of the Yakima Program is the recovery of native anadromous and resident fish populations. The program focuses on four primary objectives: improving instream flows, restoring degraded aquatic habitat, protecting existing high quality habitat, and providing access to headwater habitats.

What We Do

To address the complexity of resource issues and tribal trust...

Yakima Basin Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
A blue-eyed adult Pacific lamprey suckers onto a rock underwater.
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Native Fish Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

We monitor bull trout, Pacific lamprey, steelhead, and Pacific salmon to evaluate the status of populations and assist with conservation efforts.

The mission of the Native Fish Conservation Program is working with others to collect, evaluate, coordinate, and disseminate fisheries information to help conserve native aquatic species and provide science-based management of aquatic...

Native Fish Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
Three biologists work as a team to collect data at a hatchery.
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Hatchery Evaluation Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

We look for ways to optimize the performance and contribution of the fish we raise in our hatcheries.

Mission Statement

The Mid-Columbia Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office's Hatchery Evaluation (HE) program uses monitoring, evaluation, and targeted research to assist the Leavenworth Hatchery Complex in effectively meeting both its mitigation goals and ESA responsibilities...

Hatchery Evaluation Program, Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
Two people in waders unroll a mat with embedded vegetation along the side of a muddy stream with lots of logs in it.
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Habitat Restoration and Conservation Program, Mid-Columbia FWCO

We work cooperatively with our partners to enhance and restore aquatic habitats through innovative techniques and best available science for the benefit of our native species in the Mid- and Upper Columbia.

Program Overview

We partner with private landowners, non-profit organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies. We work with these partners to provide technical...

Habitat Restoration and Conservation Program, Mid-Columbia FWCO