Ellensburg, May 5, 2010 - The regional effort to conserve and protect the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway got a tremendous boost recently with the awarding of $1.625 million grant to the Cascade Land Conservancy from the Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic Byway grant program for the purchase of critical habitat in the Byway.  The Conservancy is a partner with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on the purchase of 700 acres in the Yakima Canyon

More than two dozen organizations have joined together to form the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway Initiative.

"Our efforts in the Yakima River Canyon are comprehensive. We are addressing economic development and tourism, education and outreach, traffic safety and recreation, while at the same time identifying conservation and restoration priorities," said Jill Arango, our Kittitas County conservation director, and the lead coordinator for the 26-member initiative group.

In addition to the Conservancy, partners include:  Kittitas Environmental Education Network, WA Department of Transportation, Kittitas County, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Kittitas County Field and Stream Club, Canyon River Ranch, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Kittitas County Conservation District, Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, Central Washington University, City of Ellensburg, Yakima Greenway Foundation, the Eaton Family, City of Selah, Red's Fly Shop, Washington Water Trust, WA Department of Parks and Recreation,  Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Kittitas Audubon Society, Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Yakima Fly Fishers Association, and Tight Lines Angling.

The Conservancy is leading an effort to highlight and prioritize the importance of the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway for our region’s economy and environment. The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway is a world-class drive for visitors and residents of Washington State and it embodies the Central Washington experience from its scenic shrub-steppe vistas and rich riparian lands to its diverse recreational opportunities and important natural and cultural heritage.  The byway also supports and complements the only Blue Ribbon Trout stream in the state.

Since designation in 1968, public agencies have secured over 120,000 acres of land in the scenic corridor and established several camping and access points along the river. These public access areas experience a high volume of traffic throughout the year. However, even with these areas the Canyon continually experiences challenges with dispersed access along the roadside which is degrading the road and the riparian habitat.  
 
In recent years a large tract of privately owned land in the heart of the byway changed ownership and, as a result, two additional river access points were closed and the potential for development of this property is now a reality. The Conservancy holds a long-term option to purchase the property and is now seeking private funding to complete the purchase.

Next steps include raising the private funds for the remainder of the $3.2m total needed for the purchase.  On June 25th there will be an event to “Celebrate and Support” the Scenic Byway at the Canyon River Ranch. Former Gov. Dan Evans will speak to a crowd of over 200 who will enjoy local foods, fly fishing demonstrations and great live music.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) received requests for 287 projects totaling $99,439,645, however only $40,672,500 was available for grants for the FY 2010 cycle. In total, 94 projects in 39 States were selected. Only three projects in Washington State were awarded funding. According to the National Scenic Byways project selection team, projects were prioritized and selected based on the following criteria:

•    Project eligibility;
•    FHWA’s emphasis to identify projects of greatest strategic benefit;
•    FHWA’s principles of livability;
•    The priority and the critical need assigned by the State or Indian tribe;
•    Other administrative criteria such as benefits to the byway traveler, readiness to implement and the ability to leverage private or other public funding within the context of the availability of funding.

Contact:  Jill Arango, Cascade Land Conservancy, jilla@cascadeland.org, or 509.962.1654.

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