THORP, Wash. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray toured Springwood Ranch in Kittitas County today, discussing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan’s recent acquisition.
The ranch, now co-managed by the Yakama Nation and local entities, plays a key role in water management and cultural preservation, Sen. Murray said in a release.
“This collaboration will improve water resources for nearby farms, safeguard critical wildlife habitat, all while honoring and preserving the cultural heritage of the Yakama Nation—it’s a true win-win for communities across the Yakima Basin.” Sen. Murray said.
The Yakama Nation and stakeholders have long advocated for the purchase, which supports traditional tribal activities and addresses water storage needs.
Urban Eberhart of the Kittitas Reclamation District highlighted the project’s significance, noting, “The construction of this reservoir will help meet the goals of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan to provide this region with a strong economy and healthy ecosystem into the future.”
The Yakima Basin faces its third consecutive year of drought, underscoring the project’s urgency.
“The message that we need to carry on is the collaboration that’s taking place in this whole project,” Joe Blodgett, a Yakama Klickitat Fisheries Project manager, stated.
