Where are these projects?

Both projects are in an area known as the “Twisp Ponds”, just west of the Town of Twisp. Methow Salmon purchased this property in the early 2000s for habitat restoration.

Why is this project being constructed?

Prior to Methow Salmon purchasing the Twisp Ponds, this floodplain property had been cleared and a series of ponds dug by developers looking to create residential river front home lots. Through a series of restoration actions, the site has become a vibrant network of ponds and interconnecting channels with year-round connection to the Twisp River. It provides beneficial rearing habitat for young salmon.

The Habitat Connectivity Improvement Project and Riparian Restoration Project provide an opportunity to address identified site limitations. The projects provide an opportunity to address identified site limitations, primarily problems with flow resiliency through the upper channel, water quality concerns from road run-off, and a lack of pond shading and instream habitat.

What will this project do to address ecological concerns and improve fish habitat?

IMPROVed Connectivity of Ponds and Channels

A single channel that brings water from the Twisp River into the ponds system is prone to blockage from debris and beaver damming, particularly where the channel flows through culverts. When the channel is blocked, water levels within the downstream ponds and channels are reduced and fish can become stranded. The Habitat Connectivity Project will improve flow resiliency through the system by removing three culverts and by creating an overflow channel to direct water into the uppermost pond if the primary channel gets blocked.

Planting of native riparian species and Wood Complexity

The Riparian Restoration Project will improve water quality in the ponds by widening the space between the ponds and Twisp River Road. Wood, cobble and soil will be used to build out the southern bank of the pond to create a wider riparian bench. This expanded riparian bench will help reduce runoff from the adjacent roadway entering the ponds. Tire dust containing 6DDP Quinone is particularly toxic to some species of salmon. During construction, wood will be layered within the benches, protruding into the ponds to provide complex cover for juvenile salmonids. Select areas along the toe of the benches will be dug deeper to allow access to cool thermal refugia and deeper habitat for rearing salmonids. The benches will be planted to increase riparian canopy cover over the ponds, providing terrestrial habitat, and reducing pond temperatures. W

When will this project be constructed?

The Habitat Connectivity Project will be constructed in late July and August 2026.

The Riparian Restoration Project will be constructed in September and October of 2026 or 2027. However, trucks will be hauling material to a staging area adjacent to the ponds in July 2026.

Who is doing this project?

Methow Salmon will be managing the projects, hiring local and regional contractors to complete the construction. Methow Salmon prioritizes working with local and regional contractors. Contractors are encouraged to contact us to be placed on our contractor list.

Learn about other Salmon Habitat Projects