Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge Reopens on May 1
Information provided by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
After two years of closure to complete the largest habitat restoration project in the history of the lower Columbia River, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge reopens to the public on May 1. Construction on the Steigerwald Reconnection Project began in 2019 to reduce flood risk, reconnect 965 acres of Columbia River floodplain, and increase recreation opportunities at the refuge.
The Steigerwald Reconnection Project benefits juvenile salmon and steelhead migrating to the ocean by increasing Columbia River floodplain habitat between the Bonneville Dam and Willamette River by 19%. It also increases habitat along the Pacific Flyway, a migratory bird path extending from Alaska to Patagonia. The $31 million project also generated approximately 503 local jobs and brought in more than $67 million to Washington’s economy.
The refuge scheduled a reopening ceremony with project partners and the public on Saturday, May 7 if the CDC Clark County COVID-19 Community Levels remain at low or medium levels. Register for re-opening event HERE
Steigerwald Reconnection Project accomplishments include:
Expanding the refuge by 160 acres through Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust property acquisition and transfer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Removing 2.2 miles of Columbia River levee and connecting the river to its historic floodplain for the first time in more than 50 years.
Restoring salmon-bearing Gibbons Creek to its natural channel, while removing the fish ladder at the confluence of the creek and the Columbia River.
Constructing 1.6 miles of new setback levees to enhance protection of the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park, city of Washougal wastewater treatment plant, and private residents.
Raising a portion of State Route 14 to the Columbia River’s 500-year flood level.
Moving and expanding the refuge parking lot.
Creating more than 100 acres of wetland and reforesting 250 acres of riparian habitat, planting more than 500,000 trees and shrubs and more than 14,000 pounds of native seeds.
Adding 1.1 miles of new trail to the urban refuge.
More information about the Steigerwald Reconnection Project can be found HERE
Funding sources for the Steigerwald Reconnection Project include the Bonneville Power Administration, Washington Department of Ecology, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. For a full list of funders and project partners visit the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership website.
For more information, contact:
Brent Lawrence, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (503) 807-4886
Doug Johnson, Bonneville Power Administration (503) 713-7658 or (503) 230-5131
Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (503) 500-5248
