The W.T. Wooten Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) (PDF) was developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as an integrated, cross-program effort to improve conditions within the Tucannon floodplain.
The FMP identifies initiatives to improve ecological functions and recreational opportunities and addresses facility deficiencies for the eight man-made lakes (the Tucannon Lakes) and Tucannon River floodplain within the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area.
What's New?
WDFW has received $2 million in funding for continued implementation of the FMP for the 2015 to 2017 biennium. Continued feasibility analysis and design development will occur through this biennium to further the following conceptual actions identified in the FMP:
- Developing site survey plans and geotechnical investigation plans for each of the Tucannon Lakes
- Preparing design evaluations and construction costs estimates
- Furthering the design of the Rainbow Lake Enhancement and Rehabilitation Project, which includes improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, storage capacity, and access for anglers. The project also includes improvement of dam safety and reduction of seepage
- Continuing design of large wood restoration projects
- Implementing a Public Involvement Work Plan and holding additional public meetings (see Upcoming Events on sidebar)
- See the latest Information Updates for additional detail on these actions.
More Information
Visit the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area website
Kari Dingman
Assistant Wildlife Area Manager
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kari.dingman@dfw.wa.gov
509-843-1530
Completed projects
Rainbow Lake
This small bank fishing-only lake off the Tucannon River was improved through a series of construction projects that ran from 2017 through 2019. The work included dredging and removing sediment to increase lake depth and volume, which in turn reduced water temperatures and improved water quality. This also increased stocking capacity and angler access. Day-use facilities were improved, as well as disability access.
