Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE GOLD CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT?

The purpose of the project is to improve habitat conditions for bull trout and other fish, wildlife, and vegetation at Gold Creek. More than a century of damage has thrown this ecosystem out of balance.

Q: WHY IS THIS PROJECT, AND SAVING BULL TROUT, IMPORTANT?

The restoration work in Gold Creek Valley is important because it’s our chance to repair a century of human-caused impact. This critical habitat was damaged by the construction of roads, dams, and gravel pits that supplied materials for the building of Interstate 90.

Bull trout, a native, keystone species of the Pacific Northwest, are a leading indicator of stream health. The fact that they are struggling to survive in Gold Creek speaks volumes about the overall health of the area.

Q: WHY IS GOLD CREEK “POND” HARMFUL TO THE AREA?

Gold Creek “Pond” is harmful because of the unnatural way it was built, and its impact continues to reverberate throughout the area. Because it’s deeper and at a lower elevation than the creek, the gravel pit acts like a siphon and pulls water away. This exacerbates the creek’s annual dry period, which is especially harmful for aquatic species like bull trout that need a healthy creek to migrate and reproduce. The gravel pit also lacks the biodiversity that should live there.

Q: DIDN’T GOLD CREEK GO DRY BEFORE THE GRAVEL PIT WAS BUILT? COULD THE CREEK STILL GO DRY AFTER THE RESTORATION WORK?

The creek occasionally went dry for short periods of time prior to the gravel pit’s construction. Water levels naturally fluctuate throughout the seasons, so it’s possible that sections will still go dry at certain times of year after restoration. However, the planned habitat restoration work will increase the ecosystem’s resiliency, and will reduce the severity, frequency, and duration of dry periods.

Q: ISN’T DECLINING SNOWPACK THE MAIN REASON WHY GOLD CREEK GOES DRY? WON’T CLIMATE CHANGE MAKE THIS RESTORATION PROJECT POINTLESS?

Declining snowpack and climate change are not the main culprits for the damage at Gold Creek. Decades of human development are. Habitat restoration is critical work, happening all across the region, and it’s essential for helping our natural landscapes flourish even as the climate changes.

Q: HASN’T THE AREA ALREADY BEEN RESTORED? I SEE LOTS OF PLANTS AND WILDLIFE THERE.

Gold Creek “Pond” is one of the few gravel pit sites that was not restored back to its natural wetland state after the expansion of I-90. A healthy wetland would be flourishing with frogs, salamanders, and native plants, all of which are struggling under the current conditions.

Q: WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE IMPACTS OF THE GOLD CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT?

The community will benefit from a healthier habitat at Gold Creek. The valley can be home to a more balanced ecosystem where keystone species can thrive, where healthier soil supports abundant native plants, and where recreationists can observe a greater diversity of wildlife during their time outdoors.

Q: WHO WILL DO THE WORK TO RESTORE GOLD CREEK AND WHAT IS THE TIMING?

Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT) is the on-the-ground organization restoring the creek in partnership with Yakama Nation Fisheries, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The Forest Service began an environmental review process in early 2020 to evaluate possible strategies and determine which restoration plan makes the most sense.

Q: WILL RESTORING GOLD CREEK MEAN THAT RECREATION WILL GO AWAY?

Far from it! At the end of the project, the gravel pit area will have ADA-accessible, family-friendly recreation trails that will invite visitors to interact with a revitalized landscape.

 Q: WHO ARE THE SUPPORTERS OF THE PROJECT?

The project is backed by a broad coalition of the Yakama Nation, conservation groups, public land and resource managers, and local residents. Supporters include Forterra, Mountains to Sound Greenway, Conservation Northwest, Suncadia, Outdoors for All Foundation, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kittitas County, and many others.

Q: HAVE OTHER PROJECTS TAKEN PLACE BEFORE?

Yes. The plans at Gold Creek are part of a larger movement to restore the headwaters of the Yakima River and wildlife on and around Snoqualmie Pass. Conservation groups have restored habitat at Box Canyon, Cle Elum River, and Upper Kachess River, and recently completed several wildlife crossings along I-90.

Q: HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Get involved by making your voice heard. Stay informed by signing up for email alerts. You can also reach out directly to the Forest Service:

Patty Garvey-Darda, Team Leader

(509) 852-1029

Deborah Kelly, Okanogan-Wenatchee Public Affairs Specialist

(509) 664-9247