Did you notice some unusual activity along the shorelines near Crescent Bar and Sunland Estates last year? Did you wonder what was happening? Under the direction of Grant PUD, a contractor surveyed and removed objects from the Wanapum Reservoir that were potentially hazardous to recreators and wildlife. These removals were the culmination of a multi-year effort by Grant PUD to identify areas within the reservoir where potentially dangerous man-made objects might be lurking and then remove them if in fact, they were found to be present.
In spring of 2024, a diving contractor surveyed the river bottom adjacent to the shoreline at five locations in the vicinity of Crescent Bar and within the cove south of Sunland Estates. During that survey they were able to identify over 170 distinct man-made objects within the survey areas. In the fall of 2024, the contractor began removal efforts. Over the course of five weeks, they removed 11 tons (22,000lbs) of man-made objects from Crescent Bar and 10.6 tons (21,200lbs) from the cove at Sunland.
Why does it matter? Placing man-made objects in the reservoir is dangerous. Recreators are at risk of injury when, unknown to them, objects are placed in the water. Swimmers, boaters, hunters, fishermen, and anyone else using the reservoir could be seriously injured if they were to encounter these objects. Additionally, placement of these items negatively impacts habitat functions. It can cause turbidity in the water which negatively impacts salmon habitat. Disturbing the river bottom can impact fish spawning habitat, negatively impacting these critical fish populations.
What can you do to help? Please help keep our reservoirs and rivers clean, safe, and healthy by not placing items in the water that don’t belong there. Work with us to keep our waters a fun and safe place to recreate for generations to come.
