RICHLAND, Wash. – The City of Richland is taking steps to address a key issue regarding Bateman Island.
A resolution has been proposed to remove the riparian habitat from the city’s existing recreational lease with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
This change would relieve the city of its lessee responsibilities, with the Department of the Army resuming property management duties, the resolution said.
The proposal follows a request from the State of Washington and the Yakama Nation to support an ecosystem restoration project at the Yakima River Delta.
This project, currently in the design phase, intends to improve habitats for salmon and endangered species by removing an earthen causeway to Bateman Island.
According to the city council’s agenda report, the resolution will be discussed during the council’s Tuesday, May 20 meeting.
