A new program to manage the floodplains and shores of the Little Klickitat River that lie within city boundaries is entering into its final review by the Washington Department of Ecology.

An important goal is to protect and improve fish habitat and water quality for threatened steelhead, as outlined in a restoration plan in the update.

The city’s shoreline master program sets criteria for a variety of uses including business, residential, and parks and recreation. It will guide construction, development and restoration within Goldendale’s jurisdiction of the river.

In 2014, the city began to update its shoreline program to align it with new state rules and current shoreline conditions. Last June, the city adopted the updated shoreline plan and submitted it to Ecology for review. Before approving, Ecology will take public comments into consideration and may identify modifications to meet the state’s Shoreline Management Act.  

Comments and questions should be addressed to Lennard Jordan, Department of Ecology, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, 1250 W Alder St, Union Gap, WA 98903, or by email to lennard.jordan@ecy.wa.gov. For information, call 509-457-7125.

Comments will be accepted through April 3, 2017.

Review documents:

• Ecology’s Central Regional Office, 1250 W Alder St, Union Gap
• Ecology's website