Hutchinson Ranch Acquisition
In 2021 Kittitas Conservation Trust was contacted by the owner of 235 acres of undeveloped land along the Upper Yakima River. The land was part of the Hutchinson family ranch for generations, and its conservation was the property owner’s vision. With one mile of Yakima River frontage, wetlands, riparian habitat, and multiple historic channels, it was clear that this land was indeed a priority for conservation. KCT staff quickly began working with the landowner and started to pursue funding to purchase the property. By 2022, KCT had secured funding for this floodplain conservation acquisition. Funding partners for this project include the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and McNary Mitigation Funds.
Project Details
Date Acquired
2024
General Area
Thorp, WA
Funding
$2,434,269.00
Outcomes
235 acres of floodplain conserved
Land protection in critical Yakima River corridor
On December 21st of 2024, KCT closed on the Hutchinson Ranch property, ensuring the land will be conserved in perpetuity. In honor of the Hutchinson family and all the history they have with this land, KCT has named the property the Hutchinson Ranch River Conservancy.
The Hutchinson Ranch River Conservancy hosts a variety of different habitats from river, to riparian, to floodplain, and even shrub steppe. Wildlife abounds here and cottonwoods are able to successfully regenerate. The presence of historic, but now disconnected river channels, leave room for many potential restoration opportunities. Connecting these side channels and the acres of floodplain here may even help reduce flood impacts to the surrounding community. The relative elevation map included here shows several of these channels.
A 70 acre hayfield on the property will eventually be retired and planted with native vegetation. While baseline surveys have been completed for this acquisition, additional surveys, modeling, monitoring, and the help of experts will be needed to determine the best restoration options for Hutchinson Ranch River Conservancy. KCT will start with some cultural resource surveys, and then removal of manmade materials and fences. KCT is also working to obtain funding to assess the property further and work towards preliminary restoration designs. The conservation and restoration of this land will have benefits for numerous fish, plant, and wildlife species, and is part of a larger effort to protect riparian and floodplain habitats along the Yakima River.
