Searching for solutions on McKay Creek
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Lower McKay Creek was the scene of a day-long field trip yesterday. Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett said in addition to the city, the National Marine Fisheries, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation participated.
McKay Creek has been named a critical habitat in the reestablishment of salmon and steelhead. Because of that designation, it is not allowed to be maintained or cleaned out according to federal regulations.
The creek, fed by McKay Reservoir is also a vital supplier of water to irrigators. Corbett said that he hopes the field trip will lead to cooperation among the involved parties.
“We see this as a great opportunity to learn from each other and, hopefully, see some great outcomes in our efforts to improve the safety of the people who live along the creek,” he said. “We want reestablishment of salmon and steelhead. We want to continue to provide water for the irrigators. But the risk of flooding has just gotten too dangerous.”
Image MyCB file photo from April 2019
