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such as the flood hazard management projects and habitat restoration projects <br />referenced in other parts of this letter, or through natural flooding and erosion <br />processes. In any case, the County will not take or allow any action that would <br />preclude the possibility that significant side channels and/or the main channel of <br />the Yakima River may come to occupy Area 1 at a future date, unless such action <br />is necessary as part of a restoration action consistent with the primary use of the <br />property. <br />Parcel 728733, Hansen Pits <br />4. This pertains to the project to reconnect Hansen Pits to the Yakima River. The <br />project's goals are to: 1) allow more natural river flooding and erosion processes <br />at the Hanson Pits and other locations in the reach, 2) allow native trout and <br />salmon access to the Hansen Pits, 3) reduce non-native fish populations in Hansen <br />Pits, and 4) to do so while protecting private property and critical transportation <br />facilities. Two conceptual alternatives for this project were identified in the Plan <br />as Flood Hazard Management Projects HP 14 and HP 16. These alternatives ranked <br />highly and are consistent with purchase and implementation of restoration on the <br />Stewart Parcel (described in #2 and #3, above.) These alternatives will be <br />considered in the planning process, though other alternatives or combinations of <br />alternatives that meet project goals may be implemented. <br />a. Within three years of acquisition of the Stewart parcel and subject to <br />available funding, the County intends to initiate technical studies, <br />stakeholder engagement, and other planning for this project. <br />b. Within six years of acquisition of the Stewart parcel and subject to <br />available funding and timeliness of required permit approvals, the County <br />intends to complete the implementation of this project. <br />c. The project will be compatible with establishment of a community park, if <br />desired by the County. <br />Parcel 17895, County Spra. field <br />5. Long-term, the County intends to restore portions of this parcel to support <br />reconnection to Hansen Pits and the establishment of a native riparian forest (see <br />Area 3 and 4 in the attachment for a concept drawing of these areas — the actual <br />boundary between these two areas will be determined per the process defined <br />below) <br />a. Restoration and Long -Term Management of Area 3: The County intends <br />to conduct a flood avulsion flow path risk assessment in 2020 (provided <br />sufficient funding exists at the time). The assessment will identify the <br />probable significant flow paths of the river once it avulses into Hansen <br />Pits. The assessment will also consider probable significant flow paths <br />under a scenario in which the existing levees around and between the pits <br />are removed from the model to represent the unobstructed natural <br />Kittitas County Courthouse 205 West 5t°Avenue, STE 108 • Ellensburg, WA 98926 <br />(509) 962-7508 -FAX (509) 962-7679 <br />www oo.kittitas.wa.us <br />