The latest progress report of restoration and pollution remediation work in the Hangman Creek watershed is hot of the presses. It highlights continued progress toward a healthy watershed, clean water, and recovered salmon and trout habitat. Much of the work in this report was performed due to an innovative lawsuit brought against the EPA by the Spokane Riverkeeper. The outcome of this lawsuit was a settlement with the Washington Department of Ecology to make Hangman Creek a priority watershed, directing much-needed funds, personnel, and attention to one of the dirtiest creeks in Washington State. This basin has been designated a “High Priority Watershed” by Washington State and is a demonstration of what can be done using litigation to create the synergy and momentum for true collaboration and positive change. The basin is now the focus of many stakeholders working together, collaborating to restore the creek, stop pollution, and ultimately recover valuable salmonid fish habitat.
This report summarizes the completed, ongoing, and future work by Ecology and its partners in the watershed during the 2021 calendar year. Of note is that Ecology awarded over $2M in funding to partners for new projects and continuing work in the watershed last year. Read all about the work below.