Yakima Basin Fish Benefits Survey

Project ID: R25AP00136

Federal Agency: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2025

Initial Funding: $209,918

Total Funding: $209,918

Principal Investigator: Lesser, Virginia

Agreement Technical Representative: J Mcginnis, Michele

Abstract: 

This project addresses the need for assessing the economic benefits of federal water resources investments in the Yakima River Basin, Washington State, as required by The Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources (PR&G). Federal investments in the basin consist of multiple projects that aim to add fish passages at reservoirs, improve the efficiency of water supply infrastructure and conserve sensitive watershed habitat to address water resource and ecosystem problems in the basin. These projects will impact fish and wildlife, agricultural production, municipal water supply and recreation opportunities. With this project we will address the valuation of fish benefits resulting from these federal investments.

The purpose of this agreement is to acquire logistical support to implement a national survey of 10,000 households about willingness to pay for increasing fish populations in the Yakima River Basin.