PUBLIC LANDS -- Updates to the W.T. Wooten Floodplain Management Plan will be presented at two public meetings this week in southeast Washington.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff present the plan involving the state wildlife area and other lands from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.:

• Wednesday, April 20, in Richland at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr.
• Thursday, April 21, in Dayton, at the Dayton Best Western Hotel, 507 E. Main St.

The plan identifies actions to improve ecological functions, floodplain management, and recreation opportunities, and to address facility deficiencies for the Tucannon River impoundments (man-made lakes) in Columbia County.

According to the department, funding for lake renovations was allocated by the Washington Legislature from the state Capital Budget.  The plan’s stream habitat and floodplain restoration work is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration and Washington State Conservation and Recreation Office Salmon Recovery Grants.

Recent actions include development of site survey and geotechnical investigation plans, design evaluations and construction cost estimates, design of the Rainbow Lake Enhancement and Rehabilitation Project, design of large wood restoration projects on the Tucannon River.