YAKIMA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in collaboration with Benton County, announced plans to conduct drone flights over the lower Yakima River on August 27 or 28, 2025.

These flights aim to identify river areas that could benefit from habitat restoration.

The initial flights will cover the area from the Prosser City Wastewater Plant to the Yakama Nation Prosser Hatchery.

Following this, drones will survey the stretch above the Benton City Unit of WDFW’s Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area down to Benton City Park and the WDFW water access area.

The flights, lasting approximately 2-4 hours each, will take off from public or tribal fisheries facilities and fly directly over the Yakima River, ensuring private property is avoided.

Weather conditions may a

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