(rushing water) - Part of how we got
in this whole project is under the Sikes Act,
where the Air Force
and Fish and Wildlife Service work together
to preserve and enhance the environment
on military bases.
When we did a study out here,
we looked at what things could be done
for salmon and steelhead
to help with the environment on the base,
and this was the biggest thing we came up with.
Our overall project is trying to improve upstream passage
for salmon and steelhead.
So some of the really good areas
for salmon and steelhead are upstream of here.
So if we provide passage here,
we're gonna get a lot better success
for salmon and steelhead.
- This is very exciting.
Now we're going to do that over and over again.
- The DOD, being a large landholder, is also
got some of the highest percentages
of endangered species on their land.
And that's why this is so important,
is because we are out there (pulls motor cord)
protecting the land. (motor buzzes)
I mean, we're also doing our mission
as far as training and part
of that mission is also taking care of our land
so that you have a place to train on.
And part of that is taking care of endangered species.
- The Air Force also had the core of engineers come in
and take a look at the dam,
and there are some issues with it too.
So the overall goal (water splashes)
next summer will be to remove the dam.
It's really more (motor buzzes)
cost-effective to take the dam out
and just let the fish naturally pass up through.
The Air Force has been a great partner
to work with on this.
We've been able to work together
and get some good things done for fish
and wildlife resources on base.
(jar rattles)