The Yakima Tributary Access and Habitat Program (YTAHP) was organized to restore salmonid passage to Yakima tributaries that historically supported salmonids and to improve habitat in areas where access is restored. This program intends to: a) survey Yakima River tributaries and prepare an inventory of fish passage barriers, diversion screening, and habitat assessments; b) screen unscreened diversion structures to restrict fish entrainment into artificial waterways; c) provide for fish passage at man-made barriers, such as diversion dams, culverts, siphons and bridges; and d) provide information and assistance to landowners interested in contributing to the improvement of water quality, water reliability and stream habitat.

The YTAHP developed from a number of groups actively engaged in watershed management, and/or habitat restoration within the Yakima River Basin. These groups include the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Kittitas County Conservation District (KCCD), North Yakima Conservation District (NYCD), Kittitas County Water Purveyors (KCWP), and Ahtanum Irrigation District (AID). The US Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Yakama Nation (YN) both participated in the development of the objectives of YTAHP.  The South Central Washington Resource Conservation and Development Council (SCWRC&D) was chosen to administer the program at the local level.  Other entities that will be involved during permitting or project review may include the YN, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and US Army Corps of Engineers (COE).