Wildboy Creek is a hidden gem, flowing through the Columbia River watershed, winding through rocky, forested terrain in Skamania County before meeting the Washougal River. Historically, it provided sanctuary for salmon, steelhead and other species. However, timber harvesting and Kwoneesum Dam, built in 1965 to create a lake for the Camp Fire organization, disrupted this natural haven.
Now, with the land owned by the Columbia Land Trust and the dam removed by the Cowlitz Tribe, the creek is reviving, and an entire ecosystem is coming back to life. This restoration is a reconnection with the land, culture and future for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Columbia Land Trust and the local community.
Across the Pacific Northwest, dams have served practical purposes but often at significant costs. For the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, the Kwoneesum Dam blocked salmon and steelhead from ancestral spawning grounds, severing a vital link between the people and the river. Restoring Wildboy Creek restores this tradition and connection, allowing salmon to swim upstream once more. This transformation rekindles a relationship with nature that goes back generations.
For many, the removal of the dam feels like reuniting with an old friend. The Washougal River has sustained the community for years, and removing the dam allows the community to give back by ensuring the river’s health.
This success story stems from a shared vision, with local leaders, neighbors, elected officials, businesses and agencies rallying behind the project.
Removing the dam opens 6½ miles of habitat for coho salmon and summer steelhead. The benefits extend beyond fish passage, improving water quality, rebalancing sediment flow, enhancing recreational opportunities and ensuring public access. Downstream landowners also gain safety with the aging dam gone. The impacts of dam removal resonate with various stakeholders, through restored salmon, cleaner water or revitalized landscapes for future generations.
The future of the 1,300-acre parcel acquired by the land trust includes conservation forestry, combining sustainable forest practices with watershed health. This approach benefits the timber-dependent rural community with jobs, materials for mills and tax revenues.
This restoration didn’t happen without substantial investment. Acquiring and restoring Wildboy Creek exemplifies how federal, state, philanthropic, and local resources can unite to support the environment and economy. Donations and a state water quality grant supported land acquisition, while more than $6.5 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $2.6 million from state and local sources funded dam removal and stream restoration. These investments created jobs, assured timber supplies, improved downstream safety, and restored habitat and water quality — a remarkable return on investment.
In a time of climate crisis, projects like this highlight the importance of natural resilience. Federal and state funding from agencies such as NOAA and NRCS support not just one creek but the health of the entire region, protecting cherished places. Standing on the banks of Wildboy Creek, with water rushing where the dam once stood, we witness nature’s resilience—and our own. Just weeks after the dam removal, the first steelhead in 69 years were spotted exploring the newly accessible upstream habitat. Their return symbolizes collective action.
This inspiring success reminds us there’s more to be done. Across the Columbia River watershed other habitats need protection and barriers need removing. With continued commitment we can restore rivers and communities, ensuring the beauty and resilience of places like Wildboy Creek endure for generations to come.
