It sparked to life in late July of 2024.
The Retreat Fire burned its way across more than 45,000 acres of sagebrush, grass, mixed conifer and sub alpine forests in central Washington.
Along the way, it closed parts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest including the majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area – scorching important habitat for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, wild turkey, small mammals, birds and other wildlife.
It also charred the Yakima-Tieton Main Canal, a more than 115-year-old, 12-mile-long waterway that feeds agricultural lands below boasting one of the most productive apple-producing regions in the world.
The fire clogged the 8-foot-deep, open-top tube construction with debris, destroyed 31 wooden structures used by wildlife to safely cross the waterway as well as five wooden ramps placed in the canal that allow wildlife to escape when it is dry during winter months.
Irrigation district officials made the decision to close down the waterway for only the second time ever so repairs could be made.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation contributed funding for crews to rebuild those life-saving escape ramps and crossings, ensuring elk and other wildlife will remain unharmed.
Restoring elk country is core to RMEF’s mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.
Since 1984, RMEF helped conserve or enhance more than 9.1 million acres of wildlife habitat.