The Desert Wildlife Mitigation Project is comprised of 6 (TD-1,2,3,4,5,6) wetland enhancement projects designed to benefit waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland obligate species.  The projects are funded in part by the BPA, and are all located on the Desert Wildlife Area Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.  BPA funds were provided for initial development work at the TD-1 and TD-2 projects.  BPA funds are currently provided for annual operation and maintenance activities performed at all six wetland projects.  

The TD-1 project is an intensively managed flow-through system of 9 restored wetland basins that are seasonally inundated by diverting water from the adjacent Frenchman Hills Wasteway.  Enhancements completed during initial development include:  installation of 8 water control structures; diking; channeling; shallow excavation and contouring; strategic armoring of the dikes to deter burrowing mammals; and planting of disturbed areas.  In 2017 a second expansion enhancement phase was completed.  The expansion development utilized outside funds, though permitting and work was coordinated with the BPA which allowed operation and maintenance activities to be incorporated into the TD-1 project.   Enhancements completed during the expansion development include:  installation of 2 water control structures; diking; channeling; shallow excavation and contouring; island development; and planting of disturbed areas.  Presently, annual operation and maintenance activities at TD-1 include:  coordinate water use with BOR and Quincy Irrigation District; implement moist soil management strategies; inspect and repair enhancements; establish desirable vegetation; control undesirable vegetation; operate and maintain water control structures; monitor and report annual waterfowl use; and BPA contract administration and reporting.

The TD-2 project is a managed system of 19 restored wetland basins that are passively inundated by seasonal fluctuations of the adjacent Winchester Wasteway.  Enhancements completed during the initial development include:  shallow excavation and contouring of 19 late-succession stage wetlands; construct isolation dikes to eliminate surface water connections and prevent fish entering the project from adjacent managed lakes; strategic armoring of dikes to deter burrowing mammals; and planting of disturbed areas. Annual operation and maintenance activities at TD-2 include:  inspect and repair enhancements; establish desirable vegetation; control undesirable vegetation; maintain duck nest tubes; and BPA contract administration and reporting.

The TD-3, TD-4, TD-5 and TD-6 projects were identified and included in the original project proposal as areas that would provide improved benefits for migratory and residential wetland associate species through strategic management techniques. TD-3 and TD-5 are influenced by the Frenchman Hills Wasteway, while TD-4 and TD-6 by the Winchester Wasteway. No formal enhancements have occurred on these projects to date.  Annual operation and maintenance activities on these sites have consisted of monitoring and controlling undesirable vegetation.