Category Overview
Critical Habitat projects are our state’s primary tool for conserving important fish and wildlife habitat. These projects protect the rich and diverse habitats in our forests, prairies, and wetlands. These funds help maintain our state’s biodiversity and protect species that are popular for hunting, birding, and other outdoor recreation, and are critical for the health of our salmon and fish populations.
Project Highlights
With support from this award, WDFW acquired +/- 382 acres of critical habitat across two separate acquisitions, the Bear Canyon property and the Trepanier property. For the other properties approved for acquisition with this award, the landowners decided not to move forward with selling their property after the award period began. As a result, the project is closing with a notable amount of unspent funds. The Bear Canyon property totaled 92.72 acres and was acquired in August 2020. The Trepanier property totaled 289.84 acres and was acquired in December 2021. These two acquisitions secured important habitat in Yakima County. The Bear Canyon property secured an important inholding property for the Oak Creek Unit, improving connectivity. The Trepanier property helped improve connectivity between the Cowiche and the Oak Creek Units of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. Both acquisitions resulted in expanded recreational opportunities on public land. Four other properties were approved for acquisition with this award, however, the landowners decided not to move forward with negotiations.