Simcoe 2016

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 +/- 5,087 acres of land in rural Klickitat County. This acquisition was part of a multi-phase strategy to acquire more than 20,000 acres in the Simcoe Mountains. In this phase, a mix of riparian and upland lands were purchased providing habitat, in perpetuity, for federally listed species including Chinook salmon, as well as the western gray squirrel, burrowing owl and western toad. Originally labelled as Phase 4, this was actually the fifth phase of this acquisition strategy. Fewer acres were acquired than originally planned, but acquisition will continue with a sixth phase planned to add an additional 5,000 acres. Post-acquisition activities started under this grant will continue under the Simcoe 2020 award (20-1225). There were four amendments on this project. Amendments #1, #3 and #4 were time extensions. Amendment #2 was a scope change to add in survey. SIGNS NOXIOUS WEEDS FENCING

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: Critical Habitat WWRP Grant: $4,000,000.00 Applicant Match: $0.00 Project Type: Acquisition County: Klickitat Legislative District: 14 Status: Active RCO Project # 16-1346

Location Details

From Highway 97 at Goldendale, Klickitat County, travel 10 miles north to Box Canyon Road. Turn right (East) on Box Canyon Road and travel approximately 7 miles to the end of the county road and gate.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.