The Cowiche Watershed project objectives are to preserve listed priority habitats and associated wildlife species and to protect and retain functional migration corridors and core wildlife habitat (Oak Creek Wildlife Area, OCWA). WDFW priority habitats found in the project area include: riparian, shrub-steppe, oak woodland, aspen stands, cliffs, wetlands, and talus. This project will benefit listed and priority species associated with these habitat types including: steelhead, west-slope cutthroat, coho salmon, golden eagle, loggerhead shrike, sage thrasher, sage sparrow, white-headed woodpecker, Lewis' woodpecker, nuthatch spp., deer, and elk. Other species that may benefit include: bull trout, sage grouse, and western gray squirrel. This project will also benefit Hover's tauschia, a rare plant listed by the Washington Natural Heritage Program as threatened. This project will protect core habitat (the OCWA) and terrestrial and aquatic migration corridors.