On Devil’s Mountain in Skagit County, a WWRP investment is protecting working forests, wildlife habitat, and water quality – all while keeping development pressures at bay.
With support from a WWRP – Forestland Preservation grant, the Skagit Land Trust secured a conservation easement on 43 acres of forestland in the heart of the Devil’s Mountain Forest Block. By extinguishing four development rights, this project ensures the land will remain in active forestry use in perpetuity, preserving both its economic and ecological value.
Beyond its working forest role, the property delivers major conservation benefits. It includes wetlands and riparian habitat that flow into the Nookachamps Creek, a tributary of the Skagit River, supporting local water quality and fish habitat. Wildlife cameras have documented use by large mammals, and the forest helps maintain a critical habitat corridor connecting Little Mountain, the Pilchuck Tree Farm, Puget Sound, and the North Cascades.
Devil’s Mountain is one of the region’s most important lowland forest blocks – large, intact, and notably resilient to climate change thanks to its varied geology, topography, and microclimates. Protecting this landscape also supports Skagit County’s Strategic Plan by safeguarding forest resources, rural character, and clean water.
This is the WWRP – Forestland Preservation grant category at its best: keeping forests forested, supporting sustainable management, and delivering lasting benefits to communities and wildlife.
What are Forestland Preservation WWRP grants?
WWRP – Forestland Preservation grants help protect forests from conversion to non-forest uses while supporting long-term forest management and timber production. These grants benefit a wide range of forest types – from small private forests to large industrial, community, tribal, and publicly managed lands – ensuring Washington’s forests continue to provide ecological, economic, and climate benefits for generations to come.