Category Overview
As Washington continues to grow, many of our most beautiful areas are threatened with development. In addition, native ecosystems are receding, and important wildlife habitat and migratory pathways are being cut off. The Natural Areas category helps combat this by funding projects that protect wildlife habitat and rare geological features while also preserving public access for back-country recreation.
Project Highlights
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to acquire 18.95 acres of saltwater shoreline, natural feeder bluff, & mature upper forestland within the Dabob Bay Natural Area (NA) boundary. The NA is located in Jefferson County, within the Hood Canal region of Puget Sound. This proposal will add 0.15 acres of riparian land (including 96 feet of shoreline), 2.55 acres of natural feeder bluff (including 792 feet of shoreline), & 16.25 acres of developable uplands to the NA. Priority Properties A & B are adjacent to existing NA ownership, managed by DNR in perpetuity for conservation. Priority Property C is adjacent to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (WDFW) 150-acre North Olympic Wildlife Area – Tarboo Unit, which is also managed for conservation. The goal of DNR’s proposal is to acquire the three Priority Properties in fee, for permanent protection in the NA.By acquiring the identified priority properties, DNR will further strengthen the long-term protection of the Dabob Bay NA, support future education & research opportunities, & provide potential opportunities for appropriate low-impact public use.