Okanogan County Shrub-steppe Restoration

Category Overview

The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category provides funding to two state agencies to help repair damaged plant and animal habitat. These grants focus on resource preservation and protection of public lands. Projects in this category help bring important natural areas and resources back to their original functions by improving the self sustaining and ecological functionality of sites.

Project Highlights

At the completion of the project a total of 100 acres on the Chiliwist Unit and 112 acres on the Methow Unit were seeded using genetically appropriate native seed Approximately 70 acres was burned to clear old noxious weed debri to allow for better seed soil contact, which will provide for a better germination and success rate. Noxious weed treatment was completed prior to seeding and following seeding there has been continued treatment to make sure that infestation of noxious weeds doesn’t occur. If these infestations occur, they will outcompete the natives providing a monoculture of noxious weeds that are not suitable habitat for shrub steppe wildlife species. Cultural Resources Survey – A cultural resources survey and report was completed 2023. An inadvertent discovery plan was created direct from the Colville Confederated Tribes, this included monitoring of the seeding to make sure there was no disturbance to potential cultural resources.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: State Lands Restoration & Enhancement WWRP Grant: $106,552.37 Applicant Match: $0.00 Project Type: Restoration County: Okanogan Legislative District: 7 Status: Completed RCO Project # 20-1287

Location Details

From Malott: Head south for two miles on Old Highway 97. Then, turn right onto Chiliwist Road. Continue for approximately one half mile. Lower property site will be on the righthand side of road.

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.