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
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will use this grant to fund a combination acquisition and development project on 2,162 acres outside Cashmere in Chelan County, Washington. The landowner donated a conservation easement on 1,817 acres, and recently acquired an adjacent 345 acres that protects connected habitat and provides superior access. The Land Trust will acquire a conservation easement on this second property to complete the Cashmere Canyons Preserve, working with the landowner to protect quality wildlife habitat and provide appropriate public access to the entire Preserve. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will also develop a trailhead with parking, kiosk, vault toilet, and trails connecting to an existing trail network. The primary conservation value is habitat for Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, especially wintering range and a connectivity corridor to higher elevation public lands. The primary recreation opportunity provided by the project is hiking.