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
Project acquired 6,000 acres on Dalles Mountain to form the Columbia Hills NAP in Klickitat County above the Columbia River. Columbia Hills NAP contains populations of three rare plants and outstanding Idaho fescue grasslands. A public pedestrian trail runs through the site. (A separate project by State Parks establishes a park facility on the lower elevations of the mountain.)