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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife used this grant to purchase about 73 acres of shrubsteppe and grassland habitat to add to the Golden Doe Unit of the Methow Wildlife Area. The property supports large, year-round populations and seasonal concentrations of mule deer as well as black bears, coyotes, golden eagles and numerous sagebrush-obligate species. The primary conservation opportunity provided by this project is protection of shrubsteppe habitat.