Heart of the Cascades 2014

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

Under this grant, WDFW acquired the following properties in Kittitas County: 1) Manastash Section 7, +/- 705 acres on December 12, 2016; 2) Westdale, +/- 1,565 acres on July 31, 2017; 3) NJK Timber Section 7, +/- 590 acres on June 28, 2019; and 4) TNC/Knudson, +/-142 acres on December 01, 2017. These transactions brought the total acreage purchased with funding from this grant to approximately 4,014 acres. Approved amendments to this project agreement included: 1) Adding funding ($2,312,560 to $4,000,000) 2) Increasing the admin limit to 5% 3) A time extension to June 30, 2019 4) A time extension to June 30, 2020 Through this grant, WDFW also: – Surveyed 5.5 miles of property boundary – Posted 3 RCO acknowledgement signs – Installed barriers and gates – Prepared and conducted weed treatment

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: Critical Habitat WWRP Grant: $3,777,279.46 Applicant Match: $0.00 Project Type: Acquisition County: Kittitas Legislative District: 13 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 14-1090

Location Details

5 miles west of Ellensburg take exit 101 off I 90. Turn onto Thorp Highway south. Next, turn right onto Thorp Cemetary Road. Continue straight and the roads turns into NF 3300 W Taneum Road. Go roughly 8.3 miles and go left onto the 3120 road. Proceed ~5.8 miles and turn right onto the 3100 road. Proceed ~ 1 mile and enter section 7

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.