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
The Department of Natural Resources used the grant funding to restore 88 acres of imperiled wet prairie and Oregon white oak woodland. Work completed included control of Himalayan and evergreen Blackberry, English holly, Italian Arum, shiny geranium, burr chervil and other weeds in the oak woodlots. We also controlled numerous weeds in the open prairie including meadow foxtail, reed canary grass, moth mullein, common teasel, Canada thistle, and curly dock. We completed 2 prescribed burns to help control woody plants and prepare the site for seeding with native seeds and planting with native grown plants. Burning also helped get rid of grass thatch and improve success with invasive grass control. Invasive species were controlled, native seed were collected and native plants were planted using DNR staff, Washington Conservation Corps, Clark County Master Gardeners and contractors. We also installed a large water control feature at the outlet of a pond which allowed for more water to be held in the pond and more water to be spread out over the prairie. We also controlled several acres of Reed Canary grass in the pond.