Lehman Uplands Conservation Easement

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

Methow Conservancy closed the 1025-acre conservation easement on July 24, 2020. Since closing the conservation easement, the landowner, Methow Conservancy and NRCS have been working to install fencing and water developments to ensure that grazing on the property is compatible with protection of the shrub-steppe habitat and riparian draws. As well, Methow Conservancy has arranged for noxious weed control in 2021 and 2022. This work is mostly complete, allowing the property to be grazed consistent with the conservation easement beginning in 2023.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Methow Conservancy Category: Critical Habitat WWRP Grant: $1,134,049.99 Applicant Match: $1,570,450.00 Project Type: Acquisition County: Okanogan Legislative District: 7 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 16-1699

Location Details

From the town of Twisp, turn east off Highway 20 onto Winthrop-Twisp Eastside Rd. Travel 3.3 miles to the property's driveway at 333 Winthrop-Twisp Eastside Rd.

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.