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
This project began protection of winter range for the state’s largest herd of migratory mule deer in the Methow Valley area. The project features 1,094 acres of Chewack River drainage, with contiguous, relatively undisturbed riparian and deciduous forest, meadows, and wetlands. The stream provides habitat for a varied wildlife population and sustains more biological diversity than any other stream in the Methow River watershed.