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 Department of Fish and Wildlife will use this grant to acquire, through land purchase and land exchange, about 3,605 acres along the Columbia River, northwest of Grand Coulee in Douglas County. To be added to the Big Bend Wildlife Area, the acquisition will protect sagebrush-steppe habitat, ponderosa pine stands, wetlands, and Columbia River shoreline to benefit shrubsteppe species including Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and greater sage-grouse. The purchase will expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The primary conservation benefit provided by this project is protection of sagebrush-steppe habitat.