Category Overview
As Washington continues to grow, many of our most beautiful areas are threatened with development. In addition, native ecosystems are receding, and important wildlife habitat and migratory pathways are being cut off. The Natural Areas category helps combat this by funding projects that protect wildlife habitat and rare geological features while also preserving public access for back-country recreation.
Project Highlights
In the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), this project secured 502 acres of the most critical lands threatened by mining and residential development. Mount Si NRCA is unique because of its large, relatively undisturbed area with rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, large mammals, outstanding scenery, and recreation opportunities within 25 minutes of the Seattle-Bellevue metro area.