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
Under this grant, The WDFW acquired approximately 4,644 acres of the Mountain View 4-O Ranch property in the third and fourth phase of this multi-phase acquisition. This purchase brought the total acreage purchased in the first four phases of this acquisition to approximately 8,438 acres. Following the purchase of the property, WDFW completed boundary survey, weed control, and fence installation. Approved amendments to this project agreement included the addition of costs for post-closing activities related to property acquired under Phases 1 and 2 under RCO Project # 10-1613A. This was determined to be advantageous due to the multi-phased complexity of the larger Mountain View 4-O Ranch acquisition project. Similarly, it was determined in collaboration with the WDFW Archaeologist to combine cultural resource consultation and survey work together for all phases of the acquisition, including those following the completion of this grant. The results of that work are provided and indicate that no adverse effects were anticipated as a result of the acquisition and post-closing activities funded under this grant. Ground disturbing work was completed without encountering any unanticipated discoveries of cultural materials or human remains.