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 acquired 2,181.55 acres in southern Asotin County, including portions of the Cougar Creek drainage, tributary of the Grande Ronde River. The parcel is bordered on the north by National Forest lands, and the south by recently acquired Bureau of Land Management lands. Acquisition will protect creek and river shorelines, riparian, meadows, springs, and ponderosa pine habitats. A diverse variety of species will benefit from this acquisition – including steelhead, bull trout, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, wolves, and golden eagles. This project will acquire a portion of a large ranch, representing phase 1 of an ongoing project.