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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife acquired 641 acres (Section 1, Township 15 North, Range 15 East) adjacent to the Oak Creek Unit of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. The property contains bench and canyon topography with Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest with patches of mature timber, bitterbrush, and native grasses. Several springs originate on the property and provide source water to a small tributary to the Naches River. Purchase of the property will protect habitat for northern spotted owl, bull trout, gray wolf, flammulated owl, white-headed woodpecker, and golden eagle. The project also includes incidental expenses related to potential future acquisitions in the Cowiche Unit of the Wak Creek Wildlife Area.