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
This project purchased 560 acres along the Niawiakum River, one of the four highest quality salt marshes remaining on the Olympic Peninsula and southwest Washington. This intact estuary contains examples of five elements in the Natural Heritage Plan: four wetland communities and one threatened animal species.