Phantom Butte Grassland Restoration

Category Overview

The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category provides funding to two state agencies to help repair damaged plant and animal habitat. These grants focus on resource preservation and protection of public lands. Projects in this category help bring important natural areas and resources back to their original functions by improving the self sustaining and ecological functionality of sites.

Project Highlights

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will use this grant to restore approximately 150 acres of a 250 acre field on Phantom Butte located in the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. The site was previously used to support wheat production and will be restored to native grassland habitat to support Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and greater sage grouse. Both Species are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. This site will ultimately support passive recreation (bird watching, hiking) and active recreation (hunting).

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: State Lands Restoration & Enhancement WWRP Grant: 65000 Applicant Match: 0 Project Type: Restoration County: Lincoln Legislative District: 13 Status: Complete RCO Project # 16-2072

Location Details

Take U.S. Hwy to the only highway rest area between the towns of Creston and Davenport, WA, roughly 7 miles east of Creston. About 300 yards west of the rest area, turn south onto Telford Rd. North. At about 7.5 miles, pass by the intersection with Whittaker Lake Rd. East. One half mile south of this intersection, stop and look left (east). The restoration site is about 1/2 mile straight east from here, accessed by hiking up a hill.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.