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
This project began acquisitions in Douglas County to protect at least six rare shrub- steppe wildlife element occurrences and at least two high priority plant communities. Species protected include the largest population of pygmy rabbits, as well as sage grouse, Washington ground squirrel, sage thrashers, sage sparrows, and Brewer’s sparrows. There are no comparable sites for shrub-steppe in the state.