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
Skagit Land Trust will use this grant to purchase approximately 26 acres of important riverine and wetland habitat in Skagit County, WA. The property is located on 1,750 feet of the upper Samish River, 1.6 miles north of the town of Sedro-Woolley and east of I-5. It has been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as containing critical habitat for the state endangered and federally threatened Oregon Spotted Frog. The property also supports a variety of salmonid species including Endangered Species Act listed steelhead and populations of coho, chum, and resident coastal cutthroat trout. Acquisition of the property will permanently protect 22.5 acres of nationally declining palustrine forested and scrub-shrub wetlands and a 3.5-acre lowland riparian forest for the benefit of these species. Post acquisition, the property will be open for appropriate low-impact public access and Skagit Land Trust will work with project partners to identify future restoration opportunities. The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program will pay for approximately 50% of the real property acquisition costs. The remaining acquisition costs and any restoration activities will be paid for by other sources.