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
The Department of Natural Resources will use this grant to acquire 2.66 acres of forested wetland buffer (subject to a life estate reservation) for inclusion in the Schumacher Creek Natural Area Preserve. This natural area was designated to preserve three rare plant communities and a rare example of Puget Lowland wetland and forested bog, along with the southern headwaters of fish-bearing Schumacher Creek. The primary conservation opportunity provided by this project is increased protection for the forested bog, as well as opportunities for scientific research and environmental education.