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
The Department of Fish and Wildlife will use this grant to purchase 515.77 acres in the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area in Okanogan County. The wildlife area is a successful project to enhance habitats and recover the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. The grouse are listed by the state as a species threatened with extinction and by the federal government as a species of concern. This is the only area in Washington with an increasing population of native sharp-tailed grouse. Acquisition of this land also provides contiguous ownership between the Scotch Creek and Sinlahekin Wildlife Areas, to simplify management of these lands.