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 buy about 5,292 acres in the Simcoe Mountains of Klickitat County. The land includes mixed conifer, Oregon white oak, white alder, shrub steppe, grasslands, cliffs, and 16 miles of streambank habitat, which includes Columbia River tributaries. The project protects western gray squirrels, mule deer, northern goshawks, and western toads. Jointly managed by the department and the East and Central Klickitat Conservation Districts, this landscape connects grazing and forestry lands from the Columbia River to the Cascade Mountains. The project also will provide opportunities for hiking and hunting.