Simcoe 2020

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 5,112 acres in the Simcoe Mountains. This unique, large-scale landscape includes mixed conifer trees, Oregon white oak, white alder, shrub steppe, grasslands, cliffs, and 26 miles of stream bank along Rock Creek, which is a tributary to the Columbia River, and its tributaries. The land and streams are used by steelhead trout, which is a species listed as at risk of extinction under the federal Endangered Species Act; by western gray squirrel, which is a species listed as threatened with extinction by the State; and by mule deer, rainbow trout, northern goshawk, and western toad. The purchase of this land will allow nonmotorized recreation, such as hiking and hunting. This is the sixth phase of a multiphase project to conserve 20,000 acres.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: Critical Habitat WWRP Grant: $4,000,000.00 Applicant Match: $0.00 Project Type: Acquisition County: Klickitat Legislative District: 14 Status: Active RCO Project # 20-1225

Location Details

From Goldendale, travel 9 miles north on Highway 97 to the intersection with Box Canyon Road. Turn east (right) onto Box Canyon Road and travel 4 miles to the edge of the proposed acquisition.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.