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 was funded to acquire 1,380 acres of privately owned property for inclusion in the Two Steppe Natural Area Preserve under this grant. The purpose of this acquisition was to provide protection for high-quality shrub steppe ecosystems and opportunities for scientific research and environmental education for local school groups and members of the public. The target property was not able to be acquired due to inability to confirm landowner’s claim of owning water rights on his property thus indicating market value expectations could not be met.