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 conserve, through fee simple and conservation easement acquisition, 440 acres of shrubsteppe and stream bank habitat in Yakima County known as the Miracle Mile due to the area’s broad bird species diversity. The land borders the Wenas Wildlife Area which supports opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and other wildlife viewing. The primary conservation benefit provided by this project is protection of shrubsteppe, low elevation pine forest, and riparian habitats for numerous bird and other wildlife species.