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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife used this grant to buy 1097 acres along the west branch of the Little Spokane River. The land contains highly diverse habitats including streams, riparian areas, wetlands, lakes, beaver ponds, cottonwood galleries, aspen groves, and forests. The area is relatively unique to eastern Washington because it provides such a large contiguous area of healthy Riparian Protection and wetlands at low elevation. The land supports a high level of diverse animals and plants, including moose, white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, cougar, grouse, turkey, golden and bald eagles, and Townsend’s big-eared bat. The property provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hunting, watching wildlife, hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.