Comment Open On 21 Proposed WDFW Land Acquisitions Across Washington

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public comment on 21 proposed public land acquisitions that support fish and wildlife conservation and public access to Washington’s outdoors.

The proposals encompass about 60,483 acres with acquisitions in Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Skagit, Spokane, Wahkiakum, and Whitman counties. 

The proposal concepts are under review through the Department’s annual Lands 20/20: A Vision for the Future process, which it launched in 2005. The rigorous review process considers species and habitat management plans, regional conservation initiatives, community perspectives, and outdoor recreation opportunities. If approved through this initial process, it takes additional time and effort to secure funding, successfully negotiate, and acquire any of these properties.

“WDFW takes its role in managing public lands very seriously and carefully weighs the conservation and recreation value of new acquisitions,” said Kevin Connally, WDFW lands division manager. “We’ve recently seen how much the public values access to our shared outdoor spaces, and WDFW is focused on responsible stewardship of land that promotes outdoor opportunities and conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitats.”

Among the projects included in this year’s list of proposed acquisitions:

• The Grouse Flats Connection, approximately 2,440 acres of mostly forested land across Asotin and Garfield counties that would connect the Grouse Flats and 4-O wildlife area units. Grouse Creek runs through the property, providing habitat for juvenile steelhead as well as trout, and features habitat for elk, deer, bear, and many bird species.
• The Umtanum Ridge project includes 3,451 acres of critical shrubsteppe in Kittitas County and would expand the Wenas Wildlife Area. Thanks to its elevation and water supply, this area provides both elk and deer winter range and bighorn sheep habitat. It also supports white-headed woodpecker and loggerhead shrike. Recreational opportunities could include hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
• The Skagit North Fork, covering about 110 acres in Skagit County and part of a larger project — in partnership with the county — for estuary and habitat restoration. This property offers rearing habitat for Puget Sound Chinook, as well as habitat for steelhead, bull trout, coho, and chum. Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, waterfowl, and shorebirds are among the bird species that can be found here, and this property could provide waterfowl hunting, fishing, and wildlife-viewing opportunities following restoration.

WDFW staff will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the proposed land acquisitions during the Commission’s Dec. 12 virtual web conference. More information on upcoming meetings is available on the Commission webpage. 

More information about the proposed land acquisitions is available on WDFW’s land acquisitions webpage. WDFW is accepting comments on the proposed acquisitions via email to lands@dfw.wa.gov through Nov. 26, 2025.

Members of the public who have limited or no internet connection may also mail written comments to: 

Wildlife Program Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife PO Box 43200 Olympia, WA 98504

Following public review and final approval by the WDFW Director, the Department will pursue grant funding to move forward with the proposed acquisitions. Potential grant sources include the state of Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and federal grants through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. Securing grant funding can take several years, and not all properties included in Lands 20/20 proposals result in acquisition.