WDFW Scores $2.7 Million Grant For Private Lands Hunting Access, Outreach

By Andy Walgamott June 10, 2020 HEADLINES 0 Comments

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

In March, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was awarded a $2.7 million Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) grant.

The award will enhance access to private lands for recreational public use and will fund several Department infrastructure enhancements, such as the Hunt by Reservation system and outreach opportunities. The funds will add hunting opportunities for big game, turkey, dove, waterfowl, and upland game as well as improved access to forestland, fishing, and wildlife viewing in Washington.

A SCREENSHOT OF A WDFW MAP SHOWS PRIVATE LANDS IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON ENROLLED IN VARIOUS AGENCY HUNTING ACCESS PROGRAMS. THE $2.7 MILLION VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANT WDFW RECEIVED FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WILL PAY LANDOWNERS TO ALLOW HUNTING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS IMPROVE WILDLIFE HABITAT.. (WDFW)

“We are honored to receive this grant funding to expand our current opportunities and private lands access statewide,” said Ciera Strickland, Private Lands Access Program Manager. “We are very excited to expand fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities across the state. This has been a challenge in the past, but with this grant we are finally able to include other recreational opportunity.”

Private landowners interested in allowing hunting on their property, may enroll their property in Feel Free to Hunt, Register to Hunt, Hunt by Reservation or Hunt by Written Permission programs. Landowners may be eligible for funding depending on their location and opportunities that would be available to the public on their property.

The grant also provides funding available for landowners who are interested in providing fishing or wildlife viewing opportunities on their lands. Interested landowners should reach out to their local private lands biologist if they have questions.

“In addition to adding opportunity and access, we will improve our existing programs by adding waterfowl blinds, viewing platforms, better signage, and informational kiosks,” said Strickland. “We’re excited to enhance access to private lands for outdoor lovers with this funding.”

WDFW will implement the improvements over the next three years. Projects and contracts are planned to begin this summer.

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Andy Walgamott