- Throughout this project, DNR region and division staff have worked to establish a boundary and management plan for the area. However, as DNR was preparing to have the property appraised, the Crown Creek fire erupted in late August of 2025. Although the fire did encompass the entire area of the NAP, once the fire was contained and staff were able to access the site, it was determined that many of the balds and wetland sites were still functioning along with the forest communities. After DNR’s Natural Areas staff were able to evaluate the site, it was determined that the area still had high ecological value. While the fire did not burn the site completely, all the prior survey work that had been conducted on the site was lost. DNR is requesting an extension of this grant to have the site resurveyed and then appraised. Due to the higher elevation of the site, survey and appraisal work can only be completed between late spring and early fall. DNR intends to complete the acquisition by the end of 2026 and then complete any weed control in the spring of 2027.
time extension request of
- Onion Ridge NAP Natural Area 2020 (secure.rco.wa.gov)
The Department of Natural Resources anticipated using this grant to purchase approximately 700 acres which constituted the first acquisition at Onion Ridge Natural Area Preserve. Onion Ridge is located sixteen miles north of Colville in Stevens County and supports numerous forest, bald, and wetland communities identified as priorities in the 2018 Natural Heritage Program plan…