- The Columbia Basin Wildlife Area is located in Grant County and Adams County, and includes approximately 160,100 acres thoughout units spanning the “Big Bend” of the Columbia River. Although managed by WDFW, most of these lands are owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) or other federal and state agencies. Many of the wildlife area’s units were acquired as mitigation for habitat inundation caused by Columbia River dams. These units provide habitat for numerous wetland dependent wildlife species, such as migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as upland game birds. Northern leopard frogs, sagebrush lizards, Columbia River tiger beetles, burrowing owls, golden eagles, loggerhead shrikes, sage sparrows, sage thrashers, western grebes, black-tailed jack rabbits, striped whipsnakes, and Washington ground squirrels can be found on most of the units. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.
- Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (dnr.wa.gov)
The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was one of the first to be established in 1987. It was designated to protect numerous natural resources including outstanding geologic features, examples of old growth forest, wildflower communities, and habitat for mountain goat and other species of wildlife. The towering site is a scenic landmark and popular recreation area, offering views of the Olympic Mountains, Snoqualmie Valley, and the Cascade Mountains. The NRCA is 13,735 acres.