- The Winchester Reservoir Unit includes a lake that is actually a wide spot in the Winchester Wasteway, with an average depth of about 6 feet and the surrounding landscape is relatively flat with the lake in a natural low area. Gravel boat launches are on the south and upper east sides of the lake. Most of the lake is surrounded by cattail and bulrush marsh; habitat where waterfowl and shorebirds dominate. The uplands are a mix of tall wheatgrass or intermediate wheatgrass with big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass in some areas.
- Columbia Basin Wildlife Area (wdfw.wa.gov)
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.