 The William T. Wooten Wildlife Area is approximately 16,000 acres and is managed as one unit. It is located in Columbia and Garfield counties, 25 miles east of Dayton and 14 miles south of Pomeroy. About 17 miles of the Tucannon River are located within the boundaries. Elevations range from 4,100 feet on Hopkins Ridge, down to 1,800 feet on the lowest section of the Tucannon River.
Acquisition took place mainly between 1941 and 1943 to both minimize conflicts between wildlife and livestock and preserve habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation. In the 1950’s, eight artificial lakes were created to improve fishing opportunities.
Lands in and around the Tucannon River are historic wintering areas for big game and receive year-round use by a variety of game and non-game species of wildlife, from black bears to wild turkeys. Camp Wooten, an Environmental Learning Center, was established in 1949 and is located on WDFW land leased and operated by the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Tucannon River drainage is designated critical habitat for three federally endangered species --steelhead, Chinook salmon, and bull trout. |
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
