Access to Golden Doe Unit of Methow Wildlife Area to be temporarily reduced for conservation work

SPOKANE – Parts of the Golden Doe Unit of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed Methow Wildlife Area will be closed part of this summer to accommodate two conservation projects being implemented by the Yakama Nation.

The tribe’s projects will restore habitat in the Methow River for endangered spring chinook and threatened steelhead. To ensure safety for members of the public using the area during construction, the primary parking area for the Golden Doe uplands on the Twisp-Carlton Road will be closed from June 15 until August 15.

“We appreciate the work the Yakama Nation is doing to help these Chinook and steelhead populations,” said Justin Haug, Okanogan Lands Operations Manager. “While we understand the construction may cause some minor inconvenience to users of the wildlife area, we think they will recognize the importance of this work.”

Visitors can continue to access the area through parking adjacent to the Twisp-Carlton Road to the south. Those using the Methow River will still be able to, although there will be less shoreline available temporarily due to the construction being adjacent to the Geetsman access area. The Geetsman parking area will remain partially open with access through a temporary pathway to the north of the existing path. The tribe will also make improvements to the parking area as part of that project.

Notification of the closure will be posted at informational kiosks and temporary signs throughout the area. Directional signs will be posted to help visitors navigate the area.

The Methow Wildlife Area is located in the Methow River watershed in the western half of Okanogan County, and spans approximately 34,600 acres. The area is comprised of shrubsteppe, grasslands, and dry coniferous ponderosa pine forests. The Golden Doe unit of the wildlife area was acquired for mule deer winter range and the biodiversity of its large riparian areas on the Methow River. It is located about five miles south of Twisp in Okanogan County and is bordered on the west by U.S. Forest Service lands.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.