Application deadline Feb. 28 for central Washington upland game bird funds

Anyone interested in undertaking an upland game bird habitat enhancement project in central Washington can apply for funding through Feb. 28 from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The funds are from the Dave Wallace Account for Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement, which is devoted to upland game bird habitat projects on public and private property in Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Grant or Adams counties. The account, established in memory of a long-time upland game bird hunter and advocate from Ephrata, provides annual funding from interest on an invested annuity.

Groups, agencies or individuals are eligible for funding. Applicants may obtain a Wallace Grant Application Packet at WDFW's Ephrata regional office, 1550 Alder Street, Ephrata, WA 98823-9699, or by calling (509) 754-4624, or at WDFW's Wenatchee district office, 3860 Chelan Highway N., Wenatchee, WA 98801-9607, or by calling (509) 662-0452. Completed grant applications will be accepted at those offices through Feb. 28, 2007.

Only projects that provide habitat benefits to upland game birds (chukar and gray partridge, pheasant and quail) will be considered for funding. Project requests should not exceed $1,500 and should be aimed at habitat development and enhancement. Requests for winter bird feed or to money to raise game birds for release do not qualify for funding.

Eight to ten projects are funded each year. Projects funded in the past include spring development, fencing important habitat areas for protection from livestock, vegetation planting, and construction of upland game bird feeders.