Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved land transaction at May 17 virtual meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a land transaction in Douglas County at a virtual meeting May 17. 

Following a briefing from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff and a public comment opportunity, the Commission approved the acquisition of a 672-acre property in WDFW’s North Central Region. The property represents the second phase of a larger, 2,180-acre acquisition; the first 1,513 acres were purchased in April 2022. 

Both parcels will be added to the Central Ferry Canyon unit of the Wells Wildlife Area to provide conservation of critical shrubsteppe habitat and support species such as mule deer, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, greater sage-grouse, and the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. 

The meeting was recorded and is available on the Commission webpage for the public to watch afterward at their convenience. For information on future meetings, visit the Commission meetings webpage.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.