WDFW seeks public comment on proposed land acquisitions

Comments accepted through Nov. 21

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public comment on 15 proposed public land acquisitions that would help promote fish and wildlife conservation and public access to the great outdoors.

The proposal includes about 12,500 acres in total with acquisitions in Asotin, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Douglas, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Mason, Okanogan, Snohomish, and Yakima counties. 

The proposals are currently under review through the Department’s annual Lands 20/20: A Vision for the Future process, which launched in 2005. The rigorous review process considers species and habitat management plans, regional conservation initiatives, community perspectives, and outdoor recreation. 

“Public input is at the core of how we make decisions about acquiring new public land in line with our goals for conservation and outdoor recreation,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW lands division manager. “We take our obligation to fully consider the perspectives related to potential new land management obligations seriously, and your input is a key element.” 

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will receive a briefing on the proposed land acquisitions during its Dec. 8-10 hybrid and in-person meeting in Clarkston. More information is available on the Commission webpage. 

More information about the proposed land acquisitions is available on WDFW’s land acquisitions webpage. WDFW is accepting comments on the proposed acquisitions via email to lands@dfw.wa.gov through Nov. 21.

Members of the public who have limited or no internet connection may also mail written comments to: 

Wildlife Program
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
PO Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98504

Following public review and final approval by the WDFW Director, the Department will begin pursuing grant funding, a process that can take several years, to move forward with the proposed acquisitions. Potential grant sources include the state of Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and federal grants through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.

All members of the public are invited to share their diverse perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. 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.