WDFW seeks public input on Cowlitz Wildlife Area to inform management plan 

Public invited to July 11 open house in Morton

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to join them July 11, in Morton for an open house to gather feedback on management of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, located in Lewis County. 

The feedback will help to inform the development of a management plan for the 14,217-acre wildlife area. The Department anticipates completing the plan in 2025 following a year-long period developing the draft plan, which will include additional opportunities for public involvement. The plan will consider stewardship of habitat for fish and wildlife, climate resiliency, forest health, cultural resources, and outdoor recreation, among other elements.

“Public feedback is integral to our management planning process here at the Department,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, Lands Division Manager. “We’re looking forward to hearing the public’s perspectives on key stewardship issues and how they recreate on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area as we shape management of this landscape for the next decade.” 

The open house is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, at the Lyle Community Center, 700 Main St., Morton, WA.  More information about the July 11 meeting and the development of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. 

In addition to the July 11 meeting, the Department anticipates offering a public recreational survey during the planning process to gather additional feedback. More information will be announced as it becomes available.  

WDFW will also be sharing updates about the plan with the Department’s Cowlitz Wildlife Area Advisory Group, which meets periodically with meetings open to the public. Information about the group and its meetings are available on the WDFW’s website.

The Cowlitz Wildlife Area consists of eight wildlife area units owned by Tacoma Power. WDFW manages the area to mitigate for impacts to wildlife from the Mayfield and Mossyrock dams along the Cowlitz River. It also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hang gliding, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle riding. 

The planning process is guided by WDFW’s Wildlife Area Management Planning Framework, which identifies the agency’s directives and requirements for managing wildlife area lands.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspective 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, veteran status, 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.