This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
Winston Creek Falls.
The Mayfield Buffer Unit is primarily accessible by boat. The unit is a buffer along the entire shoreline of Mayfield Reservoir and was established as mitigation for the Cowlitz River hydroelectric projects. Activities include fishing, waterfowl hunting, and birdwatching.
The Mayfield Buffer unit is located along the entire shoreline of Mayfield Reservoir in Lewis County.
The Mayfield Buffer Unit lies along the western flank of the Cascade Range within the Cowlitz River valley.
This unit is part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 520, 505
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Recreation and access advisories
- The unit is almost exclusively accessed by boat. There are some areas where the lands can be accessed from shore, but parking is very limited.
- Hunting occurs on this unit, so observe safe practices when visiting.
- Adjacent to this unit, Tacoma Power offers parking and a boat ramp that can be accessed from Beach Road off of Highway 12.
Hunting
Hunters may find that this unit offers good opportunities to harvest waterfowl.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
- While huntable terrestrial species occur here, please be aware that this unit is relatively small in size and narrow in shape, and is in close proximity to private lands.
Fishing
Mayfield Reservoir is well known for its water sports as well as its tiger muskie and rainbow trout fisheries.
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers birdwatching opportunities.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore, enhance and create habitat for diving, dabbling and cavity nesting ducks
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife
Land stewardship
This unit includes lands owned by Tacoma Power and is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for Mayfield and Mossyrock dams.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1993.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2006 Cowlitz Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.