L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Management Plan (2023)

The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area (WLA) is in Central Washington on the eastern side of the Cascade mountains. Its five units, totaling 119,395 acres are found north and south of Interstate 90 in Kittitas County, from approximately Easton to Vantage, and west of the Columbia River. The WLA exhibits a complex physical geography, characterized by diverse topographic features, climatic variations, and ecological dynamics, contributing to a diverse array of habitats across the wildlife area, including mixed conifer and ponderosa forests, aspen stands, shrubsteppe, meadows, and riparian corridors. Situated between the Cascade Mountain range to the west and the Columbia Plateau to the east, the wildlife area units encompass mountainous, valley, and arid steppe landscapes. The Yakima River and its tributaries flow through the western units, contributing to its unique geography, including the Teanaway river, Taneum, Manastash, and Cabin creeks. The eastern units of the wildlife area are situated on the Columbia Plateau, a large basaltic plateau that covers much of central and eastern Washington and are characterized by a semi-arid desert, shrubsteppe environment. Skookumchuck, Quilomene, and Whiskey Dick creeks flow through the eastern units to join the Columbia River.

The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area supports a broad range of game and non-game (diversity) species, including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and a unique array of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The wildlife area provides important habitats for both resident and migratory birds, including several species of waterfowl, neotropical songbirds, raptors, and upland game birds. The WLA is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions, including the sagebrush sparrow, desert whip-snake, sagebrush lizard, and hedgehog cactus. The wildlife area provides critical habitat for populations of federally listed Chinook and Coho salmon, summer steelhead, bull trout, gray wolf, Greater Sage-grouse, and Northern spotted owl.

The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area is a popular recreational destination, due in part to its central location and proximity to the I-90 corridor. During the snow-free season, visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and OHV driving on the extensive Green Dot Road networks. The wildlife area is known for quality deer, elk, and upland game bird hunting. In winter, the wildlife area provides access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Fishing opportunities abound along the Yakima River and its tributaries. Seven water access areas are located on or near the wildlife area and provide ample water-based recreation opportunities: Robert and Anna Bell, Lavender Lake, Teanaway River, Kinghorn Slough, Teanaway Junction, Thorp, and Highway 10 Take-out. Boat launches are available at Kinghorn Slough, Thorp, and the Highway 10 Take-out (take-out only). The Teanaway Junction Boat Launch is the newest addition to the wildlife area and provides access to the upper Yakima River.

Management priorities in this plan include riparian and floodplain restoration, shrubsteppe conservation and restoration, recreation management, weed control, forest health, and recovery of federal and state-listed species. Signature conservation success stories include the Teanaway Valley unit land acquisition, restoration of the North Fork of Manastash Creek, the installation of new trailhead kiosks, and the removal of derelict fencing. The success of these projects was due to the participation and commitment of the following partners: Yakama Nation Fisheries, Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, Kittitas County, the Washington Department of Ecology, Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Trust for Public Lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain to Sound Greenway Trust, the Boy Scouts of America, Conservation Northwest, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Kittitas County Field and Stream Club, the Mule Deer Foundation, Washington Conservation Corps, Puget Sound Energy, City of Ellensburg, Pheasants Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society, Project Upland, Kittitas Audubon Society, Backcountry Horsemen, local volunteers, and Master Hunters. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places,

The WLA plan includes thirty goals addressing wildlife, fish, habitats, ecological integrity and monitoring, recreation, facilities and operations, education and outreach, and cultural resources.