2700 Freeway Blvd #1000
Brooklyn Center, MN
55430-1779
763.253.0222

Washington Conservation Projects

	IMPROVING UPLAND HABITAT IN NORTHERN WASHINGTON The upland bird population of the Tonasket Ranger District in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests got a major boost, thanks to a fencing project supported by Wildlife Forever. The fences were designed to control livestock along Cox Creek and in Cox Meadow, which were overgrazing and preventing grasses and sedges in the meadow from serving as important habitat for ruffed grouse and other upland birds. Vegetation began recovering immediately after the fences were constructed, with grasses, riparian vegetation, and a young woody component now overhanging the streambed.
	HELPING SALMON AND KIDS IN WESTERN WASHINGTON Since 1967, a hatchery run by Sea Resources of Chinook, Washington has served a dual role of teaching young people about fish and fisheries management while supplementing the salmon stocking program of the state of Washington. On the average, the hatchery raises and releases 2 million fish per year, including chinook, chum, and coho salmon. Just as importantly, the hatchery serves as an educational facility for local high school students. Each day, two high school classes are offered at the hatchery, educating students on all aspects of fish management. Thanks to support from Wildlife Forever, the hatchery was able to replace an eroding pipeline in their spawning facility and to expanding their rearing capabilities by adding new space. (Photo courtesy of the Wild Salmon Center)
	CONSERVING A CORRIDOR ALONG ONE OF AMERICA'S MAJESTIC RIVERS A corridor is being conserved along Washington's Hoh River thanks in part to support from Wildlife Forever. The project, being implemented by the Western Rivers Conservancy, will safeguard one of the best remaining salmon and steelhead streams in the United States from Mount Olympus to the Pacific Ocean. The project will also conserve mature forest along the 30 mile corridor, including habitat for deer, elk, cougar, and waterfowl. The lands were purchased from two principal landowners, Rayonier Timber Company and Green Crow Timber, and will be managed to enhance terrestrial and aquatic habitat throughout the Hoh River watershed. (Photo courtesy of Josh Klung, Western Rivers Conservancy)
	RESEARCH AIDS BIGHORN SHEEP Your support was a part of a $50,000 Wildlife Forever grant to support bighorn sheep in the Hell’s Canyon region of Washington. This region is recognized as one of the premier places in the world for the majestic bighorn sheep to live. The goal of the project was to protect sheep from diseases by gathering extensive habitat and physical information. Helicopters, DNA testing and telemetry equipment were used in this high tech sheep preservation operation. The grant was a first step in a goal of investing $10 million over a 20-year period. The funding will help increase the sheep population in Hell’s Canyon to approximately 20,000 through disease control, habitat stabilization and transplants. Future generations of hunters and other conservationists will be able to enjoy the sighting of bighorn sheep thanks in part to your support.