The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) could acquire roughly 1,100 acres for the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area in South Thurston County.
The land acquisition is part of approximately 13,749 acres across the state under review through the agency’s “Lands 20/20: A Vision for the Future” process. The proposed acquisitions induce land in Asotin, Benton, Douglas, Jefferson, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Pacific and Thurston counties.
In addition to Scatter Creek, the WDFW is considering several other land acquisitions in South Thurston County, including:
• 743 acres to the southeast of Millersylvania State Park
• 44 acres along I-5 near Salmon Creek
• 2,382 acres near the Grand Mound Prairie
The WDFW announced on Wednesday that it would accept public comments on the proposed acquisitions via email to lands@dfw.wa.gov through Nov. 27. Public comments can also be mailed to the Wildlife Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43200 in Olympia.
“Public land provides significant benefits to both wildlife and human populations of Washington,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW lands division manager. “The properties being considered hold the potential to provide fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation while also supporting increased outdoor recreational opportunities. WDFW acquires land strategically, with the expectation that each acquisition improves the overall health of our great state. We are proud of our rigorous internal and public process to inform our potential commitment to pursuing stewardship responsibilities in perpetuity.”
If approved, the Silver Springs property could protect local wildlife while increasing recreational access in the area.
Following the public review and approval by the WDFW Director, the Department could begin pursuing grant funding to move forward with the proposed acquisitions.
