The first step in a major campaign to conserve more than 10,000 acres of ecologically rich forestland in the Naches River region has been taken with a purchase from Plum Creek Timber of a 2,675-acre in-holding on U.S. Forest Service land on the southern edge of Kittitas County.

The Nature Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) worked together to obtain the funding and facilitate the transaction.

The Rock Creek property will continue to be open for public recreation, and will be managed as part of WDFW’s Oak Creek Wildlife Area.

The property is crossed by several streams that support native fish such as cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout. The area includes high country where mountain goats roam as well as basalt cliffs and canyons, forests, and shrub-steppe used by elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. It’s prime territory for a myriad of bird species including the northern spotted owl.

What's Next

Plum Creek and the U.S. Forest Service own alternating square miles within the region, a checkerboard-ownership pattern that has been a bane to both private and public land managers. This purchase is the first of three planned acquisitions to complete the project.

The next two phases of the project are slated to close in 2010 and 2011. The alternating squares in the checkerboard will remain in the ownership of the U.S. Forest Service, bringing the total public ownership in the area to more than 20,000 acres.

Partnerships and Planning

“By bringing this area into public ownership, we’ll be able to work together to maintain a healthy forest landscape, to lower the danger of catastrophic wildfire, and preserve habitat for the wildlife we all love,” said Karen Anderson, state director for The Nature Conservancy.

“This habitat is important for elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep, and it’s also a popular recreation and scenic area. We’re pleased to help permanently protect wildlife values as well as public access,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“Plum Creek recognizes the public benefits of this project and is pleased to participate in the partnership that achieved this important outcome,” said Rick Holley, president and chief executive officer, Plum Creek.

“This region provides both crucial wildlife habitat and unique opportunities for outdoor recreation. WWRP funds will preserve this land, benefiting both people and the environment,” said Joanna Grist, Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.

Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © John Marshall (Naches); Photo © John Marshall (Naches); Image © TNC (map of Naches)