Comment sought on proposed DFW Davis Creek land acquisition

December 13, 2019 4:30 pm
COURTESY WDFW The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a proposed land acquisition project near Oakville.
COURTESY WDFW The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a proposed land acquisition project near Oakville.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is taking public comment on a proposed 416-acre land acquisition adjacent to the Davis Creek unit of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area near Oakville.

The addition to the existing 535-acre unit would protect oak woodlands and Chehalis River floodplain habitats that include freshwater wetlands, river oxbows and up to four miles of river bank, according to the agency, and would maintain riparian corridors and help permanently connect wildlife habitats in the Capitol Forest to the east and the Chehalis State Forest.

The project, which has the support of Ducks Unlimited according to Fish and Wildlife, would provide opportunities for waterfowl, upland bird and big game hunting; fishing; boating; and wildlife viewing.

This is one of 18 proposed “strategic land conservation projects” the agency is considering and accepting public comment about. Next steps include seeking funding sources for these projects including state Recreation and Conservation Office grants and federal grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“This is an opportunity to comment on proposals in the early stages of our strategic thinking,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, Fish and Wildlife lands division manager. “Our goal is to protect land and water for people and wildlife throughout the state while preserving natural and cultural heritage.”

The department will accept written comments through Jan. 3, 2020. People who would like to submit comments can send them by email to lands@dfw.wa.gov or mail them to: Real Estate Services, PO Box 43158, Olympia, WA 98504.

The Davis Creek unit is accessible from the South Bank Road/State Street off of Highway 12 south of Oakville. Information on the Davis Creek unit can be found online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/davis-creek-wildlife-area-unit.

The department owns or manages about one million acres statewide, with 33 wildlife areas and nearly 500 water access areas around the state. These public lands help sustain wildlife habitat and public recreation opportunities for current and future generations.