This project involves the proposed acquisition of 919 acres of land surrounding the 470 acre Klickitat Canyon Natural Resources Conservation Area. The project area contains habitat for Sandhill cranes, five rare plant populations and habitat for Mardon skipper butterflies. The most important goal of this project is protecting habitat for the rare species found at this site. This is one of only three nesting, foraging and fledging habitats in Washington for the State Endangered Sandhill crane, and provides a vital link between similar habitat on Yakama Indian Nation lands and Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The area utilized by the cranes includes a wetland/dry meadow complex and is located approximately 2 miles behind a locked gate. This helps to protect the viability of the project. The site also provides unique wet meadow and talus habitats for five rare plant species. In addition to habitat for Sandhill cranes and the rare plant populations, Mardon skipper butterflies have also been found in the project area. The land acquisitions proposed here will protect the various habitats, provide opportunities for restoration that will improve habitat on lands already in NRCA status and add rare plant populations to the site. The proposed acquisition includes land owned by DNR in Trust status, and privately owned parcels. All landowners within the project area have been involved in the process of delineating areas targeted for acquisition.