This project is located on units of the Sagebrush Flat and Wells Wildlife Areas in northern Douglas County. We will convert 413 acres of old agricultural fields from stands of non-native grasses and noxious weeds into good quality shrub-steppe habitat. In their present condition these fields are of little ecological value. Restoration of shrub-steppe habitat in this area will expand critical habitat and improve connectivity through the wildlife areas and adjacent landscape. This will benefit numerous shrub-steppe dependant wildlife that are year-round or seasonal residents of the wildlife areas. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse in particular will benefit from this project. There are active sharp-tailed grouse leks on and within 2 miles of these units. One sage grouse lek is less than two miles away. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are known to nest on these units. Restoration of these fields will provide much needed nesting, brood rearing and escape habitat. Shrub-steppe restoration is one of the highest priorities for these Wildlife Areas. Numerous Wildlife Area and Department planning and management documents support restoration of shrub-steppe habitat. In the last 15 years wildlife area staff have restored more than 700 acres of shrub-steppe habitat in Douglas, Chelan and Okanogan counties. We anticipate it will take 3 years to complete the project from initial field work to seeding. Cost estimates are based on 2007 figures and adjusted for inflation for the 2009-2012 period.