Touchet River and Grassland
Description:
The Touchet Riparian and Grassland Project proposal includes acquisition of approximately 2560 acres, including 3.5 miles of the Touchet River that supports critical riparian habitat. Acquiring the property provides the opportunity to integrate grassland and riparian zone protection, which will help WFDW meet strategic plan goals to preserve and protect fish and wildlife resources. The following list of species either currently utilize, or have historically utilized, the target property and are found on a state and/or federally threatened, candidate, or species of concern list: Mid-Columbia steelhead, bull trout, ferruginous hawk, white or black-tailed jackrabbits, burrowing owls, bald eagles, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, and sharp-tailed and sage grouse. The parcels proposed for acquisition/easement are unique as they comprise the only significant properties along the lower Touchet River where the river bottom is not being farmed. The riparian zone is approximately 185 acres, which includes 60 acres of mature cottonwood habitat and 125 acres that were recently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The remainder of the proposed acquisition consists of lands enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and existing grassland and native habitats. The Walla Walla sub-basin plan has identified riparian zone acquisition, protection, and management as a priority. The property would be managed by WDFW as a unit of an existing wildlife area.
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Touchet River and Grassland
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The Touchet Riparian and Grassland Project proposal includes acquisition of approximately 2560 acres, including 3.5 miles of the Touchet River that supports critical riparian habitat. Acquiring the property provides the opportunity to integrate grassland and riparian zone protection, which will help WFDW meet strategic plan goals to preserve and protect fish and wildlife resources. The following list of species either currently utilize, or have historically utilized, the target property and are found on a state and/or federally threatened, candidate, or species of concern list: Mid-Columbia steelhead, bull trout, ferruginous hawk, white or black-tailed jackrabbits, burrowing owls, bald eagles, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, and sharp-tailed and sage grouse. The parcels proposed for acquisition/easement are unique as they comprise the only significant properties along the lower Touchet River where the river bottom is not being farmed. The riparian zone is approximately 185 acres, which includes 60 acres of mature cottonwood habitat and 125 acres that were recently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The remainder of the proposed acquisition consists of lands enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and existing grassland and native habitats. The Walla Walla sub-basin plan has identified riparian zone acquisition, protection, and management as a priority. The property would be managed by WDFW as a unit of an existing wildlife area.
- 46.26 -118.58
Take Highway 12 East at the mouth of the Walla Walla River, go approximately 12 miles to the town of Touchet, turn left on Touchet North Road, go approximately 14 miles, turn right on Luckenbill Rd., go approximately 3 miles to bridge crossing the Touchet River. This is the South end of the property. To access the North end of the property go back to Touchet North Road and take a right, continue North approximately 4 miles, turn right onto State Road 124, go 1.5 miles and turn right onto Struthers Road, go approximately 3.5 miles to the end of the road. The County road dead-ends a half mile into the North end of the property.
