WASHINGTON, D.C.-$19 million in funding for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is included in the Department of the Interior funding bill for Fiscal Year 2024.
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Representative Kim Schrier M.D. (D, WA-08) announced the funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects in Kittitas and Chelan Counties on March. 11.
“This funding marks the completion of a decade-long effort to protect nearly 30,000 irreplaceable acres at the headwaters of the Yakima River Basin,” said Sen. Cantwell.
The Yakima River Watershed Project will receive $12 million in funding, according to a U.S. Congress press release, while the Upper Wenatchee Watershed Community Lands Plan will get $7 million.
“We all treasure our public lands and stunning national forests,” said Rep. Schrier. “Investments from the Land and Water Conservation Fund will help preserve Washington’s natural beauty for generations to come.”
Washington Cascades-Yakima River Watershed Project-$12 million:
Funding will be used to complete the final phase of the project U.S. Forest Service to acquire all 30,000 acres of private checkerboard inholdings inside the boundary of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest in the Taneum watershed.The Taneum watershed provides habitat for rearing and spawning Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout.The Taneum watershed is significant to the Yakama Nation and is a critical watershed for the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan to protect headwater streams and conserve wildlife habitats.
Upper Wenatchee Watershed Community Lands Plan-$7 million:
Funding will support phase one of Trust for Public Land’s project to acquire 35,000 forested acres of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.Phase one aims to restore ecosystems to help make Wenatchee, Cashmere, and Leavenworth more resistant to wildfire damage.Funding will also help restore downstream fish habitat, increase recreation access, and protect habitat for threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears, gray wolves, northern spotted owls, Upper Columbia steelhead and spring Chinook, and Mid-Columbia bull trout.
“We have to protect and restore our environment so we can pass on to our kids clean air and thriving forests and healthy ecosystems that support strong communities,” said Sen. Murray. “Washington state’s lands and waters are national treasures bringing in tourists and dollars from around the world and giving families a place to get outdoors and explore our country.”
