Washington's Wildlife Habitat Protection

Protection oriented toward wildlife habitat is guided by WDFW's priority habitat species list. Protection in these areas is specifically aimed to increase fish habitat.

Wildlife is an integral part of Washington's wetlands and riparian areas.

The Best Available Science, or BAS, is used to evaluate the intricate relationships that exist between wildlife, wetlands, and human activity.

Much of the VSP's activity in this area is focused on increasing fish habitat, however, "fish and wildlife conservation areas" does not include artificial features like irrigation delivery systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of and are maintained by a port district or an irrigation district or company.

Learn more about critical area definitions.