The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking the public’s input about recreation in the Methow Wildlife Area. The Wildlife Area covers 34,600 acres over seven units that stretch from Carlton to Mazama. Much of the habitat is lowland shrub steppe, meadow steppe and ponderosa pine forests that lie adjacent to the valley floor. WDFW’s management priority (see current management plan) for the Wildlife Area is to maintain migration corridors and habitat for the Methow Valley’s mule deer herds. This habitat provides vital winter forage for mule deer, boosting their survival rates. In parts of the Wildlife Area, WDFW has also re-introduced beavers to aid in wetland restoration and rehabilitation. WDFW actively manages the Area’s forests through thinning and prescribed burns to maintain healthy, fire-resilient forests.

A secondary goal of WDFW is to “provide sustainable fish and wildlife-related commercial and recreational opportunities. On the Methow Wildlife Area this includes providing access and wildlife viewing opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, walking, horseback riding, bird watching, wildflower viewing, butterfly watching, cross country skiing and sightseeing.”

WDFW’s aim is to map recreation uses and align them with conservation goals. As recreation pressure increases statewide, the agency has been focused on “managing visitor access and nature-based recreation experiences while increasing protections for habitat, fish, and wildlife.” 

We encourage you to fill out WDFW’s short survey to share how you use the Methow Wildlife Area. WDFW will be using the survey to pilot the first recreation management plan for a wildlife area in Washington state. In the survey, there are opportunities to share your priorities and improvements to the area.

As valuable habitat corridors and sanctuaries that link the Methow River with the surrounding mountains, MVCC would like to see the Wildlife Areas continue to be prioritized for wildlife species such as the mule deer, songbirds and beavers they support, while allowing passive recreation opportunities that don’t overly disturb or degrade these habitats. MVCC will be involved in this planning process throughout, including serving on the Advisory Board for the Methow Wildlife Area.

Photos of Methow Wildlife Area: Scott Fitkin