ARRA Project (WBS)#: LXHAB0920000

Project Title: Steppe Sage Grouse Habitat restoration

Index Map Locator #: 52

State: Oregon

Unit: BLM - Spokane District

Description:

The 100-acre Duffy Creek Project is in the Moses Coulee watershed north of Wenatchee, Washington. This is a landscape project with four components. The objective is to restore native sagebrush grasslands for sagebrush species including sage-grouse. Tasks include field preparation, weed control, planting and monitoring. Work will be completed through contracting. Work will be done over 3 to 18 months.

The 100-acre Crab Creek Project, west of Spokane, Washington, will enhance a former agricultural field with legumes, important to sharp-tail grouse and other wildlife species. Tasks include seed acquisition from local vendors, contracts and monitoring. Work would be done over 6 to 18 months.

The Columbia Basin Seed Development Project involves seed collection of native species, and contracts with local farmers for growing out seed. Seed will be used in a variety of projects to restore or enhance wildlife habitat especially for sage-grouse and other obligate sagebrush grassland species.

Recovery Act Funding:

Work will be completed through contracts, using youth crews within three months and lasting 18 months. Approximately 6 to 15 jobs will be created.

Benefits:

The Columbia Basin Sage-grouse and Sharp-tailed grouse Habitat Improvement Project is regional, encompassing about a 400-square mile area east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington. The project will enhance range projects to increase quality of wildlife habitat for sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. Task will include survey, repair and installation of escape ramps, guzzlers, fences and reflectors.