Help Needed To Restore Habitat After Wildfire in Lincoln County

Davenport, Wash.

Last year’s Labor Day Whitney fire took a toll on the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area (SLWA) in Lincoln County, a popular birding spot, as well as the entire area and nearby communities.

Of major concern to biologists and conservationists is the impact the extremely hot burning and widespread fire had on the SLWA’s critical habitat for two species of prairie grouse—sharp-tailed and greater sage grouse—both threatened species. The area is also important habitat for several species of shrub-steppe ecosystem birds.

Charred ground and rocks at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area after the Whitney Fire, Sept. 2020. Photo courtesy Kim Thorburn.
Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area after the Whitney Fire, Sept. 2020. // Photo courtesy Kim Thorburn.

Spokane Audubon Society is stepping up by raising funds to pay for planting of grasses and forbs on and near this important wildlife area. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates at least $30,000 in forb restoration on the wildlife area is needed, so every dollar helps.

You can donate any amount to this effort, either by a check payable to Spokane Audubon mailed to P.O. Box 9820, Spokane, WA. 99209, or online by credit card at Audubonspokane.org.

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