48,000 Acres Added to our Backyard

Washington State

The Nature Conservancy is purchasing 47,921 acres in the Central Cascades in a historic acquisition to sustain clean water, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.

The land, being sold by Plum Creek, comprises nearly 75 square miles of forestland between Snoqualmie Pass and Cle Elum. This is the largest acquisition by the Conservancy in Washington State, and a rare opportunity for residents to conserve a precious piece of Washington’s natural heritage in the Cascade Mountains.

The lands being acquired by the Conservancy stretch along either side of I-90 for nearly 25 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass. They connect federal and state wilderness areas and encompass the headwaters of the Yakima River (one of the most important rivers for salmon and steelhead in the state) and portions of the Cascade forests (home to elk, wolves, spotted owls and other raptors).

“This project will secure some of the most important wildlife habitat on the continent,” said Mark R. Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “These lands serve as critical linkages between vast wilderness areas and will protect sources of clean water for people and nature. We are excited about the opportunity to work with local communities to develop a shared vision for the future of these forests and rivers.”