Campfires are restricted year-round on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
The Mesa Lake Unit offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including warmwater fishing and waterfowl hunting. The Mesa Lake water access area has a boat launch on the lake (an irrigated water basin) but the lake is not stocked. Waterfowl use the lake and adjacent wetlands throughout the year, especially in the spring.
The Mesa Lake Unit is located directly adjacent to (and partially in) the city limits of Mesa in Franklin County. The unit can be accessed from Sheffield Road off of 1st Avenue.
The Mesa Lake Unit is located within the Upper Columbia-Priest Rapids watershed in the Columbia Plateau. Surrounding lands are predominantly privately-owned agriculture.
This unit is part of the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 379
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Gravel parking areas
- No restroom
- Informational kiosk
- Boat ramp
Recreation and access advisories
- Day use only.
- Visitors must register on site when arriving, and report their activity before leaving.
- Respect private property--the unit property wraps around a privately-owned orchard; do not trespass on the orchard.
- See kiosk for further information and restrictions.
Hunting
This unit is popular for waterfowl hunting.
Fishing
Warmwater fishing opportunities are available at Mesa Lake.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has diverse habitats that include shrubsetppe, upland grasslands, wetlands, and Mesa Lake, which offer opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
Waterfowl use Mesa Lake and adjacent wetlands occurs throughout the year, especially in spring.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
This unit consists of shrubsteppe, upland grasslands, wetlands, and a 60-acre lake.
Special habitats and species
Waterfowl use the lake and adjacent wetlands throughout the year, especially in the spring.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and restore shrubsteppe, upland and floodplain habitat
- Protect and enhance habitat for state and federal listed species
- Maintain agriculture leases to benefit migrating waterfowl, upland birds, and Sandhill cranes
- Maintain and restore wetland habitat
Waterfowl use the lake and adjacent wetlands throughout the year, especially in the spring.
- Maintain and restore shrubsteppe, upland and floodplain habitat
- Protect and enhance habitat for state and federal listed species
- Maintain agriculture leases to benefit migrating waterfowl, upland birds, and Sandhill cranes
- Maintain and restore wetland habitat
Land stewardship
The Mesa Lake Unit was purchased from a private hunting club.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 2003 and 2011.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2020 Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Advisory Committee