Chiliwist Wildlife Area Unit
The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area includes approximately 22,500 acres in central Okanogan County. Elevation ranges from 928 feet on the Driscoll-Eyhott Island Unit to over 4,000 feet on the Sinlahekin Unit, which comprises most of the wildlife area. Dominant habitat types are shrubsteppe, wetland, and dry forest, which support a range of different wildlife throughout the year, including over 215 species of birds, 60 mammals, about 20 reptiles and amphibians, over 25 fish, and over 90 butterfly species. There is also a range of wildflowers that grow on the wildlife area.
The Sinlahekin is the oldest wildlife area in Washington, with the first parcels purchased in 1939 using federal Pittman-Robertson funds to preserve mule deer winter range. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for its human and wildlife populations.
Wildlife area units
Management planning
2017 Scotch Creek and Sinlahekin Wildlife Areas Management Plan
In 2017, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife updated the management plan for the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area, which encompasses 23, 980 acres in Okanogan County, and the nearby Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in north central Washington. The plan, called the Scotch Creek & Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Management Plan, addresses the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at both Scotch Creek and Sinlahekin wildlife areas. Every eight to 10 years, 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Okanogan Valley Wildlife Area Advisory Committee