This unit is closed to all public access in order to protect public resources.
The Sondino Ponds Unit has what is considered the most important habitat in Washington for western pond turtles—a state-listed endangered species. WDFW bought this area to maintain this species' population and conserve the turtles' native habitat. The unit now harbors the largest naturally-occurring population in the state. To protect the turtles, this unit is closed to public access year-round, except as permitted by the wildlife area manager; ask about group tours and opportunities for educational activities, scientific data collection, or volunteer work.
The Sondino Ponds Unit is located approximately 3 miles west of Lyle on Old Highway 8 in Klickitat County.
The unit lies on the bluffs overlooking the Columbia River in the east-central Columbia Gorge.
This unit is part of the Klickitat Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 578
Contact
Cassandra Holman
Wildlife Area Manager
1886 Glenwood Highway
Goldendale, WA 98620
Conservation
WDFW specifically bought the lands of this unit, historically used for agriculture, to protect western pond turtles.
Special habitats and species
The unit contains what is considered the most important habitat for western pond turtles in Washington. This unit contains wetlands and a complex of mostly ephemeral natural and man-made ponds. Three ponds are perennial most years. The seasonal and year round wetlands provide habitat for the state-endangered western pond turtle.
Conservation goals
- Recover western pond turtle populations to healthy, self-sustaining levels
- Maintain or improve the ecological integrity through inspection and control of weed infestations
- Maintain and enhance big game and upland bird habitat
- Achieve species diversity at levels consistent with healthy ecosystems
The unit contains what is considered the most important habitat for western pond turtles in Washington. This unit contains wetlands and a complex of mostly ephemeral natural and man-made ponds. Three ponds are perennial most years. The seasonal and year round wetlands provide habitat for the state-endangered western pond turtle.
- Recover western pond turtle populations to healthy, self-sustaining levels
- Maintain or improve the ecological integrity through inspection and control of weed infestations
- Maintain and enhance big game and upland bird habitat
- Achieve species diversity at levels consistent with healthy ecosystems
Land stewardship
WDFW acquired these properties to protect the best remaining habitat for the western pond turtle, a state-listed threatened species at the time.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1992 and 2008.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2023 DRAFT Simcoe Mountains Management Plan
The plan will help to guide public access and outdoor recreation, habitat enhancements, and forest and range management, among other elements, for the Simcoe Mountains Unit. The plan will be an addendum to the Klickitat Wildlife Area Plan, which is updated every 10 years.
2016 Klickitat Wildlife Area Management Plan
In 2016, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) updated the management plan for the Klickitat Wildlife Area, which consists of seven units. The management plan addresses the status of wildlife species in the area and their habitat, the progress of restoration efforts, and public recreation opportunities. 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
Klickitat Wildlife Area Advisory Committee