W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Unit
The W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area spans approximately 17,000 acres. The main unit, W.T. Wooten, covers 16,445 acres in Columbia and Garfield counties. The wildlife area also includes the smaller McDonald Bridge and Swegle Road access areas in Walla Walla County. The main W.T. Wooten Unit is 25 miles east of Dayton and 14 miles south of Pomeroy. About 17 miles of the Tucannon River are located within the boundaries, and elevations range from 4,100 feet on Hopkins Ridge down to 1,800 feet on the lowest section of the Tucannon River.
Acquisition took place mainly between 1941 and 1943 to both minimize conflicts between wildlife and livestock and preserve habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation. In the 1950s, eight artificial lakes were created to improve fishing opportunities. The McDonald Bridge and Swegle Road units were acquired between 1991 and 1994.
Lands in and around the Tucannon River are historic wintering areas for big game and receive year-round use by a variety of wildlife species. Camp Wooten, an environmental learning center, was established in 1949 and is located on WDFW land leased and operated by the State Parks and Recreation Commission. The Tucannon River drainage is designated critical habitat for three federally endangered species: steelhead, Chinook salmon, and bull trout. 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
2019 Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas 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
W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Advisory Committee