Introduction
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is developing a habitat conservation plan (HCP) for land management activities (recreation, operation and maintenance, enhancement and restoration) occurring on state-owned and managed Wildlife Areas. This HCP will guide long-term conservation and protection of species, and will ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HCP must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively referred to as â€�"the Servicesâ€), the agencies responsible for implementing ESA. In 2006, WDFW interviewed stakeholders and tribal staff to identify appropriate ways to involve the public and other interested parties in development of the Wildlife Areas HCP.
This fact sheet describes the goals and benefits of the Wildlife Areas HCP, and explains how it will be developed.