Conservation Northwest needs to raise $1.3M by March 2026 to purchase two properties critical to habitat connectivity in Southwest Washington

We really can provide the means for wildlife connections between the Cascades and the Olympics! Cutting edge research by WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife has identified two habitat corridors that remain viable but are at risk. The research is affirmed by the documented presence of wildlife – including elk, cougars, black bears, and others – along the corridors and up to I-5, though few dare attempt to cross it. We are in a partnership with the WA Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and WDFW that aspires to see crossings built over I-5 in both locations. We have even studied in detail the feasibility of placing structures in these locations.

This is more than a land purchase. It’s an investment in the future of Washington’s wildlife.

To make wildlife crossings over I-5 a reality, we’re following a clear and strategic path: first, secure and protect the habitat corridors; next, leverage that foundation to win federal investment for crossing infrastructure.

Conservation NW has established partnerships with the WSDOT and WDFW to build critical wildlife crossing at two strategic locations. Feasibility studies for overpass structures have been completed. The northern crossing depends on securing key parcels. Once we have secured the properties, we can pivot to securing the funds necessary to their construction through state and federal sources.

Securing the Northern Crossing

Our goal is to stabilize the ownership and stewardship of enough habitat to assure wildlife can use this habitat corridor into the future, then win federal funds to build an overpass. We arrived just in time. If we don’t succeed, key properties will be on the market for development next spring. We have already made great progress and now need only to acquire these two key parcels. CNW has secured purchase options on both, which expire at the end of February 2026.

The Properties

These two properties complete a critical habitat corridor. Adjacent conservation efforts include:

Port Blakley Tree Farm: The 2,350-acre property spans the habitat corridor between Vine Maple Trust and the massive Capital State Forest. A conservation easement is in progress with $7.7M from the WA legislature

150-acre southern parcel: Donated to Chehalis Tribes by nonprofit veterans’ group

10-acre western parcel: Previously purchased by CNW for Chehalis Tribes

Private landowners: Committed to habitat-friendly management practices

Property deeds will transfer directly to the Chehalis Indian Tribe for long-term wildlife habitat stewardship.

Total acquisition cost: $2 million Remaining funding need: $1.3 million

Both families represent something increasingly rare: landowners whose personal values align with landscape-scale conservation needs. Their willingness to work with Conservation NW, rather than pursue purely economic outcomes, creates an opportunity that may not come again. Without this partnership, both properties would likely face development pressure that would permanently fragment this crucial wildlife corridor.