CNW needs to raise another $350k to reach our goal of at least $2.1M by March 11 to purchase protection for key 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 the 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 crossings 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 for their construction through state and federal sources.

Learn more about the need for these projects from Glen Kalisz, WSDOT habitat connectivity biologist:

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 this spring. We have already made great progress and now need only to acquire this last key parcel. CNW has secured purchase for it, which expires on March 11.

Check out the incredible progress we have made! This map shows the situation as it was just two years ago, with essential but vulnerable properties shown in yellow. Compare that to the inset in the map above to see how much habitat we have already protected. Now we have until March 11 to protect the critical Vine Maple Farm, indicated with the #6.

1: 13-acre western parcels: Purchased in two transactions by CNW for Chehalis Tribe. The western end of the proposed overpass will land here!

2&3: 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

4: 150-acre southern parcel: The veterans NGO that owns the property had dissolved and the county was about to auction it off for back taxes. CNW helped the Chehalis Tribe pay off those taxes and has supported the veterans nonprofit in reestablishing itself with a mission to conserve the land indefinitely.

5: Murphy Trust Property: This 78-acre forested parcel will host the eastern end of the proposed overpass! The property was in the process of subdivision and sale for development, but now is set for closing on February 14, with the Chehalis Tribe purchasing it using CNW funds.

6: Vine Maple Farm, 93-acres described below.

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

Total acquisition cost: $2.1M Remaining funding need: $350K

We have until March 11 to reach our funding goal!

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.