In early 2026, Columbia Land Trust permanently conserved 2,666 acres of oak and pine woodland above the Wild and Scenic-designated Klickitat River in south-central Washington. The project protects one of the highest quality Oregon white oak landscapes in the state and fills a critical gap in a 30-mile corridor of conserved lands between the Columbia River and the Yakama Indian Reservation.
The Klickitat region contains as much as 90 percent of Washington’s remaining Oregon white oak habitat. These fire- and drought-tolerant ecosystems provide essential habitat for at least 15 priority wildlife species, including western gray squirrel, Lewis’s woodpecker, mule deer, northern spotted owl, and golden eagle. The property also lies within the Pacific Flyway, supporting resident and migratory birds. The region expects to see an increase in economic benefits from this project through increased access and wildlife viewing. The Klickitat River watershed is cited as one of the state’s most popular birding destinations by Washington Audubon and is along the Great Washington State Birding Trail.
Klickitat Oaks, Phase 1 is the first of three planned phases to conserve approximately 8,000 acres of ecologically and culturally important land. The project strengthens wildlife connectivity, protects open space and recreation values, and advances climate resilience in the region.
The conservation of this landscape was made possible in part by support from The Conservation Alliance, alongside funding from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America the Beautiful program (via Yakama Nation), and strong partnerships with Yakama Nation and The Conservation Fund.
Photo Credit: Paloma Ayala
