Columbian Sharp-Tailed grouse

Our mission is to work cooperatively with others to protect, restore, and enhance natural habitats, supporting fish, wildlife, and plants for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office (UCFWO) main office is located in Spokane, Washington, with a branch office, the Central Washington Field Office (CWFO), located in Wenatchee, Washington. Our office serves 20 counties in eastern Washington, from the Cascade crest east to the Washington-Idaho State line, and the 6 northern most Idaho counties, covering approximately 51,000 square miles (see map). The UCFWO was established in 1995 to provide a more accessible point of contact to agencies, local government and citizens in the area.

The office implements all aspects of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Twenty eight ESA listed endangered, threatened, designated, proposed, candidate species, and 72 species of concern (see county species lists) occur in the UCFWO area. The species lists include among others, woodland caribou and Kootenai River white sturgeon, and wide-ranging species such as grizzly bear, lynx, bald eagle, and bull trout, and critical habitat proposals and designations. The UCFWO works with federal agencies such as U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers to complete ESA section 7 consultation. A major focus in recent years has been working with local and state governments and private entities to develop partnerships by utilizing Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP’s), Safe Harbor Agreements (SHA) , Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAA) and other tools for non-federal landowners.

** Of Special Interest **

Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit documents

Pygmy Rabbit (WDFW Link)

Kootenai River White Sturgeon

Grizzly Bear

Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee

Lynx critical habitat

UCFWO operating area

UCFWO images

U.S. FWS Frequently Asked Questions

Gray wolf