Hundley Property Conservation Easement

The Hundley Property Conservation Easement protects approximately 100 acres of floodplain in the Easton reach of the Yakima River, which has prime spawning and rearing habitat. The Hundley property is comprised of 431 acres with 3 miles of Yakima River shoreline, 40 acres of connected ponds and wetlands, two small tributary streams, and is a prime corridor used by elk, deer, cougar, and other wildlife. It is adjacent to 212 acres of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property and several hundred acres of conserved open space managed by KCT at Suncadia Resort.

Conserving the property preserved it from fragmentation through subdivision and rapid development, which was taking place on nearby properties. Kittitas Conservation Trust, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Yakama Nation worked together to conserve these lands. After 5 years of negotiations, the Hundley Family Limited Partnership, represented by William and Richard Hundley, granted a conservation easement on their property. 

Habitat acquisition in the Easton reach is a key strategy for habitat and species protection, as identified in the Yakima Sub-basin Plan. Project partners included co-managers Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Yakama Nation. Additional support for the property conservation came from the Kittitas County Commissioners, three other local conservation groups, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State Parks, and Suncadia Resort.

More information about the Hundley Property conservation easement can be found at:
https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=06-2143
https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=06-2143
http://hws.ekosystem.us/project/300/3025