(Washington State) – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will temporarily close the Peterman Ridge Unit of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area to motorized vehicle access from Jan. 2 through April 30, 2025.
The unit is located south of Morton in Lewis County. The closure will protect wintering wildlife and maintain road infrastructure; non-motorized access, including access to the Peterman Hill Trail, will remain open. Signs are posted at the unit’s entry points to notify the public of the closure and its effective dates.
“Winter range closures help safeguard wildlife by reducing human disturbance during the most challenging months of the year,” said Richard Vanderlip, manager of WDFW’s Cowlitz Wildlife Area. “Human activity, particularly motorized vehicles, can force wildlife to use vital energy reserves that are critical for their survival and reproduction.”
This seasonal closure will reduce habitat fragmentation caused by active roads, increasing the useable habitat available to wildlife. The closure will also protect road infrastructure from damage due to heavy rain and snow during the winter months.
The Peterman Ridge Unit, located along the western flank of the Cascade Range in the Cowlitz Valley, is managed for the pileated woodpecker, black-tailed deer, and Douglas squirrels. The unit features diverse habitats, including forested wetlands that provide habitat for beaver, amphibians, and other wetland-dependent species.
The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is comprised of approximately 14,000 acres in eight units owned by Tacoma Power. WDFW manages the area as wildlife mitigation for the Mayfield and Mossyrock dams along the Cowlitz River.
Additional information about WDFW-managed lands is available on our website.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people.
