The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area (SLWA) was initially approved as a wildlife mitigation project in 1992 and was reapproved for operations and maintenance (O&M) funding in 2002 under the Sub-basin Planning Process for the Columbia Plateau Province. This project partially addresses adverse impacts caused by the construction of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee hydroelectric dams. On the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area, wildlife habitat
enhancement efforts to meet mitigation objectives have been performed between 1993 and 2006, with enhancements completed as of 2006. Continued operation and maintenance activities funded by BPA are necessary to maintain wildlife habitat benefits and to ensure BPA's mitigation obligation is met. These activities are essential to further the goal of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to protect shrubsteppe and other habitats necessary to recover and sustain local and region-wide populations of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse.

Management actions planned for FY 19 include continued weed control, and management of extant shrubsteppe and riparian habitats, both pre-existing and restored or enhanced sites, to maintain current HU values at SLWA. This may include activities such as inter-seeding restored grasslands as needed. Roads, fences, parking areas, signs, and the kiosk will be maintained, repaired and replaced as needed. Debris and garbage will be removed and disposed of. Facilities, vehicles, and equipment will be maintained. Facility  maintenance costs may fluctuate unexpectedly, due to the advanced age of the headquarters building, a farmhouse built about 1915. Examples of possible unexpected costs would be minor to extensive roofing or plumbing repairs. Other tasks listed in the contract will be performed as needed.

NOTE ON HERBICIDE USE: Although in years past SLWA staff has applied herbicides to riparian areas for control of hoary cress, this ended by the early 2010's. The previous applications provide good control of this weed, and riparian herbicide application is no longer required at SLWA.