Reviving Wetlands: Washington’s Shillapoo Wildlife Area Gets Major Infrastructure Upgrade To Boost Habitat and Recreation

A beloved wildlife haven in Clark County is getting some much-needed attention. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, has launched the Shillapoo Wildlife Area Wetland Enhancement Project, a vital effort to restore and enhance wetland function, improve water management, and support native habitat across one of Clark County’s most important public recreation and conservation areas.

Located just outside Vancouver and in the backyard of hundreds of thousands of residents along the Columbia River, the 2,341-acre Shillapoo Wildlife Area is a vital stopover along the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds, including waterfowl and sandhill cranes. It’s also a year-round refuge for native wildlife like mink, great blue herons, and western painted turtles. But aging infrastructure has made it difficult to support high-quality habitat and recreation.

The enhancement project will address deteriorating infrastructure on the Vancouver Lake and Shillapoo South wildlife area units by replacing six outdated and leaking water control structures with modern Agri-Drain structures and high-density plastic pipes, which are resistant to corrosion. Unlike traditional splash board structures, Agri-Drain systems are also less prone to obstruction from beaver activity, reducing maintenance challenges. These improvements will allow WDFW staff to manage water levels more effectively, which is essential for promoting native wetland vegetation, controlling invasive species such as reed canary grass, and maintaining critical habitat for birds and other wildlife.

An additional five new water control structures were installed in an adjacent project.

“WDFW and Ducks Unlimited have been conservation partners on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area for more than 25 years,” said WDFW’s Southwest Region Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager Daren Hauswald. “These recent projects will help maintain about 75 acres and enhance another 150 acres of wetlands on the area.”

“Upgrading these water control structures is long overdue,” said DU’s Director of Conservation Programs Greg Green. “They’re vital for managing habitat not only for wildlife, but also for the thousands of people who visit the area each year for hiking, birding, and hunting.”

The project will also remove antiquated artificial drainage ditches, install low berms, and build access roadways to further support wetland restoration and management. Together, these enhancements will provide significant ecological benefits across large areas of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area.

Funding for this project is provided in part by the WDFW’s Migratory Bird Stamp & Artwork Funds, Williams Pipeline Company, and Ducks Unlimited’s Wings and Wetlands Initiative, a partnership-driven effort to conserve and improve vital waterfowl habitats across the Pacific Flyway.

“Projects like this are exactly what Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission is all about,” Green said. “By working with WDFW, we’re not just repairing infrastructure, we’re investing in habitat that benefits birds, fish, people, and entire ecosystems.”
The project is expected to be completed by October 2025, with long-lasting benefits for both wildlife and people. 

The Shillapoo Wildlife Area continues to be a cornerstone for public access to nature in Clark County. Enhancing its wetlands ensures it remains a thriving haven for wildlife and a destination for generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Please visit the new DU Media Toolkit page for essential resources about Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
 
Media Contact:
Molly Jarone
(916) 903-9199
mjarone@ducks.org