OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved three land purchases, including 975 acres near Merrill Lake in southern Cowlitz County.
The purchase of the 975 acres is part of an effort to protect habitat north and west of Merrill Lake.
The purchase price is $2.1 million.
The commission also approved the purchase of 705 acres in Kittitas County to protect critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk and northern spotted owls. The parcel, which is south of Cle Elum, will cost $811,000.
Both purchases will be funded with grants from the state Recreation and Conservation Office.
