WILDLIFE — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved purchasing 4,200 acres of a Douglas County ranch to protect shrub-steppe habitat for wildlife, especially for threatened sharp-tailed grouse, and provide public access for outdoor recreation.

It's the first phase of the state's plan to purchase virtually all 20,500 acres of the Grand Coulee Ranch, which borders 14 miles of the Columbia River including Lake Rufus Woods backed up behind Chief Joseph Dam.

The commission voted on the proposal and supported the long-range plan during its weekend meeting in Pasco.

The Grand Coulee Ranch also provides the potential for building a fishing access on the state side of Lake Rufus Woods across from the Colville Indian Reservation.

While similar huge acquisitions in Asotin County have generated controversy, Douglas County commissioners have formally supported the state's plans to purchase the Grand Coulee Ranch.

The land in the first-phase purchase, located about five miles northwest of the town of Grand Coulee is being sold for the assessed value of $1.8 million. The purchase is possible because of a grant from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

Once the sale is closed, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will manage the land as part of the Wells Wildlife Area.