ANATONE, WA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says one of the agency’s contract workers was injured in an ATV rollover crash this afternoon in the Asotin Creek Wildlife Area. No report on the individual’s injuries is available at this time, but they were airlifted by Life Flight crews to a local hospital.
“At approximately 1:00 PM the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) received a call that a person contracted to work on a fence boundary at the Asotin Creek Wildlife area sustained injuries in a vehicle incident and was life flighted to a local hospital. Fish and Wildlife Officers are enroute to the location of the incident,” WDFW says in an initial statement.
The Asotin Creek Wildlife Area is located mostly in Asotin County and partially in Garfield County and covers approximately 36,500 acres, including nearly 6,000 acres leased from the Department of Natural Resources, WDFW says on its website.
“The wildlife area is set primarily among shrubsteppe, grasslands, and dry coniferous forests. Deer, elk, turkey, quail, chukar, grouse, and many other species afford a variety of wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. The forks and tributaries of Asotin Creek and George Creek run through the wildlife area, and are considered critical watersheds for steelhead, bull trout and spring Chinook salmon,” the agency says. “Elevations range from 1,300 feet on Pintler Creek to 4,600 feet on Smoothing Iron Ridge. The trails are used by horseback riders, hikers and wildlife watchers. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.”
