The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area (SLWA) was initially approved as a wildlife mitigation project in 1992 and was re-approved 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 FY09 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 replanting shrubs and trees lost to unexpected mortality, and inter-seeding restored grasslands if 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; one 14-year-old vehicle is scheduled for replacement in FY09, as it was not replaced as planned in FY 08.

Other tasks listed in the contract will be performed as needed.