The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area (SLWA) was initially approved as a wildlife mitigation project in 1992 and was reapproved 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 FY 21 include: continued weed control; management of extant shrubsteppe and riparian habitats, both pre-existing and restored or enhanced sites; maintenance of current quality habitat SLWA. This may include activities such as inter-seeding restored grasslands as 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.Staff moved into newer facility (previously the on-site residence of the manager), in FY 2020. Old facility is slated for removal in this fiscal year, after all permitting/cultural clearance is completed. Examples of possible unexpected costs would be minor to extensive roofing or plumbing repairs. Other tasks listed in the contract will be performed as needed.