Goose Lake Basin Mule Deer Enhancement
Background
In 2023 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife modified their Mule Deer Initiative (MDI) grant opportunity to expand outside of the traditional MDI wildlife management units (WMU). For the first time in over a decade LCUWC was able to apply for mule deer habitat enhancement funding outside of the Warner and Silver Lake WMUs. To capitalize on this opportunity the LCUWC identified the Goose Lake Basin's transition zones as a priority.
This grant will help target the encroaching juniper at the transition of forest to rangeland. We seek to treat up to 2,000 acres of encroaching western juniper stands of post settlement juniper to reduce competition with mule deer forage.
Partners
Partners include Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and private landowners.
Project Status
This grant was awarded in December of 2025. Landowner outreach has commenced and priority acres are being allocated now.