The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the purchase of 1,079 acres of wetlands, streams and other habitat in an area along the West Branch of the Little Spokane River between Fan and Horseshoe lakes in southern Pend Oreille County.

The commission made its decision at a meeting in Colville on Saturday.

The land is Phase I of a planned purchase of 2,772 acres known as “Rustler’s Gulch.” It centers around an area near Horseshoe Lake at a cost of almost $3.4 million.

The remainder of the property will cost about $5.3 million and is expected to be completed next year.

Funds for the purchases are through the state’s Wildlife and Recreation Program.