- Author
- The Nature Conservancy
- Publication Year
- 2006
- Species
- Mardon skipper, Mazama pocket gopher, Streaked horned lark, Taylor's checkerspot, Western gray squirrel
- Region
- Puget Trough/Lowlands
- Habitat
- Upland Prairie
Fort Lewis continues to play a vital role in the regional effort to restore western Washington prairie and oak habitats. The Fort has the largest and best quality remnants of these threatened habitat types, and The Nature Conservancy is assisting the Fort to reach its conservation goals. Fort Lewis and The Nature Conservancy have a shared vision of conservation at the Fort which simultaneously promotes sustainable military training lands and robust natural ecosystems.
This report provides an overview of the past year’s conservation activities at Fort Lewis relating to the prairie/oak mosaic. It is a compilation of previous quarterly reports and provides general details relating to project objectives and outcomes.
TNC’s total conservation activity on Fort Lewis in 2006 exceeded that of any previous year. More was accomplished in virtually every category of activity compared to 2005. For example, the total cumulative area that we controlled Scotch broom to enhance prairie and oak habitat increased by 55% to over 2000 acres. Similarly, upland weeds and native prairie plant propagation have had notable increases. In addition, we took on some new tasks, such as habitat enhancement for the federally listed plant water howellia and bald eagle. Due to an increase in staffing, Fort Lewis Fish and Wildlife staff were able to make significant contributions to several joint projects this year, which facilitated conservation efforts.