This document investigates the status of lynx in Washington and proposes recommendations. It estimates Washington's lynx population to range from <96 to 191 individuals, and recommends that the lynx be designated a threatened species in Washington (executive summary):

"Due to the compounded effects of forest maturation, past habitat alteration, planned habitat alteration, reduced lynx population in British Columbia to provide immigration of lynx from core populations, and the lack of management plans or monitoring programs to ensure long-term maintenance of lynx habitat, the WDW has determined that the lynx population in Washington is vulnerable. The key consideration for reducing future risks is the level of commitment from the U.S. Forest Service and the WDNR (administrators of 91% of lynx range) to adequately protect habitat for lynx." (viii-ix)

Assorted analysis/recommendations regarding logging and roads:

o harvested areas provide less forage than naturally burned areas: regrowth of fewer than 250 lbs/acre versus fewer than 500 lbs/acre (Freedman and Habeck 1984, cited in WDW 1993, pp.52-53)

o Logging roads should be minimized and kept as primitive as possible (WDW 1993, pp.53-54)

o Logging roads should be closed and obliterated immediately after use (WDW 1993, pp.53-54)

Conclusion/Recommendation

"The lynx population in northeastern Washington, with the exception of those lynx occupying the Salmo Priest zone, is currently vulnerable due to low numbers, forest maturation, past habitat alteration, reduction of conductivity to British Columbia, reduced lynx immigration from core populations in Canada, and reduced reoccupation of suitable habitat. All of the areas are vulnerable to significant planned habitat alteration and there area no management plans in place to ensure long-term maintenance of lynx habitat. These factors lead to the conclusion that the notheastern lynx population in Washington is vulnerable." (59)

"Population characteristics of the north-central Cascade lynx population make it vulnerable to habitat perturbations. Planned habitat alterations in lynx range outside MA-12 in the north-central Cascades will reduce habitat capability over a 10 to 20 year period, the absence of silvicultural management plans or monitoring programs to maintain lynx outside MA-12 will liely lead to long-term reduced habitat suitability, and the potential for lynx immigration from Canada to provide residency in the population may be reduced. In combination, these factors present a significant threat to the lynx population in the Okanagan zone and may lead to a situation in which the population may not naturally recovery." (59)

Excerpts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed rule to list the lynx that reference this document (see record for "USDI 1998"):

"The lack of adequate hare habitat in southern latitudes may be partially a result of fire suppression during the past 50 years (Koehler 1990). Suppression of forest fires in the West has allowed forests to mature, thereby reducing habitat suitability for snowshoe hares and Canada lynx (Brittell et al. 1989; Fox 1978; Koehler 1990; Washington Department of Wildlife 1993; T. Bailey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in litt. 1994; H. Golden, pers. comm. 1994). Fire suppression is most likely affecting lynx habitat in areas where historical frequency of fires is shorter than the length of time fires have been suppressed in the Region (P. Stickney, U.S. Forest Service, pers. comm. 1994)." (USFWS 1998, p. 37003)

"Elevated levels of human access into forests are a significant threat to Canada lynx because they increase the likelihood of lynx encountering people, which may result in displacement of lynx from their habitats and/or possible injuries or deaths by intentional or unintentional shooting, trapping, and vehicle accidents (Hatler 1988; Thiel 1987; Brittell et al. 1989; Koehler and Brittell 1990; Brocke et al. 1991; Andrew 1992; Washington Department of Wildlife 1993; Brocke et al. 1993; M. Hunter, University of Maine, pers. comm. 1994)." (USFWS 1998, p. 37005)

"In Washington, there is concern that human access may reduce the number of Canada lynx emigrating from British Columbia, further increasing the vulnerability of the remaining small population (Washington Department of Wildlife 1993)." (USFWS 1998, p. 37006)

"Recolonization of suitable lynx habitat within the State of Washington eventually may be precluded by the fragmentation of habitat and potential isolation from the lynx population in Canada (Washington Department of Wildlife 1993)." (USFWS 1998, p. 37003)

---

| Home | Join Us | Clearinghouse Main Menu |

| Lynx Clearinghouse | Lynx Information |

Copyright © 2000 Predator Conservation Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

---

P.O Box 6733
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone: (406) 587-3389 | Fax (406) 587-3170 | Email