Terrestrial Biota

Indicator: King County's Terrestrial Biota Index is weighted at 10 percent of the entire Land & Resources Index. Mammals, birds, amphibians, and biodiversity should be included in the assessment of wildlife health, but there is no consistently collected data regarding these animals in King County. There is currently no plan to develop a long-term population monitoring program.

Influencing factors: Over the past two centuries, increased population and development have substantially altered King County's landscape. Less forests and natural land cover reduce the amount of habitat for animal and plant species. Pollutant runoff, loss of forest cover, wetland ecological health, and of invasive and non-native plants are a few factors that can have an affect on terrestrial biota populations.

Existing DNRP response: Although there is no existing population monitoring for terrestrial biota in King County, WLR continues to implement programs focusing on minimizing degradation from development and pollutant runoff from farms, preventing the loss of forest cover, and implementing watershed improvement projects. WLR's capital projects program builds wetland enhancement projects. Basin stewards work with the local community to respond to resident's inquiries for watershed protection, coordinate efforts among diverse public agencies, facilitate watershed project implementation, provide assistance to monitoring programs and provide public education opportunities.

Priority new actions: Currently, WLR is working to update the policy on beavers and is developing strategies and actions to address this issue.

What you can do: Contact your elected officials and express how important wildlife protections are to you.

More information about King County's Terrestrial Biota is available by continuing to these pages:

• Beavers
• King County Biodiversity Report 2008
• Aquatic Plants
• Mussels