Terrestrial Biota

Indicator: King County's Terrestrial Biota Index is weighted at 10 percent of the entire Land & Resources Index. Mammals, birds, amphibians, and overall biodiversity should be included in the assessment of wildlife health, but there is no consistently collected data regarding these animals or biodiversity in King County. A long-term wildlife monitoring program is proposed as a new biodiversity initiative through King County's Local Action for Biodiversity efforts. However, a program has not been established nor funding secured.

Influencing factors: Over the past two centuries, increased human population and development have substantially altered King County's landscape. A decrease in the amount of vegetated land cover has generally reduced the amount of habitat for native animal and plant species. Pollutant runoff, loss of forest cover, loss of wetlands, climate change, fragmented habitat, and invasive species are the more significant factors that have an effect on terrestrial biota.

Existing DNRP response: Although there is no existing population monitoring for terrestrial biota in King County, WLR continues to implement programs that focus 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: King County is developing a biodiversity strategy and action plan.

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

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

• Biodiversity in King County
• Beavers
• Species of Interest in King County
• King County Biodiversity Report 2008
• Aquatic Plants
• Mussels