Table of Contents What is the PHS List? Message from the Director Preface PHS Definitions PHS List Invertebrates Molluscs Arthropods Echinoderms Vertebrates Fish Amphibians Reptiles Birds Mammals Priority Habitats Back to main PHS page

PHS Definitions: PRIORITY HABITAT: A habitat type with unique or significant value to many species. An area identified and mapped as priority habitat has one or more of the following attributes: comparatively high fish and wildlife density comparatively high fish and wildlife species diversity important fish and wildlife breeding habitat important fish and wildlife seasonal ranges important fish and wildlife movement corridors limited availability high vulnerability to habitat alteration unique or dependent species A priority habitat may be described by a unique vegetation type or by a dominant plant species that is of primary importance to fish and wildlife (e.g., oak woodlands, eelgrass meadows). A priority habitat may also be described by a successional stage (e.g., old growth and mature forests). Alternatively, a priority habitat may consist of a specific habitat element (e.g., consolidated marine/estuarine shorelines, talus slopes, caves, snags) of key value to fish and wildlife. PRIORITY SPECIES: Fish and wildlife species requiring protective measures and/or management guidelines to ensure their perpetuation. SPECIES CRITERIA Criterion 1. State Listed and Candidate Species State listed species are those native fish and wildlife species legally designated as Endangered (WAC 232-12-014), Threatened (WAC 232-12-011), or Sensitive (WAC 232-12-011). State Candidate species are those fish and wildlife species that will be reviewed by the department (POL-M-6001) for possible listing as Endangered, Threatened, or Sensitive according to the process and criteria defined in WAC-232-12-297. Criterion 2. Vulnerable Aggregations Vulnerable aggregations include those species or groups of animals susceptible to significant population declines, within a specific area or statewide, by virtue of their inclination to aggregate. Examples include heron rookeries, seabird concentrations, marine mammal haulouts, shellfish beds, and fish spawning and rearing areas. Criterion 3. Species of Recreational, Commercial, and/or Tribal Importance that are Vulnerable Native and non-native fish and wildlife species of recreational or commercial importance, and recognized species used for tribal ceremonial and subsistence purposes, that are vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation. WASHINGTON STATUS: Identifies State Listed or Candidate species (Species of Concern) and species classified as game, food fish, or shellfish. For the latest Species of Concern List, call (360) 902-2515, or visit the following web site: http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/soc.htm. PRIORITY AREA:Species are often considered a priority only within known limiting habitats (e.g., breeding areas) or within areas that support a relatively high number of individuals (e.g., regular large concentrations). These important areas are identified in the PHS List under the heading Priority Area. For example, great blue herons are often found feeding along shorelines, but they are considered a priority only in areas used for breeding (see criterion 2). If limiting habitats are not known, or if a species is so rare that any occurrence is important in land-use decisions, then the priority area is described as any occurrence. Priority areas are described with the following terms: Breeding Site: The immediate area and features associated with producing and rearing young (e.g., nest tree, den). Typically, a point location. Breeding Area: The area necessary to support reproduction and the rearing of young; includes breeding sites and adjacent foraging habitat, and may include a disturbance buffer. Lek: An assembly area where sage and sharp-tailed grouse engage in courtship behavior. Artificial Nesting Feature: Man-made features used for nesting (e.g., nest box, platform). Occurrence: Fish and wildlife observation from a source deemed reliable by WDFW biologists. Occurrences may represent an observation of an individual animal or a group of animals. Regular Occurrence: Areas or features (e.g., trees, cliffs) that are commonly or traditionally used on a seasonal or year-round basis by species that do not typically occur in groups. Regular Concentration: Areas that are commonly or traditionally used by a group of animals on a seasonal or year-round basis. Regular Large Concentrations: Areas that are commonly or traditionally used by significantly large aggregations of animals, relative to what is expected for a particular species or geographic area. Communal Roosts: Habitat features (e.g., trees, caves, cliffs) that are regularly or traditionally used by a group of animals for resting, hibernation, breeding, or young-rearing. Regularly Used Perches: Habitat features (e.g., trees, cliffs) that are regularly or traditionally used by one or more birds for perching. Haulouts: Areas where marine mammals regularly remove themselves from the water for resting. Migration Corridors: Areas regularly or traditionally used as travel routes between seasonal ranges. Foraging Area: Feeding areas that are regularly used by individuals or groups of animals. Hack Site: A location where juvenile diurnal raptors (usually captive-bred) are released in order to acclimate them to the wild. GEOGRAPHIC AREA: The last column in the table beginning on page 4 identifies the WDFW regions where individual priority habitats and species occur. The map below shows the regional boundaries and the locations of regional offices. It is possible for a species or habitat type to be considered a priority only within certain regions. This may occur because of limitations in the species' or habitat's distribution, or for reasons outlined in criterion 2. REGION 1 Mark Wachtel 8702 N. Division Street Spokane, WA 99218-1199 Phone: (509) 892-1001 e-mail: wachtmlw@dfw.wa.gov REGION 2 Chris Parsons 1550 Alder Street NW Ephrata, WA 98823-9699 Phone: (509) 754-4624 e-mail: parsocbp@dfw.wa.gov REGION 3 Ted Clausing 1701 S 24th Avenue Yakima, WA 98902-5720 Phone: (509) 575-2740 e-mail: claustac@dfw.wa.gov REGION 4 Rich Costello 16018 Mill Creek Boulevard Mill Creek, WA 98012-1269 Phone: (425) 775-1311 e-mail: costerac@dfw.wa.gov REGION 5 Steve Manlow 2108 Grand Boulevard Vancouver, WA 98663-1299 Phone: (360) 906-6700 e-mail: manloswm@dfw.wa.gov REGION 6 Stephen Kalinowski 48 Devonshire Road Montesano, WA 98563-9618 Phone: (360) 249-4628 e-mail: kalinsak@dfw.wa.gov