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Preface
The Priority Habitats
and Species (PHS) List is a catalog of those species and habitat types
identified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as
priorities for management and preservation. Because information on fish,
wildlife, and their habitats is dynamic, the PHS List is updated periodically. The PHS List differs
from other lists published by WDFW. The list most frequently confused
with the PHS List is the Species
of Concern List. The distinctions between these two lists are explained
on the inside front cover of this document. The section titled "PHS Definitions"
explains and defines the terms used throughout this document and outlines
criteria for including habitat types and animal species in the PHS system. The map accompanying
the PHS List delineates county and WDFW regional boundaries. This map
can be used to help illustrate WDFW administrative regions in which a
species or habitat type is considered a priority. PHS contact persons
for each WDFW administrative region are also provided. This document
can be used:
Mapping Mapping of priority
habitats and species was initiated in 1990 and includes about two-thirds
of Washington's 43 million acres. The remaining third generally involves
federal and tribal lands. Mapping consists of recording locational and
descriptive data in a Geographic Information System (GIS). These GIS databases
represent WDFW's best knowledge of fish and wildlife resources and occurrences.
It is important to note, however, that priority species or priority
habitats may occur in areas not currently known to WDFW biologists
or in areas for which comprehensive surveys have not been conducted. Site-specific
surveys may be necessary to rule out the presence of priority habitats
or species on individual sites. Included in the PHS
system of databases are WDFW's PHS Points and Polygon Databases, StreamNet,
and the Wildlife Heritage Database. Other information sources include
the Department of Natural Resources' Aquatic Lands Division database on
kelp beds and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's information on the
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Because fish and wildlife
are mobile, and because priority habitats and species data are
subject to change, project reviews for fish and wildlife should not rest
solely on mapped information. PHS data can only show that a species or
habitat type may be present. These data do not show that a species or
habitat type is not present. To Receive
Mapped Information: GIS-based maps and
accompanying tabular data are maintained in an ARC INFO system retrievable
by personnel at WDFW regional and headquarters offices. Both hard copy
and digital data are available by calling (360) 902-2543 or by writing
the address below. Management
Recommendations The Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife also develops management recommendations that assist
landowners, users, and managers in conducting land-use activities in a
manner that incorporates the needs of fish and wildlife. Management recommendations
are developed through a comprehensive review and synthesis of the best
scientific information available. Management Recommendations for Washington's
Priority Habitats and Species should be used in conjunction with the mapped
locations of respective priority habitats and species. You can
request management recommendation documents by calling (360) 902-2543.
Management recommendations also can be accessed via the World wide Web
at: wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phsrecs.htm Questions
and requests for additional PHS information may be directed to: WDFW Habitat Program 600 Capitol Way North Olympia WA 98501-1091 Internet Access The PHS Internet Home
Page can be accessed via the World Wide Web at: For information on rare plants and plant communities, contact: Natural Heritage Program P.O. Box 47016 Olympia, WA 98504-7016 (360) 902-1667 www.dnr.wa.gov/htdocs/fr/nhp |
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