Conserving Natural Landscapes
The final Violet Prairie Section 6 Management Plan was delivered to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a grant requirement under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. The property will be managed in perpetuity for the benefit of federal and state listed species, specifically the Yelm pocket gopher and the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly. Planning and Recreation staff members developed the plan in collaboration with the wildlife area manager, Region 6, and Diversity Division staff members. Management activities featured in this plan include prairie restoration, forest management, noxious weed control, grazing and recreation. Grazing, identified as a management tool in the plan, will be introduced on the unit this year.
The route inventory contract is currently up for bid and will close in March. Planning and Recreation Section staff members are holding a pre-bid conference for interested organizations on Feb. 14.
Providing Education and Outreach
The Ambassador Program contract is currently up for bid and will close in March. Planning and Recreation staff members are still working with the tribal liaison to design tribal acknowledgment monuments. We have also been working with Director of External Affairs Pamplin, Director of Tribal Affairs Woods, and others to re-word some things on the Plum Access Area kiosk that includes a narrative about the Snoqualmie Tribe. There are about 20 water access area kiosks in the design phase.