The Big Beef Unit consists of multiple, non-contiguous properties in the Big Beef Creek watershed on the Kitsap Peninsula. The unit's properties provide wetland and riparian preservation and salmon habitat protection. At Morgan Marsh, the largest property, a rough trail leads from a gate to a lake offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing. Morgan Marsh includes riparian habitat, wetlands, open water, fields and second-growth evergreen forest.
All properties are in Kitsap County. The Morgan Marsh property is located about 4 miles east of Bremerton, and can be accessed from Lost Highway W from NW One Mile Road.
The Big Beef Creek Unit is in the Hood Canal Watershed. Surrounding land uses include timber production and private residential.
This unit is part of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 627
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Pulloff at gate
- No restroom
- Rough trail to lake
Wildlife viewing
The Morgan Marsh parcel of this unit, which includes riparian, wetland, and forest habitats, offers lake access from a rough trail via a gate off Lost Highway Road, Seabeck.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
The Big Beef Unit protects wetland and riparian habitats. The Morgan Marsh property is over 600 acres, consisting of riparian habitat, wetlands, open water, fields and second-growth evergreen forest.
Special habitats and species
Salmon and waterfowl are among a variety of species that benefit from wetland and riparian habitats.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
Salmon and waterfowl are among a variety of species that benefit from wetland and riparian habitats.
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
Land stewardship
The Big Beef Creek Unit was purchased fr wetland and riparian preservation and conservation and salmon protection.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1997 and 2011.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Management Plan (January 2022)
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Advisory Committee