The Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve in Skamania County protects more than 680 additional acres this year (see map). The additional acres are from a transfer of Common School trust parcels that had particularly low income potential for building new schools yet contained special habitat. Through the state’s Trust Land Transfer program, these lands were transferred into preserve status while the trust for public school construction got funding to build schools and obtain lands that will be more suitable for natural resources revenue to the trust.
Located in the scenic Columbia Gorge area, this preserve protects two state threatened species, four sensitive plant species, and the Larch Mountain salamander–a state threatened animal species. For visitors, the basalt cliffs and steep loose rock slopes (talus) make this site nearly inaccessible, and the rare species habitats are very sensitive to disturbance. The site contains undisturbed natural forest communities, and nine plant species which occur only in the Columbia River Gorge.
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