How would you go about inventorying the species and ecosystems in Washington state? Or determining conservation priorities?
At the DNR Natural Heritage Program, working with our citizen advisors on the Washington State Natural Heritage Advisory Council, we’ve been documenting the location of rare species and high quality ecosystems since 1977. Educators, local governments, state and federal agencies, and many others rely on this information for their work.
The just-released 2018 State of Washington Natural Heritage Plan offers an opportunity to reflect on the natural features that define our state. Flipping through the short 30-page plan, you’ll begin to see Washington through the eyes of the many species with which we share the state, and learn about the framework created by the Washington State Legislature
to achieve conservation, both successfully and efficiently.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz released the plan with encouragement for everyone:
We invite you to help us build on this conservation legacy. We seek partnerships with agencies and land trusts to fill the gaps that exist in knowledge and conservation action. We encourage school districts and individual teachers who are interested in providing outdoor learning experiences to contact us.
Get outside this spring, and share our rich natural heritage with future generations of Washingtonians!
