The Nature Conservancy has bought 320 acres of forested land that nestles into the Conservancy’s 8,000-acre Ellsworth Creek Preserve on Willapa Bay. It’s a significant addition to conservation efforts in the region, where the Conservancy preserve is adjacent to the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Together, these two ownerships have protected over 15,000 acres of forested habitat that benefits the marbled murrelet, a threatened seabird that nests on large branches in old-growth forests.

Land will Protect Endangered Species

The new acquisition is land that was part of the Bear River Tree Farm, and has been logged in previous years. Today, it’s covered with trees ranging from 25 to 65 years old, and includes many streams and tributaries that flow into the bay.

The Conservancy is working to restore the managed forest to conditions that will enable the marbled murrelet to thrive. This land also provides habitat for rare fungi, lichen and mollusks, as well as many native amphibians such as the tailed frog and Pacific giant salamander.

More Details

Originally, the Conservancy sought to purchase the entire Bear River Tree Farm, about 500 acres, but was unable to come to an agreement on price with the property owners, two partner families. The partners separated the properties, and the Conservancy reached an agreement with the Larwick family for this 320 acres.

The funding for the purchase came from a federal grant to protect habitat for endangered species.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Duncan Haas/TNC (Ellsworth Creek); Photo © Keith Lazelle(salamander).