CREP Wildlife
CREP Buffers: More than Just Fish Habitat
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or CREP, is a voluntary program which provides incentives to restore and improve salmon and steelhead habitat on private land. The most common practice in the CREP program is restoration of forested riparian buffers.
CREP has expanded recently to include hedgerows on smaller streams. While CREP buffers are planted for salmon and steelhead, they also support a variety of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Here are some pictures of critters recently seen in the CREP buffers of Whatcom County, and information on what to do if they are causing problems for your property, your livestock, or your crops.
Common Critters
Beavers
Beavers are known to cause damage to property by cutting down trees and building dams, which can lead to flooding. However, it's important to remember that beavers are a protected species and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a proper permit.
To deal with beavers causing damage to your property, there are several non-lethal options you can consider:
Fencing: Erecting a fence around the area where the beavers are active can prevent them from reaching the trees and other vegetation you want to protect.
Repellents: There are various repellents available that can be used to deter beavers from certain areas. These include castor oil-based repellents, which are applied to the trunks of trees, and noise-making devices that emit high-pitched sounds that beavers find unpleasant.
Water Level Control: You can install a device called a "beaver deceiver" or "beaver buster" which allows you to control the water level of a pond. This will discourage beavers from building dams and help prevent flooding.
Habitat Modification: Beavers are attracted to areas with a lot of food and cover. By reducing the amount of food and cover available in the area, you may be able to discourage beavers from staying there.
Live trapping and relocation: This option can be done only with the help of professional wildlife control companies, they trap the beavers humanely and release them in an appropriate area away from human development.
Beavers play an important role in their ecosystem and removing them can cause more harm than good. It is always best to consider non-lethal options before resorting to lethal methods.
Deer
Whatcom County's native black-tailed deer can cause damage to property by eating plants and trees, trampling gardens, and even causing car accidents.
If you're experiencing issues with deer on your property, there are several non-lethal options you can consider to deter them:
Fencing: Erecting a tall fence around your property can be an effective way to keep deer out. A fence that is at least 8 feet tall is typically necessary to keep deer from jumping over.
Repellents: There are several types of repellents available that can be used to deter deer from certain areas. These include sprays, granules, and even electronic devices that emit high-pitched sounds.
Netting and mesh: You can use netting or mesh to protect individual plants or small areas of your garden. This is another great use of our free blue tubes, the same tubes that are used for CREP projects.
Scents: Some people use soaps, human hair, or other strong-smelling items around the perimeter of their property to repel deer.
Habitat modification: By reducing the amount of food available in the area, you may be able to discourage deer from staying there. You can also plant species that deer do not like to eat, like daffodils, or install a water feature, which deer tend to avoid.
Motion-activated lights and noise makers: these can be used to startle deer, making them think the area is unsafe.
It is worth noting that in some areas, hunting and trapping of deer may be allowed, but it is best to check with local authorities to see what is allowed in your area.
Colonists in the county and surrounding areas have left a legacy virtually devoid of natural predators, which promotes herd and population growth in prey species such as deer. Despite this, it is still important to remember that deer play an important role in our ecosystem and removing them can cause more harm than good.
Wild Birds
Whatcom County's tall, dense forests and abundant natural resources make the perfect home for wild birds. Here, oceanic species, winged predators, songbirds, and migratory fowl all share the same landscape with us.
Wild birds, and their precense, is often a good metric to get a pulse on the health of an ecosystem. Now more than ever, birds face grave annihilation from threats such as habitat destruction, pesticides, and deadly predators such as feral cats.
Wild birds can cause damage to property by pecking at wood and other building materials, leaving droppings on surfaces, and creating nests in unwanted areas. If you're experiencing issues with wild birds on your property, there are several non-lethal options you can consider to deter them:
Physical barriers: Installing physical barriers such as bird netting, wire mesh, or bird spikes can prevent birds from accessing certain areas of your property.
Decoys: Placing decoys of predators such as owls or snakes in the area can deter birds from staying there.
Noise deterrents: Devices that emit loud, sudden noises can startle birds and discourage them from staying in the area.
Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, shiny objects, and strobe lights can also be used to deter birds by making the area appear less attractive to them.
Habitat modification: By removing sources of food and shelter, such as open garbage or overgrown vegetation, you may be able to discourage birds from staying on your property.
Exclusion: You can close or cover openings on buildings and structures that birds use to access and nest, such as chimneys, vents, and eaves.
It is worth noting that some species of birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and it is illegal to harm or remove them without a permit. Therefore, it is important to consult with local authorities before taking any action.
Raccoons
With rapidly growing human populations come rapidly growing refuse and waste piles; it is no wonder that raccoons are a common sight in Whatcom County.
Raccoons can cause damage to property by digging through trash, damaging gardens and lawns, and even entering structures to nest. If you're experiencing issues with raccoons on your property, there are several non-lethal options you can consider to deter them:
Secure trash: Raccoons are often attracted to easy sources of food, such as unsecured trash cans. Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and keep them in a secure area, such as a shed or garage.
Fencing: Erecting a fence around your garden or other areas you want to protect can prevent raccoons from entering. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall, and buried at least 6 inches deep to prevent raccoons from digging under.
Repellents: There are various repellents available that can be used to deter raccoons from certain areas. These include sprays made from hot pepper, garlic or predator urine.
Habitat modification: By removing sources of food and shelter, such as pet food or abandoned buildings, you may be able to discourage raccoons from staying on your property.
Live trapping and relocation: This option can be done only with the help of professional wildlife control companies, they trap the raccoons humanely and release them in an appropriate area away from human development.
Exclusion: You can close or cover openings on buildings and structures that raccoons use to access and nest, such as chimneys, vents, and eaves.
It's important to remember that raccoons are a protected species and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a proper permit. Therefore, it is important to consult with local authorities before taking any action.
It's important to keep in mind that raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, so it is important to take precautions when handling them.
Pacific Tree
Frog
The Pacific Tree Frog is the most common frog on the West Coast. They are the state frog of Washington and found in every county in the state.
Pacific tree frogs are important in Washington state because they play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are a common prey item for many animals and their populations help to control the populations of insects and other small invertebrates. Additionally, they are an indicator species, meaning changes in their populations can indicate changes in the overall health of the ecosystem. They are also a popular species with the public, and have cultural and educational value.
Felis catus: a bird's greatest threat?
Read below to learn more about how domesticated cats pose a significant threat to already vulnerable native species.
A Cat's Impact
Habitat buffers, such as the ones grown through CREP, provide a safe haven for a diverse mosaic of species from salmon to spotted frogs. This is due to the fact that they provide many of the survival essentials: clean water, shelter, shade, and habitat for food. The cats of Whatcom County recognize this and can put already vulnerable populations at risk by hunting inside of CREP buffers.
Outdoor cats, whether they are feral or domestic, can pose a significant threat to wild birds. Cats are natural predators and have a hunting instinct that can lead them to prey on birds and other small animals. This can have a significant impact on bird populations, both in terms of numbers and diversity.
Direct predation: Cats are able to catch and kill a wide variety of birds, from small songbirds to larger waterfowl. Studies have shown that even well-fed cats can cause a significant amount of bird mortality, with some estimates suggesting that outdoor cats kill billions of birds each year in North America alone.
Habitat destruction: Cats may also contribute to the destruction of bird habitats, by killing or driving away small mammals and insects that birds rely on for food.
Nest predation: Cats can also prey on birds during their nesting period by hunting the adult birds, destroying the eggs or eating the chicks.
Disease: Cats can also spread diseases to wild birds, such as avian influenza, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis.
Competition: Cats may also compete with birds for resources such as food and nesting sites.
It's important to note that even indoor cats can pose a threat if they are allowed to roam outside. It is also important to remember that while cats are beloved pets, they are not native to North America and their populations are not regulated by natural predators.
There are ways to help mitigate the impact of outdoor cats on wild birds, such as:
Keep cats indoors: One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of outdoor cats on birds is to keep them indoors, or to restrict their outdoor access with a leash or a catio.
Spay and neuter: Spaying or neutering cats can help reduce their populations and limit the number of cats that are hunting wild birds.
Provide alternatives: If you must have outdoor cats, provide them with alternatives to hunting, such as toys and scratching posts, to reduce their hunting instincts.
Educate others: Educate your family, friends, and community about the impact of outdoor cats on wild birds and encourage them to take steps to protect birds.
It's important to keep in mind that cats are a domesticated animal and we have the responsibility to take care of them and prevent them from causing harm to wildlife. By working together, we can help protect wild birds and other wildlife from the impacts of outdoor cats.
Threatened
&
Endangered Species
Bees & Wasps
Bees and wasps are beneficial to ecosystems in many ways. They are pollinators, which means they help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from flower to flower. This is important for the survival of many plant species, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that make up a significant portion of our diet. Without bees and wasps, many of these crops would not be able to produce as much food, which would have a ripple effect on other animals that rely on those plants for food.
Bees and wasps are also key members of the food web as predators, they help control populations of other insects such as aphids, caterpillars, and other pests that can damage crops and gardens. They also provide food for other animals, such as birds and small mammals.
However, bees and wasps populations have been in decline in recent years due to a variety of factors. Some of the main reasons for the decline include:
Habitat loss: As human populations continue to grow and urban areas expand, wild habitats are being destroyed or fragmented, which makes it harder for bees and wasps to find food and places to nest.
Pesticides: The widespread use of pesticides can be harmful to bees and wasps, both by directly killing them and by reducing the availability of food.
Climate change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can make it harder for bees and wasps to find food and can also disrupt their mating and nesting habits.
Disease and parasites: Diseases and parasites such as Varroa mite and Nosema fungus can infect bees and wasps, weakening or killing them.
Loss of genetic diversity: Monoculture farming practices and the use of non-native plants can lead to a loss of genetic diversity among bees and wasps, which can make them less able to adapt to changing conditions.
It's important to keep in mind that bees and wasps play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, and their decline could have serious consequences for both wildlife and human populations.
There are steps that can be taken to help protect bees and wasps, such as reducing pesticide use, planting native wildflowers and other plants that provide food and habitat, and protecting wild areas from development.
By working together, we can help protect these important pollinators and preserve the ecosystems that depend on them.
Bobcats
Bobcats are beneficial to ecosystems in many ways, and are much more common than many people think. They are apex predators, which means they help control populations of other animals such as rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals, which can prevent overpopulation and damage to crops. They also provide food for other animals, such as birds of prey and coyotes.
Bobcats also play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by helping to control invasive species. For example, they may help control populations of non-native animals such as European rabbits, which can outcompete native animals and disrupt ecosystems.
Despite these benefits, bobcat populations are facing threats in Washington state and elsewhere. Some of the main reasons for the decline include many of the same reasons that bees & wasps are declining, with the addition of hunting and trapping. Bobcats can also be affected by diseases such as distemper and feline leukemia.
It's important to keep in mind that bobcats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, and their decline could have serious consequences for both wildlife and human populations.
There are steps that can be taken to help protect bobcats, such as reducing hunting and trapping, protecting wild areas from development, and reducing pesticide use. By working together, we can help protect these important predators and preserve the ecosystems that depend on them.
Orcas
Perhaps the most charismatic of all Whatcom's creatures, orcas are critically endangered. CREP buffers help their main food source, salmon, recover.
Three ecotypes of killer whales regularly occur in Washington: fish-eating residents, mammal-eating transients (or Bigg’s), and offshores. The Southern Resident population has shown an overall declining trend since 1995, falling from 98 whales to 73 whales as of December 2021, and is federally listed as endangered in the U.S. and Canada.
The transient and offshore populations are stable or increasing, although the species is broadly listed as endangered in Washington state due to the status of the imperiled Southern Residents.
Reduced availability of Chinook salmon, elevated marine contaminants, and noise and disturbance from vessel activity have limited the Southern Resident population’s productivity. Increased shipping traffic and the associated threat of large oil spills also have the potential to negatively impact the health and status of all three populations.
Western Gray
Squirrel
The western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) is important for a variety of reasons. Ecologically, they play a key role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health. Western gray squirrels are important seed dispersers for many tree species such as Douglas-fir, Western red cedar, Western hemlock, and Pacific yew. They are able to cache large amounts of food, and are known to forget where they have stored some of these seeds, leading to the germination of new plants. This helps to maintain biodiversity, and ensures the survival of these tree species.
Gray squirrels rely on trees, such as the ones inside CREP buffers, as critical habitat.
Additionally, western gray squirrels are an important food source for many predators such as birds of prey, bobcats, and coyotes. They also provide recreational opportunities for human, as hunting and watching wildlife are popular activities.
Western gray squirrels are also considered as indicator species, meaning their populations can indicate the overall health of the ecosystem. Their presence or absence can be a sign of the health of the forest and the availability of food resources.
Lastly, the western gray squirrels have cultural and educational value. They are a common species in many urban and suburban areas and are often viewed by people as a symbol of nature and the outdoors. They are also a popular subject in educational programs and can be used to teach children about the natural world and the importance of conservation.
Overall, western gray squirrels play a vital role in maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, and they are an important part of the cultural and recreational fabric of the region.
Cedars
While extensive legislation and enforcement protect endangered animals, comparatively few protections for plant species are in place.
Cedars are important in Washington state for several reasons.
Ecologically, cedars play a key role in the forest ecosystem. They provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Many species of birds, mammals and insects rely on cedars for food, shelter and nesting sites. For example, the western red cedar is a host plant for the caterpillars of the Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and the Pacific Yew is a host for the caterpillars of the Oregon silverspot butterfly.
Cedars also play a significant role in maintaining the health of the forest. They have a deep root system that helps to hold soil in place and prevent erosion, and their needles and fallen branches provide important organic matter for the forest floor. They also help to maintain the water cycle by transpiring water, providing shade to maintain soil moisture, and slowing the movement of water through the forest.
Economically, cedars are important for the timber industry in Washington state. Western red cedar, Alaska cedar and Yellow cedar are commercially valuable species and are used for a variety of products, such as lumber, shingles, shakes, and poles.
Culturally, cedars hold significant importance to the Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, who have used cedar for a wide range of purposes, including construction of longhouses, canoes, and clothing. They also have spiritual and ceremonial importance, and are often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.
In summary, cedars are an integral part of the Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem and play important roles in maintaining the health of the forest, providing habitat for wildlife and providing economic and cultural benefits to the people of Washington state.
One of the primary threats is habitat loss due to logging and development. As the human population in the Pacific Northwest has grown, large areas of old-growth forest have been logged and converted into urban and suburban areas. This has led to a loss of important cedar habitat and fragmented the remaining habitat, making it more difficult for cedar populations to survive.
Another major threat is the loss of genetic diversity. Many cedar populations have been isolated due to habitat loss, and as a result, they have lost genetic diversity. Low genetic diversity can make populations more susceptible to disease, pests, and environmental changes, which can lead to population decline.
Climate change is also a concern for cedars in Washington state. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expected to lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of cedar species, and are likely to increase the severity of pests and disease.
Lastly, some cedar species, like the Yellow cedar and Alaska cedar, are facing specific threats. Yellow cedar is dying off in large numbers due to changes in soil temperature and moisture caused by snowpack loss, and the Alaska cedar is facing threats from fire suppression and competition with other species.
Overall, cedars in Washington state are facing multiple threats that are leading to their endangered status, including habitat loss, loss of genetic diversity, climate change and other species specific threats. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these species, and their habitats, in order to ensure their survival.
Northern
Spotted
Owl
In this National Park Service photo by Emily Brouwer, we can see a female spotted owl harvesting dinner.
Few Whatcom County residents are fortunate enough to see a northern spotted owl these days. Having a healthy riparian buffer can significantly increase your odds of a sighting.
The northern spotted owl inhabits mid and late seral coniferous forests. Typical habitat characteristics include:
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Generally high canopy closure
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Complex canopy structure involving trees of multiple age or size classes
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Large decaying trees and/or snags
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A high volume of downed wood.
Northern spotted owls have large home ranges, and in those areas they hunt a number of prey species. The most common prey are northern flying squirrels, but spotted owls will also prey on bushy-tailed woodrats, snowshoe hares, and other small mammals.
The northern spotted owl is relatively long-lived, has a long reproductive lifespan, invests significantly in parental care, and exhibits high adult survivorship. The majority of pairs do not breed every year. Courtship usually begins in February or March, and females typically lay eggs in late March or April.
Spotted owls are at a competitive disadvantage to the more generalist barred owl, which has expanded its range to now include the entire distribution of the northern spotted owl.
Formerly a widespread and uncommon resident of coniferous forests in western Washington and the east slope of the Cascade Range, the northern spotted owl is now rare throughout Washington. It has been very rare in southwestern Washington for several decades and no longer breeds in the Puget Lowlands. Northern spotted owls occur up to about 5,000 feet in elevation.
The population of northern spotted owls in Washington continues to decline, and some landscapes where long-term monitoring has been conducted now support several or fewer pairs. About 1,200 territories have been documented in Washington. Trend data suggests that about 25 percent or less of these territories remain occupied.
SPOTTED!
Oregon Spotted Frog
Oregon spotted frogs are a species only recently discovered in WA. They were first located in a CREP buffer! They are only known to occur in 4 Washington counties.
They help to control the populations of other aquatic animals such as insects and crustaceans, and play a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They also serve as prey for other animals, including birds, snakes, and mammals.
Oregon spotted frogs are also an indicator species, meaning that changes in their populations can indicate changes in the overall health of the ecosystem. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, temperature, and habitat, and their presence or absence can be a sign of the health of the wetland and the availability of food resources.
Oregon spotted frogs have cultural and educational value, and are often used in educational programs to teach about the importance of conservation and the natural world.
Oregon spotted frogs are considered a species of special conservation concern.
Their populations have declined dramatically in recent decades due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, and they are listed as endangered by the U.S. federal government and the state of Oregon. Efforts are needed to protect these species, and their habitats, in order to ensure their survival.
Overall, Oregon spotted frogs play a vital role in maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, and they are an important part of the cultural and recreational fabric of the region. Their conservation is essential to ensure the survival of this unique and valuable species.
6975 Hannegan Road, Lynden, WA 98246
360-526-2381
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