The habitat assessments will determine the wildlife habitat value of certain marginal areas of farmland, and assess the importance of these areas for biological diversity. Claus Svendsen and his Skagit Valley College students began conducting habitat assessments during the summer of 1998. Habitat assessments will continue in woodlands, and also in sloughs and wetlands over the next couple of years. Approximately twelve woodlands, which meet criteria as to size, number and variety of trees and proximity to cropland, are currently being assessed. To conduct the assessment, core samples are taken from trees, variety of mammals and amphibians is determined, and bird species are counted.
Vegetation is inventoried at four levels, and large woody debris is assessed.
So far, over 20 species of small mammals and amphibians have been recorded. Landowners whose habitats are assessed receive a wildlife habitat inventory portfolio which details the results of the inventory, including animals and plants identified, age and disturbance pattern of the trees, and other data. Data collected in the habitat assessments will be used to evaluate what components of an area offer the best habitat for wildlife, and to determine how woodlands and other marginal areas benefit wildlife in the Skagit Valley. We are looking for landowners interested in habitat assessment of their woodlands, sloughs, or wetlands, and for volunteers interested in helping with the habitat inventory, particularly bird identification and vegetation surveys.