|
|
 |
|
|
The Magpie Forest
In a 2005 press release, Washington
State University announced that it is purchasing the Magpie Forest for
conservation and research purposes. All of us at PCEI can feel proud
for helping to bring this issue to the forfront of attention on the
Palouse, and for aiding in the protection of a parcel of remaining
native Palouse habitat.
Download the WSU announcement
(pdf)...
|
Background
The Magpie Forest is important because it provides wildlife habitat and
represents one of the last remnants of native Palouse shrub-steppe
vegetation. Pullman's Environmental Quality Commission has designated
the Magpie Forest as one of city's most important and endangered
"critical areas" in anticipation of its eventually becoming part of
Pullman, Washington. |
Important Ecosystem Threatened
Thickets and corridors dominated by hawthorn were an important ecosystem
on the Palouse, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Over the years
their extent has been decreased by various land use practices, such as
agriculture and residential/commercial development. This site has
several features of note, including a population of mountain orchid
(Cypripedium montanum, a special status species--(the field trip
was scheduled to coincide with expected bloom dates) and Bryonia
alba, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the
persistence of hawthorn thickets. Thickets of Douglas hawthorn,
Crateagus douglasii, are an important inclusion of Palouse
Prairie, and provide extremely valuable habitat for a variety of
wildlife species.
The Magpie Forest provides an opportunity to explore native plants,
wildlife habitat, invasive species and conservation issues. (Shown
above-right is Cypripedium montanum. You can also see a list
of species found at the Magpie Forest, download a printable file listing
plants found at the Magpie Forest (pdf, 12k).
|
Next Steps
Because of the potential threat of development so close to the Magpie
Forest, we have discussed with WSU representatives the following
management ideas:
- Locating signage to designate Magpie as a special place with no
destructive activities allowed such as paint ball, shooting, fires,
cutting trees or brush, etc.
- Organizing clean up and weed control work party events at Magpie
using local volunteers
- Organizing gatherings to educate people about the uniqueness of the
area
- Organizing “community patrol” volunteers to watch over the Magpie
Forest
- Developing a maintenance plan that preserves it as a natural area
- Developing funding sources to cover the costs of maintenance,
etc.
|
Directions to the Magpie Forest
To visit the Magpie Forest on the north edge of Pullman, take Terre view
Drive (from Grand Avenue or Airport Road). Turn northeast on Merman
Drive. Park at the end of Merman Drive and walk across a field to the
forest. Please be respectful of the private property and the crop you
are crossing. |
|
