© Pete Saloutos/Panoramic Images (Washington Title Image Large)
Disappearing Landscapes
Population in western Washington has expanded substantially, resulting in conversion of the South Puget Sound Prairies to housing developments and commercial properties. In southeastern Washington, farming (much of it irrigated) and grazing have replaced or impacted the native vegetation. Fire suppression has led to significant changes in structure and composition of many other types of vegetation that, at first glance, seem to be in a more natural state.
Imperiled Ecosystems in Washington
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South Puget Sound Prairies
High-quality prairie grasslands and oak woodlands near the south end of Puget Sound have nearly disappeared. Development pressure and invasive species have had a severe impact.
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Shrub-steppe
Much of southeastern Washington is dry and is dominated by sagebrush and grasses. More than half of this shrub-steppe vegetation has been converted to agriculture.
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Ponderosa Pine
The forests on the eastern flank of the Cascades at one time were more predominantly Ponderosa pine. Today, as a result of fire suppression and harvest activities, the once open, park-like forests have all but disappeared.
