In late August a wildfire in south Thurston County burned through the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area charring 345 acres of the preserve. The fire incinerated important habitat for over a half dozen butterflies that the state has deemed Species of Greatest Conservation Need, potentially killing scores of caterpillars and pupae.

The wildfire burned through a vast swath of the southern portion of the preserve, hitting far more of the landscape than would be targeted with controlled ecological burns (typically 5-10 acres). This fire burned so much of the landscape, including all of the known habitat for most of the rare butterflies on site, that there is great concern for their survival. In addition to the natural response to fire, managers at WDFW will be focusing resources on the site to help ensure the preserve follows a recovery trajectory towards a healthier native ecosystem. Additionally the fire cleared vegetation on over 300 acres of ground making the seeding of native grasses and flowers both possible and critical to rebuild the habitat for those rare butterflies that occupy the site. The Center for Natural Lands Management will be coordinating volunteers in seeding and planting at Scatter Creek on November 21st, from 9-3. Carpooling from downtown Olympia is available.

G’num2017Vol18No4