Proposed Olympic National Park/Preserve Additions
Key additions to Olympic National Park (either as a park or a preserve) would protect and restore watersheds as well as preserve critical low-elevation salmon and wildlife habitats. These potential park/preserve additions would create a more ecologically sound and resilient park boundary in the face of future development pressures and unpredictable climate change.
National parks have been set aside by the American public to preserve, protect, and share the legacies of this land. Building on the 2008 Olympic National Park General Management Plan, potential additions would be acquired under a “willing seller” clause allowing the park service an opportunity to purchase, restore and protect these lands if offered for sale, while ensuring that the park/preserve boundary would not change without consent of the local landowner. Based on feedback from Tribal and non-Tribal hunters, the Campaign is open to a National “Preserve” to create new, permanent public hunting destinations.
Lake Crescent
© Robert Parrish
Additions would protect the scenic Lyre River, which flows from this popular lake. This stream is critical to endemic Crescenti trout, which spawn in these waters. These fish are found nowhere else in the world. Including these lands in the park will prevent future development and protect the pristine quality of the lake, which has remained intact and provided enjoyment to generations of visitors and residents on the Olympic Peninsula.
Lake Ozette
© Sam Beebe
Additions would protect and restore key areas of the watershed surrounding this unmatched coastal lake. Lake Ozette and its watershed are home to the greatest diversity of fish in Olympic National Park, including the endemic Olympic Mudminnow. All species are currently in decline. The Park/Preserve addition would greatly assist the recovery of threatened Lake Ozette sockeye and other wild salmon stocks. Three herds of Roosevelt elk will benefit from additional habitat protection. Lake Ozette is one of the wild jewels of the Olympic coast, and offers the best hope for coastal salmon recovery.
South Fork Hoh River
© Tim Kneedler
Additions will include the unprotected lower three miles of the South Fork Hoh, which flows west out of the park through Washington Department of Natural Resource land. This river reach is a primary migratory corridor for fish and provides spawning and rearing habitat for a large number of salmon stocks including threatened bull trout and steelhead. South Fork Hoh additions would protect prime elk habitat and consolidate nearly the entire South Fork Hoh River as park/preserve.
Queets River
© Sam Beebe
The Queets watershed has the highest density of Roosevelt elk in the park. Additions would protect critical winter habitat for park elk herds. Adding portions of McKinnon and Hibbart Creeks as park/preserve will also benefit spawning coho salmon. Increased protection for riparian zones and uplands will improve habitat and water quality and provide a more ecologically sound boundary for the narrow Queets corridor.
