The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Olympic
General Description
Situated on the Olympic
Peninsula on the north-west coast of Washington State, Olympic Biosphere Reserve
and National Park is known for its ecosystem diversity. Glacier-clad peaks
interspersed with extensive alpine meadows are surrounded by an extensive old
growth forest, among which is the best example of intact and protected temperate
rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. Characteristic trees are Sitka spruce (Picea
sitchensis), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western red cedar (Thuja
plicata). Eleven major river systems drain the Olympic Mountains, offering some
of the best habitats for anadromous fish species in the country. The area also
includes 100 km of wilderness coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the
United States, and is rich in native and endemic animal and plant species,
including critical populations of the endangered northern spotted owl (Strix
occidentalis) and marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). The large coastal
subspecies of Roosewelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) was first described in
the Olympic Mountains and its protection was an important reason for
establishing the national park in 1938. The area is also designated as World
Heritage site.
No timber logging is permitted in the national park, however there is some
illegal felling, rapidly increasing around the boundaries. Introduced mountain
goats (Oreamnos americanus) have had an impact on high elevation communities.
Over 2.5 million tourists annually visit the area (1986). The Olympic Mountains
are the traditional homeland of many Native American groups who have benefited
from the rich natural resources of the forests and rivers.
Last updated: 06/27/2005