Forests of Western Washington

Washington’s Climate

Washington’s Biomes: Washinton has three main biomes: Boreal forest Temperate rain forest Grassland

Characteristics of Washington’s Old Growth Boreal Forests:

Multi-story canopy Large amount of biomass Lots of dead wood on floor Snags Mostly conifers Some wildlife diversity, but not much

Common Tree Species in Western Washington: Alder Douglas-Fir Western Red Cedar Sitka Spruce Western Hemlock

Alder: Common decidious tree Nitrogen-fixing Occurs in early stages of succession

Douglas-Fir Very important economically “Groovy” bark Short, hard, spiky needles (spruce) Tallest species in WA

Western Red Cedar State tree of WA “Stringy” bark Soft, flat needles Most biomass of any tree in WA Most common in mature forests

Western Hemlock Occurs mostly at lower altitudes “Droopy” branches Most common in later stages of succession Needs very wet climate to survive

Sitka Spruce: State Tree of AK Short, spiky needles Grows mostly in low-lying, coastal areas Long life span

Tree Comparison:

Energy Pyramid:

Threats to Washington’s Forests: Development (Building roads, shopping malls, houses, etc.) Climate change Logging (only a threat to old growth; heavily managed forests are replanted anyway)

Homework: LO: Describe interactions between species in Pacific Northwest Boreal Forests. SLE: Articulate ideas clearly and effectively Using these elements in a PNW forest, create a food web and energy pyramid: Abiotic elements (sunlight, air, water, soil), fungi, bacteria, black ants, moss, grass, salal, Devil’s Thumb, Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, Alder, vole, chipmunk, grey squirrel, barn owl, raven, bald eagle, salmon, mule deer, Roosevelt Elk, cougar, grizzly bear.