Tahoma Forest Natural Resources Conservation Area

Color photo of Charley Creek Natural Area Preserve (NAP)
This 230-acre conservation area within the Tahoma State Forest protects mature, structurally complex forest and contributes to habitat connectivity for northern spotted owls within the surrounding landscape. The conservation area includes mid-elevation old-growth forest communities ranging from 100 to well over 200 years of age. Douglas fir and western hemlock dominate the forest overstory, but silver fir and noble fir are also common. The forest understory includes species such as beargrass, red huckleberry, Pacific rhododendron, vanilla leaf, cutleaf goldthread and queencup beadlily.

Features Protected: North Pacific Dry-Mesic Silver Fir-Western Hemlock-Douglas fir Forest; northern spotted owl
Ecoregion: West Cascades (Lewis County)

SCIENCE, RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Tahoma Forest NRCA, contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS

Currently no formal educational programs are available at Tahoma Forest NRCA. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Pacific Cascades Region natural areas manager.