The Lewis River Hydroelectric Projects - PacifiCorp

Cresap Bay Park—Interpretive sign #2 (Natural History)
Location:
Size:
Title:
Cresap Bay Park
TBD
Wild Neighbors
Main
Content: The Lewis River Valley has a long history of change. Over the past 150
years, homesteading, wildfires, logging, dam construction, and housing
devlopment have shaped this landscape into something quite different
than it was before the first Euroamerican settlers arrived. Today, there is
little left of the ancient evergreen forests that once thrived along the
Lewis.
But despite the changes, many native species remain—and many thrive,
helped by habitat programs, on PacifiCorp lands. Watch for these wild
neighbors as you explore.
Douglas-fir
One of the most prominent tree species in the Cascades, Douglas-firs can
grow over 200 feet high. A very important timber tree, they are also a key
species for wildlife habitat. Douglas-firs are planted throughout
PacifiCorp’s lands as part of habitat programs.
Alder
On sites that have been heavily disturbed by humans, such as gravel pits
and old clearcuts, alder can form thick stands that provide poor habitat.
But in mixed stands, these fast-growing, vigorous trees can be important
food and shelter for elk, deer, and many bird species.
Elk
Elk did not appear along this stretch of the Lewis River until around the
1950s. The elk in this valley are thought to be descended from
transplanted Rocky Mountain elk. PacifiCorp maintains elk habitat
throughout the valley, by planting grass in clearcuts and along old roads,
and protecting key winter range.
Black bear
Black bears are not common in the Lewis River valley, but they are
present here. Fruiting shrubs such as huckleberry and crabapple are very
important foods.
Woodpeckers
Many species of woodpecker—from the big pileated woodpeckers to
colorful red-breasted sapsuckers—seek snags (standing dead trees) in
which to mine for beetle larvae and excavate their nest cavities.
Hawks
Many hawks and falcons, such as red-tailed hawks and kestrels, rely on
open country to hunt their preferred prey of rodents, insects, and small
Appendix 1: panel profiles Lewis River Draft I&E Plan page 25