BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL AND OREGON WHITE OAK WOODLAND WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PUGET TROUGH

The western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus Ord, 1818) has been accorde d ''threatened species'' status by the state of Washington. Population s are small, scattered, and declining primarily due to the loss and fr agmentation of suitable habitat. Western gray squirrels are closely as sociated with Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana Dougl. ex Hook.) coni fer communities on forest-prairie-wetland interfaces. Several other wi ldlife species also are closely tied to Oregon white oak woodlands. Oa k woodland wildlife habitat is being reduced and fragmented by human d evelopment. Management of oak woodlands is necessary to protect ecolog ical biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and habitat quality of existing o ak woodlands. Specific management goals include maintaining large, ope n-form oak stands with adjacent intergrading conifers, prairies, and w etlands; preventing habitat fragmentation; maintaining open to patchy understory devoid of invasive species such as Scot's broom; and minimi zing human disturbances that could accelerate root damage to oaks. Man agement recommendations include removing overtopping Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) France) except old-growth trees; thinn ing dense understory oak and Douglas-fir to release remaining oaks; ma intaining or developing habitat corridors to link scattered oak patche s; using prescribed burning to prevent dense shrub competition; and pr omoting oak woodland conservation and enhancement on public and privat e lands through information, education, and legislation.