The North Cascades is one of the most magnificent wild ecosystems in the world. But all is not well in this wilderness paradise.
Grizzly bears and wolves are present only in small numbers, nowhere near their natural population levels. Both species are essential for proper functioning of the North Cascades ecosystem. As demonstrated in Yellowstone Park, large predators control herbivore populations and smaller predator populations, ultimately impacting vegetation growth and other major ecosystem characteristics.
The Pacific Fisher, a small carnivore who is a member of the weasel family, has also been identified as absent from Washington since the mid-1990s and efforts are being made to reintroduce them to the area.
To learn about our conservation efforts for each of these animals explore the pages below.
