WSRRI Targets

Washington's shrubsteppe landscape includes a matrix of shrublands and grasslands, intersected by a wide diversity of wet meadows, wetlands and riparian systems, each of which can fully or partially support the needs of hundreds of wildlife species. In addition, specific species may have specific needs not fully captured by these different ecosystems. In an effort to ensure the highest priority habitat needs for the largest number of wildlife species are considered in the spatial priorities, WSRRI’s spatial priorities are mapped for each of three different conservation 'targets:'

1. Dry (Xeric) ecosystem

In WSRRI’s spatial priority setting, this ecosystem includes upland, drier environments where sagebrush and perennial grasslands predominate. Spatial priorities for this ecosystem are expected to support the habitat needs for many species associated with these drier environments in the shrubsteppe landscape. Xeric cores represent the largest blocks of native grasslands and shrublands in the region. They contain abundant perennial grass and forb cover, comparatively low amounts of invasive annual grasses, low human footprint, and often at least some sagebrush cover.

2. Wet (Mesic) ecosystem

In WSRRI’s spatial priority setting, this ecosystem represents the wetter environments of the region where wetlands, wet meadows, and riparian habitats predominate. Spatial priorities for this ecosystem are expected to support the habitat needs for many species associated with these habitat types. Mesic cores represent the largest concentration of mesic habitats (wetlands, meadows, and riparian vegetation) with the lowest human footprint. Mesic cores include not only the mesic habitats but locally accessible upland habitats just upslope from the moist areas. These upland areas are important feeding, breeding, nesting, and dispersal areas.

3. Greater Sage-grouse

The Greater Sage-grouse is included as a target in WSRRI's spatial priorities because it is a threatened species of high conservation concern and the ecosystem-based models do not fully capture this species’ unique life-history and habitat associations. Greater Sage-grouse core areas are not necessarily occupied now, but they contain abundant habitat and correspond well to the recent range of this species in the region. Sage-grouse GOAs have less habitat and/or lower quality habitat and are therefore less likely to be occupied. However, many have seen occasional use and with additional restoration may help expand the occupied range.