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Central and Southern Cascades forests (WWF ecoregion NA0508)

Mountain slope, Columbia River valley, Oregon
Mountain slope, Columbia River valley, Oregon


Source of bioregions data: Olson, D. M. and E. Dinerstein. The Global 200: Priority ecoregions for global conservation. (PDF file) Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 89:125-126.

Distinctiveness (1=highest,4=lowest): 3 (bioregionally important)
The ecoregion has in intermediate level of biodiversity for a temperate coniferous forest, with a high level of endemic amphibians.*

Conservation Status (1=most endangered, 5=most intact): 3 (vulnerable)
Extensive logging, road building and hydroelectric development have fragmented the habitat.  Fire suppression and the development of tree plantations have further decreased the quality of habitats in the region.*

Characteristic species*
 
Tsuga heterophylla  (western hemlock)
Abies amabilis (Pacific silver fir)
 
Thuja plicata  (western red cedar)

Associated habitats

treeline, Mount Ranier, Washington
treeline, on the slope of Mt. Ranier, Washington with Mt. Adams in the distancea (c) 2005 James H. Bassett   hires 

bluffs, Columbia River valley, Oregon bluffs, Columbia River valley, Oregon bluffs, Columbia River valley, Oregon Multnomah Falls, Columbia River valley, Oregon
river bluffs, Columbia River valley, Oregon (right: Multnomah Falls) (c) 2005 Steven J. Baskauf   hires   hires  hires  hires

forest opening, Hoodoo area, Oregon forest opening, Hoodoo area, Oregon
forest opening, Hoodoo area, Oregon  (c) 2005 Daniel P. Duran  hires  hires

* Ricketts, T.H., E. Dinerstein, D.M. Olson, C.J. Loucks, et al.  (1999) Terrestrial Ecoregions of North America: A Conservation Assessment.  World Wildlife Fund - United States and Canada.  Island Press, Washington, D.C. pp. 222-224.

Except as noted, images copyright 2002-2005 Steve Baskauf - Terms of use