This forested conservation area protects mature, structurally complex conifer forest and helps provide habitat connectivity for northern spotted owls in the surrounding landscape.  The forest is predominately Douglas fir, western hemlock and western redcedar ranging in age from 140 to 220 years, with a few trees estimated to be 400 to 600 years old. The 78 acre conservation area is within a larger area protected by conservation easements managed by the Nisqually Land Trust.

 

Features Protected: North Pacific Maritime Dry-Mesic Douglas fir - Western Hemlock Forest, northern spotted owl
Ecoregion: West Cascades (Pierce County) 

Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Ashford NRCA, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.  

Currently, no formal educational programs are available at Ashford NRCA. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR South Puget Sound Region natural areas manager.