Reintroduction of Fisher Species a First Step Towards Restoring Native Animal Populations in Olympic National Park

 
PRESS RELEASE
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:   November 7, 2007
Contact:   Lindsay Buhles, National Parks Conservation Association: 415-989-9921 x22


Reintroduction of Fisher Species a First Step Towards Restoring Native Animal Populations in Olympic National Park

Statement by Northwest Field Representative David Graves

The National Parks Conservation Association applauds the National Park Service's decision to restore the fisher to Olympic National Park. Reintroducing the fisher is a step in the right direction toward restoring native animal populations in Olympic National Park. The Olympic peninsula contains one of the few locations where large tracts of suitable habitat for the fisher still exist.

The reintroduction method selected by the Park Service calls for using fisher populations captured from a population in Canada, closely related to the types of fishers historically present in this area, as opposed to captive-bred populations. This will ensure healthy genetic diversity -- critical to a species’ survival.

The fisher, native to the Olympic peninsula, disappeared from the region due to intensive trapping during the 1800s and early 1900s, and the subsequent harvesting of the old-growth forest that reduced and fragmented the fisher’s habitat.

We are hopeful that this will be a positive model for the future reintroduction of other important wildlife species in national parks throughout the country.

                                                  ### 

Close

Want to learn more about the  ?

The   can be seen in the wild in America’s national parks. Why not join the National Parks Conservation Association community to protect and preserve our national parks?

Sign up to protect parks in   & other states

Why not join the National Parks Conservation Association Community to protect and preserve our national parks?

Sign up to protect   and other National Parks

Why not join the National Parks Conservation Association Community to protect and preserve our national parks?

Please leave this field empty
Yes, please sign me up for NPCA’s newsletter and oher emails about protecting our national parks!

National Parks Conservation Association
National Parks Conservation Association

Log In

Log In:

Forgot Password?

Or log in with your connected Facebook or Twitter account:

GO

Welcome to our growing community of park advocates. Thanks for signing up!

Sign Up:

Or sign up by connecting your Facebook or Twitter account:

GO