Environmental Analysis of Trail Development at Thurston Hills Natural Area

Abstract

Willamalane Parks and Recreation District’s 20-year plan for the Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA) includes the development of a cost-effective baseline monitoring criteria for the impacts of trails on vegetation, wildlife, and hydrology. We implemented wildlife cameras, plant surveys, bird surveys, and clinometers to document wildlife use, vegetation, and slope, and to predict the impacts of current and future trails on habitat. Using GPS, we determined assemblages of native and invasive plant populations and used GIS to map those locations. We determined areas of ecological sensitivity to be considered by Willamalane when implementing their site management plan. Additionally, we gave baseline feedback on areas where trail plan modifications would benefit target species and promote the advancement of management goals. Our research, in concert with future ecological monitoring, will help develop valuable adaptive management strategies at for decades to come.