Davis Slough Conservation Easement

• Status: Protected
• Location: Camano Island
• Acreage: 36

Public Benefits

Native forest community, wildlife habitat, critical nesting area for Great Blue Herons

Description

This 36-acre conservation easement is a critical addition to the Davis Slough Heronry protected area. Donated by a very generous landowner, the conservation easement restricts the number of possible homes on the property from eight down to only one. It effectively doubles the size of the area protected for herons. Over 600 herons nest at the Davis Slough Heronry each year and this newly protected property includes over 25 nests. Herons are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and choose to build their nests and raise their chicks in the middle of a forest stand where they can be protected from human encroachment and predation from raptors such as bald eagles. The Davis Slough Heronry is the largest in Island County and the Port Susan Bay area and one of the four largest in Puget Sound.

While protection of the heronry is the primary focus of the conservation easement, the property is also important for other wildlife. The northern part of the property includes a mature conifer forest that accommodates a Bald Eagle nest, Red-tailed Hawk nest, and Great Horned Owl roost.

Directions

Private land.