With Emphasis on the Puget Trough

species " status by the state of Washington. Populations are small, scattered, and declining primarily due to the loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat. Western gray squirrels are closely associated with Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana Dougl. ex Hook.) conifer communities on forest-prairie-wetland interfaces. Several other wildlife species also are closely tied to Oregon white oak woodlands. Oak woodland wildlife habitat is being reduced and fragmented by human development. Management of oak woodlands is necessary to protect ecological biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and habitat quality of existing oak woodlands. Specific management goals include maintaining large, open-form oak stands with adjacent intergrading conifers, prairies, and wet-lands; preventing habitat fragmentation; maintaining open to patchy understory devoid of invasive species such as Scot's broom; and minimizing human disturbances that could accelerate root damage to oaks. Management recommendations include re-moving overtopping Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) except old-growth trees; thinning dense understory oak and Douglas-fir to release remaining oaks; maintaining or developing habitat corridors to link scattered oak patches; usin