This page highlights local conservation efforts in the geographical area covered by the Black Hill Chapter (Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties).  The black Hills Audubon Society promotes conservation of wildlife and habitat through education, negotiation, and legal action when appropriate. 

See the Jack Davis Conservationist of the Year Award. 

The Nature Conservancy, South Sound program highlights for April-June 2010.

Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance update.  Check back here for public hearing dates coming Fall 2010.

Three reports submitted in 2010 by BHAS to Thurston County on Best Available Science for:

• Important Marine Habitats (report prepared by Donna J. Nickerson)

• Geology (report prepared by QWG Applied Geology)

• Important Habitats and Species (report prepared by Sustainable Fisheries Foundation)

QRP Quarry Owners Denied Expansion

Five-year legal battle is a win for BHAS and Thurston County! 

Protect the Black River:  Black Hills Audubon has been working to prevent the expansion of a sand and gravel mining operation and the construction and operation of an asphalt plant adjacent to the Black River Wildlife Refuge.  Updated chronology of this effort will be posted soon on this Web page. 

Rural Rezoning in Thurston County | The Growth Management Board (GMB) of Western Washington has ruled Thurston County out of compliance, specifying that there should be greater variety in rural zones and that the urban growth areas are too large. For more information and a map, go to http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/gma/rural-rezoning.htm.

Cluster Housing: Black Hills Audubon is working to conserve undeveloped lands through its participation in the Thurston County Cluster Housing Task Force and through work with County officials.

Capitol Lake: Water quality and wildlife habitat would improve if Capitol Lake is allowed to return to a natural living estuary.

Please feel free to contact us at 4info@blackhills-audubon.org if you have any questions about conservation issues.

Aerial photo of clearcuts from the Gifford Pinchot task force.