Projects and Research
European Green Crab Invasion
What do you do when one of the world’s worst invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species decides to settle into your landscape? In 2016, the first crabs were detected in the Washington state portion of the Salish Sea. Through Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR), the staff at Dungeness detected the invasion at the Refuge, catching the first crabs in 2017. A massive trapping effort began to meet this threat head-on. In the first year, 96 crabs were caught in 3,762 traps located in three locations of suitable habitat. The number of crabs has gone down considerably, and two sites have had no captures for two or more seasons. Since capturing that first crab, the refuge has set 11,607 traps, caught 233 total crabs, and feels confident that no breeding populations of green crabs exist within the refuge. This effort was to protect the special habitats (e.g., eelgrass beds, tidal channels and saltwater lagoons) which native species depend upon.
Parking Lot and Public Restrooms Renovation
Partnering with others is something that refuges do all the time. For this renovation to become a reality, Dungeness NWR is working with Clallam County, Federal Highways Administration, and various design and construction contractors. The purpose of this project is to provide adequate Refuge parking and restroom facilities while increasing public safety and reducing long-term environmental impacts. The refuge hosts about 100,000 visitors annually. The parking lots were last paved in 1988, and the comfort station was built in 1973. Both public resources were long overdue for replacement. In early 2022, the refuge anticipates to complete the geotechnical surveys, secure the contract for engineering designs, and initiate the bid process for construction.
More coming soon!