North Cascades Ecosystem
The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Area is one of the largest contiguous blocks of Federal land remaining in the lower 48 states, encompassing approximately 9,565 square miles within north central Washington. Stretching from the US-Canada border south to Interstate 90, it includes all of the North Cascades National Park, and most of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forests.
About 85% of the recovery area is Federal land, 5% State land and about 10% private lands. Approximately 41% of the recovery area is within the NCNP or designated wilderness areas while over 70% has no motorized access. The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Area is directly adjacent to the Canadian portion of the ecosystem. The Canadian government considers the bears in that portion of the ecosystem to be the most endangered grizzly bear population in Canada.
While studies of this very rugged and remote habitat indicates that this ecosystem is capable of supporting a self-sustaining population of grizzlies, only a "remnant" population remains, incapable of enduring without active recovery efforts.
The population is estimated to be fewer than 20 animals within the 9,500 square mile North Cascades recovery zone (limited to the U.S.) and the bears in this ecosystem are warranted for endangered status. The population in adjacent British Columbia is estimated to be less than 25-30 grizzly bears. A draft British Columbia recovery plan for that area recommends habitat protection measures and population augmentation on the Canadian side of the border.
Current efforts toward recovery are focusing on habitat protection through a strategy of no net loss of core habitat, information and education efforts regarding grizzly bears and their habitat, and enhanced sanitation for proper garbage and food storage in bear habitat.
