Biodiversity in the Klamath-Siskiyou

Northern Spotted owl fledglings

KS Wild protects at-risk species in two primary ways. First, we work to gain important protections for the most at-risk plants and animals in the Klamath-Siskiyou by listing these species as threatened or endangered on the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Secondly, we protect threatened and endangered and other at-risk species’ habitats by monitoring logging and development actions on federal lands, enforcing habitat protection laws and working to protect watersheds and wilderness areas where these species make their homes.

KS Wild is analyzing the impacts that climate change is having on species in our region. We are working to preserve resilient habitat for species that are most at-risk from this most pervasive threat to our planet.

Species Protection:

By seeking and maintaining ESA protections for species, KS Wild has protected our most at-risk species and habitat in the Klamath-Siskiyou. ESA listing requires a lengthy scientific status review of the species and often a huge legal effort to fight for protections in the courts. KS Wild has petitioned some of the most at-risk plants and animals in our region, such as the Pacific fisher, Siskiyou Mariposa Lily, Pacific lamprey and Siskiyou Mountains

and Scott Bar Salamanders.

KS Wild’s work afforded the Yreka phlox and Gentner’s fritillary strong ESA protections. In some instances, our work has led to ESA developed conservation plans for species (Siskiyou Mariposa Lily, Siskiyou Mountains Salamander). KS Wild is still fighting to list others (such as the Pacific fisher, Wolverine and Scott Bar Salamander).

Habitat Protection:

KS Wild’s forest monitoring program has protected tens of thousands of acres of habitat for ESA-listed and at-risk plant, fish and wildlife species. By preventing logging, mining and other development activities in the habitat of threatened and endangered species, KS Wild helps save biodiversity in the Klamath-Siskiyou. KS Wild also actively encourages federal projects which would restore habitat for at-risk species, such as removing logging roads that harm salmon, thinning to enhance old-growth habitat, and removing invasive species that compete with native species.

Click here for our species profiles