Washington Islands Wilderness
Encyclopedia
Washington Islands Wilderness is a protected area
consisting of more than 600 islands, rocks, and reefs belonging to the three Washington Islands National Wildlife Refuge
s in Washington state
. Although the land base is only about 1.8 square kilometre (0.694983885466563 sq mi), the total protected area covers over 780 square kilometres (301.2 sq mi).
Washington Islands Wilderness comprises the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles (except for Destruction Island), and Copalis National Wildlife Refuges. This includes all of the islands, rocks, and reefs along 100 miles (160.9 km) of the northwest Washington Pacific coast with the exception of Tatoosh Island, James Island
, and Destruction Island.
Dozens of bird species breed on the wilderness' islands thousands of migratory birds use them as rest stops. Other wildlife that can be seen include sea lions, harbor seals, and otters. The entire wilderness is closed to public entry in order to protect the wildlife. Boats are also requested to maintain a 200 yards (182.9 m) buffer, and aircraft are requested to maintain 2000 feet (609.6 m) above the islands.
Protected area
Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...
consisting of more than 600 islands, rocks, and reefs belonging to the three Washington Islands National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuge is a designation for certain protected areas of the United States managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world's premiere system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants...
s in Washington state
Washington State
Washington State may refer to:* Washington , often referred to as "Washington state" to differentiate it from Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States* Washington State University, a land-grant college in that state- See also :...
. Although the land base is only about 1.8 square kilometre (0.694983885466563 sq mi), the total protected area covers over 780 square kilometres (301.2 sq mi).
Washington Islands Wilderness comprises the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles (except for Destruction Island), and Copalis National Wildlife Refuges. This includes all of the islands, rocks, and reefs along 100 miles (160.9 km) of the northwest Washington Pacific coast with the exception of Tatoosh Island, James Island
James Island (Washington)
James Island is one of the San Juan Islands in San Juan County, Washington, USA. It lies in Rosario Strait just off the eastern shore of Decatur Island, and west of the city of Anacortes. The entire island comprises James Island State Park of the Washington State Park System...
, and Destruction Island.
Dozens of bird species breed on the wilderness' islands thousands of migratory birds use them as rest stops. Other wildlife that can be seen include sea lions, harbor seals, and otters. The entire wilderness is closed to public entry in order to protect the wildlife. Boats are also requested to maintain a 200 yards (182.9 m) buffer, and aircraft are requested to maintain 2000 feet (609.6 m) above the islands.