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Discussion
Lynx have been documented to occur in the general area of plots 3 and 4 for many years (Marinelli pers.
comm. 2015). As such, it isn't surprising that lynx were detected at plot 3. Plot 2 may have attracted
more lynx activity due to its higher snowshoe hare activity, northeastern aspect, greater canopy cover,
deeper average snowpack, higher elevation, and habitat exhibiting an old growth forest type adjacent
maturing seral-staged stands. Plots 1 and 3 had lower levels of lynx activity than that of plot 2. It's
possible that the more south to southeastern aspect and lower elevation results in these areas losing
snowpack more quickly than the more northeastern aspect of plot 2, making these areas less attractive to
the lynx. Moderate stand density may also prove more useful for the lynx, supplying enough cover to
remain cryptic but allowing for it to move quickly and easily through the vegetation. Plot 4 had no lynx
activity documented throughout the duration of the project. The southwestern aspect, lower elevation,
lack of canopy cover, and high stand density has led to lower snowpack depths, potentially reducing the
lynx's winter mobility in this area. Plots 1 and 4 are near actively used cross-country ski trails and the
increased recreation use, including the use of snow cats to machine groom the tracks, may further reduce
the suitability of these sites. Although lynx have been known to select areas also used for winter
recreation, the snow cats at these sites tend to operate during crepuscular hours and may discourage this
species from using these areas (Montgomery R. 2014). The groomed runs, alongside an unusually mild
winter season leading to lower snow depths, might have encouraged the increased activity observed by
the coyotes at these plots. This additional competition and potential predator for the lynx might explain
why they have avoided these areas.
Rising NHT influence may have affected this area's climate by influencing local weather that is much
milder and drier than is usually experienced during winter. Air temperature above zero was common
throughout January and February and precipitation levels were unusually low for winters in this region.
The maximum snow depth of all project sites reached 66cm in areas where greater than 1m snow packs
are considered common. If this trend continues, the deep snow which keeps many of the predator
competitors out of the area in winter will not longer have that effect, making the habitat less suitable for
lynx. Populations of northern Washington could potentially find themselves cut off from potential
immigrating individuals if distance and unsuitability of these corridors becomes too great.
Transplantation to ensure adequate genetic diversity and to maintain an effective population may become
