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A trail winds through forest at English Camp. Mike Vouri photo |
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Three main forest types are found at San Juan Island National Historical Park and throughout the San Juan Islands: wet coniferous, dry coniferous forest, open woodland and oak savanna. These can be further divided into numerous sub-types. The arrival of Euro-Americans in the 1850s brought dramatic changes to the island landscape. Nearly all of the forests of San Juan Island were logged to provide lumber, agricultural land, and charcoal fuel for the local lime-processing industry. With time much of the island was allowed to regenerate into mature second-growth forests. Although discussed as two separate forest types, the dry and the wet coniferous forests include a continuum of forest variations between the two extremes. Dry coniferous forest is the most common forest type in the San Juans. This closed canopy forest, common on south facing slopes, is dominated by Douglas fir with a sparse understory of shrubby plants. Other trees found sporadically include Pacific madrone, bigleaf maple, grand fir, lodge pole pine, and Pacific yew. Dry coniferous forest is found at both English Camp and American Camp, including the south facing slope of Mt Finlayson The moister environment of the wet coniferous forest is a product of increased precipitation and shelter from the drying effects of wind and direct sun. These closed canopy forests are most dramatic on protected north facing slopes and interior flatlands. Douglas fir, western hemlock, salal, and sword fern are common. Western red cedar and grand fir are important species in north facing slopes such as the north slope of Mt Finlayson in the Jakle’s lagoon area of American Camp. Douglas fir, red alder, and bigleaf maple are found in early successional stages of forest regeneration of disturbed areas. Wet coniferous forest is found at both camps. Open woodland and oak savannas occur where there is slightly more moisture than prairie, rocky slope or grassy bald habitats. This distinct habitat includes scattered trees in a grassland matrix. Garry oak, Rocky Mountain juniper, Pacific madrone, Douglas fir, lodge pole pine, bigleaf maple are the indicator trees of this unique and unusual assemblage in western Washington. The south side of Mt. Young at English Camp is a prime example of this vegetation type.
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