This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
The White Island Unit is accessible ONLY by boat. It has floodplain habitat located on White Island in the Columbia River upstream of Puget Island. Habitat on this unit is maintained for the Columbian white-tailed deer, a federally-listed endangered species. The unit is a designated Natural Area Preserve for its undisturbed black cottonwood-willow riparian habitat, freshwater wetland, and the presence of Columbian white-tailed deer.
The White Island Unit is located on White Island in the Columbia River, upstream of Puget Island and Cathlamet in Wahkiakum County.
White Island is located on the upstream end of Puget Island in the Columbia River. It is in the Lower Columbia-Clatskanie River watershed.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 530
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is accessible ONLY by boat. This unit can be accessed by boat from the Puget Island Water Access Site.
- Camping is prohibited.
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited.
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game.
Hunting advisories
- Columbian white-tailed deer are present in the area and are illegal to hunt.
Wildlife viewing
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- Columbian white-tailed deer (federal/state-listed endangered species) are protected. Please do not disturb this species.
Conservation
This unit is floodplain habitat.
Special habitats and species
The unit provides black cottonwood-willow riparian habitat and freshwater wetlands, key habitat for the federally-listed endangered Columbian white-tailed deer.
Conservation goals
- Implement the strategy to monitor and manage the White Island Natural Area
- Implement recommendations from the Population and Habitat Viability Assessment for the Columbian white-tailed deer
The unit provides black cottonwood-willow riparian habitat and freshwater wetlands, key habitat for the federally-listed endangered Columbian white-tailed deer.
- Implement the strategy to monitor and manage the White Island Natural Area
- Implement recommendations from the Population and Habitat Viability Assessment for the Columbian white-tailed deer
Land stewardship
The White Island Unit was acquired to protect natural forest floodplain and maintain habitat for Columbian white-tailed deer.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1960.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
2019 Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife completed the new management plan for the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area, which is comprised of 18 units in Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties, and totals 10,002 acres. The Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area is largely managed for elk in the North Fork Toutle River Valley, but the area units are diverse, and provide habitat for multitudes of species, over a broad range of habitats including old growth forest, forested floodplains, riparian areas, ancient lava flows, mineral springs, tidal mudflats, and wetlands. The new management addresses the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Advisory Committee