Conservation

Although substantial conservation efforts have been made, Columbian white-tailed deer still remain endangered in all areas other than Douglas County, Oregon (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). Inclusion in the Endangered Species Act has provided some level of protection and habitat replacement, and small growth has been observed in Oregon and Washington populations (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2012).

Figure 6 - Areas showing populations no longer threatened (blue) and still endangered (pink) in Oregon
https://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/Images/FactSheetMaps/ColumbianWhiteTailedDeer.gif

In 1972, the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge (JBR) for Columbian white-tailed deer was established in southwestern Washington and northwestern Oregon (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). Named for former United States House of Representative member Julia Hansen, this 5600 acre site provides refuge for this declining species (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). In addition, several translocation programs have been conducted, and a recovery plan called the Spotlight Species Action Plan was implemented in 2009 (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). However, the effectiveness of the efforts described above have yet to be researched fully.

Figure 7 - Map of northern Oregon/southern Washington depicting range of the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge (JBR, shown in red) (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014)

Figure 8 - More detailed map of the JBR and its geographical features (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014)

In addition to the JBR, the Bureau of Land Management established the North Bank Habitat Management Area (NBHMA) (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). This area of land, which is over 6000 acres, helps to preserve the natural habitat of Columbian white-tailed deer (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). The acquisition of this land has been critical to encouraging the recovery of this species and helped bring about the delisting of this species in Douglas County, Oregon (U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014). 

Figure 9 - Map of the NBHMA is Douglas County, Oregon
http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/files/NBHMA_General_Map_11x17_110713_150DPI.pdf

While the efforts described above have been a step in the right direction, it remains clear that increased conservation efforts, funding, and research are needed to ensure the preservation of this subspecies. 

Learn more about getting involved with the conservation of Columbian white-tailed deer here.