The Wildlife Diversity Division works with landowners, state and federal agencies, and other programs within WDFW to improve the long-term future of marbled murrelets in Washington. Biologists are currently working with the Washington Forest Practices Board and the WDFW Habitat Program to develop a permanent rule that will govern timber harvest activities at murrelet nesting sites on non-federal lands.To improve the Forest Practice rule's effectiveness in protecting marbled murrelets, a two year study involving inland surveys and vegetation sampling has been completed. Results from this cooperative project with the Department of Natural Resources have refined definitions of murrelets' favored habitat.
Murrelet surveys on land and at sea continue to teach biologists more about the population. Murrelet surveyors employed by landowners, consulting firms, and state and federal agencies receive their training and certification through Department workshops. The WDFW statewide database of murrelet detections is used by private landowners, the Department of Natural Resources, and federal agencies.