Big Lagoon

One of the vital links in the Pacific Flyway, this lagoon provides a significant feeding ground for a large number of migratory waterfowl. Periodically during the winter the lagoon is open to the ocean, resulting in considerable fluctuations in its salinity. Much of the area is open water, with various algal forms present. In the salt marsh Distichlis spicata and Salicornia depressa [= Salicornia europaea in Jepson 1993] are the dominants. Other plants in the aquatic communities include Ruppia maritima, Ruppia cirrhosa, Potamogeton pectinatus, Scirpus americanus, and Eleocharis macrostachya.

Bordering the lagoon is a long sand-dune spit on the seaward side. On the inner portions there are stands of Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, and red alder, Alnus rubra, an association common to the north but nearing its southern limits here. There are also stands of north coastal scrub, with Baccharis pilularis, Gaultheria shallon and Ceanothus thyrsiflorus as the dominants, on portions of the margin.

Prominent among the migratory waterfowl are pintail, Anas acuta, mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, and surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata. The Roosevelt elk, Cervus canadensis occidentalis, is found in the area. There are some anadromous fish. See also Big Lagoon Bog and Dry Lagoon.

Integrity: Residential development and over-use by boats constitute a pollution threat.

Use: Educational, research, observational, light recreational; some private.

March 1976