Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula's economy, history, and character have been shaped by its natural resources. The flora and fauna on the Peninsula are diverse and abundant. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and several National Wildlife Refuges provide protection for marine mammals and migrating and wintering birds. A number of fish hatcheries on major rivers are involved in the continuing effort to restore declining salmon and steelhead runs in local waters. Tourism is also an important industry on the Peninsula, in coastal communities as well as the Olympic National Forest.

The Olympic Peninsula offers abundant research opportunities for UW faculty and students, and the Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks coordinates research programs, community education, and K-12 professional development in the region. The UW also manages a number of rural medicine training sites on the Olympic Peninsula (at least one in every county) and has established educational partnerships with other postsecondary institutions in the region.

Regionwide Projects

Clallam

Jefferson

Kitsap

Grays Harbor

Mason