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Wildlife Program Week of August 7 – August 13, 2017
WOLF ACTIVITIES
Wolf Report Check: Biologist Moore followed up on a video of single wolf taken by a trail
camera. The camera set captured two nice videos, about a month apart, of the single animal. The
area was checked about a month after the report to see if any evidence could be found that a
single or multiple wolves were still in the general area. No tracks or scats were found during the
search.
REGION 1
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE
Common Loons: Wildlife Biologists Dana Base and Annemarie Prince completed productivity
checks for common loons on lakes within District 1 that had documented nesting. Recruitment
of juvenile loons was documented at the following lakes for the 2017 breeding season: Swan
Lake – 2; Long Lake – 1; Ferry Lake – 1; Pierre Lake – 2; and Black Lake – 1 juvenile.
Common Loon adult and 10+ week old juvenile
photographed on Swan Lake
Deer Herd Composition Surveys: Biologist Lowe
conducted a survey in GMU 139, the first of several road-
based deer surveys to count and classify does, fawns, and
bucks prior to hunting season. The annual surveys will
continue through August and will be repeated in September.
Mule deer observed during herd composition survey in western Whitman County
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Northern Leopard Frog Survey: Biologists Lowe and Divens conducted a survey for Northern
leopard frogs on the southern end of Clear Lake in Spokane County. Prior to last fall when two
individuals were identified at this location, the State Endangered species had not been
documented in the area since 1970. One individual was found while searching shoreline habitat
on this survey, and the biologists watched it catch and consume a catfish fly. With access from
private landowners, more extensive surveys next spring and summer will be planned.
Habitat Biologist Divens searching for Northern leopard frogs near Clear Lake in Spokane
County; one frog was found on the survey
GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-
RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERICAL EXPERIENCES
Hunt by Reservation Only: Private Lands Biologist Gaston met with the new landowners who
purchased the Palouse Prairie fields adjacent to Steptoe Butte State Park. The landowners
expressed their desire to remain in the Hunt by Reservation Only program and will work with
Private Lands Biologist Gaston to draw up a new contract to allow hunting on the property.
After a new contract is created, the hunting dates will be entered into the system.
Hunting by Written Permission (HBWP): Natural Resource Technician Wade worked to
complete a HBWP contract for a property in Garfield County. The property will create 360 acres
of public access and help address damage issues in the area.
GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,
MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Stevens County Fladry Deployment: Natural Resource Technician (NRT) Weatherman, NRT
Seitz, NRT Fish, Assistant District Biologist Prince, Habitat Biologist McClellan, Wildlife
Conflict Specialist (WCS) Westerman, and WCS Bennett placed fladry around a different
pasture as cattle were moved to reduce interactions with wolves. Over four miles of fladry was
placed by the help of four different programs.
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Pumpkin Damage: Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Westerman spoke to a new producer of
pumpkins that is having deer damage the pumpkins. Westerman talked to him about all the non-
lethal options including hazing and fencing. The producer is already doing several non-lethal
deterrence activities to keep the deer out (to no avail). The property is not conducive to being
open for hunting and he was looking for any other non-lethal methods that he could do.
Westerman talked to him about long term planning, and fencing being the best option to keep
deer out. Westerman also gave him tips and techniques for harassing the deer.
GOAL 4: BUILD AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZATION BY SUPPORTING
OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES, AND INVESTING IN
TECHNOLOGY
Waikiki Springs / Fairwood Trail: Rob Allen, Daniel Collins, and Chris Zeller, volunteers
living in the Fairwood neighborhood in Spokane, organized and staffed an informational booth at
the Fairwood Farmers Market. The purpose of the booth was to inform neighbors about work
plans along the Fairwood trail at Waikiki Springs, and to recruit volunteers. In four hours, they
gathered over 20 signatures from neighbors who are interested in volunteering to help keep the
trail system clean. Dziekan worked the first shift with Daniel Collins, later they walked the trail
system together and identified trouble areas and talked through projects. The first work party,
taking place mid-August, will be focused on removing litter, much of which has been thrown off
the side of the trail into brush along the
hillside. The second work party, planned for
later this fall, will be focused on preventing
future erosion caused by cutting the
switchback trail. The current plan is to plant
native shrubs in areas where cutting the
switchbacks is occurring, restoring vegetation
and providing a barrier to keep people on the
path.
Volunteer Chris Zeller getting information
for volunteer work to pick up litter along the
Fairwood trail system in Spokane
REGION 2
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE
Grant County Monarch Butterflies: Biologist Rowan worked with Butterfly Technician Brad
Gill to complete surveys for larvae at eight locations where feeding activity had been noted
during 2016 survey. Leaf damage was found in numerous sites, but only one larvae was found at
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one site. Numerous adults were seen foraging during surveys at most sites. Other species found
using milkweed include two types of beetles and ants consuming the leaves. Also, a praying
mantis and a treefrog were seen using the large leaves as shaded resting spots.
Monarch Instar and
Pacific Tree frog
seen during butterfly
surveys – Photos by
Brad Gill
Pygmy Rabbit Captive Breeding Population Monitoring: Our crew with the assistance of UI
research team continued intensive census trapping, mark/recapture and flush counts to assess the
size and demographics of the remaining captive population. Despite grueling temperatures, we
had successful efforts in each enclosures this week. Our efforts provided very similar results as
the first round, with about 30 rabbits in the large enclosure, ten rabbits in the small enclosure,
and 28 rabbits in the dormeir enclosure. We will utilize mark/recapture estimates next week to
provide some confidence intervals to these estimates and develop a formal roster of individuals
and demographics.
The good news is that it appears we have sufficient number of individuals, in particular kits who
will be the most productive breeders next year, that out-of-state translocations is not necessary.
But, also that we do not have enough for any additional release this year.
Sinlahekin Ecosystem Restoration Project (SERP) - Phase 2 Wrap-up: Manager Haug
drafted and submitted the SERP Phase 2 final report to
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.
The grant allowed the Wildlife Area to continue to remove
fuels and implement prescribed burning. At the
completion of Phase 2, a total of 275 acres of high-
density, mostly ponderosa pine was commercially
harvested, approximately 60 acres of overstocked
ponderosa pine were thinning by hand and 495 acres were
prescribed burned. An additional 76 treated acres were
planned to be burned in the spring of 2016, but were
consumed by the Okanogan Complex Fires in August of
2015 (1000 acres of the 1100-acre project area burned
during the Okanogan Complex Fire). Phase 3 of the
restoration project is currently underway with commercial
harvests already finished and prescribed burns planned for
this coming fall.
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GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,
MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Diamond Creek fire: The Diamond Creek Fire has grown to over 23,000 acres (see map below)
advancing well south of the Billy Goat Trailhead and likely taking out at least one, and maybe
two recently deployed lynx cameras. Find the
latest updates on the InciWeb site at:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/# .
Diamond Creek Fire shortly a few days after
it started – Photo by Scott Fitkin
Columbia Basin WLA Vegetation
Management: Assistant Managers Cole and
Bechtold treated purple loosestrife at
Evergreen Reservoir, and spot treated
loosestrife and phragmites at Burke Lake. Assistant Manager Bechtold also completed a rush
skeletonweed treatment at the Road 10 Farm Unit. Assistant Manager Cole treated kochia and
Russian thistle roadside and parking area breakthrough in the Seep Lakes, Upper Goose Lake,
and Lind Coulee accesses. Assistant Manager Cole followed up on two Grant County Weed
Board postings in the Seep Lakes. Worker Davis clipped Scotch thistle seed heads in the Seep
Lakes, this effort will be followed by fall and spring spot treatments of rosettes. Skeleton weed
will also be treated this fall. Biologist McPherson sprayed two acres of Russian olives at the
Winchester Regulated Access Area. Assistant Manager Cole continued treating breakthrough
kochia and Russian thistle along roadsides and in parking areas, and began preparations for the
upcoming aerial phragmites and Russian olive treatments.
REGION 3
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE
Oak Creek Wildlife Area - Manager Greg Mackey: Forester Hartmann is progressing with the
boundary layout of the NCT Contract in the
Milk Creek drainage of the Rock Creek Unit
(Sections 5, 7 & 9). Preliminary “special
treatment areas” (hazard fuel piling, skips &
gaps etc) have been scouted and flagged in some
units, with more to come pending a review with
the habitat biologists & wildlife area
manager. Prescriptions are being considered
that will allow the stands to progress to their
desired future condition given each site’s unique
attributes, which will be fine-tuned following the
stand survey.
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Fire charred Douglas-fir snag in Section 5, on the south slope of
the Manastash Ridge. Subalpine firs at the base were cored and
aged to around 100 years, giving a rough indicator of the last
stand-replacing fire event (if establishment occurred the next
growing season). Subalpine fire regimes are more difficult to
accommodate into forest management due to the high severity
typical of the burns, but are important to consider in how the
stand will be shaped over time.
Stream Restoration: Manager Mackey and Forester Hartmann
visited the active stream restoration thinning occurring in the Oak
Creek Drainage. Felled trees were being skid with a rubber-tired
skidder from a WDFW thinning unit and being staged along SF Oak
Creek for placement later this
month.
Mid-Columbia Fisheries Forester
Dahlgreen within Oak Creek
Wood Replenishment Thinning
Unit
Grant: Manager Lopushinsky met
with Chelan County Natural
Resource Department staff to
discuss the US Forest Service grant
received to do fuels reduction work
in the Stemilt Basin. Work
planned on WDFW and Chelan
County property includes treating
more than 880 acres across the Basin with a combination of shaded fuel breaks, stand
improvement, pre-commercial thinning and commercial thinning to reduce fuel loads and
improve stocking levels in prioritized areas to address forest health issues.\
District 4 Wildlife Biologist- Jason Fidorra: District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra continued to
coordinate with Biologist Vekasy on response to dead water birds at a wetland complex near
Burbank. Fidorra conducted hazing and carcass pickup and over 380 ducks and shorebirds have
been collected since July 14. Botulism type C was confirmed as the cause of the die off and
poses no health risk to humans. The number of bird kills on site has been greatly reduced over
the past week through efforts to clean up contaminated carcasses. Fidorra continues to
coordinate with WDFW staff and partners to determine how to best address the issue in the short
and long term, as botulism can recur in subsequent years.
Sage Grouse Technical Team Meeting: District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra coordinated and
attended the WA Sage Grouse Technical Team meeting with DFW staff and partners. The team
met to discuss priorities for Washington sage grouse conservation. The team identified action
items in five areas to address in the short term. These include: Conduct fire response and
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coverage assessment for management areas, conduct lek site hazard assessments, better develop
population augmentation strategy, develop Washington predator management strategy, and
advance restoration efforts by potentially hosting another restoration workshop. Plans were also
discussed for the 2018 Sage grouse working group meeting in November which Fidorra will also
be organizing.
Waterfowl Traps: District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, Private Lands Biologist Stutzman, and
Wildlife Area Staff Kaelber and Lotz set up three swim in traps for waterfowl trapping on the
Sunnyside Wildlife Area in Franklin County. Trapping and banding will begin next week.
Dove Trapping: District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra attempted dove trapping at the Ringold
Hatchery but no doves were present. A total of 64 doves have been captured thus far but it
seems District 4 will not capture many more doves before the late August cut-off.
District 8 Dove Banding: Biologist Bernatowicz attempted to band at Sunnyside. Large
numbers of birds had accumulated around a mowed field, but hawks found the area. The doves
were still roosting, but seemed to stop feeding in the area. Trapping was attempted one evening
and morning. The few birds (collared doves) trapped, were killed by hawks. Trapping was
moved to back to Union Gap only to have a house cat find traps. For the week, only 31 new
doves banded. Trapping is now done for the year with about 225 birds banded in the district.
Waterfowl Banding: Early in the week, there was no water in the Rice Paddies and the pump
was out for repair, so Biologist Bernatowicz searched for alternative trapping areas. A good
numbers of ducks were found on Bureau of Reclamation property and the process of getting
permission started. The Rice paddies pump was installed late in the week. Bernatowicz cleaned
the screen on the intake one day and checked for ducks. Few birds have been seen on Sunnyside
this year.
Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed Survey: Biologist Bernatowicz surveyed a few milkweed
patches for monarch adults and larvae areas on the Sunnyside Wildlife Area. No sign of
monarchs found. Bernatowicz had been watching while doing other work on the wildlife area
periodically throughout the summer. Nectar sources have declined recently as many plants have
gone to seed in the hot weather. Also, Biologists Moore spent a day surveying for monarch
butterflies and milkweed patches. Milkweed was easily found but there was no evidence of
monarchs. Most of the milkweed was in smaller clusters, although a couple areas where large
patches could develop were being mowed for weed control.
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A small remaining patch of showy
milkweed in the Reecer Creek Floodplain
Restoration Project that was missed
during a weed control mowing effort
A large patch of showy milkweed that was mowed
and is now attempting to flower late in the season
GPS Collar Check: Moore checked up on all of the collared elk and bighorn sheep in the
District. The sheep are doing well, but one of the elk collars hasn’t updated for about 12 days.
This collar will be checked next week if it doesn’t update soon.
GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-
RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES
Wenas Wildlife Area-Manager Condi Confer Morris: Biologist Longoria continued to enter
the data collected by Aaron Garcia and his volunteers on shooting range use on the wildlife area.
Also, Longoria prepared a more detailed sample of the analysis that could be performed on the
car counter information at Sheep Co. shooting range considering number of shooting hours.
Oak Creek Wildlife Area-Manager Greg Mackey: Assistant Manager Berry and Natural
Resource Worker Sevier installed wildlife boundary signs in checkerboard ownership of Tieton
Township.
GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,
MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist - Don Hand: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand spent the
majority of the week coordinating with multiple landowners and independent crop adjusters on
documenting and evaluating elk damage in several wheat fields on Rattlesnake
Mountain. Access to difficult to reach areas was accomplished by riding in the combine or other
harvesting equipment, which also provided an elevated observation platform to document
damage.
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Wheat Damage from
Elk viewed from the
Combine
Deer Damage Complaint: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand received a deer damage complaint
from an orchardist in the Basin City area in Franklin County. Heavy browsing on newly planted
apple trees has occurred in a 15-acre block mostly during nocturnal hours. The landowner has
tried some electrified fencing and hazing with pyrotechnics with only minimal effectiveness. At
this time the landowner will try to improve on the fencing before limited lethal alternatives are
deployed.
District 8 Deer and Elk Issues: Conflict Specialist Wetzel discussed elk hazing strategies with
landowners with hay fields in the Reecer, South Branch, Kittitas, Lower Peoh Point, Badger
Pocket, and Park Creek areas this week. Some master hunter activity and some landowner
permits will be used after hazing techniques have been tried. Elk are almost exclusively
nocturnal at this time.
Conflict Specialist Wetzel and Officer Nasset responded to a call about a deer fawn caught in a
fence in the Highway 10 area. The deer had two broken legs and was euthanized.
Conflict Specialist Wetzel was called by a hay grower in Badger Pocket that reported 80 elk next
to the fence in TA 1 of the Yakama Training Center.
Big Horn Sheep: The mayor of Vantage called Conflict Specialist Wetzel to discuss bighorn
sheep that have been staying in town during the day and eating recently planted tree
seedlings. Non-lethal hazing techniques were discussed and will be employed in the area to try
to deter the sheep from staying in town.
GOAL 4: BUILD AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZATION BY
SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES, AND
INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY
Colockum Wildlife Area: Colockum staff spent most of the week working to install an
underground sprinkler system in the headquarters yard. The existing system is not adequate to
keep the area green in the heat of the summer and help protect against fire.
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REGION 4
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE
Sea Duck Molting Survey: District 13 staff coordinated with the Waterfowl and Sea Duck
Specialist on revisiting molting scoter sites and searching for harlequin duck molting sites. One
day of surveying was conducted along the west shore of Whidbey Island; additional days of
surveying were thwarted by vessel engine issues.
Harlequin Duck molting site
Western Toad Surveys: District 13 staff
followed up on confirming citizen reports of
western toad toadlets at a private pond.
White-nose Syndrome Monitoring, bat health
and bat conservation: Biologist Anderson this
week continued collecting guano for collaborating
federal entities as part of a weekly and monthly
examination of potential Pd presence in roosting sites.
Mountain Goat: District 13 staff continued working on creating digital layers for mountain goat
aerial survey blocks in areas that do not currently have blocks identified.
Nooksack Unit Dike Repairs: Manager Kessler coordinated with
Whatcom County’s River & Flood division managers on the
repairs to the Nooksack River dike on our Nooksack Unit. It is
now looking like the needed repairs will not be completed this
year. Whatcom County’s engineer in charge of the project moved
to a new position, and a replacement has not been hired as yet.
This project is a cooperative cost share between Whatcom County
and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Stillwater Elk Forage: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian
Boehm reports signs of a very active elk herd and black bear
Bull Elk in the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area
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feeding on crops and fruit trees at the Stillwater Unit. Manager Boehm observed three bull elk
while mowing this past week, and had reports from archery hunters of seeing up to ten bulls on
the unit. Black bear have been leaving signs of enjoying the plentiful cherry and plum trees on
site as well.
Ebey Island Unit: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Boehm coordinated with WDFW
Enforcement, Snohomish County Sheriff and Parks, and Washington State DOT to remove a
quickly growing homeless encampment and dumping ground near the Ebey Island West Unit.
The coordinated effort removed piles of debris while Snohomish County Sheriff addressed the
people responsible for the illegal activity.
Leque Island Estuary Restoration Project: The WDFW construction crew continued
construction of Phase 1 of the project, which involves excavating new channels and filling old
agriculture ditches and borrow areas.
The crew is making good
progress excavating new
channels at Leque Island
The “ooze” shown in this photo
was excavated from the bottom
of a pond. This material is
spread out to dry before it can
be reused elsewhere on the site.
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Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project Workshop (PSNERP): Projects
Coordinator Brokaw participated in a workshop with Habitat Program staff, the group of
scientists who authored many of PSNERP reports. The purpose of the workshop was to transfer
information from people who worked on PSNERP in the past to new employees.
GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-
RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES
Avian Influenza/Waterfowl Captures: Biologist DeBruyn started trapping ducks as part of a
nationwide scheme to assess mallard survival and recruitment for use in managing hunting
seasons and bag limits. District 14 staff will
also be testing the ducks for avian influenza
under the direction of The U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
Duck trap at Wiser Lake This was where High
Path Avian Influenza was first found in this
country
Special Permit Hunter Meeting: Conflict
Specialist Witman participated in the meeting
for special permit holders for GMU 418 and
Elk Area 4941. The hunters were provided
general information on where to hunt and agency contacts for placement on private properties
receiving elk related damage within Elk Area 4941.
Lake Terrell Pheasant Pen Repairs: Manager Kessler coordinated with a Master Hunter
volunteer to repair and improve the pheasant pens, in preparation for this year’s pheasant hunting
season. Reed canary grass and weeds were mowed raked and removed from the pens. The
watering system was cleared and checked. An inventory of the needed netting support boards
was taken and materials will be purchased to complete the repairs.
Friends of Tennant Lake & Hovander Park Monthly Meeting: Manager Kessler attended the
monthly meeting of the non-profit group the Friends of Tennant Lake & Hovander Park. He
provided the group with an update on projects affecting the Tennant Lake Unit.
Skagit Headquarters: Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove disked and cultivated an area of
reed canary grass at the Headquarters Unit as part of a multi-year project to eventually plant the
area with beneficial vegetation. Biologist Meis and Manager Rotton assisted North Sound Weed
Crew and Earth Corp Crew with cutting purple loosestrife plants and then spraying them at the
Headquarters Unit and areas off Freshwater Slough.
Island Unit: Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove finished disking and culti-packing low
areas in four fields on the Island Unit. Cosgrove mowed an area of cattails and reed canary grass
in Lorenzen field.
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Leque Island Unit: Biologist Meis mowed new channel areas in the middle portion as part of
the Phase 1 Leque Restoration Project before CAMP personnel begin digging those channels.
Seasonal Mowing: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian Boehm completed mowing at
Stillwater Unit in preparation for the hunting season. The middle access road (1/2 mile) was also
repaired with gravel to allow Enforcement, agricultural, and pheasant program staff to traverse
the area during the fall season.
Crescent Lake Unit: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager assisted the Sky Valley Tractor Club
(agricultural lease holder) with the final preparation and set up for the annual Sky Valley Tractor
Club tractor show this past weekend. This show highlights the agricultural history and culture of
the Snoqualmie Valley, an antique tractor show and pull, community comradery and just plain
fun for the local community.
Proceeds from the Sky Valley Tractor Club show supports local food banks, women’s shelters,
and similar programs by providing fresh garden produce and donations while promoting the
rich agricultural heritage of the area
418 and 4941 Special Elk Permit Pre Hunt Meeting: District Biologist Yarborough, Wildlife
Conflict Specialist Witman, Private Lands Biologist Wingard, and Officers Ludwig and
Valentine presented at the 418 and 4941 Special Elk Permit pre-hunt meeting. Partner
landowners also presented to the hunters. This annual meeting was well attended and well
received by the hunters.
Samish River Fishery: Supervisory Private Lands Biologist Caldwell, Private Lands Biologist
Wingard, and Skagit Wildlife Area Manager Rotton worked with various private landowners in
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the lower Samish River watershed on access, garbage, and pollution issues associated with the
fishery. Plans have been made to strategically located SaniCans and potentially dumpsters in
areas that have experienced problems in the past.
Whidbey Island Pheasant Release Sites: Private Lands Biologist Wingard met with partner
landowners and pheasant release volunteers to discuss plans for the upcoming pheasant season.
Grazing and harvesting schedules at the site were discussed and plans were made for efficiently
planting pheasants.
GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,
MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Anacortes Critical Areas Ordinance: District Biologist Yarborough worked with City of
Anacortes to review their Critical Areas Ordinance update.
Ungulate Management: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Witman met with a berry producer in
Whatcom County that is experiencing deer damage to newly planted raspberry plants. The
landowner was provided damage permits to address the problem along with a set of hunting
regulations for public access. The property owner agreed to allow access during archery,
muzzleloader and modern rifle season.
District 12 met with landowners concerned with deer on properties in the Redmond and Granite
Falls areas. Fencing design, hazing tactics, general season hunting and landowner damage
permits were discussed. D12 also met with landowners concerned with elk damaging vegetable
crops during overnight hours in the Green Valley area. D12 coordinated with Mount Rainier Elk
Foundation personnel to attempt hazing activities (using Master Hunter volunteer labor) in the
area. D12 also discussed elk general season hunting and landowner damage tags with
landowners in the Enumclaw area.
Depredation Investigation: Conflict Specialist
Witman was contacted by a producer in the Acme area
of Whatcom County that has been experiencing
depredation to sheep for several years. The producer
has been very tolerant of the depredations which has
now reached an unacceptable level. Four sheep were
killed in a week and many others over the course of the
last two months. Some of the depredations were
witnessed to have been caused by bobcat. After
examining the carcasses that were preserved, it
appeared. Soay Sheep Depredation
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bobcat was likely the cause of the new depredations. The producer moved the sheep closer to
her residence and barn structures. Specialist Witman removed and disposed of the carcasses and
provided information for Wildlife Control Operators in the area.
Fir Island Farm: Manager Rotton and Weed Program Manager Dave Heimer surveyed portions
of the vegetation in the restoration area. The site is quickly being colonized by non-native cat-
tail.
Skagit Headquarters Unit: Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove posted new speed limit and
pedestrian crossing signs at the Headquarters Unit. Manager Rotton met with Jude Apple the
Lead Research Scientist at the Padilla Bay Reserve. The meeting covered the current research
and monitoring efforts on the reserve and the upcoming projects that expand outside the
boundaries of the reserve such as the Blue Carbon Project.
Spencer Island Unit: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian coordinated with Snohomish
County Parks on a joint Eagle Project opportunity. The project cleared the Snohomish County
portion of the trail that leads to WDFW
boundary and installed a new
“Snoqualmie Wildlife Area” sign at the
Unit entrance. The Snohomish County
portion of the trail has been an
impediment to mechanized trail
maintenance of the WDFW trail. This
effort is a first of its kind to provide
assistance to Snohomish County Parks
while enhancing WDFW’s ability to
maintain their portion of the trail.
Snoqualmie River Hunting: Private Lands Biologist Wingard followed up with a concerned
landowner near Carnation who has experienced duck hunters near their horse barn and riding
arena at high water events. Limited options are available to exclude the hunters as they are
floating. Signage indicating the close proximity of horses was discussed as a potential solution.
REGION 5
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE
Mount Saint Helens Aerial Mountain Goat Survey: Biologists Holman, Stephens, and Bergh
along with JL Aviation’s pilot Emerson conducted an aerial survey of the mountain goats in the
habitats on and near Mt. Saint Helens. During the survey, three units were flown and all goats
observed were counted and classified as either an adult or a kid. Additionally, vegetative and
terrain obstructions were recorded for each group. In total, 46 groups of goats were observed
totaling 226 individuals. The raw survey data is then input into WDFW’s sight ability model for
Washington’s mountain goats. The sight ability model accounts for habitat variables and
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generates an estimate for goats that weren’t seen on the survey. The resulting population
estimate for mountain goats on Mt. Saint Helens and in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry is 250.
The aerial portion of this year’s survey was made possible by a generous donation from the
Southwest Washington chapter of Safari Club International. The undertaking was additionally
coordinated with partners from the Cowlitz Tribe of Indians and the U.S Forest Service. Thanks
to our conservation partners and for their various contributions. Finally, thanks to pilot Emerson
for his safe and expert flying.
Mt. Saint Helens Aerial Mountain Goat Survey
Mount Saint Helens Ground-Based Mountain Goat Survey: Wildlife Biologists Holman,
Stephens, and Bergh teamed with Staff from the Cowlitz Tribe and U.S. Forest Service along
with volunteers organized through the St. Helens Institute to conduct a survey of mountain goats
on and around Mt. St. Helens. Goats have re-colonized the area in the decades following the
1980 eruption. Final survey results are pending but initial results from the ground count indicate
that the population has grown above last year’s estimate of 151. Similar efforts conducted
during 2014, 2015 and 2016 resulted in 65, 152, and 151 goats respectively. This year the
ground count was followed up with an aerial survey (see above) of the same landscape, allowing
a comparison of methods and further refining the population estimate for the St. Helens
goats. Thanks to all who participated in the fourth year of the Mt. St. Helens mountain goat
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ground based survey. The project exemplifies the importance and value of cooperation among
Tribal, State, Federal, and private stakeholders related to this valuable wildlife resource.
Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship bird banding: Biologist Stephens assisted
retired United States Forest Service biologist Flick with operating a MAPS (Monitoring Avian
Productivity and Survivorship) banding station in the Columbia Gorge. Species captured
included Common yellowthroat, song sparrow, black-throated gray warbler, red-breasted
sapsucker, Wilson’s warbler, and rufous hummingbird. MAPS is a long-term demographic
monitoring project that takes place across the U.S. and Canada. More information about the
MAPS program can be found here: http://www.birdpop.org/pages/maps.php
MAPS bird banding
Suspicious Scat: Supervisor Meyer, Wildlife Conflict Specialist Conklin, and Sierra Pacific
Industries Biologist Leif Hansen traveled to Eastern Lewis County to inspect some suspicious
canid scat. The crew placed two camera traps and will monitor them over the next couple weeks.
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Fawn Reports and Necropsy: WDFW Enforcement Officer Bolton and Klickitat Wildlife Area
Manager Van Leuven passed several reports of dead deer (mostly fawns) on to District Biologist
Bergh and Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Jacobsen. Jacobsen followed up with phone calls
to the reporting landowners to gain additional information about these deer mortalities. Officer
Bolton was able to respond to a report of a very recent fawn mortality and obtained the carcass
for sampling before the quality became degraded due to extreme heat. WCS Jacobsen and
Biologist Trejo subsequently performed a necropsy
Private Lands Habitat Projects: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen contacted several
landowners and habitat specialists in the area concerning potential deer and turkey habitat
enhancement projects on private lands that allow some degree of public hunting access. Funding
for habitat enhancement (as well as private land access incentives) has been made available
through the Natural Resource Conservation Service Voluntary Public Access and Habitat
Incentives Program grant.
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area-Canal Road Unit: Assistant Manager Wildermuth visited
the Canal Road Unit to monitor and remove invasive purple loosestrife from the wetland area
and clean up garbage on WDFW property. Approximately 15 plants were treated versus over 30
plants on a visit by Wildlife Area Manager Hauswald and Assistant Manager Wildermuth earlier
this season.
Cedar Creek Unit: Assistant Manager Wildermuth replaced a section of fencing that had been
cut and damaged, potentially allowing illegal vehicle access on the Cedar Creek Unit.
Before repair After repair
Klickitat Wildlife Area-Weed Control: Assistant Manager Steveson applied herbicide to rush
skeletonweed plants that were found in the old headquarters area of the Soda Springs Unit. He
divided the work over two days because high temperatures dictated that the application could
only be done in the mornings. Although the plants that were discovered have been treated, more
searching for this weed is needed since it is suspected that not all of the plants have been found.
Fence Repair: Assistant Manager Steveson repaired fences on the Soda Springs Unit, including
rebuilding a rock jack that was broken when a vehicle ran over the corner of it.
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Trash Collection: During the course of other activities, Assistant Manager Steveson found two
fire pits surrounded by rocks as well as some trash, which included a discarded toilet from a
camper. The junk was picked up and Steveson dismantled the fire pits so that people won’t be
tempted to build campfires there.
GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-
RELATED RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Private Lands Access Proposal: Biologist Meyer submitted a proposal to an interdisciplinary
course in environmental policy at Yale University that has graduate students work as
“consultants” with organizations to research and propose solutions to real world policy
problems. The proposal, if selected, would have students research and brainstorm ideas to
increase public access on private lands in Washington.
Private Lands Access Contracts: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen worked with two
private landowners in Klickitat County to renew their public hunting access agreements and
discussed the terms of their contracts. Both of these sites provide opportunities for upland bird
hunting, with one site also providing some opportunity for deer harvest.
Vancouver Lake: Over 1,000 pounds of trash was dumped in several piles along the road and
parking areas. Access staff Rhodes
worked with Department of Ecology
litter crew to pick separate
recyclables and trash including tires,
household trash, car seats, and
parts. Some personal information
was found with names and
addresses. The information was
forwarded to enforcement for follow
up.
Vancouver Lake Trash
Martin Access: WDFW engineering crew
has been busy working on the boat launch
removal and replacement, parking lot
grading, drainage, gate and barrier
installation, and some tree removals. The
site is scheduled to reopen in time for the
main salmon run. One to two days of
additional closures will be needed to pave
the parking area toward the end of the
month.
Martin Access Revamp
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Signage: Access staff posted “Recycle fish carcasses into the river, not in the parking lot” signs
in several areas to educate and help with the mess when cleaning fish in the parking lots.
Garbage and Misuse of Sites: Unfortunately, Access Staff are seeing large amounts of dumped
garbage and misuse of the facilities at many of WDFW’s access sites. Access staff are doing a
tremendous job cleaning the facilities and trying to maintain these public resources – we are
hopeful the public will appreciate and respect theses public access sites which are there for all
public benefit and enjoyment.
Garbage and Misuse of Sites
GOAL 3: USE SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES, DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
District 10-Elk: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Conklin coordinated a Master Hunter to hunt a
property in Randle that is suffering crop loss due to elk. Conklin also met with a land owner in
Randle experiencing elk damage to her property. Conklin will continue to work with the land
owner to deter damage including assisting her with advice on installing elk fencing.
Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Conklin continues to work with a tree farm in Chehalis
experiencing deer damage. Conklin will escort a youth damage pool hunter next week to hunt
the property. The young hunter is a participant of the Big Brother Big Sister program.
District 9-Orchard Damage: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen met with an orchard owner
who produces apples, pears, and cherries and has been experiencing elk damage to his trees for
several years. Almost all orchard plots are currently surrounded by an 8’ woven-wire fence,
which the elk have become skilled at pushing down. Bears have also been regularly digging
under or pulling apart sections of fencing, which can allow elk to find their way back into the
orchard. The landowner is currently working to increase the height and stability of his fence
around his orchard plots. Electric fencing options were discussed to minimize the damage to the
current fence from elk and bears, and hunting pressure from Master Hunter damage pool hunters
was also discussed for later in the winter when most of the elk damage occurs. The landowner’s
Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement was also renewed.
Hay Field Damage: Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Jacobsen met with a landowner who
grows and sells orchard grass hay and is planning on planting alfalfa in all of his fields beginning
next spring. The landowner expressed his frustration over elk in the area and the damage they
cause to his hay fields. WCS Jacobsen reviewed the purpose and components of a Damage
Prevention Cooperative Agreement (DPCA) with the landowner, as the landowner has had a
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DPCA with the Department in the past. Damage abatement measures such as hazing and public
hunting access were discussed as a means of reducing elk damage to his hay fields. The
landowner was encouraged to hear about some of the hazing options that could be employed to
deter elk. WCS Jacobsen will follow up next week with a DPCA for the landowner to sign.
GOAL 4: BUILD AN EFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZTION BY SUPPORTING
OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES, AND INVESTING IN
TECHNOLOGY
Senior Staff Visit to Region 5: Region 5 staff hosted the Wildlife Senior Staff for a field day in
Southwestern Washington. Stops included the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, an organic dairy farm in
Randle, the Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center, and the Johnston Ridge Observatory on
Mount Saint Helens. Topics covered included highlights of a mitigation Wildlife Area, Riffe
Lake low water management effect, Pacific Corps land management, elk damage in the Cowlitz
Valley, Mudflow Unit management, Mt. St. Helens elk herd management, private lands access,
Elk hoof disease, mountain goat management, and fisher recovery/management. The Region 5
staff did a fantastic job and were very happy to have such involved and inquisitive visitors!
Senior Staff Visit to Region 5
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REGION 6
GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE
Western Pond Turtle: Biologist Butler coordinated the release of 63 head-started western pond
turtles at the Pierce County recovery site in collaboration with the Woodland Park Zoo. These
turtles were brought to the Woodland Park Zoo last summer as eggs. The eggs were then
incubated at the zoo, and after hatching, zoo staff provided the turtles with daily care. This
allowed the hatchlings to grow faster and they should ultimately have a higher chance of survival
upon release.
Approximately 30 people attended this year’s event. Besides getting to release a turtle into the
ponds, those in attendance were provided a brief history of the western pond turtle recovery
program. In addition, everyone had the opportunity to try their hands at different field
techniques such as telemetry, taking visual observations using scopes, and properly identify
turtles using shell notches and PIT tags.
Western pond turtles head-start ready to
release Photo taken by Woodland Park Zoo
Snowy Plover: Biologist Sundstrom banded some additional chicks (Total of 31 to date) and
monitored fledgling and nesting activity at Midway and Graveyard Spit.
Biologist Novack and Sundstrom attended a meeting and field site visit to Graveyard Spit with
the Army Corps of Engineers, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, WA Department of Ecology
and the Shoalwater Tribe. The ACE has emergency funds for a beach repair project and re-
nourishment adjacent to the town of Tokeland. The site has developed into a primary nesting
area for snowy plovers in the interim years since the original project occurred. ACE intends to
start work in June of 2018.
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GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-
RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES
Timberland Access: Biologist Harris was contacted by a large timber land owner and informed
that they would be opening another large block of land to public vehicle access and also talked
about ungulate damage. This company has approximately 200,000 acres open to free public
access in Region 5 and 6. He is working on an agreement to help with their costs and they have
asked for additional items.
Damage Prevention Permit –First Harvest of the Year: Biologist Harris received one of those
early morning weekend phone calls that all conflict staff love to get. The call was from a proud
father notifying him that his 10-year-old son had
just harvested his first elk using a Damage
Prevention Permit issued to the young hunter by
a producer in Willapa Valley. This makes four
years in a row that a youth hunter was the first to
fill a Damage Prevention Permit. His dad
reported that he is hooked and very excited!
A very happy hunter!
GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY
ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY
CHARACTER, MAINTAIN AN OVERALL
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER
HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE
Buoy Buck – Ocean Shores: With more calls
coming in, Biologist Harris spent an evening
looking for the Buoy Buck. He was unable to
get a call back from the latest Regional Program
so he grabbed some local Fish and Chips to go
and hung out in the general area of the last
report. After observing numerous large bucks,
he noticed some residents starting their
barbecue. He contacted and asked if they had
seen the buck. They reported he was in there back yard an hour ago and he may still be
observable from their upper deck. Taking them up on their offer, Biologist Harris spent some
time glassing for the buck. After looking at multiple deer and antler candy he located the buck
with the buoy. The buck was observed traveling and feeding. While the buoy appeared to annoy
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the buck it did not impede it from feeding or
traveling. Biologist Harris’ current opinion
on this buck is that attempting to immobilize
would put the buck at greater risk then just
leaving the buoy in place. Who knows
maybe the extra bling will give him and an
advantage during the rut. Another person he
contacted sent a cell phone picture of the
buck. While not the best it shows the buoy.
View from the upper deck
Buck with antler bling
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