Research Briefs

Research
Western gray squirrel: Investigate population dynamics of species in south central Washington.

Species concerned: Western gray squirrel (state-listed threatened species)

Investigator: Matt Vander Haegen, Science Division, Wildlife Program

Purpose of research: To measure the spatial and population dynamics of the western gray squirrrel in south central Washington and to assess the effects of timber harvest on this threatened species to aid in conservation.

Geographic area: South central Washington.

Timeframe of study: 2001 to 2005.

Joint partners: The WDFW Science Division has secured a $40,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to study the ecology of western gray squirrels and effects of timber harvest on their populations in Klickitat County. Other partners on the project, which begins this year, include Boise Cascade Corp., Rainier Timber Co., and USFWS.

Funding: $150,000 for current year, shared by WDFW, Boise Cascade Corp., Rainier Timber Co., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Are volunteers needed? Volunteers are needed to assist with semi-annual trapping efforts to estimate squirrel numbers on study plots.

How can volunteers respond? Contact Research Scientist Matt Vander Haegen,
360-902-2516 or at vandemwv@dfw.wa.gov on e-mail.