Biologists will use drone to assess habitat at the Skagit Wildlife Area

MILL CREEK – Biologists with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use a drone to assess habitat conditions at the Skagit Wildlife Area from Aug. 31 to Sept 3.

Drone flights will take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. along the south fork marsh of the Skagit River Delta. The drone will collect imagery of 1,200 acres of tidal marsh habitat.

In collaboration with Western Washington University, WDFW is surveying several areas to document invasive and native vegetation, sloughs, channels, large woody debris, and other natural and manmade features. WDFW will use the data to adapt current management practices and inform future noxious weed treatments.

The Skagit Wildlife Area contains approximately 13,000 acres of wildlife habitat composed primarily of intertidal estuary, managed agricultural lands, and native habitats. The area is divided into 16 separate management units, the majority of which are scattered throughout the west half of Skagit County, with some in Island, Snohomish, and San Juan counties.

WDFW actively manages approximately 1 million acres of land and over 500 water access areas across the state to preserve natural and cultural heritage, provide access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related recreation, and to foster experiences and exploration for thousands of Washingtonians and visitors each year.

WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.