Managing Wildlife Populations
Asotin Creek Bighorn Sheep Sign: Blake and David replaced new “Bighorn Sheep Crossing” sign along Asotin Creek Road that was stolen earlier in the fall.
Providing Conflict Prevention and Education
Asotin Turkey Issues: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Wade spoke with and assisted two Asotin County producers who are experiencing issues with large flocks of turkeys damaging cattle feed. Wade issued both producers turkey permits to assist with hazing efforts.
Deer in Spokane: Wildlife Conflict Specialist McCarty discussed haystack damage occurring on a property raising beef cattle. He recommended addressing ongoing crop damage issues that were brought up during conversation with the Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement. Haystack damage to be addressed utilizing Master Hunters. An email was sent discussing options.
Elk Damage: Natural Resource Technician Moberg spent four days keeping elk off commercial crops near the state line. Commercial crop damage caused by elk is a major issue in parts of Walla Walla County during the winter months. Moberg prevented hundreds of elk from damaging commercial crops in Washington throughout the week.
State Line Elk: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb and Natural Resource Technician Moberg worked on herding and hazing elk along the state line to minimize commercial crop damage.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
Asotin Creek Wildlife Area Boundary Stock Fences: Contractors began construction this week with approximately 26 miles of boundary stock fences burned in the 2021 Lick Creek Fire. Raymond Doherty’s crew is currently working on the Tam Tam Ridge segment which begins at Asotin Creek road and forms the northern boundary of the wildlife area. Contractor Slateco will begin construction work on Jan. 16 on fences along Lick Creek road. Other sites such as Weatherly and Smoothing Iron will have to wait until snow recedes and the weather moderates.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Outdoor Education Opportunities: Northeast Washington Wildlife Area Manager Juli Anderson discussed options for a Spokane-area outdoor education school with her supervisor, Kevin Robinette. This project would be spearheaded by WDFW’s education outreach specialist, Autumn Eckert. Robinette and Anderson agreed that Rustlers Gulch Wildlife Area would be an excellent site choice, due to its proximity to Spokane. They also agreed that Young Men's Christian Association’s (YMCA) adjacent Camp Reed should be considered as a potential partner, as the camp may be able to provide housing and other resources for students. Additionally, the local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington may also be interested in participating. This group has for many years been a valued partner to WDFW, greatly helping staff with trail, parking area, and general site improvement and management at Rustlers Gulch.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Finch picked up a poster-sized photo at the Region One headquarters in Spokane. It was a nice photo of Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area taken in 2007 by Bob Griffith, a late member of the Spokane chapter of the Audubon Society. Former WDFW Public Affairs Officer and current Audubon member Madonna Luers had dropped it off for Finch, who hung the poster at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area office.
