Managing Wildlife Populations
Dusky Canada Goose: Biologists Novack and Cent completed another round of dusky goose surveys. Overall goose numbers in Grays Harbor County were low. A yellow collared cackler goose was seen off Parpala Road in Pacific County along with a healthy cohort of red-collared dusky Canada geese.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Maintenance and Access Projects: The access team has tackled a variety of projects beyond the normal maintenance including cleaning illegal dumps, fence repair, sign replacement, graffiti removal and disposal of abandoned vessels.
Pierce County, Bay Lake: Team Members Friemund and Walker removed the abandoned boat from the Bay Lake access.
Pierce County, Kapowsin Lake: Access staff members replaced signs, repaired fencing and continue ongoing efforts for large amounts of vegetation removal.
Kitsap County, Big Beef Creek: Big Beef Creek Team Member Walker assisted Wildlife Area Manager Laushman by removing a fallen tree blocking the access gate.
Grays Harbor County, Morely: Several illegal dumps were cleaned and disposed of.
Grays Harbor County, Porter: The interior of the restroom at the Porter ramp was completely repainted due to graffiti, the before pictures were not included due to content. The numerous obscene graphics were covered up very quickly after being discovered.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
North American Wetlands Conservation Act: Biologist Novack continues coordination and collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and various WDFW staff members on identifying restoration and acquisition projects for a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant proposal.
Native Plantings: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman assisted with post-restoration plantings on McNeil Island with biologists from Department of Natural Resources, a Washington Conservation Corp crew and a Nisqually planting crew.
Tarboo Visit: Wildlife Area Manager Manager Laushman and Forest Health Specialist Tveten visited the Tarboo Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area to discuss plans to improve the forest health of densely growing stands.
Providing Education and Outreach
Calls From Birdwatchers: Biologist Novack answered various customer service calls. What appears to be a common crane was seen associating with a small group of sandhill cranes near Elma. Apparently, the birdwatching networks are spreading the word for birders to check off an unusual visitor from their lists.
School Visit: Biologist Murphie gave a presentation about counting ducks and data at a local school.
Public Inquiries: Biologist Murphie answered public inquiries about deer and deer hunting, osprey, eagles, big game hunting, and ducks.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
Snow Creek Resort: Access crew worked with Capital Asset Management Program on preparations for the upcoming work at Snow Creek Resort.
Grant Applications: Access Manager Reeves presented three Recreation and Conservation Office grant application presentations.
Public Contact: Access Manager Reeves met with several property owners that neighbor water access sites.
Aircraft Classes: Biologist Murphie held two aircraft related classes.