Biweekly report Mar16-31 2023 - Region 6 (Coastal) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Managing Wildlife Populations

Elk Surveys: Biologist Murphie and biologists from the Quileute Tribe conducted an elk composition survey of the Dickey, Game Management Unit (GMU) 602, and Sol Duc, GMU 607 this period. Final tallies will be compiled from digital images taken during the flight.

A group of elk along the Bogachiel River — Elk group on the Bogachiel River.

Forest Grouse Wing Bee: Biologist Murphie participated in the annual forest grouse wing bee. Here biologists sort through samples of grouse wings and tails deposited by hunters at several collection sites in western Washington. Although a final accounting of what was collected is not available yet, Murphie does report lower than expected sample submission this year in District 15.

Elk Composition Surveys: Biologist Murphie, Biologist Ament, and Quinault and Quileute tribe biologists conducted elk composition surveys of GMUs 602, 607, 612, and 615.

Elk Collaring: Biologist Murphie assisted the Skokomish Tribal Wildlife Program in collaring three adult cows in GMUs 636 and 651. These are part of long-term monitoring efforts of these units.

Game Management Plan: Biologist Murphie reviewed draft versions of bear, cougar, and waterfowl sections in the next Game Management Plan.

Western Pond Turtles: Biologist Murphie conducted routine site maintenance at a western pond turtle recovery site in District 15.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Pierce County: The access team continues to whittle away at undesirable vegetation at Lake Kapowsin and other Pierce County sites in preparation for the upcoming fishing season. These efforts are making a considerable difference. Crew members are committed to improving these sites and developing future maintenance plans for users and the local community.

A view of the Kapowsin Lake before improvement — Kapowsin Lake before.

A view of Kapowsin Lake parking lot after improvement. — Kapowsin Lake after.

A shot of clear lake before improvement. — Clear Lake before.

A view of Clear Lake after improvements. — Clear Lake after.

Thurston County: The access team repaired fences at a couple locations. Some fences were damaged by weather events, by vehicles, or from normal wear and tear.

A shot of Ward Lake before improvement. — Ward Lake before.

A shot of Ward Lake after improvement. — Ward Lake after.

A view of Offutt Lake before improvements. — Offutt Lake before.

A view of Offutt Lake after improvements. — Offutt Lake after.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Big Beef Creek: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Technician Morgan cleared the Lost Highway access road and trail at the Big Beef Creek Unit of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area, mowing thick scotch broom and brushing out the trail to Morgan Marsh.

A view of the Lost Highway in Big Beef Creek Unit before improvements. — Lost Highway within the Big Beef Creek Unit before.

A view of the Lost Highway in Big Beef Creek Unit after improvements. — Lost Highway within the Big Beef Creek Unit after.

Chimacum Creek: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and the Hood Canal Coordinating Council attended a site visit to sections of Chimacum Creek adjacent to the North Olympic Wildlife Area’s current Chimacum Unit to discuss potential future WDFW acquisitions.

A group of people visiting Chimacum Creek. — Site visit on the banks of Chimacum Creek.

Dungeness signage: Biologist Ament helped repair and replace boundary signage at the Three Crabs Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.

Biologist Ament updating wildlife area signage on the beach. — Biologist Ament updating wildlife area signage.

South Puget Sound: Technician Morgan has continued to open up the oak prairie habitat at the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood by mowing scotch broom throughout the unit.

An area in the South Puget Sound Unit freshly mowed. — Newly mowed areas at the South Puget Sound Unit.

Providing Education and Outreach

South Puget Sound: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman met with the coordinator of the local Rotary Club and a program coordinator for Northwest Youth Corps to tour the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood and discuss upcoming opportunities for summer youth crews at the area. The next community workday at the South Puget Sound Unit is May 20, at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome to join.

General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone, email, or in person related to:

A weasel.
Mysterious feathers.
Deer and elk hunting.
River otter concerns and conflict.

Discovery Bay: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman helped with a planting event for Chimacum Middle School students coordinated by the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. Students prepared planting designs and planted around 200 native shrubs and trees to help restore the riparian area between Snow and Salmon creeks at the Discovery Bay Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.

Middle school students planting native plants at the Discovery Bay Unit. — Middle school students planting native plants and trees at the Discovery Bay Unit.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Work-planning and Other Preperation: Biologist Murphie began planning and coordinating for surveys and other work to be done later this spring or summer. This work will include new projects for bear and grouse in District 15, as well as coordinating elk surveys and western pond turtle work.

Murphie participated in fiscal year 2024 to 2025 work planning session.