Managing Wildlife Populations
Band-Tailed Pigeon: Biologist Murphie assisted Biologist Novack in setting and maintaining a trap for band-tailed pigeons. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be getting any use and the trap will be pulled.
Northwestern Pond Turtle: Biologist Murphie conducted work related to northwestern pond turtle recovery at the site he manages in District 15 for turtles.
Black Bear: Biologist Murphie assisted Lower Elwha Tribal biologists in checking bear hair snare stations. This work is part of a joint Lower Elwha Tribe and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife project to estimate bear abundance in GMU 603.
Bats: Biologist Murphie participated in bat count activities in the Hamma Hamma, Quilcene, and Hoodsport areas as part of routine surveillance. He reported counts of 306 bats for Hamma Hamma cabin, 40 for the Quilcene Shop, and 39 at a private cabin near Hoodsport.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Vegetation Maintenance at Access Sites: The water access team has been in its annual race against the elements, trying to compete with perfect grass growing weather to keep vegetation at the region’s access sites at a reasonable level. This year the elements had a great start with the access team taking the role of the tortoise and slowly gaining ground. The elevated temperatures in July should help staff members gain some headway on the many access areas that require vegetation maintenance.
Pre-Holiday Access Site Cleanup Activities: Access staff members removed abandoned vessels from Lake Isabella and Rapjohn Lake. The vessel at Rapjohn Lake had been dumped, filled with trash, and pushed out into the lake. It had to be pulled back to shore before it could be removed. In preparation for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, access staff members removed or painted over graffiti and posted firework restrictions at several of the region’s access areas.
Nisqually River Disabled Access Redevelopment: The Nisqually River disabled access has reopened after site redevelopment. Access staff members assisted with the project which included tree felling, parking lot grading, paving, and striping, restroom replacement, fishing shed upgrades, and vegetation planting.
Leyendecker Park Redevelopment: Access staff members assisted with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) funded redevelopment project at Leyendecker Park in Clallam County which includes a new restroom, ADA loading platform, and boat launch. The redevelopment of this access area has been supported and long awaited by the Forks community including the Quileute Tribe, local fishers, and many guides who utilize this access at the confluence of the Bogacheil and Sol Duc rivers which become the Quilayute River at this point. Logs from trees felled at the site were donated to the Quileute Tribe.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
Orange Hawkweed, Class B Noxious Weed: Access staff members took measures to remove orange hawkweed, a class B designated noxious weed, from Lake Sutherland in Clallam County. The access staff members hand pulled the plants with visible orange hawkweed flowers at the Lake Sutherland access site and mowed the entire area that was in near bloom. Eradication at this site has been an on-and-off-again issue due to seed drift from a neighboring property. The team will continue to monitor the area.
North Olympic Wildlife Area Management: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Technician Morgan treated hairy willowherb and other invasive weeds at the Bell Creek Unit, and Morgan mowed and maintained vegetation at several North Olympic units.
Irondale Beach: Natural Resource Specialist McKinlay mowed the paths and parking area at Irondale Beach, part of the Chimacum Wildlife Area Unit, in preparation for increased use around the 4th of July holiday.
Providing Education and Outreach
McNeil Island: Wildlife Program Staff Members Blankenship, Mire, and Laushman gave a tour of restoration sites at the McNeil Island Wildlife Area to South Sound documentary filmmakers.
Tacoma Ocean Fest: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, Communications Specialist Mire, and Hunter Education Specialist Montgomery, along with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) volunteers, staffed a booth at the Tacoma Ocean Fest and talked with the public about WDFW information.
WDFW staff members providing outreach at the Tacoma Ocean Fest.
General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to deer and elk hunting, band-tailed pigeons, gray squirrels, bats, and other birds.