Managing Wildlife Populations
Waterfowl: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman conducted waterfowl brood counts on two routes that are surveyed annually. Biologist Brinkman drove the Ewan-Revere route, but most of the potholes along the route were dry or nearly empty so very few waterfowl were observed. Biologist Lowe surveyed the Lincoln Potholes route and observed a wide variety of waterfowl, but fewer broods were observed than expected.
USGS Breeding Bird Survey: Biologist Brinkman completed a United States Geological Survey (USGS) Breeding Bird Survey on a route near Twin Lakes outside of Inchelium. This route had been surveyed for years by a member of the public, but a request to have someone new pick up the route was passed through Spokane Audubon late last year. This survey consisted of 50 point-counts conducted at approximately one-half mile intervals along a designated route. Each point count lasts for three minutes and follows a specific survey protocol to maintain consistent and comparable results.
Tucannon Bighorn Sheep: Wildlife Area Manager Dingman located the Tucannon Herd bighorn sheep this week. There are still six lambs alive.
Elk at Smoothing Iron Ridge: A large group of elk has been hanging out at Smoothing Iron Ridge. They have been highly visible and have been using crops planted in fields and water troughs.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
WT Wooten Wildlife Area Lakes: Natural Resource Technicians Jensen and Tritt checked the fish screens and adjusted water levels as needed. Jensen cleaned up trash around the lakes and replaced the roll of litter bags at Rainbow Lake. Some individuals decided to drive their UTVs out to the Spring Lake Dam and park near the overflow culvert. Officer Delp responded and ended up writing several citations to them for various things.
Wildlife Area Manager Dingman and Jensen put the spotting scope back at Rainbow Lake. The scope still does not focus very well and Dingman passed that information along to the Wildlife Watching folks in Olympia.
Natural Resource Technician Tritt cut trees off the Rainbow Lake inlet pipeline.
Recreational Access Area Maintenance and Management: Maintenance Mechanic Heimgartner and Natural Resource Technician Nielsen cleaned access sites on the wildlife area from Heller Bar to the Wooten campgrounds and lakes, sprayed weeds, and cleaned up graffiti. They report Heller Bar is busy with rafting season in full swing.
Providing Conflict Prevention and Education
Cooperative Fencing: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris ordered fencing materials for a cooperative fencing project in Lincoln County to protect a blueberry field from elk and deer damage. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris also met with a producer in Spokane County to discuss details of a cooperative fencing project proposal for next fiscal year.
Bear Concern: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb responded to a report of a yearling black bear hanging around a popular rural intersection. It is possible it is the same bear that was previously hanging around the same area in early December. Kolb responded to the area but was unable to locate the bear. Advice was provided to some local residents and producers.
Depredation Investigations: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members conducted two depredation investigations this week. The first was a cow that was found dead on a United States Forest Service (USFS) allotment. The cow was discovered by loggers and the carcass had been moved from its original location, so they could continue logging. Staff members conducted a full site investigation and field necropsy, but no signs of predator involvement could be found, and it was determined that the cow died of unknown causes.
The second investigation was an injured calf that had been pulled off a USFS allotment. Staff members conducted a full injury investigation. After an after action review the determination of the investigation was confirmed wolf. WDFW staff members coordinated with the Asotin County Sheriff on both investigations.
Juvenile Hawk: Supervisor Earl received an after-hours call regarding a hawk out of its nest. The reporting party stated that the hawk had fallen out of the nest and she was worried that it was vulnerable to neighborhood dogs and cats. The reporting party managed to get it into a cage before calling. The reporting party was instructed to return the hawk to a safe place in hopes that its mother may find it. They called again later and stated that the mother was observed with the juvenile.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
Bureau of Land Management Field Work: This week Wildlife Area Manager Finch and Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner finished spraying herbicide on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field. After Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner finished spraying, Finch and Wagner rinsed out the sprayer with water and moved the sprayer and tractor back the Swanson Lake shop location.
Habitat Maintenance: Private Lands Biologist Nizer and Private Lands Technician Rumiser weed whacked weeds around trees planted this spring and watered trees as a weekly duty.
Noxious Weed Control (West Lake of Swanson): The previous week, while moving equipment Private Lands Biologist Baarstad and Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner had noticed some St. John's wort patches and Canada thistle along the west lake of Swanson. Wagner took the UTV sprayer out and proceeded to spray those troublesome areas. He went out to assess the location Tuesday, and the Canada thistle looked as though they have been hit hard.
Providing Education and Outreach
Lincoln County Wolf Meeting: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Region 1 Conflict and Enforcement staff members and a wolf biologist participated in an informational meeting on wolves in Davenport, in coordination with the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association. Staff members discussed current wolf populations, recovery goals and objectives, the rights of community members when it comes to wolves, husbandry practices to discourage wolf depredations on livestock, and answered many questions from meeting attendees.
Turkey Article: Private Lands Biologist Nizer started reaching out to a turkey hunting property landowner in Whitman County, as well as hunters and conservation districts. They discussed the creation of an article to show how partnerships work and how they can help accomplish habitat development goals for turkeys. Nizer created a rough draft and will send it to Communication Consultant Foster and his colleagues once it is finalized.
Science Camp: Biologist Lowe provided the first of several weekly programs for the City of Spokane’s Natural Science Camp at the Finch Arboretum. The group of 16 six- and seven-year-olds learned about the importance of pollinators and bats, as well as ecology of local wildlife including turkeys and moose. The highlight of the afternoon was catching and identifying a queen western bumble bee, which is a species currently being considered for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
4-O Ranch Wildlife Aree Hay Pile Monitoring and Cleanup: At the recommendation of Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Area Manager Dice made arrangements to rent an excavator from Lewiston and bring it to the 4-O for the purpose of dismantling and scattering a pile of rotten hay. There is concern the pile will spontaneously combust due to residual moisture and rot in the hay. There are approximately 1,600 round bails in the pile. DNR is monitoring the pile for heat signatures using IR equipment. The rental excavator will be on site July 9.
Other
Fire Protection: This week, staff members will be preparing for fire restriction posting. Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner weed trimmed around the 3000-gallon storage water tank at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area. The vegetation was cleared around the water tank to protect the tank from any wildfire.