Managing Wildlife Populations
Prescribed Burn at the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Unit: Biologist Bechtold, with assistance from EcoStudies Institute, Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members recently conducted a prescribed fire at the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Unit. The intent of the burn was to improve habitat conditions for the endangered Oregon Silverspot and is part of a three-year project funded by the USFWS’ Coastal Program. In addition to the fire, the project also funds the monitoring of habitat conditions, the purchase and installation of native plant material, vegetation control, and outreach. These efforts, in collaboration with the USFWS, are in support of the ultimate goal of reestablishing a self-sustaining population of the Oregon Silverspot in the state.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Lake Limerick, Mason County: Access staff members repainted the interior and exterior of the outhouse and removed graffiti from signage at Lake Limerick access area. Maintenance and painting in other access areas is planned for early fall.
Naselle River, Pacific County: The water access crew with the assistance of Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) monofilament program staff members performed annual trail maintenance at Highway 4 access. Trail work consisted of cutting brush, blackberries, and Japanese Knotweed to improve accessibility for fishing along an easement trail of the Naselle River. Other work included posting informational and property boundaries signs and the installation of a monofilament recycling collection bin at the parking area of the Highway 4 access.
Nisqually River, Thurston County: Access staff members, with guidance from WDFW’s Habitat Program and assistance from WDFW’s Capital and Asset Management Program personnel, participated in a successful joint effort to remove a vehicle that was decaying underwater in the Nisqually River. The make or model was not known but estimated to be over 40 years old and likely has been in the river for 20 years or more.
