Managing Wildlife Populations
Annual Grouse Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Braaten began annual Sage and Sharp-tailed grouse surveys in Douglas County. County road conditions have improved. Some leks are becoming more active.
Winter Range Closure: Biologists Repp and White continue to monitor the winter closure areas for deer. While in one closed area, biologists noticed a well-established snowshoe trail. Later that afternoon, the biologists encountered two individuals on the trail. The trail was so well established that snowshoes were not needed in two feet of snow. Biologist Repp recognized the violators and reported the activity to Enforcement.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Methow Wildlife Area Shooting Range: Biologist White fabricated target stands and new stools for the shooting range. Recently, the Methow shooting range went through an extensive lead mitigation and cleanup effort. This range is known to be a highly popular recreational shooting area and people travel from as far away as Western Washington to target practice here.
Providing Conflict Prevention and Education
Moose in Fenced Orchard: Specialist Bridges and Supervisor Rickel attempted to haze a young bull moose that was in a fenced orchard near Bridgeport. To complicate matters, there were two linemen crews in the orchard at the time working to replace electrical lines. Ultimately, the fence was cut to allow the moose to exit. Bridges and Rickel repaired the fence a few days later once the moose had gotten out on his own.
Responding to Possible Cougar Conflict: Specialist Heilhecker responded to an alleged report of a cougar attacking two dogs. The reporting party let the two dogs outside during the day. The dogs came back injured. The older pit bull had puncture wounds to the head and front legs; the younger pit bull mix had scratches on its face. The dogs were taken to the vet. According to the reporting party, the vet thought the two dogs fought with each other, except the owner has never witnessed the dogs fighting. The following evening, the neighbor reported seeing a cougar on the hill behind their houses. Specialist Heilhecker discussed protection measures with the dog owner.
Cougar Depredation Response: Specialist Heilhecker followed up with a landowner who reported sheep depredation from a cougar. They discussed nonlethal deterrence measures and the requirements for filing a livestock damage complaint. While the landowner has filed several claims in the past, there was some confusion regarding the timeline to file for a claim. Heilhecker and the landowner talked through the challenges. Specialist Heilhecker has visited the property in the past and confirmed the nonlethal deterrence measures, but she will visit the property again to sign off on the nonlethal deterrence measures.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
Othello High School seniors plant native grasses: Biologists Morris and Cook, Private Lands Technician Blanchard, and Water Access Technician Wilson, along with four volunteer students from Othello High School planted 340 grass plugs in a an area along Lind Coulee. This area is great for wildlife, as the landowner plants food plots nearby. The area is between water and agricultural fields, and there are adjacent mature tree and shrub rows. Morris planted 300 basin wildrye grass plugs and 40 Indian ricegrass plugs to help create dense nesting, thermal, and escape cover next to the food and water. This was also a great opportunity for the Othello High School students to participate in habitat restoration and better understand Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) work. The current planting included about 400 native grass plugs to increase the diversity of native grasses.
Providing Education and Outreach
Grant Elementary School Science Fair: Biologist Cook, Regional Wildlife Program Manager Haug, Customer Service Specialist Bilodeau, and Administrative Assistant Jones hosted a room at the Grant Elementary School Science Fair in Ephrata. Prepared skulls, skins and displays were available for students and families to touch, interact with, and learn about wildlife with Cook and Haug explaining animal features, characteristics and facts. Coloring pages, informational activity books, bee and butterfly mask making, Make Your Own Creature activity, and small giveaway items were available also.
Outreach and Education at Chelan Middle School: Biologist Morris presented at the Chelan Middle School career and college day. He spoke with middle schoolers about how to prepare for a career in biology, the schooling required, biologist skills, and many of the fun experiences you can have as a biologist. The day was a lot of fun and students had lots of great questions for Morris.
Farmer’s Forum: Biologist Repp attended the Methow Conservancy’s Farmer’s Forum. This forum brought local farmers and ranchers together to learn and discuss relevant issues. This was a great opportunity to network, converse, and educate folks on the grazing and agriculture leases on the wildlife area.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
Mountain Goat Survey: Specialist Bridges was scheduled to assist with this aerial-based survey, but it was rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.
Other
Interview Panel Participation: Specialist Heilhecker participated on an interview panel for the natural resource technician position at the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area.
Specialist Heilhecker participated in an interview to fill the wildlife conflict specialist position in Pasco, WA.
District Team Meeting and Planting Project: Okanogan Lands staff members recently attended the quarterly District Team Meeting. The majority of Lands staff members met at the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area to attend the virtual meeting as a team. A few staff members attended virtually. The meeting was insightful as District wide updates were provided by all programs in attendance.
After the meeting, a mixture of wildlife area staff members from Scotch Creek, Sinlahekin, and Methow wildlife areas teamed up for a native shrub planting project in the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area. Staff planted approximately 150 shrubs consisting of aspen, red osier dogwood, and water birch near the banks of Scotch Creek as part of ongoing habitat enhancement work occurring in the adjacent area. Of note, this area of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area is highly important for sharp-tailed grouse who winter along the creek. The species planted, particularly the water birch, which is a primary winter forage plant for sharp-tails, should expand critical habitat for grouse, but also for a wide array of other wildlife species known to frequent the area.
