Managing Wildlife Populations
Sooty Grouse Surveys: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists are in the third year of testing a survey method for sooty grouse (formerly called blue grouse). The effort involves establishing driving routes in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains as well as the Willapa Hills. The routes include 15 to 30 listening stops where biologists spend time listening for the calling of male sooty grouse during the early morning hours. The survey method is borrowed from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State University, and we thank them for their development of the method and sharing. When fully developed and implemented, the survey will generate sooty grouse population trend estimates that are independent of grouse harvest. Biologists Holman and Stephens, and Conflict Specialist Aubrey, have started their surveys for the year. Thanks to WDFW Law Enforcement Officer Crowell for participating as well. Biologists Wickhem and Ott completed their surveys in mid-April, each recording two hooting males on their respective routes. Biologist Bergh completed her first survey and will do a repeat of that survey in early May.
An additional component of the work is to use listening devices called Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs) to better understand the timing of the sooty grouse breeding season. This is important since the survey methodology was developed at lower latitudes in Oregon where breeding timing could be different. The ARUs are placed near calling sooty grouse and left in place for two or more months. During this time the device records the calling grouse. With several of the units placed throughout western Washington, in aggregate this information can be used to adjust Oregon’s protocol to Washington’s grouse population. Biologist Holman and Conflict Specialist Aubrey placed three units in Cowlitz and Lewis Counties.
Glenwood Valley Annual Sandhill Crane Survey: Biologists Wickhem, Bergh, and Ott, volunteer members Castagnoli, Steider, L. Robinson, D. Robinson, B. Roe, J. Roe, staff members from Mount Adams Resource Stewards, and staff members from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined forces for the annual sandhill crane survey on and around Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The Glenwood Valley is one of only a few areas in the state where sandhill cranes nest. Sandhill cranes mate for life and return to the same “territory” each year to mate and raise their young - called colts - before migrating south in the fall. For this survey, the groups split up into teams to drive and hike around different crane territories recording all cranes observed and specifically looking for crane nests. This year, the team confirmed six nests, and in one case, observed courtship behavior which could mean more nests will be imminently laid. Biologists Wickhem and Bergh were treated to an interesting behavioral display when a crane was observed carrying around an egg (not a crane egg), dropping it near its partner and doing some flashy dance moves (small jumps, wing-flapping, and a bit of head-bobbing), then repeating the entire sequence a few times.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Water Access Area Spring Cleaning: Water access area team members has been busy working on several spring-cleaning projects including pesticide application at several site as well as pressure washing and striping of parking lots, ADA spots, and ramps. The team has also been working on painting faded ‘No Parking’ zones. Staff members have also had all the vault toilets pumped on each route and completed the pressure washing of the vault toilet exteriors.
Road Maintenance: Water access area staff members have been working on placing large rocks along the La Frambois Road at the Vancouver Lake Unit of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. There have been issues with the public not staying on the road, causing damage and ruts. Initially, water access area staff members placed T-posts along trouble spots, but that proved to be a hit and miss solution. Staff members sought a more permanent and less tamper-proof solution of large rocks as a more effective deterrent.