Spears Pond
The Spears Unit is managed for black-tailed deer, dabbling ducks, emergent wetland, forested wetland, riparian forest and riparian shrub habitat. A large pond, created for mill operations prior to WDFW management, can be accessed by foot along a road that lies along the perimeter of the pond. Two creeks flow through the unit and converge near the western boundary before draining into the Cowlitz River.
The Spears Unit is located south of Randle in Lewis County. The unit can be accessed from Spears Road off of State Route 131.
This unit lies along the western flank of the Cascade Range within the Cowlitz River valley.
This unit is part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 503, 516
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Limited parking
- No restroom
- Informational kiosk
Hunting
Hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, elk, and grouse on this unit.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes forested/emergent wetland and riparian forest/shrub habitats, a large pond, and two creeks, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, elk and dabbling ducks.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
The Spears Unit is managed for emergent wetland, riparian forest and riparian shrub habitats. The hydrology of this unit is comprised of a large millpond that was created for mill operations, Gibbs Lake (a small pond) and two creeks that flow through the unit and converge near the western boundary of the unit before draining into the Cowlitz River. Siler Creek, which flows along the southeastern boundary of the unit, is channelized to facilitate drainage and agriculture.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Manage for healthy riparian corridors
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore, enhance and create habitat for diving, dabbling and cavity nesting ducks
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife
Land stewardship
This unit includes lands owned by Tacoma Power and is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for Mayfield and Mossyrock dams.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1994 and 2011.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Power, dike & irrigation districts | Mitigation Funds |
Management planning
2006 Cowlitz Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.