Managing Wildlife Populations

Fisher Studies: A collaborative team of biologists, staff members from several agencies, and staff members from non-governmental agencies including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), U.S Forest Service (USFS), and Conservation Northwest finished deploying approximately 30 baited camera stations for fisher surveys within Chelan County.

As mentioned in a previous report, images collected at these baited camera traps will be used to help evaluate the effectiveness of the reintroduction of fishers back into the Cascades fisher recovery area. These studies will also inform future recovery actions by assessing the expansion and distribution of fishers.

In addition to fisher, the baited camera stations are likely to capture images of other carnivore species of concern, as well, including gray wolf, wolverine, and lynx. All data generated from these baited camera stations will be instrumental in learning more about the distribution of fishers and other carnivore species throughout The Cascades.

These camera stations were deployed in randomly selected forested areas throughout Chelan County from North Cascades National Park to Mission Ridge and everywhere in between. Stations will remain in place throughout the winter and early spring. All stations will be removed in the spring and summer of 2024 and SD cards will be retrieved for photo analysis.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Ring-necked Pheasants: Biologist Eilers, Natural Resource Technicians Zabreznik and Schannauer, and Customer Service Specialist Mason released ring-necked pheasants in Swakane and Chelan Butte wildlife areas. As part of the Eastern Washington Pheasant Enhancement Program, rooster pheasants are released in these wildlife areas and others across central and eastern Washington to increase hunt opportunity for upland game bird hunters.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Forest Grouse: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers collected grouse wing samples from the four grouse barrels around Chelan County. Hunters use these barrels to deposit one wing and tail of each harvested grouse, which then allows biologists to identify the age and species of harvested grouse and provides a means of monitoring harvest and population trends. The locations of the grouse barrels can be found by clicking this link: Forest grouse wing and tail collection | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Bighorn Sheep Ground Surveys: Assistant Wildlife Area Manager Pavelchek and Technicians Zabreznik and Schannauer completed ground-based bighorn sheep surveys for the Swakane and Chelan Butte bighorn sheep herds. District Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers will then use this data to monitor these bighorn sheep herds and calculate herd abundance, composition, and sex/age ratios to assist in the conservation and management of these herds.

Bighorn Sheep Mortalities: Within the past month, there have been at least five bighorn sheep ram mortalities and two ewe mortalities from vehicular collisions along Highway 97A, between Wenatchee and Chelan. The majority of mortalities occurred between Rocky Reach Dam and Entiat. Washington Department of Transportation has road-side signs alerting vehicles of high sheep abundance along roads this time of year. Biologists urge drivers to proceed with extra caution along Highway 97A now and throughout the winter.

The skull and horns of the deceased rams were collected and pinned. For each head, biologists recorded horn measurements, estimated age, and performed a nasal swab to monitor for diseases of concern, such as Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi). These ram skulls will be donated to the Wenatchee Sportsman’s Association, where they will be auctioned to the public. The proceeds from this auction will be used for conservation of Washington bighorn sheep.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Deer Management: Biologist Dougherty and Clements have completed their aerial surveys for Game Management Unit (GMU) 290 and are now gearing up to conduct additional aerial surveys along areas of the Columbia Plateau. Biologists surveyed 40 units in GMU 290 and observed over 380 deer across the units.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Waterfowl: Biologists Dougherty, Clements, and Nason have been seeing several swans across Grant and Adams counties. Clements has sent out a public service anouncement to appropriate agency personnel and collaborated with volunteers and other organizations to report swan sightings. The data collected will be used for surveying. The first sighting compiled a total of 167 adult trumpeter swans and ten juveniles in one pond! Several swans have been seen along lower Crab Creek, along the Frenchman Reserve, various unnamed ponds throughout the potholes, Moses Lake, and even Lake Lenore.

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Photo by WDFW

Upland Hunting: Biologists Clements and Nason have assisted in releasing pheasants at Steamboat Rock State Park and Dry Falls sites. District staff members will be conducting one final round of pheasant releases in Grant and Adams counties for the year.

Trapped, Sick and Injured Wildlife: Biologist Clements received a report of a deer that got stuck in a canal. Agency staff members are not allowed to conduct any work regarding the irrigation canals until all of the water has has been drained and has complied with Columbia Basin Irrigation District’s lock out policy once water drainage has been completed.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Frenchman Regulated Access Area Blind: There are a few wetland cells that are hard for hunters to utilize without providing their own blind. We wanted to explore the prospect of having the Washington Conservation Corp crew build a few blinds to provide hunting opportunity. The crew did a great job of building and concealing the first blind at Cell 1.

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Photo by WDFW

Pheasant Release: Wildlife area and district staff members released 66 crates of pheasants across five wildlife area pheasant release sites. Hunters were enthusiastically waiting for staff members to arrive with birds and were very appreciative of the program.

Hunter Communication: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to a hunter looking for places to find elk.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Frenchman Dodson Road Fence Damage: Biologist McPherson and Specialist Walker found large amount of fence damage at Frenchman Wasteway of Dodson Road. Damaged materials were hauled off and Biologist McPherson coordinated with Washington Conservation Corp crew to repair fence to prevent more damage to the area.

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Photo by WDFW

Winchester Reserve Posting: While Biologist McPherson was conducting a grazing evaluation, he took the opportunity to check and post parts of the Winchester Reserve. Boundaries are signed and there should not be any issues with people mistakenly entering the reserve.

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Photo by WDFW

Responding to a Bear Call: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to a homeowner who reported a bear in garbage. Five weeks ago, the bear got into the reporting party’s garbage. The bear returned four weeks ago and got into garbage again in addition to eating the chicken feed. Recently, the bear killed a chicken and got into the garbage again. The reporting party planned to take their garbage to the landfill the following day. They asked about relocating the bear. Specialist Heilhecker advised the reporting party to secure all attractants. If law enforcement deemed it necessary, the bear would be trapped and then killed but relocation was not an option this time of year. The reporting party stated he had a bear archery tag. The reporting party was also advised he could harvest the bear but to report the bear harvest within 24 hours to law enforcement.

Cougar Kittens Report: Specialist Heilhecker received a report of two cougar kittens. The reporting party saw the kittens while hunting opening weekend of the general deer season. The photo of the animals was taken in GMU 204.

Responding to Report of Road Killed Wolf: Specialist Heilhecker received three reports of road-killed wolves. The first report along Highway 97 was reported as a possible wolf. The reporting party did not know if it was a dog or a wolf. Specialist Heilhecker and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officer looked for the animal but were unable to locate it. The other two reports turned out to be same wolf on Highway 153 even though the locations reported were four miles apart. A WDFW officer was able to locate the animal. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was notified.

Cost Share Fencing: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to an orchardist regarding the status of the cost-share fencing program. At the time of the call, Specialist Heilhecker could provide no updates. The cost-share fencing agreement template was not finished and the budget status is unknown.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

End of Season Grazing Evaluation: Biologist McPherson started end of season grazing evaluations to ensure that grazing goals were achieved. All leases look good and meet objectives. One new tool used to evaluate grazing was the use of drones. Biologist McPherson felt that aerial images really illustrate landscape use and how grazing is beneficial to habitat and wildlife.

Native Grass Seeding Circle Corner: Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard planted a 3.5-acre circle corner with native perennial grasses near Quincy Lakes Unit. The Private Lands no-till seed drill was used for planting the bulk of the area. They seeded the edges and some rocky parts using a broadcast seeder. Another seeding was attempted earlier this spring but was unsuccessful. Different seeding equipment was used this fall and should help with better establishment. Broadleaf weed control will be completed next spring and summer to improve native grass establishment. The Columbia Basin chapter of Pheasants Forever provided funding for native seed this fall.

Native Tree and Shrub Planting: Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard helped Biologist Braaten with native tree and shrub planting, including plastic mulch laying along the tree/shrub rows. The planting occurred over two days and used the Private Lands tree planter and plastic mulch layer.

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Photo by WDFW

Post-wildfire Seeding on the Ellemeham Mountain Unit: Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Manager Dupont and Assistant Manager Stanley planned and implemented an 835-acre aerial seeding effort on the Ellemeham Mountain Unit impacted by the Eagle Bluff fire this past summer. Scotch Creek contracted Central Valley Helicopters out of Ellensburg to complete the two-day operation. Crews seeded 457 acres on the Ellemeham Mountain Unit and an additional 378 acres of adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands funded via Good Neighbor Authority agreement. Flying the mix of native bunchgrasses before the winter snows will increase germination success and help those grasses compete with non-native annuals like cheatgrass.

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Photo by J Haug

 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Waterfowl Hunting and Access Properties Sites: Biologist Cook started contract paperwork on two sites to provide field hunting opportunities for waterfowl and one that provides walk-in access to the west side of Winchester Lake to reduce walking distance for waterfowl and upland bird hunting.

Pheasant Release: Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard helped with pheasant releases to supplement birds for hunters.

Hunter Communication: Biologist Cook responded to calls and emails from hunters looking for more information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hunter access program and looking for private lands to hunt.

Cougar Pelt Sealing: Private Lands Biologist Braaten sealed a cougar pelt for a hunter this week. Additionally, he collected DNA, a tooth, provided data to Cougar Mortality App, and mailed in the collection data.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Responding to Elk Damage to Haystacks: Specialist Heilhecker met with a landowner regarding elk damaging haystacks. The landowner provided photographs of last year’s damage. The landowner signed a damage prevention cooperative agreement after Specialist Heilhecker explained it. Heilhecker issued a kill permit to remove one antlerless elk to the landowner.

Necropsy Investigation: Specialist Heilhecker along with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement investigated two dead horses. The horses had been missing for four to five days, possibly a week. The horses were found together underneath a large tree. The carcasses had been scavenged yet most of their skeletons were intact with no broken bones. The rib bones had been chewed on the ends. Coyote scat was found at the scene. There was not enough evidence to determine cause of death. Given the condition of the skeletons and lack of evidence at the scene, the death of the two horses was not likely carnivores.

Responding to Cougar Report: Specialist Heilhecker received a cougar sighting report. The reporting party did not see the cougar but based on security camera footage, a cougar was on the property at 5:50 a.m. One of the neighbors has ten domestic cats that are allowed to roam. The reporting party believes the cougar may be interested in the cats. There is a garden and compost pile attracting a lot of mice that brings in the domestic cats. There are also a couple of neighbors with chickens. The reporting party notified neighbors about the cougar. Specialist Heilhecker advised that they secure all attractants, keep chickens locked up in their coop, keep dogs and cats inside.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Science Division Assistance: Private Lands Biologist Braaten completed a fall lek survey for sharp-tailed grouse lek presence on the Big Bend Wildlife Area. They are hoping to for a possible trapping effort to collar a grouse and monitor them through winter months and beyond. The intention of the trapping and collaring effort is to identify additional winter habitat use. Private Lands Braaten found 25 grouse on the lek. Crews will be arriving this week to set up traps.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Education and Outreach

High School Career Showcase: Biologist Cook attended a career showcase in Ritzville to answer questions and interest students in careers offered at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Biologists Cook and Morris attended another career showcase in Othello. Cook and Morris had mounts, skulls, and track molds for students to interact with.

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Photo by WDFW

Kittitas Audubon Society: Biologist Soltysiak traveled to Ellensburg to present “The Pygmy Odyssey” to the Kittitas Audubon Society. The presentation explored the variety of creative techniques researchers and biologists have used to restore the Columbian Basin pygmy rabbit to Douglas and Grant counties. Students and professors from Central Washington University, Ellensburg community members, and members of the Audubon Society were in attendance.

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Database User Group Participation: Specialist Heilhecker attended a demonstration of the new database for issuing landowner damage and kill permits. The new database will replace the current system that can no longer receive security updates.

Wolf Advisory Meeting: Specialist Heilhecker participated in a wolf advisory group planning meeting.

The Nature Conservancy Land Parcels: Just outside Quincy, a few The Nature Conservancy (TNC) land parcels are up for sale. Before the sale can be completed, Biologists Gallie and Soltysiak surveyed the land to ensure the presence or absence of pygmy rabbits. After four days of survey efforts, the team found no evidence of pygmy rabbits- no burrows, no pellets, and no rabbit visuals.

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

Mule Deer Studies: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers teamed up with Ungulate Specialist Bundick to place 15 remote cameras on game trails in and around Blewett Pass. These cameras will be used to capture images of mule deer from the Wenatchee Mountains herd undertaking their annual eastward migration to their lower elevation winter range.

Biologists will analyze all images collected to determine age and sex of photographed deer. They will use this information to generate fawn to doe and buck to doe ratios for the herd. Biologists will compare these ratios with those obtained from aerial surveys, which are set to take place in early December. This will help determine whether remote camera placement is a viable method to assess mule deer herd composition moving forward.

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Photo by WDFW

To identify the best locations for camera placement, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife staff members analyzed GPS data collected from does, which were collared on their winter range in the Wenatchee Foothills in 2020 and 2022. With three years of fall migration data now available biologists were able to determine, which areas along Highway 97 were used most consistently by the collared does each fall.

Additionally, Biologists Eilers and Jeffreys and Ungulate Specialist Bundick went out into the field. Parking along stretches of Highway 97, they visually searched for deer trails crossing the highway. They sought well-established, intersecting pathways through the trees and underbrush as locations where cameras were most likely to capture the greatest number of images of deer groups. Once a promising site was identified, they secured a game camera in a tree facing the trail. These cameras will be retrieved, and the photos will be analyzed in the winter after fall migration has ended.

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Photo by WDFW

Fisher Monitoring: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Bridges and Biologists Eilers, Jeffreys, and Soltysiak teamed up to begin deploying baited camera stations for fisher monitoring in forested areas throughout Chelan County. Images collected at these baited camera traps will be used to help evaluate the effectiveness of the reintroduction of fishers back into the Cascades fisher recovery area. They will also inform future recovery actions by assessing the expansion and distribution of fishers. The idea is to draw any fishers inhabiting the vicinity into view of the game camera by placing a dispenser loaded with extremely potent skunk scent over a cow bone on a tree approximately 15 feet to 18 feet away from and in full view of the camera.

This scent lure dispenser will drip the pungent liquid on a beef bone at predetermined intervals throughout the winter. Their goal is to attract any nearby carnivores. In addition to fisher, the baited camera stations are likely to capture images of other carnivore species of concern, including gray wolf, wolverine, and lynx.

To further assess fisher occupancy and expansion, a hair snare belt is nailed to the tree right below the beef bone with the aim of snagging hairs from visiting animals climbing the tree that can then be used for DNA analysis. All data generated from these baited camera stations will be instrumental in learning more about the distribution of fishers and other carnivore species throughout the Cascade Range.

Biologists from collaborating agencies and organizations such as U.S. Forest Service and Conservation Northwest have already placed several cameras in Chelan County. District 7 staff members have now placed one in Tumwater Canyon, one off Ruby Creek Road, and one in the Grouse Mountain area. In total, District 7 Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife staff members will deploy 20 baited camera stations before Nov. 1. These camera stations will be retrieved, and images analyzed in the spring and summer of 2024.

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Photo by WDFW

Pygmy Rabbit Enclosure Captures: At the end of each summer, the pygmy rabbit recovery team visits each breeding enclosure to ensure that there aren’t any remaining kits. Additionally, they vaccinate adults against rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Over the summer some kits were captured, but they were too small to receive a PIT tag, RHDV2 vaccine, and DNA sample. On Oct. 2, the team was joined by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife volunteers and Washington State University students to capture these kits. The team was successful in trapping two rabbits, both male, who appeared strong and healthy. Unfortunately, they also found a mortality. They identified it later as B4E102, a young female who was likely predated by a raptor.

On Oct. 3, the team turned their efforts to the B4 Beezley Hills enclosure. It was confirmed that all kits had been removed from the enclosure. Happily, four adults were caught and then vaccinated for RHD. One of the rabbits, adult B3E119, gave the team the slip until this capture effort. Knowing which adults are present helps Geneticist Dr. Nerkowski trace rabbit lineages.

Biologist Soltysiak set game cameras inside the B3 enclosure, along with enticing apples, to ascertain how many rabbits are inside of B3. It appears that just one rabbit now resides in the B3 enclosure. Previously, two rabbits were known to reside there.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Drone Flights: Biologist Soltysiak and Data Manager Jansen flew drones over the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area. They tested what height drones should be flown to get the best picture of pygmy rabbit burrows from the air. An area with a high density of burrows was chosen as the test area. Drones were flown at 150, 200, 300, and 375 feet.

Flying at a lower altitude gives better picture clarity but it takes a longer amount of time. Drone batteries only last around 30 minutes. Flying the drone at a higher altitude covers more area in a shorter amount of time. The team is hoping to find the sweet spot where burrows are still easily seen in the imagery while maximizing the amount of area flown in a single session.

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Photo by WDFW

Department of Natural Resources Collaborations: A few weeks ago, the Methow Wildlife Area hosted a tour with about ten Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employees to look at some future collaborative projects. For example, the Methow Wildlife Area plans to conduct forest thinning and prescribed burning treatments at various locations. Our projects neighbor quite a few private property parcels and some of the neighbors have expressed interest in simultaneously treating their forests.

DNR brought a diverse group of staff members to look at the feasibility of collaborating with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the private property owners. This cross-agency collaboration is still in the early phases of development, but both DNR and WDFW are committed to helping our neighbors maintain healthy and resilient forests in the Methow Valley.

Hazard Trees: General deer season kicks off this weekend. It is one of our busiest times of the year and our campgrounds and primitive camping areas receive very high visitor use. To ensure our visitors have a safe and enjoyable hunting season, Methow Wildlife Area staff members have been diligent about assessing and removing hazardous trees from popular camping areas. Several dead snags have been mitigated at Bobcat, Beaver Creek, Cougar Lake, and Bear Creek campgrounds.

Washington Conservation Crew: Recently, a Washington Conservation Crew (WCC) spent a week performing some much-needed fence maintenance. This fence project is intended to keep neighboring cattle from entering the wildlife area and engaging in unauthorized grazing in the post fire recovery Cub Creek 2 burn scar area. The crew will be back in early November. Weather permitting, they hope to build a wildlife friendly buck and rail fence along a small section of Beaver Creek.

This fence borders a campground and is intended to protect endangered fish by keeping livestock out of the creek while still allowing safe passage for a wide array of wildlife. Buck and rail fences are the preferred fence in campgrounds since they are built completely out of wood and are safer for children and families camping in the area. They are also more aesthetically pleasing than wire fencing.

Big Buck Fencing: The Methow Wildlife Area has received numerous reports about unauthorized cattle in the Big Buck Unit. The cows have trickled over from a neighboring private property grazing allotment and broke down a sizable stretch of fencing around Deadhorse Lake. The livestock owner was contacted and is working diligently to find and round up all of the cattle. Additionally, Methow Wildlife Area staff members spent the better part of a day repairing the riparian exclusion fencing to try and keep cattle out of the lake.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

National Hunting and Fishing Day: A few weeks ago, Methow Wildlife Area Manager Troyer ventured over to Region 1 in eastern Washington to help at the National Hunting and Fishing Day event. This event was held at Diamond Lake near Newport.

The event was very well attended with several hundred youth taking part in the festivities. There were tons of activities for kids and families to choose from. The activities included an archery range, air rifle range, and trout fishing. Troyer got to work with various volunteers and Region 1 staff members at a very busy fishing dock where hundreds of trout were stocked in net pens for the kids to catch.

From the time the event started at 9 a.m. until it ended at 3 p.m. the dock was full of kids catching fish. Countless hooks were baited, and tons of fish were caught. For many kids, this was the first time they ever fished. Luckily, the fish were biting. Every child that wanted to catch a fish was successful.

There was also a fish cleaning station so the kids could take their catch home with them. If they didn’t want to take their fish home, it was donated to a local foodbank. Overall, it was an excellent event coordinated by our Region 1 colleagues. It was an excellent way to get kids involved in hunting and fishing.

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Scotch Creek Riparian Restoration Project: Staff members wove four new beaver dam analogs with weave material collected off the Chopaka Unit and planted 100 water birch within the enclosure that was constructed the previous week. Water birch is an important food source for sharp-tail grouse in the winter when snow depths prohibit them from accessing the vegetation.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Proposed Winter Range Closure: The Methow Wildlife Area is still conducting outreach, fielding a wide range of phone calls and emails, and collecting survey input related to the proposed winter range closure.

The survey is open until Oct. 15. To learn more about the proposed closure to protect mule deer, please view the News Release. Towards the top of the news release is a yellow box that contains some useful documents such as maps and a fact sheet. Please feel free to contact us if you want to learn more. Your input is valuable and appreciated.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Raptors: Biologist Eilers joined U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and HawkWatch International (HWI) in transporting and setting up the seasonal HWI migration site on Chelan Ridge near Cooper Mountain. This site is one of HWI’s many long-term raptor migration monitoring sites, the purpose of which is to document species occurrence and abundance for all diurnal raptors migrating south to their wintering grounds.

“The primary objective of these efforts is to track long-term population trends of diurnal raptors throughout primarily western North America. The information gathered enables us to better understand the life histories, ecology, status, and conservation needs of raptor populations in North America. Raptors feed atop food pyramids, inhabit most ecosystems, occupy large home ranges, and are sensitive to environmental contamination and other human disturbances. Therefore, they serve as important biological indicators of ecosystem health. Moreover, due to the remoteness and widespread distribution of most raptor populations, migration counts likely represent the most cost-effective and efficient method for monitoring the regional status and trends of multiple raptor species.” -Hawkwatch International - Migration Network

The HWI Chelan Ridge site is open to the public for viewing and education – although 4WD or AWD is highly recommended to get there! But trust us, the panoramic views (and raptors) are worth it! If you have a group of six or more people, it is asked that you schedule your visit beforehand at HWI Migration Site Group/Extended Visit Schedule (jotform.com).

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Bats: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers wrapped up the bat monitoring season with a final emergence count at a U.S. Forest Service warehouse near Lake Wenatchee. Although well over a hundred bats had been counted here in July, few bats were observed exiting the roost on this second count. This suggests that juveniles are now self-sufficient and mothers and young can now freely disperse to other roosting sites for the remainder of the active season prior to hibernation.

A young Myotis bat was found sleeping on the main door of WDFW’s Wenatchee District Office during the day. This young male is likely still learning how to be a bat, and as he gets older and wiser, he will learn to choose safer, less-exposed roosting sites that afford better protection from predators and the elements. Biologists surmise this juvenile bat spent the night foraging on insects attracted to the flood light right outside the office and then tucked himself in for the day by the front door hinge. Using gloves, Biologist Eilers relocated the little bat to WDFW’s back warehouse where he could rest undisturbed before continuing his insect removal services after sundown.

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Photo by WDFW

Biologist Eilers is a trained and vaccinated professional. If you encounter a bat roosting low during the daytime, please leave it be. Watch the video at the link below for information on what to do if you encounter a bat in your home.

Sandhill Crane Update: Back in May, a state endangered pair of sandhill cranes successfully hatched two colts (baby cranes) in the Big Valley Unit of the Methow Wildlife Area. Around early July, a dedicated group of local volunteers, who monitor the cranes daily, reported one colt had disappeared, likely due to predation. Although, the good news is, as of Aug. 31 we have a fully-fledged juvenile crane flying strongly with mom and dad. The remaining juvenile is approximately 14 weeks old and was recently photographed by a local resident nearly six miles away (as the crane flies) at Twin Lakes, safely accompanied by the adults. Within the next few weeks, our trio of sandhill cranes will likely begin migrating to their wintering grounds in the Southwest. The juvenile is expected to be fully independent around ten months old, at which time it should join a flock of other nomadic juveniles until it hopefully forms a breeding bond between the ages of two and seven years old.

Fun Fact: Did you know, cranes are among the oldest living birds on earth and according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the earliest unequivocal sandhill crane fossil is estimated to be 2.5 million years old.

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Photo by Janet Bauer

Scotch Creek Bird Flight Diverters: Staff members worked with the Okanogan County Public Utilities staff members to have bird flight diverters and perch deterrents installed on the power lines and poles around the headquarters office. The riparian area shrubs adjacent to the office provides quality winter forage for sharp-tailed grouse and is frequently used by sharp-tails during the winter. Power lines are a collision hazard for sharp-tails and the diverters will make the lines more visible to sharp-tails.

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Photo by WDFW

Wildlife Surveys: Biologist Morris met with two landowners to review their Safe Harbor Agreements and site plans for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. Morris and the landowners discussed what was included in their site plans, which provides the background of their property enrolled in the agreement and what activities on their land are covered under the Safe Harbor Agreement. These Safe Harbor Agreements in Grant and Douglas counties are very successful in protecting critical pygmy rabbit habitat while at the same time providing regulatory assurances to the landowners that the presence of pygmy rabbits won’t negatively affect their farming operations.

Pygmy Rabbit Release Effort Monitoring: Pygmy rabbit crew with the assistance of District 7 staff members and volunteers conducted monitoring for pygmy rabbit dispersal and burrow establishment on the Rimrock release area. We documented 12 likely active burrows, both in and outside of the release pens, with some fresh sign of rabbits up to 300 meters from the pens. Game cameras were set at some sites to confirm occupancy there. We will conduct similar monitoring on the Palisades release area soon.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Rattlesnake Issue: Over 10 years of pygmy rabbit work and we have run into very few rattlesnakes. This year however is very different. We have encountered them almost on a weekly basis in the release pens and have found at least three that were entangled in the fencing. We began looking into the burrows with our burrow camera and found them occupying the rabbit burrows. Not really seeing any benefit to this cohabitation, we have removed two rattlers from our rabbit pens this summer, releasing them miles away.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Lake Lenore Target Shooting Range: Lands Operations Manager Finger drafted a grant proposal for the Lake Lenore Target Shooting Range for initial review, budget development, and consideration of cultural resource survey needs and budget.

Pheasant Release Meeting: Wildlife area staff members, district staff, and pheasant release staff had meeting concerning pheasant release numbers and dates. New steel shot area requirements were discussed as well, wildlife area staff will have to physically go out to new boundaries so they can be published in digitized format.

Rocky Ford Blind Repairs: Biologist McPherson and Specialist Walker had to go make repairs to Rocky Ford blind due to wind damage. Closer to season Biologist McPherson will schedule with Washington Waterfowler Association to brush in blind for the opening weekend.

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Photo by WDFW

Aeneas Lake Water Access Area Issues: An adjacent landowner to Aeneas Lake site had contacted complex Manager Haug over some issues at the site. Some concerns were people driving in tall grass down to the lake creating a potential fire risk and swimmers clogging the boat launch up for fishermen. We all met onsite and walked around assessing things. We came up with installing barrier rock where people were driving off road and a few other side roads to direct the public where to drive and installed some new signage by the boat launch. The contractor was contacted for estimates and timeline for job. He was able to fit us in rather quickly and get the job done in a timely manner. 

Green Lake Access Area and Campground Project: Lands Manager Haug completed and submitted the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) application to improve the Green Lake water access and campground. The project will significantly improve campground facilities, access to the shoreline and provide better ADA components to the area. The preliminary evaluation of the project has it prioritized as three out of ten projects. At the most conservative funding level, the project would most likely get funded within the next state budget.

Hunter Access: Coordinating public access on private lands for hunting opportunities is one of the tasks private land biologists conduct. In support of this effort, Biologist Cook is working on updating a few hunter access contracts. All these contracts are currently active but need some updates.

Biologist Cook is working on implementing QR codes for hunters to use at register to hunt sites for this year. This is a continuation of work done last year and hopefully will allow for expansion of sites these will be available.

Biologist Morris met with a landowner that is enrolling approximately 700 acres in our Hunt by Written Permission Program. He went over details and expectations for this property that will be available to hunt (with permission) this fall. Biologist Morris also checked several properties to ensure signs were posted properly and in good condition before the start of hunting season.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Nuisance Bear: Specialist Heilhecker called a landowner regarding a bear breaking limbs off her cherry tree. The landowner has dogs contained in a fence in her yard, but their barking does not always cause the bear to leave. They discussed nonlethal deterrence methods. Specialist Heilhecker also advised the landowner of her rights to protect her safety and her property. However, it was explained that bear hunting season is open if the landowner was interested in using a hunter to kill the bear so the meat and pelt would not be wasted.

Bear Call: Specialist Heilhecker called a homeowner who reported a bear getting into a garbage can on the front porch. The garbage can was moved to inside the garage. The homeowner stated she would notify others in the neighborhood to remove all attractants including bird feeders, pet food, and garbage.

Cougar Call: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from a livestock producer regarding missing calves. The producer believes a cougar has been taking his animals. There are no injured or dead animals to investigate. Since the livestock graze in GMU 204, the producer stated he may use tribal members to hunt cougars. Specialist Heilhecker reminded him to call if he finds any injured or dead livestock.

Reducing Deer and Elk Damage: Specialist Bridges continues to work with several landowners in assisting with efforts to decrease damage from deer and elk in tree fruit orchards.

Coordination with Local Municipality: Specialist Bridges is working with the City of Leavenworth Public Works director and various non-government organization’s to evaluate how to begin a community wide effort of reducing major attractants at garbage sites. Funding continues to be lacking, so conversations will continue to locate funding sources. An effort this large will take time to get going but early indications

Addressing a Chronic Bear Conflict Site: Specialist Bridges met with the City of Leavenworth’s Public Director to discuss fencing designs, permitting, and functionality of design with garbage pickup trucks.

Exclusion Fencing Construction: Specialist Bridges initiated and is coordinating a fencing project to exclude a domestic goat and sheep operation from an adjacent wild big horn sheep herd in order to reduce the potential of disease to the wild sheep. Specialist Bridges is working with the private landowner, Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Asotin County Conservation District. Work began on Aug. 25th and should take two to three weeks to complete.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Region 2 North Acquisition Presentations: Lands Operations Manager Haug presented three acquisition projects in Okanogan County in two RCO categories: Critical Habitat and Riparian. The two critical habitat projects (ranking number five and six) protect approximately 900 acres of shrubsteppe habitat and the riparian project (ranking nine out of thirteen) protects nearly 70 acres across two properties adjacent to the Similkameen River. Funding will be determined when the budget passes next year.

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Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Noxious Weeds: Sinlahekin staff members continued treating noxious weeds on many of the units that make up the Sinlahekin. Staff members spent a considerable amount of time treating bladder senna and multiflora rose on the Sinlahekin Unit. They covered most of the valley within the last few weeks hiking up and down the hillsides of the valley. They are continuing treatment and have started to go back through areas that were previously treated, finding plants that were missed.

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Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Shared Stewardship: Manager Wehmeyer and Assistant Manager Riley also met with Prescribe Burn Program Lead Eberlein to develop a project area for a potential cross boundary project with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This initial meeting helped to determine the feasibility and potential for doing the project. The next step is for staff members to meet with the DNR and go over the project idea.

Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Noxious Weeds: Staff members continued treating musk thistle on the Chesaw Unit. Recent warmer weather has caused many of the apical terminal buds to flower. Staff members will continue their control efforts through the month of August, spot treating and hand pulling seed heads as necessary. Staff members continue to treat musk thistle on the Chesaw Unit. Most of the plants have reached maturity, requiring seed head removal. This year, staff members have hand pulled approximately 30, 15-gallon bags of seed heads. Staff members will continue efforts through the end of August.

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Okanogan Lands 20/20 Project Submittals: Okanogan Lands Operations Manager Haug submitted five applications for acquisitions in Okanogan County. The projects protect critical shrubsteppe and riparian habitats and increase recreation opportunities in the area. The applications will be reviewed later this month and then presented to staff members in Olympia for approval.

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SAFE-CRP: Biologist Cook completed additional paperwork for two SAFE-CRP contracts in Adams County and submitted them to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These documents were entered into the NRCS system. Private Land Biologists in Region 2 provide technical assistance to landowners for them to comply with SAFE-CRP Farm Bill contracts. These contracts result in marginal farm ground being taken out of production and planted with species of native grass and forbs for upland wildlife habitat and erosion reduction.

Biologists Morris, Braaten and Cook conducted field visits with Biologists Braaten and Cook to evaluate newly enrolling SAFE-CRP fields to determine what management or alterations are needed to provide quality wildlife habitat over the course of the contract. A total of 14 SAFE-CRP plans are being developed in Douglas County.

Safe Harbor Agreement: Biologist Morris evaluated a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) field that requires mid-contract management. The landowner contacted Biologist Morris because they have a Safe Harbor Agreement for pygmy rabbits, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service would like them to mow sagebrush in the field. Biologist Morris assessed the field for its potential to support pygmy rabbits, and after consulting with pygmy rabbit Biologist Gallie, will make recommendations for areas to leave the sagebrush intact to maintain pygmy rabbit habitat.

Habitat Plots: Working with private landowners to restore and enhance wildlife habitat is one aspect of the work we do. Biologist Morris met with a landowner that would like to do wildlife habitat improvements on his property. They discussed possible options and looked at the spring as when the landowner wants to develop and plant shrubs around. This same landowner wants to make alterations to an ephemeral stream bed that is dry most of the year, so Biologist Morris arranged a meeting between the landowner, Habitat Biologist Pentico, and Environmental Engineer Snodgrass. They discussed options for alteration that would maintain and/or improve the health of the stream and what was needed to acquire a permit.

Biologist Morris began planning a wildlife habitat improvement project for upland game that can hopefully be started this fall. The project would benefit upland birds, big game, and non-game upland wildlife and is located on property enrolled in our Hunt by Written Permission Program.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

WDFW Staff and U. S. Border Patrol Meeting: Lands Operations Manager Haug, Regional Property Specialist Ramirez, Scotch Creek Manager Dupont, and Sargent McCormick met with U. S. Border Patrol staff members in Oroville to discuss the deployment of a border security communications tower on the Eder Unit. Staff members expressed their concerns with the project and the U. S. Border Patrol provided information regarding equipment and things they can do to minimize impacts on the wildlife area unit. Ramirez finalized the one-year agreement with the border patrol and staff members will work with the U. S. Border Patrol to make sure impacts are minimized with the addition of the tower.

Complying with Public Disclosure Request: Specialist Heilhecker completed a public disclosure request regarding landowner damage prevention cooperative agreements and landowner damage/kill permits.

Interview Panel Participation: Specialist Heilhecker participated in interviews for new Wolf Advisory Group members. To date, they have interviewed 11 candidates for five positions. Additional interviews will be held in September.

Meeting With Partner Organizations: Biologist Morris attended the Columbia Basin Pheasants Forever Board Meeting. The Columbia Basin Conservation District (formerly Grant County Conservation District) also had a representative in attendance. In this meeting, potential opportunities for the three organizations to collaborate on habitat projects were discussed.

Other

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Managing Wildlife Populations

Wildlife Response–Bats: District Wildlife Biologist Jeffreys responded to two different calls from concerned members of the public regarding bats in need. These kinds of calls are typical for this time of year as the breeding season winds down and young, inexperienced pups are now on their own in the world, learning how to be a bat, and sometimes finding themselves in unsafe situations.

The first call was from an employee at a local business who was concerned for the safety of a bat (one of the Myotis species) clinging to a wall just a couple of inches above the ground. Not only was this bat easily within reach of any passing predator, but it was also just a few inches away from the office front door and near a lot of pedestrian traffic. This is a good example of a young bat that doesn’t quite understand how to find a suitable day roosting location where it will be safely tucked away from predators and insulated from the heat of the day. Luckily, this employee cared for the bat’s wellbeing but also knew to never attempt to handle a bat herself. Biologist Jeffreys drove out to the business, donned gloves, and gently removed the bat pup from the wall, placed it in a shoebox, and transported it to some trees across the street. Once there, Biologist Jeffreys removed the bat from the shoebox and placed it about six feet up in the fork of a shady tree, where it could crawl under some bark, and wait out the day before taking off again at night to catch some tasty bugs.

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The second call regarding a bat in trouble came from a homeowner who was horrified to find a bat (also a Myotis sp.) stuck to a glue trap she had placed outside to kill wasps. Unfortunately, this disturbing event is all too common. Thousands of bats, birds, lizards, and other wildlife (even house cats on large board-style glue traps) die slow, excruciating deaths every year after coming into contact with sticky fly paper or a glue trap and not being able to free themselves. Please NEVER use glue traps or fly strips. Consider wildlife-safe and pet-safe alternatives, such as reusable hanging traps with small entrances that hornets or wasps crawl into to get at a protein or sugar source inside. These kinds of traps have the added benefit of not using any toxic chemicals such as those found in sticky traps.

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Biologist Jeffreys was able to carefully remove the bat from the sticky trap and, after many rounds of washing off and rinsing out most the remaining glue, the bat began vocalizing and getting more mobile again. However, his wings were still too sticky to allow him to fly, and a bat that can’t fly and catch bugs on the wing is a dead bat. So, Biologist Jeffreys and the very helpful and compassionate homeowner realized more help was needed and called a bat rehabilitator on the west side, who agreed to take the bat pup in for further treatment.

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Fortunately for this little bat, the homeowner was heading to the west side the next day and was all too happy to drive up to Bothell and drop him off. The pup is currently in the care of this bat rehabber now, and she reported that he has a healthy appetite and is doing well. He is not out of the woods yet, and it’s possible he may have ingested some of the highly toxic glue, but let’s hope this little guy will make a full recovery and be flying the night sky again soon!

Wildlife Population Monitoring – Planning and Coordination

Mule Deer: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers met with WDFW Ungulate Specialist Bundick to discuss ways to improve mule deer population surveys and monitoring in both the East Slope Cascades herd and the Columbia Plateau herd. Now that analysis has been completed, for three years of GPS data transmitted by collared does captured in 2020, biologists have learned that Highway 2 serves as a barrier between deer populations that is rarely crossed. The deer on either side exhibit spatially distinct patterns of home range and migration. This means that what has always been categorized as the Chelan subherd is actually comprised of two separate populations: one consisting of deer that winter in the Wenatchee Foothills region of Chelan and Kittitas counties (now known as the Wenatchee Mountains subherd), and one consisting of deer that winter north of Hwy 2 and south of Lake Chelan (the Chelan subherd). To monitor deer populations more accurately in District 7, biologists are working to redesign abundance and ratio surveys to reflect these new findings. For winter 2023, biologists plan to reallocate sampling units for aerial surveys as well as distribute more than 20 game cameras across known high-use migration corridors used by the Wenatchee Mountains subherd.

Mountain Goats: Biologist Jeffreys continued working with Ungulate Specialist Moore, State Wildlife Veterinarian Mansfield, and partners at U. S. Forest service and National Park Service to coordinate winter 2023-2024 capture and collaring efforts for mountain goats in the Lake Chelan Basin. This is a highly challenging project to coordinate due to the extremely rugged and inaccessible terrain as well as multiple, different land jurisdictions, much of it federally designated wilderness. Biologists are eager to make it happen this winter after only being able to collar two goats in January 2023 instead of the intended twenty. Both herds in the Lake Chelan Basin have been decreasing in number for years, and biologists are striving to learn more about these herds and the factors contributing to their decline.

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Fisher Surveys: Biologist Jeffreys continued planning and coordination efforts for upcoming fisher survey work. The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is a State Endangered, house cat-sized, member of the mustelid family that was once common throughout Washington but was extirpated by the mid-1900’s due to over-trapping, incidental human-caused mortality, and habitat loss. Following an initial fisher reintroduction effort in the Olympic Peninsula from 2008 to 2012, WDFW and other partners such as National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFW), and Conservation Northwest reintroduced fishers to the Cascade Mountain Range from 2015 to 2020. Since then, fishers have dispersed from the reintroduction sites, created home ranges in historically occupied fisher habitat, and successfully reproduced, all encouraging signs for the future of this species in Washington.

Fisher population monitoring is ongoing in the Cascades, and biologists with WDFW, NPS, USFS, and partners, such as Conservation Northwest and the Cascades Carnivore Project, are gearing up for a major survey effort taking place October 2023 through May 2024 to assess fisher distribution and occupancy throughout the region. This survey will involve placing baited camera stations in forested habitats within pre-selected grid cells throughout The Cascades in Washington. Chelan County in District 7 has the highest number of grids of any district in the state. Biologists must have all camera stations up and running by Nov. 1, but staff members don’t want to place the cameras too early as the strong-smelling scent lure used to attract fishers will also attract bears, which can destroy the bait stations. Thus, biologists will place all cameras between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. It is a major undertaking as many of these sites require hiking into them while carrying heavy gear. Biologists will return to take down the camera stations and collect memory cards when the snow begins to melt (May through July) and look forward to seeing what species of wildlife appear in the photos. Aside from gaining valuable information about where fishers occur, these camera stations also afford biologists the opportunity to learn about other carnivore species of concern, such as lynx, wolverine, wolf, and Cascade red fox.

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Watchable Wildlife: As the hot summer months come to an end and fall approaches, now is a good time to see snakes while out hiking or in your own backyard. Washington is home to more than a dozen snake species, only one of which is capable of harming humans with a venomous bite (but very rarely does as it strongly prefers to avoid humans) – the northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). All other snakes you may come across here are harmless to humans, such as the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) and northern rubber boa (Charina bottae), both pictured below. With the onset of cooler weather and shorter days, snakes are on the move and getting ready to make their way back to overwintering areas (hibernacula) in sheltered places such as underground burrows or rock piles where they remain largely inactive for six or seven months before emerging again in the spring. All snakes in Washington eat rodents (among other things) and thus are important allies in pest control, keeping the populations of rats and mice down. Please let these beautiful and beneficial creatures live their lives and respect their right to coexist peacefully alongside us.

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Northern Leopard Frogs: Biologist Morris helped Leopard Frog Biologist Nason with checking leopard frog enclosures, measuring tadpoles and frogs, and releasing sufficiently mature frogs. The northern leopard frog is classified as endangered by the state of Washington. Recovery efforts include breeding and releasing the frogs to try and increase population numbers in the Columbia Basin.

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Providing Recreation Opportunities

Hunter Access Contract Renewals: Biologist Cook worked on contacting around 20 landowners to renew Hunter Access contracts that are set to expire this year. Most landowners quickly wanted to renew contracts and a few wanted to remove their property from the Hunter Access program. Cook will continue to contact landowners and begin entering the contract information for contract creation.

Hunter Access: Big game hunters are beginning to plan for the fall hunting season, and Biologist Morris helped several hunters with their planning by providing information about private lands and public land hunting opportunities within their units.

Hunter Access: Private Lands Biologist Braaten began working with cooperating landowners getting permission slips and signage ready for hunting seasons in Douglas and Grant counties.

Hunter Access for Youth Hunters: Private Lands Biologist Braaten was contacted by wildlife area staff members regarding a hunter access opportunity near Loomis for youth deer. Permission was given to provide landowner contact info.

Beebe Springs: In early August, wildlife area staff members worked on repairing pond levelers at Beebe Springs Wildlife Area. These pond levelers are designed to drain water from the beaver pond without affecting the beavers. The repaired pond levelers had been pushed around and were no longer flowing. Hopefully with the repairs to the pond levelers the trail will flood less often.

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In Swakane Canyon, the irrigation line that supplies water to the shrub plots broke in several places due to an increase in water pressure from a repair further up the line, staff members spent several weeks patching the line and making improvements.

Staff members took advantage of the hottest parts of the summer to catch up on training, and plan for the upcoming year. They also started to monitor amphibians and inventory species found on the wildlife area, which will be a focus going forward. Pearson’s Pond in Swakane Canyon was surveyed and long toed salamanders and Pacific chorus frogs were found.

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Water Access Manager Harmon and Assistant Manager Steele and Columbia Basin Wildlife Area staff members started a heavy-duty swing gate installation at the entrance to the Seep Lakes east of the Potholes Reservoir.

Manager Harmon and Steele also checked the progress of a boat launch bank stabilization effort at the Glenn Williams access site on the Potholes Reservoir.

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Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Road 14 Encampment: Wildlife area staff members found an area off Road 14 where people had driven off an established parking lot through uplands and set up an encampment. Wildlife area staff members coordinated with Enforcement Program who gave occupants a notice to vacate the area.

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Seep Lakes Gate Installation: Wildlife area, access, and archaeologist staff members started the gate installation going into the Seep Lakes. Both holes for the swing gate and lock post were excavated while archeologist observed, and the swing gate side was poured. Once swing gate concrete sets, wildlife area and access staff members will pour the lock box post.

Spud Field Abandoned Car: Biologist McPherson and Specialist Walker located an abandoned vehicle off road that goes to spud field. Wildlife area staff members reported the incident to the Enforcement Program who will investigate the matter. Once the investigation is complete, the wildlife area staff members will have to remove the car and begin the process of trying to dispose of the car at a local junkyard.

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Range Rider Payment Processing: Specialist Heilhecker submitted an order payment form, invoice, and activity logs to fiscal staff members for range rider payment. The paperwork is required to pay a livestock producer for range riding under a Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement.

Responding to Bear Report: Specialist Heilhecker responded to an email about a bear at Leader Lake. The email did not include an address or phone number. She gave the reporting party her contact number and asked them to call. The reporting party has not called.

Elk Fence Inquiry: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from an orchardist who wanted fencing material. A WDFW employee had incorrectly told the orchardist he was eligible because he lived in an elk area. Specialist Heilhecker explained the limited budget requires prioritizing landowners with damage and those who have had damage prevention cooperative agreements with WDFW in the past. She also explained the cost-share fencing program along with the new requirement of a cultural resource assessment on the property.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Douglas County Habitat Project: Private Lands Biologist Braaten worked on plans to assist a private landowner this fall with an EQUIP project in East Foster Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration Project. This will include assistance to plant 1600 plants and provide 14 rolls of fabric mulch.

Douglas County Habitat Project Jacobsen: Private Lands Biologist Braaten working with landowner to possibly assist plant sage brush within Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that was burnt in Road Eleven Fire in 2020. Approximately 7500 plants need to be planted.

Incidental Wildlife Observations: Biologist Morris observed some fun wildlife this month, including upland game birds, deer, waterfowl, and non-game wildlife.

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Supplemental Food Plot Maintenance: Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard borrowed a MT-100 and mower attachment from the water access crew in Region 2 South. This equipment was smaller and more maneuverable than the private lands tractor and mower and able to better mow the needed areas. Blanchard and Cook mowed weed patches on the edges and ends of the food plot to reduce the seed production and spread of weeds in future years.

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Providing Education and Outreach

Vegetation Monitoring and Mapping Drone Survey Press Release: Biologist McPherson coordinated with Communication Consultant Lehman about what would be needed for a press release about drone missions on the wildlife area. Due to the areas where drone flights will occur, they agreed that a notice on the wildlife area website would be sufficient for the activity.

Master Hunter Discussion: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from the Master Hunter Advisory Group representative for Region 2. They discussed how and when master hunters have been used in Okanogan County and options for master hunters to earn volunteer hours.

Hunter Outreach: Private Lands Biologist Braaten called back many hunters wanting information about private lands access, hunting permits, and general hunting questions.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wolf Advisory Group: Specialist Heilhecker met with the Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) facilitator to discuss the direction of WAG.

Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection: Biologist McPherson scheduled an annual fire extinguisher inspection with Performance Systems Integration (PSI). PSI came to headquarters and serviced all the fire extinguishers for our facility and associated equipment.

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Wolf Advisory Group: Specialist Heilhecker met with the Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) facilitator to discuss the direction of WAG.

Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection: Biologist McPherson scheduled an annual fire extinguisher inspection with Performance Systems Integration (PSI). PSI came to headquarters and serviced all the fire extinguishers for our facility and associated equipment.

Managing Wildlife Populations

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Bumble Bee Survey: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers and Scientific Technician Pavelchek completed bumble bee surveys in two more Chelan County grid cells, one in the Mills Canyon area of the Swakane Wildlife Unit and one near Fish Lake. Fortunately, there were plenty of bees to be caught, and biologists captured 20 bumble bees, including at least six species, at the Mills Canyon survey site, and 28 bees, of at least three species, at the Fish Lake site. Habitat data were collected for each grid including identifying and photographing flowering plant (food source) species. The increased bee species diversity encountered at Mills Canyon may in part have reflected the greater diversity of flowering plants available at this site.  

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The data collected from this survey were entered into the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Bumble Bee Atlas online database. The PNW Bumble Bee Atlas is a collaborative effort between Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to track and conserve the bumble bees of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.

Biologist Heinlen conducted bumble bee surveys within District 6. These surveys address bumble bee distribution, health, and habitat needs across Washington.

They note any detections of the three Species of Greatest Conservation Need: the Morrison’s, western, and Suckley cuckoo bumble bee. Biologist Heinlen did detect the western bumble bee. More information about WDFW Species of Greatest Conservation Need can be found here in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Bat Monitoring: Biologists conducted emergence counts at three more known bat colonies in Chelan County: a barn on Entiat River Road, Lake Chelan State Park housing, and a United States Forest Service warehouse near Lake Wenatchee. The Entiat and Lake Chelan sites have been monitored the previous two summers, and counts were down this year. However, chattering was heard in the roof of the house at Lake Chelan State Park even after the exit appeared to be over, and much chattering was heard in the warehouse by Lake Wenatchee, as well. As these are maternity roosts, this suggests pups here may not be volant (able to fly) yet, which could be the reason for the smaller numbers of bats seen exiting this year. Although counts were conducted in the same time frame as last summer, it’s possible that this year’s cool, wet spring and early summer may have delayed parturition. Biologists will return to these sites in early August to determine whether numbers of exiting bats have increased as one would expect when pups are able to fly. The Entiat barn hosts a colony of big brown bats (Eptescus fuscus), while it appears that the warehouse by Lake Wenatchee hosts a multi species colony like that occupying Lake Chelan State Park housing, a mix of little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis).

Ptarmigan: Research Scientist Schroeder and Biologist Heinlen spent two days in the Pasayten Wilderness monitoring the Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura rainierensis). We documented several ptarmigans including one hen with three chicks, three previously banded males (one that is five years old, two that are three years old), and we banded a female. A remote camera was placed to monitor ptarmigan use of snow fields, as has been done over the past couple of years. This work informs management of ptarmigan in Washington which are currently proposed for federal listing. Information about the life history, habitat needs, and status of this subspecies of Ptarmigan can be found here at the United States Fish and Wildlife Services Species Status Assessment.

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Washington Wolverine Survey: The Washington wolverine survey is part of a western multi-state effort to determine current baseline distribution, occupancy, and genetic characteristics of wolverines. The survey consists of setting up remote cameras in the fall with an automated dispenser that releases scent throughout the survey and gun brushes to passively collect hair for genetic analysis. Biologist Heinlen and Volunteer Fischer pulled sets near Windy Peak and Thunder Mountain in District 6. Even though no wolverines were detected at these two sites several other species including other rare carnivores were detected, including lynx, wolf, and fisher. You can find out more about this project at Western States Wolverine Conservation Project: results of the Washington Wolverine Survey, Winter 2016-2017 | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

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Providing Recreation Opportunities

Sinlahekin Campground Renovations: Sinlahekin staff members finished up the campground upgrades by installing gravel on some of the access roads to the campgrounds that were in much need of repair, along with adding gravel to many of the camping pads at the various campgrounds. Staff members also installed parking bumpers and gravel around the picnic tables that were installed at some of the sites. This has been part of the Recreation and Conservation (ROC) campground renovations grant. Many of these sites are used regularly and are a big hit with campers. We have received many thanks from the public on the upgrades.

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Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Range Riding: Specialist Heilhecker met with a rancher to sign a new damage prevention cooperative agreement. The agreement cost-shares range riding activity in the Beaver Creek territory.

Deer and Elk Exclusion Fencing: Specialist Heilhecker continues to work on ordering fencing materials for signed cost-share fencing agreements. Prices for steel T-posts and woven wire from the vendor on state contract are unreasonably high so she is getting bids for fencing materials to justify purchasing off-contract. The wood posts were delivered to a central location in Okanogan County. The vendor will arrange to have the wood posts delivered to each landowner’s property.

Elk Damage: Specialist Heilhecker received a call regarding elk damage. The landowner stated he hazes the elk each evening, by riding his motorcycle and chasing the elk until they go back onto national forest. He also provided three links to YouTube videos of elk and elk signs on their property. There is an active damage prevention cooperative agreement for the property. Specialist Heilhecker issued him a landowner kill permit.

Osprey Young Recovery: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to a landowner who found an osprey nest on the ground. The landowner stated the pin feathers on the three young were mostly gone. His neighbor found a list of rehabilitators on the WDFW website. They found a rehabilitation facility willing to take the osprey and will drive the birds to the westside of the state.

Reducing Deer and Elk Damage to Crops: Specialist Bridges continues to work with a multitude of landowners in assisting with attempts to decrease damage from deer and elk.

Preventing Dangerous Wildlife Encounters: Specialist Bridges has spent a considerable amount of time working with the City of Leavenworth and various non-governmental organizations (NGO) to begin reducing a major wildlife attractant, garbage cans at the school. Funding continues to be challenging, but Bridges is working with NGO partners to secure needed resources. Specialist Bridges met with the Leavenworth’s public director to discuss fencing designs, permitting, and fencing functionality of design for compatibility with garbage pickup trucks.

Sheep and Goat Fencing Project: Specialist Bridges has been working the last five months to address domestic and big horned sheep disease concerns by working with a private landowner, Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Asotin County Conservation District. Fencing work to keep domestic sheep from interacting with wild sheep began on the July 25 and should take three to four weeks to complete.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

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Unauthorized Trail Mowing on Methow Wildlife Area: Assistant Manager Repp confirmed the illegal mowing and contacted Officer Day. His investigation revealed that a neighboring landowner had been doing the mowing. Officer Day contacted the landowner. Coincidently the landowner is in the process of selling part of his property and the real estate company is advertising the unauthorized trails.

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Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Noxious Weeds: Sinlahekin staff members have been treating noxious weeds on the Chiliwist Unit. They have been using a variety of methods to treat the weeds from herbicide to hand pulling. This continued treatment has made a noticeable change in the amount of Scotch thistle on the unit. Staff members will continue to treat the Scotch thistle throughout the summer. Some of the plants have started to bolt, staff members will be clipping seed heads and spraying rosettes.  

Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Noxious Weeds: Staff members started their annual control efforts of musk thistle on the Chesaw Unit. The infestation is widespread across the unit with plants in varying stages of maturity. Control efforts are currently focused on the south slopes at the lower elevations. Staff members also spot treated annual and perennial weeds in a native grass seeding planted in 2015. The seeding was mowed last fall to prep for the spot treatment.

Methow Wildlife Area Noxious Weeds: Staff members spot treated 26 acres for houndstongue primarily in the Rendezvous Unit. They will continue treatments in June weather permitting. They received a complaint that someone had been mowing miles of unauthorized trails in the Little Cub area of the Rendezvous Unit.

Scotch Creek Riparian Restoration Project: Staff trimmed the grass around most of the newly planted shrubs in the project area. Trimming prevents the grasses from shading out the newly planted shrubs.

Habitat Plots: Biologist Cook applied herbicides to a failed irrigated food plot to prepare for planting again this summer. Cook applied herbicides on another habitat site to control weeds prior to planting this fall with native grasses. The herbicide appears to be working well.

Biologist Cook also visited food plots planted this spring. Two of the three plots are not growing well, and irrigation failures may be the primary factor. Low germination of a seed batch may be another factor because some species are growing better than others.

They also planted triticale in a wildlife food plot that had poor establishment earlier in the year. Wildlife food plots provide standing forage in the fall and winter that can help support a wide variety of wildlife, including big game, small game and upland birds, and non-game birds and small mammals.

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Okanogan Lands 20/20 Project Submittals: Okanogan Lands Operations Manager Haug submitted five applications for acquisitions in Okanogan County. The projects protect critical shrub-steppe and riparian habitats and increase recreation opportunity in the area. The applications will be reviewed later this month and then presented to staff members in Olympia for approval.

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Habitat Project Maintenance: Private Lands Biologist Braaten mowed around trees and shrubs on the Rice Alling project site.

Douglas County Wildfire: Private Lands Biologist Braaten was called by landowners about wildfire in Ragged Butte area in Douglas County. It was put out by fire fighters after it burned around 500 acres. This area was very ruffed and rocky but was adjacent to critical habitat for sage grouse and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields.

SAFE-CRP: Private Lands Biologist Braaten met in person and called several landowners who have showed interest in signing up into SAFE. Douglas County Farm Service Agency (FSA) is waiting to find out if there are any acres available for SAFE and asked Biologist Braaten to let landowners know there may be an opportunity and to call and get on list.

In Douglas County, Wildlife Programs Biologist Morris worked on a conservation plan for SAFE-CRP that is being re-enrolled this year. This included assessing the existing vegetation in the landowner’s fields for wildlife habitat value, determining if changes need to be made to the enrolled fields, and planning what implementation and management actions need to be done to maintain high wildlife value on the field. This work will directly benefit wildlife by keeping agricultural land in high quality native vegetation that provides forage, cover, and pollinator habitat that supports a more healthy and diverse wildlife population.

Providing Education and Outreach

WDFW Staff Member Tour with Methow Conservancy: Methow Wildlife Area Staff Troyer, Repp, and Wottlin, along with Prescribed Burn Lead Eberlein and Lands Operations Manager Haug, met with the Methow Conservancy to tour forest health treatments in the Ramsey Creek area. The tour consisted of conservancy staff members, Womens Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) members and interested citizens who wanted to learn more about prescribed burning and forest health. Also helping on the tour was University of Washington Research Scientist Pritchard who provided technical knowledge regarding fire ecology. WDFW staff members provided information on fuels treatments, prescribed burn info and an overview of agency interest in forest health. Reviews of the tour were very positive with participants expressing how much they learned over the half day adventure.

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Douglas County Waiver Listening Session: Congresswoman Schier hosted a listening session in Marysville to discuss a CRP waiver issue. Private Lands Biologist Braaten contacted a few landowners to be participants, offer support, and discuss. One landowner attended.

Responding to Hunters Questions: Specialist Bridges has been responding to numerous calls from successful special permit holders for the Peshastin and Malaga hunts.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Sinlahekin Assistant Manager Onboarding: Assistant Manager Riley completed his training to get his wildland red card certification. The next step to get his full certification is completing the pack test which he has scheduled. All staff members on the Sinlahekin will be red card certified and ready for the wildland fire season. Hopefully they won’t need to use their training this year.

Pheasants Forever Meeting: Biologist Cook and Morris attended parts of the local chapter of Pheasants Forever to discuss potential collaboration and field work WDFW might do with some habitat improvement projects. Cook had the opportunity to meet with a Pheasants Forever Biologist to discuss further collaboration and assistance.

Private Lands Workshop: Private Lands Biologists Braaten, Morris, Cook and Rickel attended the Private Lands workshop in Ellensburg with staff members from around state. They met to receive training and discuss issues related to the Private Lands program. Biologist Morris and Cook gave a presentation and led a discussion on using GIS for Private Lands, Biologist Braaten led a discussion on New Techniques/tools/equipment/herbicide and other biologists gave presentations/discussions on various topics including seed mixes, equipment to use, etc. The discussions were very beneficial for sharing ideas and learning.

Other

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Northern Leopard Frogs: Biologist Grabowsky and the Northern leopard frog team have been hard at work to prepare for the upcoming Northern leopard frog (NLF) release that should occur within the next month. Our partners, Oregon Zoo and Northwest Trek, are currently caring for 450 tadpoles that are developing well. Technician Haines has been monitoring the wild site and the tadpoles appear to be developing at a similar rate to those in captivity. The NLF team has been hard at work preparing for releases this summer. A proposal has been approved to construct a bullfrog exclusion fence around our release site to identify the sources of mortality that our reintroduced frogs have been facing since 2019. This project will include tracking both NLF and bullfrogs via telemetry, completing behavioral studies, and performing visual encounter surveys. We hope this will answer some of our questions regarding the efficacy of the reintroduction site and allow us to improve the habitat for future releases.

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Waterfowl: Biologists Dougherty and Clements and Technicians Gerstenberg and Kleinhenz have been preparing for banding season. This preparation began much earlier this year than in past years, due to increased staff capacity and starting the technicians earlier in the season. The first day of banding will be on July 1 and will continue through September. The early focus will be primarily on mourning doves and then quickly incorporate waterfowl trapping. With the additional staff capacity, we should well surpass past years’ banding efforts.

Additionally, all staff assisted Waterfowl Specialist Wilson to capture resident Canada geese as part of the ongoing banding and population monitoring efforts.

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Grebes: Biologist Grabowsky has been monitoring artificial grebe nesting platforms over the past couple weeks. These nest platforms were constructed by Region 2 staff members and deployed at both Banks Lake and Potholes Reservoir where Clarke’s grebe and Western grebe activity tends to be high. Based on observations in June 2022, no grebes appear to be using these platforms for nesting. Grebe nesting activity in general seems to be relatively low compared to 2021 around the same time. No conclusion can be drawn from these observations yet and the platforms will be monitored throughout the summer. This project was implemented to investigate methods to mitigate effects on grebe nesting activity due to fluctuating water levels.

Wolverine Monitoring: Biologist Fitkin continued retrieving cameras deployed with scent attractants this past winter as part of the multi-state wolverine survey effort. This project is a repeat of a similar effort five years ago and is designed to detect trends in wolverine occupancy of modeled habitat in the western states. Unlike five years ago, the Rainy Pass site did not produce any wolverine detections this round, but other secondary target carnivores were detected.

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Cougar Research: Biologists Fitkin and Heinlen as well as Research Scientist Kertson assisted some Canadian colleagues in locating the natal den of a cougar in District 6 that was radio-collared in British Columbia.

The young first-time mother had a primary and secondary den in shrubby draws otherwise embedded in a large tract of dry shrub-steppe. Unfortunately, we did not locate any kittens and it appeared, from the evidence on site, that they had been predated by a black bear(s). In fact, our group saw two black bears while searching for the den. In the past, Canadian biologists have followed up on a variety of our study animals that had dispersed north of the border, and it was gratifying to return the favor.

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Wildlife Surveys: Biologist Cook assisted the pygmy rabbit crew with the trapping of kits for translocation.

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Pygmy Rabbit Release Effort: Kit capture efforts continue this period and productivity is looking good for the enclosure breeding season. We have captured 81 kits thus far (already surpassing last year’s total of 70). We have released 43 juvenile rabbits into the new areas Rimrock Meadows and Palisades, 16 have been retained as future breeding stock, and 19 were too young to relocate and kept in their respective enclosure sites. Each juvenile is vaccinated against rabbit hemorrhagic fever (RHDV2). With above average spring precipitation and unusually cool temperatures, we are hoping this results in a sustained breeding effort.

Monitoring on the release sites is showing good results. The three Rimrock release/acclimation pens look to be doing very well. Rabbits are settling these sites and have begun to dig burrow sites. Rabbit activity and settlement is lower on the three Palisades release sites. We have set up several remote cameras at these sites to get an idea of what they are doing after release.

Canada Goose Banding: Science Technician Pavelchek joined State Waterfowl Specialist Wilson and other WDFW biologists to capture and mark Canada geese in several locations across Douglas County, including Rock Island Golf Course, Daroga State Park, and Lake Chelan.

WDFW uses the information collected from hunters who harvest marked geese and birdwatchers who report sightings of marked geese to increase their understanding of the movements of geese relative to urban areas and hunting areas. Waterfowl hunters are asked to report leg band information if they harvest a marked goose. The highly visible collars can be reported by any observer. Reports of band or collar codes, along with locations and dates, should be made to the U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory.

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Bumble Bees: Biologist Jeffreys and Scientific Technician Pavelchek conducted bumble bee surveys at Refrigerator Harbor on the shore of Lake Chelan by Lucerne. Although many plants were still flowering, only one bumble bee was observed in the survey grid. This bee was captured and identified as a yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii). Habitat data was collected for the grid including identifying and photographing flowering plant (food source) species. This disappointing lack of bumble bees was not limited to the area within the survey grid. Pavelchek and Jeffreys observed only a couple of bees in the surrounding area throughout the duration of their stay. US Forest Service volunteers staying at the Lucerne guard station noted that they had seen very few bumble bees there this year as well.

Despite the underwhelming results, the data collected from this survey were entered into the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas online database. The PNW Bumble Bee Atlas is a collaborative effort between WDFW, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to track and conserve the bumble bees of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.

Biologists Dougherty and Clements took some time to conduct bumble bee surveys as part of the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas and surveyed high priority grids near Ritzville.

Despite lots of flowering resources, biologists were only able to capture one bumble bee.

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Common Loons: Scientific Technician Pavelchek and Biologist Jeffreys hiked from the Refrigerator Harbor campground at Lucerne up to Domke Lake to follow up on a report from a local that common loons had been breeding at that lake for decades, and had raised young again in the summer of 2021.
This was exciting information as common loons, a WDFW Priority Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need, have not been documented as breeding in Chelan County for many years. Upon arrival at the lake, Pavelchek and Jeffreys immediately spotted a pair of adult loons foraging very close together.

However, despite prolonged viewing through binoculars and spotting scope, no chicks were observed on or with the adults. At this point in the breeding season, loons that nested successfully would not be moving around the lake without their young, so it is likely that either this pair did not breed or they did breed but the nest failed. There are many potential causes for nest failure including predation, which seems especially likely given the presence of a bald eagle family nesting right on the south shore of the lake.

In an attempt to locate a nest and hopefully gain some insight into whether or not this loon pair did breed but were simply unsuccessful, Jeffreys and Pavelchek boated the entire shoreline of Domke Lake. Much of the shoreline appeared to offer optimal common loon nesting habitat, with plenty of emergent vegetation and many sheltered areas. No obvious nest was found, but it very likely could have been hidden from surveyors’ view. Future years’ surveys for breeding common loons in Chelan County will include Domke Lake.

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Bat Monitoring: Biologist Jeffreys and Technician Pavelchek deployed four SM4 acoustic detectors at Burch Mountain and in Swakane Canyon as part of a joint effort between WDFW, Northwestern Bat Hub at Oregon State University, and other regional partners. SM4 acoustic detectors record the high frequency vocalizations of bats, allowing for call analysis and species identification. These data will be incorporated into the North American Bat Monitoring Program, which seeks to monitor local and regional bat population trends across the continent and inform effective bat conservation efforts.

Additionally, Jeffreys and Pavelchek conducted an emergence count from some bat boxes in Cole’s Corner, determining that a colony of big brown bats (Eptescus fuscus) occupied one box, and a smaller species, likely little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), and/or Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), occupied another.

These sites may be used as part of WDFW’s ongoing white-nose syndrome monitoring effort in the future.

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Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Addressing Deer and Elk Damage: Specialist Bridges continues to work with a multitude of landowners in assisting with attempts to decrease damage from deer and elk.

Deer Exclusion Fence: Specialist Bridges has spent a considerable amount of time working with a landowner to construct a 4-acre fence on the edge of town. As wildlife habitat continues to decrease, there will be an increase of deer needing to winter on private lands where they are tolerated.

Nuisance Bear Response: Specialist Bridges assisted Enforcement, while responding to a landowner experiencing acute bear conflicts.

Reducing Conflict: Specialist Bridges has spent a considerable amount of time working with the City of Leavenworth and various non-government organizations, coordinating an effort to fence off garbage dumpsters which are a continuous source of attractants for bears.

Domestic Sheep Fencing Project: Specialist Bridges has been working the last four months to address domestic and big horn sheep disease concerns by working with a private landowner, the Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Asotin County Conservation District. Work will begin soon and will result in the construction of a fence to reduce the potential for disease transfer from domestic sheep to wild big horn sheep.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

SAFE-CRP: Biologist Morris met with a landowner and started evaluating fields for a SAFE-CRP re-enrollment. He conducted field visits to assess the quality of the fields, presence of weeds, and value for wildlife/shrub steppe habitat. Biologist Morris will use this information to write a plan for management of these fields.

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Lands 20/20: Lands Operations Manager Finger wrapped up Lands 20/20 proposals for Douglas and Grant counties. Douglas County proposals included a Phase 4 of Big Bend Wildlife Area which could add up to 4,063 acres for additional conservation habitat to benefit Columbian sharp-tail grouse from two different landowners on the western side of the Big Bend Wildlife Area.

Additionally, a proposal was submitted to acquire several inholdings in the West Foster Creek area with remaining Recreation and Conservation (RCO) funds from the original Big Bend acquisition. For Grant County, Finger submitted a proposal to address legal access issues to about 15 parking areas on Columbia Basin Wildlife Area. Historically, public use of farm roads was supported or at least tolerated. In recent years, that access has been in decline.

Finger submitted a proposal for Columbia Basin Wildlife Area inholdings which are perhaps best categorized by three categories:

• Traditional inholdings which threaten to impact mule deer habitat in the Desert Unit (GMU290).
• Properties existing between county roads and wildlife areas with potential for habitat encroachment and disturbance impacts.
• Properties which bisect heavily used trail systems and intact habitat, with risks to both recreation and habitat connectivity.

Finger also continued information gathering for the next round of Lands 20/20. Proposals will likely move forward for the properties in the Beezley Hills of Grant County, which are very important for pygmy rabbit conservation, and in the White River Unit of Chelan Wildlife Area, where there may be potential to receive Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee funds for an appraisal, then potentially acquisition to acquire lands with significant potential for salmon restoration projects.

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Providing Education and Outreach

Responding to Hunter Calls: Specialist Bridges has been responding to calls from successful special permit holders for the Peshastin and Malaga hunts.

Other

New Assistant District Biologists: District 5 welcomed the new Assistant District Biologist Clements. Biologist Clements joins us from the WDFW pygmy rabbit team where she worked as a scientific technician. She brings important game and nongame wildlife experience to the team, extensive experience working within the Columbia Basin, and enthusiasm to make the most out of this position. Welcome Biologist Clements!

We would also like to welcome Johnna Eilers to the WDFW team as the new assistant district wildlife biologist for District 7. She brings with her a diverse background from teaching Ornithology and Mammalogy labs at Washington State University as well as from her five seasons as a wildlife technician with Utah Division of Wildlife working with birds, bats, pika, prairie dogs, and native fish. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with game species and looks forward to tackling issues and questions relating to harvest and game management.

Meetings: Biologist Morris attended a Pheasants Forever board meeting with the Big Bend Pheasants Forever chapter. He met the recently hired Pheasants Forever private lands biologist, who is working out of the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Ephrata. He also coordinated with the chapter on potential habitat projects. This valuable relationship facilitates for numerous habitat restoration projects with private funding to match state and federal funds to increase the capacity for projects.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Washington Ground Squirrels: District 7 biologists and Scientific Technician Hara have started surveying for ground squirrels in Douglas County. Washington ground squirrels are designated as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In the spring/summer of 2023, biologists are surveying historic and recently occupied sites to determine if ground squirrels are currently using these sites. Documentation of active ground squirrel locations can help with this species’ recovery by identifying priority areas of suitable habitat to conserve.

Technician McCallum has been knocking out historic ground squirrel sites within Grant and Adams counties. We are nearly approaching, if not already there, 50% of our sites being surveyed! Washington ground squirrels have been detected in several of these historic sites. Ground squirrel pups are out and about now which should make auditory detections pretty easy.

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Furbearers: The deadline for hunters and trappers to have this season’s bobcat and river otter pelts sealed was April 20, 2023. Biologist Eilers sealed quite a few bobcat pelts that came in right before this cut-off date. Successful hunters and trappers of bobcat and river otter must contact a WDFW office for pelt sealing each year and submit the associated harvest report to the Department by the deadline. The sealing process involves placement of a numbered plastic band through a small hole cut into the pelt. This seal identifies the pelt’s origin and indicates that it has been legally harvested. This is to prevent overexploitation of these species, as a taxidermist cannot accept a pelt that does not have a seal. Biologists also record age and sex of sealed animals and use these data to monitor harvest trends.

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Northern Leopard Frogs: Biologists Dougherty and Clements with a ton of help from Technicians Bancroft and Kleinhenz have been busy daily conducting egg mass surveys and call surveys for northern leopard frogs. So far, they have detected a total of four northern leopard frog egg masses in the potholes area! Biologist Dougherty even caught a pair of frogs in the act of breeding. Technician Bancroft made the trip with precious cargo and took 200 eggs to the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

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Signs of Spring: The sagebrush steppe is rapidly turning into spring mode. First with the arrival of sagebrush buttercups and now a whole slew of wildflowers are popping up including yellowbells, bluebells, violets, balsamroot, spiny phlox and more! The team was out scouting for pygmy rabbit burrows when Biologist Gallie spotted a spring pool. Inside, there was a Pacific tree frog and several egg masses. This “green-up” of the landscape is very promising for pygmy rabbits because having sufficient forage is essential for the health of pregnant females and new-born kits.

Greater Sage-Grouse: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers and Technician Hara have started the 2023 season of sage-grouse lek counts in Douglas County. A lek is a gathering of birds in a clearing of vegetation, where the males perform a dancing display to impress potential mates. As part of their display, the males gulp and hold air in a pouch of their esophagus, and squeeze the air out with force to make a unique sound. Often only the best one or two males get picked by the majority of the females for mating. These leks gather before sunrise in the spring months and are sensitive to disturbance. Biologists surveying these leks keep a far distance and count the number of birds using a spotting scope.

Greater sage-grouse are State Endangered and are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The Washington population of these iconic shrubsteppe birds is very low and the vast majority are found in Douglas County. Over 95% of greater sage-grouse habitat has been lost in Washington, and what little shrubsteppe remains has been impacted, and will continue to be impacted, by invasive plant species, wildfire, fragementation, and development.

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Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers joined other biologists in trapping and relocating 40 sharp-tailed grouse from British Columbia, Canada into Washington to help supplement this species’ abundance and genetic diversity in Washington. Sharp-tailed grouse are State Endangered and are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to their low and declining numbers in Washington. The translocation effort involved finding leks in B.C., setting up walk-in traps, and then returning each morning to watch from a blind as the birds performed their daily displays. Once a bird found itself in a trap, biologists quickly left the blind and captured the bird to bring it to a processing site. All 40 grouse (20 male, 20 female) were banded and outfitted with a radio collar or GPS transmitter to allow biologists to track their movements before being driven across the border. For more information about this species, visit: Columbian sharp-tailed grouse | WDFW.

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Sharp-tailed Grouse Translocation: A dedicated and sleep-deprived team of WDFW, tribal, and Canadian biologists successfully translocated 40 sharp-tailed grouse from near 70-Mile House, BC to new homes in the Okanogan Valley. Twenty birds (10 males and 10 females) were released on an active lek on the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area, and an identical number were turned out on a lek in the Tunk Valley. Translocated birds are now being actively monitored and six are sporting new GPS collars that are greatly enhancing our ability to follow their movements. As expected, some birds have already made wide-ranging exploratory forays. However, many have remained in the general vicinity of where they were released. As with past translocations, this effort is expected to improve the genetic fitness of the Okanogan population in addition to locally enhancing sharp-tail numbers. Many thanks to all the participants! 

Grouse Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Braaten continues to survey grouse this week in Douglas County. Sage and sharp-tailed grouse are attending most leks.

Scotch Creek Sharp-tailed Grouse Translocation and Lek Surveys: Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Manager Dupont released several translocated sharp-tailed grouse from southcentral British Columbia to the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area. Dupont and Professor Gala from Boise State University led multiple releases onto WDFW property.

Staff members also continued lek surveys on the Scotch Creek Unit and Chesaw Unit. Five leks have been surveyed. Attendance continues to be lower than in previous years.

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White-headed Woodpeckers: Biologists Eilers and Jeffreys along with Chelan Public Utilities District biologists kicked off a third year of cavity-nester studies in Rocky Reach Wildlife Area. The focus of the initial study year in 2021 was to determine occupancy of Lewis’s woodpeckers and white-headed woodpeckers. Both are designated Species of Greatest Conservation Need by WDFW. Last year, biologists sought to find nest cavities for both species and carry out habitat analyses to learn more about how these woodpeckers choose their nest sites, but only Lewis’s woodpecker nests were found. This year, the goal is to find breeding pairs of white-headed woodpeckers, locate their nests, and analyze nest-site characteristics. To that end, biologists are revisiting previously surveyed grids in which white-headed woodpeckers were detected in 2021 and/or 2022 as well as surveying several new grids. White-headed woodpeckers are territorial and announce their territories using drumming and rattling calls, to find any birds that might be present biologists use a speaker to broadcast white-headed woodpecker calls. Biologists then attempt to follow any birds that fly in to investigate, to search for a potential nest cavity.

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Monitoring Waterfowl Abundance with Camera Traps: Specialist Walker and Worker Clifford deployed eight trail cameras at the Frenchman Regulated Access Area and TD-2 project to continue a waterfowl abundance study. Cameras are attached atop a 20-foot steel pipe which typically requires two people to lift and set in place. Cameras will take one photo per hour during daylight hours until early May to monitor waterfowl use of these project areas.

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Experimental Drone Surveys: Data Manager Jansen paved a new direction for the pygmy rabbit team when he came and flew drones over the Palisades area. The drones were taking imagery that will later be used to pick prime release areas. Preliminary data has everyone excited. The team was able to identify burrows from the aerial imagery and then do some ground-truthing. The data also provided WDFW with 3D maps of the area. This will allow us to zoom in on the sagebrush to see which stands are the thickest. The next step will be to fly the drones in areas with pre-existing vegetation data and rabbit burrows.

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Rabbit Necropsies: Whenever the team recovers a pygmy rabbit carcass, a DNA sample is taken, and the body is preserved in the freezer until necropsies can be performed. Often, carcasses are in such poor condition that not much information can be obtained. In some cases, a liver sample can be removed and sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. While it is a very stinky endeavor, it is important for the pygmy rabbit team to investigate every mortality event.

Coccidia Testing: Coccidia is a parasite that resides in the intestines of a rabbit. At certain times of the year, adults will shed this parasite in its poop. This can be particularly dangerous for young kits when it is observed in high levels. Every month during the breeding season, the pygmy rabbit team collects fecal samples from breeding enclosures and inspects them under the microscope. In our most recent sampling, enclosure B3 has tested positive for increased coccidia levels. Luckily, there is a medication called Amprolium that we will administer to treat coccidia.

Kit Searching: Game cameras have been deployed in all the breeding enclosures and on several wild burrows in Beezley Hills and Rimrock Meadows. The burrows were carefully selected by looking at our genetic data results. We chose burrows that showed the presence of females in hopes that we can capture the emergence of kits. Once kits are shown moving on the landscape, the pygmy rabbit team plans on capturing approximately five wild pygmy rabbits and placing them within our breeding enclosures to increase genetic diversity and to increase breeding output for releases.

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District 6 Mule Deer Monitoring: Biologists Fitkin and Heinlen wrapped up spring mule deer surveys having classified 1565 animals in the western 2/3 of District 6. The resulting fawn to adult ratio of 20:100 is the lowest observed since the spring of 2007. That is significantly below the 10-year average of 32:100. This indicates higher than average over-winter fawn mortality, which was not too surprising since this past winter was arguably the toughest in the district since the harsh winter of 1996-1997.

Landowner Coordination for Surveys: Biologist Morris and Biologist Cook helped the pygmy rabbit crew and an assistant district wildlife biologist gain access to private property for pygmy rabbit and Washington ground squirrel surveys. More than six private landowners were very willing to cooperate with the department to allow for these surveys to move forward on private ground.

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Providing Recreation Opportunities

Hunter Access Program: Biologist Morris worked on updating contracts for Hunting Access so they will be ready for this fall. He also worked on a fishing access contract that the Private Lands Program is taking over from the Lands/Access Program.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Wildlife Area Gates: Biologist McPherson received three new swing gates that were recently made by a local fabricator. The new gates look great and are very sturdy and the fabricator made some new improvements to help with overall function and longevity. The gates are now painted white, and they are ready for installation.

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Russian Olive Removal: Wildlife area staff members have been working on burning piles of Russian olive around the Winchester Wasteway. Piles have been aging for two years to help consumption of materials. Focus has been primarily on the eastside due to conditions and the westside will need some preparation work before burning can commence.

Biologist McPherson, Specialist Walker, and Worker Clifford removed a large Russian olive off Sand Dunes Road. This tree usually is a frequent area of nefarious activity since it provides for some seclusion. By removing this tree, we should see a reduction in dumping and people who overstay the 14-day limit on camping.

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Department of Ecology Tire Pick Up: Biologist McPherson has been communicating with Department of Ecology tire pick up program for some time now. Due to contracts being inactive for some time, wildlife area staff and Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew members have been collecting tires for about two years. Our tire collection has reached about 600 tires. We now have an active contract with Liberty Tire Recycling out of Spokane. They came to our headquarters and finally took the tires off our hands.

Pre-Grazing Season Coordination: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to United States Forest Service (USFS) range staff members for the Methow Valley and Tonasket ranger districts. They discussed wolf locations, range rider availability, and turnout dates.

Deer Damage to Orchard: Heilhecker visited with an orchardist regarding winter deer damage. High snow depths compromised their fence and allowed the deer to jump into the orchard. She recommended the orchardist plow around the outside perimeter of the fence next winter to remove the snow and keep the fence eight feet high. Specialist Heilhecker gave the orchardist information explaining how to file for crop damage compensation.

Sharing of Information: Heilhecker notified two livestock producers of a wolf den location.

Skunk Call: Heilhecker received a call regarding a skunk using a crawlspace under a house. The landowner has tried many times to block the entrances used by the skunk, but the skunk keeps excavating around the barriers. Heilhecker suggested placing ammonia in the crawlspace if no pets or children are in the area. The landowner also set a livetrap to catch the skunk.

Range Rider and Livestock Turnout Coordination: Heilhecker spoke to USFS range staff and a WDFW contracted range rider regarding livestock turnout. The contracted range rider will start riding pastures next week to look for wolf activity before livestock go out on June 1.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Garbage in District 5: Biologist Clements finished conducting ground squirrel surveys and noticed a spot that along the Lind Coulee that become a spot for dumping. She ended up going on an easter egg hunt and collected six bags of trash, a disintegrating box, and over 20 easter eggs.            

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Photo by WDFW

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Habitat Project Planting: Private Lands biologists began planting water birch in north Douglas County. Biologist Morris checked on plantings from 2021 and 2022. In one area, junipers that were planted are in poor condition. Morris will be brainstorming ideas to improve their condition and survival.

Cooperative Burn: Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Manager Wehmeyer, Methow Wildlife Area Manager Troyer, and North Central Wildfire Prescribed Burn Member Kave participated in the second of three cooperative burns near the Highlands 20 Fire Camp on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area. The 58-acre (35 acres on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) land and 23 acres on WDFW land) prescribed fire included mostly DNR staff members but both USFS and WDFW staff members assisted within the prescribed burn. WDFW Prescribed Burn Manager Eberlein provided significant assistance in the drafting of the burn plan and staff members also helped brief both groups of staff members prior to burning. One more burn unit remains in the cooperative burn area and could happen sometime this spring.

Lands 20/20 Lands Operations Manager: Lands Operations Manager Haug met with Region 2 and Lands Division staff members to discuss upcoming acquisitions and report on ongoing projects. The group discussed the new process and schedule for the upcoming year. They discussed what projects on their agenda need to remain, which required more work, and which should be removed from consideration.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Sinlahekin Habitat Management: Assistant Manager Riley and Natural Resource Specialist White were able to remove approximately 9,000 feet of dilapidated pasture fence on the McLoughlin Unit. Most of the fence was covered with shrubs and grass. It was a combination of field fencing and barbwire fence. Most of it was attached to steel post or pipe with multiple wire ties or high tensile wire. The fencing was a barrier and it posed a threat for wildlife getting caught in it when they went through the area. Sinlahekin staff members also continued annual maintenance of the access site parking lots of various units when weather conditions were conducive to herbicide treatment. This treatment will help prevent noxious weeds from growing in the parking lots and help to minimize potential fire hazards.

Scotch Creek Riparian Restoration and Shrub Enclosure Maintenance: Staff members removed the fence around the exterior boundary of the project area, as the fence is becoming hard to maintain due to deterioration from age and it is no longer effective at keeping deer from browsing newly planted shrubs. Staff members also planted 100 aspen and 50 water birch trees in one of the existing high fence enclosures. Both species are important winter food sources for sharp-tailed grouse.

Staff members spent a large amount of time repairing shrub enclosure fences damaged by heavy winter snow. The heavy snow also damaged existing native riparian shrubs that were planted over the last ten years by breaking branches and smashing limbs down to the soil surface, allowing mice to girdle and strip the bark from the limbs.

Habitat Plots: Private Lands Biologist Cook and Private Lands Tech Blanchard, dumped three additional loads of wood chips on food plots to help improve soil structure and help with moisture retention. They also talked with a landowner about getting him signed up as a wildlife view area and his plans on planting this year.

Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard visited a site seeded with native grasses in fall 2021. With a dry spring and summer in 2022, the grasses were not fully established in all areas of the field but were present. Some additional herbicide application this year may be needed to assist with full establishment.

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Photo by WDFW

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Methow Wildlife Area Noxious Weed Control: Assistant Manager Repp has been busy with herbicide applications throughout various locations of the Methow Wildlife Area. Spring showed up late this year, but it’s full steam ahead now. Recently, Repp has been concentrating efforts on commonly traveled roads and parking areas such as Pipestone Canyon, Golden Doe, Wolf Canyon, Bear Creek Campgrounds, Shooting Range, Lewis Butte, and Riser Lake to name a few. Weed control efforts will continue over the coming weeks in some of our shrubsteppe restoration fields as well as the Big Valley.

Methow Wildlife Area Volunteers: Volunteer projects have quickly ramped up with spring finally upon us. Several volunteers have been cleaning out and documenting nest boxes throughout the valley. There’s also been a few volunteers gradually picking away at unnecessary fences around the Big Valley trail system. Additionally, the local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen rebuilt a few sections of buck and rail fencing at the Beaver Creek Campground. Coming up this weekend, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers will be showing up with nearly 30 volunteers to assist Methow Wildlife Area staff in wrecking out barbed and woven wire fences at various locations throughout the wildlife area, followed by a BBQ and campout.

Frenchman Reserve Grazing Fence: During the process of Grant County Public Utility District contractors clearing Russian olives under power lines, the fence lines on reserve boundary were damaged. Since grazing season is quickly approaching, fences need to be repaired to keep cattle contained. To make sure fences were properly repaired, Biologist McPherson coordinated with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew to make repairs before grazing commenced for the season.

Chelan Butte Field Restoration: Technician Zabreznik was able to drill seed fields on the Chelan Butte that burned in the 2022 Stayman Flats Fire. There is still snow in some areas, and muddy conditions in other areas. The wildflowers are beginning to bloom, sagebrush buttercup, yellowbells and desert parsleys were all seen blooming.

North Wind Aviation was hired to seed the fire breaks by helicopter, and some fire breaks were seeded by hand.

Beebe Springs opened to the public after its seasonal winter closure and has seen regular use.

Providing Education and Outreach

Washington Conservation Corps Weed Workshop: Wildlife area staff members provided a space for a WCC noxious weed workshop at their headquarters. This workshop will allow for all Eastern Washington crew supervisors to gain credits toward their recertification period.

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Oroville High School Field Day: Staff members joined Oroville High Schools Greenhouse Management Teacher Vanderwal, and four of her students. They planted cuttings and stakes on a riparian restoration project along Tonasket Creek on the Charles and Mary Eder Unit. The plants were propagated in the school’s greenhouse.

Turkey Season Information: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from an out-of-state hunter. The hunter was interested in suggestions for turkey hunting locations.

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Photo by Photo by J. Vanderwal

2023 North Central Washington Envirothon: WDFW staff members participated in the 2023 Envirothon in Waterville, WA. Private Lands Biologists Braaten, Cook, and Morris and Natural Resource Technician Blanchard manned the wildlife station and assisted in the administration of the wildlife quiz related to area wildlife and habitat to eight high school teams from three schools. Question topics included Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, and Wildlife.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Liberty Bell Career Day: A few weeks ago, Methow Wildlife Area staff were invited to a career day event at Liberty Bell High School. Methow staff members decided to bring all three employees to give students a better idea of some of the different careers that might be available to them if they choose a career in public land management. Local staff members ran into Daley from the local USFS ranger district, and they decided to team up for the event. The Methow crew members brought skulls, hides, and informational materials and Daley brought candy. This combination was hit and the booth was well visited.

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Photo by WDFW

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Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math in the Field: Lands Operations Manager Haug, Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Manager Wehmeyer, Assistant Manager Riley, Natural Resource Specialist White along with members of the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Methow Beaver Project worked with staff members from the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD), Tonasket Elementary, and Oroville Elementary to hold a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) field trip to the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area. Over two days, Tonasket and Oroville elementary schools brought over 100 students to the wildlife area. The purpose of these visits was to take their classroom science learning into the field for an authentic science experience.

Students worked alongside agency staff members to collect forestry data, identify important plant species, learn about animal species in the area, and draw their observations above Forde Lake in an effort to learn more about forestry and fire ecology in Okanogan County. DNR Highlands District Manager Townsend, DNR Forester Smith, and DNR Biologist Breitenbach discussed forest management, forest species, instructed them on the use of forestry tools to measure DBH (Diameter at Breast Height), determined tree height, and talked about the importance of forest health. WDFW staff assisted with the planting of native species such as golden current, blue elderberry and serviceberry while discussing the importance of these shrubs to various wildlife and pollinator species. Nelson with the Methow Beaver Project discussed the importance of beavers in our local ecosystems. Thompson from Methow Arts and Haug from DNR instructed students to draw the landscape using charcoal near Forde Lake. Engagement from students was high and comments from teachers and parents were extremely positive.

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Photo by WDFW

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Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Agricultural Leases: Lands Operations Manager Haug met with Stewardship Section Manager Walls and Range Specialist Burnham to discuss a Methow Wildlife Area agricultural lease renewal as well as various other agricultural leases to begin the discussion on determining future rates to each lessee. More work to come this year on the subject.

Eder Tower: Haug, Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Dupont, and Region 2 Properties and Acquisitions Specialist Huynh met with a representative of the Okanogan County Sherriff’s office to discuss the possibility of deploying a communications tower on the Charles and Mary Eder Unit. Staff members asked for additional information and provided the official with an idea of what the request would take in terms of time and effort. The placement may be approximately two to three years out according to their representative and depends on whether or not their request is funded.

Sinlahekin Maintenance: Sinlahekin staff members continued to prepare equipment for the upcoming field season, Natural Resource Specialist White has been fabricating axles and a hydraulic lift for the harrow seeder that will be used to seed native grass seed on some shrubsteppe restoration sites on the Chiliwist Unit. Staff members will continue with other maintenance activities. They also started annual maintenance of the access site parking lots through the various units of the wildlife area. This treatment will help prevent noxious weeds from growing in the parking lots and help to minimize potential fire hazards.

Scotch Creek Maintenance: Staff members continued doing maintenance and repairs on vehicles, ATVs, small engines, and farm equipment. They also worked with a local vendor to locate and dig up the septic tank in the office yard. The vendor will be back next week to pump it.

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Virtual Tour: Haug presented a virtual tour of wildlife areas and water access areas in Okanogan County to the Lands Division at their quarterly meeting. The presentation talked generally about the wildlife and water access areas and touched on successes and challenges. Hopefully, the virtual tours will become a standard segment of each meeting.

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Hiring of Natural Resource Technician: Private Lands Technician Blanchard has been completing new employee hiring and orientation and began studying for his pesticide applicator license. Blanchard will increase the capacity for Region 2 Private Lands to install and improve wildlife habitat. Biologist Cook assisted Blanchard with orientation. They visited habitat sites throughout southern Grant and Adams counties. Blanchard will primarily be working on installation and maintenance of habitat improvements in Grant and Adams counties but will also work throughout WDFW Region 2.

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Conservation Reserve Program Cancellation: Private Lands Biologist Braaten worked with Olympia staff members on figuring out a solution to State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) workload. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) delivered news at a monthly meeting with WDFW staff members that they will be canceling our contribution agreement effective immediately. This left a lot of unanswered questions but provided some breathing room for NRCS who is restructuring workload to be ready for the IRA funds coming in October. This means a different approach in managing Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Private Lands Braaten spent several hours contacting landowners and local NRCS working out details. Private Lands staff will still work with and be available to landowners to assist where we can.

Equipment Delivery: Private Lands Biologist Braaten took delivery of new tractor with front loader this week.

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Photo by WDFW

Scotch Creek Pivot Clean Up: In 2020, a windstorm blew over the south pivot on the Chopaka Unit. The severely damaged pivot was dismantled and stacked in the corner of the field, spring of 2020. This week staff members removed all the tires, gear box, center drives, drive lines and hauled them to the Eder Unit for storage and reuse. The remaining large pieces of metal and pipe will be picked up by the WDFW construction shop later this spring for recycling.

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Photo by WDFW

Scotch Creek Deck Repair: Scotch Creek staff members completed the replacement of all four-posts supporting the awning covering the back porch of the office. The old posts were starting to deteriorate and were compromising the integrity of the awning. Staff members also replaced the deck boards and cover to the domestic well.

Accessibility: Lands Operations Manager Finger participated in a meeting with Bureau of Reclamation staff members to discuss accessibility of sites for people with disabilities. Bureau of Reclamation conducted a field assessment which indicated that a number of sites are out of compliance. Finger is developing a transition plan which will establish goals and timelines for reaching compliance for water access sites location on federal lands and has begun discussions with WDFW Communication and Public Engagement (CAPE) which will hopefully lead to a standardized sign to inform users on where our accessible sites occur. This will likely be done using a QR code to link to our website accessibility page. We will update the website information with georeferenced maps and a description of all Americans with Disabilities Act/ Architectural Barriers Act opportunities.

County Commissioners: Finger accompanied Regional Director Hoenes in a meeting with Grant County Commissioners to discuss three potential acquisition projects and to provide an update on the future development of a target shooting range facility.

Wildfire Coordination Meeting: Finger chaired an annual meeting with local, state, and federal fire protection agencies to coordinate on local access, prescribed burn projects, fire protection contracts, and contact info, etc. in preparation of the upcoming fire season.

Livestock Billing: Biologist McPherson has been receiving livestock reports from grazing permit holders. Now that McPherson has received those billing letters, grazing permit statements and harvest reports can be sent out to permit holders for billing.

Oil and Fuel Recycling: Biologist McPherson coordinated with Safety-Kleen who recycles and picks up both oil and fuel from facilities. Our headquarters are scheduled for pick up on site for our oil, diesel, and gas.

Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Headquarters Yard Maintenance: Wildlife area staff members took an opportunity to do some gravel maintenance work on our laydown yard at headquarters. The newly acquired box scraper and a harrow pulled by truck did a great job of leveling and smoothing out gravel.

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Other

New technician: District 7 biologists just welcomed a new biological technician onto their team for the 2023 summer season! Technician Hara will be assisting in greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse lek counts and lek surveys as well as upcoming Washington ground squirrel surveys.

Red Card Training: Specialist Walker completed the online portion of red card certification through the National Wildlife Coordinating Group. To finish the red card certification training, Specialist Walker will need to complete a day of live fire training and pack test.

Specialist Heilhecker listened to the Wolf Advisory Group meeting and completed mandatory online training for fall protection and hazardous chemicals.

Bobcat Sealed: Specialist Heilhecker sealed two bobcats taken in Game Management Unit 204.

Injured Raptor: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to a landowner regarding an injured raptor. The landowner had no interest in calling the nearest raptor rehabilitator in Kettle Falls. She informed the landowner to leave the raptor alone and let nature take its course.

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Managing Wildlife Populations

Lynx Research: Biologist Fitkin and the Home Range Wildlife Research crew wrapped up the first season of captures for this three-year project. All told, three adult lynx (two males and one female) were fitted with radio-collars. The fourth and final animal captured (a subadult male) was still too light to carry a collar, but he was fitted with an ear tag and will hopefully become a radioed study animal next year. The primary objective of this multi-year project is to see how lynx are using the fire-impacted landscape across a gradient of fire scars of different ages. Results will inform forest and fire management strategies which will help maintain adequate lynx habitat in the face of growing wildlife risk. More information on this project and the locally grown Home Range organization can be found on their website.

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Photo by WDFW

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Mule Deer Monitoring: Biologists Fitkin and Heinlen began spring mule deer surveys. They have also been following up on mortalities and dropped collars from current study animals with the help of Volunteers Fisher and Rohrer. Spring is coming slowly to District 6 and early data collection suggests fawn to adult ratios are lower than average, although several surveys are still pending.

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 Mule Deer: Biologist Eilers responded to a mortality signal from one of the GPS-collared mule deer in the Number 2 Canyon area of the Wenatchee foothills. This doe was collared as an adult in January 2022. Upon arriving onsite, Biologist Eilers was quickly able to determine that she had been killed by a cougar. Eilers retrieved the collar for future refurbishment and redeployment elsewhere and collected a tooth sample to determine her age at death.

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Photo by WDFW

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Wolf Monitoring: Biologist Jeffreys joined Wolf Biologist Roussin on a backpacking trip on the Lake Shore Trail of Lake Chelan to retrieve trail cameras and look for evidence of a wolf pack inhabiting the area. WDFW biologists and North Cascades National Park have received numerous reports of wolves in the Stehekin area over the past couple of years. In the winter of 2020 and 2021, park staff captured images of two adult wolves and four yearlings via trail cameras in the eastern portion of North Cascades National Park suggesting the presence of up to six wolves.

Biologists Jeffreys and Roussin took the ferry to Prince Creek and hiked from there to Stehekin. They meandered up side trails along the way in search of wolf tracks and scat. They also retrieved two cameras placed near Prince Creek earlier this winter, but no photos of wolves were captured. This area represents great mule deer winter range and the biologists observed many deer as well as tracks of elk, moose, and mountain goat. However, over the course of the three-day trip and over 20 miles of trails hiked, biologists only found tracks belonging to a single wolf. That means the most that can be said of this area for now is that it’s a lone wolf territory. The biologists plan to search other trail systems in the North Shore and Stehekin areas in the future to determine if there is indeed a wolf pack there.

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Photo by WDFW

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Sharp-tailed Grouse: Staff members surveyed the riparian areas around Scotch Creek for sharp-tail grouse. One sharp-tailed grouse was observed foraging in the water birch.

Sage Grouse Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Braaten began grouse count surveys but found very few due to lack of access as many roads are still blocked with snow. Temperatures are warming and snow is melting so we hope to be on the leks very soon. Many roads are just now opening up and providing access. Sage grouse are attending most leks.

Biologist Eilers scouted road accessibility to reach some of the Douglas County sage-grouse leks. Many of the roads are still inaccessible due to snow and muddy conditions but Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers were able to complete their first lek count for the 2023 survey year in the Badger Mountain area. In recent years, this lek has consistently been the most well-attended with up to 30 males displaying on some mornings. It’s off to a good start this year with a count of 25 males and two females.

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Photo by WDFW

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North American Lagomorph Working Group: A new cooperative lagomorph working group, comprised of representatives from state agencies, tribal agencies, federal agencies, universities, and non-government organizations has been formed. The cooperative working group will identify conservation and management priorities for North American lagomorph species. They will increase cross-state communication, collaboration, and consistency in monitoring.  They will also facilitate disease monitoring and management coordination. At the latest meeting, Biologist Gallie presented “Breeding like rabbits: a 20-year history of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.” Gallie spread awareness of the challenges that have faced the pygmy rabbit recovery project throughout the years and the solutions that have been created in the face of those challenges.

Building Release Pens: The 2022–2023 Rimrock Meadow release pens have been torn down and relocated with the help of the Washington Conservation Corp. Approximately one acre in size, these pens are designed for the soft release of enclosure-born pygmy rabbits. The pens slow the dispersal of pygmy rabbits and help increase survivorship. With the new pens all set up, the pygmy team is looking forward to kit season. It’s just one month away!

New Release Sites: The Black Rock Coulee area has dense intact sagebrush stands that are perfect pygmy rabbit habitat. Meetings with the Bureau of Reclamation have begun so that future controlled burns will avoid burning mature sagebrush critical for pygmy rabbit reintroduction efforts.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Hunter Access Program: Biologist Morris continued working on updating hunter access contracts so that there are no issues. Morris also checked signs on several properties and replaced signs that were broken or defaced.

Recreation & Partnerships: The Methow Wildlife Area is partnering with Western Washington University to host an intern who’s interested in conservation as well as recreation. It’s anticipated that this intern will assist with a wide variety of land management tasks, including intensive surveys of recreational infrastructure that exist on the wildlife area.

Additionally, Methow Wildlife Area staff members connected the project lead for the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative (MVTC) with WDFW recreation staff. The goal is to initiate a contract with MVTC to assist local wildlife area personnel with surveying trails to identify their maintenance needs. This information will eventually be rolled into a cultural resource survey so future maintenance and upkeep can occur.

Lastly, the MVTC has offered the resources of a National Civilian Community crew to assist with a local Methow Wildlife Area project or two this spring. It’s likely this crew will aid Methow Wildlife Area staff members in combatting erosion issues at Lewis Butte and possibly assist with the installation of a buck and rail fence near a stream that parallels a popular camping area.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

America the Beautiful Challenge: Okanogan Lands Operations Manager Haug worked with Okanogan Land Trust Executive Director Miller and various WDFW staff members regarding the development of a proposal for the America the Beautiful Challenge grant offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Potential grant funding could include additional support for species mobility, habitat conservation, and restoration funding in the Okanogan area.

Cooperative Burn: Department of Natural Resource staff members and wildlife area personnel along with WDFW Prescribe Burn Program Lead Eberlein met and did a walk-through tour of the planned prescribe burn area for this spring. The prescribed burn will finish up the remaining units of the burn that was treated last year. The prescribed burn units include both Department of Natural Resource and WDFW lands within the Sinlahekin Unit.

Forest Thinning: Scotch Creek staff members and the North Central Washington burn team resumed thinning the forested portions of the Similkameen-Chopaka Unit. The goals of the thinning are to restore historical stand densities, and reduce conifer encroachment into Cottonwood galleries, Aspen groves, and shrubsteppe habitats and to rearrange fuels closer to the forest floor. The thinning will prep the forest for a future prescribed burn.

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Habitat Management: Assistant Manager Riley created a proposal for the 2023-2025 Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Habitat Project grant through the Migratory Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Program. We hope that if we receive this grant, it will help treat invasive tree species (Siberian Elm and Russian Olive) and other weed species on the Driscoll and Eyhott Islands units to improve riparian habitat for waterfowl.

Salmon Restoration: Lands Operations Manager Haug had several conversations and meetings regarding multiple salmon restoration projects within the Methow Wildlife Area. The projects are in various stages of development, have aspects that pose challenges to land management staff, and raise concerns with both the Habitat and Fish programs. WDFW personnel are working closely with one another to provide input to the project proponent so they can address these concerns and move forward with the restoration work.

Wildlife Conflict Bootcamp: Wildlife Conflicts Specialists Bridges and Heilhecker with Supervisor Rickel attended the three-day Wildlife Conflict Bootcamp workshop that focused on implementing Human-Carnivore Interaction Response Training. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Habitat Plots: Biologists Morris and Cook met with a landowner that is interested in habitat restoration efforts on their land. Options for potential habitat projects were discussed and how WDFW could help with the projects was explained. Standby for next steps.

Biologists prepped a few supplemental food plots near Royal City by mowing vegetation growth from last year. Further plot preparation is still needed, which will include herbicide application and seeding. These plots have sandy soils so Cook will add wood chips, from trees removed from the Region 2 office, to increase organic matter and hopefully build the soil.

In addition, biologists planted a wildlife habitat plot in a circle corner.

Cook broadcast native seed via a broad-cast spreader mounted on an all-terrain vehicle and a drag. Morris followed behind and harrowed to incorporate the seed into the soil. This planting was delayed from last fall due to snow. This plot should provide quality permanent nesting cover for upland birds when it is established.

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Oroville High School Field Day: Staff members joined Oroville High Schools Greenhouse Management Teacher Vanderwal and four of her students collecting willow stakes and cuttings on the Scotch Creek Unit. The cuttings and stakes were transported back to the high school greenhouse for further processing. When processing is completed, the students will use the cuttings and stakes on a riparian restoration project along Tonasket Creek on the Charles and Mary Eder Unit.

Douglas County State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Conservation Reserve Program Update: Private Lands Biologist Braaten coordinated with staff on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) planning and contribution agreement issues. There is continuous dialogue with upper management about what WDFW has received out of the agreement. The lack of assistance and support by Farm Service Agency and NRCS continues to be an issue and significantly impacts the ability for WDFW to complete their portion of the work.

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Providing Education and Outreach

Education in the Classroom: Biologists Morris and Cook and a Pheasants Forever biologist met with nine seniors from Othello High School that wanted to learn more about working for WDFW and what it takes to have a career as a wildlife biologist. Morris and Cook talked to them about education requirements, and the pros and cons of the job. They also spent time outside observing and discussing wildlife and their habitats.

Morris and Cook gave a presentation to the Quincy High School Agricultural Biology class on how WDFW tracks wildlife population changes and why those changes occur.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Acquisitions and Easements: Private Lands Biologist Braaten provided information for acquisition discussions and consideration. He also met with a landowner interested in selling some of his land to WDFW.  

Agricultural Leases: Lands Operations Manager Haug met with Stewardship Section Manager Walls and Range Specialist Burnham to discuss a Methow Wildlife Area agriculture lease renewal and various other agricultural leases. This began the discussion on determining future rates to each lessee. More work to come this year on the subject.

Agriculture and Grazing: Methow Wildlife Area staff members hosted their first Coordinated Resource Management (CRM) planning meeting of the season. These meetings are coordinated primarily by the permittees and the Okanogan Conservation District. Other attendees typically include representatives from the United States Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, State Parks, and Bureau of Land Management. Like many of our local grazing permits, a primary goal of this specific permit in the Methow Unit is to benefit habitat for migrating and wintering mule deer. Managed cattle grazing on the approved scale, with comparable stocking rates, and prescriptions should promote or maintain the growth of woody forage used by mule deer.

The Methow Wildlife Area is also working towards the renewal of an agricultural lease near Pipestone Canyon in the Methow Unit. This irrigated lease has three high efficiency, center pivots installed. The goal of this lease is to provide food and cover for wildlife, to provide sharecropping opportunities for the public that are consistent with fish and wildlife objectives, and to make beneficial use of the water rights. Specific wildlife benefits include food and cover for migratory mule deer and forage for upland birds, waterfowl, and black bear to name a few. The crops grown on this lease will provide a high quality, varietal supplement to natural forage sources, particularly going into winter.

Additionally, in the next few weeks, the Methow Wildlife Area hopes to advertise a bid for an irrigated agricultural lease at the Big Valley. One of the primary goals for this lease will be to benefit sandhill cranes that tend to nest in a nearby wetland and are known to use this field for forage and cover with their juveniles. This lease would benefit various other wildlife such white-tailed deer, turkeys, and waterfowl.

District Team Meeting: North Lands Operations Manager Haug led this quarter’s district team meeting. The meeting included two guest presentations by CAPE Communications Outreach Specialists Eckenrod and Desautels who provided an overview of Habitat at Home and some of the science curriculum being developed by the new division. Participants then provided updates from their work units and the group fielded several questions.

Eder Tower: Lands Operations Manager Haug, Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Dupont, and Properties and Acquisitions Specialist Huynh met with a representative of the Okanogan County Sherriff’s Office to discuss the possibility of deploying a communications tower on the Charles and Mary Eder Unit. Staff members asked for additional information and provided the official with an idea of what the request would take in terms of time and effort. The placement may be approximately two to three years out according to their representative and depends on whether or not their request is funded.

Landowner Permitting Database: Specialist Heilhecker participated in a subcommittee meeting regarding the new database for issuing landowner permits. The database they tested last month does not meet the needs of the Wildlife Conflict Program. Therefore, Information Technology is looking at options

Maintenance: Sinlahekin staff members continued to prepare equipment for the upcoming field season. Natural Resource Specialist White has been fabricating axles and hydraulic lift for the harrow seeder that will be used to seed native grass seed on some shrubsteppe restoration sites on the Chiliwist Unit. Staff members will continue with other maintenance activities. They also started annual maintenance of the access site parking lots through the various units of the wildlife area. This treatment will help prevent noxious weeds from growing in the parking lots and help to minimize potential fire hazards.

Maintenance: WDFW personnel removed a large inline irrigation filter from one of the center pivot bases. The filter was starting to rust out from years of use. The filter is no longer needed because the water supplying the pivot is pumped from a well and sediment is no longer an issue. The pivot was replumbed from the mainline.

Meetings: Specialist Heilhecker and Private Lands Biologist Braaten and Supervisor Rickel participated in the Okanogan District team meeting.

R2N Virtual Tour: Lands Manager Haug presented to the Lands Division quarterly meeting a virtual tour of wildlife areas and water access areas in Okanogan County. The presentation mainly discussed wildlife and water access areas and touched on successes and challenges. The virtual tours will hopefully become a standard segment of each meeting.

Sealing: Private Lands Biologist Braaten sealed two bobcats and a river otter. Information was downloaded to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) application.

Training: Most of the Region 2 north lands personnel participated in an annual Wildland Firefighter Refresher Course (RT-130). This course is mandatory for staff members to maintain their red card certification for wildland firefighting and prescribed burning. The course was taught by Burn Specialist Eberlein of the WDFW Prescribe Burn Program.

Sinlahekin and Scotch Creek staff members participated in an annual pesticide recertification class. These classes are needed to maintain their certification and licenses so that they can continue to use herbicides to control noxious weeds on the wildlife area.

Wolf Advisory Group Meeting Preparation: Specialist Heilhecker participated in a Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) coordination call to plan the April WAG meeting. The WAG is a citizens’ committee that advises wolf policy related issues.

Pivot Clean Up: In 2020 a windstorm blew over the south pivot on the Chopaka Unit. The severely damaged pivot was dismantled and stacked in the corner of the field, spring of 2020.

This week staff members removed all the tires, gear box, center drives, drive lines, and hauled them to the Eder Unit for storage and reuse.

The remaining large pieces of metal and pipe will be picked up by the WDFW construction shop later this spring for recycling. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Deck Repair: Scotch Creek staff members replaced all four posts that were supporting the awning covering the back porch of the office. The old posts were starting to deteriorate and compromising the integrity of the awning. Staff members also replaced the deck boards and cover to the domestic well.  

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Photo by WDFW

Other

 Migrating Waterfowl: Snow geese and other waterfowl can be seen and heard almost daily flying over Ephrata on their migration north. It’s a good sign spring is on the way.

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Photo by WDFW

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Hiring of Natural Resource Technician: The advertisement for two natural resource technician positions closed, and six candidates were forwarded for consideration. Application material for each candidate was evaluated by staff members and interviews were scheduled. These two positions will assist with the increasing workload associated with Farm Bill support as well as increasing maintenance needs for habitat plots installed by private lands biologists.

New Technician: District 7 biologists just welcomed a new biological technician onto their team for the 2023 summer season. Sophia Hara will be assisting in greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse lek counts and lek surveys as well as upcoming Washington ground squirrel surveys.

With additional help private lands biologists expect to install added habitat and maintain Hunter Access property signs more efficiently each year.

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Photo by WDFW

 Weather Conditions: What a difference a day can make! The snow was slowly leaving the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and its units. Most of the south facing slopes were baring up, then we received approximately four new inches of snow within 24 hours. Temperatures have still been hovering around freezing with a few days of highs in the low 40s, but mostly sunny. The few days of above freezing temps have allowed staff members to get out and do some field work prep for this coming spring, which they are anxiously waiting for.

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Photo by WDFW

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Managing Wildlife Populations

Washington Ground Squirrels: Biologists Dougherty and Clements visited a couple of sites earlier this month in regards to potential ground squirrel translocations. Biologist Dougherty confirmed that ground squirrels are present, and they are expecting to begin the translocation process in early March.

Northern Leopard Frogs: Biologists Clements, Dougherty, and Grabowsky all participated in interviews to hire a technician to assist with leopard frog field work this spring. There were nine candidates interviewed for the position, and the hope is that the successful candidate will be able to begin working in mid-March or early-April.

Waterfowl: Biologist Clements worked with the Moses Lake Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew to construct a new floating duck trap to use in the 2023 waterfowl banding efforts. Their efforts were very successful, and the trap will be deployed later this year.

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Photo by WDFW

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Greater Sage-Grouse and Sharp-Tailed Grouse: Biologist Eilers mailed out letters to 101 private landowners in Douglas County asking for land access permission to survey grouse on private property. Starting in late March 2023, biologists will be searching for new greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse leks and monitoring known leks across Douglas County to get population estimates of these species. Douglas County currently has the greatest abundance of greater sage-grouse in the state of Washington. However, populations are declining.

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Forest Grouse: Biologist Eilers traveled to Spokane to join other WDFW biologists from the eastern half of the state in identifying wings and tails collected in wing barrels throughout the forest grouse season. Grouse hunters are asked to collect wing and tail samples from each bird they harvest, place these samples in a special paper bag, and then deposit them at one of the wing barrels located across the state.

At the end of the season, biologists meet up to examine the wings and tails and identify species, sex, and age of the harvested birds. This data helps scientists track species’ ranges and monitor the health of the grouse population statewide. Biologists can then use this information to adjust management actions such as our harvest regulations to ensure the perpetuation of sustainable forest grouse populations.

Pygmy Rabbit Wild Trapping: Wild captures continued in the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area. In total, 12 pygmy rabbits were captured and 11 were vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2). These trapping efforts are a cooperation of many different agencies and partners. In the past two weeks, representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, Pheasants Forever, WDFW staff, and WDFW volunteers have arrived from around the state to help protect the Columbian Basin pygmy rabbit. The most exciting capture was Pygmy Rabbit BHE014. This rabbit was born in the Beezley Hills enclosure and then released in the Palisades area. Much to everyone’s surprise, this female rabbit travelled to the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area—approximately six miles. For a small 444-gram rabbit that is quite the distance. This information has completely shattered our concept of how far these rabbits can move on the landscape.

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Photo by WDFW

Whenever we intervene with wildlife, a great risk is assumed. Every time a trap effort occurs the team does everything to mitigate these risks. Personnel receive proper training and rabbits are handled as little as possible. Despite these precautions, one of our pygmy rabbits suffered from capture myopathy. Capture myopathy is a stress-induced condition that results in fatality. The carcass was sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory for a necropsy. It was determined that the pygmy rabbit was already in poor health and the stress of trapping likely caused its demise. Each loss is heart-breaking, but we recognize that our overall vaccination efforts will benefit the species as a whole.

Coccidia Monitoring: Coccidia monitoring season has begun. Biologists Soltysiak and Technician Meacham collected fecal samples from each breeding enclosure. These samples will then be inspected under a microscope for the presence of coccidia eggs. Coccidia is a parasite that lives within a rabbit’s intestines. The eggs of this parasite are shed through its fecal matter. Young rabbits are particularly susceptible to coccidiosis. Coccidia is often only a problem in areas where rabbits are in close contact with each other. If we find that coccidia levels are high in an area, the rabbits are then treated with an oral medication.

Search Efforts: With the new knowledge of how far pygmy rabbits can travel, search efforts have been re-vamped. Biologist Soltysiak and Technician Meacham have been looking through thick sagebrush stands in the Rimrock and Palisades areas. Thus far no new populations have been found but the team remains optimistic for this possibility.

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Photo by WDFW

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Mule deer: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers responded to two mortalities from GPS-collared mule deer in the Wenatchee mountains. Biologists performed mortality investigations at each site and determined that the first mortality was predation via cougar and the second mortality was predation via coyotes.

Both of these does were originally collared as adults back in January 2020 as part of an ungulate movement and migration study being conducted in several Washington herds as well as across the western United States. Biologists have used location data gleaned from these GPS collars to learn valuable information about timing and duration of migration, migratory corridors and stopover points, and winter and summer range used for mule deer wintering in the Wenatchee Foothills and the Burch Mountain and Swakane areas.

Between 2020 and 2022, approximately 68 does were collared in Chelan County. In addition to mortalities taking place over the past few years, a few collars have failed (stopped transmitting due to battery failure or other unknown reason). Currently, slightly over half of the original sample are still known to be alive and transmitting GPS signals (around 36).

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Photo by WDFW

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Safe Harbor Agreements: Biologist Morris met with several landowners to sign and finalize Safe Harbor Agreements and discuss any final questions. These two Safe Harbor Agreements will now be sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval and permitting, which will provide regulatory assurances to the landowners so they can continue their regular farming operations on over 8,000 acres while ensuring that pygmy rabbits and their habitat are preserved at the same time.

Lynx Research: Biologist Fitkin partnered with the Home Range Wildlife Research Crew on the immobilization and radio-collaring of the project’s first study animal, Riker, a 22.5-pound adult male estimated to be about three years old. Early data collection suggests the cat’s territory is centered within a portion of the 2006 Tripod Burn area. The primary objective of this multi-year project is to see how lynx are using the fire-impacted landscape across a gradient of fire scars of different ages. Results will inform forest and fire management strategies to help maintain adequate lynx habitat in the face of growing wildlife risk. More information on this project and the locally grown Home Range Organization can be found on the Home Range website. Also of note, the crew recently captured a fisher in one of the lynx traps less than three miles from where one was picked up on a wolverine survey camera last summer. This suggests there may be a resident fisher in the study area.

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Photo by WDFW

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Providing Recreation Opportunities

Regulated Access Area Harvest Data: Specialist Walker finished inputting data collected from regulated access area hunter registration cards. Hunter registration cards provide beneficial information for wildlife area staff members to aid in the knowledge of public usage and productivity of each regulated access area.

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Water Access: Steele has now completed the construction of a new foot bridge for the Fish Trap access site at Lake Lenore. Water access staff members will soon install the bridge making it accessible to the public. The bridge was prefabricated in the shop.

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Photo by WDFW

Hunter Access Program: Biologist Morris updated hunter access maps and replaced damaged and vandalized signs on hunter access properties. Morris contacted all the landowners enrolled in Hunt by Written Permission to request they return their written permission slip stubs. These stubs allow the department to track how much public access is being provided through this program.

Quincy Lakes Trails: Lands Operations Manager Finger, Wildlife Area Manager Eidson, Recreation Planners Anderson and Browning, and TREAD Executive Director Lyons checked 18 miles of trail to discuss a sustainability assessment contract between WDFW and TREAD to help us maintain and improve our trails system.

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Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Depredation Hunts: Specialist Bridges continues to respond to numerous landowner concerns of deer and elk depredating on agricultural crops. This year has been exceptionally busier than the previous 10 years. Depredation response has included: Information and education, on site visits, distributing non-lethal materials, Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreements and Permits.

Interagency Relationship Building: Specialist Bridges went on a ride-a-long with Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering to discuss bear issues along the south shore of Lake Chelan. This was a great opportunity to meet, explain the issue, and develop a relationship with the commissioner. Most of the discussions centered around wildlife biology and how wildlife utilizes human environments, and how that contributes to human and wildlife conflicts. We also discussed the realities of what can be done once a bear conflict starts, and the reasons behind the saying “a fed bear, is a dead bear.”

No Shooting Signage: Biologist McPherson coordinated with Signs by Terri to make an order of agency approved, no shooting signs. Signage will explain new target shooting regulations and will be available in English and Spanish.

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Cost-share Fencing Agreements: Specialist Heilhecker wrote three draft cost-share fencing agreements. Two agreements will protect orchards from deer in Game Management Unit (GMU) 209. The third agreement will protect haystacks from elk in GMU 204. She sent the drafts to each landowner for their consensus on the boundary map for the fence and list of fencing materials. She also called the fencing supply company to get a cost estimate for the fencing materials.

Elk in Haystacks: Specialist Heilhecker received a complaint of elk damaging haystacks in GMU 204. Previous efforts to reduce conflict has proven to not be effective. Specifically, non-lethal deterrence measures, including hazing and temporary fencing, were employed to reduce and eliminate the elk in the haystacks. After all other efforts failed, Heilhecker issued the landowner a kill permit to remove one antlerless elk at the haystack.

Responding to Wolf Reports: Specialist Heilhecker entered an unconfirmed wolf sightings report to Spillman. The reporting party stated the animal was multi-colored brown and about the same size as a German Shepherd only skinnier and “leggy”. The sighting was located within the Beaver Creek territory. The reporting party likely saw a wolf, but it is hard to confirm sightings reports without photos of the animal or tracks.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement – Conservation Reserve Program: This week Private Lands Biologist Braaten informed Douglas County Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) that NRCS funding for WDFW to assist with SAFE-CRP has been spent and work is now on hold. Private Lands Biologist Braaten has been working with private lands and regional staff to work through issues that have come up regarding Farm Planner Certifications.

Braaten confirmed that last year’s State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement 14 contracts were never signed and have been deemed invalid. This was very disappointing to hear because of all the field and office work that went into developing the plans, over the span of two months, took time away from other WDFW tasks. Braaten requested that WDFW ensure that NRCS provides assurances going forward that this will not happen again.

TD-4 Russian Olive Removal: TD-4 project has wetlands that are ringed by Russian olives and phragmites. Biologist McPherson coordinated with WCC to remove Russian olives around wetlands so wildlife area staff members can gain access to treat tall emergent vegetation. The crew completed the southern portion of the wetlands and has a few areas yet to complete. Then materials can be burned and tall emergents can be treated.

Winchester Russian Olive Removal Area: Wildlife area staff members have been working on burning piles of Russian olive around the Winchester wasteway. Piles have been aging for two years to help consumption of materials. Focus has been primarily on the east side due to conditions and the westside will need some preparation work before burning can commence.

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Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Line Maintenance: Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) anticipates doing maintenance on structures, easement roads, and under lines at Quincy Lakes, Winchester Wasteway, and Rocky Ford. Biologist McPherson met BPA Natural Resource Specialist Rieman at all three locations to go over potential work and any concerns the wildlife area would have. All scheduled work will not have any major impact on habitat or public recreation.   

Providing Education and Outreach

Methow Conservancy Presentation: Local high school Science Teacher Fitkin and her dad, Biologist Fitkin, presented a talk for the Methow Conservancy’s First Tuesday Lecture Series on the recovery of and coexistence with biodiversity in the North Cascades. The presentation touched on the recovery of many taxa with an emphasis on rare carnivores. It also highlighted the important wildlife habitat values of the Methow Conservancy’s current project to permanently protect the 1200-acre Sunny M Ranch near the town of Winthrop.

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Grant Elementary School Science Fair: Biologist Cook with help from Biologist Soltysiak, Technician Meacham and Administrative Assistant Jones participated at the Grant Elementary School Science Fair in Ephrata and helped children and families learn about wildlife. Soltysiak and Meacham assisted attendees in exploring details of skulls, foot and footprint molds, and pelts of several mammal species. They explained reasons for specialized teeth, skull, and foot features that help species be adapted for survival. Jones supplied coloring pages and books and paper masks featuring beneficial insects and aided children with supplies. Cook helped with the skulls, pelts, and molds when needed and helped children “make their own creature” with adaptations for survival.

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Road Maintenance at the Frenchman Regulated Access Area: Specialist Walker used the rock rake to complete road maintenance at the Frenchman Regulated Access Area. This road is used by wildlife area staff members to access the project and is used by ADA hunters who register to hunt at one of the two designated ADA duck blinds.

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Other

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