Managing Wildlife Populations

L.T. Murray Elk Feeding: The L.T. Murray crew is keeping an eye on the elk coming into the Watt and Robinson feed sites. There are less than 50 head spread out hanging around the Watt feed site and they are laying down mid-morning, actively grazing, and not coming in at the sound of vehicle activity around the barn, so feeding won’t start until around the 1st of January.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Winter Elk Feeding: Wenas Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Taylor and Natural Resource Technician Janes began winter elk feeding December 16. Currently, the head count in the Wenas has been 565 elk as of the New Year.

Frankling County Deer Surveys: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman, Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, and Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach completed deer road surveys for Franklin County in early December. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

South Ridge Road Hunt by Written Permission: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach is working on an agreement with a landowner in south Yakima County to expand their acreage in Hunt by Written Permission. The property is listed as South Ridge Road and currently allows for 1,440 acres of access, with existing shrub plots and future habitat plantings planned. The landowner acquired another 523 acres of mostly Conservation Reserve Program nearby and agreed to add it to their contract, with habitat work in the draws likely to be implemented as well.

Sunnyside Wildlife Area Pheasant Release: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have carried out four pheasant releases at the Sunnyside Unit, including using volunteer members to assist with moving pheasants and educating them about our pheasant supplementation program.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame repaired a hole in the elk fence where elk had been going under the fence. The elk had potential to wander into private property. The hole was repaired, and an established one-way reentry gate is nearby.

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity on private lands and the Hanford Reach National Monument (HRNM). No elk or reports of elk were observed outside the HRNM.

Franklin County Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call from a tree fruit/vineyard operation near the Columbia River experiencing increasing numbers of deer and associated damage to young trees in the orchard. Non-lethal hazing has been utilized and damage permits, and youth hunts are being planned.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Wildlife Area - Seasonal Closure of Bull Pasture Road – Gates Installed: Bull Pasture Road is now under a seasonal closure from December 15 to May 1 to help protect wintering wildlife and to prevent road damage when road conditions are not ideal. The gates have now been installed.

South Ridge Road Shrub Planting: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach took advantage of a sunny winter day to plant some shrubs on a Hunt by Written Permission property. The existing planting was completed in partnership with the Mule Deer Foundation and has been added to by Region 3 private lands staff members over the last three years. All gaps have now been filled and more tarps will be added this spring adjacent to the existing one.

Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Byron Trash Removal: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have been busy with trash removal after the remains of an entire burned up house were dumped in the Hwy 24 parking lot at the Byron Unit. Ferguson and Cardenas removed nine tons of debris associated with the incident. Fortunately, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officer Miller tracked down the dumpers and will be fining them for the costs of removal.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wenas Wildlife Area Advisory Committee: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray has been working on updating the Wenas’ Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC) through late fall and early winter. The WAAC is finalized now and will play a significant role in the Wenas’ 10 Year Management Plan, the process for this is just starting. The 10 Year Management Plan will outline the goals and objectives for the wildlife area. The objectives will support WDFW’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. There will be a subsection additionally focused on recreational management for the wildlife area. The process is expected to take approximately two years. Throughout the entire process there will be several opportunities for public comment. The WAAC itself will play a crucial role in representing stakeholders that use the wildlife area and border the Wenas as well. A kickoff meeting with the WAAC and a second public meeting for all stakeholders are expected to take place this spring. Gray is working on lining these meetings out with Lands and Recreation Planner English.

Other

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Meetings: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison held a Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC) meeting. Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Specialist Nass attended along with ten WAAC members. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Equipment: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore ordered chains for the wildlife area skid steer. The chains work great for snow blowing and sanding the steep grade leading to the Robinson Canyon elk feeding site. 

Windmill Headquarters Shipping Container Storage: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, Assistant Manager Jahns, and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini worked to make room for and receive four used shipping containers for storage at Windmill Ranch. These containers will provide waterproof, windproof, and animal proof storage of equipment, seed, herbicide, etc. for Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members, Region 3 Private Lands staff members, and District 4 Wildlife staff members. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Mule Deer Surveys: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Statewide Mule Deer Specialist Bundick conducted aerial mule deer surveys of the Kittitas sub herd of the Eastern Slope of the Cascade Mule Deer Management Zone. This was the first survey conducted since 2017 and will provide an updated understanding of mule deer recovery in the district.

District 4 Mule Deer Surveys District 4 Biologists Fidorra and Hoffman conducted aerial mule deer surveys of the Benge area, which spans sections of Franklin, Adams, and Whitman counties. This semi-annual survey informs the management of one segment of the Columbia Plateau mule deer herd.

Wolf Monitoring: District 8 Biologist Wampole and Scientific Technician Ogburn continue to deploy trail cameras throughout the district to monitor for wolf activity. WDFW staff members and local collaborating landowners have detected two wolves in the district. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Winter Elk Feeding: The L.T Murray Wildlife Area crew posted signs and locked gates for the annual winter elk feeding program. No elk were seen in the closure area but hunting pressure was evident. Elk are expected to move into the feeding area over the next week. With feeding beginning when they are no longer able to acquire adequate nutrients due to snow cover, and instead of chewing cud mid-morning, they begin eyeballing the old elk fence that separates the elk from the food they want that would create conflicts on private ag lands.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Robinson Canyon Winter Prep: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Specialist Nass moved equipment to Robinson Canyon in preparation for snow removal and sanding of the grade that leads to the main feeding site.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Alkali Elk Hunt Opportunity: District 8 Biologist Wampole, Conflict Specialist Wetzel, and a Yakima Training Center biologist met to collaboratively draft changes to the Alkali elk unit to provide additional recreational activity and improve WDFWs elk management to meet elk objectives for the area. Drafted changes will be presented later this year with a final decision made early next year. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Roads: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart took a couple of Capital and Asset Management Program engineers to look at sections of roads in the Whiskey Dick unit slated for improvement this coming spring. In spite of losing some of the expected funding, the engineers believe they may be able to improve enough road to allow for safe access to the heart of the unit. This is paramount to continued restoration efforts in the 2022 Vantage Hwy Fire footprint. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity on private lands and the Hanford Reach National Monument. Most of the herd are residing in historic wintering areas on Arid Lands Ecology, although small groups were observed on private and state property along the south and east border of the Monument.

Paterson Area Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand patrolled and hazed animals in orchards and vineyard fields along the Columbia River near Paterson for deer damage concerns. 

Pasco Injured Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call concerning a deceased deer near the Snake River. It was determined the buck deer likely died from injuries sustained from fighting. The carcass was transported and deposited at a Department of Transportation carcass pit.

Kittitas County Conflict: Elk have been seen on Hayward Hill and Swauk Creek after the recent snow. These elk were hazed toward Lookout Mountain.

Elk have been seen in the Ryegrass area and several have been struck on I-90. Some elk have moved south to Yakima Training Center, and some are staying in the vicinity of MP130.

A domestic sheep was killed by a cougar in the Cook Creek area. The cougar was removed.

Yakima County Conflict: Elk in the Cowiche area have been breaking elk fence and getting into areas east of the fence. An open multi-hunt season and landowner permits are active in the area, but some locations are not available for hunting. About 150 elk are east of the elk fence, but with feeding at Cowiche some may return to the other side of the fence.

Elk have been persistent in the Tampico area coming from the west and south. These elk appear to be the same elk as during the summer months, and number about 125. 

Wenas Wildlife Area - Bull Pasture Rd Seasonal Closure: Bull Pasture Rd is now under a seasonal closure from December 15 to May 1 to help protect wintering wildlife and to prevent road damage when road conditions are not ideal. Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Natural Resource Specialist – Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame have completed cultural reviews of the gate sites and are being installed this week. Signage and maps were created to clearly display the closure area to the public. The seasonal closure will occur on a reoccurring annual basis.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Benton County Sagebrush Seed Collection: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, Assistant Manager Jahns, Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, Natural Resource Technician Pizzini, and Habitat Biologist Maikis assisted Benton County Conservation District staff members in harvesting big sagebrush seed from Horn Rapids Park. Much of the collected seed will be used to make seed balls for shrub steppe restoration efforts on public and private lands across the Columbia Basin. 

Sagebrush Island Establishment Study: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area staff members, along with other WDFW Region 3 staff members, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff members, and local volunteer members assisted District 4 Habitat Biologist Maikis with a sagebrush island establishment project. Sagebrush branches containing ripe seed were harvested from a mature sagebrush stand in the Amon Creek area of Richland. The sagebrush plants used for the study are due to be removed in the near future as a result of a road development project. The harvested material was then transported to a USFWS unit in Paterson and the WDFW Rattlesnake Slope Unit in Benton City where it was staked to the ground with chicken wire to act as a host plant for establishment of new sagebrush seedlings. In addition to the sagebrush cache method, volunteer members and staff members also broadcasted sagebrush seed and spread seed balls in designated areas. Monitoring of the sites will take place over the next few years to identify which restoration methods are most successful in reestablishing sagebrush across disturbed shrubsteppe landscapes. This project was an awesome collaborative effort and WDFW staff members are excited about gaining insight into shrubsteppe restoration methods to use across eastern Washington! 

Wenas Wildlife Area – Durr Rd Target Shooting Range Clean-Up: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Specialist – Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame and Habitat Bio Miller collected 1,050 pounds of target shooting trash from the shotgun range, 25-yard range, and 100-yard range. Trash consisted of wood, metal, paper, and shooting debris.

Other

Oak Creek Visitor Center Wildlife Management Information: District 8 Scientific Technician Ogburn continued to work with Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members and CAPE to develop additional public information on District 8 wildlife management.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Repairs: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Natural Resource Worker Floyd continues to replace and repair elk fencing along the Hwy 12 corridor that was impacted by the Retreat Fire.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Check: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet continues to check for and fix problems with existing elk fence. Elk fence checks will continue through the next week in preparation of the coming winter season.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Check: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members completed scouting the elk fence around the Wenas Wildlife Area and fixing any issues found.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Wenas Wildlife Area – Tree Removal in the MRT: Wenas Wildlife Area Biologist Miller cut out a tree that was down over a trail in the Manashtash Ridge Trail system. The tree was around 40 inches wide at the base and was suspended over the trail.

Region 3 Pheasant Releases: Natural Resource Technician Pizzini and Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach completed another pheasant release as part of the Eastern Washington Pheasant Enhancement Program. Big Flat HMU, Lost Island HMU, and the Hope Valley Wildlife Area all received roosters.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Restoration: The 2024 planting season in the Whiskey Dick unit was wrapped up with the help of over 20 volunteer members over the course of three weekends. Participants from the Ruffed Grouse Society, local Field and Stream Chapter, Master Hunters, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Central Washington University’s Geology and Biology Departments, and the Ellensburg High School helped plant over 3,200 native shrubs in the wake of the 2022 Vantage Hwy fire.

Sunnyside/Snake River Mesa Lake Wetland Project: The construction phase of the Mesa Lake Pac-Man wetland development project with Ducks Unlimited is underway. Crews expect to complete the project within the next few weeks. Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Assistant Manager Jahns have met with the construction crews and Ducks Unlimited engineer several times to finalize the construction plans. Wildlife area staff members are looking forward to the end result and providing more wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl! 

Construction crews beginning work on the Mesa Lake Pacman Wetland Project.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Black Canyon Seeding: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members began seeding the dozer lines put in to control the Black Canyon Fire. There are over 18 miles of dozer lines in the wildlife area, with over half being seeded with native species this week. The hope is that this will speed the return to a natural landscape and help with erosion control.

Seed Collection: Natural Resource Technician Pizzini and Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach have continued to work on collecting native seeds for future restoration. Sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and juniper are all in seed currently. These seeds will mostly be used to increase wildlife habitat on private lands with public access contracts. 

Region 3 Native Shrubs for Private Lands: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach picked up a native shrub order of around 1,100 shrubs. These shrubs will all be planted on private lands in the public access program, increasing native shrub cover in otherwise CRP grass and dryland wheat fields. Late muzzleloader deer and late archery deer seasons continue in the GMU’s of these properties, but many of these plants will be put in the ground soon after.

Providing Education and Outreach

Benton Franklin Pheasants Forever: Private Lands Biologist Manderbach attended the November meeting for the new Benton Franklin chapter of Pheasants Forever. This was just the third meeting of the newly revived chapter and one of the members reached out to get some Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) attendance. Manderbach introduced himself to the group and got a general idea of how this local Pheasants Forever chapter can work together with WDFW. A few different collaboration ideas and volunteer events were discussed for future planning.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Wolf Monitoring- District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Scientific Technician Ogburn deployed remote trail cameras to monitor for over winter wolf activity in the district.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Ellensburg Pass Road Stock Fence Completion: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Stoltenow and Janes completed the installation of a stock fence along the Ellensburg Pass Road, including a new drive through and walk through gate.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Checks: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have begun checking for and fixing any problems with the elk fence in preparation for the winter season. A large portion of the fence has been checked, with the remaining to be done soon.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Shrub Planting: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members planted native shrubs in a portion of the wildlife area impacted by the Black Canyon Fire. Sagebrush and Bitterbrush were the majority of what was planted, but there were various other species planted as well. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Repairs: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Natural Resource Worker Floyd continues to replace and repair elk fencing along the Hwy 12 corridor that was impacted by the Retreat Fire. During the November 7 Naches High School Day of Service, 28 students helped wildlife area staff members move new fence posts to hard to access areas along the damaged fence. Students also aided in removing burnt or damaged posts and placement of new fence posts on the fence line. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Check: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet has begun checking for and fixing problems with existing elk fence. Multiple holes and down fences have been fixed and checks will continue through the next couple weeks in anticipation of the coming winter season. 

District 4 White Pelican Population Update: District 4 Biologists Fidorra and Hoffman completed photo counts of American white pelicans breeding at the Badger Island Colony. Photos were taken in May at peak of breeding season. The number of adults at the colony was 3,558. Some researchers apply a 1.5x multiplier to pelican colonies to account for birds away from the colony during photos, which would bring the 2024 Badger Island Colony, the only colony in Washington, to 5,337 adults. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

District 4 Pheasant Release: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand released pheasants at Hope Valley.

District 8 Pheasant Releases: District 8 Wildlife Biologist, volunteer members, and L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison released pheasants at the Green Gate entrance to the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity on private lands and the Hanford Reach National Monument. Hunting pressure during the last couple days of elk season continued to be above average with several elk harvested.

District 4 Colockum Elk near Boylston: District 8 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Wetzel continues to monitor elk activity near I-90 and Boylston. Elk can be seen at times near the highway and are actively being monitored to prevent crossing. 

District 4 Kahlotus Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand patrolled multiple winter wheat fields in eastern Franklin County for deer activity. Hunting activity with general season late hunts and special permit opportunities were discussed with landowners to pressure deer away from crop areas.

District 4 Possible Cougar Depredation in Benton City: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officer Tusing responded to a call of a possible cougar depredation in the Benton City area near the Yakima River. Two three-month-old calves were reported killed two to three days earlier. One calf had been heavily scavenged on by coyotes and birds, but a necropsy was conducted on the second. No evidence of cougar attack was observed. The rancher was appreciative and receptive to our response and findings.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T Murray Wildlife Area - PCT Forestry Projects: State foresters and their contractor have wrapped up a successful two-phase thinning project along Hutchins Road on the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area to increase forest resiliency and improve wildlife habitat.

L.T Murray Wildlife Area Shrubsteppe restoration: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area staff members, cultural resource contractors, and enthusiastic volunteer members have been diligently continuing the shrubsteppe restoration post-fire in the Pumphouse Road entrance area of the Whiskey Dick Unit of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. Planting this season will end with one more volunteer event on November 23, 2024, resulting in 3,750 shrubsteppe shrub species planted.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Repair: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Worker Floyd continues to repair elk fence that was damaged during the Retreat fire. The elk fence in these areas is critical to managing the elk herd and limit conflict between agriculture and elk. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Providing Education and Outreach

College Class Interview: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand was interviewed as part of a senior class project for a local student pursing his Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology. Hand met the student earlier this fall when the student was hunting with his father. The student is excited to begin a career in natural resources.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wenas Wildlife Area - Travel Management: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame attended a two-day training session with a recreational planning/management advisory group to discuss trail and road assessments on the Wenas Wildlife Area. During the field session, WDFW employees were trained on how to collect data on the ARC Field Maps app.

Other

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Mountain Goat Surveys: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole conducted aerial surveys for mountain goats in the Kachess Ridge historic hunt unit in Kittitas County. Eight mountain goats were detected and indicate continued declines since the last survey in 2005 of 36 goats. 

District 4 Rattlesnake Elk Ecological Damage Visit: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Yakama Nation staff members to discuss elk damage and hunt logistics related to the Rattlesnake Unit of the Hanford Reach National Monument. The elk population is estimated at over 2,500 animals causing increased damage to private crops, fragile vegetation, and cultural sites, and vehicle collisions. Partners continue to seek workable solutions for population control.

Burrowing Owl Mitigation Project: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra completed an initial review of a project that installed artificial burrows as mitigation for impacts to burrowing owl habitat near Pasco, WA in 2024. The artificial burrows were used by four breeding pairs, of which three were successful nests. The project indicated the importance of pre-construction surveys and species-specific mitigation actions. The project has the potential to result in a net increase in breeding habitat for burrowing owls on-site, but a final review will require time to determine longer-term occupancy and survival of owls following land conversion.

MOTUS Tower Partnerships: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was a recipient of competitive State Wildlife Grant to install MOTUS towers and monitor movements of species including bats, monarch butterflies, purple martins, and other species. District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra reached out to partners to identify multiple sites in the region that are willing to be considered to MOTUS tower placement and has received a lot of positive interest in the project. 

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members repaired elk fence in multiple places across the wildlife area. A portion of fence was fixed near the main wildlife area office where a tree had fallen across the fence; and near Huntzinger Road a breakaway that had fallen away from the posts was put back up.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area - Hunting Preparation: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area staff members have been busy as they continue preparing wetlands in the Sunnyside, Bailie, Windmill Ranch, and Mesa Lake units for the upcoming hunting season. Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have mowed most of the paths for hunters to enjoy upland bird hunting on the west and east sides of the huntable lands on the Sunnyside Unit. Additionally, the pair have begun filling the Rice Paddies and Johnson Wetland Area of the unit for waterfowl hunting. The wetlands are nearly filled now, and waterfowl are showing up in small numbers. Manager Kaelber, Assistant Manager Jahns, and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini have been using the Marsh Master to clear in front of hunting blinds in the east side units, as well as create more open water habitat for waterfowl. Staff members are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and opportunities to view migrating wildlife!

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor winter wheat crop seeding success and elk activity. Damage permit and Master Hunter hunts were coordinated with permit holders and landowners. 

District 4 Blackrock LHP: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand met with the manager of Blackrock Ranches to discuss additional hunting opportunities for elk. All the state drawn permits have been filled and a request was made to include additional damage permits to address continued elk activity in unharvested corn crops. Damage prevention permits were issued and delivered.

District 4 Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand prepared and delivered damage permits to a producer along the Columbia River dealing with deer damage in a variety of row crop, tree fruit, and winegrape areas. Additionally, several youth deer permit holders were deployed to the farm to provide a hunting opportunity.

District 4 Kennewick Alpaca Injury: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call in Kennewick of an injured alpaca who the owner thought could have been attacked by a wolf or coyote. The alpaca had a small (softball size) wound on its abdomen that could not be confirmed as an attempted depredation. No evidence of wolf or coyote presence was found. The animal was treated for its injury. The alpaca, along with other goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, will be brought into shelters at night. Camera surveillance will be initiated as well.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Wildlife Area – Pass Road Stock Fence Install: Wenas Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Taylor and Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow installed new fence posts along the Ellensburg Pass Road where a stock fence is damaged and down from the Cow Canyon fire. Janes and Stoltenow will complete the installation of the fence and remove the old fence when weather permits.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Knapweed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow continued to spray for knapweed in the wildlife area, focusing on the newly acquired property east of Hardy Canyon Road.

South Ridge Road Habitat Maintenance: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini checked on a shrub planting on the South Ridge Road in south Yakima County. The bulk of the planting was a Mule Deer Foundation project from years ago, but it was added to in spring of 2023. The older golden currants and wax currants have been browsed on and rubbed on by deer and pronghorn, and the sagebrush, bitterbrush, and Wood’s rose that were planted more recently are still growing and thriving. The tarp was cleared off from debris and invasives weeds were pulled from the shrub holes. All plants were given water, and plans on extending the habitat project were talked about for this fall and upcoming spring.

Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Cleanup: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have been doing fall cleanup around the wildlife area including picking up garbage and dumped tires in parking lots and along roadsides. 

Providing Education and Outreach

Wenas Wildlife Area – Signs: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members replaced safety zone signs around the main wildlife area office and purchased materials for and installed signs at the new Durr Rd shooting range.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area - Frost Meadows: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison met with Yakama Fisheries crew members at the upper L.T. Murray unit, Frost Meadows. The crew was removing a fallen bridge that was being used by some to access no vehicle area with ORVs. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area - Whiskey Dick Planting: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore accepted delivery of shrub plugs that will be planted through late October and November. The L.T. Murray crew is waiting on two permits that will allow for planting several thousand plugs and seven acres of grass at three sites this fall. Two sites are in the 2022 Vantage Fire footprint and the 3rd site is the Ragland field that has been fallow for three summers.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area - Shoestring Trail: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Specialist Nass took Habitat Biologist Schaffer to the upper L.T. Murray unit, Shoestring trail, to evaluate areas in need of maintenance, rehabilitation, or abandonment. 

Other

Wenas Wildlife Area – Hay Tarping: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members finished covering hay, delivered over the last two weeks, that will be stored at the Mellotte office for elk feeding this winter.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area - Springwood: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart met with a TLP representative and toured access points for areas of the Springwood property that WDFW will share management of once the land transfer is finalized. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Connell Hunt By Written Permission: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach has been working with two landowners in Connell in Franklin County on a Hunt by Written Permission contract. Most of the land in this new contract had been in Feel Free to Hunt up until a few years ago, but due to large crowds and safety concerns the contract was not extended. The landowners still wanted to allow public access, so they agreed to Hunt by Written Permission to schedule hunts on the property and allow for safer opportunities for the public. Most of the property is Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, with one large sagebrush patch and a few good draws, totaling over 2,000 acres of access. Signs have been posted in preparation of modern firearm deer season, and it should be active on the Private Lands website before the season starts.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Wenas Wildlife Area – Durr Road Shooting Range: The Durr Road Shooting Range is finally complete! Construction of all phases for this project was finished at the end of September. The range includes a 100-yard rifle range, 25-yard pistol range, and shotgun range. The site was selected with input from the local community including the Wenas Target Shooting Advisory Committee. Several funding sources were used to make this happen including a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Firearms and Archery Range Recreation (FARR) Grant received and additional state funding. The site is now open to the public for target shooting from sunrise to sunset. The purpose of the project is to provide the public with a safe place to recreate that meets agencies standards and reduces the risk of wildfires with backstops and side berms in place. The public is still allowed to disperse shoot throughout the wildlife area if they are following WAC 220-500-140.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Restoration: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart met with Yakama Nation archaeologists on site to discuss the continued restoration of the 6.8-acre Ragland fallow field. Winegeart’s assertion that pulling a seed drill over the field would not constitute soil disturbance was met with positive feedback. Hopefully, wildlife area staff members will be able to drill seed the entire field with native grasses this fall to provide soil stability and protect the sites archaeological integrity. The site is currently a dirt field that borders Taneum Creek at a successful Yakama Nation large, engineered log jam project site and needs to be converted into healthy habitat now. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area - Reynolds Creek Fuels Reduction Project: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet put out to bid a 217-acre fuels reduction project within the Cowiche Unit of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. This project aims to reduce the fuel load in this area and help to release Oregon white oak trees that are overcrowded with ponderosa pine trees and consequently have stunted oak growth. 

Mesa Lake Pacman Wetland Development: The Pacman Wetland development project with Ducks Unlimited is nearing the construction phase. In preparation to break ground in November, Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Jahns mowed the site to improve visibility for project contractors and reduce fire hazard.

Sunnyside/Snake River Fall Wetland Preparation: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area staff members continue to prep wildlife area wetlands for reflooding this fall. To meet the wetland management goals of maintaining a 50:50 open water to vegetation ratio, staff members have been busy mowing wetlands in the Sunnyside Headquarters, Mesa Lake, and Windmill Ranch Units. 

Wenas Wildlife Area—Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have continued to focus on Russian and diffuse knapweed for weed control. Wenas staff members along with a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) spray crew from the west side of the state have been focusing in the Roza Creek drainage for knapweed control.

Providing Education and Outreach

La Salle Intern Field-day: On September 27, several juniors and seniors from La Salle High School joined Statewide Waterfowl Specialist Wilson, District 8 Assistant Wildlife Biologist Wilson, and District 4 Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman in the field to learn about the WDFW Wildlife Program, as well as common wildlife monitoring techniques. These included methods for trapping and banding game birds (e.g. doves and ducks), wing ID for common waterfowl species, aging techniques for bighorn sheep and carnivores, and an introduction to radio telemetry that concluded in students triangulating the location of a hidden radio-collar. La Salle students will be joining other WDFW programs throughout the fall to learn more about careers in conservation. 

Sacagawea Heritage Days: Natural Resources Technician Pizzini assisted with a table at the Sacagawea Heritage Days, partnering with Benton/Franklin Conservation District education staff members. Hundreds of elementary students from the area came through and participated in the seedball making booth. Seedballs made from compost, clay powder, water, and a mix of pollinator forb seeds were made and dispersed in an area at Sacagawea Park.

Other

Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Retreat Fire Closure: The Retreat fire land closure, including sections of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area Oak Creek Unit impacted by fire, has been extended until October 23, 2024. A variety of public agencies are still assessing hazards within the fire perimeter. Due to current safety concerns, it is anticipated that closures will remain in effect through the winter.  

L.T. Murray Whiskey Dick Unit Roads: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart visited the Whiskey Dick Unit to look at the results of cloudburst that released enough water to wash trenches in the Cayuse and Jackknife Ridge roads. This has caused motorist to create trails around the washouts. Options for avoiding additional habitat damage due to road braiding and water erosion are being considered. 

Wenas Wildlife Area—Wire Roller: Wenas Wildlife Natural Resource Technician Janes completed the construction of the wire roller that will be shared by wildlife areas in Region 3.

Sticker Burr Roller: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Private Lands Natural Resources Technician Pizzini purchased a “Sticker Burr Roller” to help maintain private lands access parking areas and habitat plantings that have been overrun by puncturevine. The device has worked well so far and will be a great tool to have in addition to spring herbicide applications at the parking areas.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Bighorn Sheep Lamb Surveys: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, Assistant District 8 Wildlife Biologist Moore, Ungulate Specialist Moore, and Assistant Ungulate Specialist Kyle commenced surveys of the Yakima Canyon and Cleman Mountain bighorn sheep populations to investigate lamb production of collared study ewes. 

Waterfowl Banding Wrap-up: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, with help from staff members and volunteer members, completed the 2024 banding season with approximately 450 ducks banded over 15 trapping events. This year was challenging as only one site was used, but there was a good number of mallards coming in. A seven-year-old mallard was recaptured that was banded onsite in 2018. Over 60 pintail (second most in 12 years) but only 12 wood ducks (least since 2016) were captured. Overall, it was a great season with no mortalities and several volunteer members enjoyed handling and learning about waterfowl up close for the first time! 

State Wildlife Action Plan 2025 Underway: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra provided feedback and information regarding waterbirds and passerines. Biologists used this for updates to the Washington State Wildlife Action Plan and species to include for consideration as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This work will be ongoing until the draft update is completed.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Repair: All Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have been repairing downed elk fence within the Black Canyon Fire that burned approximately 10,000 acres last August. Wenas staff members have been using 10ft T-Posts to help prop up the fence until a new fence can be installed.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Repair: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet has been repairing elk fence that was damaged during the suppression activities of the Retreat Fire. Some elk fence was cut to put in dozer line, and a gate post was damaged.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Elk Fence: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area crew repaired elk fence that elk have been jumping. New wire will be added soon to raise the fence back up to around 8’ high. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Pheasant Releases for Youth Season: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, Natural Resource Technician Pizzini, and Private Lands Biologist Manderbach released pheasants for the youth opener in Franklin County at three sites: Hope Valley, Lost Island, and Big Flat. The youth hunt weekend is followed by the 65 and Over hunt. These sites are great places to give new hunters and dogs some practice. District 8 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Wetzel also released pheasants at the Green Gate site in Kittitas County. 

Wenas Wildlife Area – Manastash Ridge Trails Interpretive Sign: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame installed an interpretive sign (inspired by the Manastash Ridge Trails Committee) along the Westberg Trail in the Manastash Ridge Trail System. The sign gives info on the local plants and wildlife a user may encounter on the trails. The sign also discusses the importance of microbiotic crusts that inhabit the area and how sensitive they can be to damage.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Bull Pasture Green Dot Road Proposed Seasonal Closure: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame worked together on submitting the proposed Bull Pasture Green Dot Road Seasonal Closure to be posted for public comment through State Enhancement Policy Act (SEPA). The proposal includes closing motorized use on approximately five miles of the green dot road from December 15th through May 1st on an annual, reoccurring basis. The restriction would not impact walk-in access recreation use such as hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The seasonal annual closure is being proposed to protect the condition of the road and previous roadwork completed this past spring and to protect the habitat during a sensitive time of the year from off road vehicle use that is seen often throughout this area. The SEPA process is open for public comment through September 23rd. Public input will continue to be taking into consideration in the development of the proposal.

Region 3 Private Lands Parking Areas: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini cleaned up more parking areas throughout the region. At Plymouth North, a third parking area was reopened closer to the southern end of the property. The landowners had closed it off a few years ago due to new construction but decided to reopen it this season. This will reduce the amount of walking to the southern end of the property by about a mile. A new registration box was placed at the Mabton-Bickleton Road property, and that parking area was mowed down.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk Hazing: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand conducted hazing operations at several orchards and vineyards near Benton City and Whitstran after reports of increased elk activity. Acoustic alarms, LP gas cannons, and active hunting on damage permits are methods being used to reduce elk presence and minimize crop loss.

District 4 Kahlotus Deer Damage: Hand monitored winter wheat fields along the Snake River in Franklin County for deer damage and wheat planting success. Most fields have been seeded and are showing good “green-up”. No significant damage was observed.

District 4 Plymouth Deer Damage: Hand continued to haze problem deer and monitor deer activity and damage to a large wine grape operation along the Columbia River. 

Kittitas County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck night hazed elk this month in the Park Creek, Poison Springs, and Badger Pocket areas. Water is turned off and crops are mostly harvested, however, elk will continue to enter attractive crop areas until better forage appears in upland areas.

Elk have been testing fences in parts of Kittitas County and some problems at a private ranch were reported.

Yakima County Conflict: Conflict Specialist Wetzel received calls from crop producers in Wiley City, Tampico, Cowiche, and along the Naches River about elk going into crop fields at night. Permits and seasons are underway in those areas to deter elk from using crop areas. Elk issues have markedly increased in Moxee, with elk mostly getting into standing corn. 

District 8 Conflict - Deer Botfly: Several road strike deer have been recovered this month. All the deer struck on the road had severe infestations of botfly.

District 8 Pheasant release: Eighty-seven pheasants were released by Conflict Specialist Wetzel at the Green Gate for the youth pheasant opener.

District 8 Grouse Barrels: Grouse barrels were placed at Taneum and Coleman kiosks for the upcoming grouse season.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Fire Restoration: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Manager Mackey has been working with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) cultural resource staff members to organize cultural resource surveys before restoration work can begin. Mackey has also continued to help plan a field trip with the science community to assess impacts and forest treatment effectiveness post-fire. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Retreat Fire Continued Efforts: Mackey continues efforts to coordinate permitting and support to the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District to replace wildlife protection features on the canal that were damaged during the Retreat Fire.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Solar and Wind Guidelines Internal Review: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra reviewed and provided comments on the draft WDFW Solar and Wind Guidelines. The guidelines provide information for developers and contractors regarding siting, wildlife surveys, and mitigation, and will be open to public comment in the future.

Windmill Ranch Milkweed Harvest: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area staff members, along with other WDFW District 4 staff members and volunteer members from the Benton and Franklin Conservation Districts, harvested showy milkweed seed from the Windmill Ranch Unit. The seeds were harvested to make seed balls that will be broadcast in areas where milkweed is less abundant, with the goal of expanding suitable habitat for the monarch butterfly across the Columbia Basin. Staff members also observed monarch caterpillars on the showy milkweed in the harvest area.

Sunnyside/Snake River Wetlands: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area staff members continue to mow wetlands in preparation for reflooding this fall. 

Franklin County Habitat Project: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini met with a landowner in Connell and a resource conservationist from the Franklin Conservation District. The landowner is filling a pond with Columbia River project water as part of the Odessa Aquifer Transfer Project. There are existing habitat projects on the property and space for many more. Using Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) funding from the conservation district, a significant number of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs will be planted this fall. The Region 3 private lands team will provide equipment and boots on the ground to help install this project.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Cole Creek Bridge: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area crew members continue to monitor the Yakima River Unit’s collapsed Cole Creek bridge for vehicles driving around the bridge through the creek. Vehicles are again using the bridge in spite of the obvious hazard.

Providing Education and Outreach

Colockum Elk Conflict Presentation: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole presented to the Kittitas County Field and Stream Club in Ellensburg on current human-elk conflict in Kittitas County.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

SB 5782 Meeting: District 8 Wildlife staff members and Region 3 regional management staff members met with local landowners and political representatives to discuss planned actions of SB 5782. The senate bill was established to provide resources to better understand impacts of elk on agricultural lands in Kittitas County and help inform management actions. 

Other

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Whiskey Dick Unit: Cayuse Creek experienced a heavy water event which washed trenches in the Cayuse and Jacknife Ridge roads. With Washington State Parks closing the south end of the Jacknife Ridge Rd, this should be a low impact on hunter access to the area. However, it will definitely add to the current hazards of utilizing the area's unimproved green dot roads. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Region 3 Pre-season Duck Banding: District 8 Assistant Wildlife Biologist Wilson (formerly Moore) and Statewide Waterfowl Specialist Wilson continue their duck banding efforts in Yakima County. Although repairs to pumps at the Sunnyside Wildlife Area have delayed work at this site, water has been restored to the rice paddies, allowing the team to transition their efforts from the northern Yakima County site in Moxee to Sunnyside. They will continue until the banding quota is met.

District 4 Monarch Caterpillar Surveys: District 4 Assistant Biologist Hoffman and District 4 Biologist Fidorra conducted caterpillar surveys on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area in Franklin County. By following up on sightings of monarch butterflies to look for caterpillars, the district team can identify breeding sites and more effectively manage wildlife area units to support declining pollinator populations. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Region 3 Private Lands Access Agreements: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach has been working with contracts staff members on updating and renewing expired access agreement contracts. These access opportunities will be live on the Private Land’s website in the coming weeks. Hunt dates have been added for all Hunt by Reservation opportunities in the region and those slots are open to be reserved for the hunting seasons beginning September 1st.

Region 3 Private Lands Parking Areas and Sign Maintenance: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Pizzini have been mowing parking areas, updating maps and rules at registration boxes, refilling registration slips, and maintaining signs for private lands access. Hunters will be able to park safely at all parking areas and fresh maps and signs will help them with ease of access.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk Hazing: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to spend time hazing elk out of winter wheat crops near the top of Rattlesnake Mountain and recently near tree fruit and wine grape vineyards near Benton City. 

District 4 Rattlesnake Mountain Wheat Harvest: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to work with wheat harvest operations to document crop damage impacts from Hanford elk. This year’s harvest is now complete, and we are waiting for the crop adjuster and producer to compile all the necessary documents and field assessments to file the crop damage claim. Several fields received substantial elk damage, although not likely enough to file for federal crop insurance. 

District 4 Benton City Elk Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand received a new damage complaint from an orchardist in the Benton City area concerning elk damaging a new block of young cherry trees. A Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement was developed, and damage permits issued to help minimize the crop damage.

District 4 Horn Rapids Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand patrolled and completed hazing operations at a wine grape vineyard along the Yakima River. 

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Cole Creek Bridge: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore hauled the wildlife area track loader to the Yakima River unit to block a new user-built road that took vehicles through Cole Creek. It was intended to block the bridge that’s unsafe to cross. They blocked the road but left the Forest Service bridge open because vehicles crossed the bridge while they were there and closing would risk trapping individuals, forcing them to take a greater risk by driving through the creek and around the new barrier. 

L.T. Murray Grazing: Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore assisted the Wildhorse Windfarm install two virtual fence base stations that will cover a large portion of the grazing coordinated resource management project that includes Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Department of Natural Resources, and Puget Sound Energy properties. 

Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area - Sunnyside Wetlands: The pump at the Sunnyside Headquarters unit of the Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area has been repaired and the rice paddies wetlands are in the process of being reflooded. The first cell has completely filled and WDFW staff members are trapping ducks.

Mesa Lake Pacman Wetland Project: The Mesa Lake Pacman Wetland Development project with Ducks Unlimited is nearing the construction phase. In preparation for contractor site visits, Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber began mowing the heavily overgrown Pacman Wetland.

Wenas Wildlife Area- Fire Restoration: Habitat Specialist Miller has been assisting Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray with the identification of restoration sites within the perimeter of the recent Black Canyon Fire. These sites are going to be the start of efforts to reestablish native habitat lost in the recent burn. Expedient action on these sites is essential to try and ensure that native plants and species gain a solid foothold, helping to prevent the further encroachment of noxious weeds. Gray met cultural resources staff members to conduct field surveys for immediate needs tied to the Black Canyon Fire Restoration. This includes propping up approximately 1.5 miles of elk fence until it can be fully replaced to metal, plug planting sites, aerial spraying sites and broadcast seeding sites. Gray has been working closely with cultural resources staff members and was able to get immediate work cleared. She has been coordinating with the Management Analyst Nelson to line out rehab fund needs tied to the fire.   

Wenas Wildlife Area—Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have started to shift the focus of weed control from Russian thistle to knapweed. Wenas Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow finished up spraying the Russian thistle surrounding the feed site and have begun spraying knapweed, mainly along the Bull Pasture Road.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Fire Restoration: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Manager Mackey and Assistant Manager Charlet have been working to identify restoration needs across the 15,000-acre footprint of the recent Retreat Fire. The goal of these efforts is to reestablish native habitat that was lost in the recent burn and limit the spread of noxious weeds through these areas. Restoration efforts will include the planting of pine seedlings, seeding of native grasses, planting or seeding of sage brush, removal of destroyed elk fence exclosures, replacement of a half mile of elk fence, and noxious weed control. Mackey has been working with WDFW cultural resource staff members to organize cultural resource surveys before restoration work can begin. Mackey has also helped in the initiation of planning a field trip with the science community to assess impacts and forest treatment effectiveness post fire.  

Other

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Regional Awards: The L.T. Murray crew attended the annual Region 3 awards ceremony.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Retreat Fire Continued Efforts: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Manager Mackey continues efforts to coordinate permitting and support to the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District to replace wildlife protection features on the canal that were damaged during the Retreat Fire.

PLHO Reservation System: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach attended three meetings with a handful of other private lands biologists and a contracting company to discuss the requirements of a new and improved reservation system. This first step towards a new system was very productive and presentations from different vendors will be following shortly. Hopefully this will lead to an updated and more conducive system by next fall.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Region 3 Pre-season Duck Banding: District 8 Wildlife Assistant Biologist Moore, District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, and Statewide Waterfowl Specialist Wilson have deployed swim in traps. This aims to capture and band ducks for harvest management and to gather information on survival and distribution. The information from recaptured and reported waterfowl bands is used to model harvest, recruitment, and survival, which impact hunting regulations and sex-specific limits.

Wenas Wildlife Area—Fence Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area Technician Janes and Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame worked with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildland firefighters to repair holes in the elk fence which had been cut while firefighters worked to contain the Black Canyon Fire. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Repair: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet has started repairing elk fence that was cut and removed while firefighters were working to protect critical infrastructure from the Retreat Fire.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Wenas Wildlife Area—Durr Rd Shooting Benches: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow prepped and installed several shooting benches and tables at the Durr Rd shooting range. These tables included handicap accessible tables at both the long and short ranges. 

Wenas Wildlife Area—Sheep Co. Shooting Range Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow replaced target stands that had been made unusable by bullet impact. New stands were welded in their place and put lower to avoid impacts in the future.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Wenas Wildlife Area—Durr Rd Boundary Signs: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members installed boundary signs surrounding the impact zone of the Durr Rd shooting range. These signs warn those of the potential danger when entering the impact area.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Closure Signage: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet developed and implemented updated emergency closure signs and maps for the Oak Creek units which were closed due to fire danger associated with the Retreat Fire. 

Yakima County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Specialist Wetzel received several calls from the Cowiche area reporting elk in orchards. Permits and contracts were developed for that area.

Kittitas County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck night hazed elk this month in the Park Creek, Poison Springs, and Badger Pocket areas.

Helicopter flights were used to herd elk from Park Creek, east Kittitas, and the Badger Pocket.

An elk was euthanized after being struck by a vehicle. Three different deer fawns were reported as struck by a vehicle and injured, but all died. A deer was reported to be tangled in a fence and unable to move. The deer was immobilized, freed from the fence, and released. Numerous bear calls were received in upper Kittitas County.

Rattlesnake Hills Elk Hazing: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to spend time hazing elk out of winter wheat crops near the top of Rattlesnake Mountain.

Rattlesnake Mountain Wheat Harvest: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand worked with wheat harvest operations to document crop damage impacts from Hanford elk. Many of the fields are yielding above average bushels per acre and the wheat kernels have good protein levels. Damage from consumption, bedding, and trailing is severe in areas adjacent to the Hanford border. 

Rattlesnake Hills Master Hunter Season: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand worked the opening day of the Master Hunter season and assisted with one elk harvest retrieval. Very warm weather conditions made hunting difficult, as concerns of meat spoilage becomes more likely.

Corral Canyon Injured Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call concerning an injured buck deer near Whitstran. The deer appeared to have been struck by a vehicle and died while enroute.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Restoration: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore treated the five-acre fallow Ragland field for weeds. Hopefully, the wildlife area crew will be able to drill seed grasses this fall, and the following year plant shrub/tree plugs and forbs. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Vantage Highway: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison, Assistant Manager Winegeart, and Natural Resource Technician Blore visited the corrals and pump house restoration sites in preparation of fall shrub planting. The 2024 spring favored weed development in this area. This coupled with the fact that this is the second spring after the Vantage Hwy Fire, led to thick stands of tansy mustard and tumble mustard in some of the deeper soil sites. These annual weeds will probably have little effect on the survival rate of the 40ci plugs that will be planted. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Cole Creek Bridge: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore placed ecology blocks across an illegally created road on the Yakima River Unit that takes vehicles through the creek to bypass the collapsed Cole Creek bridge. Winegeart and Blore planned to block access to the bridge, but vehicles crossed the bridge multiple times while they were there. This led Winegeart and Blore to believe others could still be on the other side of the creek and they didn’t want to block the vehicles exit.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Vence Tower Installation on The Wildhorse Wind Farm: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore supported the WLA Grazing CRM by helping install a Vence Tower on the Wildhorse Wind Farm. This tower increases the ability to track cows and provides a better virtual fence coverage of public lands.

Wenas Wildlife Area Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have continued spraying for weeds throughout the wildlife area. The primary targets this time of year are Canada thistle, Russian thistle, and kochia. Currently, the main target weed control is the feed site and surrounding areas. 

Sunnyside-Snake River Wetland Management: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members continue to mow wetlands in preparation for reflooding in the fall. Staff members have mowed several hundred acres and are on target to meet their goal of maintaining a 50:50 ratio of open water to vegetation within the wetlands. The coyotes also enjoy the yearly wetland mowing as it provides an opportunity for rodent hunting! 

Johnson Wetland Harvest: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber coordinated with the Sunnyside Unit agricultural lessee to harvest the grass in the Johnson Wetland. The lessee cut and baled the grass, which greatly reduced the vegetation debris to improve open water conditions. 

Other

L.T. Murray Government to Government Training: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore attended a Government-to-Government training in Olympia which covered tribal historical perspective, legal issues, tribal sovereignty, and tribal government. 

LT. Murray Wildlife Area Corrals Kiosk: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore made repairs to the corral’s kiosk on the Whiskey Dick Unit.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Manager Mackey continues working with various agencies and the California Incident Management Team 14 to manage various aspects of the Retreat Fire, including suppression, fixing of infrastructure, rehabbing dozer lines, wildlife area closures, public safety, and public information. As of August 19, 2024, the Retreat fire has burnt 45,601 acres and is considered 85% contained.