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. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Fences: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Nass installed vinyl trim markers to fences on the Quilomene and Whiskey Dick units. This will increase fence visibility to sage grouse and other wildlife. 

Bat White-Nose Syndrome Vaccinations: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, Assistant District Biologist Moore, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Intern Flores, WDFW Bat specialist Tobin, and United States Geological Survey (USGS) collaborating biologists conducted bat captures and vaccinations at an Ellensburg maternity roost site. Vaccination trials are in their third and final year. Vaccinations are aimed at preventing the spread of white nose syndrome, a fatal fungus spreading across bat populations. 

District 8 Bat Surveys: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant District Biologist Moore set acoustic sound recording units to survey for bats in the district. This was done in collaboration with the North American Bat survey, which helps inform status and trends of bats across North America.

District 8 Dove Trapping: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, Assistant District Biologist Moore and WDFW Intern Flores commenced dove trapping in the district. Dove trapping aims to band individuals to inform trends in the population. 

District 8 Duck Trapping: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, Assistant District Biologist Moore, Conflict Technician Leuck, and WDFW Intern Flores worked to clear waters to prepare for annual mallard banding efforts in the region. Mallards are trapped and banded annually to inform harvest trends statewide. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Elk Fence: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Nass repaired both double gates in the elk fence at the Joe Watt Canyon Wildlife Area access point. The driver of a vehicle with a flat tire and leaking fluid decided to ram one of the double gates and a week later someone rammed the other double gate. Neither gate was locked, so the small chains used for holding the gates closed were the weak links and failed, allowing for minimal damage to the gates. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity and conduct late night/early morning hazing of elk out of winter wheat crops near the Hanford National Monument. 

District 4 New DPCA: Hand received a request from a tree fruit and vineyard grower in Corral Canyon for a new Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement (DPCA) to address elk damage. A new contract has been submitted and damage permits issued. 

District 4 Silver Dollar Elk Damage: Hand prepared and delivered damage prevention permits to a landowner in the Silver Dollar area dealing with elk damage to his alfalfa hay crop.

District 4 Master Hunter Coordination: Hand assisted several master hunters with scouting and hunting information for the upcoming start of the Rattlesnake Hills Master Hunter season.

District 4 Kahlotus Wheat Harvest: Hand monitored wheat harvest at several fields near Kahlotus that experienced deer damage from last winter. Wheat harvest is just wrapping up in this area with below or near average yields in most fields. No deer damage claim will be submitted this year. 

District 4 West Richland Deer Damage: Hand responded to a deer damage complaint from a landowner who has reported damage concerns for the past couple years. This year’s damage, mostly to corn crops, is not as bad as previous years. The landowner has requested hunting effort from youth and master hunters from the Region 3 special permit lists again this year.

District 8 Kittitas County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck night hazed elk this month in the Park Creek and Badger Pocket areas. Helicopter flights were used to herd elk from Park Creek, east Kittitas, and the Badger Pocket areas.

In addition, there have been numerous bear calls received in upper Kittitas County, mostly in USFS campground areas where sanitation practices are inadequate. 

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

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Grazing Program: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Nass assembled a virtual fence base station, which will be used for monitoring cattle on the Quilomene Unit.

L.T. Murray Vegetation Monitoring: The L.T. Murray crew performed end of growing season vegetation monitoring in the Vantage pasture. Stubble height looked ok but weeds that had been suppressed in the canyon bottoms due to grazing came back with a vengeance. 

L.T. Murray Weed Control: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Nass sprayed weeds on the Quilomene and Whiskey Dick units. Natural Resource Technician Blore sprayed the fallow ragland field to keep some broadleaf plants from going to seed. Hopefully the crew will be able to plant this field with native grasses in the fall. 

Wenas Wildlife Area—Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff have continued spraying for weeds throughout the wildlife area. The primary targets this time of year are Canada thistle, Russian thistle, and Kochia. The Sheep Company Target Shooting Range was sprayed for weeds this past week.

Wenas Wildlife Area- Aerial Weed Control: In addition to ground applications of herbicide performed by staff members, Habitat Specialist Miller coordinated another aerial application of herbicides on targeted restoration sites. Aerial application helps to make treatments of these sites more efficient. These aerial applications are an essential step in restoring sites back to native habitat.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Sheep Company Target Shooting Range Clean-Up: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members removed 900 pounds of target shooting trash and waste from the Sheep Company Target Shooting Range. During this range closure period, the team was able to fully clean the ranges in preparation for the shooting closures to be lifted.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Region 3 Hunting Prospects: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, District 8 Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore, and District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra completed drafting the 2024 hunting prospects which will be published for the public later this summer. 

Other

Wenas Wildlife Area- Black Canyon Fire: The Black Canyon fire recently burned a portion of the wildlife area. Staff members worked to post road closure signs in the wildlife area to ensure that firefighting operations were not interrupted and public safety was maintained.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Retreat Fire: The Retreat Fire, just outside of Naches, WA, started on July 23, 2024, and quickly burned a significant section of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. Wildlife area staff members have posted closure signs and maps along entrance points to closed sections. The most recent fire updates indicate the fire has burnt 41,279 acres, including private, state, and federal land, and is 49% contained.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area First Aid: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Manager Mackey and Assistant Manager Charlet attended a two-day wilderness first aid training. This training aimed to teach advanced first aid skills for employees working in remote environments when help from professional first responders may have delayed or extended response times.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 North American Bat Monitoring Program: District 8 Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Intern Flores deployed acoustic recording units as part of the annual North American Bat Monitoring Program facilitated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The acoustic monitors are deployed in the same location every year and help biologists monitor for changes in species composition and population. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Wenas Wildlife Area – Legoman Kiosk Install: Wenas Wildlife Area Biologist Miller along with Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow and Janes installed a kiosk in the Legoman portion of the wildlife area which borders U.S. Forest Service land. The kiosk shows a map of the green dot roads in the area along with other informational signs relating to WDFW regulations.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Shooting Restriction Sign Install: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow and Janes finished making a sign that shows the current restrictions on target shooting in the wildlife area and, with the help of Biologist Miller, installed the sign on Durr Road leading to new shooting range. The sign is a copy of the sign on Sheep Company Road.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members posted fire restriction signs across the wildlife area. Fire restrictions went into effect on July 1 and aim to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire by limiting allowed activities, including no discharge of firearms, no chainsaw use, and no campfires.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity and haze elk out of winter wheat crops near the Hanford National Monument. New damage prevention permits were issued to landowners in Elk Area 3721 and minimal harvest has likely occurred due to nocturnal elk movements and hot weather conditions. Late night-early morning hazing patrols will continue by landowners and Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand.

 District 4 Kahlotus Wheat Harvest: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand checked on harvest activity at several wheatfields where deer damage had occurred from last winter. None of the landowners have started harvesting yet, but likely will in the next week. As of now, no crop damage claims have been initiated, but once harvest starts and access to more remote areas of the fields is available more deer damage could be evident.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Wildlife Area – Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members continued efforts to control invasive weeds in the wildlife area through the use of backpack sprayers. Canadian thistle continues to be the main target for control this time of year, before it can go to seed.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Noxious Weed Control: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members continue to chemically control noxious weeds across the wildlife area. As summer progresses most plants have matured in lower elevations, so staff members have started to focus efforts on the control of weeds in the Rock Creek Unit. This area is at a higher elevation but still contains a diverse list of noxious weeds, especially in disturbed areas, including Canada thistle, St Johns wort, knapweed, and dalmatian toadflax. 

L.T. Murray Teanaway Unit Weed Control: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart treated weeds in the Teanaway Unit meadows. The area had been treated for mainly Canada thistle, Sulphur cinquefoil, and diffuse knapweed by Mid-Columbia Fisheries under grant funding for the past couple years and was looking good. 

L.T. Murray, Yakima River Unit: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore and Assistant Manager Winegeart installed two trail cameras on an illegal creek crossing and have acquired more than ten pictures which include vehicles in the water and other pertinent information. L.T. Murray Wildlife Area crew members first placed ecology blocks to block the trail. When someone pulled one out of the way and continued to use the trial to cross the illegal ford, the crew added boulders to the hill slope and slope toe. The users then cut small trees and brush to create a new trail around the blocks and after only two weeks it has received so much use, the trail appears to have been there for years.

Sunnyside Wetlands: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members have begun mowing wetlands in the Headquarters Unit in preparation for upcoming duck banding and routine reflooding in the fall.

Benton City Restoration: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Assistant Wildlife Area Manager Jahns met with Benton Conservation District staff members to discuss the initial planning for a potential restoration project at the Benton City boat ramp site. The goal of the project is to restore the area into a native heritage garden for the benefit of pollinators and other wildlife species. The project will be a collaborative effort between wildlife area staff, Benton Conservation District, and the City of Benton. The hope is to engage with local schools and other volunteer groups to implement the project. 

Other

Wenas Wildlife Area – Vehicle Maintenance: Wenas Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Taylor along with Technicians Stoltenow and Janes have been performing maintenance and repairs on various vehicles and equipment. 

Lands 20/20: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Assistant Wildlife Area Manager Jahns have been using the hot afternoons to work on two Lands 20/20 applications as the deadline approaches.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Fisher Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, with assistance from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Intern Flores and Habitat Biologist Bucher, retrieved fisher monitoring stations set in fall 2023. Six of approximately 140 camera stations were collected. A wolverine was detected at one of six sites and marten at two of six sites, no fishers were detected.

District 8 Wildlife Population Monitoring Using Camera Traps: District 8 wildlife biologists have been deploying summer camera traps in remote areas across the district. Biologists will retrieve these cameras before the snow returns. 

Region 3 Monarch Butterflies Returning: In the past week, Sunnyside Snake River staff members have observed monarch butterflies returning to areas of the wildlife area that have milkweed. Monarchs have been observed in the Windmill and Hope Valley units. 

District 4 Unusual Milkweed Variety: During monarch surveys, District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra located a patch of showy milkweed of an unusual color on the Windmill Unit. Photos were sent to Olympia staff members who consulted with the collections manager of the University of Washington Herbarium who had never seen this color variety. A specimen will be collected and prepared next week.

District 4 Burrowing Owls Give It a Second Go: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra thought the owl project was wrapping up as the team went to check the final two nests of the year. However, one of the nests failed and the owl pair had re-nested, which is uncommon this late in the year! Perhaps an indication of good food supply, or encouraged by the unseasonably cool temperatures, this owl nest is one of two that will not be ready for banding until late July. Good luck owlets!

District 4 Goose Banding: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, along with help from Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand, Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, volunteers from District 4 Fish Program, volunteers from the Wildlife Program in neighboring districts, and many volunteers from the public trapped and banded geese in District 4. In total, 155 geese were banded between Columbia Park and Hood Park and many previously banded geese were recaptured and released. 

Amphibian Monitoring on Sunnyside Wildlife Area: District 4 Wildlife Biologists Fidorra and Hoffman received training from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Herpetologist Hallock on amphibian trapping and tadpole identification. Several Species of Greatest Conservation Need were detected. Surveys will be conducted these next few weeks to begin cataloging sites important for these amphibians on WDFW land.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Region 3 Harder Springs Blackbirds: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach was checking the parking area and registration box at the Harder Springs Register to View site in Kahlotus. Volunteers from goose trapping earlier in the month mentioned that they had stopped and seen the tricolored blackbirds there recently on their way into town, so Manderbach took a look and found a few amongst the yellow-headed blackbirds and red-winged blackbirds. Manderbach will work with the landowners to continue to maintain the site and extend the access contract.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Corral Canyon Elk Area Damage Prevention and Kill Permits: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand delivered the next round of damage prevention permits and kill permits to landowners in elk area 3721. Meetings with landowners were held to discuss changes in crop damage compensation, permit coordination, and hazing strategies.

District 4 Injured Richland Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call concerning a possible injured deer at the Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland. The deer was located and showed signs of injury to a lower rear leg and a broken antler, possibly from a vehicle collision. The deer was mobile and was actively feeding, so no further action was necessary.

District 4 Bird in Chimney: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand received a report of a possible squirrel in a fireplace in Finley. The squirrel noises were actually a starling that was trapped in the chimney which was captured and released unharmed.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Tree Removal and Elk Fence Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area Specialist Frame, Habitat Biologist Miller, and Natural Resource Technicians Stoltenow and Janes removed trees that had fallen on the fence along North Wenas Road and removed trees that could potentially fall on the fence in the future. The fence in that section was repaired to prevent wildlife from leaving the wildlife area.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Roza Cable Installation: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Janes and Stoltenow installed an additional cable extending from the gate at the entrance to the Roza restoration area. There has been issues in this area with people leaving the green dot road to drive around the locked gate in order to access this area. This will hopefully prevent people from doing this in the future.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Elk Fence: L.T Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore worked with a master hunter to install an elk return gate in a section of elk fence that routinely receives damage from elk. The elk seem to get in around the Kittitas Reclamation District Road and possibly the creek, but this gate should eliminate future fence damage once the elk find and get used to using it. 

Kittitas County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck night hazed elk this month in the Park Creek and Badger Pocket areas. Conflict Specialist Wetzel trapped one bear and immobilized another. Both were relocated to approved areas. 

Yakima County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Specialist Wetzel checked for elk in the Tampico and Cowiche areas and inspected fences in those locations. Elk have been reported near orchards and some hay areas but have been easily hazed and have not returned.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Colockum Wildlife Area Forestry: Colockum Wildlife Area Manager Lopushinsky and Assistant Manager Hagan toured the Clara Lake area with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Forester Pfeifle to assess the area for possible forest health thinning work. This is a pristine, high elevation area with no active timber management in the past. After looking at access limitations, habitat conditions, and recent fire events it was decided to not pursue thinning work there in the near future.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow sprayed Scotch thistle growing in the lower portion of the Black Canyon Trail and some Russian thistle growing around the Wenas Wildlife Area headquarters.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Weed Control: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members continue to chemically control weeds across the wildlife area. Focus continues to be placed on the control of Scotch thistle but other species being controlled include Russian thistle, knapweed, Canada thistle, yellow star thistle, and poison hemlock. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Weed Control: A local vegetation management crew was hired to treat weeds along and within 30 feet of green dot roads in the 2022 Vantage Highway Fire area which includes most of the Whiskey Dick Unit and some of the Quilomene Unit. The crew covered all the roads and found yellow star thistle and rush skeleton weed which are two weeds that have potential for serious landscape harm and the wildlife area crew were unaware of their presence.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Cultural Resource Surveying: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison worked with Westland Archaeology which was contracted to do an extensive cultural survey project on the Whiskey Dick and Quilomene units. The information provided from this project will allow the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area management team to better plan and implement restoration activities post 2022 Vantage Highway Fire while protecting sensitive and significant cultural resources. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Roads: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Technician Blore added barrier rocks to a road that led to an illegal crossing through Cole Creek on the Yakima River Unit near Easton. A new road was quickly created around the barrier so Winegeart and Blore placed two cameras on the crossing hoping to identify the individuals making the new roads over the holiday weekend. 

Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Weed Control: Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area staff members have been spraying near access sites and roadways to reduce many species of broadleaf weeds. Staff members will be transitioning to mowing interior roadways to reduce fire hazards and then begin wetland mowing activities in a few weeks. 

Seed Collection Efforts at Thornton: Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, Natural Resource Technician Edwards, and Private Lands Biologist Manderbach joined staff members from the Benton/Franklin Conservation District in a seed collection effort of slender hawksbeard on the Thornton Unit. The collected seed will be used in seedball making events and spread out over other units of the wildlife area. Spiny hopsage and lupine seeds were collected as well.

Antelope Bitterbrush Seed Collection: Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Private Lands Biologist Manderbach collected antelope bitterbrush seed from the Thompson Seeps Unit. The amount and size of bitterbush plants in multiple areas of the unit is promising for seed collection events far into the future. The seed will be used to restore bitterbrush on other wildlife area units and private lands access sites.

Providing Education and Outreach

Wenas Wildlife Area – Durr Road Kiosk: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame and Natural Resource Technicians Stoltenow and Janes installed a kiosk and repositioned a green dot road management sign on the north Durr Road entry to the wildlife area. The green dot road management sign shows information regarding the proper usage of green dot roads and includes the new 2024 Green Dot Road Map. The kiosk has signage that provides information on regulations for recreational use, emergency restrictions, and as well as information about the wildlife area.

Wenas Wildlife Area – New Green Dot Road Maps for 2024: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame has ordered and installed new for 2024, Green Dot Road Maps on all the informational kiosks that are within the Wenas Wildlife Area. These new maps have updated information about the wildlife area and are printed in full color, making it easy for members of the public to read.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Region 3 Wildlife Program Safety Training – ATV and UTV classes: Over two days, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Safety Staff Members Mundy and Culican held an ATV and UTV Operator Training class at Oak Creek Wildlife Area. More than 15 Region 3 staff members are now trained and certified to safely operate and maintain these machines, which are important for the off trail and often remote nature of some of WDFW’s work. 

Supervisor Training: Private Lands Biologist Manderbach attended a three-day supervisor training in Spokane. The three days were packed full of great information and interaction with the class on leadership and supervisory strategies as well as general Human Resource information. The training is intended for new supervisors, but it is also a great refresher course for any supervisor and a great informative training for those who do not supervise.

Other

Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Byron Wetland Tour: Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber toured the Byron Unit with partners from Ducks Unlimited to deploy data loggers to record water data from multiple ponds located in the eastern portion of the Byron Unit. Data collected will help with possible future wetland development and management. While touring many waterfowl broods were observed along with many species of shorebirds and turtles. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

L.T. Murray Shoestring Trail and Camp Sites: Natural Resource Scientist Nass worked with the President of Northwest Motorcycle Association Toenyan in the planning phase of re-routing one mile of the existing single track/multi-use trail contributing sediment loading into the South Fork Manastash Creek. 

Staff members worked with law enforcement to remove an abandoned camper from a Taneum Creek camping site. The camper had a blown tire, plywood doors, and unhealthy interior air quality.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Corral Canyon Elk Area Damage Prevention and Kill Permits: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand prepared the next round of damage prevention permits (DPP) and kill permits in Elk Area 3721. Permits will be distributed in the next week to landowners on Rattlesnake Mountain to assist with crop damage impacts from elk leaving the Hanford National Monument.

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continues to monitor elk activity and damage impacts while actively performing late night and early morning hazing patrols. They coordinated with and assisted landowners and damage hunt participants. Increasing numbers of elk continue to raid wheat fields along the top of Rattlesnake Mountain, mostly at night.

Plymouth Paterson Wine Grapes: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand checked several wine grape vineyards in south Benton County for deer damage. Although deer activity was observed in a few areas, no significant damage is occurring at this time, likely due to lots of different forage available and active hazing strategies.

Vehicle and Deer Collisions: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand was dispatched to two calls for service concerning injured deer involved with vehicle collisions. One young buck deer was euthanized, and two doe deer were deceased on arrival. All of the carcasses were transported and deposited at the Washington Department of Transportation carcass pit.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

L.T. Murray Volunteer Events: Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Scientist Nass worked with volunteers on the annual maintenance of the South Fork Manastash cabin. Enforcement has been using the cabin during elk season and it has great historical value to some folks in the Ellensburg area. 

Assistant Manager Winegeart led a volunteer event to remove relic barbed wire from the Whiskey Dick Unit. The project originally began as part of a mule deer migration corridor enhancement grant and to the volunteers' delight, a fawn was located on the fence line. The crew was able to see a benefit of their efforts as this little fellow stands a greater chance of survival with the old fence removed. The crew moved to a different area to work.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Volunteer Service Day: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet and 18 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife volunteers collected garbage from high public use areas around the wildlife area, including dispersed camping sites, target shooting sites, and various roadways. Volunteers covered over 100 miles of roadways on the wildlife area and collected roughly 300 pounds of garbage. Their success and hard work were celebrated with an annual potluck BBQ and meeting at the Oak Creek Visitor Center.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Weed Control: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members have continued chemical control of noxious weeds throughout the wildlife area. The primary focus has been on the control of Scotch thistle, but as time allows all species on the noxious weed list are controlled. Contractors have also completed the chemical control of noxious weeds on the Cowiche Unit.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 4 Burrowing Owl Nest Monitoring: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman monitored artificial burrows for nesting owls with staff members and volunteers. The artificial burrows are in high demand following a mild El Nino winter allowing many owls to stay in Washington over the winter and experience high survival. Many sites designed for only one pair of owls currently have two pairs nesting at the artificial burrows, emphasizing the lack of suitable burrows and habitat for the species in our area, and the importance of the artificial burrow project.

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Photo by WDFW

Bighorn Sheep Lamb Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore continue monitoring lambing in the district bighorn sheep herds including the Quilomene, Yakima, and Cleman Mountain populations. We are looking to establish peak lamb to ewe ratios and monitor for any signs of illness including coughing, nasal discharge, or lethargy that are consistent with Movi infections. 

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Photo by WDFW

Townsend Ground Squirrel Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore continue to survey for Townsend ground squirrel colony sites. Ground squirrels were once common. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has noticed declines in historically occupied sites. To better assess this, biologists have been working to assess historic site status and identify new locations of colonies to determine if breeding is occurring. Efforts to solicit public observations of these tailless ground squirrels are ongoing. If you see one please submit reports using WDFW’s ‘At-Risk’ Wildlife Observations form.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Region 3 Special Permit Season: The Customer Service and Wildlife Program staff members addressed a record number of inquiries from hunters (in person, on phone, and by email) and they offered invaluable guidance to aid hunters in making informed choices regarding their applications for special hunts.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Tree Removals During Nesting Season: Assistant District 8 Wildlife Biologist Moore has been called to address instances of tree removal involving existing nests. Initially, a western screech owl was found nesting within a tree that was slated to be removed. Moore inspected the tree cavity and set up a motion-activated trail camera to monitor activity. However, it was determined that the owl had vacated the area, thus alleviating concerns of ongoing nesting. 

In another scenario, a local tree-cutting service was tasked with removing a potentially hazardous tree on private property. During the limb removal process, it was discovered that one of the tree's natural hollows served as a nest for several kestrel nestlings. Promptly recognizing the need for guidance, the company reached out to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for advice. In accordance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the company was instructed not to proceed with tree removal until the nestlings have fledged, ensuring compliance with legal protections for migratory birds.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Roza Posts and Cable: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame, Natural Resource Technician Janes, and Assistant Manager Taylor installed posts extending out from the gate blocking access to the Roza Road. There have been issues with people driving around the gate and illegally accessing the area. A cable will be strung along the posts to help prevent people from driving into the area.

Corral Canyon Elk Area Summer Bull Permits: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand monitored and coordinated damage prevention permit (DPP) hunts in elk area 3721. Ten bull elk have been harvested thus far. Non-lethal hazing in crop fields continues during nocturnal hours.

Kahlotus Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand inspected several wheat fields in the Kahlotus area that have historically received substantial deer damage. Heavy deer damage has occurred in a few areas, especially near remote locations near the breaks of the Snake River.

Richland Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call concerning an injured deer in Richland. While in route to the area the deer died from its injuries sustained in a vehicle collision along a very busy roadway. The young buck deer was transferred to a Washington Department of Transportation carcass pit.

Kittitas County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck and Conflict Specialist Wetzel hazed some elk from areas in Kittitas County. Elk ventured to areas in Thorp, Vantage, Kittitas, Badger Pocket, and Cle Elum mostly following migratory routes and visiting some crop fields and new seedings. Leuck and Wetzel also responded to several elk that were struck on I-90. Elk have been hazed away again from I-90 in some locations.

District 8 Conflict Specialist Wetzel responded to several calls about black bears that have been nuisances and have low fear of humans in a neighborhood in Hyak. Trapping has been underway.

Yakima County Conflict: District 8 Conflict Technician Leuck and Conflict Specialist Wetzel checked for elk in the Tampico and Cowiche areas and inspected fences in those locations. Elk appear to have moved up and away from the winter damage areas.

Bumping Lake Deer: District 8 Conflict Specialist Wetzel rescued a deer trapped in the spillway at Bumping Lake.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wallula Gap Vineyards Food Plot: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach met with two landowners in Benton County to do a site visit for a potential food plot project. The main concern that brought the idea up is deer eating young grapes, and the landowners thought of implementing a food plot to attract the deer away from the grapes. They are also required to use water this summer and a food plot would be a great project to use extra water. In total there would be 130 acres to work with. Manderbach has been working with staff members from the Benton Conservation District to help with the implementation of the project. The timing of finding out about this idea was not ideal, but a temporary food plot may be implemented this year with a better native mix along with shrub rows being added in starting this fall.

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Photo by WDFW

Wenas Wildlife Area – Weed Control: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members have continued weed treatment throughout the wildlife area. The primary target for spot spraying with backpack sprayers has been whitetop, but Canada and Scotch thistle are still being found. Natural Resource Technician Janes sprayed the firebreaks and parking areas in the southern portion of the wildlife area to help hinder the movement of fires through the wildlife area.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Mowing: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame mowed the McCabe restoration site to knock down cereal rye in the area and prepare for weed spraying. Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow mowed around the Mellotte office and the Wenas Wildlife Area Headquarters to help reduce the risk of fires. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Quilomene Grazing: The bison are back on the Quilomene Unit leading to a heightened interest in figuring out some fencing issues in the Parke Creek drainage.

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Photo by WDFW

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Relic Barbed Wire Cleanup: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart led a volunteer effort to remove old barbed wire from the Whiskey Dick Unit of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. The day was a great success with over a half mile of barbed wire being taken down and removed from the landscape. 

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Photo by WDFW

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Cole Creek Resource Protection: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area crew placed 3,800-pound concrete blocks across an off-road trail some individuals had been using to go around the broken Cole Creek Bridge on the Yakima River Unit. Someone moved one of the blocks the first weekend after installation and more than a half dozen vehicles were seen and/or cited for driving around the blocks and subsequently through Cole Creek. An extra block and additional signage will be added soon.

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Photo by WDFW

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Volunteer Service Day: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet and 20 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation volunteers used a combination of mechanical and chemical control to treat approximately 20 acres of land around Mud Lake. This area has a dense infestation of dalmatian toadflax with occasional Canada thistle, knapweed, and mullein plants found. 

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Weed Control: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members have continued weed treatment throughout the wildlife area. The primary focus has been on the chemical control of Scotch thistle, but as time allows all species on the noxious weed list are controlled. Contractors have also started chemically controlling noxious weeds in various areas on the Oak Creek and Cowiche units, primarily focusing on Scotch thistle.

Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Weed Control: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members have been busy applying herbicide to Scotch thistle, houndstongue, and other noxious weeds. Windy weather has delayed some of the herbicide applications. Staff members have also been cleaning litter and debris from wildlife area access sites. 

Colockum Wildlife Area: Colockum Wildlife Area staff members ordered multiple dump truck loads of rock to be dumped into mudholes created by 4X4’s at Lily Lake. There is a long history of “mudding” at Lily Lake in the Stemilt Basin and they are attempting to discourage this by dumping sharp angular rock into the worst of the mudholes. Rock will be spread out to make mudding a little less attractive.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Education and Outreach

Sacagawea Park Salmon Celebration: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach led birdwatching walks for elementary classes as part of the Franklin Conservation District’s Salmon Celebration at Sacagawea Park. Each class was able to see a handful of different bird species while following general birdwatching rules of remaining quiet and moving slowly. Many of the students were very excited and some were even pointing out birds for their classes. The highlight of the day was a raccoon peeking its head out of a tree cavity that a few of the classes were lucky enough to see.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Outreach: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Natural Resource Technician Edwards taught students attending Salmon Celebration about the wildlife found in the State of Washington. Students were able to touch and feel various animal pelts, antlers, and skulls. 

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Photo by WDFW

Mesa Elementary Ecology Day: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, with the help of an environmental educator from the Franklin Conservation District, worked a station at the annual Ecology Day at Mesa Elementary. Students attended 30-minute stations throughout the day with different presentations and activities centered around ecology and the environment. This year Manderbach put on a seedball workshop while speaking about wildflowers and pollinators. Each student crafted three to five seedballs using a compost/clay powder/water/wildflower seed mix. Some of the species in the mix included western yarrow, Lewis blue flax, arrowleaf balsamroot, and Munro’s globemallow. 

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Photo by WDFW

Wenas Wildlife Area – Legoman Kiosk: Wenas Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Taylor, Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame, and Natural Resource Technicians Stoltenow and Janes installed a kiosk and reader-board in the Legoman portion of the wildlife area. The reader-board shows information regarding the proper usage of green dot roads and will have a green dot map in the future. The kiosk has information on regulations for recreational use of the wildlife area as well as information about the wildlife area. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wenas Wildlife Area- RCO Grant: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Habitat Specialist Miller presented a proposed project on the Wenas Wildlife Area to The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). Grants from RCO help to supplement acquisition funding for the wildlife area as well as contribute toward essential conservation work.

Other

District 4 Burrowing Owl Supplies: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra coordinated with the Blue Mountain Audubon Society chapter to purchase supplies for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service artificial burrows for burrowing owls. Fidorra received and delivered supplies to the Hanford Reach National Monument staff members.

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Photo by WDFW

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Abandoned Trailer: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet found an abandoned trailer on the Cowiche Unit after the long Memorial Day weekend. Law enforcement was contacted and were very responsive and helpful in working through the process to resolve this situation.