Managing Wildlife Populations

Marbled Murrelet Captures: Biologist Sage and Technicians Leipold and Trautmann assisted the ongoing Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) marine bird research team with their at-sea murrelet capture efforts. Samples that staff collected at capture will provide information on the birds' diet. The team caught one marbled murrelet near Port Townsend. 

Amphibian Surveys on Wildlife Areas: Biologist Sage and Technicians Leipold and Trautmann surveyed nine wetlands for amphibians in the new West Twin River Unit of the Olympic Wildlife Area near Port Angeles. The survey methods included visual encounter surveys, funnel trapping, and dip net sweeps. For visual encounter surveys, staff members walked the shallow perimeter of each wetland to identify and count adults, juveniles, and eggmasses of amphibians. Staff members also used nets to sweep the bottom substrate of each pond. They set a total of 28 collapsible, mesh funnel traps across three of the wetlands. They found and identified eggmasses of red legged frogs, Pacific chorus frogs, and northwestern salamanders. They also saw or caught adult chorus frogs, rough skinned newts, and red legged frogs. 

Blacktail Deer Project, Region 5: Biologist Murphie completed project training and assisted with deploying trail camera associated with a new project using trail cameras to assess blacktail deer populations. 

Black Tailed Deer Camera Training: Biologist Cent attended a training to install remote cameras per protocol for the upcoming black-tailed deer study starting in Region 5.

Elk Composition Flights: Biologist Murphie coordinated and conducted elk composition flights in three game management units within the Olympic elk herd range.

Willapa Elk Survey: Biologist Cent and Novack finalized the flight plan for the upcoming elk surveys. The flight plan is a preliminary planning and safety document that is required before helicopter operations can start.

Elk Surveys, District 11: Biologist Tirhi completed three days of elk surveys with the Nisqually Tribe and Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). Ninety percent of JBLM ownership was flown (most western urbanized area not flown), lands south of JBLM from its southern boundary to approximately Grand Mound, and lands east of JBLM from its eastern boundary to approximately highway 162. Conditions for 3.5 of the 4-day survey were great. No elk and only a few deer were observed across JBLM although ground visibility was good. Very few elk were observed south of JBLM to Grand Mound. Although data is still being analyzed, this survey suggests few elk reside in the south Puget sound area of the South Rainier Elk Herd, including on JLBM and surrounding lands, and elk that are seen are transient. More elk were observed as crews flew eastward from JBLM; those elk represent the members of the North Rainier Elk Herd. 

Dusky Canada Goose: Biologists Cent and Novack continued the bi-monthly surveys of Dusky Canada Geese. It appears that some of the geese are starting their northward migration.

Streaked horned lark: Biologist Tirhi and LeGrand met with Olympia Airport and Black Hills Audubon (at the request of Port of Olympia) to discuss larks and gophers occupying the airport. The discussion included activities that may be impacting both species, such as the Olympia Airshow, and the opportunity to work together to reduce those impacts.

Oregon spotted frog: The spotted frog breeding season began in late February in the south Puget sound. District 11 staff members began the first of three surveys of all known breeding sites the first week of March and will continue surveys through April. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Osprey on Cell Towers: Biologist Tirhi completed and provided two nest removal permits to cell companies or their representatives seeking to remove full or partial nests during this inactive season. Permits cease March 1 with the beginning of the nesting season except for limited emergency situations.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Twin Rivers Signage: Technician Norris and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman installed signage at the Twin Rivers Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.

Lakewood Planting: Technician Morgan and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman received free native trees and shrubs from the Tahoma Bird Alliances’ Trees for Tacoma Program and planted them at the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area in Lakewood.

Duck Stamp Applications: Biologist Novack submitted a pair of Duck Stamp applications for habitat restoration and enhancement work in District 17. Additionally, he provided data and professional input for a number of other regional projects.

Willapa Refuge Stakeholder Meeting: Biologist Novack participated in work group session with various collaborators that have been working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Willapa Wildlife Refuge on expansion of public land ownership.

Olympic – Willapa Hills Wildlife Area Scoping Meeting: Biologist Novack attended the initial scoping meeting for the revision of the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

New District 11 Biologist 2: Biologist Tirhi is happy to announce the hiring of a second Assistant District Biologist, Anne Yen. Anne comes highly skilled, having worked for numerous agencies, species, and habitats. After two weeks of onboarding, Anne jumped into our busy field season with elk and spotted frog surveys, snake fungal disease, deer cameras, and much more.

Work-planning: Biologist Murphie and other regional staff members conducted work-planning activities associated with the vacant District 16 biologist two position, as we change the position description to reflect the addition of work in District 15.

Spotted Owl Team Meeting: Biologist Murphie attended an online meeting of this group. 

Other

Interview Panel: Biologist Cent and Novack participated on the interview panel for the seasonal plover technician position. The preferred candidate was selected and accepted the position.

Bell Creek Barn Cleanup: WDFW volunteer members, along with technicians Morgan and Norris, and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, cleaned up the barn located at the Bell Creek Unit in the North Olympic Wildlife Area. This barn has been used by volunteer members for the last 20 years and has gathered lots of old planting equipment that needed sorting, and trash that needed disposal. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Marbled Murrelet Captures: Biologist Murphie assisted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) marine bird research team with their at-sea murrelet capture efforts. Samples collected at capture will provide information on the diet of these small sea birds. To catch these birds, capture teams drive small, rigid-hull, inflatable boats around at night using spotlights to find marbled or ancient murrelets. Once found, the boat maneuvers close enough to catch them with a salmon-landing net. Working west of Port Angeles, Biologist Murphie reports the team caught two ancient murrelets on the night he participated. Additional efforts continue. 

Harlequin Duck Survey: Annually, WDFW staff members conduct boat-based harlequin duck composition counts in several areas of the inland marine waters of Washington. Biologist Murphie participated in this effort, surveying west of Port Angeles out to Cape Flattery.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Fence Repairs - Misery Point, Kitsap County: The access team made good use of the dry and cold weather by making fence repairs at several water access sites in the region. At Misery Point Access, the crew replaced a 45-foot section of chain link with wooden privacy slats, repaired several smaller sections, replaced top rail, and straightened fence posts.

Abandoned Vessel Removal and Recycling - Lacey, Thurston County: It has been a long road, but access staff members, with assistance from Lacey Shop staff members and equipment, have finally completed the disposal process of an abandoned 24-foot Cabin Cruiser. After assuming custody, all fluids and contaminants were removed and the vessel was meticulously deconstructed, allowing materials to be separated, sorted, and recycled accordingly. The remaining debris was loaded into a dumpster destined for the refuse station and smashed into smithereens. The resources and cumulative hours spent will be submitted to Department of Natural Resources vessel recovery program for reimbursement. 

Malicious Tree Damage - Clarks Creek Loop Trail, Pierce County: Clarks Creek Loop Trail property is part of the Puyallup Hatchery grounds and shares boundaries with the Puyallup Parks Department who primarily maintains the trails by agreement with WDFW. Access staff members helped coordinate efforts between WDFW, the City of Puyallup Parks Department, and a contracted arborist to safely fall standing danger trees. Several trees had been maliciously damaged beyond survival, many were cut halfway through or more and needed felling to eliminate risk to the public. This is the second time in 11 months trees were damaged or killed at this location. The previous incident included the loss of an old growth Douglas Fir estimated at around 200 years old. Additionally, vandalism to signs and illegal dumping has been documented during the same period. WDFW Communications issued news releases describing these events and has gained quite a bit of attention within the local news outlets.

Beaver Damage – American Lake, Pierce County: Access staff members consulted with an arborist about the condition of trees damaged by ongoing work of beavers at the American Lake access. Beavers have been chewing their way through several cottonwoods on the north side of the parking area, some trees may need to be removed in the weeks to come.

Twin Rivers Gate: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman met with Cultural Resources and Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) staff members at the new Twin Rivers Unit to help plan for the installation of a new gate at the parking area of the unit. CAMP staff members installed the gate, and new signs will be on site soon.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Lake Koeneman: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, Assistant Regional Program Manager Blankenship, and Forester Nequette visited the Lake Koeneman Unit of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area to assess the unit for potential future thinning work. 

Lakewood Weed Management: Technician Morgan removed scotch broom, blackberry, and spurge laurel at the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood. Wildlife Area Manager Laushman treated poison hemlock throughout the unit.

Providing Education and Outreach

Tree Planting Volunteer Event at the Elk River Unit: Technicians Magliaro and Martinez coordinated and led a volunteer tree planting event on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Westport at the Elk River Unit of the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area. Volunteer members planted shore pines and Sitka spruce. The wildlife area staff members have been working to control an extensive scotch broom outbreak at this site through mowing, brush cutting, and spraying. The goal of this planting event is to establish more native plants to hopefully outcompete the scotch broom. 

Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to bobcats, river otters, osprey nest removal requests, and ravens.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

McNeil Island Visit: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman visited McNeil Island with the Cultural Resources Team and Habitat Biologist Erkel to look at upcoming projects that will involve help from the Cultural Resources staff members. 

Safety Stand-up Week: Biologist Murphie participated in several activities associated with the agency-wide safety stand-up effort.

Work-planning: Biologist Murphie participated in work-planning activities with other Regional and Headquarters staff members.

Olympic Peninsula Technical Team Meeting: Biologist Murphie participated in the annual meeting of this group.

DFW Aviation Instruction: Biologist Murphie held an aviation training class in Port Townsend, which covers fundamental aspects of working with and around aircraft, and aspects of helicopter capture work.

Other

Access Manager Reeves worked with the Department of Enterprise Systems and contracted dealerships to begin the replacement process of water access service trucks.

Access Manager Reeves prepared the final PowerPoint presentation for a grant application to Recreation Conservation Office in the Boating Facilities Program category Redevelopment Spencer Lake water access.

Access Manager Reeves is coordinating efforts with volunteer members in the Adopt an Access program to install life jacket loaner sheds at WDFW access sites. 

Access Manager Reeves developed a tentative plan and schedule with Washington Conservation Corps forage fish crew to expand the monofilament recycling bins to additional access areas throughout Region 6.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Sea duck, marine bird surveys: Biologist Murphie participated in the annual Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) winter marine bird and mammal survey effort, as a primary observer. These surveys have been conducted since 1992 and sample the inland marine waters of Washington. Biologist Murphie has participated in this effort since 1995. Observers identify and count all birds and marine mammals seen within a fifty-meter strip on either side of the survey aircraft. The current survey track line extends more than 4,000 miles. So far, the crew has completed more than 80% of the effort. The figure below shows the track lines covered so far (blue lines) and the track lines remaining (red lines), as of January 9. Not shown is effort conducted on January 12, which covered areas west of Port Angeles. 

Dusky Canada Goose: Biologists Cent and Novack continued the bi-monthly surveys of Dusky Canada Geese. 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Washington had its first confirmed case of HPAI in snowy plovers in November. Since the discovery, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists have begun regularly patrolling Midway Beach in search of sick or dead plovers. Biologist Cent continued these efforts and has yet to find any, though she did count 30 healthy plovers along the stretch of Midway Beach, 11 of which were banded. She also spotted a banded streaked horned lark. The lark was banded over the summer at Midway beach by Ecostudies Institute and was equipped with a GPS unit.

Swans: Every January, District 17 biologists survey the Chehalis Basin to count trumpeter and tundra swans. This survey is done from the road using binoculars and spotting scopes. Biologist Cent and Novack have attempted the survey three times, but the swans have so far been proving elusive. The largest flock of swans is frequently found in a wetland near the Chehalis Wildlife Area. Unfortunately, they are very difficult to count when they are foraging in the wetland, as tall wetland vegetation blocks visibility. Biologists will make another attempt to count the swans later this month.

Brant: Biologist’s Novack and Cent conducted a ground survey for Brant geese in Willapa Bay. This survey is attempted every January. Almost 2,500 brant were seen during this survey which is close to the average seen across the 64 years since the first survey was initiated.

Western pond turtle. Biologists Butler and Tirhi represented District 11 at the annual western pond turtle working group meeting. The working group is comprised of state, federal, and local jurisdictions; Woodland Park Zoo and Oregon Zoo, and other partners focused on recovery of the state listed and federally under-review pond turtle. 

Oregon spotted frog. Biologists Butler and Tirhi represented District 11 at the annual Oregon spotted frog working group meeting. The working group is comprised of state, federal, and local jurisdictions; Woodland Park Zoo and Oregon Zoo, and other partners focused on recovery of the state and federally listed spotted frog.

Pocket gopher mitigation ratios. Biologist Tirhi arranged a meeting with headquarters staff members to discuss the creation of scientifically supported habitat mitigation ratios for impacts to listed Mazama pocket gopher. WDFW would provide these mitigation ratios to applicants seeking federal Habitat Conservation Plans for listed species.

Streaked horned lark. Biologist Tirhi and Mazama pocket gopher species lead LeGrande met several times with the Port of Olympia/Olympia Airport to discuss continuing with abundance surveys on the airport in 2025 and beginning a new survey approach. WDFW greatly appreciates the collaboration with the Port of Olympia and the Olympia Airport staff members. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Sealing game species. Biologist Tirhi processed and sealed two bobcats for local District 11 hunters.

Duckabush Cleanup: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Technician Norris assisted Officer Barabasz and Officer Hillman with cleanup at the Duckabush Unit.

Providing Education and Outreach

General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to elk, deer, bald eagles, duck hunting, an osprey nest removal request, and AI related sampling.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

New biologist position. Biologist Tirhi spent significant time working with WDFW’s Human Resources (HR) section on posting a new assistant district biologist position for District 11. A skills and species scorecard for ranking candidates was crafted, along with creating two interview panels, phoning candidates for interviews, and scheduling nine candidates for interviews. WDFW received 165 applications which HR narrowed down to 29 who qualified, of which nine will be granted first round interviews.

Aquatic Species Restoration Plan reporting. Biologist Tirhi spent significant time balancing budgets for funds received in 2024 for Oregon spotted frog recovery work through the Chehalis Basin Strategy, Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP). Tirhi worked with WDFW billing section to correct and balance budgets and submitted the mandatory quarterly ASRP progress reports for two grants. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Mazama Pocket Gopher: Biologists Tirhi and Butler and Technicians Leipold and Troutman completed the last gopher survey for the 2024 season. The annual gopher surveys are conducted to assess both the gopher density and estimated number of gophers on any given site, for recovery purposes. The mazama pocket gopher is a federal and state listed species. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members conducted surveys throughout Thurston and Mason counties this year at a subset of known gopher sites. The data collected will need to be analyzed before each site’s population estimate can be determined. 

Biologists Tirhi and Butler also represented District 11 at the annual Mazama Pocket Gopher Working Group meeting attended by state, federal, county, city, NGO, and land conservancy partners. Presentations and discussions included surveys, habitat management, land acquisition and conservation easements, recovery planning and research needs. 

Shelton Pocket Gopher: Biologist Murphie participated in survey activities associated with Shelton pocket gophers near Shelton.

Acoustic monitor Retrieval: Biologist Butler, along with technician Leopold, retrieved six acoustic monitors located at two Oregon spotted frog (OSF) sites. These monitors were placed at OSF sites in June with the goal of recording any bullfrogs that may be calling in the area. Bullfrogs are an invasive species and a huge threat to OSF populations as well as numerous other native wildlife species. These audio surveys provide one method to survey for the presence of bullfrogs across the landscape. The data will now need to be downloaded and analyzed to determine the presence of bullfrogs.

Oregon spotted frog: Biologist Tirhi participated in a planning meeting organized by Deptartment of Ecology and Chehalis Basin Strategy members to discuss a joint Bureau of Reclamation Watersmart Grant to benefit fish, frogs, and habitat in the Chehalis Basin/Black River. Tirhi presented to the Aquatic Species Restoration Program an overview of surveys, monitoring, habitat management, and research for spotted frogs that has taken place at the Salmon, Allen, and Mima Creek breeding sites. Tirhi also attended the Chehalis Basin Strategy quarterly meeting.  

Black Bear and Cougar Management: Biologist Murphie participated in activities related to drafting the bear and cougar chapters of the new game management plan.

Dusky Canada Goose: Every year, District 17 biologists survey Grays Harbor and Pacific County twice per month from November to April to count dusky Canada geese and identify marked geese. Marked duskies are equipped with collars that have a unique alpha-numeric code (a combination of letters and numbers), allowing biologists to identify the specific bird.

The first round of surveys, which Biologists Cent and Novack completed in the first days of November, revealed low numbers of duskies. This is normal, as many have yet to show up for the winter. By the mid-November survey, the bulk of the duskies seemed to have arrived from Alaska. 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Earlier this month, District 17 biologists received a report of two snowy plovers on the Long Beach Peninsula that were suspect cases for HPAI. Concerned that there could be additional plovers affected by HPAI, Biologist Cent spent two days looking for sick or dead plovers at other sites where plovers frequently spend their time in the winter months. She found none. District 17 biologists and WDFW Diversity biologists plan to regularly patrol the beaches in the coming months to monitor wintering plover flocks for signs of HPAI.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

North Olympic Waterfowl Habitat Improvement: District Biologist Ament and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman met with Waterfowl Section Manager Spragens and U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Coastal Program staff members to discuss ideas for improving waterfowl habitat and future hunt opportunities at the Dungeness and Discovery Bay Units. 

Carney Lake, Kitsap County: Natural Resource Specialist Reeves and Water Access staff members contracted with a local arborist to address needs at Carney Lake. A large fir tree’s limbs were skirted several feet up to ensure adequate space to operate a crane. This coming spring, a new restroom will be installed by way of crane to replace the existing fiberglass toilet. The upgrade is designed to accommodate all users and will meet ADA standards. The CXT restroom will drastically improve the site cosmetically, requires less maintenance, has an estimated service life of more than 50 years, and will include a designated ADA parking stall.

Wye Lake, Kitsap County: The same crew and arborist from Carney Lake addressed problematic trees at Wye Lake. Several large conifers were limbed, and branches were removed from a neighboring property’s roof, gutters, and satellite dish. One unhealthy Alder, choked with ivy and heavily leaning towards the neighbor’s house, was topped down several feet, leaving roughly15 feet remaining to minimize impact of closely rooted trees. Cut limbs and branches were chipped by access staff members. A health assessment of other trees in the area was made and will be used to strategize for future projects that will benefit tree health, neighboring properties, and the overall appearance of the site. 

Hunting Season Recommendations: Biologist Novack submitted his recommendations for potential changes to next year’s hunting seasons.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Beaver damage response: Biologist Tirhi assisted Conflict Specialist McNiff and Hatchery Manager Aiken with relocating an adult female beaver that was blocking culverts and building dams at the water delivery system at Lakewood Hatchery. Two juveniles were trapped and relocated the week earlier followed by the continued damage and the need to trap and relocate the adult female. All three were released at a remote wetland on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) with the cooperation of JBLM staff members.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Bell Creek Oaks Volunteer Work Party: Wildlife Area Manager Manager Laushman helped coordinate a volunteer work party for the Garry Oak restoration project in Sequim, within the Bell Creek Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area. Volunteer members helped remove protective cages from Garry Oaks that had outgrown them. These trees were planted around 20 years ago in a long-term volunteer effort to restore oak habitat in Sequim.

Lakewood Turtle Pond Habitat Restoration: WDFW staff members and volunteer members spent the week of November 18 undertaking a large planting and restoration project at the Lakewood Turtle Pond habitat. Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, District Biologist Tirhi, Assistant District Biologist Butler, Assistant Wildlife Program Manager Blankenship, and Technicians Norris, Leipold and Trautmann, along with two Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) crews and local volunteers planted over 700 native shrubs and over 2,000 native flower and grass plugs in areas cleared from invasive scotch broom, reed canary grass, and blackberry. These efforts will help improve habitat for native turtles and frogs as well as local biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Providing Education and Outreach

Discovery Bay Field Trip: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman helped facilitate a Chimacum Middle School field trip to the Discovery Bay Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area where students learned about healthy salmon habitats and restoration actions.

Invasive Species Working Group: District Biologist Ament, Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, and Noxious Weed Coordinator Heimer attended the Olympic Invasive Working Group meeting in Blyn. Biologist Ament gave a presentation on Taylor Checkerspot work in the North Olympic region.

General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to deer and elk hunting, sick deer, Canada goose, and osprey nest removal permits.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Bear Management Plan: Biologist Novack submitted his comments and review of the draft black bear chapter of the new game management plan.

Other

Aircraft Safety Class Instruction: Biologist Murphie prepared and held an aircraft safety class in Port Townsend.

Wetland Management Training: Wildlife Area Managers Bechtold and Laushman attended a Wetland Management Training program hosted at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to learn about moist-soil habitat management techniques. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Prescribed Burn at the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Unit: Biologist Bechtold, with assistance from EcoStudies Institute, Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members recently conducted a prescribed fire at the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Unit. The intent of the burn was to improve habitat conditions for the endangered Oregon Silverspot and is part of a three-year project funded by the USFWS’ Coastal Program. In addition to the fire, the project also funds the monitoring of habitat conditions, the purchase and installation of native plant material, vegetation control, and outreach. These efforts, in collaboration with the USFWS, are in support of the ultimate goal of reestablishing a self-sustaining population of the Oregon Silverspot in the state.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Lake Limerick, Mason County: Access staff members repainted the interior and exterior of the outhouse and removed graffiti from signage at Lake Limerick access area. Maintenance and painting in other access areas is planned for early fall.

Naselle River, Pacific County: The water access crew with the assistance of Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) monofilament program staff members performed annual trail maintenance at Highway 4 access. Trail work consisted of cutting brush, blackberries, and Japanese Knotweed to improve accessibility for fishing along an easement trail of the Naselle River. Other work included posting informational and property boundaries signs and the installation of a monofilament recycling collection bin at the parking area of the Highway 4 access.

Nisqually River, Thurston County: Access staff members, with guidance from WDFW’s Habitat Program and assistance from WDFW’s Capital and Asset Management Program personnel, participated in a successful joint effort to remove a vehicle that was decaying underwater in the Nisqually River. The make or model was not known but estimated to be over 40 years old and likely has been in the river for 20 years or more.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Ungulate Management: Biologists Butler and Tirhi represented District 11 at the annual Region 6 ungulate management meeting hosted by HQ Ungulate Section Manager Garrison and Black-tailed Deer/Elk specialist Oates. This is a new annual meeting designed for staff to discuss all aspects of deer and elk management, surveys, season setting, and data collection/analysis. 

Snakes and Snake Fungal Disease (SFD): District 11 biologists Butler, Cheney and Tirhi and volunteer Terry continued to conduct snake collection work at JBLM, South Puget Sound Wildlife Area, and Scatter Creek Wildlife Area.  The objective is to collect and swab as many garter snakes as possible for testing for Snake Fungal Disease (see previous Highlights report on this important and emerging work).  To date, District staff have taken samples from 11 (JBLM) and 3 (Scatter Creek) garter snakes.  Staff also mowed clearings and deployed snake cover boards at South Puget Sound Wildlife Area (35 boards) and Scatter Creek Wildlife Area (35 boards).

Mazama pocket gopher: Biologists Buter and Tirhi represented District 11 at a Mazama pocket gopher survey design work group organized by HQ Prairie Species Lead Rolls.  WDFWs Prairie Ecologist Henry gave an overview of the science/mathematics behind WDFWs newest gopher density survey protocol, Rolls presented the aspects of conducting the WDFW survey, and USFWS gopher co-lead biologist Flotlin presented the USFWS screening protocol.  Great group discussions allowed the participants to ask and answer important questions about all facets of gopher surveys.  WDFW gopher surveys are conducted September-October of each year. 

Union River Summer Chum: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Assistant Regional Program Manager Blankenship visited volunteers with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement group monitoring the Union River Summer Chum Trap located at the Union River Wildlife Area Unit in Belfair. As of August 26, volunteers had already passed 1,961 Summer Chum through the trap.

Mourning Doves: Biologist Cent wrapped up her annual trapping efforts for mourning doves. As mentioned in the previous report, the doves were late to arrive to the area this year, and so total banded birds were much lower than normal, with just 42 banded birds this year.

Beller’s Ground Beetles: Beller’s ground beetles are designated as a “species of greatest conservation need” in the state of Washington with a small number of known isolated populations. These beetles only live in sphagnum bogs. WDFW is hoping to expand the known range of these beetles by identifying new populations in the state. Biologist Cent began visiting potential sites to verify the presence (or absence) of sphagnum bogs. Surveys for beetles will hopefully begin next summer.  

Conserving Natural Landscapes

South Sound Prairie Habitat and Species Conservation: Biologist Tirhi continues to meet monthly with HQ Prairie Protection Lead Frediani and Prairie Species Lead Rolls to further land protection for South Sound Prairies and listed prairie species.  The three are currently working on internal WDFW Lands 2020 applications, which are required by the agency for staff to seek funds to purchase targeted conservation lands.  Other work of the group involves targeting/discussing priority protection sites, deciding strategies for protection, and assigning duties to further protection with Frediani assuming the majority of this work as designed by her position. 

Mowing: For the past few years, District 17 has rented a skid steer with a mowing attachment to tackle invasive blackberry and scotch broom on the district’s wildlife areas. This year, Biologist Novack has rented the skid steer for a month, and he and Biologist Cent have been transporting it around to the various wildlife areas in the district as well as the regional office in Montesano to mow. 

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Personnel Development Plan: Biologists Tirhi completed her annual evaluation and expectations PDP with Regional Wildlife Program Manager Calkins.   

Other

North Olympic Site Visits: Lieutenant Rosenberger, Officer Hillman, and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman showed Regional Director Hall and Regional Admin Assistant Allen some of the North Olympic Wildlife Area Units, including Rat Island, Chimacum, Protection Island, as well as a tufted puffin and rhinoceros auklet!

Managing Wildlife Populations

Rat Island Terns: Wildlife Veterinarian Haman and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman visited Rat Island, part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area’s Marrowstone Unit, to check on the nesting population of Caspian terns.

Wolf Monitoring: Biologist Tirhi and Volunteer Terry spent a half day getting a remote camera deployed at higher elevation off Highway 410 on U.S. Forest Service land bordering Mt. Rainier to the change battery and SD card. Between District 11 and partners at Northwest Trek, 12 cameras are currently deployed around the Carbon and White river drainages for monitoring wolf recolonization in the district. No wolves have been detected on cameras to date since the monitoring began in July 2019 when the first credible report of a suspected wolf was reported near Wilkenson.

Snake Fungal Disease (SFD): At the request of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Dr. Haman, District 11 staff members are piloting a garter snake collection program to test for SFD following emerging reports of this debilitating snake disease. There were two reports and one confirmation of the fungus that causes SFD at the Billy Frank Jr Wildlife Refuge near Lacey. District 11 has deployed cover boards at South Puget Sound Wildlife Area for snake use and collection. Collection will be attempted at other sections of this wildlife area as well as on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) and potentially, at other sites in the district. Snakes that are captured are swabbed and any lesions are measured and photographed. Severely infected snakes will be sent to a rehabilitator while dead snakes will be sent to the lab for testing. SFD only affects snakes.

 Bats Emergence Surveys: Biologist Tirhi organized the District 11 annual bat emergence surveys. Of the six bat colonies targeted for long term monitoring of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in District 11, surveys were conducted at the Elbe colony and Western State Hospital (Steilacoom) colony. The survey showed colony counts were significantly down at both, more with the Western State Hospital colony likely due to impacts other than WNS. Elbe count dropped from 147 bats in 2023 to 56 bats in 2024, the lowest count at the colony in the years of monitoring. There is no known change or disturbance at this colony to explain this significant drop. Tirhi will be visiting neighboring homes to ask if anyone has had an influx of bats this season.

Western State Hospital count dropped from 206 bats in 2023 to 49 bats in 2024. The hospital underwent major demolition this year leading up to the bat season including the removal of the building that housed the largest number of bats roosting at the complex. This undoubtedly was responsible for the major decline in numbers. There is no way to determine where more than 150 female bats went to birth this year, but they did not use the hospital grounds. Tirhi had surveyors encircling the complex who would have counted bats had they moved to a new location. 

Biologist Cent also conducted District 17 pre-emergence exit counts at two colonies in Grays Harbor County.

Northwestern Pond Turtles: Biologist Butler, Biologist Tirhi, Technician Cheney, Volunteer Terry, and JBLM interns finished up the 2024 nest monitoring season. There were 19 breeding size adult females tracked this season at the Pierce County recovery site. A VFH transmitter was attached to each female during the spring trapping session. WDFW staff members and volunteers monitored these turtles every day via visual observations and telemetry from noon until 8 p.m. starting mid-May through mid-July. 

This nesting season started off cooler and wetter than previous years, leading to a later start to nesting. The first nest was found around June 10 and the last was found on June 19. A total of eight nests were found. All but one of the nests went to the Woodland Park Zoo to enter the head-starting program, with one nest remaining in the ground at the Pierce County recovery site. There were an additional four turtles found out of the pond this season with no nest located. These turtles may have nested outside the monitoring time which caused us to miss their nests. Monitoring continued into the second week of July with the hope of increasing the number of nests found, but unfortunately there was no out of pond activity since June 19. The official monitoring season came to an end, but staff members and volunteers will sporadically monitor while conducting other work at the site through July and August.

Snowy Plovers: Biologist Cent continues to assist with plover nest searches and chick banding. Three chicks were captured and banded at Copalis Spit. 

Band-Tailed Pigeon: Biologist Novack and Biologist Cent conducted the annual mineral site survey at the recently discovered Moclips site. This is the third year surveying this site, which will allow for its inclusion into the range wide survey. 34 birds were counted, which is within the typical range for this site. 

District 10 Biologist Holman brought his agency boat and assisted Biologist Novack with the band-tailed pigeon survey at Cosmopolis. This survey requires boating up the Chehalis River from Aberdeen. A total of 212 birds were counted at this site.

Biologist Novack discovered a large group of more than 60 band-tails near Grayland. He contacted the landowner and made tentative arrangements to try and capture a few birds for placement of transmitters. The feeding site is over 19 miles from either of the closest known mineral sites.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Hunting Season 2024-2025: Biologist Tirhi responded to approximately ten phone calls from hunters seeking input on permit hunts they were successfully drawn for. Tirhi provided information, maps on access, and prospects. Tirhi also randomly spoke to hunters in the field while doing other field work.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

North Olympic Equipment Repair: Assistant Regional Program Manager Blankenship helped Wildlife Area Manager Laushman repair a flat tire on a new zero turn mower at the North Olympic Wildlife Area. 

Potential Acquisition Site Visits: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Assistant Regional Program Manager Blankenship visited with a landowner and project partners from the Jefferson Land Trust to look at areas along Chimacum Creek that could be part of a future donation for habitat conservation.

Recreational Conservation Office (RCO) Grant: Biologist Novack finalized the Lands 20/20 application for additional parcels in the Willapa Bay area and revised the RCO riparian grant proposal for lands in Chehalis Valley.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Training: Biologist Novack attended the WDFW Wildfire Smoke Safety Training.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Band-Tailed Pigeon: Biologist Murphie assisted Biologist Novack in setting and maintaining a trap for band-tailed pigeons. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be getting any use and the trap will be pulled.

Northwestern Pond Turtle: Biologist Murphie conducted work related to northwestern pond turtle recovery at the site he manages in District 15 for turtles.

Black Bear: Biologist Murphie assisted Lower Elwha Tribal biologists in checking bear hair snare stations. This work is part of a joint Lower Elwha Tribe and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife project to estimate bear abundance in GMU 603.

Bats: Biologist Murphie participated in bat count activities in the Hamma Hamma, Quilcene, and Hoodsport areas as part of routine surveillance. He reported counts of 306 bats for Hamma Hamma cabin, 40 for the Quilcene Shop, and 39 at a private cabin near Hoodsport.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Vegetation Maintenance at Access Sites: The water access team has been in its annual race against the elements, trying to compete with perfect grass growing weather to keep vegetation at the region’s access sites at a reasonable level. This year the elements had a great start with the access team taking the role of the tortoise and slowly gaining ground. The elevated temperatures in July should help staff members gain some headway on the many access areas that require vegetation maintenance. 

Pre-Holiday Access Site Cleanup Activities: Access staff members removed abandoned vessels from Lake Isabella and Rapjohn Lake. The vessel at Rapjohn Lake had been dumped, filled with trash, and pushed out into the lake. It had to be pulled back to shore before it could be removed. In preparation for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, access staff members removed or painted over graffiti and posted firework restrictions at several of the region’s access areas.

Nisqually River Disabled Access Redevelopment: The Nisqually River disabled access has reopened after site redevelopment. Access staff members assisted with the project which included tree felling, parking lot grading, paving, and striping, restroom replacement, fishing shed upgrades, and vegetation planting.

Leyendecker Park Redevelopment: Access staff members assisted with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) funded redevelopment project at Leyendecker Park in Clallam County which includes a new restroom, ADA loading platform, and boat launch. The redevelopment of this access area has been supported and long awaited by the Forks community including the Quileute Tribe, local fishers, and many guides who utilize this access at the confluence of the Bogacheil and Sol Duc rivers which become the Quilayute River at this point. Logs from trees felled at the site were donated to the Quileute Tribe.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Orange Hawkweed, Class B Noxious Weed: Access staff members took measures to remove orange hawkweed, a class B designated noxious weed, from Lake Sutherland in Clallam County. The access staff members hand pulled the plants with visible orange hawkweed flowers at the Lake Sutherland access site and mowed the entire area that was in near bloom. Eradication at this site has been an on-and-off-again issue due to seed drift from a neighboring property. The team will continue to monitor the area.

North Olympic Wildlife Area Management: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Technician Morgan treated hairy willowherb and other invasive weeds at the Bell Creek Unit, and Morgan mowed and maintained vegetation at several North Olympic units.

Irondale Beach: Natural Resource Specialist McKinlay mowed the paths and parking area at Irondale Beach, part of the Chimacum Wildlife Area Unit, in preparation for increased use around the 4th of July holiday.

Providing Education and Outreach

McNeil Island: Wildlife Program Staff Members Blankenship, Mire, and Laushman gave a tour of restoration sites at the McNeil Island Wildlife Area to South Sound documentary filmmakers.

Tacoma Ocean Fest: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman, Communications Specialist Mire, and Hunter Education Specialist Montgomery, along with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) volunteers, staffed a booth at the Tacoma Ocean Fest and talked with the public about WDFW information. 
WDFW staff members providing outreach at the Tacoma Ocean Fest.

General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to deer and elk hunting, band-tailed pigeons, gray squirrels, bats, and other birds. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Western Pond Turtle: Western pond turtle nest monitoring occurs daily from mid-May to mid-July. Staff members and volunteers cover two-hour shifts starting at 12 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. or until the last female is done nesting. Biologist Tirhi has covered nest monitoring each Thursday at the Pierce County recovery site since monitoring began mid-May. The first nests at the site began with two nests laid June 11 and one more laid June 12. Tirhi also found one female turtle attempting to nest June 13, but she abandoned the site after hitting significant rocks. 

At the request of Biologist Butler, who oversees the Pierce County pond turtle recovery, Biologist Tirhi met with Woodland Park Zoo staff members to excavate all three nests for eggs. They collected the eggs and they will be provided to the zoo for the head-start program.

Bats and White Nose Syndrome: Biologists Butler and Tirhi participated in the first of two bat capture and processing nights at the Northwest Trek bat colony. This is part of a multiyear study in partnership with Conservation Society Canada, McMaster University, Thompson Rivers University, Woodland Park Zoo, and Northwest Trek to test a probiotic spray that will help bats survive white-nose syndrome. This year’s goal was to evaluate survival and disease status of recaptured bats that were exposed to the probiotic in 2023. 

Oregon Vesper Sparrow (OVSP): Biologists Butler and Tirhi participated in the first year of standardized Oregon vesper sparrow (OVSP) surveys across District 11. Oregon vesper sparrow are a state listed and federal candidate species (currently under federal review for listing) that occupy grasslands with infrequent and scattered brush and trees to nest. This is the first year Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct standardized nest surveys across historic breeding sites in partnership with federal partners and non-government organizations. 

The survey design requires a start time that begins a half hour before sunrise. Then surveyors walk established transects placed across Oregon vesper sparrow habitat. They stop every 100 meters to listen and look for Oregon vesper sparrows. They play one minute of taped Oregon vesper sparrow song via loudspeaker. Oregon vesper sparrow males are known through research to respond to such calls by entering the zone to investigate and defend their territory. 

Tirhi and Butler have completed surveys at Olympia Airport, with assistance of Biologist Rolls, Scatter Creek South Unit, Violet Prairie Unit, and West Rocky Prairie Unit. Unfortunately, the suite of Puget Prairie grassland birds was documented including savannah sparrows, western meadowlarks, chipping sparrows, killdeer, and many other common birds. Unfortunately, no Oregon vesper sparrows were detected. These results point to the reality of the decline of this once common grassland bird. The decline is primarily due to the loss of the once extensive native prairies across the South Puget Sound.

Streaked Horned Lark: Biologists Tirhi and Butler completed two of three surveys of state and federally listed streaked horn lark at the Olympia and Tacoma Narrows airports. These surveys are conducted every three years unless a site is declining, then the survey is conducted annually. Both airfields have experienced ongoing declines and thus were surveyed in 2023 and 2024. An analysis of trends will be published in 2025. We are grateful to both airfields for supporting this important species work.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Western Washington Habitat Connectivity: Biologist Tirhi represented Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at the full-day 2024 Southwest Washington Habitat Connectivity Summit. It was hosted by Washington Department of Transportation and Conservation Northwest. The summit was filled with presentations regarding the need, data collection, planning efforts, and ongoing collaboration to install several crossing structures across Washington’s Interstate 5 to provide a vital link to allow wildlife to cross this current major barrier. Biologist Tirhi serves on the technical team for the north linkage section of this project.

Wildlife Area Management: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman maintained and treated vegetation at the Bell Creek, Morse Creek, and South Puget Sound units, and cleaned up an illegal dump at Morse Creek. 

Providing Education and Outreach

University of Washington Capstone Project: Biologist Tirhi attended the demonstration day event at the University of Washington Tacoma Campus Engineering School to meet with and watch the demonstration of a project she mentored. 

Five students at the school contacted Tirhi in late winter asking for her mentorship of a capstone project that would benefit wildlife in a real-world scenario. Tirhi explained to the group the labor intensive 35-year western pond turtle recovery project that relies on daily VHF monitoring of transmittered female turtles. The student team decided to take on this project by creating a feasibility pilot that relies on satellite trackers, a satellite application to phone notification, and an electronic fence around the ponds inhabited by the turtles. The team did an amazing job gathering data on the need and difficulties and finding a potentially workable solution using satellite instead of VHF. The project culminated in the demo day and a detailed report for graduation.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Region 6 Interviews: Biologist Tirhi sat on the interview panel and assisted with drafting interview questions for the new Region 6 biodiversity biologist position being hired with funds from a newly passed legislative Diversity funding pack. This position and its supervised staff members will both provide needed assistance to existing district work in Region 6 as well as projects directed at SGCN needing attention.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Grouse Surveys: Biologist Murphie conducted sooty grouse survey work along four routes in District 15. Biologists Novack and Cent, along with Technician Martinez, established transect lines and completed surveys for sooty grouse in District 17.

Taylor’s Checkerspot Surveys: Biologist Murphie participated in activities related to Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly surveys in District 16.

Western Pond Turtle: Biologist Murphie conducted work related to western pond turtle recovery at the site he manages in District 15.

Deer and Elk: Biologist Murphie participated in fawn and calf collaring activities related to research being conducted by the Makah Tribe in District 16.

Marbled Murrelet: Biologist Murphie participated in marbled murrelet capture activities related to research being conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Marine Bird Research Section related to marbled murrelet diet.

Bats: Biologist Murphie participated in bat capture activities in the Hamma Hamma area as part of a white-nose syndrome surveillance effort.

Snowy Plovers: Biologist Cent led efforts to conduct the range-wide breeding survey for western snowy plovers. Biologist Novack assisted, along with Wildlife Area Technicians Martinez and Magliaro, and an assortment of Diversity Division staff members, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Ritchie, Shoalwater Biologist Sundstrom, and EcoStudies Technician Marty. All sites were surveyed, and the overall numbers seemed robust compared to last year.

Biologist Cent continues to assist with plover nest searches and chick banding. A pair of chicks were captured and banded at Copalis Spit. These are the first plovers banded in Washington in many years.

Streaked Horned Lark: Biologist Cent surveyed the Shelton Airport for streaked horned larks. Only one bird was seen.

Band-Tailed Pigeon: Biologist Novack, along with Section Manager Spragens and Biologist Behling, conducted captures of band-tailed pigeons in the Kala Point neighborhood near Port Townsend. A dozen birds were captured and banded. Five of those birds were fitted with Ornitela brand transmitters that will allow the agency to track their movements and help identify new mineral sites. Thanks to various members of the neighborhood housing association for allowing access to their properties.

Image

Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wildlife Area Maintenance: Technician Norris maintained vegetation around the parking areas at the Dungeness and Chimacum units of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.

South Puget Sound Spring Work Party: The Clover Park Rotary Club hosted their biannual work party at the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood. They had over 50 volunteers out to help pull weeds, plant native plants, and clean up trash. 

Image

Photo by WDFW

Protection Island Restoration: Technician Norris and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman visited the Zella Schultz Unit on Protection Island. They treated invasive mustards and thistle.

Image

Photo by WDFW

Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Grant: Biologist Novack presented an RCO-Riparian Grant application to RCO tech reviews. The committee provided some feedback on how to improve the application.

Providing Education and Outreach

General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to hunting seasons and pamphlets, bats, and river otters. 

Theler Wetlands: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman met with staff members from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) Program to discuss the next steps with the Theler Exhibit Hall recently acquired by WDFW at the Union River Wildlife Area in Belfair. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and HCSEG are working together to get the exhibit hall ready for public use again and are also working on estuary restoration and trail restoration work at the unit. 

Image

Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Diversity Grant: Biologist Novack and Cent reviewed applications for funding by the Diversity Division and submitted their evaluation scores.

Diversity Technician Hiring: The process is continuing to hire diversity technicians that will work in Region 6.