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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Goose Surveys: Biologist Cent and Novack conducted their bi-monthly surveys of dusky Canada geese across Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

Olympic Peninsula Technical Elk Meeting: District 17 Biologists Novack and Cent attended a coordination meeting with tribal and non-tribal representatives regarding elk management and monitoring on the Olympic Peninsula.

Marbled Murrelets: Biologist Tirhi assisted with the murrelet captures on four separate occasions and was involved in the capture of 3 of the 5 total marbled murrelets captured for the research project (and one ancient murrelet). Marbled murrelets are a state and federally listed species. This study was designed to capture marbled murrelets for prey diet research and is funded by the U.S. Navy. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Oregon Spotted Frog: The frog season is off to a slow but steady start across south Puget Sound. Biologist Tirhi has spent several days conducting early season surveys including at the Salmon Creek breeding site where the first ten egg masses were recorded. Tirhi has also spent time mapping out wetlands across four focal areas of Thurston County and researching land ownership and access permission in order to conduct the 2024 surveys. 

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Protection Island Restoration: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman and Technicians Morgan and Norris visited the Zella Schultz Unit on Protection Island for ongoing restoration work. They seeded native species and applied herbicide to germinating invasive species on the island. 

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South Puget Sound Weed Control: Technician Morgan continued mowing of Scotch broom on the northern hillsides at the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood and cleared thick areas of Scotch broom near the Lakewood Hatchery. Wildlife Area Manager Laushman treated patches of spurge laurel and poison hemlock. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Region 6 Office Wetlands Restoration: Biologists Novack and Cent, along with wildlife area technicians and customer service staff members, planted willow stakes in the wetland area behind the regional office in Montesano. The wetlands are overrun with exotic reed-canary grass and yellow-eyed iris which prevents natural succession. Protective wiring was installed around the planted willows to prevent deer and beaver damage during initial establishment.

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Prairie Species and Oregon Spotted Frog land protection: Biologist Tirhi spent considerable time working with Land Protection Lead Frediani on creating a GIS mapping tool to prioritize land acquisition and conservation priorities for Thurston County. Tirhi and Frediani met individually with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Thurston County, and Washington Water Trust to showcase the tool and discuss partnerships for implementation. This partnership will continue and will use various funding sources to acquire or otherwise protect lands for these priority species. 

Providing Education and Outreach

Puyallup Sportsman Show: Biologist Tirhi covered one shift at the annual sportsmen show held at the Puyallup fairgrounds. 

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Capital Project Proposal: Biologist Novack, working in conjunction with Wildlife Area Manager Bechtold and Kronland, submitted a proposal for removing derelict structures on the Chehalis and Davis Creek units concurrent with constructing an ADA accessible observation platform at Davis Creek.

Tracked All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): Biologists Butler and Tirhi spent several hours cleaning out a donated space at one of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish hatcheries for the storage of the district’s tracked ATV used for winter surveys and monitoring. The desire was to move the machine from the open into an enclosed area to prevent rust. District 11 is grateful to the Hatchery Program for allowing the use of the space. 

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Managing Wildlife Populations

Marbled Murrelet Captures: Biologist Murphie assisted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 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. For this effort, the team was working near Port Townsend and Smith Island.

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 the marbled murrelet so that a crew member can catch them with a salmon-landing net. Biologist Murphie reported the team caught two ancient and three marbled murrelets on the nights he participated. Additional efforts continue.

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Conserving Natural Landscapes

Forest Health Planning: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman visited the Tarboo Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area with Forest Specialists Tveten and Nequette and a student researcher from Green River College to plan upcoming survey work for forest health improvements in the unit.

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Nisqually Fence: Technician Norris added to the fence line along an eroding shore at the Nisqually Unit to improve public safety in the area.

South Puget Sound Cleanup: Members of the Clover Park Rotary Club and local Eagle Scouts helped clean up brush piles at the South Puget Sound Unit in Lakewood, consolidating them into an area where they can more readily decompose. This will allow space for prairie restoration.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

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

Managing Wildlife Populations

Deer and Chronic Wasting Disease: At the request of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Veterinarian Haman, Biologist Tirhi met with a hunter who harvested a deer in Colorado that tested positive for chronic wasting disease. Following protocol, Tirhi collected and disposed of the meat and educated the hunter about decontamination requirements.

Western Pond Turtle: Biologists Butler and Tirhi represented Region 6 at the annual Northwestern Pond Turtle Partners Annual Meeting which was attended by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Region 6, Region 5, and Olympia headquarters staff members, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, PAWS, Sustainability in Prisons Project, and our citizen scientists. This is the annual opportunity for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and its partners to discuss and plan the past and upcoming turtle seasons and all things related to turtle recovery.

Oregon Spotted Frog Working Group: Biologists Butler and Tirhi represented District 11 at the annual Washington working group meeting hosted at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters. The meeting was well attended by federal, state, county, and non-government organizations, including academia and citizen science partners. This meeting is our annual opportunity to review, discuss, and plan all things related to spotted frog recovery in Washington. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is grateful for the excellent partnerships protecting this most amazing and precious frog (Rana pretiosa, meaning "precious frog").

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Oregon Spotted Frog Hydrology Monitoring: Biologist Tirhi completed the weekly hydrology monitoring at our Salmon Creek frog breeding site. This monitoring provides information on the success of the frog restoration work, including the control of invasive reed canary grass. Fall and winter rains have returned and are filling the wetlands and should provide adequate levels for successful spotted frog breeding. Temperatures suggest that the frog season may start earlier this year.

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Marbled Murrelet: Biologist Tirhi assisted Olympia headquarters staff members with one evening session of murrelet captures on various parts on the Puget Sound. Although they did not capture any murrelets on this outing, one was seen towards the end of the survey but flushed before being caught. Tirhi and Butler will be assisting again in February.

Sea Duck, Marine Bird Surveys: Biologist Murphie participated in the annual Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program 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 about 4,000 miles. The survey effort was completed on Jan. 30.

Grouse Wing and Tail Collection Barrels: Biologist Murphie placed grouse wing collection barrels at two locations in District 15 prior to the grouse season opener in September. They were located at Simpson Mill 5 near Matlock and at the George Adams Hatchery north of Shelton during the entirety of the grouse hunting season and 24 samples were collected. Both barrels were removed after the season ended.

Goose Surveys: Biologists Cent and Novack conducted their bi-monthly dusky Canada goose surveys across Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

Swan Surveys: Biologist Cent conducted another tundra and trumpeter swan count since, the first survey resulted in a low count total of 52 swans. Sometimes the swans are simply in a location that we are unaware of or do not have visual access. The second count resulted in 104 swans.

Plover Survey: Biologist Cent and Diversity Biologist Anholt surveyed multiple coastal sites for wintering snowy plovers in coordination with surveys across Oregon and California. A total of 38 wintering plovers were recorded at Midway and along the beach north of Ocean Shores. At least four banded plovers were seen. They hope that additional birds will be seen by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services at Leadbetter and the Shoalwater Tribe at Graveyard/Empire spit.

Auklet Reports: Biologist Cent responded to a report of dead auklets along the beach in Ocean Shores. One carcass was retrieved for disease testing.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Grays Harbor Access Areas Clean up: Access staff members continue to deal with dumping at Grays Harbor Access Areas, specifically: Morley-Humptulips River, Longs Swamp-Wishkah River, and Fuller Bridge-Chehalis River. Pictured below are just a few of the recent illegal dump sites that have occurred on Department of Fish and Wildlife properties in recent weeks.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Reynvaan Bar-Humptulips River: Access staff members with the assistance of the neighboring timber company’s logging equipment and behind the scenes work by Region 6 Enforcement officers were finally able to remove and dispose of an abandoned travel trailer that was forcefully dragged through a jeep trail until it was hung up in between trees in a wooded area of the site and came to rest on the property boundary. The additional help was definitely needed to accomplish this task. The loader was able to dismantle and load the travel trailer in two dump trailers for removal.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Lake Tahuya Access Area, Mason County: Access staff members made concrete forms and placed removable bollards at the recently developed Lake Tahuya site. The bollards are located atop of the access trail, the trail and access were designed for hand launching only. The bollards were placed to ensure vehicles do not attempt to access the water. However, they are locking and removable when needed for planting fish or facility maintenance.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Treponeme-associated Hoof Disease Permit Hunters: Biologist Novack has checked the hooves from various Master Hunter permittees and issued renewal letters for those submitting abnormal hooves. The renewal letters allow the Master Hunter to use their unused general season tag to try and harvest a second treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) infected elk.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Elk River Wetland Planting: District Biologist Novack, Assistant District Biologist Cent and Wildlife Area Manager Bechtold assisted Wildlife Area Technicians Magliaro and Martinez to complete a 2-acre wetland planting project in the Elk River Unit of the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area. The project took about two months to complete in total. The project entailed the installation of roughly 200 large willow and cottonwood cuttings, as well as constructing and installing protective cages to prevent damage from beaver, nutria, elk, etc. This project is part of a larger habitat enhancement project at the Elk River Unit, funded by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, with upland, wetland, and riparian aspects.

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South Puget Sound Management: Technician Morgan and Wildlife Area Manager Laushman continued weed management activities at the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area in Lakewood, specifically mowing Scotch broom to open up native populations of lupine and pulling patches of spurge laurel.

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Photo by WDFW

Theler Wetlands: The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group’s Washington Conservation Corps crew removed invasive plants around the Theler Wetlands at the Union River Wildlife Area. These included large swaths of blackberry and hanging sedge around the Theler Community Center buildings.

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McNeil Plantings: The Nisqually Tribe’s planting crew helped wildlife area and Habitat Program staff members replant the Milewa Estuary restoration area on McNeil Island. The estuary was restored in 2022 and new native shrub species were provided by partners at the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help restore the disturbed banks. 

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan. Biologist Tirhi spent considerable time reviewing and providing edits to the draft integrated natural resource management plan (INRMP). The INRMP guides natural resource management across the Department of Defense Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Installation. JBLM contains the majority of remnant south Puget Sound prairie, a habitat that is critical to the recovery of several federally and state listed prairie species including Mazama pocket gopher, streaked horned lark, Oregon vesper sparrow, and Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly. Other priority species also rely on this area, in particular native prairie butterflies. For this reason, the INRMP plays a critical role.  

Providing Education and Outreach

Puyallup Sportsmen’s Show: Biologist Novack and Butler staffed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife booth at the Puyallup Sportsmen’s show on Jan. 31 and interacted with a large number of hunters. Public inquiries ranged from questions about where to apply for special permits to, what is going to happen with grizzly bears.

Falconry Opportunities: Wildlife Area Manager Laushman met with a local falconer to discuss wildlife areas suitable for hunting with his red-tailed hawk, Ruby.

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General Wildlife Inquiries: Biologist Murphie responded to inquiries received by phone or email related to duck hunting, osprey nest removal, river otters, and bird watching.