Managing Wildlife Populations

Black-tailed Deer Study Update: Regional wildlife biologists, Ungulate Section staff members, Science Division staff members, Conflict Specialists, wildlife area staff members, Habitat Program staff members, as well as biologists from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Region 6 continued work on the black-tailed deer project. Thirty-six black-tailed deer were captured by helicopter net gun earlier this winter. The deer are located within GMUs 556 (Toutle) and 550 (Coweeman), on a combination of state and private industrial forestlands. The captured deer were fitted with GPS collars and evaluated for body condition. Researchers took various biological samples before releasing the animals on-site.

Following a period to allow the deer to settle after the capture event, cameras have been placed within the home-range of each deer. Two or three cameras are currently deployed within the range of all study deer that remain alive, depending on the size of the deer’s range. The cameras focus attention on both forested and unforested habitats. Each camera station is also equipped with a device known as a proximity sensor which can detect when the deer’s collar is close to the camera, even if no photos were taken.

In aggregate, the collars, cameras, and sensors monitor the population of both the known deer within the study areas as well as unmarked deer that are also encountered. It is anticipated that these methods will produce sex and age ratios, and they may eventually be able to generate population abundance as well. This pilot effort is being explored within the forestlands of WDFW Region 5 / District 10 with the hope that it will prove to be a suitable tool for monitoring the secretive black-tailed deer in their forested habitats throughout western Washington.

Thanks to the many WDFW staff members who have participated in the project and thanks to the newly formed Blacktail Deer Foundation for their support and encouragement.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Martins Bar: With the busy summer season quickly approaching, water access area staff members have been busy getting prepared. One site in particular, Martins Bar Access Area in Woodland, gets quite a lot of traffic almost year-round, and even more so in the spring and summer months. Since the early spring, access area staff members made improvements to the site’s parking lot by putting down fresh gravel and placing jersey barriers in the center of the parking lot to deter the public from peeling out. Additionally, staff members have painted the ends of the barriers white to make them more conspicuous for low light conditions. 

Access area staff members have observed several garbage dumps and issues with graffiti. Silverlake restrooms and parking lot got hit pretty hard with multiple tags, which required pressure washing and painting over the graffiti. Also, there was a large garbage dump at Martin’s Bar access site where the access area team found ten large bags of garbage from a local coffee shop.

Kress Lake had a large cottonwood tree come down on the walking trail last week. It took two days to clean up and remove the tree and debris from the trail and ADA access fishing spot. Access area staff members have also been working on weed eating several sites including Kress Lake, Vancouver Lake, and Shilapoo access areas. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Injured Eagle: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen received a report of an injured bald eagle in Klickitat County. A passing motorist had picked up the eagle that night before WDFW staff members arrived. Officer Bolton took possession of the eagle the following day. After meeting up with Officer Bolton and assessing the eagle, Jacobsen determined that the eagle had suffered a severe wing break and was not a candidate for rehabilitation. Jacobsen euthanized the injured adult bald eagle.

Deceased Deer in Yard 1: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a deceased deer in a resident’s yard. When Jacobsen arrived, the homeowners had their kitchen butcher knife out and were attempting to salvage the deer meat for consumption. After inspecting the deer, Jacobsen strongly advised the homeowner NOT to consume the meat from this deer. The deer died of an unknown cause (likely disease), was in poor body condition, and, having been dead for several hours, had developed a strong odor. The homeowners eventually agreed that salvaging the deer was probably not the best option. Jacobsen disposed of the carcass.

Deceased Deer in Yard 2: An elderly homeowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen to report that she had recently come home from vacation and found a deceased deer right next to her door. The odor was extremely strong, and the homeowner had no way of removing the deer. Jacobsen held his breath and loaded up the decomposing carcass that was crawling with fly larvae. The carcass began falling apart as soon as Jacobsen picked it up, but most of the pieces made it into the back of his truck. Jacobsen disposed of the carcass for the very appreciative homeowner.

Deceased Deer in Yard 3: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Biologist Bergh spoke with homeowners in a neighborhood with chronic deer feeding issues. There had been multiple reports of deceased deer in this neighborhood, and supplemental feeding was a likely cause. Jacobsen provided information regarding the risks to deer associated with supplemental feeding and also advised homeowners of the new law prohibiting the feeding of deer in Washington.

“Bobcat-Domestic Cat Hybrid”: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Officer Way fielded a phone call from an extremely concerned homeowner regarding what she reported as a “huge bobcat-domestic cat hybrid” that was living in her house. The homeowner reported that she let the animal into the house several months prior but that it had started acting aggressively. The homeowner reported that the mother and daughter were now afraid to live in the same house as the animal. Jacobsen passed their contact information along to a local cat rescue who may or may not be able to help. The following picture was provided by the reporting party:

Badger Stuck in Fence: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen was driving along a highway in east Klickitat County when he observed a small animal run across the road in front of him. Suspecting it was a badger, Jacobsen slowed down and looked out his window as the animal scurried across the road and through a fence. However, as Jacobsen watched the badger squeeze through a square in the woven-wire field fence, the badger managed to get its tremendously long claws hung up on the fence and flip upside down on the opposite site. After a few moments where the badger didn’t move, Jacobsen realized the badger was stuck and pulled his truck over to assist. The attached photo shows how two of the badger’s claws from its front left leg got stuck on a wire strand and incapacitated the animal. As Jacobsen approached, he also saw a white fluffball near the badger’s mouth - a young badger kit! Jacobsen gently popped the badger’s claws loose from the fence, and it righted itself on the other side. Grabbing its kit in its mouth, the badger hissed at Jacobsen and quickly backed away with the kit in tow. The badger then reached its den and backed itself and the kit down the hole to safety.

Deer Stuck in Fence: A passing motorist observed a deer stuck in a fence and contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen. Jacobsen responded to the area, but after several back-and-forth passes along the road, was unable to locate the deer. Officer Bolton also responded to the area to assist. Jacobsen stopped to talk to a nearby landowner, who reported seeing an injured deer walking on his property a few minutes prior. Jacobsen searched for the deer and while searching, the landowner received a real-time cellular trail camera photo of the deer walking through his property. Jacobsen assessed the deer from the photo and determined that the deer needed to be euthanized. Unfortunately, the deer was mobile enough that Jacobsen and Officer Bolton were not able to locate it again.

Injured Raccoon: Wildlife Conflict Specialists Jacobsen and O’Connor responded to a report of an injured raccoon behaving oddly in the city of White Salmon. Jacobsen and O’Connor met up with Bingen/White Salmon Police Officer Randall to assess the situation. Due to the raccoon’s proximity to houses and the school grounds, the decision was made to chemically immobilize the raccoon and euthanize it off-site. O’Connor was able to successfully immobilize the raccoon using her jab pole syringe. Jacobsen later euthanized the raccoon at a safe location and disposed of the carcass. The raccoon’s legs and feet were severely mangled, and it would have been unable to survive for much longer.

Mountain Top Wildlife Visitation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen met with Mountain Top Wildlife rehabilitation director Harris to see the progress on the wildlife rehabilitation structures under construction. The center’s avian flight building was well on its way to completion and looked wonderful. Director Harris showed Jacobsen several of the smaller raptor and small mammal enclosures as well as the fawn facility, which is ready for the flood of “orphaned” and injured fawn calls for the 2025 season. A special thanks goes out to Mountain Top Wildlife for all their assistance in taking in injured wildlife this year!

Injured Kestrel: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen received a report of an injured “sparrow hawk,” or American kestrel, from a landowner in Klickitat County. The landowner found the bird flailing on the ground in one of his barns and was able to capture and contain it in a small carrier. Jacobsen met with the landowner and transported the kestrel to Mountain Top Wildlife in White Salmon. Director Harris at the rehabilitation facility reported that the kestrel had a broken wing, but that surgery on the wing appeared successful. Mountain Top Wildlife recently posted an update about the progress of the kestrel trying out flight on their Facebook page!

Bear vs. Dumpster 1: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a bear repeatedly getting into dumpsters at an RV park adjacent to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The issue had apparently started the prior fall, but after emerging from hibernation this spring, the bear resumed visiting his favorite food repository to fill up on discarded human food scraps. The RV park manager made several attempts to deter the bear, including strapping the dumpster down with plywood. However, this was not a long-term solution, and Jacobsen encouraged the park manager to invest in bear-resistant dumpsters. The manager did so promptly, and for a couple weeks, the issue seemed to be resolved. However, after dark one evening, the bear returned and made short work of the “bear-resistant” dumpster. The bear managed to peel back the metal lid and again ransack the dumpster, spreading refuse across the RV park. The bear also climbed on top of several vehicles and raided a campsite. At this point, Jacobsen determined that this level of human habituation and strong, repeated association with human food meant that the bear was conditioned to the food source and needed to be lethally removed. This unfortunate story serves as a grim and sad reminder of the consequences of human food habituation for bears. WDFW and the BearWise organization both offer a plethora of bear-related conflict avoidance information on their sites. Please check these resources out BEFORE you experience a bear issue!

Bear vs. Dumpster2: Wildlife Conflict Specialists Jacobsen and O’Connor responded to a report of a bear accessing a one-and-a-half-yard dumpster in the Carson area. After meeting with the homeowner and assessing the situation, Jacobsen decided that loaning the landowner an electric fence setup should alleviate the bear-dumpster issue. Unfortunately, the dumpster was positioned along the edge of a driveway and right on top of a high-voltage underground transmission line, so sinking t-posts into the ground was not feasible at this location. Jacobsen improvised and anchored the fence t-posts in five-gallon buckets with rocks until the landowner can create some cement-filled buckets in the near future.

Nuthatch Nesting: A concerned landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and requested assistance with a “woodpecker” that was excavating holes in his house. Jacobsen inspected the house and found several holes along one end of the house. Many of the holes already existed from previous construction modifications, but a critter had definitely been using them. While inspecting the holes, Jacobsen observed a white-breasted nuthatch carrying nesting materials into one of the holes. Unfortunately, the layout of the house and the height of the holes made it nearly impossible for anyone to access the holes, even with a long ladder. Jacobsen advised the landowner to allow the nuthatches to finish out the nesting season, since they were already there and not causing any additional damage, and then to hire a contractor to access and close off the holes. Jacobsen also provided advice on deterrent measures.

Calf Depredations: A livestock producer that Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen had worked with for several years contacted him over the weekend regarding three dead/injured calves in his new calving pasture in east Klickitat County. Jacobsen responded early Sunday morning to conduct depredation investigations. One small calf was dead and completely consumed. A second calf was alive and with its mother but had a substantial wound on top of its head that was still bleeding. A third calf had been taken back to the ranch due to its poor condition. At the request of the producer, Jacobsen euthanized this severely injured calf. A necropsy of the calves revealed that a cougar had bitten down on the tops of the skulls of all three calves, crushing the skulls of two. The local sheriff’s office ran hounds in the open sagebrush country to look for the cougar but was unable to locate it. Jacobsen will be working with the producer on filing a livestock loss damage claim in the coming weeks.

Missing Goats: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a fainting goat that was missing from its small pasture. The pasture was only surrounded with knee-high electric fence and was situated in the middle of a vast expanse of dense woods. The electric fence was knocked down on a portion of the pasture perimeter and it appeared that some struggle did ensue. However, Jacobsen searched the woods over in head-high poison oak but was unable to locate the missing goat. The following week, the landowner called Jacobsen to report another one of her fainting goats was missing. Jacobsen responded to the residence again and, crawling on his hands and knees, tracked faint blood spots and bent-over vegetation for 75 yards until he came across the cached (buried) goat in a large leaf litter pile. The goat had been killed, partially consumed, and then cached by a cougar. The landowner soon rehomed her two fainting goats to another goat farm a couple of miles away. Three days later, the landowner who accepted the goats also experienced a cougar depredation on two of their fainting goats. The local sheriff’s office ran hounds and lethally removed a subadult male that was responsible for that depredation.

Nestling Owl Saga: A concerned landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen regarding a nestling great horned owl that had fallen from its nest in a large Douglas fir tree. The owl was on the ground in the resident’s yard and was discovered by his dogs. The young owl was still covered in down feathers and its flight feathers had not grown in yet. Jacobsen coordinated with Mountain Top Wildlife Director Harris regarding the owl, and they determined that the best course of action would be to try to re-nest the young bird. Unfortunately, the lowest branches of the tree were still at least 20’ off the ground and the landowner didn’t own a ladder, which presented a challenge for re-nesting the bird. Jacobsen decided to use his tree climbing gear and a moving-rope system to ascend the tree and build a nest platform for the owl. With the help of the landowner and some scrap materials he had laying around, the two of them were able to construct a decent artificial nest for the owl. Jacobsen ascended the tree and mounted the platform and box to a set of branches, then descended the tree, loaded the owl in a bucket, and hauled the owl back up the tree, placing the owl in the makeshift nest box. Thankfully, the owl remained in the nest box as Jacobsen retreated down the tree and packed up his gear. During the entire saga, a very concerned set of owl parents were nearby, hooting and clicking at the young chick and occasionally swooping down to check out the operation. The grateful landowner provided regular updates concerning the owl’s status and was able to confirm that the parents were feeding and attending to the nestling. After a couple weeks, the owlet started to fledge and was seen hopping around from building to building in the landowner’s yard. But the saga doesn’t end there (see “Fledgling Owl Saga” below…)

Fledgling Owl Saga: Not to be outdone by its sibling, another young great horned owl from the same nest decided to embark on another adventure roughly two weeks later. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen received a report from a homeowner a few houses down the street from the owl nest that a fledgling owl was in his yard and had been in a scuffle with his small dog. Jacobsen responded to the residence. When Jacobsen arrived, the owl was contained in a small dog carrier and the landowner had attempted to feed the owl some ground hamburger. Jacobsen carefully removed the owl from the carrier and placed it in the crook of a nearby tree so it could safely continue to test its new flight feathers and learn to fly. However, after setting the owl in the tree, Jacobsen noticed a brown, oily residue all over his hands. Jacobsen sniffed the residue and determined that the owl had been covered in motor oil! At some point between its nest and this landowner’s property, the fledgling owl must have managed to hop/land into a tub of used motor oil. This was of substantial concern, as the owl would not be able to clean the oil off its feathers and there was a great chance that the oil could impact its feather growth. After coordinating with Mountain Top Wildlife rehabilitation center, it was determined that the owl needed to be assessed by a wildlife veterinarian. PAWS wildlife rehabilitation center in Snohomish County is the only rehabber in the state licensed to handle/wash oiled wildlife. Mountain Top Wildlife Director Harris successfully located a volunteer willing to transport the owl to Lynwood and the young owl was transported to PAWS for care. During the owl’s intake x-ray exam, PAWS staff found that the owl had been shot twice and two BBs were lodged in the owl. Jacobsen passed this information on to WDFW Enforcement staff, who will be investigating the matter.

Providing Education and Outreach

Washington FFA Environmental and Natural Resources State Contest: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted with the planning and execution of the annual Washington FFA Environmental and Natural Resources state contest in Cashmere. Jacobsen has been involved with this competition since 2004, when he himself was a young FFA student. In fact, this contest was the main contributing factor to Jacobsen pursuing a career in wildlife. The contest entails several practicums such as Wildlife ID, Soils, Water Quality, Waste Management, Data Analysis, and a Team Activity, in teams of five students each from around the state. This year, Cashmere FFA won the competition and will be competing at Nationals this fall.

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 8 Avian Influenza Sampling for Pelican Populations: District 8 Biologist Wampole and Scientific Technician Ogburn processed pelican blood samples provided by Yakama Nation Biologist De Boer. These samples will be used to determine the pathological history of avian influenza in local populations, as well as potential resulting immunity.

District 8 Parke Creek Elk Pilot Project: District 8 Scientific Technician Ogburn began collecting data on the number of elk that cross the canal into agricultural land using video camera traps. This will assist landowners in crop damage claims, as well as provide data regarding elk movement.

District 4 Sunnyside-Snake River Amphibian Inventory: District 4 Scientific Technicians Reed and Hart conducted dip-netting for tadpoles across Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) wildlife units. Detected amphibians included a mix of frogs, toads, and salamanders, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) like Woodhouse’s toads.

Sunnyside-Snake River Bird Banding: Region 3 Natural Resource Technician Pizzini and Private Lands Biologist Manderbach assisted Richland Rod & Gun Club volunteer members with banding of nesting wood ducks and Northern saw-whet owlets in the Windmill Ranch and Bailie Units of the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area. Observations indicated several boxes had been recently used by nesting wood ducks.

Region 3 Kahlotus Tricolored Blackbirds: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach checked on the Register to View property outside Kahlotus to monitor tricolored blackbird usage. There are currently dozens (if not hundreds) of tricolored blackbirds in the area that the birds use as a breeding site. Mixed in with the tricolored blackbirds were some red-winged blackbirds, yellow-headed blackbirds, and a goose pair with goslings, among other species.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area and Whiskey Dick Unit Openers: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area crew members opened gates at the Joe Watt Canyon and Robinson Canyon sites to allow public access into the winter elk closure area. 120 vehicles lined up at the Joe Watt site in hopes of finding elk antlers. The crew also opened gates on the Whiskey Dick Unit to allow vehicle access to the winter elk habitat protection area.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area – Whiskey Dick Unit Roads: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart evaluated roads on the Whiskey Dick Unit. The Pump House and Cayuse roads being worked on by a Capital and Asset Management Program construction crew look great but other sites have washed out apparently due to greater than normal ground water seeping out through the road surfaces. Areas along Whiskey Dick Creek and Skookumchuck Creek have washouts that are forcing the public to either turn around or drive around. 

Wenas Wildlife Area – Target Shooting Restrictions: Sunrise to 10:00 a.m. shooting restrictions are in place as of May 15. All shooting, both dispersed and designated target range shooting, are allowed from sunrise to 10:00am. All shooting is prohibited outside of the time frame. These restrictions will persist through September 15 or until a full target shooting closure is in effect due to fire danger.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Road and Trail Assessment / Inventory: Wenas Wildlife Area is working with a third-party contractor specializing in trail assessments and inventories, and the WDFW Statewide Recreation Team, to inventory and assess trails and roads in the Wenas Wildlife Area. This assessment will provide data on where and when road or trail maintenance is needed.

Region 3 Ice Harbor DNR Orchards Visit: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kaelber have been in talks with the Department of Natural Resources and one of their orchard operator lessees about ways to maintain orchard worker safety while also keeping the public land open for hunting. Issues with deer hunters in and around the orchard while staff members are working have become more prevalent over the last few years. The orchard manager took Manderbach and Kaelber on a tour of the orchard and areas where hunting would still remain safe. The plan is to setup Hunt by Reservation for disabled hunters with easy access blinds facing in safe directions, utilize later season, post-harvest hunt dates for special permit holders, and make a Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement contract for the crop damage occurring outside of hunting seasons. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

District 4 Rattlesnake Hills/Corral Canyon: District 4 Conflict Specialist Kaelber has been hazing elk out of agricultural crops on the south side of Rattlesnake Mountain. Elk have started moving off of Hanford in search of forage as the native grasses start to dry out. Conflict Specialist Kaelber has renewed 14 Damage Prevention Contracts with private landowners and has issued damage permits prior to the Summer Bull Elk damage season.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area - Elk Fence Reconstruction and Maintenance: A contractor began and continues to replace elk fence south of US Highway 12 on the Oak Creek Unit. This section has been planned for replacement for five or more years, but other priorities throughout the state due to wildfires delayed implementation. Additionally, funding was not available to complete all of the planned reconstruction. As a result, Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members have been fortifying fence outside of the contractor’s existing project area.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Sunnyside-Snake River Floating Wetlands: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Jahns, Natural Resource Tehcnician Pizzini, and Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach assisted the Franklin and Benton Conservation Districts with the implementation of their Floating Wetland Pilot Project. Artificial floating wetlands constructed of both synthetic and natural materials were installed on Powerline Lake and Mesa Lake. The floating wetlands are designed to provide a variety of ecological benefits including the enhancement of biodiversity by providing habitat, as well as improving water quality in areas where conventional riparian restoration is limited by precipitation and other climate constraints. 

Wenas Wildlife Area – Aerial Herbicide Application: Central Valley helicopters treated 518 acres for broadleaf control and invasive noxious weeds in various sites on the Wenas. The sites treated are a mix of wildfire scars, elk feeding sites, and habitat restoration sites.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Whitetop and Thistle Herbicide Application: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members applied herbicide via backpack spraying to invasive and noxious weeds such as Whitetop, Canada thistle and Scotch thistle. Spraying will continue through the summer as proper application environments are available.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Herbicide Application: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members continue to do spot backpack herbicide applications to control noxious weeds and conduct weed assessments on portions of the 2024 Retreat Fire.

USFWS Paterson Unit Sagebrush Cache Update: Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, Natural Resource Technician Pizzini, and Habitat Biologist Maikis checked on the sagebrush island cache project from December of 2024 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Paterson Unit between Plymouth and Paterson. Sagebrush seedlings were discovered in abundance underneath and around the sagebrush caches as well as areas where seedballs were placed. The seedlings had just started to come up and were still less than an inch tall, but these initial results are promising for the project’s success. The second site at Rattlesnake Slope will be checked soon as well.

Franklin County Shrub Planting Maintenance: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach treated a recent shrub planting in a draw off Neff Jones Road with an herbicide targeting invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass. A spring and fall treatment for a couple years should reduce the pressure from invasives and allow the shrubs to thrive. Future projects in the area will be sprayed out and mowed prior to planting to help ease the initial competition.

Providing Education and Outreach

Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Friends of Oak Creek Volunteer Awards Banquet: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members attended the annual awards banquet for the Friends of Oak Creek volunteers. The event was held at the Yakima Eagles on May 14. Dinner was provided at attendees’ expense. There were over 70 people in attendance including volunteers, WDFW staff members, and significant others. Several service awards were handed out to the following for years of service recognition:

20 years: Joe Buckley, Joyce Daugherty, and Jim Noel

15 years: Stuart McPherson, Stan Yeigh, and Andy Zeigler

10 years: Craig Baird, Steve Hargreaves, Roger Johnson, Larry Kastler, and Lynette Miller

5 Years: Jerrid Barber

Other

Colockum Stemilt Partnership Meeting: Colockum Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Assistant Manager Hagan attended a recent Stemilt Partnership meeting. The meeting involved general updates from partners throughout Stemilt. Chelan County provided an update on previous thinning projects throughout the Stemilt area. In early summer, Colockum Wildlife Area staff members along with Statewide Forester Pfeifle will look at future thinning projects areas that WDFW and the county could partner on together. The Stemilt Partnership Meeting was a great opportunity for Gray to meet several partners and local neighbors at the meeting.

Colockum Wildlife Area Tour: Colockum Wildlife Area Manager Gray and Assistant Manager Hagan showed Assistant Lands Division Manager Lowery two separate areas of the Colockum Wildlife Area. The Tarpiscan Fields were shown as an example of previous restoration projects that have been successful in the area. There are three fields on this site that staff members will begin fallowing spring 2025. Additional fields throughout the site were done over six years ago and have developed extremely well. The Stemilt area was shown as well. Discussion items included previous thinning projects, local partners of the area, how to improve managing recreational use throughout the area, green dot road management, and showing challenges tied to off road vehicle use around the Lilly Lake Access Site.

Springwood Celebration Event: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart assisted with the setup for the May 2 Springwood dedication ceremony. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Pheasant Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Nizer, Natural Resource Technician Itrich, and a Pheasants Forever volunteer member helped conduct Saint John’s first pheasant ground survey in over 10 years. Nizer, Itrich, and the volunteer member saw 13 pheasant roosters and 29 hens for a total of 42 pheasants in the 6.63 miles walked. Surveys were done on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) hunting access properties and Department of Natural Resources land. On average, over six pheasants per mile were either flushed or spotted throughout the survey with one nesting site spotted. 

Ferruginous Hawks: Biologist Brinkman completed an occupancy survey of a historic ferruginous hawk nesting territory in Lincoln County. All three historic nest sites were unoccupied and only one old nest structure was observed. However, red-tailed hawks were observed soaring nearby and a breeding pair of Swainson’s hawks was observed at an old homestead nearby. 

Tucannon Bighorn Sheep: Wildlife Area Manager Dingman located the bighorn sheep this week. To date, four new lambs have been observed.

Golden Eagle: The Merengo birds were observed feeding at least one chick in the nest. An adult was seen flying in the Hartsock territory, but Wildlife Area Manager Dingman still has not been able to locate where they are nesting this year.

Bats: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman attended a meeting in Spokane with the nonprofit organization Climbers for Bat Conservation. This organization received a grant from WDFW to connect recreational climbers with bat biologists as a way to improve citizen science reporting of local bat roosts within climbing areas (i.e., bats that are roosting in cliffs/rock faces that are observed while climbing). 

Ferruginous Hawk Camera Traps: Natural Resource Technician Moberg sorted through thousands of pictures taken remotely from ferruginous hawk platforms that were installed by WDFW biologists. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Turkey Season Questions: Private lands staff members answered numerous phone calls and emails from the public wondering where to hunt on private lands.

Voluntary Public Access Contracts: Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley continues to work on processing A-19’s for payment. This includes contacting and meeting landowners to get signatures, scanning and uploading the document on the shared drive for review and approval, and recording and documenting financial funds utilized. Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley worked with Contracts Specialist Cole in regard to contract amendments.

Recreation Access Site Maintenance and Management: Maintenance Mechanic Heimgartner and Natural Resource Technician Nielsen made the rounds and cleaned access sites across the district. Heimgartner worked with some contracted surveyors to conduct a bathometric survey of the river at Heller Bar boat ramp. 

West Medical Lake Wildfire Project: The access area at West Medical Lake received a partial redevelopment of the property due to the loss of infrastructure from the Gray Fire in 2023. Lacey Construction Shop has been working on the property to prep the area for two new CXT toilets to replace the burnt down fiberglass toilets previously at the property. Natural Resource Technician Brant was onsite with the access truck and provided not only labor, but also the use of water and the pump on his truck to help with gravel compaction to prep the areas for the new vault toilets. Contractors will be on site next week to finish the project, which includes installation of a new perimeter fence and gate to secure the property in the off-season. The property also received a brand new, agency standard entrance sign welcoming the public to the West Medical Lake Access Area. 

Silver Lake Access Area and Clear Lake: Natural Resource Specialist Daniel Dziekan and Natural Resource Technician Adam Brant met Tri-County Septic at Silver Lake for another round of vault pumping. Dziekan and Brant worked with the pumpers to remove litter from the vault during the pumping process. Allowing trash to build up, rather than removing it during each pumping event, results in additional work. A project which typically lasts an hour, took a full day, and resulted in an unbelievable amount of trash.

Dziekan and Brant removed 45 bags of litter from the two vaults at Silver Lake. Dziekan and Brant removed another 20 bags of litter from the single vault at Clear Lake. In total, the access area managers removed over 2,200 pounds of litter from the vault toilets. To offer a comparison, the double vault toilet at Newman Lake, which Dziekan has diligently been removing litter from each time it has been pumped, took Tri-County Septic and WDFW about an hour to pump, using under a dozen bags, and weighed approximately 400 pounds. Dziekan has never seen anywhere close to this amount of litter pulled from a vault in his ten-year career managing access areas. He estimated the vaults at Silver Lake were over halfway filled with trash. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Injured Owl: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris transported an injured great horned owl chick to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The owl was picked up by a Spokane resident after it was found on their property with injuries to its head. 

Black Bear: Natural Resource Technician Edmondson responded to several black bear calls and handed out informational pamphlets on how to secure attractants. Edmondson deployed an electric netting kit around a chicken coop that had been broken into.

Moose Relocation: WDFW staff members relocated a young cow moose that had been reported in Millwood earlier in the week. The moose crossed multiple busy roadways and was able to travel to the south hill before staff members were able to immobilize and relocate it outside of Spokane. 

Stateline Elk: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb conducted near-daily patrols of historical elk calving grounds near the WA-OR state line. No evidence of cow elk beds has been noted thus far. Hazing efforts will continue for the next month to discourage elk calving in valuable commercial crops. 

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Habitat Planting: Private lands staff members installed 17,000 trees and shrubs across Region 1 through the spring season. 

Habitat Maintenance: Private Lands Biologist Nizer and Natural Resource Technician Itrich sprayed trees and shrubs with deer repellent in areas that showed past deer damage on plants. Over 400 plants were sprayed with the repellent between two different sites. 

Drone Spray Application: Private Lands Biologist Nizer hired out a company to spray a Ducks Unlimited project site which was a wetland crowded with bullrush and cattails. In total, 24 acres were sprayed and will be followed up with seeding in the fall. 

Rustlers Gulch Wildlife Area (RGWA) Prescribed Burning: Prescribed burning efforts transitioned this week from Sherman Creek Wildlife Area (SCWA) near Kettle Falls to the Rustlers Gulch Wildlife Area (RGWA) near Deer Park. WDFW Burn Team, SCWA staff members, and contract fire crews mobilized to RGWA on Tuesday to freshen up control lines and install hose lays around burn unit perimeters. In total, 3.5 miles of hose was installed to provide water around burn unit perimeters. With controls in place and enough drying time following Tuesday’s rain on the units, firing was initiated on Thursday with approximately 50 acres treated. Prescribed burning continued on Friday with another 100 acres treated. Additional resources onsite during firing operations included a Department of Natural Resources fire engine and a 3,000-gallon water tender from the South Pend Oreille Fire District. The unit received rain on Saturday, so crews performed additional mop-up that day. The remaining 60 acres is expected to be treated on Sunday, weather and conditions permitting. 

Revere Wildlife Area Maintenance: This week Wildlife Area Manager Mike Finch, Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Cody Wagner and Natural Resource Technician Kyle Duclos made a trip down to the Revere Wildlife Area. The trip was to check out the replacement of the top wire from barbed to smooth on the north and west side of the wildlife area in order to change that fence line to meet wildlife friendly standards. The Washington Conservation Corp and Biologist Tyler Jennings worked on that fence line last week and installed two steel posts in concrete for new walk-through gates that will be installed soon. The walk-through gates will allow hunters to pass within the boundaries of the Revere Wildlife Area safely.

Also, while down at Revere, Duclos sprayed several patches of Scotch thistle that is outside the agriculture field boundaries. Everything within the agriculture field boundaries will be the responsibility of the new tenant. Finch, Wagner, and Duclos met up with three members of the Spokane Chapter of Pheasant Forever to inspect the shrub plots planted a couple weeks ago. Finch, Wagner, and Duclos went out to Z-Lake on the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area to check out the shrub plot that was planted almost one year ago by WDFW, Pheasant Forever, Spokane Audubon and many dedicated volunteer members. This shrub plot won 1st place in a onX National competition last year, with a $7,500 grand prize awarded to the Spokane Chapter of Pheasant Forever to use toward their next conservation project. 

Boot Brush Stations: This week Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner and Natural Resource Technician Duclos installed two new boot brush stations donated from Washington Invasive Species Council to the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area. One of the boot brush stations was installed at the kiosk and bathroom area at Swanson Lakes and the other one was installed for access into Z-Lake along Telford Road. Concrete bags were laid over the top of the concrete until the concrete cures, after which the bags will be removed and the dirt will cover the concrete. 

Providing Education and Outreach

Chief Joseph ATV Club Outreach: David Woodall and the LC Valley ATV Club did a ride out to Shovel Creek. They saw some elk, spring wildflowers, raptors, and some beautiful scenery. 

Sheriff Department Training: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb assisted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Wade, Wolf Biologist Spence, and Conflict Supervisor Earl with the presentation of depredation investigation topics with the Garfield County Sheriff Department.

Odyssey Outdoor Camp: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris attended Odyssey’s outdoor camp to teach students about safe recreation and how to handle wildlife encounters. Students also learned how to identify tracks, scat, and skulls of large carnivore species and the importance of carrying bear spray. 

Other

Equipment Prep.: Natural Resource Technician Edmondson assisted Biologist Baarstad with preparing and loading a tractor and seeder for transport to a site where planting will be done.

Conflict Equipment: Natural Resource Technician Edmondson picked up a paintball gun that had been loaned out to a member of the public who had been sustaining turkey damage to their yard. After picking up the paintball gun, Edmondson had all three of the CO2 canisters refilled. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Safe Harbor Agreements: Biologist Morris and several other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members met with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to update Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs) to a new format called a Conservation Benefit Agreement (CBA). SHAs and CBAs are tools to work with private landowners to improve conservation and reintroduction success for endangered species as part of Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act.

Annual Grouse Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Braaten continued surveying Sage and Sharp-tailed grouse in Douglas County.

Biological Control: Private Lands Biologist Braaten delivered 33 releases (approximately 3,500) stem boring weevils to ten Douglas County landowners who have Dalmatian Toadflax infestations.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Hunter Access: Biologist Morris updated and renewed three hunter access contracts. These contracts will allow for public hunting access on private lands totaling over 2,300 acres. Morris worked with another landowner to try and maintain fishing access for the public on a small lake in Douglas County. Morris checked and posted hunter access signs on several hunter access properties.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Bear Trouble: Specialist Heilhecker responded to several calls about bears getting into garbage and/or killing chickens. In all the situations, the garbage was neither secured in a bear-proof garbage can nor were the chickens protected by electric fencing. Specialist Heilhecker referred the reporting parties to the Methow Bear Coalition (MBC). MBC has funding available to assist with electric fencing projects. She also encouraged people to contact WasteWise to get a bear-resistant garbage can. In one situation, the homeowner had already called WasteWise and stated the can would be delivered the next day. Specialist Heilhecker worked with regional staff members to create a social media ad to remind people to safeguard their chickens and beehives from bears.

Cost-Share Fencing: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from a producer interested in fencing materials to keep deer from newly planted trees. The producer inquired about fencing for individual trees instead of fencing the entire orchard. Heilhecker explained the cost-share fencing program would require the producer to fence the entire orchard. She informed the producer the fiscal year is coming to an end, and it is unknown as to whether there will be any funding for the next fiscal year. The producer said he would follow up at a later date if he reconsidered fencing the entire orchard.

Coordination with Grazing Permitters: Specialist Heilhecker notified producers who graze within wolf territories of den sites.

Cougar Report in Town: Specialist Heilhecker and Sargent McCormick responded to a cougar sighting report in Okanogan. The reporting party’s son heard “rustling” in a tree the previous night. They walked the area but could not find any cougar sign.

Responding to Producers Request: Specialist Heilhecker visited with a sheep producer to discuss nonlethal deterrence measures. Despite having two livestock guardian dogs, bringing the sheep to the barn every night, and having no other attractants in the area, the producer has lost several sheep to cougars over the years. Specialist Heilhecker sat with the producer as they filled out their damage claim paperwork. However, the value of the lamb will likely be under $500.

Wolf Outreach Efforts: Specialist Heilhecker worked with regional and headquarters staff members to create a social media ad and blog update on wolf dispersal. The ad references a radio collared wolf from Chelan County who has been seen travelling around the Methow Valley.

Providing Education and Outreach

Snake Day 2025: Biologist Fitkin and retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist Rohrer conducted our annual snake survey in the Rendezvous Unit of the Methow Wildlife Area. This served as an adult (and some kids) education class for the North Cascades Institute (NCI). Perfect conditions (cool but sunny) meant snakes were active and 27 individual snakes from four different species were located during the class. A couple of rubber boas were on hand to share with participants. The data is an indicator of abundance and species diversity over time and gives us an opportunity to monitor for snake fungal disease (no suspect legions found). The proceeds from the course support NCI’s Mountain School program for kids.

Lands and Diversity Program Assistance: Private Lands Biologist Braaten aided the Diversity Program surveys (grouse, ground squirrel, hawk, and more) and researched project access needs on private lands. Braaten also worked with staff members to provide context regarding landowner reactions to situations, involvement, etc. in order to provide adequate communication to landowners and others. Maintaining private landowner relationships is key to having healthy partnerships.

Other

Young Owls: Private Lands Supervisor Rickel responded to a report of two young owls out of the nest at a residence. It appeared as thought they were still too young to fly and might have fallen out of the nest. The young owls were kept safe from predators by the homeowner, and they were picked up by the adult owls the next day.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Townsend Ground Squirrel Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore continued to survey for Townsend ground squirrel colony sites. Ground squirrels were once common. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has noticed declines in historically occupied sites. To better assess this, biologists have been working to assess historic site status and identify new locations of colonies to determine if breeding is occurring. 

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Photo by WDFW

District 8 Bat Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Moore started monitoring the arrival of bats to summer maternity sites. Maternity sites are monitored for white-nose syndrome and population trends. There are two key sites receiving experimental vaccinations and treatments to combat the deadly fungal disease. 

Teanaway Community Forest Spotted Owl Surveys: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole, Habitat Biologist Meyers, and Diversity Division Wildlife Biologist Kohler joined forces to begin the deployment of autonomous recording units (ARU’s) for monitoring spotted owl populations in the Teanaway Community Forest. ARU’s automatically record calls of birds and other species in the area. Assessment of the audio recordings will allow biologists to determine the presence of spotted owls and determine sex of those individuals from their call patterns. 

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Photo by WDFW

Bighorn Sheep Monitoring: District 8 Wildlife Biologist Wampole and Assistant Ungulate Specialist Kyle conducted surveys for new lambs in the Movi-positive Yakima herd. Wampole and Kyle also worked to retrieve and sample a natural mortality of the Movi-positive ewe from the Umtanum South sub-population where active infections were found in the winter 2024 capture and test effort. 

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Photo by Ralph Owen, public member

Burrowing Owl Transmitter Project: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra received locations from partner researchers regarding two burrowing owls with transmitters in unusual locations in Douglas and Yakima counties. Despite multiple attempts of various efforts using UHF, playback, and visual searches, neither owl was located. Due to the technology, it can be difficult to track birds to a specific location so more data will need to come in from the satellite before knowing the location or fate of these two owls.

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Photo by WDFW

Burrowing Owl Nest Project: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman began nest checks at artificial burrow sites near Pasco. Most nests have already hatched with many young clutches detected. After a mild winter, many owls were onsite early, and breeding is ahead of schedule with most available sites occupied. 

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Photo by WDFW

White-nose Syndrome Probiotic Study on Bats: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra and Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman, and Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber assisted staff members and partners to capture, assess, band, and tag little brown and Yuma myotis bats at a colony in Yakima County. This location will be used as a control site for the probiotic study attempting to identify preventative treatments for white-nose syndrome. Approximately 60 bats were sampled. 

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Photo by WDFW

Porcupine Rescue: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra responded to a call about a porcupine that had been staying under a car for several days on a busy street in Pasco with no suitable habitat in near vicinity. Fidorra and Conflict Specialist Hand quickly trapped the animal and moved it to a nearby natural area.

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Photo by WDFW

Diversity Grant Review: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra reviewed and scored applications for the new wildlife diversity grants.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Wenas Wildlife Area Durr Road Shooting Range Coordination: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray, Archeologist Barrick, and Environmental Engineer Hansen met with members of the Yakama Nation to discuss the Durr Road Shooting Range. Gray expressed how the range will improve safety, lower the risk of wildfires, and lower the amount of garbage left behind by providing the public a developed site to use. They discussed the importance and history behind harvesting food for the Yakama Nations. They also discussed the need for improvements on communication. The meeting went well, and it was a good opportunity to discuss target shooting and the Durr Road Target Shooting Range. The new range should be completed and ready for use in June of 2024.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Winter Closures Open: Oak Creek Wildlife Area staff members and volunteers opened all winter closure public access gates on May 1 at 6 a.m. Over 100 vehicles, various hikers, and horseback riders were waiting at the gates at 6 a.m. to enter the winter closure areas to search for elk antler sheds. Winter closures on the Oak Creek Wildlife Area aid in the protection of wintering wildlife, specifically elk, that are in high concentrations near winter feed sites and are within their winter recovery period. 

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand monitored elk activity and conducted late night hazing activities near the border of the Hanford National Monument. Several landowner meetings were conducted to coordinate damage permit hunting and hazing activities.

Corral Canyon Elk Area Summer Bull Permits: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand delivered Damage Prevention Permits (DPP) to landowners in elk area 3721. These permits were the first to be developed and issued from the new Damage Permit System platform and will be used to pressure elk away from commercial crops.

Ice Harbor Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand monitored deer activity and damage impacts at a large tree fruit and blueberry farm near Ice Harbor Dam along the Snake River. 

Prosser Marmots: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand received and responded to a complaint of yellow-bellied marmots causing damage at the Whitstran Elementary School near Prosser.  They provided information on deterrence strategies and contact information for local Wildlife Control Operators.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Signage: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet had four signs updated and reprinted for various locations on the wildlife area. These signs have been updated to follow the new Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sign standards and guidelines. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Wildlife Area – Sheep Company Target Shooting Clean-Up: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame collected 360 pounds of trash and target shooting material from the Sheep Company Target Shooting Range. Notable items were a toilet and dishwasher. 

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Photo by WDFW

Wenas Wildlife Area Spring Weed Treatments: Wenas Wildlife Area staff members continue to treat the wildlife area for noxious weeds. This time of year, common targets are Scotch thistle, Canada thistle, and whitetop. Preventing the encroachment of these noxious weeds is an essential aspect of maintaining the natural landscapes on the wildlife area.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Noxious Weed Control: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet and Natural Resource Worker O’Brien continue to chemically control noxious weeds on the Cowiche and Oak Creek units. Spot spraying reduces the presence of Scotch thistle and other various noxious weeds on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lands and helps conserve and maintain natural landscapes.

Private Land Shrub Plantings: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach and Wildlife Biologist Fidorra planted native shrubs on private lands in Franklin County that burned in 2020 and lost most all shrub cover. Sagebrush plantings from the year prior were doing well, but other species planted appeared to be browsed fatally by deer and cattle. New shrubs were added to augment the plot and browse protections will be implemented.

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Photo by WDFW

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Weed Control: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart hired Central Valley Helicopters to aerially treat 64 acres of the perennial weed, whitetop (Cardia draba), within the footprint of the 2022 Vantage Highway Fire. The lack of overhead cover makes this a good time to reach and treat remote weed populations.

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Photo by WDFW

Teanaway Valley Unit Restoration Site: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison and Assistant Manager Winegeart walked the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area’s Teanaway Valley Unit. They accessed the unit’s need for future attention. Restoration has been ongoing on the unit for several years, but the Recreation and Conservation (RCO) Grant is now closed. Wildlife area staff members will work hard to protect the work done and ensure success of the site’s structural improvements and weed control efforts performed over the years by Mid-Columbia Fisheries.

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Photo by WDFW

South Ridge Road Site Visit: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach met with South Yakima Conservation District staff members, an engineer from the Central and East Klickitat Conservation District, a member of the Audubon Society, and the landowner of the property enrolled in access as the South Ridge Road property. The meeting was focused around the development of a natural spring to increase flow and provide a solid pool of water for wildlife use and to allow for future habitat development. 

Past habitat projects were also viewed and plans to expand on them were discussed. Senior Program Manager Hulett from Audubon discussed plans for sage grouse surveys on this property as well as others in Yakima and Benton counties. The spring development project should get rolling this summer which would allow for habitat expansion later this year or next year.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Education and Outreach

Salmon Celebration: Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber and Natural Resource Technician Edwards presented at a recent salmon release event in Sacajawea Park. Students learned about the types of animals found in Washington and were able to touch furs, skulls, and antlers. 

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wenas Wildlife Area RCO Grant Application: Habitat Specialist Miller has been working on a grant application through the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). Grants through RCO require a multi-step process that involves several different presentations of proposed projects. Funds awarded through these grants are often used to acquire new lands for wildlife areas and supplement funds for the improvement of existing sites.

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Photo by WDFW

Other

American Badger Sighting: Natural Resource Specialist Frame spotted an American badger in the Cleman Mountain area.

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Photo by WDFW

Quilomene Unit Visitors: Domestic bison from a neighboring landowner's pasture made their way to WDFW's L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Quilomene Unit in search of green grass and water. Their white faces give them an awe-inspiring presence when meeting face to face on the landscape. It was fun while it lasted but the visitors had to return home in absence of a grazing permit. 

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Searches: Biologist Turnock and Technician Hara continued searching for new sage and sharp-tailed grouse leks in northern Douglas County. High winds have made surveying difficult, but they were able to cover four grids, which will help inform our understanding of these species’ distributions in Region 2.

Sharp-tailed Grouse Translocations: Technician Force assisted staff members in translocating 
60 sharp-tailed grouse from British Columbia to Dyer Hill and Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area.

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Photo by WDFW

Sharp-tailed Grouse Management: Biologist Heinlen documented a live signal from a female Columbian sharp-tailed grouse released into the Tunk Valley area of Okanogan County during an augmentation effort in April 2023. This will be the second nesting season for this grouse in Tunk Valley since release, which exemplifies the goal of getting new genetics into our local grouse population. 

A mortality signal from a male sharp-tailed grouse from the 2023 release in Tunk was also investigated. The radio collar, leg band, and feathers were found near an unmarked fence. It is likely the bird struck the wire fence causing the mortality. Marking wire fences has been documented to reduce grouse mortalities.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Lewis’s Woodpeckers: Biologists Eilers and Jeffreys, along with other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Chelan Public Utility District biologists, started conducting Lewis’s woodpecker surveys at five project areas in Rocky Reach Wildlife Area. The goal of this year’s cavity nest surveys are to: 

• Learn more about Lewis’s woodpecker nesting phenology and ecology of the population within the Rocky Reach Wildlife Area including clutch size, number of eggs hatched, number of hatchlings to reach fledging or late nestling phase, etc.
• Examine these data alongside habitat and microhabitat characteristics for the purpose of drawing inferences regarding nest success of Lewis’s woodpecker at both the local scale and microsite scale (breeding territory). 

These inferences may in turn be useful for informing habitat management considerations at the regional scale (North Central Washington). Collecting this data will require staff members to survey assigned grids for the purpose of locating nesting Lewis’s woodpecker pairs within the Rocky Reach Wildlife Area. Staff members will conduct multiple visits to each nest cavity over the course of the nesting cycle. Additionally, they will perform a nest cavity habitat assessment at each nest following the nesting cycle. 

So far this year, a variety of Lewis’s woodpecker pairs have been found and are showing signs of courtship (copulation, territorial calling and drumming, wing and flight displays, etc). Lewis’s woodpeckers are migratory to our region and typically arrive on the breeding grounds between the very end of April to early May. It is still at the beginning of the breeding season. As such, it appears that egg laying and incubation haven't started at our survey sites. Biologists will continue to monitor sites throughout the season. Stay tuned for some cute bird photos!

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Northern Leopard Frog Surveys: Biologist Turnock and Technician Hara conducted northern leopard frog breeding surveys in District 5, including at the Potholes off road vehicle park. They did not detect any leopard frogs, but these surveys resulted in some exciting incidental observations such as a badger with three young and breeding Great Basin spadefoot toads.

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Photo by WDFW

Pygmy Rabbit Trapping: Biologist Turnock and Technician Hara assisted Biologist Crowell with pygmy rabbit trapping at the B3 enclosure near Beezley Hills. They were able to capture the enclosure’s lone resident, an adult male rabbit, to confirm his survival.

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Photo by WDFW

Mule Deer Management: Radio-collars are deployed to help monitor mule deer herd demographics. When mortalities occur, investigations are conducted when possible to determine cause of death. Biologist Heinlen investigated a mortality in GMU 242 and confirmed cause of death as predation. The radio collar was recovered so it can be refurbished and redeployed.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Cougar Information: Specialist Heilhecker received a call from an employee of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The caller stated friends living in Snohomish County had a cougar on their ranch. Specialist Heilhecker discussed cougar safety information with the caller and provided contact information for the wildlife conflict specialist in Snohomish County.

Responding to Cougar Reports: Specialist Heilhecker received a call about a cougar killing chickens. They discussed keeping the chickens contained and inaccessible to the cougar. The reporting party was concerned for their family’s safety. Heilhecker advised the reporting party of their rights to put the cougar down if they felt in danger.

Responding to Cougar Reports: Specialist Heilhecker responded to a cougar sighting report. The reporting party submitted security camera videos of an adult and juvenile “cougars” near their porch. After reviewing the video, Specialist Heilhecker spoke with the reporting party. The juvenile “cougar” was a domestic cat, and the adult cougar was likely a dog, but she encouraged the reporting party to submit any future videos for more complete verification.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement-Conservation Reserve Program: Biologist Cook visited with a landowner to give advice for rolling a current general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract over into State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE). The field failed for the current contract and the landowner and operator were looking for confirmation with a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field visit to determine what they could do to prepare to move into SAFE. This landowner has other fields enrolled in SAFE contracts where plans were written by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a strong relationship currently exists.

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Photo by WDFW

Habitat Plots: Biologist Cook and Technician Blanchard tilled and applied herbicide to prepare supplemental food plots for planting later this month. Planting has been postponed due to delays with irrigation installation and to improve weed control, however they will be irrigated so they should still grow well.

Private Lands Biologist Braaten assisted Swanson Lake Wildlife Area staff members and volunteers in laying fibrous mulch for a Pheasant Forever habitat project. Installation of ten 300-foot rolls of mulch were laid with specialized equipment. This will benefit sharp-tailed grouse and upland birds in the future.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Education and Outreach

Snake Day 2024: Biologist Fitkin and retired U.S. Forest Service Biologist Rohrer conducted the annual snake survey on a portion of the Methow Wildlife Area. This survey was a part of an adult (and some kids) education class for the North Cascades Institute (NCI). Warmer than normal temperatures had snakes often hiding in the shadows, but we located 15 individual snakes from three different species during the class and had two other species on hand to share with participants. 

The data is an indicator of abundance and species diversity over time and gives us an opportunity to monitor for snake fungal disease (no suspect legions found). The proceeds from the course support NCI’s Mountain School program for kids. Thanks to Regional Diversity Biologist Gallie and his daughter for joining this year’s event.

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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

Wildlife Coexistence: Biologist Fitkin gave a presentation on wildlife coexistence to a 7^th grade Environmental Studies class at Liberty Bell High School in Winthrop. The talk emphasized living with bears and snakes and the students got hands on experience with the engaging reptiles as well as the opportunity to practice deploying bear spray (with inert ingredient cans).

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Photo by WDFW

Abandoned Horse: Specialist Heilhecker received a call about a horse dumped on Public Utility District land. The reporting party asked if Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wanted to investigate. She told the reporting party that investigations occur at the request of the owner. If the reporting party wanted the horse removed, to contact the landowner.

Oden Road Fire Study with Okanogan High School: Regional Wildlife Program Manager Haug, Assistant Wildlife Program Manager Troyer, and Regional Communications and Outreach Specialist Jordan attended the annual Oden Road Fire Study put on by the Okanogan Land Trust and Okanogan High School’s Advanced Biology class. 

This was the 12th year of the study (the last year for Haug) that looks at the effects of wildfire on a landscape level. Representatives from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Okanogan Conservation District, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Okanogan Land Trust were in attendance and providing their expertise. The students gathered data on soils, vegetation, bird diversity, and insect activity and will present their findings to a large audience later next month.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Scotch Creek STEAM Event with Tonasket and Oroville Elementary: Regional Wildlife Program Manager Haug, Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Manager Dupont, Scotch Creek staff members, Sinlahekin Wildlife Area staff members, Department of Natural Resources Specialist Medina and volunteers worked with staff members from the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) and Tonasket and Oroville elementary schools and held a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) field trip to the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area, Beaver Dam Analog Project. Over two days, Tonasket and Oroville elementary schools brought nearly 100 students to the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area.

The purpose of these visits was to take their classroom science learning into the field for an authentic science experience. Students worked alongside scientists to collect data, engineer water retention devices, plant and identify important plant species and paint their observations all in their efforts to learn more about how science is helping conserve the state-endangered sharp-tailed grouse in Okanogan County. 

As part of the field trip Scotch Creek Wildlife Area staff members installed Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) as part of a Recreation and Conservation (RCO) funded state lands restoration project along a stretch of Scotch Creek over the past four years. Students learned that the purpose of the BDAs is to slow the water flow of the creek and increase water retention to support the growth of water birch. Water birch is an important plant species for winter survival of the endangered sharp-tailed grouse. 

Haug gave a short presentation on sharp-tailed grouse and Wildlife Area Manager Dupont discussed the construction and use of BDAs (Scotch Creek staff built a mock BDA and river system simulation where students observed hydrologic affects). 

Students spent their day rotating through different stations. At the planting station, students learned to use a dichotomous key to identify native plants commonly found in the shrubsteppe. Students also explored stream transects with Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Fish and Wildlife Department. Students used scientific tools to calculate the volume of water in the stream and looked at ground water levels before and after a BDA installation. 

Half the group rotated out to do insect collection and identification. They also built their own water retention devices using recycled bottles and natural materials to see if they could slow the flow of stream water. And finally, students had an opportunity to put their observations to paper in a station led by a Tonasket art student. Students used watercolor to capture the scenery around the project site.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Wild Washington Outdoor Classroom at Beebe Springs: The Wild Washington Outdoor Classrooms (WWOC) is a pilot program expanding our current offerings by bringing students to a wildlife area near them for experiential learning to hone skills taught in lessons in outdoor and real-world applicable settings. Given Beebe Spring’s unique landscape diversity and rich cultural history, the program weaves together scientific inquiry with cultural knowledge of the area. 

The program was a “choose your own adventure” where students decide which investigation path most interests them. Students moved through their chosen investigations that were led by local experts from Cascade Columbia Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northcentral Washington Educational Services District, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Because of the diversity of Beebe Springs, activities included: designing beaver analogue dams, measuring biodiversity, wildlife viewing, predicting landform erosion, sound mapping, storytelling, watercolor painting, wild food preparation and more. The Wild Washington Outdoor Classroom Program will give students a chance to meet local natural resource practitioners, elders, and artists and experience career connected learning. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Cost Share Fencing Contract: Specialist Heilhecker completed a payment form for cost-share fencing materials to prevent deer damage. She submitted the paperwork to Wildlife Conflict Program staff members. 

Cooperative Agreement: Specialist Heilhecker completed cost-share payment paperwork for a livestock producer with a Damage Prevention Cooperative agreement. She submitted the paperwork to the Wildlife Conflict Program.

Other

Gallery Photos: 

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Photo by Heinlen

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Photo by Heinlen

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Photo by Heinlen

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Photo by Cook

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Photo by Haug

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Photo by Haug

Managing Wildlife Populations

Tucannon Bighorn Sheep: Wildlife Area Manager Dingman located the Tucannon bighorn sheep several times this week. Lambing should be happening anytime. There is only one ewe with a working collar currently. The ewes appear to be dispersing to get ready to lamb. 

Golden Eagle Monitoring: Dingman checked the Cummings Creek, Merengo, and Hartsock nests this week. The Cummings Creek birds either did not nest or the nest has already failed this year. Both the Merengo and Hartsock nests have hatched, and each nest has at least one eaglet in it.

Five Sisters Wolf Pack: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman assisted Wolf Biologist Roussin with checking a trapline for wolves in the Five Sisters pack. One wolf, a 2-year old male, was captured and collared during this effort. The GPS collar attached to this wolf will help biologists identify core-use areas, and the approximate boundaries of this pack’s territory.

Sharp-tailed Translocated Grouse Update: So far, from the 30 Sharp-tailed Grouse that were translocated from British Columbia to the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area office there have been two accounted mortalities. One of the mortalities was retrieved by the Region 1 assistant district biologist and frozen so that it could be transported to Washington State University for a full necropsy. The second mortality appeared to be a coyote predation. 

Duck Banding: Wildlife Biologist Prince assisted Kalispel Tribe biologists with duck banding. The tribe is running a large-scale banding and radio-tagging project in collaboration with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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Photo by WDFW

Lincoln County Bats: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman captured bats at Rock Ranch in Lincoln County and obtained samples that will be tested for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats. White-nose syndrome has not been detected in bats in Lincoln County; however, surveillance efforts are critical to early detection of Pd. Other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff members, Bureau of Land Management employees, and a professor and students from Eastern Washington University assisted with the capture effort.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Boggan’s Access Site Improvements: Access Manager Heimgartner ordered six truckloads of gravel for the Boggan’s Access Site using recent new supplemental budget funds. Natural Resource Technician Nielsen later used the access area tractor to complete the gravel spreading project. They anticipate there may be a few more gravel deliveries made with the goal of covering the entire site with a new surface.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Access Areas Spring Opening: North Region 1 Water Access Area Manager Dziekan and his assistant, Natural Resource Technician Brant, had the summer seasonal access areas ready for this week’s opener. Dziekan noted that he typically sees heavy site use with the spring opener, but based on the condition of the toilets, that appeared not to be the case this week. This will probably change once the weather starts getting a bit nicer. Over the week, Dziekan and Brant conducted routine activities such as cleaning restrooms, picking up litter, and applying herbicide to weedy areas. 

Turkey Access: Private Lands Biologist Nizer answered phone calls and emails regarding turkey access and gave advice to turkey hunters wanting to hunt in Whitman and Spokane counties. Nizer spoke to a hunter and directed him to a property enrolled in the Hunt by Written Permission Program. The hunter came from Alabama to hunt turkeys and was successful on the property. 

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Recreation Access Site Maintenance: Heimgartner and Nielsen worked together to clean access sites across the district from Heller Bar and the Grand Ronde River to the Wooten Wildlife Area campgrounds. They picked up trash, sprayed weeds, and restocked supplies. They also cleaned the shooting ranges. Wade cut vegetation around the Asotin Creek shop and gate. 

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Reardan Audubon - Access Manager Dziekan and Natural Resource Technician Brant spent some more time out at Reardan Audubon lakes this week. There was an application of herbicide a couple weeks ago, targeting broadleaf and grass. This time around, the broadleaf control was very effective, the grass control was effective, but more grass started popping up since the last visit. 

Brant focused on string trimming the entrance gate on the southern parking area, cutting down tall grass and dead weeds that had either previously been sprayed or blown in and gotten trapped on the fence. The string trimming work was done after the grass was mowed along the driveway leading to the property. 

While Brant was working on beautification, Dziekan loaded up some glyphosate and worked on getting the areas of new growth. More work is planned for this site, but they wanted to eliminate the grass growing in the rip-rap rock along the trail. The northern parking area is looking great. Dziekan applied broadleaf herbicide last season along the trail and had good results. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Trail Camera Check. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Bennett worked with a livestock producer with concerns of a recent calf loss. A coyote was the only wildlife noted on the trail camera in Pend Oreille County. 

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Cougar Activity: Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife staff members trapped a juvenile male cougar in Columbia County. The cougar was in poor body condition and exhibiting behavior consistent with habituation. The cougar was transported to Department carnivore specialists for potential placement in a zoo or sanctuary. 

Beaver Evaluation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb met with a beaver relocation specialist and conducted a site visit in Walla Walla County. Current beaver activity has damaged critical shade trees utilized by cattle in the summer and blocked the flow of water to an irrigation pump. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat biologists also assisted in providing near-term relief for the producer. Additionally, the beaver relocation specialist will meet with their team about long-term solutions for the problem area (for example a pond leveler/beaver deceiver). 

Bear Concerns in Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Bennett worked with eight landowners with bear damage questions and concerns. Information on deterrents and securing attractants were covered. Bennett also reached out to the local garbage disposal company on a long-term solution. 

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Spring Habitat Work: Private Lands Biologist Nizer met with Private Lands Biologist Baarstad and Natural Resource Technician Keeling. Nizer assisted with planting 500 trees at a hunting access site. Nizer planned a last-minute spring planting at a Hunt by Written Permission property for clover and alfalfa. Nizer met with another landowner to discuss guzzler implementation for this summer. 

Riparian Shrub Project: Wildlife Area Manager Finch and Private Lands Biologist Baarstad prepared a rototiller and attached it to the tractor and moved it to the project site south of Z-Lake. The site was sprayed out with Roundup so that it could be tilled before laying matting material. Region 2 Private Lands Biologist Braaten came to help lay the matting material. Plants were delivered from Plants of the Wildlife the following day. The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) riparian shrub planting day with volunteers was on May 11. The Spokane Chapter of the Pheasant Forever Habitat Chairman Gruenke and the Spokane Audubon will be working together to complete this important winter habitat project. 

The Pheasant Forever chapter listed this project on their national website. OnX is offering a chance to win a $7,500 grant for habitat projects so Pheasant Forever will be taking a lot of pictures. Pheasant Forever even mentioned this cooperative project may get published in the Pheasant Forever Magazine. It would be a great example of a cooperative project between Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Audubon, and Pheasant Forever.

Carcass Pit Retirement: The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has finished using its highway carcass drop pit off Trout Lake Road at Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, opting to take local roadkill to other disposal sites off Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. DOT has covered the trenches, and Sherman Creek Wildlife Area staff members would like to implement a full site rehabilitation of the pit area, which had several trenches used over the decades. One option is to submit a grant to the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for the cost of planning and implementing the site work. Thanks go to Region 1 Manager Kuttel for working with DOT to get the pit closure implemented so quickly! 

Smoothing Iron Ridge Field Work: Natural Resource Specialist Whittaker finished up spring planting of 50 acres of oats, ten acres of spring wheat, and 3.5 acres of a sunflower/millet/sorghum mix. He then cleaned up the equipment and put it in storage until fall planting time. A part broke on the drill and Whittaker and Wade worked together to reinstall a new part. 

Whittaker reported seeing a cow and calf moose running across the hillside on the Asotin Creek Wildlife Area.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Riparian Shrub Project: This week all the planning and work for the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) riparian shrub planting project at Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area is underway. Saturday is the big work party. They are expecting approximately 35 volunteers who will help plant 780 shrubs and trees and construct a 7.5’ deer fence around the planting. Prior to the workday the site was prepped by rototilling and laying the matting material. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Education and Outreach

Turkey Presentation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris and Officer Beauchene met with a group of first-time turkey hunters at Porcupine Bay Campground to discuss wild turkey biology and management in Washington. The turkey camp was put together by the Armed Forces Initiative and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. 

Medical Lake Middle School STEM Career Night: Biologist Brinkman attended a career night with other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) representatives at Medical Lake Middle School. Students and parents visited the tables of WDFW and other local organizations that have professionals working in a field related to the STEM curriculum. WDFW provided outreach materials covering various programs (for example, fish, wildlife, habitat, and enforcement) in our agency. 

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Conducting Business Operations and Policy

General Facilities and Equipment Maintenance and Repairs: Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Palmer repaired part of the field irrigation system coming from Sherman Creek, by the diversion box adjacent to the Inchelium Highway. A section of the pipe was apparently damaged by a vehicle leaving the roadway since the last irrigation season. Palmer cold-welded a hole in the corrugated metal pipe and resealed coupler joints, fixing the leak. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

Sandhill Crane Surveys by Drone: Biologist Bergh enlisted the help of Remote Sensing and GIS Analyst Jansen and GIS and Data Support Analyst Simper to get aerial imagery of three different sandhill crane nesting areas. The group used three different types of drones and tried regular (RGB) imagery as well as infrared (IR) imagery to identify sandhill crane nests. 

Bergh, Jansen, and Simper tried different heights above the ground, both with speed and with the drone stationary. After several days of flying, they determined which drone, imagery, and height would be optimal for spotting nests. They found nests at two of the three sites, although not all of the imagery from the third site has been searched. Disappointingly, the IR imagery did not seem to be useful since it was impossible to differentiate cranes from other waterfowl and even with cloudy skies and cool temperatures, the wetland vegetation appeared “warm.” Next year’s drone survey flights should be more straightforward with the information learned this year.

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Northwestern Pond Turtle Hatchling Collection: Biologists Bergh, Wickhem, and Ott spent time collecting hatchling northwestern pond turtles (NWPT) the size of silver dollars to send to the Oregon Zoo as part of the northwestern pond turtle “headstarting” program. The goal of the program is to grow the hatchling turtles to a size of 50 to 100 grams. By the time they reach that size, they are better, faster swimmers, and too large to be swallowed by bullfrogs. Bullfrogs are not native to the Pacific Northwest and easily prey on northwestern pond turtle hatchlings, which is one of the causes of northwestern pond turtle declines in Washington. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Headstart Turtle Notching:  Biologists Wickhem and Ott visited headstarted northwestern pond turtles at the Oregon Zoo this week. The turtles were brought to the zoo as hatchlings in May 2023. Under the care of zoo staff members, they can grow larger in a safe setting and be released back into their natural habitat at a size that allows them to more easily avoid predators. 

Wickhem and Ott assigned these headstarted turtles identification numbers and put notches in their shell scutes using a triangle file. These notches do not harm the turtles and will help staff members identify these individuals the next time they are captured in the field. Wickhem and Ott also took weights and shell measurements and checked PIT tags on all the headstarts. 

The captive cougar, Pai, supervised the headstart activities from his neighboring enclosure, which has become a welcome tradition. These turtles will be released at a site in Skamania County in late May.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Mudflow Unit Opens After Winter Closure: On the first day of May, Technician Crane removed “No Trespassing” signs on the Mudflow Unit of Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area that were posted for the winter closure. The Mudflow Unit’s annual winter closure is in effect from Dec. 1 through April 30 to ensure minimal disturbance to elk on their over wintering grounds. 

The opening of the Mudflow Unit on May 1 each year is popular for shed hunting. While removing signs, Technician Crane observed six shed hunters on the Mudflow Unit, most of which were successful in legally collecting antlers.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

The Route Inventory and Trail Conditions Assessment contract process is wrapping up. The contract will go to Logan Simpson, a consulting company. They plan to start work asap. 

Providing Education and Outreach

The Ambassador Program is underway at Big Valley, Pipestone, and Lewis Butte in the Methow Wildlife Area. We are partnering with Methow Valley Trails Collaborative to oversee the program. Programming for central Washington locations will start in June. 

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Signs and kiosks are constantly being designed and fabricated. Lands has decided to move forward with tribal narratives on three-panel kiosks. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

L. T. Murray Wildlife Area, Whiskey Dick Unit: Manager Morrison joined members of the Ecostudies Institute in the field while they were conducting horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) nest searching and monitoring, and bird captures in the Whiskey Dick and Quilomene areas. The search and captures are part of a pilot study to gather further information about lark introduction to new locations. The pilot study supports a greater study to facilitate work in supporting population of threatened listed streaked horned larks (Eremophila alpestris strigata).

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Sunnyside and Snake River: Manager Kaelber assisted volunteers from the Richland Rod and Gun Club with servicing wood duck nesting boxes in the Sunnyside Headquarters and Byron Units. Several boxes were being occupied with nesting wood ducks, as well as screech owls and kestrels.

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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

Bighorn Sheep Monitoring: Collared individuals from the ‘Test and Remove’ study sites continue to be monitored. District personnel responded to two mortalities occurring the past two weeks within the Cleman Mountain population due to vehicle strike and a likely predation event. Nasal swabs and heads were collected and sent for additional testing. Nasal swabs test for active infection, while heads are inspected for nasal tumors. The presence of tumors would indicate chronic Mycoplasma ovipneumoniea (M. Ovi).

Mule Deer Coordination: District biologists gathered with ungulate specialist personnel to discuss current and future mule deer monitoring and management.

Ground Squirrels: District 8 staff members continued to conduct surveys for Townsend ground squirrels on private and public lands. Ground squirrel colonies have seen drastic declines. Staff members have been revisiting historic colony sites and investigate new areas on private lands. District 8 personnel have registered several new colonies in the area hosting large family groups.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

End of Winter Closure: On May 1, Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow and Assistant Manager Taylor opened gates in the Wenas Wildlife Area allowing public access to the winter closure area. At the time of opening, there were around 26 vehicles at the Hardy Canyon gate and one vehicle at the gate at the top of Woodcamp Road looking to access the winter closure area for shed hunting.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand processed and issued damage prevention permits to several landowners in elk area 3721. These permits, for antlered bull elk only, are an extremely effective tool used for hazing elk away from valuable crops during the growing season.

Richland Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand and Sergeant Fulton responded to an injured deer call in Richland. They observed a young buck mule deer that could not move its rear legs and appeared extremely emaciated. The deer was lethally removed, and the carcass was taken to a Department of Transportation disposal site.

Pasco Fox: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to call from a Pasco homeowner who has lost chickens, ducks, and rabbits to a fox. The reporting party has witnessed the fox in the act of depredations in the past and assumed the recent attacks are from the same animal. Multiple protective measures were discussed as well as potential use of a Wildlife Control Operator for possible trapping.

Prosser Bald Eagle: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to an injured wildlife call concerning a bald eagle hanging from a powerline in the Prosser area. Local power company staff were alerted to the situation and were available to assist, but unfortunately the adult eagle died prior to any rescue attempt. The bird was tagged and labeled for shipment to the National Repository.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Kittitas County Conflict: Conflict Specialist Wetzel worked with several hay growers who were having problems with elk in crops. Elk have been hazed from irrigated hay, row crops, and at haystacks. Greenup is helping to keep elk higher and on public land.

Yakima County Conflict: Conflict Specialist Wetzel worked with several hay growers who were having problems with elk in crops. Elk have been hazed from irrigated hay, row crops, and orchard areas.

Wetzel Other: Conflict Specialist Wetzel assisted enforcement with trapping a cougar that killed a housecat. The cougar did not return to the trap.

A deer mortality was recovered in the Teanaway. A second also occurred in a very remote area that will be recovered when snow recedes.

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Photo by WDFW

Wolf Activity: Individual wolves have been reported but not verified in any one location. No packs are present at this time.

Wenas Elk Fence Check: Natural Resource Worker Frame and Biologist Miller finished the spring elk fence checks. They ensured the fence was intact in places of the wildlife area bordering areas that will be holding livestock.

Wenas Breakaway Installation: Natural Resource Specialist Frame and Natural Resource Technician Stoltenow installed breakaway fencing in a drainage along Newlands Road, between two sections of elk fence installed last summer. The purpose of this fence is to breakaway in the event of a major flooding or debris flow event, so that the rest of the fencing is not damaged.

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Colockum Litter Cleanup: Manager Lopushinsky coordinated with WDFW Enforcement and the Wenatchee Sportsman’s Association in cleaning up a very nasty garbage site near Lily Lake in the Stemilt Basin. After being alerted to the problem the Sportsman’s Association responded immediately to rally volunteers and pick up and haul this garbage pile to the local landfill.

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Photo by WDFW

Mowing at Mattoon and Fio Rito: Access Manager Garcia mowed Mattoon and Fio Rito to reduce non-native fire risk and to improve weed management.

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Photo by WDFW

Boundary Fence Repair: Access Natural Resource Technician Barbosa and Natural Resource Worker Wolff repaired fences at Pond1, Pond 2, and Pond 3.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Graffiti: Access Natural Resource Tech Barbosa and Natural Resource Worker Wolff painted out graffiti at Pond 6.

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Photo by WDFW

L. T. Murray Wildlife Area, Quilomene Unit Grazing: Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Workers Schneider and Hamlin completed pre-grazing vegetation utilization monitoring on the Quilomene Unit’s Whiskey Jim pasture. The pasture showed very little to no grazing from wildlife.

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Photo by WDFW

Beacon Ridge Road Gate: Natural Resource Technician Blore built a gate across the Quilomene Unit’s Beacon Ridge Road to be used while cows are in the Upper Parke pasture during the first half of July.

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Photo by WDFW

Sunnyside and Snake River: Manager Kaelber, Assistant Manager Jahns, and Natural Resource Technician Manderbach visited the Thornton Unit to evaluate a wildlife food plot that was recently seeded. There was new growth of the seeded species, as well as regrowth of grasses.

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Photo by WDFW

Colockum Wildlife Area, Post Burn Activities: WDFW staff members conducted a 270-acre prescribed burn on the Colockum Wildlife Area last fall. This spring things are greening up nicely, and this month staff are seeding the containment lines with native grasses.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Other

L. T. Murray Wildlife Area, Quilomene Unit: Assistant Manager Winegeart presented information to the Region 3 management team regarding a new private firing range being developed a few miles east of Ellensburg on the Vantage Highway. The property sites between the Green Gate subunit or the L. T. Murray Wildlife Area, Quilomene Unit and the Wild Horse wind farm and was almost purchased by DFW for a public firing range around five years ago. The range is owned by Vantage Valley Properties LLC and is currently being used by local law enforcement for target practice.

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Photo by WDFW

Sunnyside and Snake River: Assistant Manager Jahns and Natural Resource Technician Manderbach continue to implement integrated pest management strategies to control noxious weeds throughout the wildlife area.