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Wildlife Program Week of March 5 – March 11, 2018

REGION 1

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Prairie Grouse: Biologist Atamian conducted a survey of the Windmill sage grouse lek,

there were five males dancing on the original lek site and one other male was observed

flying over the second lek site.

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER

WILDLIFE-RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERICAL EXPERIENCES

Falconry: Biologist Lowe banded a juvenile male goshawk captured by a local master

falconer. Lowe also re-banded an adult female gyrfalcon who had ripped her band off.

The falconer captured her in early 2016 and has been hunting with her ever since.

Falconer with juvenile female gyrfalcon in 2016 (left) and the same bird as a 3-year-old

(right).

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GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Willmill Project: On Wednesday, WAAM Finch

and Natural Resource Worker 2 Haden assisted three BLM personnel out of their

Spokane District office including their archeologist with taking down the windmill that

stood as a perch on their property. This windmill has not been functional for many years

and the fan at the top has also been missing. This particular windmill happens to be in

key sage grouse area where raptors and ravens have been using it as a perch for many

years. BLM staff has placed perch deterrents over the last couple of years on this tower

without any success.

Bureau of Land Management Windmill Project-Photos taken by Wildlife Area Assistant

Manager Mike Finch

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER

WILDLIFE-RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERICAL EXPERIENCES

Kettle River Water Access Project: WAAM Palmer, Habitat Biologist Sandy Dotts,

and Access Manager Dan Dziekan met with CAMPS Engineer John Hansen to discuss

and stake out the access developments on the two parcels being acquired for the Kettle

River Water Access Project. The snow is still a bit deep, but the group was able

accomplish the task. The property acquisition is expected to close early this spring, with

parking area development to follow when site conditions allow.

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Sandra Dotts, Daniel Dziekan, and John Hansen at the parcel 1 on the Kettle River

REGION 2

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Predator Prey Study: Manager Troyer had a rare opportunity to accompany Lauren Satterfield

and her crew while they collared a cougar in the Methow Unit of the wildlife area. To begin,

Troyer snowmobiled to the area the cougar had been tracked and discovered that the cat was in

fact in a 2’ culvert, staring directly at us each time we peered into the hole. Next, Satterfield

devised a plan and ensured her crew was in place with clear objectives and duties. Once the plan

was set, Satterfield readied herself at one end of the culvert with a flashlight taped to her dart

gun. When the cat shifted slightly, Satterfield placed a perfect shot with the dart gun to sedate the

cat. For Troyer, excitement remained high as he realized, someone needs to crawl into that

culvert to retrieve the sedated cougar. Lucky for everyone, Satterfield is not just an expert

sharpshooter; she is also an avid caver. Therefore, after assessing the cougar’s state of sedation,

Satterfield fearlessly crawled into the culvert with hobbles fashioned out of climbing rope. Once

the hobbles were connected and Satterfield had wiggled her way back out of the culvert, the crew

was able to pull the cat out to begin sampling and collaring procedures. Once the cat was clear of

the culvert, it was immediately clear to Troyer that Satterfield and her crew were highly efficient

and competent at their professions. Everyone knew exactly his or her role; the gear was already

in place, organized, and ready. A collar was placed and scientific data was collected accurately

and swiftly. Once all necessary work was performed, the cat was gently placed back in the

culvert entrance so she could wake up in a quiet, secluded location. In all, Troyer was highly

impressed with Lauren Satterfield and her crew. They truly are experts at their craft and at all

times ensured the health and safety of not only the capture crew, but also the cougar itself. It was

a pleasure to tag along and capture some photos of the event.

The sedated cougar in a culvert. The collar it’s wearing is likely from several years ago and is no

longer transmitting. After this photo, this cougar was outfitted with a new GPS collar.

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Predator Prey Cougar Study Crew (from left to right): Caitlin Kupar (technician), Lauren

Satterfield (project lead), Steve Reynaud (local houndsman), and Brandon Bernhardt

(technician) – Photo: Brandon Troyer, WDFW

GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,

MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Electric City /Osborn Bay Hunting Meeting: Private Lands Biologist Braaten attended

meeting with Electric City Council, Mayor, Port District Representatives and local Chief of

Police along with WDFW staff; Columbia Wildlife Area Manager Eidson, Lands Operation

Manager Finger and Private Lands Manager Rickel. Great discussion on the annexation of

public lands and the future of management of the Osborne Bay area. City council listened to

WDFW staff and the city attorney; both provided direction and possible solutions to ordinance

issues regarding hunting. The number one suggested solution and possible future direction was

to “unannex” the public land (USBOR/WADNR) which would allow the return of hunting

benefits to sportsman and management to public land managers. It was a great meeting

discussing future management and recreational opportunities on Osborne Bay Area of the Banks

Lake Wildlife Unit.

Public Outreach: The second WAAC meeting for Chelan Wildlife Area planning was

completed. Manager Fox gave and overview of the plan and how it relates to the goals and

objectives. Complex Manager Finger provided an overview of a new process for evaluating new

recreation proposals and planner Melinda Posner informed the group of the emerging Statewide

Recreation Strategy for WDFW Lands.

Beebe Springs Cultural Resources: Manager Fox received notice from Chelan Public Utility

District (PUD) of an upcoming transmission line pole replacement at Beebe Springs. The pole

replacement would require construction of a short access road up a very steep hillside with

highly erodible soil. During inspection of the site, Manager Fox discovered a historic can scatter,

surrounding the pole. Some items were preliminarily dated to the 1940’s. After consulting with

Archaeologist Kat Kelly, the Chelan PUD was advised that they are responsible for additional

cultural resource investigation/documentation before proceeding with the project.

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Pre-1960s cone top beverage can near transmission

pole

REGION 3

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE

FISH AND WILDIFE

Colockum Wildlife Area: Manager Lopushinsky

attended the Eastern Washington Riparian Planting

Symposium in Ellensburg. About 150 people attended

this workshop to learn about riparian restoration. Topics

presented by speakers included how to develop a

riparian planting plan, strategies for invasive weed

management, integrating cultural knowledge into

riparian restoration, establishing monitoring of riparian

plant establishment and the effects of climate change on

riverine environments.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area: Oak Creek Staff continued winter feeding operations on the Nile and

Cowiche feed sites, curtailing feeding operations at Cowiche at the end of the week. Nile feed

site continues to have high numbers of elk.

Forester Hartmann also attended an East Cascades Oak Partnership meeting in Hood River,

where speakers discussed the variety of stand structures present in unmanaged stands of SW

Oregon, a variety of common and unique lichen species that can occur in oak woodlands, and

results of some initial prescribed fire following mechanical thinning in the Columbia River

Gorge Nat’l Scenic Area.

Peak Elk Counts for Week

Headquarters - N/A

Junction - N/A

Nile - 316

Sheep - NA

Cowiche - 265

Winter Weather: Temperatures were warmer with lows in the low 30s with highs reaching into

the lower 50s. Similar weather is expected for the coming week. Elk are in seasonally good

condition.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: The week started out with nearly 700 head in Watt but only 100

head in Robinson. Those numbers trended down the rest of the week with 300 elk in Watt and

150 in Robinson by Friday. The nights are still below freezing but the days have been in the mid

40s. Next week lows will be in the lower 30s with highs nearing 60. The elk are enjoying the

sunshine and are in seasonally good condition.

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Elk at the Robinson feed lot

Wenas Wildlife Area Mellotte Feed

Site elk numbers (~300 animals):

Feeding continues with good

numbers of elk still holding on the

feed site.

Assistant Manager Taylor moved

tarped hay and restacked it for

feeding.

Elk are in seasonally good

condition. One dead cow was found

on the feed site this week.

Winter Weather: Temperatures for the week were near normal, with highs in the mid to upper

40’s, with lows in the 20s to low 30s. Temperatures for the coming week are expected to be in

the mid to upper 50’s for Sunday and Monday, then dropping back into the upper 40’s to low

50’s for the remainder of the week, with lows in the upper 20’s to mid-30’s, and rain predicted

on Tuesday.

District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra spoke with Wildlife Control Operator, Enforcement Sargent

Fulton, and Conflict Specialist Hand regarding coyote issues in a Kennewick Neighborhood.

Several neighborhood cats are missing and the homeowner association is concerned.

District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra worked with WDFW Habitat and Wildlife Staff to address

WA Ground Squirrel and Ferruginous Hawk concerns at a permitted wind turbine project.

District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra conducted a waterfowl survey on Sunnyside Wildlife Area

units in Franklin Co. Over 3000 of snow geese are staging on the Windmill Unit and 1000

White-fronted geese are on ponds at the Mesa Lake Unit. Sandhill Cranes are also passing

through and foraging on adjacent farms but are not on the wildlife area.

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Dabbling ducks on the Phase 1 wetlands on the Windmill Unit counted during survey.

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Some of the ~3000 snow geese staging on Windmill Lake on the Sunnyside Wildlife Area

District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra attended a full day workshop with USFWS and Hanford

Department of Ecology staff and contractors to assist in development of a viability assessment of

habitat and species on central Hanford, with plans to expand models to the surrounding

landscape including the Blackrock area and Yakima Training Center.

District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra received and entered a pronghorn sighting of a group of 9

south of Prosser. The Yakama Nation released 50 additional pronghorns last year to add to their

slowly growing reintroduced population, many of which winter on private land.

Yakima Canyon Bighorn Sheep Disease Management Simulations: Biologist Moore

completed all of the disease simulations trials. The final output tables will look at the

permutation of four population sizes, three estimated disease carrier rates and four percentages of

test and cull management. These data were sent to Olympia for further review.

Wolf Check: Biologists Moore and Babik spent part of a day looking for wolf sign in District 8.

The tracking conditions were marginal and we did not find any wolf sign.

Colockum Elk Studies: Moore prepared for the upcoming Colockum elk survey. The survey

will take place during the week of Feb. 26 – March 2.

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Colockum Wildlife Area: Shed hunters are starting to venture out on the Colockum this spring

in search of prized elk and deer antlers. Road access is just opening up on the north end of the

wildlife area through the Colockum Pass and North Fork Tarpiscan Roads, where mud and

slushy snow is making the roads passable only to ATVs.

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A local “shed” hunter on the Colockum this week.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: Assistant Manager Winegeart worked with NRT2s Hill and Nass

to place a roof and routed identification board on the new reader board on Taneum Creek. The

LT Murray is getting a much-needed facelift!

Old reader board on Taneum Creek replaced by new reader board

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New reader board on Taneum Creek

Natural Resource Technician Hill working on the Taneum reader board

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Oak Creek Wildlife Area: Manager Mackey attended the pre-construction meeting for the

development of Tim’s Pond this spring. Construction of fishing platforms, ADA accessible trail,

ADA parking, and preparation for 2 new vault toilets will commence on March 19, 2018 by the

Yakima Construction Shop. The site will remain closed and trout stocking delayed until work is

completed. Expected to be complete no later than May 2018.

Private Lands Biologist Stutzman participated in a Private Lands reservation and drawing system

conference call. Private lands staff was able to hear from licensing and public affairs staff about

the new reservation system and website and provide input on how a drawing system might work.

GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,

MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: Manager Babik met with Project Manager Demorest and

Discovery Lab teacher Mrs. Yeager to plan an outreach event for the spring. Students will learn

about the Heart K property, elk, and fish. Afterward they will decorate plywood salmon cutouts

to serve as local art for the new kiosk in Taneum.

Assistant Manager Winegeart fed elk with Natural Resource Technician 2 Nass and assisted with

an outreach event to a local Girl Scout troop.

Volunteer talking to Ellensburg Girl Scout troop at a Watt feed site outreach event

Sunnyside Wildlife Area: Manager Buser worked with a group of Boy Scouts on an Eagle

Scout Project. The Eagle Scout lined up a group of volunteers to help build several osprey

platforms. The Eagle Scout is also coordinating with Big Bend Electric to help attach the

platforms to old utility poles around the Wildlife Area.

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Boy scout volunteers helping on an eagle scout project

Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand and Enforcement Sergeant Fulton completed a livestock

depredation investigation on a beef cow near Mesa in Franklin County. The animal was found

by the caretaker of the cattle; he thought the animal died 2-3 days prior. Although the animal

had been scavenged on, it appeared that it had died due to complications from calving. A trail

camera was employed and only captured images of ravens and other cattle.

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Dead cow near Mesa

Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to coordinate with a wine grape producer and a

Master Hunter to provide a hunting opportunity and hazing effort near Paterson. Unfortunately,

the master hunter is having difficulty being in the right place at the right time. One additional

master hunter is scheduled to participate in a hunt this next week.

Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand met with two landowners in the Kahlotus area to discuss deer

damage, master hunter use and hazing strategies. Two Damage Prevention Permits were

extended through this month to aid in their hazing activities.

GOAL 4: BUILD AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZATION BY

SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES, AND

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY

Colockum Wildlife Area: Colockum staff Took advantage of low Columbia River levels to

clean up garbage along the shoreline. They cleaned beaches and bays from Tarpiscan Creek

south to Quilomene Bay.

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Colockum Assistant Manager John Hagan at Quilomene Bay

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: Manager Babik helped Regional Program Manager McCorquodale

facilitate the Safe and Best Workplace discussion. Babik was very pleased by the great

conversation and topics WDFW staff brought forth.

Manager Babik toured the Jackknife Ridge Road washout with a member of the Ruffed Grouse

Society and Department of Natural Resources. A huge thank you to the Ruffed Grouse Society

for leading this volunteer effort to repair an impassible road.

Jackknife Ridge Road washed out

Sunnyside Wildlife Area: Manager Buser attended a 2-day training seminar presented by

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The training gave attendees a basic working

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knowledge of BPA’s new on-line Pisces program. Pisces is the primary venue for submitting

various reports to BPA.

REGION 4

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Oregon Spotted Frog Volunteer Workshop: Biologist DeBruyn Helped with a training day put

on by the Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program (WCAMP). The course was training

for upcoming fieldwork on this endangered species.

Swan Mortality and Morbidity: Biologist Zimmerman is working swan mortality on an as

needed basis. Although swans are actively moving north and migrating out of the area, we had a

small spike in mortality. We recaptured two of our released birds that were not doing well and it

was determined they had to be euthanized. Biologist DeBruyn exported remaining samples to

Canada where they will be analyzed.

Elk Monitoring Survey: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Witman distributed over 50 survey forms

to landowners and volunteers to assist with ground surveys during the week of March 12. The

data obtained from the surveys will assist with better understanding elk population and

distribution surrounding the Acme and Skagit Valleys.

WDFW Wolf Internal Group Meeting: Wildlife Conflict Supervisor Caldwell attended and

co-facilitated the WDFW Wolf Internal Group meeting in Ellensburg, WA. The two-day meeting

went well and staff were able to make good progress on current and long-term issues.

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Monthly Wolf Conservation and Management Conference Call: Wildlife Conflict Supervisor

Caldwell attended the monthly wolf conservation and management conference call. Wolf

management staff updated statewide staff about current wolf management efforts. Regional staff

members were able to share updates and collect needed information.

Lake Terrell Dam Maintenance: Natural Resource Tech Deyo checked the Lake Terrell Dam

and made sure water was flowing freely over the dam. He also cleared off a beaver made

blockage on the dam overflow valve.

Lake Terrell Island Area Closure: Manager Kessler and Natural Resource Tech Deyo installed

the closed water signs and marker buoys on Lake Terrell to close off boating and fishing access

to the island areas. These island areas are closed to access to protect nesting waterfowl from

March 1 – July 1.

Leque Island Project: Projects Coordinator Brokaw submitted information about the project for

a grant pre-proposal to NOAA’s Coastal Resiliency program. Additionally, WDFW received

notification that a previous grant application to the USFWS Coastal Wetlands Grant Program

was successful.

Nearshore Staff Meetings: Projects Coordinator Brokaw met with staff from Habitat’s

Nearshore Division twice. Once via conference call to go over current activities and another

time in-person to meet the new division manager and coordinate on projects.

Near Term Actions: Projects Coordinator Brokaw submitted projects to be considered as Near

Term Actions in Puget Sound Partnership’s Action Agenda, including Leque Island Estuary

Restoration, Spencer Island Enhancement, and Ebey Island Planning.

Ag Lease Renewals: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian Boehm received three signed

and approved ag lease renewals from the Olympia review team. Public announcements for the

public bid process will begin March 13 in three local newspapers. Renewals will hopefully

continue agriculture at Ebey Island and Crescent Lake Units. 340 acres of cropland are up for

renewal.

Ebey Illegal Dumping: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian Boehm cleaned up two illegal

dumps at the Ebey Island Unit. The waste items were taken to a Snohomish County transfer

station and fees will be covered under the DOE cleanup fund.

Region 4 Waterfowl Meeting: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian Boehm met with

Skagit Wildlife Area staff and Region 4 staff to discuss mapping of the changes to waterfowl

hunting areas on the Skagit and Snoqualmie Wildlife Areas over time. Region 4 Director Amy

Windrope requested the review for future planning.

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GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Brant Capture Effort: Biologist DeBruyn assisted Waterfowl Specialist Evenson with an effort

to capture Brant to be fitted with radio transmitters.

Captive Brant with test transmitter

Wildlife Area Road Grading: Natural Resource Technician Deyo used the grader scrapper

implement to redo gravel access roads and parking areas at the Lake Terrell and Intalco units of

the wildlife area.

Lake Terrell Downed Tree Clearing: Natural Resource Technician Deyo worked to clear all

the downed trees and debris from the internal roads and trails on the Lake Terrell unit improving

recreational access on the site.

Intalco Archery Range Work Party: Manager Kessler, Natural Resource Technician Deyo and

many local volunteers held a Saturday work party to get the Intalco Archery Range up and

running for this spring and summer archery season. All 1 – 30 burlap bag targets on the 2-mile

loop course were installed along with new PVC distance markers. The seven target stands at the

Site in Range were repaired, with new metal roofing installed which will help protect the new

super bow butt targets that were also installed. The whole course was weed whacked and downed

trees on the course removed. Roofing shingles were nailed down to the raised wood planks along

the course that were slippery making them safer to walk on. The work party was a great success,

and the archery course is now completely up and running sooner than it has been in the last few

years.

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Italco Unit archery range

Equipment Maintenance: Manager Kessler performed an electrical system tune up and

carburetor rebuild on the Ford 4600 Tractor.

Waterfowl Mapping: Projects Coordinator Brokaw, Skagit and Snoqualmie WLA staff, and

Habitat Biologist Lindsey Desmul had a work session to make progress on a mapping exercise to

document how habitat management has changed on the wildlife areas since 2000.

Biologist Meis performed snow geese/swan survey on Fir Island.

Met with Belinda, Loren, Lindsey and Brian to discuss waterfowl acreage by habitat types for

Region 4 Wildlife Areas and associated mapping needs to complete this task.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove continued monitoring waterfowl use at the

Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit and Nookachamps Creek area.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove and Biologist Meis continued water drawdown at the

Island and Samish Units. Cosgrove dug small drainage ditches out of fields and monitored water

control structures.

Biologist Meis checked butterfly valves in the ponds to ensure they are properly closed. Meis

also collected soil samples from a few fields to consider other amendments to improve soil

health and structure.

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Waterfowl Quality Hunt Program Site Use Surveys: Private Lands Biologist Wingard entered

data from use surveys and survey cards at Waterfowl Quality Hunt Program sites across Region

4. This data is analyzed and used to help justify funding and improve management of these sites.

Waterfowl Quality Hunt Program Unit Break Down: Natural Resource Technician Otto

continued the process of breaking down hunt units in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties,

weather permitting. With drying conditions, Natural Resource Technician Otto was able to

access many previously inaccessible fields.

Spring Bear Hunt Preparation: Private Lands Biologist Wingard contact partner landowners to

begin preparations for this year’s North Skagit Spring Bear Hunt. Private Lands Biologist

Wingard and Natural Resource Technician Otto toured the North Skagit Spring Bear Hunt unit to

assess road and snow conditions, and observe potential logging operations to avoid.

GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY ECONOMY, PROTECT COMMUNITY CHARACTER,

MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Prison Outreach: Biologist DeBruyn helped staff from the habitat program with a booth at the

annual Cedar Creek Correctional Facility Math and Science Day. The program is designed to

help offenders re-establish relationships with their families prior to release.

Happy Habitat team at the prison

Ungulate Management: Wildlife Conflict Specialist delivered equipment and provided guidance

to a landowner staring an elk-fencing project. With the drier weather, the landowner expects to

begin installation of fencing materials next week. WCS Witman received two requests for

information from landowners on the legalities of hazing snow geese from farm crops. Information

on hazing was provided along with contact information to purchase bird scare devices.

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Snow geese on a winter wheat field

Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Management Plan Update: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager

Brian Boehm completed his review of the draft version of the Snoqualmie WLA Management

Plan update. The draft was also under review by the Advisory Committee and local Tribes.

Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Volunteers: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager Brian Boehm

attended a transition ceremony presented by Lake Stevens Webelos Pack 430. Four of the young

members completed all requirements to officially become Boy Scouts. Manager Boehm

provided two service opportunities over the past few years for the Pack to earn badges for

community service and native plants.

Big Ditch Access: Skagit Wildlife Area and North Sound Access staff constructed a new ramp

from the parking lot area to the dike at the Big Ditch Access site. The Dike District had voiced

concerns about impact and erosion of the dike caused by foot traffic on the slope of the newly

repaired dike.

Fir Island Farm: Manager Rotton checked operations of pump station.

Headquarters Unit: Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove graded the boat launch parking

area and roads at the Headquarters Unit.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove replaced a leaky spigot on the Headquarters Unit shop.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove mowed areas at the Johnson/DeBay's Slough and

Headquarters Units with the x300 riding mower.

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Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove changed the hydraulic/transmission oil filters on the

John Deere 7320 tractor and changed the engine oil and filters on the 7230 tractor.

Manager Rotton monitored pump operations and scheduled local contractors to assist with the

removal of the pump to clean debris from the well.

Manager Rotton continued tract the contract and lease approval process for this planting season.

Manager Rotton attended the Dike District #22 meeting to provide an update on the Wiley

Slough Dike repair and pump station operation. The process to transfer the Wiley Slough pump

station has been initiated.

Samish Unit: Manager Rotton attended the Samish Clean-up sponsored by the Northwest

Chapter of the Washington Waterfowl Association (WWA). The group also discussed the

adopting a blind and other volunteer projects to assist the Wildlife Area Staff that will be a topic

of discussion at this month’s WWA meeting

Partner Landowner Meeting: Natural Resource Technician Otto met with a partner landowner

that is completing a land clearing project on property enrolled in the Private Lands Access

Program, project details and continued public access were discussed.

Partner Landowner Payment: Private Lands Biologist Wingard worked with Olympia staff to

ensure timely payment for waterfowl hunting access over the 2017-2018 season.

GOAL 4: SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES,

AND INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY

Private Lands Access Program Reservation Drawing Meeting: Private Lands Biologist

Wingard and Private Lands Supervisory Biologist Caldwell participated in a conference call with

other Private Lands Biologists, Manager Strickland, and Licensing staff to discuss the new Hunt

by Reservation system. The new system will operate as a drawing through the WILD system.

Details of Private Lands staff needs were discussed along with potential hurdles and next steps.

Equipment Maintenance: Natural Resource Technician Otto conducted maintenance on

chainsaws, weed-eaters and other equipment. Continued pressure washing of the gator and trailer

prevents mud build up on equipment, reducing future maintenance needs.

REGION 5

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Willapa Hills Elk Herd Population Surveys: Biologists in Regions 5 and 6 conducted elk

surveys in the southern half of the Willapa Hills elk herd area including GMUs 530, 506, 673,

and 681. A stratified random sampling design was used and sightability model will be used to

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generate GMU level population estimates. A total of 11 survey units were sampled with the

available funding this year and a raw total of 1,288 elk were observed during the survey

effort. Corrected GMU population estimates will be summarized in future reports. T hanks to JL

Aviation Pilot Rod Comstock for his skillful flying.

Willapa Hills elk herd population surveys

East Cascades Oak Partnership (ECOP): Biologist Wickhem attended the ECOP meeting

with Habitat Biologists Johnson and Stambaugh-Bowey in Hood River, Oregon. The ECOP was

created in 2016 by the Columbia Land Trust and the conservation group Pacific Birds with the

aim of conserving and restoring the vital and unique Oregon white oak habitat that occurs along

the east slopes of the Cascades in southern Washington and Northern Oregon. The group now

includes members from several state and federal agencies, tribal entities, and non-profit

groups. This meeting involved defining the vision statement of the group, and included

presentations on oak stand structure, lichens in oak woodlands, prescribed burning, and oak

woodland thinning to prevent wildfire. For more information about the East Cascade Oak

Ecosystem, please visit:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/research/ecofacts/e_cascades_oak-

ponderosa_pine_forest_woodland.html

https://www.columbialandtrust.org/our-work/east-cascades/

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Deer Necropsy: Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Jacobsen performed a necropsy on a dead

fawn in Klickitat County. The landowner who called in the dead fawn had found three additional

dead fawns in his yard over the past month. The findings of the necropsy were inconclusive, but

the deceased fawn did have a large amount of feed corn in its stomach and had severe, yellow

diarrhea, which suggests rumen acidosis as the possible cause of death. WCS Jacobsen did some

outreach to residents in the area and found that a neighboring landowner had been putting out

deer feed blocks containing corn. WCS Jacobsen shared information regarding the dangers of

feeding deer and rumen acidosis from high-carbohydrate foods with residents.

Corn in the rumen of a deceased fawn

Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area

Tree Cages: Assistant Manager Wildermuth continued building tree cages and placing them

around young conifers on the Mudflow Unit. The cages protect the young trees from wildlife

damange during their first few years of growth. Approximatley 100 cages have been built and

placed around trees throughout the Mudflow so far this winter.

Tree Planting Maintenance: Assistant Manager Wildermuth visited the Cedar Creek unit to

repair and replace tree tubes and stakes on tree plantings from the last few years. Many of the

young trees were in good shape but the tubes and/or stakes had fallen over during wet weather or

been damaged by wildlife. Garbage was also cleaned up from the area around the mineral

springs mostly consisting of spent shell casing. Three black-tailed deer were seen on the

property and a group of visitors showed up for a short hike.

Klickitat Wildlife Area

Fuel Break Maintenance: Manager Van Leuven and Assistant Manager Steveson initiated

maintenance work on fuel breaks that were developed in 2012 on the Soda Springs Unit. Shrubs

have encroached on the cleared areas along the road so that the fuel breaks are no longer

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effective. Van Leuven and Steveson cut brush that was four feet tall or taller in certain areas,

and chipped the slash.

Simcoe Unit Planning Process: Manager Van Leuven, Regional Program Manager Jonker, and

Lands Division Manager Wilkerson participated in a meeting with Eastern and Central Klickitat

Conservation District staff and supervisors to develop a better understanding of how each agency

accomplishes its work, current funding realities, and how to improve communication among

partners. Excellent discussions were had, and the partnership will work more smoothly as a

result.

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-

RELATED RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Pelt Sealing: Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Biologist Wickhem each sealed a bobcat pelt this

week. Both hunters had harvested the animals in early March. Bobcat season closes on March

15th. Any successful hunters must contact a WDFW office within 20 days of the close of the

season to schedule a pelt sealing.

Pelt sealing

Goose Harvest Checks: Biologist Trejo teamed up with Officer Dielman to check goose hunter

compliance and harvest in Wahkiakum County on the final day of goose season. Six hunters

were contacted; none of which were successful in harvesting wary late season

geese. Compliance was good with all hunters being in possession of the proper documents to

hunt geese. Biologist Wickhem joined Biologist Trejo for goose hunter checks on the last

Wednesday of the 2017-2018 goose hunting season. The pair checked 4 hunters, who had

harvested eight cackling geese total. The final day of the season is Saturday, March 10th.

One hundred and eighty geese were checked during the 2017-2018 goose hunting

season. Hunters interested in hunting geese should review goose hunting regulations,

identification, and obtain proper licensing before the 2018-2019 season.

25

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153 0 4 3 4 2 1 11 1 1 180

85% 0% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 6% 1% 1%

GOAL 3: USE SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES, DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Elk Hoof Disease WSU Lead Researcher Candidate Assessment: Regional Wildlife Program

Manager Jonker and Biologist Holman joined Statewide Elk Specialist Hoenes, Hoof Disease

Coordinator Garrison, Game Division Manager Aoude, and Region 6 Wildlife Program Manager

Calkins in an effort to assist Washington State University in their selection of a lead researcher

for elk hoof disease. Constituents from the public at large, the State Department of Agriculture,

as well as the Northwest Indian Fisheries Council participated as well. The candidate traveled

from Pullman, gave a seminar outlining his strategy and approach for dealing with wildlife

disease in general and hoof disease in particular, lunched with WDFW Staff, followed by a tour

of some of the area where elk are affected by hoof disease. The candidate was qualified for the

important position. Two additional interviewees will participate in this process in the coming

weeks. Ultimately, WDFW looks forward to continued collaboration with WSU and the

successful candidate for this challenging position. Thanks to WSU for their inclusion of WDFW

in their recruitment process.

Producer Meeting: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Supervisor Meyer met with three

Klickitat County livestock producers regarding how to prepare for the arrival of wolves in

Klickitat County. Proactive, non-lethal wolf deterrents, depredation investigations, wolf sighting

responses, and wolf biology and management were all discussed during the meeting.

Damage Permits: Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Jacobsen issued elk damage permits to

Klickitat County producers who have been incurring damage due to elk now that fields are

starting to green-up. WCS Jacobsen will continue to work with these producers to deal with

increasing elk numbers as the spring progresses.

Deer Damage: Wildlife Conflict Specialist (WCS) Jacobsen received a call from a commercial

flower grower regarding deer damage to his flower crop. The landowner had installed an electric

fence but the deer had since figured out how to get around it. WCS Jacobsen scheduled a

meeting for next week to visit the site and come up with additional fencing solutions.

Elk: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Conklin escorted a disabled hunter onto agricultural land in

Randle. The disabled hunter was able to harvest a cow elk.

Wildlife Conflict Specialist Conklin received reports about an elk that had a sheet of metal

around its neck in the Packwood area. Conklin responded and found most of the herd lounging

around at the Packwood RV Park. Conklin was not able to locate the elk and has not received

any additional reports.

26

REGION 6

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE

Oregon Spotted Frog Survey: Biologist McMillan and Biologist Ament participated in a

spotted frog survey in the Olympia area. Biologist Tirhi had invited other district biologists to

attend if they had an interest. The participation in the survey was arranged as a way to train

other staff for recognizing spotted frogs. Three other volunteers assisted with the survey

effort. Egg masses for OR spotted frogs, NW salamanders, and red-legged frogs were all

observed. The two new recruits learned how to identify the differences with each species and

were educated about the preferred habitat areas for spotted frogs. They both appreciated having

Biologist Tirhi and the volunteers share their vast knowledge about this unique amphibian and

were truly grateful for the opportunity. The SWAP map for spotted frog potential included the

eastern portion of District 16 and east Jefferson County in District 15 and this experience may

prove fruitful for them when encountering egg masses in the future.

Biologist Tirhi collecting data at egg cluster Searching for OR spotted frog egg masses

27

Red-legged frog egg mass located in wetland District Bio frog mass search team

Oregon Spotted Frog: Biologist Butler continued with Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys

this week. Butler surveyed multiple properties and found a few Oregon spotted frog egg mass

clusters. Fewer egg masses have been found than expected and some egg masses were found

damaged from the recent freezing temperatures. However, temperatures have increased and

additional egg masses will hopefully be found during the second survey of the

properties. Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys will continue throughout the month of March.

Oregon Spotted Frog: Biologist Tirhi and City of Olympia Stream Team coordinator Stevie

lead a group spotted frog oviposition survey at the larger of two sites on Fish Pond Creek. This

is a very large wetland/ponds complex that takes multiple volunteers and staff to cover

completely. Good weather enabled the team to completely survey available appropriate habitat

and over 120 egg masses were logged and recorded. Following the group survey, Tirhi

independently surveyed two smaller sites that had a slow start to the season. One had no

additional egg masses while the second had six additional masses laid. Later in the week, Tirhi

led a group survey at the larger of two sites on Salmon Creek. Unfortunately, this site has much

fewer egg masses this season than in previous seasons although water levels in maintained plots

were adequate for spotted frog. The project coordinators may not mow treatment plots in 2018

in order to bring water levels down.

Dungeness Recreation Area Master Plan Meeting: Biologist Ament attended a public meeting

in the evening on March 6, 2018 at the Sequim Prairie Grange. The meeting was the second

public meeting held by the Clallam County Parks Department related to the Dungeness

Recreation Area (DRA). It has been 10 years since the Master Plan for the DRA was

developed. WDFW no longer leases the park for pheasant hunting. At the first meeting, park

staff invited the public to discuss issues and concerns an updated Master Plan should address and

provide ideas about the types of park uses and future improvements. Biologist Ament had

recommended that habitat fragmentation, water availability for waterfowl/wildlife, weed control,

and habitat improvements be considered when developing the new plan. Biologist Ament had

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contacted the Park Director back in December to learn when official agency comments were

due. She was told she would be contacted after staff had compiled survey results but she was

never really advised when comments were due. Several meeting attendees agreed that the

process for public comment was flawed. Surveys were sent out after the first meeting to mostly

individuals who had camped at the park so results did not represent broad user groups. The

“preferred option” for the master plan was actually presented at the meeting last week. The plan

includes several new trails/roads, parking areas, a bike lane, vault toilets, improved play area,

viewpoints from trails, and numerous other park modifications. The most significant proposed

alteration is the plan to clear a secluded forested area and construct a 48-unit camp loop for RV

use and future cabins. In general, it seemed that a significant number of those attending the

meeting were not in support of the preferred option. Biologist Ament and the USFWS

Dungeness NWR Leader spoke to the Park Director following the meeting. They expressed

concerns over the public review process and requested to have an opportunity to provide official

agency comments. The comment period has now been extended to March 23. Biologist Ament

is hopeful that she can team up with other program staff to provide agency comments to address

the significant impacts to wildlife and habitat from the proposed preferred option.

Streaked Horned Lark: Biologists Butler, Tirhi and Stinson represented WDFW at the annual

Oregon-Washington Larks, Airports and Federal Lands Working Group meeting hosted by

Portland Municipal Airport. This annual meeting is a chance for Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA), WDFW, USFWS, Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM), Joint Base Lewis

McChord (JBLM) and various airport managers in Oregon and Washington to work together on

actions affecting lark recovery and airport operations. Larks are both a federally threatened and

state endangered (Washington) bird. At this year’s joint, data was shared on 2017 season survey

results, nest survey and management results by CNLM on JBLM, progress report on the draft

USFWS lark recovery plan, information by FAA on airport specific needs and

activities. Normally, a Washington-only working group meeting is held in the fall and a joint

OR-WA meeting held in the spring. However, in 2018 both meetings may be combined so that

participants can work collaboratively on Best Management Practices for airfield operations and

lark recovery.

GOAL 2: PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER WILDLIFE-

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Willapa Hills Elk Herd Population Surveys: Biologists Sundstrom, Novack, Michaelis and

Harris assisted Region 5 staff to conduct elk surveys in the southern half of the Willapa Hills elk

herd area including GMUs 530, 506, 673 and 681. A stratified random sampling design was used

and sight ability model will be used to generate GMU level population estimates. A total of 11

survey units were sampled with the available funding this year and a raw total of 1,288 elk were

observed during the survey effort. Corrected GMU population estimates will be summarized in

future reports. Thanks to JL Aviation Pilot Rod Comstock for his skillful flying.

Olympic/Willapa Hills Wildlife Areas: Wildlife area assistant VanBlaricom competed the fall

mowing to control scotch broom on prairie areas on the West Rocky unit of Scatter Creek.

Manager Gerchak finished up on capital project requests during the week for John’s River (boat

lunch and ADA trail repairs), Chehalis (road repairs and culvert replacement), Olympic (a new

29

pole building much needed to store and repair equipment at the Olympic). All the projects have

been on the backlog of projects for several years. Most of the efforts the past few weeks has been

on maintenance of our aging equipment. This week we started on a compete rebuild and paint

job on our 25-year-old offset disk. This is one of the kingpins for our elk forage maintenance

work on the Olympic and Wynoochee Mitigation elk forage areas.