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Wildlife Program Week of March 19 – March 25, 2018

WOLF ACTIVITIES

Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) Meeting: WDFW staff members participated in the first WAG

meeting of the year. Prior to the meeting, there was a public comment period where thoughts

from the public were captured. These were shared with WAG members during the meeting. Also

during the meeting, long term wolf conservation was discussed and information on current

scientific literature was covered. The next WAG meeting will be held May 1-2 in Spokane.

Wolf Activity: WDFW staff members checked an area near Liberty for wolf activity. There was

a report of domestic dogs interacting in a hostile way with wolves in the area. Based on collar

data, tracks, and reports from

landowners, wolves were in the

area for one night. Recent collar

data shows the wolves moving

away to other areas after the

incident. The pet owners were

contacted and avoidance

strategies, as well as Endangered

Species Act (ESA) protections of

wolves, were discussed.

Wolf track on private land

location near domestic dogs

REGION 1

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Channeled Scablands Spring

Waterfowl Surveys: Biologist Lowe and

Waterfowl Specialist Wilson conducted

the weekly aerial survey of the study

area, and Lowe ran the Tyler-Ewan

ground route. Nearly all water bodies

were thawed out and abundance and

variety of species observed continues to

increase.

Agricultural field with several hundred

American wigeon near Ewan

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REGION 2

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE

Predator-Prey Research: Biologist Fitkin investigated a collared mule deer mortality. The doe

was killed and partially consumed by a radio-collared cougar and her kittens. It’s always helpful

when study animals coordinate their activities.

Radio-collared mule deer remains

cached under a bitterbrush plant – Photo by Scott Fitkin

Rare Carnivore Monitoring: Biologist Fitkin and U.S. Forest

Service (USFS) Biologist Rohrer

checked a wolverine monitoring

camera and WSU Technician Seena

continued checks on lynx occupancy

model project cameras. No target

species detected this period, but

others were not camera shy.

Bobcat (left) and marten (right) eyeing the bait – Photo by WDFW/USFS camera

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

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Lewis Butte Trail: After attending the monthly Methow Trails Collaborative (MTC) meeting,

Manager Troyer tied in with Maintenance Mechanic Wottlin, Assistant Manager Brasier, and

Land Ops Manager Haug to accompany MTC members on a field review of the proposed trail

construction at Lewis Butte. For the field review, MTC had representatives from the Methow

Conservancy, Methow Trails, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, as well as the Methow Valley

Snowmobile Association in attendance. The proposed trail routes strictly adhere to the industry

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standard of gradual 5-7% gradients, a massive improvement for the landscape when compared to

some of the existing trail gradients which sometimes reach 38%. One of the biggest highlights of

this field review was seeing the support this project is receiving by a diverse cross section of user

groups. For example, even though this trail is strictly designated for non-motorized use, the

Methow Valley Snowmobile Association, as well as other groups, has shown a massive amount

of support for this project and continue to engage and assist in the planning and implementation

of the Riser Lake / Lewis Butte Save-A-Trail project.

Private Lands Habitat: Private Lands Biologist Walker conduced site checks at B&G farms

and continued working on a long term plan to enhance wildlife habitat on the property which is

currently home to over 20 circle corners, food plots, and shrubs managed totally over 92 acres –

all managed by WDFW. Walker also reached out to WSU extension agents looking for dryland

and (extremely) drought tolerant cover crop options for B&G circle corners. Walker and

Supervisor Rickel conducted a brief site visit and discussed B&G habitat management.

Private Lands Biologist Walker and Natural Resource Worker Steele visited three habitat plots in

Grant Co. Two plots, south of Quincy, are well established shrub stands. One shrub stand still

receives water and therefore had a native warm-season grass-dominated understory and low

shrub mortality. The second shrub plot has not received water in at least five years. Walker and

Steele noted high mortality in Douglas Hawthorn indicating little drought tolerance. The shrub

plot understory was almost exclusively cheatgrass. These two established shrub plots provide a

valuable contrast in terms of the effects of long- versus short-term irrigation of plots. Walker will

use this information for future habitat plot planning (i.e. determine how many years irrigation

will be available and adjust species planted accordingly).

The group hiking the re-route of the trail – Photo by Justin Haug

Methow Wildlife Area Manager Troyer

walking the deeply-eroded two-track trail

to be rehabbed – Photo by Justin Haug

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

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE

RCO Tour: Ben Donatelle, an outdoor grant manager for RCO, approached Manager Troyer

this week to discuss the possibility of conducting a tour of the Methow Wildlife Area (MWA). In

short, on July 18, the MWA will host RCO staff for a tour and field discussion near the Bear

Creek area. The primary topics will be history of the Methow, current acquisition strategies, fire

ecology, and the RCO funded Methow Forest Restoration Phase I & II projects.

Chelan Butte Unit: Manager Fox replaced the old Department of Game directional sign for

Chelan Butte with a brand new shiny sign. Sixteen more signs that are similar will be placed at

entry points on the seven units comprising the Chelan Wildlife Area.

WDFW Outreach: Access Manager Graves provided 1st grade Grant Elementary school with a

story time book about the lifecycle of our local salmons. In addition, Graves educated the 1st

graders with the importance of taking care of

our public lands and the recreational

opportunity’s found locally. Graves briefly

discussed some different wildlife and habitats

that inhabit the area. Graves sent all students

home with a few maps of nearby public access

sites and wildlife areas (to share with parents

at home). WDFW pencils, litterbags, rulers

and a Fish Washington sticker was also

handed out to the students.

Graves reading a book to students about our

local salmon and their life cycle – Photo by

Access Manager Graves

Old Department of Game sign for Chelan

Butte

New Department of Fish and Wildlife sign

for Chelan Butte

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Graves handing out bags of “WDFW

goodies” to elementary students – Photo by

Access Manager Graves

REGION 3

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT

NATIVE FISH AND WILDIFE

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: Manager

Babik and Assistant Manager Winegeart

assisted Biologist Moore with elk counts.

Wenas Wildlife Area: Assistant Manager Ferguson revised the waterfowl count spreadsheet

“database” to include more species, weather information, and freeway ponds. Also entered

waterfowl survey data.

Sandhill Cranes: Assistant Manager Kaelber conducted a sandhill crane count around the

wildlife area units in Franklin County. He counted 537 sandhill cranes using the Wildlife Areas

and adjacent private lands.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area: Assistant Manager Berry continued assisting with feeding operations

in the Nile. Most days no elk were there to count, but feed from previous day was

utilized. Small herd of a dozen elk down inside Matson’s agricultural fields.

Burrowing Owl: District Biologist Fidorra conducted checks and maintenance at artificial

burrowing owl chambers. Richland Rod and Gun Club volunteers assisted with excavating two

burrows that were completely filled with 30 gallons of sand by a rodent or gopher that chewed a

View from the helicopter searching for elk Crossing the Columbia to count elk

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small hole in the entrance tube...amazing and frustrating. Checks were completed with owls

recouping several sites that there were absent from last year.

Fidorra and a volunteer recovering a burrow and the repair attempt to the entrance tube

Owl: District Biologist Fidorra coordinated Short-eared Owl Surveys with Biologist Joe

Buchannan and volunteers. The first round of surveys is over with just 1 of 50 sites not

completed on time.

Waterfowl Survey: District Biologist

Fidorra completed a final waterfowl

survey of the Sunnyside Wildlife Area for

this season. Migrating geese were

abundant around the Mesa Unit.

White-fronts and snow geese in a stubble

field near Mesa

Winter Survival: Private Lands Biologist

Stutzman visited a habitat planting from

the fall to check on over winter survival

and perform minor maintenance on the

project. Survival looks to have been good

with most of the plants starting to leaf out

already and the fabric mulch held up well.

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Left: Fabric mulch from shrub planting project from fall 2017, Right: Sage brush plant from

the same project

Pronghorns: On the way back to the

office, Stutzman took the opportunity to

look for pronghorns and found two

groups south of Prosser.

Buck and doe pronghorn in the Horse

Heaven Hills above Prosser.

Wildlife Health Monitoring: Biologist

Bernatowicz responded to a report of a

sick elk in the Wenas. The elk was

having trouble standing and was

euthanized. The elk was emaciated.

Samples for disease testing were

collected as per Dr. Mansfield’s directions

and shipped to the Washington Animal

Disease Diagnostic Lab (WADDL).

Bernatowicz also tracked down a bighorn

ewe that had been hit on highway 821.

Samples were collected and shipped to

WADDL for Mycoplasma testing.

Sick and dying elk

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Big Game Harvest: Biologist Bernatowicz reviewed draft harvest statistics for District 8. The

2017 deer and elk harvest was lowest in recent years, but matched expectations based on

surveys. Antlerless archery harvest was high. Archers took about 42 percent of the elk harvested

in the district. Not much change is expected in 2018, other than reduced branched bull

harvest. Bull allocations were reduced by about 50 percent due to very poor recruitment of

yearling bulls into the population.

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

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

LT Murray Wildlife Area: Region 3 managers and Lands Operations Manager Huffman

attended the Green Dot Public Meeting to discuss changes to the Green Dot Road Management

Areas. Major changes on the L.T. Murray are the green dotting of about 15 miles in Green Gate,

as well as removing private lands without

a landowner agreement from the Green

Dot Road Management System.

Impressive turnout to hear about Green

Dot changes

Winter Closures: Manager Babik

responded to numerous calls and emails

regarding the winter closure. Babik tried

to clear up misinformation regarding

access to the Columbia River for camping

as well as the Windfarm and Whiskey

Dick Winter Closures. Shed hunters are

anxious to gain entry.

Sandhill Crane Festival: District Biologist Fidorra presented at the Sandhill Crane Festival in

Othello. His presentation on using eBird was well attended with over 40 people. It was a highly

memorable presentation, as for the first 40 min of the 45 min talk, IT staff tried to correct the

projector that was displaying menus upside down in Arabic, while Fidorra rambled on without

visual aids.

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

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Sunnyside Wildlife Area: Assistant Manager Ferguson disked a firebreak around Mosbar Point

field. Natural Resource Technician (NRT) 2 Medina and Assistant Manager Ferguson met with

Captain Joel Byam of the Yakima County Fire District 5 to discuss prescribed burns. Assistant

Manager Ferguson and NRT2 Medina assisted personnel from Yakima County. Fire District 5

carry out prescribed burns on the Office Pond, Giffen Lake, and Mosbar Point field.

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Hazing: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand completed one hazing patrol with landowner contact

at a wine grape operation near Paterson. Increased human presence within the vineyard has

aided in keeping deer observations and damage impacts greatly reduced.

Elk Activity: Wildlife Conflict Specialist

Hand spent one early morning surveying

elk activity near the top of Rattlesnake

Mountain after landowner reports of elk

sign being observed. Over 600 elk were

located on mid elevation ridges on the

Hanford Monument with only minimal

sign showing elk entering private

lands. Boundary stock fence was also

inspected for repair.

A beautiful morning on Rattlesnake

Mountain

Office Pond after burning: a little patchy but a

good number of cattails burned Giffen Lake burning along road to open

fishing/hunting access

Mosbar Point field burning Mosbar Point field after burning

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Pheasant Release: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand assisted District Wildlife Biologist Fidorra

with evaluating the Toothacre Habitat Management Area for return as a pheasant release site

after being completely burned a couple years back. Most of the area has recovered nicely and

should once again provide a great area to hunt upland birds.

Elk: Conflict Technician Leuck and Conflict Specialist Wetzel continued to patrol for elk in the

Thorp, Swauk, Kittitas, and west Ellensburg area. Elk and deer were located near unauthorized

artificial feeding areas but away from crop areas.

Deer Hazing: Conflict Specialist Wetzel met with a landowner near Kittitas that reported an

increase in deer feeding in his new timothy field. Advice and strategies for non-lethal hazing

were provided and the deer were hazed from the area. The deer use of that field will be

monitored over time to determine if other action is needed.

GOAL 4: BUILD AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZATION BY

SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES, AND

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY

Sunnyside Wildlife Area: Upon returning from the Sandhill Crane Festival on Saturday,

District 4 Wildlife Program staff helped district Fish Program Staff empty offices flooded by a

broken pipe leaving 1-2” of water through the District Office building.

Some of the remaining water in the District 4 office following a pipe break and a few of the

fans and dehumidifiers left to dry the place out next week

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REGION 4

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Oregon Spotted Frog Egg Mass Surveys: Biologist DeBruyn worked with The Whatcom

Amphibian Monitoring Project to survey properties in the South Fork Nooksack and the Upper

Samish drainages for breeding frogs.

Swan Mortality and Morbidity: As swans move out of the area to their breeding grounds,

Biologist Zimmerman wrapped up collecting and processing carcasses and cleaning up

equipment. Some swans from Pierce County had fishing gear in them and succumbed to lead.

Shaw Island Vole: Biologist Milner completed tissue extraction from 37 vole specimens and

shipped them off to university lab for analysis. We are investigating the relationship of voles

found in the San Juan Archipelago to voles found on the mainland of western Washington. The

Shaw Island vole is assumed to be a sub-species of the mainland Microtus tonsendii

vole. Twenty-five samples from six islands will be compared to 12 samples from the mainland.

Proposed Translocation of Mountain Goats: District 12 assisted Bighorn Sheep, Mountain

Goat, and Moose Section Manager Harris and USFS personnel with a public meeting in North

Bend to discuss the proposed translocation of goats from the Olympic National Park area. The

information provided was well received by attending members of the public.

Bats and White-nose Syndrome (WNS) Management: District 12 continues with fieldwork

and prep for upcoming new efforts given spring emergence and corresponding surveillance and

monitoring needs. Mesh guano traps are being constructed to trial as catchment system to use in

areas that are exposed to elements. District 12 has coordinated and scheduled collaboration with

other jurisdictions to provide for upcoming field efforts. A dead bat found earlier this month,

UV+, was sent off to Olympia for processing; as Region 4 does not have the materials/facility to

provide for biosecurity needs in this case. District 12 has been working with Olympia staff to

examine follow-up fieldwork needs where dead bats are known to be in higher concentration

than other areas of the district.

Please report bat roosts; sick or dead bats here (PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD OF THIS

WEBSITE AND NEED TO REPORT ROOSTS, DEAD OR SICK BATS IN WA):

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/wns.

District 12 met with citizen volunteers to discuss monitoring efforts and volunteering this

coming maternity season.

District 12 collaborated with Coordinator Tobin, Bats Northwest and area private bat biologists

regarding ongoing interviews and related media effort.

Seattle Urban Bird Treaty City: District 12 met with representatives from U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Seattle Audubon and Seattle Parks to discuss next steps in ongoing efforts to

provide for Seattle’s participation in the Urban Bird Treaty City program.

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Wildlife Conflict Management: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Witman coordinated a hazing

effort with a Master Hunter and WDFW Enforcement in an attempt to move an elk herd away

from State Route 20 in Skagit County. The elk herd had been near the highway for several weeks

and attempted to cross the highway earlier in the day. While conducting the hazing effort, a

nearby landowner became upset and stated he had been trying to keep the elk on the neighbor’s

property by feeding them. The landowner was informed that feeding elk next to a highway was a

bad idea for both the elk

and the motoring public.

Wildlife Conflict

Specialist Witman

Preparing to Haze Elk

Away from State Route 20

Skagit Forks Meeting:

Projects Coordinator

Brokaw, Skagit WLA

Rotton, and Habitat

Biologist Bob Warriner

met to go over the status of the Skagit Forks project near Britt’s Slough. The team planned a

series of next steps in the restoration pathway for the project.

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

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Permit/Take needs: District 12 provided request process needs and/or issued permits for

inactive nest destruction both on built and natural substrates. This has mostly involved osprey

nests on cell towers but also natural area management by municipality near known great blue

heron nests and other wildlife occupation consideration needs, perceived vs. actual take

consideration for pileated woodpeckers, urban peregrine falcon perceived nesting conflict –

relaying laws and lack of management justification to active group requesting intervention in

nesting. Worked with staff in Olympia to discuss path forward for annual take permit request to

provide for regular operations, maintenance, safety and property damage while planning to avoid

wildlife take; or take in situations outlined appropriate case-by-case as justified per agreements

to meet state law. Provided comment on two Scientific Collection Permit (SCP) reviews per

request from Olympia. Conferenced with SCP staff, Carnivore section staff and Enforcement

regarding management collaboration needs.

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A downy woodpecker trying its best to

use a house wooden column feature as

a “snag”

Wildlife Area Planning: Met with

Cherry Valley Review Team to discuss

proposed current project at the WMU.

Provided suggestions regarding

terrestrial wildlife consideration.

GOAL 3: PROMOTE A HEALTHY

ECONOMY, PROTECT

COMMUNITY CHARACTER,

MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HIGH

QUALITY OF LIFE, AND DELIVER

HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE

Wildlife Health – Game and Diversity: Provided management recommendations to a walk-in

customer regarding concerns of substances found in birdbath along with parasitic worms.

Provided recommendations to a constituent (new to WA) and their veterinarian regarding Hair

Loss Syndrome (HLS) in black-tailed deer, concerns over deer having mange (Demodex) and

perceived fear of mange being transferred to dogs. District 12 discussed HLS information and

common presence in local population. Also discussed likelihood of HLS being the actual

affliction noted by the constituent and their veterinarian.

Priority Habitats and Species (PHS)-Habitat-Local and State Code Consultation: District

12 provided guidance to Habitat regarding various Growth Management Act requests including a

larger review request involving elk use.

Outreach: Worked with customer service to provide for requests of wildlife materials/specimens

for outreach by outside entities (e.g. WSU Extension, Stillaguamish Tribe, among others).

Region 4 (DISTRICT 12) conflict: District 12 met with a landowner to discuss deer damage in

Snohomish County. Discussions included nonlethal requirements, landowner permits,

restrictions due to safety concerns and fencing design. The landowner is looking into electric

fencing as a possible solution.

District 12 discussed electric fencing design and maintenance issues with a landowner in the

Green Valley area.

Injured Wildlife: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Witman responded with WDFW Enforcement to a

report of a deer that had been caught in a trap and was injured. The deer was immobilized and

examined. After the examination it was determined the deer was malnourished and the injury

was so severe that the appropriate action was to euthanize the deer.

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Fir Island Farm: Skagit River Systems Cooperative has begun the fish use monitoring for the

season on the Fir Island Restoration site.

Manager Rotton has been monitoring pump operations.

Snow geese and widgeon have been feeding at Fir Island Farm Unit

Surveys: Biologist Meis performed the Fir Island Farm waterfowl and shorebird survey and the

Fir Island snow geese and swan survey.

Headquarters Unit: Natural Resources Technician (NRT) Cosgrove prepared equipment,

coordinated volunteers, and successfully ferried tractors and fuel tank to the Island Unit with the

assistance of Biologist Meis. The equipment is staged on site for upcoming fieldwork for

agricultural and moist-soil waterfowl forage enhancements.

NRT3 Cosgrove and Biologist Meis cleared vegetation back at the Spur Dike Trail Headquarters

Unit.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove brushed the spur dike trail at the Headquarters Unit and

mowed with the x300 riding mower.

Manager Rotton met with Dike District #22 members to discuss the Wiley Slough pump

operations and potential for transfer of operations.

Biologist Meis met with a master hunter candidate regarding work projects on the Wildlife Area

to meet his volunteer hour requirements within the program.

Biologist Meis and Manager Rotton assisted a local contractor with pulling a pump from the

Wiley Pump Station that had debris trapped in the pump.

After pulling and clearing the debris the pump was reinstalled and seems to be running like it

should.

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Manager Rotton and Biologist Meis met with North Puget Sound Weed Crew Staff (Dave

Heimer, Daniel Zimmerman), Skagit River Systems Cooperative Restoration Ecologist, Greg

Hood and WDFW District Habitat Biologist, Bob Warinner regarding cattail control and

management within restoration areas and the estuary.

The group discussed previous work, monitoring of control sites, access issues and future control

methods and locations.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove assisted Dike District #22 personnel with a check of the

Wiley Slough tide gate at the Headquarters Unit.

Manager Rotton and Biologist Meis also walked areas on the west side of the Headquarters Unit

Spur Dike looking at cattail colonization and densities for possible treatment in the future.

Manager Rotton participated on the interview panel for the new Region 4 Lands Agent.

Manager Rotton participated in a conference call with Region 4 Wildlife Program Manager

Yarborough and other Wildlife Area Managers.

Manager Rotton continued to finalize lease agreements, planting plans and contract planting

agreements for this next season.

Manager Rotton performed administrative duties such as budget tracking, bill payments and

review of draft agreements, temporary position announcement and restoration plans.

Island Unit: Natural Resource Technician Cosgrove and Biologist Meis re-established a trail

from Freshwater Slough to an old duck blind in the area of the cattail control project to provide

public and management access to the area.

Biologist Meis assisted with ferrying equipment to the Island Unit for this year’s agricultural

season also repaired ramps from damage in the past. Also picked up a new I-beam to be

installed this week for the ramps.

Biologist Meis monitored water levels on the Island Unit, dug surface ditches to begin draining

some low areas in a few locations.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove participated in a tour of the Island Unit. Attended a

meeting/tour of the Island Unit with Region 4 staff and Wildlife Area staff.

Johnson DeBay’s Slough: Natural Resource Technician Cosgrove continued monitoring

waterfowl use at the Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit and Nookachamps Creek area. Cosgrove

entered data into a spreadsheet.

Samish Unit: Natural Resource Technician Cosgrove continued to monitor drainage at the

Samish and Island Units. Small hand-dug surface ditches were extended into fields to drain low

areas at both Units.

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Biologist Meis and Manager Rotton toured the Samish Unit looking at potential moist soil

management areas within the Unit. A few areas look promising for this management technique

that will be tried this year.

Snow geese observed using the fields throughout the Samish Unit

Skagit Bay Estuary: Skagit Wildlife Area staff and Daniel Zimmerman (North Sound Weed

Crew Lead) visited a few locations for consideration to control and manage cattail within the

Skagit Bay Estuary.

Natural Resources Technician Cosgrove participated in a tour of cattail control areas in the South

Fork estuary.

Manager Rotton and Restoration Projects Coordinator Brokaw met with Dike and Drainage

District 7 to discuss their proposal to improve the dike south of Big Ditch towards the Stanwood

near Leque Island.

Cattail treatment area south of the Island Unit shows open areas of less vegetation

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Skagit Forks Properties (Britt Slough): Manager Rotton met with Habitat Biologist Bob

Warinner and Restoration Project Coordinator Loren Brokaw regarding the proposal for

restoration of the Britt Slough outside of the dike.

Manager Rotton met with a representative from Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and a

neighboring landowner to discuss property boundaries and location of proposed project

activities.

Dike District Meeting: Projects Coordinator Brokaw and Skagit WLA Manager Rotton met

with Dike District 7 and the Stillaguamish Tribe to review a project proposed by the District that

would fortify the dike along Skagit Bay in Snohomish County, near WDFW’s Skagit Bay

Estuary Unit.

GOAL 4: SUPPORTING OUR WORKFORCE, IMPROVING BUSINESS PROCESSES,

AND INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY

Enforcement Support and Check-in: District 12 staff attended a Detachment 10/11 meeting to

hear of ongoing enforcement wildlife efforts, how local biologists can support management

needs, within capacity. Discussed general opportunistic collaboration where it makes sense and

within duties (e.g. being a “second voice” to help enforcement staff in gently pushing any given

community that is just not taking appropriate measures to reduce issues/violation situations by

backing enforcement up where requested; e.g. via outreach or discussions with specific

community members in joint effort). Discussed District needs and activities and welcomed

officers in participating in any level appropriate (e.g. reporting wildlife occurrences, discussing

wildlife management needs officers see on the ground that biologists may also take-up in

addressing collaboratively, various other items).

Lands Agent Interviews: Staff participated in interviews for the vacant Lands Agent position.

REGION 5

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Oregon Spotted Frog Survey: Biologists Bergh and Wickhem resurveyed one site in Trout

Lake for Oregon Spotted Frog egg masses. Thirty-four egg masses were located in 6 different

clusters. The same site was surveyed the previous week, with no egg masses found, so the frogs

at this site may have only recently begun laying. Very low water and cold overnight

temperatures may have contributed to the later start to laying at this site. A coordinated effort to

survey several sites in the Trout Lake area will take place next week to more rigorously quantify

the breeding success of this season. Oregon spotted frogs are a state endangered and a federally

threatened species and more information about them can be found here:

https://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/articles.cfm?id=149489458.

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Low water at Oregon Spotted Frog

site

Klickitat Deer Spring Survey:

Biologists Bergh and Wickhem,

Conflict Specialist Jacobsen,

Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager

Van Leuven, Assistant Manager

Steveson, and Enforcement Officer

Myers participated in the annual

spring road survey of mule deer in

and around the Klickitat Wildlife

Area. A version of this survey has

been conducted every spring since

1960 and is used as a way to gauge

the over-winter survival of the deer

population in the area. Unfortunately, this survey counted only 243 deer, well below the average

of the last 25 years. The winter of

2016-2017 was rough on the deer

population in this area, and it will

likely take a few years for their

numbers to rebound.

Klickitat deer spring survey

Mount St. Helens Elk Herd

Population Surveys: Biologists

Holman, Stephens, Bergh and

Wickhem, Wildlife Area Manager

Hauswald and Assistant Manager

Wildermuth, Conflict Supervisor Meyer, Conflict Specialist Jacobsen, and Hoof Disease

Coordinator Garrison teamed to conduct elk surveys in the “Core” Mt. St. Helens Herd

area. This area encompasses portions of Game Management Units 520 (Winston), 522 (Loo-

Wit), 524 (Margaret), 550 (Coweeman) and 556 (Toutle). A total of 15 survey units were

sampled with the available funding this year and a raw total of 248 groups of elk were observed

during the survey effort. WDFW’s westside elk sightability model will be used to generate

GMU level population estimates as well as sex and age ratios. Thanks to Northwest Helicopters’

Pilot Jess Hagerman for his expert flying. Please enjoy the photos below and some video

footage of the survey at the following link: https://youtu.be/Khl4QCUzS8E.

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Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Population Surveys

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Sick Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen contacted a concerned landowner who reported

a sick deer in his yard. The deer was still standing but appeared to be very weak and exhibited

behaviors unusual for a healthy deer. Jacobsen discussed the frequency of winter deer losses at

this time of year and reviewed WDFW’s response to sick or injured wildlife. The landowner

will report back if the deer becomes immobile and can longer get up.

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Carnivore Tracks: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen contacted a member of the public who

had submitted photos of carnivore tracks in the snow via the WDFW Wolf Observation

Reporting tool. Jacobsen was able to confirm the tracks in the photos as being made by a large

cougar, not a wolf.

Elk Damage: With the onset of spring and warmer temperatures initiating “green-up” of

farmers’ fields, elk damage to these fields is picking up. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen

was contacted by multiple landowners regarding elk damage to their crops. Master Hunters were

deployed and damage permits were

also issued. WCS Jacobsen will

continue to work with landowners in

the area regarding the use of both non-

lethal and lethal methods of deterring

elk damage.

Successful Master Hunter from the

Region 5 Master Hunter Damage Pool

REGION 6

GOAL 1: CONSERVE AND

PROTECT NATIVE FISH AND

WILDIFE

Oregon Spotted Frog Surveys: Biologists Michaelis and Sundstrom completed the second

portion of a survey along the Black and Chehalis rivers within Grays Harbor County. No egg

masses or adult frogs were detected. The river flows in the Chehalis were lower than the same

period last year preventing access to a few locations by boat to survey.

Biologist Butler continued with Oregon spotted frog egg

mass surveys this week. Butler conducted the final egg

mass survey on multiple properties and found water

levels at a few sites had slightly increased, reducing the

risk of stranding for some of the egg masses. In addition,

Butler assisted US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists

surveying a new site for the first time. Both Oregon

spotted frog egg masses and the frogs themselves were

observed on the property. A few eggs were also

collected for genetic confirmation.

Oregon spotted frog

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Taylor’s Checkerspot Translocation: Biologists Linders and Randolph worked with Joint Base

Lewis McChord (JBLM) Biologist Phillips to identify host plant patches in preparation for the

release and initial reintroduction of Taylor’s checkerspot larvae at TA15 on JBLM, a site where

they were once abundant in the late 1990’s. A total of 3,367 larvae were released between 9 and

15 March, including 2,944 from the rearing facility at Mission Creek Corrections Center Women

(MCCCW) and 423 from the Oregon Zoo. Assistance was provided by numerous staff and

volunteers from WDFW, USFWS, JBLM, and CNLM. The weather was favorable on both

dates, with temperatures in the low to mid 50s, light winds and no rain. Weather following both

releases has generally been dry, warm and mostly sunny, which will help larvae acclimate and

has been ideal for follow-up surveys. Follow-up surveys are being conducted in thirteen 4x4-m

plots to monitor survival and development of larvae. Larvae are in the process of molting

(shedding their exoskeleton) from 5th to 6th instar, and are expected to pupate early next week,

and within a few days of wild larvae.

TA 15 release: Volunteers from JBLM, TESC, and USFWS work together to release Taylor’s

checkerspot larvae into restored prairie and a historic site (left). Follow-up monitoring found

good numbers of larvae out feeding and developing rapidly after a warm weekend which

spurred plant growth.

Unfortunately, we have already had an infraction in the release area, with horses riding off roads

and across the prairie. The area is supposed to be closed to recreational use and horses are to

remain on roads throughout JBLM. Conservation officers from JBLM are investigating the case

and monitoring the area closely. We appreciate their help with trying to make sure this release is

successful.

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Unauthorized recreation impacted release areas at TA 15 on JBLM in the days following

release of Taylor’s checkerspot larvae. The incident is under investigation.

Taylor’s Checkerspot Population Genetics: Biologists Linders and Randolph teamed up with

staff and interns from JBLM to collect Taylor’s checkerspot larvae from Range 50 on JBLM for

a population genetics study that will look at what percentage of genetic diversity from the source

population at Range 76 has been transferred to the translocation site at R50. Results will be used

to evaluate the number of founders currently being collected annually for rearing and

release. The study will also evaluate how many founder lines from the Oregon Zoo are

represented in the resulting population at Range 50, five years post-release.

Dungeness Recreation Area Master Plan Comments: Biologist Ament had previously

attended two public meetings held by the Clallam County Parks Department related to the

Dungeness Recreation Area (DRA). 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 meetings were not in support of the preferred option.

Several meeting attendees felt 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. Biologist Ament and the USFWS Dungeness Natural Wildlife

Refuge lead Jennifer Brown-Scott 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 was extended to March 23.

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Habitat Biologist Blanton and Biologist Ament conducted a field tour of the DRA on March 21.

They also met with the USFWS Project Lead for a few hours to discuss the important points that

needed to be provided to Parks. Biologist Blanton provided some bullet points and Biologist

Ament spent time to compose a finalized letter that was submitted by the requested

deadline. Biologist McMillan edited one of the final drafts. The agency comments addressed

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

public review process and survey bias was also addressed in the letter.

Trumpeter Swan Rescue: On March 20, Biologist Ament received a phone call from Makah

Biologist Shannon Murphie. She reported that there had been a lone adult trumpeter swan at the

fish hatchery on the reservation for several days. It originally had several other swans with it but

they had moved on. The swan appeared to have an injured wing. The tribal biologists were

willing to make the effort to try and capture the swan. Biologist Ament provided some

instructions and requested the swan be transported to Greywolf Veterinary Clinic in

Sequim. She contacted Martha Jordan from the NW Swan Conservation Association and then

initiated arrangements to get the swan to the Whatcom Humane Society Rehabilitation Center

(WHSRC) that specializes in swan care. The swan was successfully captured by the Makah

biologists and was delivered to Greywolf veterinary staff. They determined the right wing was

injured and conducted a procedure. Fortunately, there was no strong evidence that the swan was

suffering from lead poisoning. The swan was transported to the WHSRC. They reported the

following: “The swan tested negative for lead level--that is good news. Unfortunately, the wing

dislocation was severe and the bird would never be able to fly again. The bird was in extreme

pain. Due to the fact that this bird was non-releasable and in extreme pain, the vet team decided

euthanasia was best. It appeared the bird had been down several days and was debilitated as

well.” Biologist Ament

would like to express

her sincere appreciation

to all who assisted in

helping to rescue the

swan and provide

transport and care.

Makah biologists

attempting to capture

the injured swan

Trumpeter Swan

Monitoring:

Trumpeter swan

monitoring in the

Dungeness Valley was continued this month by local Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society

(OPAS) volunteers. A new survey strategy was initiated this season since more volunteers were

recruited to assist with monitoring. Two teams of surveyors monitor on the same day once a

week during the same time of day. One team covers the habitat use areas west of the Dungeness

River and another team covers the habitat use areas east of the Dungeness River. This

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modification from previous years will help address the fact that swans have often been observed

moving from one site to another during a survey day. March 21, 2018: The total swans counted

for east and west of the Dungeness River was 104 (83 adults and 21 juveniles). West Side: Pam

and Liam surveyed the west side and reported that they drove the entire west side area and didn't

see a single swan. East Side: Kendra and I surveyed this morning and had a total of 104 swans.

They were all in the fields off Schmuck road at the southern end on both sides except a lone swan

we spotted in the field towards Woodcock on Evans road. Since that single swan seemed out of

place, we reported it to Shelly (and Bob B was at the center so he is aware too). On the west side

of the road in the fields near Dairy View there were swans in 3 areas but our count for that side

was 84 (16 juveniles). There is a bit of standing water there that some of the swans were wading

in. One spread-out group was to the far western edge near the tree-line. On the east side of

Schmuck, the two groups we saw (with some flying) totaled 19 (5 juveniles). We saw no swans off

Towne road, the ponds or salt water by 3 Crabs, in the Jamestown area, off Medsker or Sequim-

Dungeness. We had a lot of sun, some clouds. Carole couldn't come with us after all but we

enjoyed the day. We're hoping the lone swan will catch up to the group and then all will be well.

Lone Swan Report: Biologist Ament conducted a search for the lone swan reported by the east

side swan counters. She was able to obtain permission from the landowner to search areas in the

farm field that were not visible. The swan was not located. Volunteer swan counter Don Dryer

provided a few photos taken when conducting the swan count the previous week.

Elk Forage Project Proposal: Biologist McMillan communicated with Natural Resource

Conservation Service staff regarding potential grant funding for elk forage projects. The focus

would be within western District 16. The project includes removal of noxious weeds in areas

where native forbs and other non-invasive grass & forbs could be reestablished to benefit local

elk herds. There are many fields distributed in western District 16 that have become totally

infested with invasive vegetation such as thistle and blackberry brambles resulting in lost forage

availability.

Dungeness Wildlife Viewing: swans, elk, deer Swans and geese sharing some sheet water

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

RELATED RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES

Goose Survey: Biologists Sundstrom, Michaelis, and Novack surveyed for Canada geese in

Pacific and Grays Harbor counties with an emphasis on finding red-collared Dusky geese. New

collar codes are still being observed along the lower portions of the Naselle River.

Aleutian Goose Survey: This year Biologist’s Michaelis and Sundstrom with assistance from

USFWS Biologist Ritchie conducted a separate survey to estimate the number of Aleutian

Canada geese along the Pacific coast. Only 44 Aleutian geese were observed during two separate

March surveys (not reflected in the table above). We usually observe many hundreds during the

fall in the months of October and early November in Pacific county. No Aleutians were observed

in Grays Harbor County.

Once considered endangered, the Aleutian goose population has recovered to such a point where

the Pacific Flyway may consider additional take in areas in northern California where there has

been an increase in agricultural damage. This survey effort was part of a larger mark-recapture

estimate with methods slightly diverging from our Dusky Goose surveys.

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

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer Service: Biologist Novack participated in a meeting of the USFWS Willapa Refuge

Hunter Stakeholders group and provided an update on harvest statistics and 3 year proposed

changes to Goose seasons. Biologist Novack responded to various customer service inquiries

including questions regarding the upcoming Spring Bear Hunt.