| |
Chesaw Wildlife Area
Click
to Enlarge
|
Chesaw
Unit
Introduction
The WDFW
purchased the Chesaw Wildlife Area northwest of the town of Chesaw in
1991, specifically to protect shrub-steppe habitat and recover the sharp-tailed
grouse population. The original purchase was 2,480 acres known as the
Byers ranch. This land was in the Byers operation for at least 40 years.
A 21-acre home site was withheld from the purchase, and then subsequently
sold to the WDFW when Mr. Byers retired and moved out of the area. An
additional 1,850 acres adjoining the property to the north was acquired
in 1996 bringing the total acreage to 4,351. Of this total, 3,719 acres
are shrub-steppe and steppe (grasslands) habitat, 448 acres of conifer
forest, 144 acres of riparian forest, and 40 acres in open water. The
Byers ranch had 355 acres in the CRP program, which expired in 1996.
All of these fields, which were seeded to Smooth Broome, have been restored
to a mix of native bunchgrasses and forbs.
The primary goals
and objectives on the Chesaw unit are to establish a viable sharp-tailed
grouse population and enhance shrub-steppe habitats. Additionally support
the mule deer herd with habitat enhancements. Thinning the timbered
areas and prescribed burning are activities identified in the management
plan to improve mule deer habitat.
The Chesaw unit
lies in the northeast portion of Okanogan County, four miles south of
the Canadian border, 10 miles west of the Ferry county line and approximately
20 miles east of Oroville in the Okanogan Highlands district. Elevations
range from 3,000 feet in the southwest corner (Mary Ann lake area) to
4,419 feet on top of Strawberry Mountain directly to the north. The
area bordering the wildlife area to the northwest and south is a combination
of rural home sites, recreational home sites, and private agricultural
lands with the area to the east being predominately national forest.
The area supports one sharp-tailed grouse lek site, mule deer, white-tailed
deer, ruffed grouse, blue grouse, pheasants, grey partridge and quail.
Access to the area is via the Mary Ann Creek Road or the main Chesaw/Oroville
Highway. Vehicle access is restricted making the area walk-in or ride-in
only (non-motorized).
Funding for the
acquisition of the Chesaw unit was from the Washington Wildlife and
Recreation Program, and continued operations and maintenance funding
is provided by a mitigation contract with the Bonneville Power Administration.
The Chesaw unit funding is part of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area project.
Driving Directions:
From the south
follow Highway 97 north to Tonasket, Washington. Turn RIGHT onto Jonathon
(0.5 miles), the road changes to Tonasket/Havillah Rd (12.2 miles).
Stay on this road through Havilla and past the Sitzmark ski hill.
Follow signs to Chesaw for another 7 miles. RIGHT on Oroville/Toroda
Creek road for 1.5 miles, LEFT on Byers Road.
From Oroville,
Washington turn RIGHT onto Central Ave (0.3 miles), LEFT onto Cherry
St (0.2 miles), Changes name to Oroville/Toroda Cr Rd (18.7 miles),
Left onto Byers Rd.
Access to the
area is off of Mary Ann Creek road on the west, Byers road on the
south, or Myers Creek road on the east. No developed parking or access
points are developed here.
Road map enlargement
Hunting:
Opportunities
include primarily whitetail deer and mule deer. Forest grouse hunting
including ruffed grouse and blue grouse can be good for those who
like to hike. Black bear and cougar are also present on the area at
times. Hunting seasons vary depending on species and choice of weapon,
consult Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hunting
regulations for seasons and dates. Note: All
lands in Washington State are closed to the taking of Sharp-tail Grouse
including Chesaw and all Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Units.
Fishing:
The only fish
bearing waters on the Chesaw Wildlife Area is Mary Ann Creek, which
provides resident trout fishing. Plans for 2006 include electro-shocking
this stream to determine fish species composition and length frequencies.
Other fishing opportunities can be found in nearby Myers creek, and
at WDFW Molson and Sidley lakes.
Camping:
The Chesaw Unit
offers pack-in style camping. Developed camping opportunities are
limited. Firewood can be gathered from downed dead wood only and must
remain on the wildlife area. Fire restrictions are governed by the
Washington Department of Natural Resources and Okanogan County. Consult
WDNR website for up to date fire
restrictions. Length of stay is limited to 14 days. Undeveloped
camping opportunities can be found at WDFW Molson/Sidley lake access
areas.
Other Recreation:
Hiking, biking
and horseback riding:
Non-motorized
recreational activities are allowed, however currently there are no
developed trail systems. Farm roads and logging roads provide the
only “trail” system on the area, which are closed to motorized
vehicles. Access points to the wildlife area are through gates located
off of Mary Ann Creek and Byers roads.
Wildlife Observations
and Photography:
Wildlife viewing
and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species. Deer
can be viewed year round in the open rolling hills with eagles and
hawks soaring high above in the sky. Wintering upland birds and waterfowl
can be seen in the riparian areas and beaver ponds and in the spring
numerous songbirds can be heard and seen.
|
