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Information:
Jim
Olson, Manager
1514 Concunully Highway
Okanogan, WA 98840
(509) 826-4430
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Scotch
Creek Unit
Click image to enlarge. |
Scotch Creek
Unit
Introduction
In 1991, the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife purchased the Metcalf Ranch near Conconully
Washington, primarily to protect Sharp-tailed grouse and shrub-steppe
habitat. This original purchase included three management units, The
Scotch Creek unit (6,948 acres), the Mineral Hill unit (920 acres),
and the Pogue Mountain unit (1,196 acres). Since the initial acquisition,
1,743 acres have been acquired expanding the original property boundaries
of the Scotch Creek unit to 8,691 acres, the largest of the three units.
The Metcalf ranch
is also known locally as the French place, which holds a colorful history
dating back to pre-1900 when the area was first homesteaded. Over the
past 100 years, the area has undergone significant changes. As a working
cattle ranch, approximately 1,500 acres of the native grasslands were
converted to dry land agricultural fields. These farmed fields were
then converted to Crested and Intermediate wheatgrass stands for livestock
grazing. Another significant change was the removal of deciduous trees
and shrubs along the riparian corridor and the drying up of wetland
areas for alfalfa production. This reduced the winter habitat available
to sharp-tailed grouse.
The primary goal
of this unit is to establish a viable sharp-tailed grouse population
and enhance shrub-steppe and riparian habitats. To date all of the 1,500
acres that were previously converted to dryland agriculture have been
restored back to a native bunchgrass/forb plant community. Over 100,000
trees and shrubs have been planted to restore the riparian habitat that
is so critical to wintering sharp-tailed grouse.
This unit is predominately
grassland habitat. Of the 8,694 total acres on this unit, 7,960 are
in steppe and shrub-steppe habitats. 522 are in conifer forest, 75 acres
in riparian, 57 in open water, and 80 acres remain in agriculture. The
area supports a growing population of sharp-tailed grouse, the only
area in Washington State to show an increase.
Several access points
have been developed along county roads to access the property. Parking
areas on Silver Hill, Happy Hill, Limebelt road, at the corrals along
the Conconully highway, and at the end of Hess Lake road provide space
for trailer turn-around and parking. All motorized vehicles are restricted
from the interior of the property.
Driving Directions
From the South:
follow Highway 97 north to the Riverside exit (5 miles north of Omak).
Travel west for approximately 6 miles to the Conconully Highway. Turn
right and follow the highway for another 5 miles to the wildlife area.
From the North: In the Sinlahekin Valley at Fish Lake, stay right
on the Sinlahekin Road and travel approximately 5 miles over Sugarloaf
pass and along the upper Conconully reservoir to the town of Conconully.
Travel south toward Omak another 4 miles to the wildlife area.
Road map enlargement
Hunting
Mule deer hunting
is popular on this unit. You can expect crowded conditions at all
parking areas during the modern firearm deer season, especially opening
weekend. Hunting pressure declines as the season progresses. White
tailed deer are also present on the area so know your rules and identify
the species before pulling the trigger. Upland bird hunting is also
available. Natural production of pheasants, quail, grey partridge
(most abundant), chukar partridge, and blue grouse occur here. Note:
All lands in Washington State are CLOSED to the taking of Sharp-tailed
Grouse including all Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Units. The WDFW is
very concerned with the accidental take of this protected species.
Again, know your target before pulling the trigger. Other wildlife
species you may encounter include black bear, cougar, bobcat and,
the western rattlesnake. Hunting seasons vary depending on species,
consult Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hunting
regulations for seasons and dates.
Fishing
Fishing opportunity
is limited on this unit. Scotch Creek contains brook trout, and is
open to fishing with-in season, however the largest fish rarely exceeds
6”. Other waters of the unit do not contain fish. However WDFW
access sites within driving distance that offer fishing include, Blue
Lake and Green Lake. Additional fishing opportunities can be found
on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area to the north and both the upper and
lower Conconully reservoirs. Consult Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife Fishing
Regulations for further information on seasons and the Sinlahekin
Wildlife Area Homepage.
Camping
Camping is permitted
adjacent to established roads. 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.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking
and horseback riding:
Non-motorized
recreational activities are allowed, however currently there are no
developed trail systems. Established parking areas (mentioned above)
allow easy access for cars, or trucks with trailers, and each have
gate access through boundary fences. Farm roads provide the only “trail”
system on this unit and dispersed riding or hiking is encouraged.
Wildlife Observations
and Photography
Wildlife viewing
and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species. During
the winter, deer can be viewed roaming the hills with eagles and hawks
soaring high above in the sky. Wintering upland birds and waterfowl
can be seen in the riparian areas and ponds, and in the spring numerous
songbirds and blue birds can be heard and seen.
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