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Tunk
Valley Unit
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Tunk Valley Unit
Introduction
The Tunk
Valley unit consists of eight different properties purchased in 1991
for a total of 1,079 acres. An additional 320 acres of adjoining land
has been added over the past 10 years to bring the total acreage to
1,399. Past land uses have mostly included livestock grazing. Their
are no improvements to this property, however the WDFW has surveyed
and boundary fenced the entire area.
The Washington Wildlife
and Recreation Program provided funding for acquisition, a state sponsored
program to protect critical habitats and recreation areas in Washington
State due to the increased human population rate. Operations and Maintenance
funding is provided by the Bonneville Power Administration. As part
of the Scotch Creek project, funding was approved for Operations &
Maintenance as mitigation for the construction of the Grand Coulee and
Chief Joseph hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River.
The Tunk Valley
unit is managed for sharp-tailed grouse. Although there are no active
lekking areas on the property, there is one site within 1 mile. Tunk
Valley contains good potential nesting and brood rearing habitat. The
riparian area along Tunk Creek is critical wintering habitat for sharp-tailed
grouse. A large flock of 64 sharp-tails were observed here in 2004.
The Tunk Valley
unit has a parking area adjacent to the Tunk Valley Road on the northern
boundary of the unit. Access to the wildlife area is to the south. A
new bridge was completed over Tunk Creek in the fall of 2005, now allowing
seasonal vehicle access to the upper reaches of the unit. This crossing
has been washed out since 1991. The new road will be closed for public
safety due to icy road conditions and to prevent disturbances to wintering
wildlife from December 1 through May 30. Early spring closure is due
to Sharp-tailed grouse nesting and brood rearing. Plans for 2006 include
a parking area at the upper reaches of the unit to allow for vehicles
including trucks with trailers. The road is steep with a gravel surface
and 4-wheel drive is required if pulling a trailer.
Driving Directions
From Omak, Washington
travel north on US 97 (6.4 miles) to Riverside, Washington. Turn RIGHT
on to Kendall St (0.4 miles), LEFT on N Main St, and RIGHT on Tunk
Valley Rd (0.3 miles), LEFT onto Tunk Valley Rd (7.5 miles) to Wildlife
Area.
From Tonasket
travel south on US-97 (16.5 miles), turn LEFT on to Kendall St (0.4
miles), LEFT on N Main St, then RIGHT on Tunk Valley Rd (0.3 miles),
turn LEFT onto Tunk Valley Rd (7.5 miles) to Wildlife Area.
Road map enlargement
Hunting
Opportunities
include whitetail deer, mule deer, quail, grey partridge, ruffed grouse,
blue grouse, black bear, cougar, and bobcat. Hunting seasons vary
depending on species and weapon choice, 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 all Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Units.
Fishing
There are no
fish bearing waters on the Tunk Valley unit. Fishing opportunities
can be found at USFS Crawfish Lake on the Okanogan National Forest,
just east of the wildlife area. Additional information can be obtained
at the Okanogan/Wenatchee
National Forest Homepage. Consult Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife Fishing
regulations for further information on seasons and regulations.
Camping
The Tunk Valley
unit offers pack-in style camping. No developed sites are available.
Firewood can be gathered from downed dead wood only and must remain
on the wildlife area. Campfire 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. Developed
camping is available on the Okanogan National Forest at Crawfish Lake.
Additional information can be obtained at the Okanogan/Wenatchee
National Forest Homepage.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking
and horseback riding
Non-motorized
recreational activities are allowed, however currently there are no
developed trail systems on this unit. Farm roads cross the unit and
provide the only “trail “ system on the area. Established
parking areas allow access for cars, as well as room for truck and
trailer turnaround.
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. Elk and moose have been occasionally
observed on this unit, however extremely rare in Okanogan County.
Wintering upland birds and waterfowl can be seen in the riparian areas
and beaver ponds along Tunk Creek, and in the spring numerous songbirds
can be heard and observed.
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