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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
August 13, 2007

Wildlife Diversity

Juvenile turtles from the 2006 field season were released in the Columbia River Gorge.

Western Pond Turtles: Juvenile turtles from the 2006 field season were released in the Columbia River Gorge this week. A total of 53 turtles that over-wintered at the Oregon Zoo were released at four different locations. New this year is the establishment of a fourth population in the Columbia River Gorge in Skamania County. Establishment of this population in the Gorge is one of the primary objectives for recovery of the western pond turtle. With this new population, we will have achieved our distribution goal for western pond turtles in the Columbia River Gorge. A total of 16 turtles were released at this site and we would like to thank Washington State Parks and Recreation for their participation in this project.

Streaked Horned Lark Surveys: District 10 Wildlife Biologist Miller and Fish and Wildlife Technician Ridenour assisted Scott Pearson, WDFW Science Division, and research staff with Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata) colored leg-band re-sight surveys on 3 islands (dredge spoil depositions) in the Lower Columbia River. The Streaked Horned Lark is a rare subspecies of the Horned Lark that breeds and winters in Oregon and Washington. Genetic data indicate that the Streaked Horned Lark is unique, isolated, and has little genetic diversity. It has been extirpated from much of its range.

Remaining breeding populations and their habitats face imminent threats posed by land development, incompatible land uses, human activities, predation, and non-native species. Wintering populations are potentially threatened by stochastic events and by a lack of suitable habitat in the Willamette Valley. Very few of the sites used by the Lark for breeding or wintering are protected and no sites are managed primarily for Larks. Currently the Streaked Horned lark is recommended for endangered status in Washington. Of the Larks observed, one was sighted with a metal leg band.

More information can be found at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/research/papers/streaked_horned_lark/

Game Management Division

Region 5 Deer Herd Composition Surveys: Black-tail and mule deer herd composition surveys are nearly underway in Region 5. The surveys are conducted annually during the period beginning August 15 and continuing through September 30th. Wildlife Program Staff along with volunteers will actively conduct surveys as well as documenting any deer seen during other work (or play) activities. Any Region 5 staff member who is interested is encouraged to collect these data as well.

Please contact Region 5 Office (360) 696-6211) for a copy of the survey form and further information. Please be aware that it is extremely important to classify all deer observed, i.e. don't just mention the big bucks or healthy does with two nice fawns. Thanks in advance to anybody who helps the Wildlife Program out with this important part of our deer management efforts in Region 5.

MOICC In Service: District Wildlife Biologist Miller, in his capacity as Master Instructor for the Wildlife Management Program, attended a 2-day in-service training on the Boat Safety program. Course curricula, equipment, logistics, and scheduling were reviewed. A class schedule through April of 2008 was developed with most of the classes in Olympia or Spokane. Summary of meeting was sent to Olympia Administration with request for program input and direction.