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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
July 2, 2007

Region 5 Wildlife Areas:

Water speedwell (Veronica angallis-aquatica)

Shillapoo Wildlife Area
New Invasive Species at Vancouver Lake: Some months ago Assistant Manager Hauswald found a floating plant he did not recognize near one of the water control structures on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver Lake Unit. At that time he collected a specimen and showed it to Wildlife Area Manager Calkins who also did not recognize the plant. The same day Calkins delivered the specimen to staff at the Clark County Weed Management Office. Casey Gosarth of the weed management agency then set out to identify the plant and also monitored the site waiting for the plant to flower. Several possibilities were considered and ruled out until a flowering plant was found and identified as water speedwell (Veronica angallis-aquatica). We have been advised that this is considered an invasive plant and Weed Management could not find any other records of occurrences in Washington. The images at right are examples of some of the plants we have removed. It should be noted that we have found some plants that were much larger than those pictured.

Because the plant was found developing roots in a floating condition, we managed the water input to the wetland to prevent overflow into other areas until the plant could be identified. Current action includes at least weekly monitoring and hand removal of any plants found. Water levels on the site are now being allowed to draw down so we believe the plant is contained at this time.

Currently we have only found the plant in an area of about 250 square feet but it floats and could possibly have spread further at least within the wetland. The plant is difficult to find however, because it is located in a dense stand of Reed Canary Grass. Once we are confident we have removed as many plants as possible, we will probably hand mow the area so that any missed plants will be easier to spot and remove. Searches of the surrounding areas will continue as well as a measure to protect high quality wetland habitat.

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Toutle River Sediment Management: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins attended a meeting with representatives from several organizations to discuss a draft reconnaissance report by the US Army Corps of Engineers focusing on potential actions to improve fish passage and reduce sediment issues associated with their Sediment Retention Structure on the North Fork Toutle. The group had a number of concerns including: not incorporating operational impacts from TPU's hydro projects on the Cowlitz, not mentioning sediment impacts to smelt, and the limited geographic scope of the analysis. Several in the group also made note that they were anxious to see WDFW take control of the sediment retention lands because they see us as a much more reasonable landowner to work with. DOT, who currently controls the lands, has taken no actions to manage the lands for the benefit of fish and wildlife.

Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven worked with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) to supply sagebrush to Oregon Zoo for pygmy rabbit recovery project.

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Wildlife Area Manager: The Region 5 Wildlife Program successfully completed the recruitment process to permanently fill the Wildlife Area Manager position and is very pleased to welcome Sue VanLeuven as the new Wildlife Area Manager.

Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Project: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven worked with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) to supply sagebrush to Oregon Zoo for pygmy rabbit recovery project. The twelve bags of sagebrush were transported from KWA to the Oregon Zoo.

Game Management Division

Region 6 Elk Capture Effort: Biologist Holman assisted Region 6 Staff with a three-day elk capture effort. Region 6 Staff from Wildlife, Habitat, Fisheries, and Enforcement programs all participated in the effort along with WDFW veterinarian Mansfield. Approximately 20 very skilled and experienced volunteers also participated in the project. The Region 6 study is part of WDFW's ongoing effort to appropriately manage elk in heavily forested habitats. Thanks to Region 6 for the opportunity to participate.

Elk Management: Biologist Anderson met with representatives of the Trout Lake community council to discuss growth management, wildlife issues, and planning for residential growth in the Trout Lake valley. Of special concern are the potential conflicts with elk and development of forest land into residential. Maps were provided by WDFW to the community council indicating those lands that should remain in forest zoning to minimize future damage issues. In addition, the community council was interested in determining how to plan for growth in the valley while at the same time minimizing safety issues associated with modern firearm rifle hunting.

Goose Banding: District Wildlife Biologist Miller is finalizing preparations and coordination efforts for the Operation Dark Goose Banding in the lower Columbia River. Plenty of volunteers have committed to participating and all necessary gear is nearly ready.