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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
July 30, 2007

Region 5 Wildlife Areas:

Cowlitz Wildlife Area

Vegetation Management Activities: Assistant Manager Vanderlip sprayed glyphosate on approximately six acres of reed canarygrass on the Davis Lake Unit of the wildlife area. The application was conducted as part of the preparation for a fall seeding. Additional activities will include plowing, tilling, and harrowing the site. The projects goal is to improve the habitat for area wildlife and wintering waterfowl.

Davis Lake Unit of Cowlitz Wildlife Area undergoing habitat improvement for area wildlife and wintering waterfowl

A local operator assisting the wildlife area hayed approximately 30 acres of reed canarygrass from the recently acquired property adjacent to Temple Road on the Davis Lake Unit. This is the first time these fields have been hayed since we acquired them. Like the six acres above, these fields will be managed for area wildlife and wintering waterfowl.

Ditch maintenance included adding a culvert to allow equipment access to a forage field.

Culvert and Ditch Maintenance: Assistant Manager Vanderlip and Natural Resource Technician Morris cleaned out the ditch that directs water from a seep into the waterfowl ponds adjacent to the slab road at the Mossyrock Unit of the Wildlife Area. Reed canarygrass had “choked” the ditch allowing for sedimentation to occur and resulting in a decrease in the amount of water reaching the ponds. Also, an operator assisting with hay removal had crossed the ditch causing the water to flow down the road. In addition to the ditch maintenance activities, a culvert was placed to allow equipment into the adjacent forage field.

Watchable Wildlife: Birders can be rewarded for their efforts on the east end of Riffe Lake. There are currently at least 6 bald eagles occupying the Kosmos Flats. Watchers can expect to see some large adults with their juvenile offspring. Also, there have been sightings of osprey fishing along the lake’s banks. Best viewing times are early mornings and evenings.

Recreation Information: Lewis County is currently under a burn ban and campfires are only allowed in approved fire rings in established campgrounds - open fires are not permitted anywhere on the wildlife area.

Tacoma Power updates lake levels and other recreation information on its toll-free Fishing and Recreation Line every weekday at 1-888-502-8690.

Klickitat Wildlife Area

In an effort to reduce fire hazard a Department of Natural Resources fire crew has begun thinning small trees and shrubs in the Canyon Creek Loop Campground and chipping the downed material.

Fire Reduction: In an effort to reduce fire hazard, efforts are underway at the wildlife area to thin trees and brush as well as chip downed material. A Department of Natural Resources fire crew has begun thinning small trees and shrubs in the Canyon Creek Loop Campground and chipping the downed material. In addition, the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew is also assisting with thinning and chipping downed material .

Game Management Division

Mountain Goat Surveys: Biologist Holman conducted aerial mountain goat surveys over the Smith Creek and Tatoosh hunt areas. Cloudy weather caused some difficulties in completing the effort but both areas were eventually surveyed over the course of the day. Thirty-four goats were observed in the Smith Creek area (28 adults and 6 kids). Unfortunately, just two goats were observed (1 adult, 1 yearling) in the Tatoosh area. Goats that occupy the Tatoosh area move seasonally into Mt. Rainier National Park where surveys are not conducted. Thanks to WDFW Enforcement Sergeant Holden and volunteer Renan for their valuable help and sharp eyes during the survey.

Eleven goats have returned to Mt. St. Helens National Monument wildlife area and are shown here in the crater.

Also of interest regarding Mountain Goats is photo documentation of a group of 11 goats in the crater of Mt. St. Helens. The goats have come to occupy this portion of the National Monument in the past several years. Thanks to the USFS and USGS for providing the attached photo..

Mud Flow Hunts: Wildlife staff are preparing materials and access information for the upcoming Mud Flow hunts. Permit holders will receive a mailing approximately 2-3 weeks prior to their hunt with information on access and other rules associated with this unique hunt.

Customer Service: District Wildlife Biologist Miller is receiving 20-30 calls per day from permit holders asking for information on access, animal numbers, etc. This call volume is heavy and is unprecedented in Miller's 30-year career.

Wildlife Diversity Division

Mazama's Pocket Gophers: Biologist Holman conducted a field visit to Camp Bonneville in eastern Clark County. The former Army training center is in the (long) process of being cleared of unexploded munitions and turned over to the County for inclusion in their Parks department. A report prepared by consultants in the mid-1990's indicated that the hills created by gophers had been located on the site. A trapping effort was conducted at that time but no gophers were located. Investigations in July of 2007 resulted only in hills that appear to have been made by moles.

Western Pond Turtles: The field season has ended for the western pond turtle head start program in the Columbia River Gorge. Field staff identified 22 nests of which 2 were double clutches. This represents a very successful effort and will provide a large number of juvenile turtles for the 2008 release. Bullfrog control efforts will continue for two additional weeks with egg mass removal. Currently 29 egg masses have been removed this summer from ponds in Klickitat County. Juvenile turtles from the 2006 effort will be released at selected ponds in the Gorge on August 9th.