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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
June 11, 2007

Wildlife Diversity Division:

Western Pond Turtles: As of this week we have located 10 western pond turtle at Sondino Ponds in Klickitat County. This is a great start for this year’s "head start" program, ensuring that we will have adequate turtles to release in 2008. In addition, Frank Slavens submitted an ALEA proposal to continue volunteer help with all aspects of our field efforts. He just received notice that the proposal was funded for the next two years. This is great news and will guarantee that our volunteers have some financial support as well as providing funds to purchase important equipment like radio transmitters.

Bald Eagle Surveys

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Program (NAWCA): Biologist Anderson is currently working with a group of biologists that are working on a NAWCA proposal for wetland enhancement in Klickitat County. The group met this week to conduct a site visit at one of the proposed meadow developments and to continue with proposal development. Several sites are being considered with an emphasis on sandhill crane and waterfowl conservation.

Bald Eagle Surveys: Biologist Holman participated in a helicopter survey of Bald Eagle territories in the Lower Columbia River from Interstate 5 to the River's mouth. The Oregon and Washington sides of the River were investigated, along with the various islands over the course of the two-day effort. Eagles occupy much of the suitable habitat on both sides of the River. Approximately 125 nesting territories are located along the 107-mile course of this portion of the Columbia. Initial results indicate good production of chicks again this year.

This survey is a joint effort between Oregon State University, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, WDFW, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The survey is coordinated by Oregon State University and OSU's Frank Isaacs is the lead on the survey effort and maintains the data related to this important eagle population. Thanks to technician Ridenour who provided "flight following" for the Washington portion of the survey and volunteer Cliff Holman who provided ground transportation.

Please see the image at right of two bald eagle chicks in their nest in the Whipple Creek greenway in Clark County. Also shown are images of the riparian forest (including an eagle territory), wetlands, and agricultural habitats proposed for development by the Port of Vancouver. A railroad terminal, new rail lines, ship terminals, automobile staging areas, grain elevators and various other "improvements" are proposed for this important wildlife and fish habitat. District Wildlife Biologist Anderson has the WDFW lead on appropriate mitigation related to the bald eagles at this location. Regional Habitat Program Manager Rymer has the primary WDFW role in appropriately mitigating for the loss of habitat for other species (mainly salmonids, songbirds, waterfowl, and cranes).

Game Management Division:

Mount Saint Helens Elk Management / Private Lands Access: Discussions continue among Regional Wildlife Program Staff, Weyerhaeuser representatives, and several volunteer organizations to coordinate and implement the on-going effort to facilitate additional hunting access onto Weyerhaeuser lands in Southwest Washington. Region 5 has hired a coordinator to act as liaison between the Agency, Weyco, and the volunteer groups.