Current Report
	Report Archives

Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
June 18, 2007

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Cowlitz Wildlife Area:

Kiona Wetland Planting: Wildlife Area staff and a local contractor were finally able to plant 6,000 trees and shrubs on a wetland project due to dryer weather. Species planted on the Kiona Unit included Pacific willow, Oregon ash, and red alder for future wetland/riparian habitat improvements.

Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) Meeting: Wildlife Area staff conducted a CAG meeting to advise members of wildlife area activities. This meeting included comments on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area annual management plan update, the draft land use WAC, current management activities, and issues or concerns citizens may have for the wildlife area.

2007 Annual Management Plan Update: The annual update for the 2006 Cowlitz Wildlife Area Management plan has been submitted to Olympia. The update includes comments from the local area CAG, summary of 2006 performance activities, and next year’s planned activities.

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

Wildlife Diversity Division

Peregrine Falcon Monitoring: Biologist Holman assisted U.S. Forest Service Biologist Wainwright with an investigation of a possible new peregrine falcon eyrie in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Wainwright had observed a pair of the falcons on a prior visit to the cliff complex and suspected nesting. Occupation of the site and nesting behavior, including prey exchange and nest defense, were observed on the outing. Rainy, foggy weather and the size of the cliff precluded observation of the nesting ledge or young. Additional visits will be conducted to determine scrape location and number of young. Peregrine falcons are currently listed as "State Sensitive" and are considered a "Species of Concern" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

People, Economics, and Forest Carnivore Management Workshop: Wildlife Program Manager Jonker attended the Carnivore Workshop hosted by the U.S. Forest Service and Yellowstone Association Institute. Course topics included Socio-economics, policy, and politics; Carnivore habitat, biology, and management; Highways and wildlife implications; Carnivore planning, assessments, and conservation; Recovery and management of forest carnivores; and the Future for forest carnivores - interagency coordination and wildlife genetics. The workshop was a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of carnivore conservation as well as meet new colleagues to discuss issues and solutions to carnivore conservation research and management.