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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
March 20, 2007

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Oregon spotted frog and egg mass.

Cowlitz Wildlife Area Reporting: Assistant Manager Vanderlip and Manager Grabski finalized the 2006 annual report for the operation and maintenance of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area. This report is reviewed by Tacoma Power and then submitted by Tacoma to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The report summarizes management activities for 2006, proposed activities for 2007, and wildlife area expenditures. The filing of this report to FERC by Tacoma / WDFW is a requirement of the Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project license.

Training: Wildlife area staff attended a two-day workshop in Shelton on forest road surfacing. Basic design principles, applied practices, and maintenance were discussed. The wildlife area currently has approximately 73 miles of forest roads with a road density plan in effect. The Western Forestry and Conservation Association sponsored this workshop.

Wildlife Diversity Division

Oregon Spotted Frogs: Biologist Anderson initiated egg mass surveys for Oregon Spotted Frogs at Trout Lake Natural Area Preserve. The Oregon Spotted Frog is a state endangered species located in two isolated areas of southern Puget Sound and Klickitat County. WDFW and DNR conduct annual egg mass surveys as an index of population health. Recent surveys have given concern that this species may be experiencing some population decline, similar to many frog species throughout the world. Egg mass surveys will continue at Trout Lake throughout March with the help of DNR biologists and local volunteers.

Game Management Division

Mount St. Helens Elk: Wildlife Officer Lantiegne recently recovered a collar and radio transmitter from a dead cow elk in the Rose Valley area. Lantiegne returned the collar to Regional Wildlife Program Staff for some investigation into the animal's history. Region 6 Wildlife Program Manager Smith was contacted for further information.

The elk was captured in 1990 near Monument Peak, on Weyerhaeuser property in Game Management Unit 550 (Coweeman). Al Thomas, Brian Mitchell, and Dave Gadwa captured and collared the cow. She was part of the Mt. St. Helens Elk Mortality Study overseen by Smith.

Officer Lantiegne recovered the collar in the Goble Creek area just 5 miles to the west of her capture location 17 years prior. She was 3.5 years old when captured; therefore, recovery of her collar in the spring of 2007 puts her age at a very advanced 21 years. This is among the oldest recorded for wild elk.

Thanks to Cowlitz County residents Jeff and Lori Morris for their cooperation in the recovery of this information. The elk's jaws (teeth) will be prepared and used for reference as well as educational and display purposes.