Report Archives

Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Sandra Jonker, Wildlife Program Manager

June 29

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Cowlitz Wildlife Area
Davis Lake Field Rehabilitation (Temple Road): The CWA staff have been trying to establish a grass stand on the Davis Lake fields off Temple Road (approximately 30 acres) ever since the reed canary grass was chemically controlled two years ago. High water two winters in a row has compromised seeding efforts by rotting the seed and promoting the establishment of rush species. The fields finally dried out enough to allow ATV access on to the fields so that staff could broadcast seed onto the bare areas (15 acres) and harrow / drag the ground for better soil contact with the seed. A site visit to the site shows that the seed is germinating nicely. There are a lot of rush species still in the fields, but as the grass grows much of the annual species should be displaced. Next Spring will show how the fields are doing.

Proposed Property Acquisition: CWA staff met with Chuck Leidy WDFW Lands Agent and a representative from State Parks on a possible acquisition along the Tilton River consisting of just over 100 acres of river flood plain with a mixed deciduous/conifer timber cover. Elk and deer use the property and it provides recreational access for fishing and non-consumptive uses such as swimming. This acquisition meets objectives and would make a nice addition to the Wildlife Area.

Biologist Miller planned and led a boat safety class in Vancouver with participants from Fish, Hatcheries, and Wildlife programs.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Land Conservation: Biologist Anderson met with representatives from the Columbia Land Trust and Mt. Adams Resource Stewards to discuss community forestry around the Glenwood Valley of Klickitat County. Both conservation organizations are exploring the concept of forest management on a small scale to support working families and small communities. This effort, if successful, could be an example of the potential for conservation groups to work with forest land managers to keep working forests productive for rural communities.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologists Anderson and Holman met with a U.S. Forest Service silviculturist at the Bergen Road turtle site. The majority of the site is owned and managed by the Forest Service and lies within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Habitat improvement for a variety of species including the State Endangered western pond turtle is a priority for USFS and WDFW. Proposed habitat manipulation for the site include continuation of an effort to thin all Douglas firs less than 8” over approximately 300 acres, initiation of the federal NEPA process that would prescribe a more aggressive forest prescription designed to release oaks and pines within the fir stands, prescribed burns, snag creation, control of inappropriate access (ATVs), and treatment of invasive plants.

Game Division
Operation Dark Goose: Biologist Miller flew the Miller Sands area to locate brooding flocks of geese to prepare for capture on June 30. Several flocks were observed and few of the birds were capable of flight. This project is a joint effort with ODFW and USFWS to leg band and collar dark geese that resemble the Dusky subspecies.

Training
MOCC: Biologist Miller, in his role as Wildlife Program Master Instructor, planned and led a boat safety class in Vancouver this week. Students from the Fish, Hatcheries, and Wildlife program participated. Instructors from Fish, Enforcement, Wildlife, and Administration provided the lecture and on water expertise. Unfortunately Miller had recently injured his back and he was unable to participate in all the events. Our thanks go to Region 5 staff and administration for allowing us to hold the class at the office and for contributing vessels to the training. Another class will be held at the end of September.

June 22

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Grazing: Cattle were moved off the WDFW grazing permit area. Manager VanLeuven checked on the range and completed a Grazing Evaluation form for each of the two subunits. VanLeuven took down signs that advise people to close the gates and replaced various signs that had been knocked over by cattle.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Peregrine Falcon Site Monitoring: Biologist Holman again monitored a falcon site in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The site is in a remote location and requires an extensive hike to a suitable observation location. Both adult falcons were observed at the site and two young were visible in the eyrie. Thanks to raptor biologist Flemming for his assistance with the survey.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologists Holman and Anderson concluded the trapping effort at the Bergen Road site. All equipment including boats, traps, anchors, etc. has been removed from the site. Population estimations from this year’s trapping at Bergen will be developed by Science Division Staff

Game Division
Elk Management: Biologist Anderson discussed elk damage issues with the enforcement division associated with Trout Lake and Glenwood Valleys. Plans include evaluation of current hunting seasons, firearm restriction options, and elk area special hunt options. These two areas that are located in Klickitat County have historically been one of our Region’s most popular hunting areas. The combination of rich agricultural and forest lands associated with excellent escape cover make this area popular with hunters. The associated damage issues in this area also creates a challenge in balancing hunting demand and damage issues.

June 15

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Range Survey: Manager VanLeuven worked with Natural Resource Conservation Service staff Hill and Pomerinke to initiate a range survey sampling effort. This is funded by the Coordinated Range Management group. The sampling sites are on and around the Soda Springs Unit. This is a collaborative effort with Hill and Pomerinke conducting most of the field work and VanLeuven keying in the data and summarizing the results.

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC): The WCC crew has begun work at the KWA again this year. Currently they are working on a small fencing project that is intended to exclude livestock from part of a pond on the Soda Springs Unit. The pond is used as breeding habitat by tree frogs and possibly other amphibians each spring. This pond is also an important watering site for cattle, so part of the pond will remain available for that purpose. The first posts were placed this week, around the perimeter of the pond. More posts will be added as the water level recedes, and four strands of fence wire will be put up after that. The part of the pond that cattle will have access to (under an existing grazing permit) will have material placed on the pond bottom that will provide a harder surface for the animals to walk on, thereby reducing the amount of mud suspended in the water.

Tree tubes in disarray

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Tree planting Maintenance: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins and volunteer Howard walked about one mile of this spring’s riparian planting along the Toutle River repairing and securing tree tubes on cottonwood and conifer seedlings. The tree tubes are an important aspect of this project as they provide protection from dehydration as well as damage from ungulates and small mammals. In some areas the tubes were found in disarray having been dislodged from the rebar stakes by either elk or wind. Close to 400 trees were checked during the day with only a few found to be uprooted by elk or dead due to planting shock. Each tree tube checked had additional zip ties added to increase the chances that the tube will stay in place. Tubes and rebar from dead trees were retrieved and will be stored for future use.

Cowlitz Wildlife Area
Spears Mill Pond Recharge Project: During the course of pumping water into the 25-acre millpond, it was discovered that the existing water control structure had failed due to oxidation. The pond was only holding water because a beaver pond had been constructed around the water control structure partially impounding water. The standpipe will need to be replaced sometime this summer. Assistant manager Vanderlip has completed a JARPA and SEPA checklist. The SEPA checklist has been submitted to the agency’s SEPA desk for posting online for public review. If a DNS is issued, the JARPA will be submitted for an HPA.

Davis Lake Field Rehabilitation (Temple Road): The CWA staff has been trying to get a grass stand established on the Davis Lake fields off Temple Road (approximately 30 acres) ever since the reed canary grass was chemically controlled two years ago. High water two winters in a row has compromised seeding efforts by rotting the seed and promoting the establishment of rush species. The fields finally dried out enough to get ATV’s into the fields so that we could broadcast seed onto the bare areas and harrow / drag the ground for better soil contact with the seed. Approximately 15 acres were re-seeded at a rate of about 25 pounds to the acre.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Peregrine Falcons: Biologists from Region 5 conducted peregrine falcon surveys last week in Clark and Lewis Counties. The site in Clark County was checked and minimal activity was observed, none of which indicated successful nesting. WDFW staff and USFS staff observed the site in Lewis County and one possible, short-lived peregrine call was heard, but no birds were observed. This site has not been visited in a few years, so recent status is not known. Hopefully, both sites can be visited again in the coming weeks to verify the original findings and to check for more activity.

Biologist Holman assisted USFS Biologist Wainwright with monitoring a falcon site in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The site is in a remote location and requires an extensive hike to a suitable observation location. One adult falcon was observed at the site and young could be heard calling from the eyrie. However, the complex topography and heavy forest surrounding the site made viewing the young impossible. An additional visit has been scheduled to determine the number of chicks present at the site.

Western Pond Turtles: Biologist Slavens reports that we now have 11 western pond turtle nests in the ground at our Klickitat County site. Most of these nests were found over the last 3 days. Most nesting attempts should be complete by the end of next week. In addition, bullfrog egg masses are being removed and a total of 7 have been located. We have a volunteer from Sydney, Australia that has been helping and she will be leaving next week and will be replaced by four interns from the Oregon Zoo for the remainder of the project.

June 8

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Grading Sheep Canyon Road

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Road Maintenance: The WDFW Road Maintenance crew worked on the Soda Springs Unit this week, and graded approximately 5-1/2 miles of roads. In addition, rock was added to the road in the Canyon Creek Campground where large puddles form in spring. Rock was also placed on the South Breaks Road. This road has been difficult to repair or maintain due to persistent soil moisture in spring, such that the appropriate time to work on it never coincides with the best time to grade the other roads. The rock surface should stand up to traffic better than the native soil surface did. Two turnouts were added to provide places for people to either park or turn around. These were needed because people often become stuck in mud when they attempt to do either of these things. By the end of June, the first mile of the South Breaks Road will have a rock surface.

Wildflower update: Flowers blooming now on the Soda Springs Unit include bicolored cluster lily, hyacinth cluster lily, taper-tip onion, mule ears, Columbia frasera, western blue flag (iris), several species of lupine, red columbine, woods rose, balsamroot, slender godetia, and showy downingia. Deerbrush is also beginning to bloom.

Mule ears Showy Downingia Woods Rose Iris & Lupina

Shillapoo Wildlife Area
Lakebed Plantings: Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Hauswald planted 20 acres of Barley this week in the North Unit of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area for wintering migratory birds. The plantings were in three old agricultural fields in the Shillapoo lakebed, which floods seasonally and provides habitat for thousands of wintering birds in the area as well as hunting opportunities for many people every year.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Streaked Horned Lark Surveys: Biologists Prince and Miller participated in the first round of streaked-horned lark surveys on specified islands in the Columbia River stretching from Kalama to Grays Bay. The surveys are organized by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and are being conducted by WDFW, USFWS, and TNC staff. Some of the islands surveyed contain experimental plots or areas that were disked with different intensities by TNC this winter. Larks are detected by sight and sound and each island will be surveyedthree times during the summer. Lark presence was distributed among many of the islands and seemed to be consistent with last year's findings.

Peregrine Falcons: Biologist Anderson conducted follow-up visits to 4 peregrine falcon nesting territories in the Columbia River. Three of the 4 sites are occupied, two sites appear to be still feeding young, and another site has failed. Additional survey will be conducted over the next two- three weeks to determine the outcomes of all historic sites in the Columbia River Gorge.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologist Holman summarized western pond turtle capture data for the 2009 effort at the Bergen Road site and made comparisons to previous trapping years. The number of western pond turtles captured per day of trapping effort has increased steadily over the years with the introduction of young animals raised in the “Head Start” program. In 2009 an average of 22 turtles were captured per day of trapping at the site. In comparison, just 2 turtles were captured per day during 2002. This increase in the number of animals encountered per day of trapping effort is another indication of the success of western pond turtle management in the Columbia River Gorge.

Game Division
Goose survey: Biologists Miller and Prince checked the area around Miller Sands Island for dark goose broods. The weather was poor and very few broods were observed. The radio collared goose was detected later in the week and is believed to be at Miller Sands or south of there. Another brood survey will be conducted on June 17th and hopefully more flocks will be observed for the banding project scheduled for the end of June.

May 26

Wildlife Area Manager Calkins fertilized approximately 45 acres of elk winter range forage areas on the mudflow using a small tractor and broadcast spreader.

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Forage Maintenance: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins fertilized approximately 45 acres of elk winter range forage areas on the mudflow. The work was done using a small tractor and broadcast spreader. This is part of an integrated program to enhance forage production for elk on several selected sites on the wildlife area by applying lime, fertilizer, and using other techniques. Sampling we conducted last year suggested a 40% increase in production in one treated area when compared to an untreated site. This year we will be able to expand the acreage treated due to support we are receiving from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that will allow us to purchase additional materials.

Scotch Broom Control: WDFW’s Western Washington Weed Crew spent several days on the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area spraying scotch broom. The crew used ATV mounted and backpack sprayers to get to and treat individual plants on the rough terrain. Although hampered by rain on one of the days, the crew worked long hours and covered approximately 350 acres in the eastern portion of the Wildlife Area. This crew has been instrumental in helping us reduce the scotch broom infestation here and their help is greatly appreciated.

Vaux’s Swifts: Manager VanLeuven surveyed for Vaux’s Swifts at the old Icehouse on the Mineral Springs Unit. 354 swifts were observed going into the chimney to roost overnight. Most of the activity occurred between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

WDFW and Longview Timber discuss buffer zones and leave trees for bald eagle and falcon habitat and nesting.

WDFW biologist Hancock Timber to discuss a cooperative wetland enhancement project on their lands in Klickitat County.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Trapping of western pond turtles continues at the Bergen Road site. Through the first 7 days of effort, a total of 153 turtle captures have been recorded and 79 individual turtles have been identified. The current trapping effort is being conducted for the purpose of population estimation so that a robust method of estimating the population may be further developed in the future.

While the great majority of the turtles present at this site are those reintroduced through the “Head-Start” program, a particular highlight of the effort to date is the location of a wild juvenile western pond turtle. Measuring 91 mm and weighing 100 grams, the young turtle is roughly four-years-old and exceeds the size that bull frogs are able to ingest. Presence of the young turtle is a very positive indication that the Bergen Road western pond turtle population is robust and that habitat acquisitions and enhancements have helped perpetuate the species at this location.

Bald Eagle and Falcon Management. Biologists Miller and Prince met with a representative of Longview Timber to discuss a bald eagle issue along the Toutle River and a falcon issue along the Columbia River. Buffer zones and leave trees for the eagle were developed on site and a BEMP will be developed with new maps the landowner will provide. Falcon issue was also discussed along the Columbia River near Nassa Point. Input from Survey Manager Cummins was helpful in developing a starting point for discussions on buffer zones and access management for the Peregrine territory. The meeting with Longview Timber was productive and positive as the landowner is sensitive to wildlife issues and willing to work with WDFW to provide habitat and still accomplish their goals.

Wetlend Management - Biologist Anderson met with Hancock Timber to discuss a cooperative wetland enhancement project on their lands in Klickitat County. Hancock owns approximately 80 acres of habitat that is currently being used by sandhill cranes. The proposed project would evaluate the potential for developing crane nesting habitat by increasing the amount of water available throughout the spring and early summer months. In addition, trees would be removed from wet meadows to open the area for sandhill crane use of the site. The Columbia Land Trust is participating in discussions regarding this project and will assist with grant development for funding.

May 18, 2000

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Forage Enhancement Projects: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Volunteers Braaten and Vance fertilized an estimated 95 acres of elk forge enhancement sites that had been planted last year and this spring. It took the two approximately three days to cover the four sites. In addition to the fertilizer application, some areas were harrowed as a measure to control moss and some areas were also over seeded to improve the plant stands. Most of this work was funded through two Volunteer Cooperative Grants that Braaten had received from WDFW. Work will begin this spring on a fifth site that will be reseeded this fall with funding from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Fencing: Manager VanLeuven has completed the fencing project on the Sondino Unit of the Klickitat Wildlife Area.

Western pond turtle floating hoop trap.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologists Anderson and Holman initiated trapping for western pond turtles at the Bergen Road site. Thirty-four traps have been set in four water bodies at the site. Traps will be checked daily through May 22 in an effort to monitor this sub-population of western pond turtles. New for this year is the deployment of hoop-style traps that are suspended over the water (i.e., floating nets). These traps are baited with fish and allow access to portions of water bodies that don’t have convenient vegetation to tie to and, because the traps float, animals can’t be accidentally drowned while captive. See the photo at right of a floating hoop trap.

Western Pond Turtle trapping at the Klickitat ponds was completed this last week. A grand total of 30 adult females were equipped with transmitters for this year’s "head start" program. This represents the highest number of females that will be monitored for nesting since the program began in 1991.

Vaux’s Swifts: Klickitat resident Ramsey surveyed for Vaux's swifts at the Old Icehouse, on the Mineral Springs Unit, on Saturday evening. He reported that an estimated 300 swifts went into the chimney to roost between about 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. This Saturday survey was part of a statewide Vaux's swift survey effort. The survey coordinator indicated that according to early reports, this was the second highest count in the state for a single known site.

Safety Training: Create an agency environment that nurtures professionalism, accountability, enthusiasm, and dedication in order to attract, develop, and retain a workforce that can successfully carry out the mandate of the agency

Boat Safety: Biologist Miller, in his role as Wildlife Program Master MOCC (Motorboat Operation and Certification Course) instructor, spent time this week working on preparations for the upcoming MOCC class in Vancouver. This training has a large logistical component that needs to be coordinated in advance of the actual class. Some time will need to be spent on Lacamas Lake in the next week or two to prepare for the water exercises that we do as a part of the training. Boats were also arranged for this project and some repair was done to the 20' Alumaweld in preparation for the class.

ATV Training: Region 5 Wildlife Program staff safely completed ATV training this week - this training fulfills a mandatory training requirement. The course is a thorough hands-on class that was taught by Law Enforcement Officer Valentine.

May 11, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area
Fencing and Grazing Management: Manager VanLeuven worked with the Department of Natural Resources/Larch Corrections crew on a fencing project near Lyle to implement replacements, repairs, and preparations for new fence construction. While working on another fence repair project, the WCC crew notified manager VanLeuven about stray cattle on the Soda Springs Unit. 22 cows with calves were found on WDFW property. Manager VanLeuven contacted and worked with the owner to remove the cattle as well as check the fence line and discuss needed repairs. The owner of the cattle was responsive and committed to repair the fence to ensure his cattle would stay on his property.

Grazing management monitoring photo point in the Klictitat Wildlife Area.

Manager VanLeuven visited all six grazing monitoring photo points and took photos for this year's monitoring effort. Manager VanLeuven assessed the range readiness, made fence repairs, ensured a stock watering trough operates correctly, and also posted signs advising people to close gates after they drive through.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologist Holman made preparations for conducting western pond turtle captures at the Bergen Road site. Tasks associated with preparation for trapping include hauling of traps, boats, and associated equipment to each of the 5 primary water bodies at the site; preparing data recording forms and equipment; and construction of new traps. Trapping will be conducted in May and/or June depending on weather.

In spite of the weather this week, the turtle crew at Sondino Ranch did rather well. They captured 40 turtles for a grand total of 200 this season. 6 additional transmitters were placed on females for a total of 26 for the year. Two wild hatchling turtles were captured and now are at the Oregon Zoo. That makes 3 from Pond B and one from the path to the northeast of Pond A on its way from the nest to the water.

Game Management Division
St. Helens Wildlife Area Winter Mortality Count: The 2009 winter elk mortality count on the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area was completed this week with the help of WDFW staff and about 20 RMEF volunteers. The preliminary data indicate approximately 35 elk died on the mudflow this winter. The locations of these mortalities will be checked next week with past locations to verify each carcass/bone pile was from this year's winter; and a more accurate number will be reported when this task is completed. Many thanks to the volunteers for their help with this survey.

Lower Columbia River Dark Goose Project: As a part of the effort to estimate the size of the dark goose population, Biologists Miller and Prince and volunteers Jarvis and Howell re-examined the dark goose nests documented on the April 20 survey. The goal was to determine how many of the nests were hatched, abandoned, or destroyed, for input into a population estimate. We found all the documented nests and found that about 30% were still incubating and the rest were hatched. Some abandoned eggs were found associated with most of the hatched nests. The egg float data will be added to the information we gathered during the nest search to establish the time line to band the birds this summer.

May 4, 2009

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Western pond turtle trappingis going well at Sondino Ponds in Klickitat County. The field team headed by Kate Slavens has caught a grand total of 160 turtles. Transmitters have been placed on a total of 20 females, ensuring another successful season for the "head start program". One wild hatchling was caught this last week and it was taken to the Oregon Zoo and placed with the 2008 "head start" group. All 2008 turtles from the Oregon Zoo will be released in the Columbia River Gorge this summer.

Golden Eagle Mortality: Biologist Anderson reports a golden eagle mortality from the Goodnoe Wind Farm in eastern Klickitat County. The bird appears to be a young female and it is uncertain if it is part of a breeding pair or a migratory bird. The bird had a broken wing and leg and was located immediately below a wind turbine.

Operation Dark Goose: Biologists and volunteers set traps to catch dark geese for monitoring this week.

Game Management Division
Operation Dark Goose: Biologists Miller and Prince and volunteersHowell and Jarvis attempted to catch dark geese this week. The goal was to radio collar some of the birds so that they could be found later in the summer and to band their broods as well as other adults. We tried using a CODA net gun and a hoop trap. The hoop trap showed the most promise for the future and recently we caught 1 bird in this trap and radio collared the goose. The birds consistently out flew the net gun. We are exploring acquisition of several hoop traps for next year. These dark geese cause confusion at check stations, as they resemble the Dusky Canada goose that has a restricted harvest. WDFW and ODFW cooperate on banding these birds to reduce check station problems.

8th Western States and Provinces Deer and Elk Workshop: Biologists Prince and Holman were among WDFW Staff in attendance at the 8th Western States and Provinces Deer and Elk Workshop, held this year in Spokane. The conference features speakers from various State and Provincial wildlife agencies, University researchers, tribal deer and elk specialists, conservation organizations, as well as students. Presentations on many research topics including, habitat based population modeling, elk responses to human activities including roads and hunting, predation, sex-age-kill population modeling, habitat improvement projects, sight-resight population modeling, sources of mortality in black-tailed and mule deer as well as elk, effectiveness of wildlife fencing and crossing structures on highways, hunter opinions, mule and black-tailed deer genetics and a the Hairloss Syndrome. Thanks to all those who presented at the workshop.

April 27

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Klickitat Wildlife Area
Oak Enhancement: Manager VanLeuven met with National Wild Turkey Federation Biologist McMasters to plan the work for the habitat enhancement project that will occur on the Wildlife Area. VanLeuven wrote the prescription for the forest thinning work to be implemented this spring and worked with WDFW staff to finalize the details.

Collaborative Partnership: Manager VanLeuven discussed a long-standing problem with Western Pacific Timber regarding cattle escapement, public use of a gated road, as well as unauthorized vehicle access on roads on state and timber company owned lands. This has been a problem for at least 15 years, and manager VanLeuven has been working with adjacent landowners to develop a better way to restrict vehicle access as well as prevent livestock escapement.

WDFW thanks all the volunteers who made it possible to plant 14,000 rooted trees and shrubs along the Toutle River.

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Tree Plantings Completed: Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Hauswald and Technician Fox recently finished the final phase of this year's tree planting effort on the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area. Over the past several weeks a total of 14,000 rooted trees and shrubs were planted along the Toutle River and another 2,000 were planted on a portion of Bear Creek. In total over three miles of streamside area was planted. The planting mix was made up of red and sitka alder, black cottonwood, pacific ninebark, salmonberry, red-osier dogwood, cascara, western red cedar, noble, grand and douglas fir, and sitka spruce. 1,100 of the trees that are more likely to be browsed by elk had 3 or 4 foot tree protectors placed over them to help assure establishment. The larger planting is part of a larger project to stabilize the river and protect elk forage areas. Wood structures will be constructed later this year as the final phase of that work. The Bear Creek planting is part of a project sponsored by volunteer Mike Braaten who received a grant through WDFW's Volunteer Cooperative Grants Program to enhance elk forage on about 20 acres and improve riparian habitat along the creek. Wildlife Area Manager Calkins would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped us plant these trees this year. Without their support we would not have been able to get all of this work accomplished in such a timely fashion. The volunteers helped under all sorts of conditions including warm weather, rain, and even snow (see tree protectors 4-09.JPG attached).

Wildlife Diversity Division
Peregrine Falcon Nest Site Monitoring: Biologist Holman conducted a protocol visit to another peregrine falcon site in the Columbia River Gorge. A pair of falcons was present at the location and incubation was observed. Biologist Anderson conducted protocol visits to two peregrine falcon site in Klickitat County. A pair of peregrine falcons occupied both sites. Surveys for the birds will continue into the spring for occupancy with productivity surveys to be conducted in June as part of the statewide monitoring effort.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Western pond turtle trapping efforts continue at the Sondino Ponds site. Through April 22nd, seventeen adult female pond turtles have been captured and equipped with new radio telemetry transmitters. The female turtles will be followed to their nesting locations during June and July in support of the Head-Start program.

Region 5 staff, along with other WDFW staff, ODFW staff, and agency volunteers completed the annual Lower Columbia River goose nest survey.
Click chart for enlargement

Game Management Division
Goose Nest Survey: Region 5 staff, along with other WDFW staff, ODFW staff, and agency volunteers completed the annual Lower Columbia River goose nest survey. Five islands were surveyed for goose nests this year with a total of 364 nests found (1987-2008-GooseNestSurvey.pdf). This is very close to the number of nests found last year (363). "Dark" goose nests are also noted during the survey on Miller Sands Island. These birds are thought to be resident Dusky or "Wuskies" (western + dusky) geese. A total of 46 "dark" goose nests were found this year on Miller Sands, Main, and Miller Sands Spit combined. Last year's dark nest total was 55. An attempt was also made this year to capture some of these dark birds and attach radio collars in an effort to locate more birds in July when they are banded and collared in preparation for hunting season. We attempted to net gun the birds on the nest and collar them, but this was a lot more challenging then originally thought. Staff did have success with a hoop trap that was set the day before and caught a single bird. More emphasis is going to be put on using the hoop traps in the near future to get more birds collared.

Hunting Information: All landowners in Klicitat County that participate in the Hunt by Written Permission program were asked to submit their permits from 2008-2009 hunting season. Biologist Anderson received numerous phone calls from hunters that wanted to discuss the recent hunting season changes in the new pamphlet. Most questions were related to boundary changes in Klickitat County and modifications to the late muzzleloader deer season in 578. Most hunters indicated they understood the reasons for the changes although some indicated their preference for the original regulations.

Migration: Annual migration of birds, especially Canada geese is well underway. Listening early in the morning and early in the evening might reveal skeins of geese calling to each other as they move north to nesting grounds in Canada and Alaska. In this area the birds seem to follow the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean and then turn north to historical nest areas. They will be back in late September with new broods of young to winter in SW Washington.

April 20, 2009

Manager Van Leuven met with Trout Unlimited volunteer Fritsch on the Goldendale Hatchery Unit to plant about 25 willow cuttings along Spring Creek.

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area
Turkey Opening: Turkey hunting season opened April 15th and so far hunters in the Klickitat River Canyon seem to be finding the best success. The gates on Old Headquarters Rd., Anderson Rd., and South Breaks Rd. were opened the evening of Apr. 14. Manager Van Leuven visited with people at their camps to connect with them regarding their experiences.

Spring Creek Planting: Manager Van Leuven met with Trout Unlimited volunteer Fritsch on the Goldendale Hatchery Unit to plant about 25 willow cuttings along Spring Creek. The Goldendale chapter of Trout Unlimited is planning a riparian planting project this fall as well.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Peregrine Falcon Nest Site Monitoring: Biologist Holman conducted a protocol visit to a peregrine falcon site in the Columbia River Gorge. A pair of falcons was present at the location but incubation could not be observed. Surveys for the birds will continue into the spring for occupancy with productivity surveys to be conducted in June.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Western pond turtle trapping efforts continue at the Sondino Ponds site. To date, 10 adult female pond turtles have been captured and equipped with new radio telemetry transmitters. The female turtles will be followed to their nesting locations during June and July in support of the Head-Start program.

Biologists Miller and Prince located the remains of a radio collared cow elk that was a part of the elk study that began this spring.

Game Management Division
St Helens Elk study: Biologists Miller and Prince located the remains of a radio collared cow elk that was a part of the elk study that began this spring. During the first flight survey in early March the radio was transmitting a live pulse; however, the radio was transmitting a mortality pulse during the second flight survey in late March/early April. The carcass was found almost completely intact. Only the front shoulders were displaced from the rest of the remains. The animal's hide was also found a few yards away from the main portion of the carcass. All the tissue and muscle had been consumed. Based upon the remains, we think the elk was either killed by a large predator or died from winter conditions and then was consumed by a large predator.

April 13, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area - Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven met with DNR Roads Specialist Gilmer to inspect a project that was compelted to fulfill requirements of the KWA Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan as well as to discuss progress on other items in the RMAP. In addition manager VanLeuven worked with Master Hunter candidate Randall to layout a volunteer project work for him. Randall assisted with preparation for a fencing project, road maintenance, and tree cage removal. While these are small projects individually, they are each important and the help is greatly appreciated.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Peregrine Falcon Nest Site Monitoring: Biologist Holman conducted protocol visits to two peregrine falcon nest locations in the Columbia River Gorge. A pair of falcons was present at one location but the initial visit to the other didn't reveal any falcons. Surveys for the birds will continue into the spring for occupancy with productivity surveys to be conducted in June.

Sandhill Cranes: Biologist Anderson reports that breeding sandhill cranes have arrived in Klickitat County at Conboy NWR and surrounding area. WDFW and the USFWS met this week to discuss this season’s plans for sandhill crane nesting surveys. The first coordinated survey will take place during the last week of April to document early nesting attempts.

Game Management Division
Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area Elk Use Monitoring: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins, Assistant Manager Hauswald, and Volunteer Malcom completed the final Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area winter elk monitoring count of the season from the Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center. Three hundred twelve elk were counted during the survey, which is consistent with most of the other counts this winter. These counts are conducted at least once per month throughout the winter to monitor elk use and their condition on the site. In general, the majority of the elk in the area appear to be in good condition but a few show signs of physical decline, which is typical for this time of year. While doing some work on the site later, Hauswald located one elk that had apparently succumbed to winter conditions. Winter mortality is normal in any big game population. WDFW is in the process of reducing herd numbers through increased hunting effort in this area due to concerns that the number of animals had become too high for the available habitat to support. Even with a reduced number of animals, WDFW will always expect some level of winter mortality in the herd, which will vary each year depending upon habitat changes and winter severity as age, disease, and other factors limit a portion of any population’s ability to survive the winter.

April 6, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Cowlitz Wildlife Area
Funding Goal: Ensure effective use of current and future financial resources in order to meet the needs of Washington State’s fish and wildlife resource for the benefit of the public

Annual Report: The annual report for 2008 has been submitted to Tacoma Power. The report includes expenditures, 2008 performance activities, and next year’s planned activities. Tacoma Power will submit the report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a requirement for their ongoing license.

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.

WDFW employed the use of a helicopter to catch and relocate Columbian White-tailed deer.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Columbia White-Tailed Deer Relocation: Biologists Miller and Prince assisted USFWS staff and volunteers in the relocation of Columbian White-tailed deer. The deer were moved from Tenasillahe Island to the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge. The move was done as an effort to repopulate the refuge after recent flood events drove deer off of the refuge and into the surrounding timberlands. Twenty deer were successfully caught on Tenasillahe and released on the refuge. The capture was contracted and most deer were caught using net guns fired from a helicopter; a few deer were caught using a drive net. The deer were then blindfolded, hobbled, and placed into bags for their air transport to the mainland. All does released were outfitted with radio collars, while fawns and bucks were just ear tagged; the collared deer will be closely monitored by refuge staff.

Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologists Slavens and Holman initiated the western pond turtle trapping effort at the Sondino Ponds site. Fifty turtle traps were deployed in 6 water bodies at the site on April 1 and 2. The traps are a 50/50 split of floating traps that target basking turtles, and submerged baited nets that target feeding turtles. The trapping effort is the initial step in the annual process of conducting the head-start program. Trapping is needed to replace radio transmitters on adult females turtles so that they may be followed to their summer nesting sites.

Peregrine Falcon Surveys: Biologist Anderson visited one of two peregrine falcon territories this week as per the state/federal coordinated survey. This survey is part of a national survey to monitor peregrine falcon populations following their delisting a few years ago. The site visited this week was occupied and reports of other sites in the Columbia River Gorge indicate that many pairs are currently incubating eggs.

Game Management Division
St Helens Elk Project: The second round of elk surveys were flown this week for the St Helens mark-resight project with Region 5 Biologists Holman, Prince, Hauswald, Vanderlip; Deer and Elk Specialist McCorquodale, and GIS specialist Duff. Final figures are not yet available for the entire survey. GIS specialist Duff’s time and assistance with this project is greatly appreciated; as can be seen in the photo of him entering data and navigating the survey units (ResightFlight-Duff.JPG). Deer and Elk Specialist McCorquodale is principal lead on this project and we also thank him for his expertise in implementing this study and his ability to adapt to our large scale environment and challenges in attempting to improve our elk information. Region 5 thanks all the survey participants.

Turkey Season: Biologist Anderson has started to receive many phone calls from hunters interested in the spring turkey season in Klickitat County. Turkey hunting should be favorable this spring as the Klickitat population should have experienced low mortality due to mild winter conditions. Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager has observed many turkey hunters scouting the wildlife area to locate the places currently favored by the birds, as the youth turkey hunt is this weekend. Turkeys seem to be very mobile this time of year and it is not easy to predict where they will be found. Sunny weather is on the way and hunters should enjoy a good weekend outing.

March 30, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Mt. St. Helens Elk Herd Population Monitoring: Biologist Holman and technician Ridenour conducted elk surveys in the Trout Lake and Glenwood valleys, located primarily in Game Management Unit 578 (West Klickitat). The valleys were simultaneously covered with two vehicles on the evening of March 23 and the morning of March 26. Twelve groups of elk totaling 313 animals were observed on the 23rd, and ten groups totaling 421 individuals were located on the 26th. The elk were primarily located on Conboy National Wildlife Refuge, private agricultural fields in each valley, as well as the Trout Lake Natural Area Preserve (DNR). Summaries and classifications for these elk will be included in the overall effort to develop a robust method of population estimation for the Mt. St. Helens Elk Herd.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Oregon Spotted Frogs: District biologist Anderson, with assistance from biologist Holman and technician Ridenour, conducted a preliminary survey of Oregon Spotted Frogs at the Trout Lake Natural Area Preserve. Egg mass surveys were conducted as a method to estimate the health of the breeding population for this Washington State endangered species. Follow-up surveys will be conducted over the next two-week period to get a final count as a comparison to previous years surveys.

March 23, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area:
Oak Habitat Enhancement: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven met with National Wild Turkey Federation biologist MaMasters to work out logistics of the planned forest habitat enhancement project and select sites for treatment. Three units, almost 100% oak stands, were marked out with flagging on the Soda Springs Unit. The units range from 1.9 acre to 2.9 acres in size. A prescription for thinning the trees was developed that would preserve the larger oaks while culling the smaller competing trees. The forest inside the units and within 50 feet of the units will be surveyed for presence of western gray squirrel nests and provisions for protection of nests will be applied. The work is anticipated to begin in late April and the scope of the project is limited to conform to the definition of a Class I Forest Practice.

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:
Erosion Control Plantings: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins, Assistant Manager Hauswald, and Technician Fox finished planting 500 Douglas fir, grand fir, noble fir, sitka spruce and red cedar near the Toutle River. Each of these seedlings had a 36" tree protector tube placed over them attached to a 5' piece of rebar. This planting took approximately five days due to the distance that needed to be covered (three miles) and the extra time required carrying and placing the tree protectors. On March 21st Calkins and Hauswald were joined by thirteen volunteers to plant red and sitka alder along the banks. On that day a total of 3,400 trees were planted over an area about one-mile in length in approximately 5 hours. We would like to thank all of the volunteers for their effort. Planting will continue for at least two more weeks including two more days when volunteers will be helping.

Game Management Division
Region 5 Deer Management: The annual Spring survey of deer on and near the Klickitat Wildlife Area was conducted on the 16th and 17th of March. Wildlife Biologist Holman, Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven, Fisheries Biologist Cady, retired Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager Morrison, and senior project student Meyers conducted the survey. A total of 299 deer were observed during the effort with 277 classified. The number of classified deer was significantly fewer than the 18-year average of 514 deer.

Significant in addition to the total number of deer observed, is the annual ratio of fawns to adults. Young deer are more likely to succumb to harsh winter conditions and food shortages, therefore the ratio provides a barometer for winter severity. During severe winters, fawns suffer mortality at a greater rate than adults thereby reducing the ratio of fawns to adults.

Grayback GMU Spring Deer Survey Summary 1980-2009 Click image to enlarge

This year's survey resulted in a ratio of 53 fawns per 100 adult deer. This ratio represents a value that is effectively equal to the mean ratio observed in the 30-year history of the survey. The 2009 survey indicates, that in spite of unusually cold December weather and high amounts of snowfall in western Washington, the deer present on or near the Klickitat Wildlife Area suffered little in the way of winter losses during 2008/09. Please see the attached figure illustrating the fawn to adult ratio recorded on the annual Spring Survey during the past 30 years and the number of deer classified during the past 18 years. Thanks to all those that participated in the annual spring survey.

Hoof rot problem among elk in SW Washington has increased in its distribution and intensity in the last few years and hopefully this WDFW project will begin to shed some light on the causes.

Hoof Rot Study: Region 5 Biologists Prince, Holman, and Miller assisted WDFW staff Veterinarian Mansfield and Biologist Rowan in the examination of elk in SW Washington that were affected by hoof rot. Eight elk were collected and a wide variety of tissue and organ samples were collected for evaluation by Washington State University staff. Three elk of the eight were taken for study control purposes and the same specimens were submitted for analysis. The meat from the control animals was donated to charity. All elk were collected from areas with elk damage so that we could help solve damage problems while collecting animals for analysis.

This hoof rot problem has increased in its distribution and intensity in the last few years and hopefully this project will begin to shed some light on the causes. WDFW receives many phone calls from citizens and hunters about limping elk and this effort is the beginning of a process to answer some questions about this situation. This project was made possible by the cooperation of Law Enforcement Staff in Lewis and Cowlitz counties who helped identify landowners with sick elk and assisted in the collection process. Their help is very much appreciated.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts. The latter part of the month was relatively mild but some low elevation snowfall occurred. Below normal temperatures were common during the first half of March and one significant low elevation snow event resulted in up to 9" of snow on the Wildlife Area. However, this condition lasted only a few days. The past week has been warmer and wet with showers or rain mixed with sun breaks.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for mixed rain and snow though the week with snow levels ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the mid 30's to low 50's, which is a bit cool but within the normal range.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on March 19th, show a heightened chance of below average temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation for April. The Apr-Jun outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but a heightened chance of below normal precipitation in a portion of the South Cascades.

Habitat: South slopes are generally snow free to about 2500 feet but snow is present to about 1,000 feet on some North facing slopes. The Wildlife Area is currently clear of snow. Growth is increasing in grasses on the Wildlife Area and it appears we are to the point where forage is increasing on the site. Some early shrubs (willow, Indian plum) are showing signs of bud break.

Snow Depths:

Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 15.4 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 114.3 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 108.6 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 44.0 in. Depth increased at all these sites over the past week. Snowpack is now above normal for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 18"; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 40"+36" new; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 50"+ 48" new.

Animal Concentrations: 88 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on March 5th. Since that time we have begun our spring tree planting and are seeing numbers that are in line with that count. We are not attempting to count the animals but rather are trying to avoid disturbing them. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: Most animals observed appear to be in good condition with only a few showing signs of decline in body condition. These signs include rough coats or thin appearance.

Mortality: None found during tree planting work or otherwise reported this week.

Public Contacts: Conducted an interview with a local Portland Reporter this week. Topics covered included stabilization and forage enhancement projects, winter conditions, feeding issues, and hunting seasons. The public is reminded that the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area is closed to public access through April 30th to minimize disturbance and associated energy demands to animals wintering there.

March 16, 2009

Game Management Division
Elk Sightability Survey: Deer and Elk Specialist Mc Corquodale, Biologists Prince, Holman, Calkins, Hauswald, Miller, and GIS specialist Duff conducted winter elk surveys in District 10 all of last week. Portions of GMUs 522 (Loowitt), 520 (Winston), 524 (Margaret), 550 (Coweeman) and 556 (Toutle) were aerially surveyed during the effort. All radio-collared animals were located and the final number of elk observed will be reported when tallied. We would like to extend our appreciation to helicopter pilot Hagerman for his time and expertise in flying wildlife surveys.

As collected in District 9 last week, details related to habitat and survey variables as well as elk locations and survey routes were recorded in addition to total elk numbers, sex, and age composition in support of the development of a sightability model for the Mt. St. Helens elk herd. These habitat / survey variables will be balanced against the locations of radio-marked elk that evade detection during aerial surveys. The conditions found at the locations of the marked animals provide the capacity to mathematically correct population estimates for elk that are not seen during surveys.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts. The latter part of the month was relatively mild but some low elevation snowfall occurred. Snow and rainfall amounts were minor during the first week of March but temperatures were slightly below normal. Temperatures have been below normal and significant snow fell over the last weekend and early in the week. Up to 9" accumulated on the Wildlife Area. Clear skies have melted much of the low elevation snow since, particularly on south facing slopes.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for mixed rain and snow though the week, with snow levels ranging from 1,500 to 5,500 feet. Temperatures should range from the low 30's to mid-40’s, which is below normal

• The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.
• The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on February 19th, show below average temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation for March. The March-May outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but equal chances of above or below precipitation.

Habitat: Snow is present in most areas above 1,000 feet but south slopes are clearing up. The Wildlife Area is currently mostly clear of snow. Some growth has been noted in grasses on the site and there is still some forage remaining on the site. Some areas, particularly those that were fertilized last year, have been grazed more heavily than others. Use has been highest near the east end of the mudflow.

Snow Depths:

• Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 13.0 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 98.0 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 92.5 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 36.3 in. Depth increased slightly at all these sites over the past week. Snowpack is near normal for these locations.
• Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): No report; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 40"+6" new; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 50"+12" new.

Animal Concentrations: 88 elk were observed on the wildlife area during a survey on March 5, 2009. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: Most animals observed appear to be in good condition with only a few showing signs of decline in body condition. These signs include rough coats or thin appearance.

Mortality: None reported this week.

Public Contacts: Received a request for an interview with a local Portland Reporter. This is scheduled for next week. The public is reminded that the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area is closed to public access through April 30th to minimize disturbance and associated energy demands to animals wintering there.

March 9, 2009

Columbia White-Tailed Deer Camera Project: FLIR technology is being used to estimate the sub-species composition on the islands in the Lower Columbia River. FLIR can detect deer but not identify sub-species.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Columbia White-Tailed Deer Camera Project: District Wildlife Biologist Miller and volunteer Dan Howell retrieved data cards and re-located cameras on three islands near Longview this week. This USFWS project is designed to help estimate the sub species composition on the islands in the Lower Columbia River that are surveyed by FLIR technology. FLIR can detect deer but not identify sub species, so the cameras are used to sub sample the deer on the islands. Images were taken of both Columbia White-Tailed Deer and Black-Tailed Deer. Cameras were re-located to continue sampling.

Western Pond Turtle: Biologist Anderson presented a proposal to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for funding of the western pond turtle project in the Columbia River Gorge. WDFW currently has funding for this project through 2009, and this proposal is for work beginning in Fiscal Year 2010 and beyond. This week’s presentation was for the Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) staff for their final recommendations to BPA. Project proposals are designed to mitigate for wildlife populations affected by the Federal Columbia River Power System (hydro projects). BPA has been one of our primary financial sponsors for the last 8 years and is responsible for the successes we have had in recovery of the western pond turtle population in the Columbia River Gorge.

Game Management Division
Mt. St Helens Elk Count: Biologists Miller and Prince completed the fifth count this season of elk on the Mount St. Helen's Wildlife Area this week. Eighty-eight elk were observed during the count. No compositional data were taken due to fog and increasing snowfall. Elk condition was also hard to determine because of the low visibility. The final winter count will take place at the beginning of April. Elk numbers on the mudflow have been relatively low this year as compared to last year.

Elk Composition / Sightability Surveys: Biologist Holman with plenty of help from Biologist Prince, Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven, Shillapoo / St. Helens Wildlife Area Manager Calkins and Assistant Manager Hauswald, conducted winter elk surveys in District 9. Portions of GMUs 554 (Yale), 568 (Washougal), 572 (Siouxon) and 560 (Lewis River), were aerially surveyed during the effort. A total of 219 elk were located during the survey flights with an observed ratio of 48 calves: 100 cows: 23 bulls.

In addition to total elk numbers, sex and age composition, details related to habitat and survey variables as well as elk locations and survey routes were recorded in support of the development of a sightability model for the Mt. St. Helens elk herd. Specifically, elk activity, % of snow cover, % of vegetation cover, vegetation type, and lighting were all categorized for future analysis in the development of the model. During future surveys in District 10, these habitat / survey variables will be balanced against the locations of radio-marked elk that evade detection during aerial surveys. The conditions found at the locations of the marked animals provide the capacity to mathematically correct population estimates for elk that are not seen during surveys.

Hoof Rot Project: Plans are nearly complete for the collection of elk that are symptomatic of hoof rot in SW Washington. We have names and locations of several places that will allow us to access their property to collect the elk to collect internal organs and legs for pathology exam at Washington State University. Limited number of healthy elk will also be collected for control purposes from areas with documented elk damage.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts. The latter part of the month was relatively mild but some low elevation snowfall occurred. Snow and Rainfall amounts were minor during the first week of March but temperatures were slightly below normal.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for some rain and snow through the week, with snow levels ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the mid 20s to mid-40s, which is below normal

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on February 19th, show below average temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation for March. The March-May outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but equal chances of above or below precipitation.

Habitat: Currently there is about 1/2 inch of fresh snow at 2,000 feet but for the most part slopes below this elevation are almost snow free. The Wildlife Area is currently mostly clear of snow. Some growth has been noted in grasses on the site and there is still forage remaining on the site. Some areas, particularly those that were fertilized last year, have been grazed more heavily than others. Use has been highest near the east end of the mudflow.

Snow Depths:
Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 12.1 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 86.3 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 81.8 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 33.4 in. Depth increased at the first three sites listed but decreased at the Pepper Creek location over the past week. Snowpack is slightly below average for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 10"; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 40"+3" new; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 50"+6" new.

Animal Concentrations: 88 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on March 5, 2009. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: Weather conditions precluded good observation of animal condition during the survey this week. However, during recent animal capture event during the week of February 17th, approximately 25% of young animals were displaying a rough pelage.

Mortality: None reported this week.

Public Contacts: No contacts this week pertinent to winter conditions. The public is reminded that the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area is closed to public access through April 30th to minimize disturbance and associated energy demands to animals wintering there.

District 9:

Past Weather: Some new snow was reported above 3000 ft this week in the south Cascades. Temperatures are normal for this time of year and snow pack is below normal for the south Cascades.

Winter Severity: The south facing slopes at the Klickitat Wildlife Area are open and forage habitat is available. There is little concern for the severity of this year's winter conditions in Skamania County and the western portion of Klickitat County. The eastern portions of Klickitat County have had lower snowfall accumulation this winter and deer are in good condition

Habitat: Habitat is open and continued green up is seen on south facing slopes. Forage habitat has increased for big game and lower elevation valleys are receiving more use.

Animal Concentrations: Large elk concentrations (150-200) have been seen in the Trout Lake area.

Animal Condition: Animals appear to be in good condition.

Mortality: None documented or reported at this time.

Public Contacts: None received this week.

March 2, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area:
Oak Habitat Enhancement: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven met with Department of Natural Resources foresters Calkins and Blazek to look at the oak habitat enhancement project site and define the scope of work on the Wildlife Area. The foresters provided basic information that will be used in designing the project, as well as a wealth of other helpful suggestions and information. They are interested in the work and would like to see how the project progresses. Manager VanLeuven contacted NWTF biologist McMasters with details of the input provided by DNR so the discussed parameters can be incorporated into the project plan.

Shillapoo Wildlife Area:
Herons Return to Previously Abandoned Rookery Site: Earlier this winter Wildlife Area Manager Calkins observed several nests in a stand of trees on the wildlife area that at one time was home to a Great Blue Heron Colony numbering over 300 nests. This week Calkins returned to the site and observed at least two herons on nests, confirming that the site is once again being used by nesting herons. One of the measures identified in the wildlife area plan was to plant additional cottonwoods to eventually replace some of the mature trees, many of which had died and fallen while the rookery was active. 1,500 trees have been planted over the past three years as part of that effort. We were never able to determine a cause for the abandonment of this site by the birds several years ago who moved their nest site to another part of the wildlife area. Many birders will welcome their return, as this is a location where they can be seen easily from a nearby road without creating disturbance to the nest site.

Field Activities: Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Hauswald and Technician Fox replaced a 500 foot section of fence along Lower River Road. The replacement was necessary in part to discourage unauthorized off-road travel across the wildlife area. Placement of tree tubes and mats continues at three tree planting locations. We have also started some weed spraying for poison hemlock.

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Erosion Control Projects: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins met with engineers from the Habitat Program to discuss recent erosion issues and design criteria for a large scale stabilization project funded by the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Construction work is planned for this coming summer. Prior to that time we plan to complete the planting phase of the project. We plan to plant approximately 14,000 rooted trees and shrubs, an undetermined number of willow cuttings, and spread a grass/clover seed mix over about three miles of the erosion prone bank area.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed in late March and early April to help with the tree planting effort described in the item above. Interested individuals should send a message to teamvancouver@dfw.wa.gov to receive a schedule and other information. All WDFW volunteers are required to register and complete an orientation checklist prior to participation in agency work.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Gray Squirrel (WGS): Biologist Anderson participated in a meeting to discuss landscape planning and development of PHS guidelines for management of the western gray squirrel. At issue is the need to present the public (with an emphasis on counties) with information on ways to work with WDFW to control land development and protect critical WGS habitat areas. WDFW would like to take more of a landscape approach to protect WGS habitat areas for eventual recovery of the species. Our goal is to provide management recommendations that guide county planners to comply with Growth Management requirements for T & E species like the WGS.

Townsend's Big-Eared Bats: Biologist Holman assisted the U.S. Forest Service in conducting hibernacula surveys for Townsend's Big-Eared bats. During winter, the bats enter a state of hibernation or torpor and remain largely inactive for extended periods of time while attached to the ceilings and walls of caves. During this period the bats are sensitive to increases in temperature, which can cause them to wake and use valuable energy while increasing their metabolic rate. Due to this sensitivity, the Forest Service implements seasonal closures of the caves to public entrance and does not advertise the location of this important wildlife habitat. Initial survey results indicate slightly more total bats than during the most recent comprehensive survey effort, which took place in 2006.

Game Management Division
Washington Waterfowl Presentation: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins attended the monthly meeting of the Lower Columbia Chapter of Washington Waterfowl Association and gave a presentation covering the history, goals, recent accomplishments, and future projects on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. Following the presentation, Calkins fielded questions for about an hour on topics ranging from management of hunting blinds on the area to budget cuts and layoffs in the agency.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts. The latter part of the month was relatively mild but some low elevation snowfall occurred.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for some rain through the week with snow levels ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the mid 30's to mid-40s, which is within the normal range.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on February 19th, show below average temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation for March. The March-May outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but equal chances of above or below precipitation.

Habitat: Currently there is about three inches of fresh snow at 2,000 feet with lesser amounts below. The Wildlife Area is currently mostly clear of snow. Some growth has been noted in grasses on the site and there is still forage remaining on the site. Some areas, particularly those that were fertilized last year, have been grazed more heavily than others. Use has been highest near the east end of the mudflow.

Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 8.3 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 83.7 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 78.1 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 34.6 in. Depth increased at the first three sites listed but decreased at the Pepper Creek location over the past week. Snowpack is slightly below average for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 10"; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 36"+6" new; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 48"+6" new.

Animal Concentrations: No surveys since 334 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on February 2nd. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas. A survey is planned for next week.

Animal Condition: Most animals observed appear to be in good condition with only a few showing signs of decline in body condition. These signs include rough coats or thin appearance.

Mortality: None reported this week.

Public Contacts: A number of inquiries have been received regarding access to the Wildlife Area and shed antler hunting. The public is reminded that the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area is closed to public access through April 30th to minimize disturbance and associated energy demands to animals wintering there.

District 9:

Past Weather: Weather in the south Cascades this past week has been moderate. Some new snow has accumulated above 3500 ft. Temperatures have been normal for this time of the year, and the snow pack is below normal.

Winter Severity: The south facing slopes at the Klickitat Wildlife Area are open and forage habitat is available.

Habitat: Habitat is open and some green up is seen on south facing slopes below 2000 ft and forage habitat has increased for big game.

Animal Concentrations: No unusual concentrations seen due to inclement conditions.

Animal Condition: Animals appear to be in good condition.

Mortality: None documented or reported at this time.

Public Contacts: None received this week.

February 23, 2009

A fire on the Klickitat Wildlife Area was located about 800 feet lower in elevation, and was about 1/10 acre in size. The fire posed very little risk to resources and by the next day DNR presumed the fire was out.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Klickitat Wildlife Area: Response to Fire Report: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven was contacted by Department of Natural Resources staff regarding a plume of smoke rising from the east side of the Klickitat River Canyon in T5N R14E S6. Manager VanLeuven assisted with investigating the fire report and observed the fire from the top of the ridge between Sheep Canyon and the Klickitat River. The fire was located about 800 feet lower in elevation, to the west, and was about 1/10 acre in size. The fire posed very little risk to resources and by the next day DNR presumed the fire was out.

Wind Power: District Biologist Anderson participated in the review and EIS meeting for the proposed Windy 2 wind power project in Klickitat County. Of primary concern with this project is the proximity of this new project to an established golden eagle territory. Jim Watson, with the research division, has provided comprehensive field data on local home range use of the area by the golden eagle pair. It is obvious from his work that additional wind turbines placed in this area will increase the probability of turbine/eagle interactions in the future. Multiple wind turbine facilities are being proposed in Klickitat County and the challenge is to determine what the cumulative impacts will be on wildlife communities once the facilities are in operation.

Colombian white Tailed Deer FLIR: Information was received this week on the results of recent FLIR surveys on the islands of the lower river. Noteworthy were the 30 deer in the Willow Grove area, 6 on Fisher Island, and 110 on Puget Island. Willow Grove/Fisher Island has been the site of previous efforts to relocate CWTD. The Puget Island number is encouraging because the next re-location project will use Puget Island as a source for deer to be transplanted to Cottonwood Island near Kelso. The refuge mainland had very poor numbers and USFWS is discussing strategies to boost that population.

Game Management Division
Science Goal: Promote development and responsible use of sound and objective science to inform decision-making

St Helens Elk Study: Region 5 staff Prince, Holman, Calkins, Miller, and Jonker assisted the Deer and Elk Specialist McCorquodale and WDFW Veterinarian Mansfield in the capture and radio collaring of 55 elk in the western portion of the St Helens herd. A total of 55 elk were outfitted with radio collars to help with a new population estimation technique that involves re-sighting the elk in spring surveys. Forty-four cows and 11 bull elk were captured and released alive.

Region 5 staff Prince, Holman, Calkins, Miller, and Jonker assisted the Deer and Elk Specialist McCorquodale and WDFW Veterinarian Mansfield in the capture and radio collaring of 55 elk in the western portion of the St Helens herd.

In addition to the radio collar effort, body condition and pregnancy status were documented for females. Some very preliminary observations suggest that cows on the St Helens mudflow that are not pregnant but were lactating (from last year) have a very low body fat percentage. Cows that are not lactating and are pregnant have a very good body condition for this time of year. In the industrial forest areas nearby non-pregnant, lactating females had 1-2 % body fat, which is very poor. The non-lactating, pregnant females had an 8-9 % body fat, which is adequate. This pregnant versus non-pregnant variation may suggest an every other year breeding cycle, which is well documented in the Pacific North West.

Five GPS radio collars were installed in the effort. These collars will provide detailed habitat information by recording locations several times during the day and storing the data in the collar. The data will be retrieved next year by catching the elk again and downloading the information.

Our project would not have been successful without the skill of our pilot, Jess Hagerman, and the efforts of John and Rachael Cook with the body condition and pregnancy examinations.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts. The past week has been mild and warm.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for some rain though the week with snow levels ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the mid 30's to mid-40's which is within the normal range.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on February 19th, show below average temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation for March. The March-May outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but equal chances of above or below precipitation.

Habitat: Slopes below 2000 feet are mostly snow free, South slopes to higher elevations.

Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 1.3 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 77.1 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 69.0 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 35.6 in. Depth has decreased at all sites over the past week. Snowpack is below average for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 10"; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 36"; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 48".

Animal Concentrations: No surveys since 334 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on February 2nd. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: The majority of the animals observed appear to be in good condition, with a few animals that appeared thin and/or have rough pelage. We have not yet seen any animals in an obvious state of physical distress.

Mortality: None reported this week.

Public Contacts: None received this week

District 9:

Past Weather: Weather has been cold at night, but daytime temperatures have been warm and snow is melting at elevations below 5,000 ft. Temperatures for February are above normal and snow pack is well below normal for this time of year.

Winter Severity: The south facing slopes at the Klickitat Wildlife Area continue to be open and forage habitat is available. There is still little concern for the severity of this year's winter conditions in Skamania County and the western portion of Klickitat County. The eastern portions of Klickitat County have had lower snow fall accumulation this winter and deer are reported in good condition.

Habitat: Habitat is open and some green up is seen on south facing slopes and forage habitat has increased for big game.

Animal Concentrations: No unusual concentrations seen due to inclement conditions.

Animal Condition: Animals appear to be in good condition.

Mortality: None documented or reported at this time.

Public Contacts: None received this week.

February 17, 2009

Wildlife Diversity Division
Shillapoo Wildlife Area: Tree and Shrub Plantings: Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Hauswald and Technician Fox have been planting trees and shrubs at several riparian and oak habitat restoration sites within the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. The effort is funded by Bonneville Power through their wildlife mitigation program for the dams on the Columbia River. Tree and shrub species being planted include snowberry, wild rose, red-osier dogwood, western crab apple, Oregon ash, Oregon white oak, hawthorne, blue elderberry, black cottonwood, and serviceberry.

Diversity Division Wetland Development: Biologist Anderson met with a consultant at Beacon Rock State Park (BRSP) to review plans for evaluation of a wetland enhancement project. The initial steps will be to install piezeometers at the site for one year of ground water monitoring prior to a full site evaluation. The state park has agreed to consider this project in order to increase habitat for the western pond turtle.

Game Management Division
RMEF Grants: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins has received notice that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has funded two grants for elk forage enhancement work on the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area. Each grant is in the amount of $5,000. The grant funds will be used to purchase materials needed to increase production of some of the existing forage producing areas and to rehabilitate one forage site that has declined in production. The work will begin this spring and continue through late fall. Both grants were, in part, possible due to the work of Volunteer Mike Braaten who has received separate grants from WDFW for similar work that provided a portion of the funding needed to match the Elk Foundation's investment in the projects.

	A first-time goose hunter with a very nice western Canada goose and a check-station table with the day's harvest from a successful party.

SW Washington Canada Goose Season Area 2A: The Canada goose hunting season in Area 2A concluded on January 25. The 2008-09 hunt offered average success per hunter among those checking geese at check stations, although overall hunting effort and harvest is considerably higher than that of recent years. Collectively the State-operated hunter check stations located at Vancouver, Ridgefield Marina, Woodland, and Cathlamet, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service station at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge reported a total of 1409 hunters having harvested a total of 2826 geese. This makes an average of 2.0 birds per hunter among those who brought geese to the check stations. The total harvest of geese is somewhat higher than the 2007-08 season. However, this number is inflated by the fact that snow and greater white-fronted geese are now included in the tally, where they weren't in years prior.

See photos at right of a first-time goose hunter with a very nice western Canada goose and a check-station table with the day's harvest from a successful party. Those interested in participating in the Area 2A goose hunt during 2009-10 are encouraged to review the special requirements that are detailed in the Waterfowl Hunting Pamphlet. The special seasons in 2A are designed to protect populations of the dusky Canada goose. During the 2008-09 season, the dusky Canada goose made up approximately 1.5% of the total harvest and the federally allocated harvest quota was not reached. This allowed WDFW to continue the season through the scheduled end of the hunt period. Thanks to all the waterfowl hunters for their participation in the complex season.

Multiple staff members from the Wildlife Program in Region 5 participated in helicopter safety training this week.

Training: Multiple staff members from the Wildlife Program in Region 5 participated in helicopter safety training this week. The course covered standard operating procedures for wildlife surveys and for capture efforts. The participants that will be involved in next week*s Mt. St. Helen's elk captures also took part in a field exercise. The field exercise provided staff with the opportunity to practice the proper loading and off-loading techniques when the ship is in a toe-in landing mode. Unconventional landing positions are common in wildlife capture operations and will likely be used in the captures next week. Region 5 would like to thank deer and elk specialist McCorquodale for putting on the training session as well as thank pilot Hagerman for his exceptional piloting skills that are a critical element for these types of techniques.

District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. The remainder of January was relatively dry with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Temperatures during the first half of February ranged from near record highs to near record lows, but only moderate precipitation fell with moderate snow amounts.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for mixed rain and snow though the week, with sun breaks and snow levels ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the low 30's to mid-40*s, which is within the normal range.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on January 15th show below average temperatures and above average precipitation for February. The Feb-April outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but normal precipitation. The Mar-May map shows equal chances of either above or below normal temperature and precipitation.

Habitat: Snowfall amounts at low elevations were minor this week probably not limiting forage availability. Assuming the forecast is correct this should remain true for the near term.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 4.5 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 80.4 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 71.7 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 38.6 in. Depth has increased at all sites over the past week. Snowpack is near average for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 10"; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report (closed); Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report (closed); Cougar (2,200 feet): 4' + 6" new snow; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 5'+ 12" new snow.

Animal Concentrations: No surveys since 334 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on February 2nd. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: No new observations. The majority of the animals observed appear to be in good condition, with a few animals that appeared thin and/or had rough pelage. We have not yet seen any animals in an obvious state of physical distress.

Mortality: An individual called inquiring about the date the Wildlife Area would open to the public. He indicated that he had found winterkills above SR 504 in the Margaret GMU. He did not provide a number.

Public Contacts: None received this week

District 9:

Past Weather: Weather changed back to more normal winter conditions with new snow down to 500 ft. Temperatures have been colder but snow pack is well below normal for this time of year.

Winter Severity: No Change. The south facing slopes at the Klickitat Wildlife Area are open and forage habitat is available. There is little concern for the severity of this year's winter conditions in Skamania County and the western portion of Klickitat County. The eastern portions of Klickitat County have had lower snow fall accumulation this winter and deer are in good condition.

Habitat: Habitat is open and some green up is seen on south facing slopes and forage habitat has increased for big game.

Animal Concentrations: No unusual concentrations seen due to inclement conditions. Several deer have been seen crossing state road 141 and this is an indication that conditions have opened up and animals are moving about more freely.

Animal Condition: Animals appear to be in good condition.

Mortality: None documented or reported at this time.

Public Contacts: None received this week.

February 9, 2008

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle: Biologist Anderson completed BPA requirements for the 2009-2010 western pond turtle contract with Bonneville Power Administration. This year (starting March 1) we will be working with a budget of $ 89,000 to implement another year of turtle conservation in the Columbia River Gorge.

Sandhill Cranes: Biologist Anderson completed sandhill crane nesting and banding protocol documents. These reports outline the protocol used for monitoring the sandhill crane population in Klickitat County.

Peregrine Falcon: Biologist Prince and District Biologist Miller evaluated a cliff along the Columbia River in order to make recommendations to a local timber company for management of a peregrine falcon site this week. Although fog did not allow for a clear view of the cliff, one falcon was seen and calls were heard while observing the site. A little up the river another site was confirmed. Toward the end of last nesting season, a falcon was heard at the cliff, but no birds were seen. This week, two birds were seen at the cliff and they were displaying territorial behavior. A GPS point was taken and the information will be entered into the database for long-term monitoring. Additional visits to the first site will be made during this nesting season to confirm nesting activity.

Game Management Division
Mt. St. Helens Monthly Elk Count: Biologist Prince conducted the fourth mudflow elk count of the winter this week. Three hundred and thirty-four elk were seen on the mudflow during the count. The mudflow was almost entirely free of snow and forage is still available. The count of 334 if still below the approximately 400 animal carrying capacity, and winter conditions have remained mild. The next count will take place at the beginning of next month, unless a drastic change in conditions warrants a second count in February.

Mt. St. Helens Elk study: A meeting of the State Deer and Elk Specialist and Region 5 staff was held this week to finalize details of an upcoming capture of elk in the St Helens herd. Radio collars will be installed on numerous elk in 5 Game Management Units in February to facilitate a mark/re-sight population estimate program. Aircraft safety training is scheduled and surveys for resighting have been scheduled for March. Some of the collars will be GPS collars that record the animals* location and will produce fine-grained data on habitat use and movements. At the time of capture, body condition information will be gathered to help biologists understand elk health in the St Helens herd.

Elk Hoof Rot project: Plans are being finalized to collect elk in Region 5 to determine the cause of the hoof rot that is being observed in elk, particularly in Cowlitz and Lewis Counties. WDFW will work with landowners experiencing damage to collect and necropsy elk for pathology examination by WSU vet school. WDFW staff veterinarian and vet tech will be assisting as well as Law Enforcement officers and biologists.

Winter Conditions

District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. We have seen relatively dry conditions since with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Rivers are back to normal flows.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for mixed rain and snow though the week, with snow levels ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the high 20's to mid-40s, which is a bit cool but close to the normal range.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on January 15th show below average temperatures and above average precipitation for February. The Feb-April outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but normal precipitation. The Mar-May map shows equal chances of either above or below normal temperature and precipitation.

Habitat: Areas below 2500 feet are currently snow free, which may change in the week ahead. The western end of the wildlife area was visited this week to begin tree grass planting near the river. A surprising amount of green forage remains available on the site. It also appeared that the recent warmer weather may have allowed some growth by grasses. There is also a lot of matted grass covering much of the green material due to the heavy snows early in the winter. This should not limit forage availability and may act as mulch keeping the soil warmer creating better growing conditions as spring approaches.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 4.0 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 69.6 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 64.9 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 35.8 in. Depth has decreased at all sites over the past week. Snowpack is near average for these locations.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): No report; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report; Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report; Cougar (2,200 feet): 4' + 3" new snow; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet 5'+ 5" new snow.

Animal Concentrations: 334 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a survey on February 2nd. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: The majority of the animals observed appear to be in good condition, with a few animals that appeared thin and/or had rough pelage. We have not yet seen any animals in an obvious state of physical distress.

Mortality: None reported.

Public Contacts: Program Manager Jonker was contacted by the owner of EcoPark resort on SR 504 with concerns about apparent disease in elk he is feeding on the property. Disease spread due to concentrating animals has always been a concern of WDFW with regard to feeding big game animals and one of the reasons we discourage the practice by private individuals.

District 9:

Past Weather: Weather has continued to moderate and snow is melting at elevations below 5000 ft. Temperatures are above normal and snow pack is below normal.

Winter Severity: The south facing slopes at the Klickitat Wildlife Area are open and forage habitat is available. There is little concern for the severity of this year's winter conditions in Skamania County and the western portion of Klickitat County. The eastern portions of Klickitat County have had lower snow fall accumulation this winter and deer are in good condition.

Habitat: Habitat is open and some green up is seen on south facing slopes and forage habitat has increased for big game.

Animal Concentrations: No unusual concentrations seen due to inclement conditions.

Animal Condition: Animals appear to be in good condition.

Mortality: None documented or reported at this time.

Public Contacts: None received this week.

February 2, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area: Enforcement activities: Manager VanLeuven received a call from a Klickitat Wildlife Area neighbor who heard rifle shots near his house and thought it came from KWA property. The neighbor provided the license number to Manager VanLeuven who notified Officer Vance. WDFW Law Enforcement officers met the vehicle on Highway 142 and documented illegal take. Manager VanLeueven and Law Enforcement Officers appreciate the KWA neighbor's initiative in helping WDFW.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Priority Habitats and Species Updates: Regional PHS Biologist Labbe facilitated a mapping update and information gathering session for Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties. Wildlife Area Managers Calkins and VanLeuven along with Biologist Holman represented the Wildlife Program during the all-day session. Fish and Wildlife Officers Meyers, Hart, Vance, and Bolton participated as well. Additionally, local Staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, and the Columbia Land Trust participated in the effort. Good progress was made during the effort to identify, shrub-steppe, riparian zones, important waterfowl areas, oak habitat, western pond turtle habitat, deer winter range, non-forested balds, aspen stands, westside prairie, etc.

Western Pond Turtle: Biologists Anderson and Holman completed the final annual report to Bonneville Power Administration for western pond turtle project activities during 2007 and 2008. Biologist Anderson also started developing the budget and proposal for the next contract year - 2009-2010. In addition, Endangered Species Coordinator Allen, Program Manager Jonker, and Biologist Anderson submitted a proposal to BPA for continuation of the Western Pond Turtle project for 2010-2018 funding.

Peregrine Falcon: Biologist Prince made a site visit this week to a Peregrine Falcon site along the Columbia River in Wahkiakum County. The visit was to assess the conditions surrounding the site and provide the landowner with mitigation recommendations for an upcoming timber cutting. The fog prevented the cliff from being seen, but later visits by land or from the river in the spring will determine if the site is active and what type of protections it will need to stay viable.

A luncheon was held to thank all who participated in the St. Helens Land Access Program.

Game Management Division
St. Helens Land Access Program: A luncheon was held to thank all who participated in the St. Helens Land Access Program, which is a cooperative effort between WDFW, Weyerhaeuser, and several volunteer organizations to facilitate additional motorized access to the northern portion of the St. Helens Tree Farm during special elk permit seasons. Wildlife Program Manager Jonker provided a summary presentation of this year's program and then opened the floor to a productive discussion including program highlights, insights, questions, suggestions, and ideas to improve the program. We would like to thank all the volunteers, Weyerhaeuser staff, and WDFW staff for making this another safe and successful year. Representative Ed Orcutt joined the luncheon and thanked everyone for all their hard work.

Winter Conditions

District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage and causing some erosion of forage areas on the Wildlife Area. We have seen dry conditions since with moderate to cool temperatures and only minor snow amounts. Rivers are back to normal flows.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for seasonable conditions through the end of next week, including some snowfall in relatively minor amounts primarily above 2500 feet. Moderate levels of precipitation mixed with clear skies are expected with snow levels ranging from below 1,500 to above 6,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the low 30's to the low-50's, which is near average.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on January 15th show below average temperatures and above average precipitation for February. The Feb-April outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but normal precipitation. The Mar-May map shows equal chances of either above or below normal temperature and precipitation.

Habitat: No observations on the Wildlife Area this week. Based on an observation on 01/23, there is still forage available on the wildlife area. Although some snow fell this week, the amounts were minor.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 7.9 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 73.0 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 67.9 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 17.7in. Depth has increased at the first three sites but decreased at the Pepper Creek location by about 18 inches.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): No report; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report; Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report; Cougar (2,200 feet): 4' + 3" new snow; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet 5'+ 6" new snow.

Animal Concentrations: No formal surveys since 270 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a count on 01/09. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas. A survey on the Wildlife Area is planned for next week.

Animal Condition: While on the Wildlife Area on 01/23, the majority of the animals observed appeared to be in good condition, with a few animals that appeared thin and/or had rough pelage.

Mortality: None reported.

Public Contacts: No new contacts to report.

District 9:

Past Weather: The high temperature was 42^o; the low temperature was -7^o. Approximately 2 inches of snow fell early in the week. By Thursday most of the new snow had melted away.

Snow Depth: South-facing hillsides are free of snow on the Klickitat Wildlife Area and most other areas have patches of snow interspersed with bare ground. Average maximum snow depth is 4 inches; many areas have thinner snow cover. The remaining snow has become quite dense, but does not have a crust.

Habitat: Approximately three fourths of the forage is now exposed as the snow has been melting on the Wildlife Area. South Cascades snow pack melting below 3500'.

Animal Concentrations: None observed. However, more road kills are being seen as animals move about more freely.

Animal Condition: Appear in good condition.

Mortality: Roadkill only on Highway 141.

Public Contacts: Received a report of shooting on the Klickitat Wildlife Area. WDFW Law Enforcement officers were notified and responded to the incident.

January 26, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area: Range Plant Survey: Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven met with Jim Hill of Natural Resource Conservation Service to discuss implementation of a range plant survey project. This project is funded by a grant from the Coordinated Range Management program. The plan is to collect a new set of data at transects that were established in 1952 as part of a statewide range survey. This will give local information on long-term range trends. Trend information should be useful to range managers in Klickitat County. The Central Klickitat District of the Natural Resource Conservation Service will lead the project, and will be assisted by WDFW. Another meeting will be held next week to determine staffing and training needs.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologists Anderson and Holman collaborated to write a summary of activities related to the management of western pond turtles in the Columbia River Gorge for 2007 and 2008. The report details work activities associated with Bonneville Power Administration funding during the time span. The paper documents Head-Starting efforts, population augmentations, habitat enhancements, population monitoring efforts, etc. Two highlights from the two-year span include the reintroduction of western pond turtle juveniles into a fourth location in the Gorge and the release of the 1000th head-started juvenile. In addition, Biologist Anderson is initiating the scope of work and budget for next year*s funded western pond turtle project.

Game Management Division
Hoof Rot: Biologist Prince sent five legs from three different elk to the Washington Animal Diagnostics Lab in Pullman this week. Three of the legs shipped had deformed hoofs and were showing obvious signs of hoof rot. Biologist Prince also did some "scouting" in western Lewis County for the upcoming hoof rot study. Two different groups of elk were seen; one numbering over forty and the other had just seven animals. Both groups contained multiple limping animals. Healthy groups of animals are also needed for the study to serve as controls; so further "scouting" will be required in the surrounding area.

Winter Conditions

District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades; raising some streams above flood stage. We have seen dry conditions since with moderate temperatures and continued snowmelt. Rivers continue to recede slowly.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for seasonable conditions through the end of next week, including a cold snap over the weekend through Monday. Moderate levels of precipitation mixed with clear skies are expected with snow levels ranging from below 1000 to above 4,000 feet. Temperatures should range from the low 20's to mid-50's, which is a below average.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on January 15th show below average temperatures and above average precipitation for February. The Feb-April outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but normal precipitation. The Mar-May map shows equal chances of either above or below normal temperature and precipitation.

Habitat: The Wildlife Area is snow free except for small patches where drifts had been deeper in early January. Based on observations on 01/23, there is still forage available on the Wildlife Area. North facing slopes are generally snow free to 2000 feet and south facing slopes to as high as 3000 feet.

A general assessment of flood damage was conducted this week on-site. Recent flooding caused erosion along most of the edge of the mudflow causing some additional forage habitat losses. In some localized areas the river cut in as much as 50 feet.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 0.3 in.; June Lake (3,340 feet): 67.6 in.; Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 61.5 in.; Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 35.1. Depth has decreased at all these sites over the past week.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): No report; Johnson Creek (2400 ft): No report; Wakepish (2,800 feet): No report; Cougar (2,200 feet): 4' according to 1/23 report; Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 5+' according to 1/23 report.

Animal Concentrations: No formal surveys since 270 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a count on 01/09. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: While on the Wildlife Area on 01/23, the majority of the animals observed appeared to be in good condition, with a few animals that appeared thin and/or had rough pelage.

Mortality: None reported.

Public Contacts: No new contacts to report.

District 9:

Past Weather: Very dry and warm weather through the first half of December, followed by roughly two-weeks of unseasonably cold and snowy weather during the second half of December. Moderated conditions through January - cool days, cold nights, very dry.

Short-term forecast: Return to warmer, wetter weather that may bring minor snowfall to southwest Cascades

Snow Depth: Snow depth in the southwestern Cascades has moderated from 4-5 feet following the December storms to 2-3 feet following significant warm rainfall and some flooding. At lower elevations (below 1000'), most areas are now snow-free. The Klickitat Wildlife Area has lost most of its snow and conditions are favorable.

Habitat: Still primarily snow-covered above 1500'.

Animal Concentrations: Both elk and deer concentrated at lower-elevation portions of their range.

Animal Condition: Weakened deer have begun to succumb; elk likely still have reserves available. No reports from Klickitat Wildlife Area of animals in poor condition.

Mortality: No additional mortalities reported this week.

Public Contacts: No additional contacts this week.

January 19, 2009

Wildlife Diversity Division
Wetland Project: NAWCA Grant - Biologist Anderson met with Columbia Land Trust and members of the Bonaham family to discuss conservation projects in the Panakanic Valley of Klickitat County. The Bonaham's own approximately 250 acres of prime wetland and upland meadows currently being used by sandhill cranes. The goal of the meeting was to discuss future family desires for management of the land and to include conservation as part of their plan. The family is open to potential conservation easements for development rights and would consider habitat improvement for nesting sandhill cranes.

Columbian White-tailed Deer: Biologist Prince assisted with DNA collection from Columbian White-tailed deer on Julia Butler Hansen Refuge this week. Darts specially designed to collect these samples were used. The dart hits the animal and then bounces off with a small sample of tissue lodged in the tip of the dart. The samples are being collected as part of an effort to determine how similar the JBH deer are to the Roseburg, OR population and to also determine if any breeding between black-tailed deer and the Columbian white-tails takes place.

Flood Impacts to CWTD: USFWS report that most of the CWTD have left the JBH refuge in Cathlamet. In a recent survey, only 3 deer were observed. Groups of deer have been observed off refuge to the north. In the 1996 flood the deer left the refuge and did not come back after the waters receded. Biologist will continue survey efforts to monitor the return of the deer as the refuge dries out.

Camera Surveys: District Wildlife Biologist Miller assisted refuge personnel to establish camera-monitoring stations on the islands in the Columbia River this week. The cameras aid in the population survey effort to identify subspecies of deer on the islands when FLIR surveys are flown.

Post-season Buck to Doe Ratio Click image to enlarge

Game Management Division
Region 5 Post-Season Deer Surveys: Biologist Holman compiled the results of post-season deer surveys conducted in GMU 388 (Grayback) and 382 (East Klickitat). During the effort a total of just over 700 deer were classified with a combination of aerial and ground surveys employed. Please see the graph at right summarizing the post-season deer survey results from 2003 through 2008 in these two important Region 5 GMUs. Note that although located in Region 5, and containing mule and black-tailed deer as well as hybrid animals, GMU 388 is now managed as a mule-deer area. A three-point or larger antler restriction for all user-groups was implemented in 2006 and the general rifle season was shortened to 14 days. During the period spanning 2003 through 2005, Grayback was hunted under a more liberal two-point restriction and offered a longer general rifle season. Post-season buck to doe ratios under prior management strategy averaged just 8 bucks per 100 does annually. The survey indicates that this change in management strategy has resulted in improved post-hunting-season escapement of bucks in GMU 388. WDFW will continue to monitor the post-season deer population in GMUs 388 and 382 in future years.

Hoof Rot Study: Biologist Prince picked up four legs from two different elk from Law Enforcement this week. The legs were put into the freezer and will be sent to the lab for analysis next week. A WDFW LE officer dispatched one of the cows because the animal was very emaciated and not able to stand; the hoofs were deformed and showed signs of hoof rot. The other cow was harvested in a Wildwood damage hunt. The elk was observed limping, but the hoofs do not show any obvious signs of disease. Region 5 will begin its formal hoof rot study in March.

Winter Conditions

District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area:

Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have since moderated. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred during the first part of January causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades raising some streams above flood stage. We have seen dry conditions since with moderate temperatures and continued snowmelt. Rivers continue to recede slowly. Temperature inversions over the past week have resulted in warmer conditions at higher elevations than in the lower lying valleys.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for continued dry conditions through the middle of next week. There is some chance of precipitation beginning Wednesday or Thursday with snow levels above 4,000 feet. Valley temperatures should range from the low 30's to near 50, which is near the normal condition for the time period.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for below average temperatures and below average precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for below average temperatures and below average precipitation.

Long-term forecast: The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps issued on January 15th, show below average temperatures and above average precipitation for February. The Feb-April outlook map also suggests below average temperatures but normal precipitation. The Mar-May map shows equal chances of either above or below normal temperature and precipitation.

Habitat: No new direct observations on the wildlife area this week. The site should be snow free now. Due to conflicts with other work we have been unable to assess any flood damage on the ground this week. The Toutle has continued to recede and is reaching near normal levels for this time of year at the Tower Rd. gauge.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 6.8 in., June Lake (3,340 feet): 69.7 in., Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 66.3 in., Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 35.4 in. Depth has decreased at all these sites over the past week.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 24' on 1/12, Johnson Creek (2400 ft): unknown on 1/12, Wakepish (2,800 feet): unknown due to inaccessibility, Cougar (2,200 feet) 5+' according to 1/13 report, Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): 7+' according to 1/13 report.

Animal Concentrations: No surveys since 270 elk were observed on the wildlife area during a count on 01/09, which continues to be at a much lower level than we have seen in recent years. No reports of unusual concentrations of animals have been received in other areas.

Animal Condition: With the exception of the animal noted below, animals that we have been able to observe closely appear to be in good health. No obvious outward signs of physical decline have been noted.

Mortality: To date we have not seen any winter kill animals and have not yet received any reports from members of the public or other sources. Law Enforcement did dispatch an elk near the wildlife area on private property that was in poor condition and appeared to be have symptoms of hoof rot.

Public Contacts: Responded to an information request from Representative Orcutt.

District 9:

Past Weather: Very dry and warm weather through the first half of December, followed by roughly two-weeks of unseasonably cold and snowy weather during the second half of December.

Short-term forecast: Extended period of warm, moderate weather. Highs are forecasted for 50+ degrees with lows above freezing. Little precipitation in forecast.

Snow Depth: Snow depth in the southwestern Cascades has moderated from 4-5 feet following the December storms to 2-3 feet following significant warm rainfall and some flooding. At lower elevations (below 1000'), most areas are now snow-free. The Klickitat Wildlife Area has lost most of its snow and conditions are favorable.

Habitat: Still primarily snow-covered above 1500'.

Animal Concentrations: Both elk and deer concentrated at lower-elevation portions of their range.

Animal Condition: Weakened deer have begun to succumb; elk likely still have reserves available. No reports from Klickitat Wildlife Area of animals in poor condition.

Mortality: One report of a dead fawn and one report of a dead elk calf. No mortality reports at the Klickitat Wildlife Area.

Public Contacts: No additional contacts this week.

January 12, 2009

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area: Winter Monitoring: Biologists Miller and Prince conducted an additional count of elk on the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area on January 9th to assess the situation after the weather events. 270 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area, which continues to be at a much lower level than we have seen in recent years. Small groups of elk were also observed along the SR 504 corridor. The attached photos illustrate the different conditions.

An elk count was conducted to assess the situation after the recent weather events. These photos illustrat the different conditions.

Shillapoo Wildlife Area-South Unit Unlawfully Baited Field Click image to enlarge

Shillapoo Wildlife Area: Unlawfully Baited Field: Assistant Manager Hauswald noticed a cornfield early in the week in which an unknown party had purposely knocked down over 5,000 square feet of standing corn and scattered some of the corn to the center of the field. After notifying Law Enforcement of the situation, Officer Hart concurred that the field is considered baited due to the unlawful scattering of corn to attract waterfowl. The field was posted "NO HUNTING IN THIS FIELD DUE TO SCATTERING OF BAIT--UNLAWFULLY BAITED AREA*, and will remain closed until all the scattered corn is gone.

Cowlitz Wildlife Area: Spears Mill Pond Recharge Project: The millpond on the Spears Unit has been losing water due to evapotranspiration for quite some time. This millpond provides deep-water habitat for wintering waterfowl and is the main reason this property was purchased. Historically, the mill maintained water levels by drafting from nearby Siler Creek. The infrastructure is still evident so it was believed that a water right existed. Lands agent Chuck Leidy was put to task to research whether a water right existed and it was established that a surface water right is in effect as is a storage / impoundment permit. AHB Scott Brummer was contacted to determine what provisions needed to be put in place to protect fish while exercising the water right to recharge the millpond. For administrative purposes, a JARPA was completed and submitted to Scott Brummer. We will begin working on this project as soon as weather allows us to access the site.

Snow accumulations at the Wildlife Area and the headquarters building.

Snow Accumulations: The winter storm deposited quite the snow accumulations at the Wildlife Area and the headquarters building lost a gutter and had a broken water line.

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

Diversity Division Flooding Impacts Colombian White tailed deer (CWTD): The lowland flooding this week is causing serious problems for the CWTD at Cathlamet. Water crossing the Highway inundated the Refuge and the deer were forced to stay long the dikes and roadways. In prior floods of this magnitude, deer starved to death and were hit by cars on SR 4. The USFWS has worked with Wahkiakum County to close the road along the Elochoman River to reduce stress on the deer. As of Friday, 1 fawn was hit and killed on SR 4. Refuge personnel are distributing supplemental feed in hopes the deer will utilize it. The floodwaters will drain out via a system of ditches and tide gates. WDFW biologists will be working closely with the USFWS on this situation.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Mid Winter Waterfowl: Biologist Anderson completed the mid winter waterfowl survey from Bonneville Dam to the John Day Dam. Difficult weather conditions early in the week made surveying slower than normal. Final count results have not been completed but it appears that large numbers of waterfowl were using the Columbia River this year.

Biologist Holman completed the mid-winter waterfowl survey from the mouth of the Washougal River, up the Columbia to Bonneville dam. The results of the survey tallied: 1,833 ducks (primarily scaup on the Columbia River), 247 Canada geese (mostly westerns), and 113 tundra swans. This year's survey included nearly identical numbers of ducks but fewer geese as compared to the 2008 survey. Those interested in viewing the tundra swans on Franz Lake can expect to find the birds as they have regularly been using this habitat recently and 82 individuals were identified there during the survey. Additional species present at Franz Lake included canvasbacks, mallards, ring-necked ducks, goldeneyes, and buffleheads.

Biologist Prince conducted mid-winter waterfowl surveys in western Lewis County this week. Most routes were completed; however, recent flooding events are causing a few to be postponed until the weekend. There is plenty of water available for waterfowl right now, but the earlier cold weather may have caused an earlier than normal continuation south for the birds. Some routes have a lot of available water, but bird numbers seem to be lower than in the past. One spot of interest is the pond at the water treatment plant in Centralia, off of Goodrich Rd; over a thousand widgeon, 200 pintails, and trumpeter swans were seen there.

Winter Conditions
District 10, including Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area: Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall in some areas. Snow depths varied between drainages. For example, snow depths in the Lewis drainage were much deeper than in the adjacent Toutle watershed. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have begun to moderate. Warm temperatures and heavy rains occurred over the past week, causing rapid snow melt in the South Cascades and raising some streams above flood stage.

Short-term forecast: Forecast for the South Washington Cascades is for some rain over the weekend with snow levels ranging from 2000 to 6000 feet. Little precipitation is expected next week. Valley temperatures should range from the low 30's to near 50.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for above average temperatures and below average precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for above average temperatures and below average precipitation.

Long-term forecast: No Change. The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps show equal chances of either above or below average temperatures and precipitation for January. The Jan-Mar and Feb-Apr. maps indicate a heightened chance of below average temperatures throughout the state but equal chances of either above or below average precipitation.

Habitat: Only patches of snow remain at the east end of the Wildlife Area and during the survey this week it was apparent that forage still remained on the mudflow and most elk observed were feeding at the time.

There was only a skiff of snow at 2500 feet, which would not preclude access to forage. Areas below that elevation are predominantly snow free.

Although the recent flood event has caused erosion concerns again, it appears that the impact may be relatively minor even though the flows have not yet returned to normal levels. We will have a better idea of the full impact next week when the river settles down.

Snow Depths: Snowtel Sites: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 11.2 in., June Lake (3,340 feet): 74.6 in., Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 72.6 in., Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 39.6 in. Depth has decreased at all these sites over the past week.

Snow Parks: Skate Creek (1,500 feet): 24' on 1/5, Johnson Creek (2400 ft): inaccessible on 1/5, Wakepish (2,800 feet): unknown due to inaccessibility, Cougar (2,200 feet) unknown due to inaccessibility, Marble Mountain (2,700 feet): unknown due to inaccessibility.

Animal Concentrations: 270 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during a count on January 09, which continues to be at a much lower level than we have seen in recent years. Small groups of elk were also observed along the SR 504 corridor.

Animal Condition: Animals that we have been able to observe closely appear to be in good health. No obvious outward signs of physical decline have been noted.

Mortality: To date we have not seen any winter kill animals and have not yet received any reports from members of the public or other sources.

Public Contacts: We have spoken with the individual leading the private feeding effort near Swift Reservoir. He indicated that he was going to continue. Longview Daily News and The Columbian both printed stories about the current status of winter conditions, elk, and the emergency winter-feeding decision process based on our past reports and staff interviews.

Winter Conditions
District 9: Past Weather: Very dry and warm weather through the first half of December, followed by roughly two-weeks of unseasonably cold and snowy weather during the second half of December.

Short-term forecast: Extended period of warm, moderate weather. Highs are forecasted for 50+ degrees with lows above freezing. Little precipitation in forecast.

Snow Depth: Snow depth in the southwestern Cascades has moderated from 4-5 feet following the December storms to 2-3 feet following significant warm rainfall and some flooding. At lower elevations (below 1000'), most areas are now snow-free. The Klickitat Wildlife Area has lost most of its snow and conditions are favorable.

Habitat: Still primarily snow-covered above 1500'.

Animal Concentrations: Both elk and deer concentrated at lower-elevation portions of their range.

Animal Condition: Weakened deer have begun to succumb; elk likely still have reserves available. No reports from Klickitat Wildlife Area of animals in poor condition.

Mortality: Four reports of deer mortalities; two post-rut bucks and two hairloss fawns. No mortality reports at the Klickitat Wildlife Area.

Public Contacts: Several members of the public have contacted us regarding concentrations of elk and the previously noted deer mortalities.

January 5, 2009

The western portion of the mudflow (at left) was almost snow free at the time of the survey but snow covered most of the eastern portion of the site (at right).

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area: Winter Elk Count: Wildlife Area Manager Calkins and Assistant Manager Hauswald conducted a count of elk on the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area on December 30th and assessed winter range conditions in the vicinity. Weather conditions were ideal and a total of 282 elk were observed on the Wildlife Area during the survey from the Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center. The western portion of the mudflow was almost snow free at the time of the survey but snow covered most of the eastern portion of the site. The photos illustrate the different conditions. A brief visit to the western portion of the wildlife area revealed that there is still natural forage available on the ground and elk that were observed at close range appeared to be in good condition. South facing slopes above the Wildlife Area and to the west also had forage available and many open areas were almost snow free up to about 1500 feet in elevation. Snow depth above this point was variable due to drifting and melting conditions. Some locations had up to one foot of snow cover up to about 2500 feet but some patches were only covered with 1-2 inches of snow that had fallen the night before. Small groups of elk were seen resting or feeding along the Highway 504 corridor from Silver Lake up to about the 2000 foot elevation and these animals also appeared to be in good condition.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Western Gray Squirrels: Biologist Anderson initiated contacts in the Underwood area of Skamania for future western gray squirrel surveys. This particular area has not been formally surveyed for several years and it is unclear as to the current distribution of this state threatened species in this area. Of specific concern is the increase in the eastern gray squirrel population in this area and how the two species are currently overlapping in available habitat. The USFS has agreed to fund a portion of the surveys due to development concerns in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Game Management Division
Region 5 Post-Season Deer Surveys: Biologist Holman and Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven conducted an aerial survey of the post-hunting season deer herd in GMU 388 (Grayback). The survey conditions were good with relatively clear skies, little wind and a largely snow-covered backdrop for the effort. Initial results appear promising and a summary of this-year's post-season deer surveys in the Grayback and East Klickitat Game Management Units will be the topic of a future weekly report.

SW Washington Canada Goose Season Area 2a: The Canada goose hunting season in Area 2A continues. Through the end of December, the hunt has offered average success per hunter among those checking geese at check stations, though overall hunting effort and harvest is considerably higher than that of recent years. Collectively the State-operated hunter check stations located at Vancouver, Ridgefield Marina, Woodland, and Cathlamet, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service station at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge reported a total of 998 hunters having harvested a total of 2034 geese. This makes an average of 2.0 birds per hunter among those who brought geese to the check stations. The total harvest of geese is nearly double the sum for this time-period in 2007. However, this number is somewhat inflated by the fact that snow and greater white-fronted geese are now included in the tally where they weren't in years prior.

Goose season continues on the 3-days per week schedule (Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday) until January 25th 2009. Those interested in participating in the Area 2A goose hunt are encouraged to review the special requirements that are detailed in the Waterfowl Hunting Pamphlet. The special seasons in 2A are designed to protect populations of the dusky Canada goose.

Region Five Deer Productivity Survey Results 1995-2008

Region Five Estimated Fawn:Doe Ratio 1995-08 - W 90% C.I. Click chart for enlargement

Region 5 Deer Herd Composition Surveys: Biologist Holman compiled the black-tail and mule deer herd composition surveys that have been completed in Region 5 during 2008. The surveys are conducted annually during the period beginning August 15 and continuing through September 30th. These data are used to estimate the annual ratio of fawns to does throughout the Region. This productivity data is then used as one of the inputs into the Region's Sex - Age - Kill method of population estimation. The 2008 effort involved the classification of 750 deer and resulted in a fawn to doe ratio of 36:100. The 2008 ratio of 36 fawns per 100 does represents a return to poor productivity in Region 5, following the difficult winter of 2007-08.

Wildlife Program Staff along with volunteers actively conducted surveys as well as documenting any deer seen during other work (or play) activities during this time period. Thanks to all those that helped out with the deer surveys, especially the members of the Yacolt Burn Sportsman's Club and employees and contractors for SDS, ORM, and Sierra Pacific timber companies, as well as U.S. Forest Service Staff. Please see the attached figure detailing the fawn to doe ratio and number of deer included in the effort from 1995-2008.

Winter Conditions Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area: Past Weather: Weather conditions in November and early December were extremely mild and warm. It was not until mid-December that we experienced our first winter storms, which resulted in very cold temperatures and near record snowfall. The series of storms lasted over a week but conditions have begun to moderate. As of December 30, snow had melted off most of the western portion of the Wildlife Area and patches of ground on the east end were almost snow free. Additional melting followed by snow has occurred since that time.

Short-term forecast: Temperatures over the next week are expected to range from the high 20's to low 40's. Rain (or snow) is expected throughout the forecast but probably at moderate levels. Snow levels will range from below 1,000 up to 6,000 feet.

The 6-10 day outlook for Washington is for above average temperatures and above average precipitation. The 8-14 day outlook for Washington is for above average temperatures and below average precipitation.

Long-term forecast: The National Weather Service long-range outlook maps show equal chances of either above or below average temperatures and precipitation for January. The Jan-Mar and Feb-Apr. maps indicate a heightened chance of below average temperatures throughout the state but equal chances of either above or below average precipitation.

Habitat: Based on an observation on December 30 near the western end of the wildlife area, there is still a considerable amount of herbaceous forage on the mudflow. This may be attributable to the low numbers of elk on the site during the fall period and the recent snow cover. To avoid disturbing the herd we did not venture far enough into the site to evaluate use of browse type forage, however; usage rates of these plants can presumed to be high during the recent snow event.

Open south slopes below 1500 feet were almost snow free and similar conditions also existed within some conifer stands. Habitat condition within a portion of the commercial forests where thinning has occurred within the past few years is improving. The increased light penetration has allowed natural understory plants that produce forage to reestablish.

Some minor erosion of winter forage area has occurred again this year, however; is at least partially offset by two forage enhancement projects that were completed in the fall. Our greatest concern with erosion at this time is that the only road on the wildlife area is now directly threatened in the middle of its length. Should the roadway be impacted, it would limit or preclude our ability to do any work at the east end of the Wildlife Area.

Snow Depths: Spirit Lake (3,120 feet): 21.4 in., June Lake (3,340 feet): 92.8 in., Sheep Canyon (4,030 feet): 80.9 in., Pepper Creek (2,140 feet): 50.7 in.

Animal Concentrations: Two counts of elk on the site have occurred to date. Thirty-three elk were observed on 12/08 and 282 were present on 12/30. Small groups of elk were observed in forest lands above the Wildlife Area and also along the SR 504 corridor from Silver Lake to the 2,000 foot elevation marker.

Animal Condition: Animals that we have been able to observe closely appear to be in good health. No obvious outward signs of physical decline were noted.

Mortality: To date we have not seen any winter kill animals and have not yet received any reports from members of the public or other sources.

Public Contacts: We have heard from both parties that sponsored private winter-feeding operations in the Mt. St. Helens vicinity last year who were concerned with the conditions last month. Based on these conversations we believe that both are feeding elk again (off of SR 504 and in the vicinity of Swift Reservoir). Inquiries as to the current status have also been received from Representative Orcutt and the Longview Daily News.

December 29, 2008

Manager VanLeuven continues clearing snow accumulation at the KWA headquarters to keep it open for public access.

Region 5 Wildlife Areas
Klickitat Wildlife Area Snow: Manager VanLeuven continues clearing snow accumulation at the KWA headquarters to keep it open for public access.

Wildlife Diversity Division
Wetland Enhancement: Biologist Anderson met with the Underwood Conservation District to discuss potential wetland enhancement projects in Klickitat County. This effort is enhanced by the current proposal being submitted to NAWCA for additional wetland and oak habitat work in the Columbia River Gorge. WDFW and the Underwood Conservation District are focusing current efforts in the Rattlesnake Creek drainage, which has a variety of special wildlife species including nesting sandhill crane habitat.

Game Management Division
Winter Conditions: The Columbia River Gorge has recently experienced high snow accumulations especially at lower elevations down to sea level. Deer have been seen in small groups foraging on exposed shrubs. Elk are scarce and few are visible as most are probably in deep cover. Currently snow is light and with colder weather, deer appear to be able to travel easily with little ice or crust built up above ground level.

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