Field Reports: Montana seeks $11 million to combat invasive species

INVASIVES – To increase its fight against aquatic invasive species, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting an additional $11.5 million from the Montana Legislature over the next two years.

“This is not business as usual, but rather a new way of going about the work of natural resource conservation and, frankly, protecting hydro-power facilities, irrigation and infrastructure,” Martha Williams, newly appointed FWP director, told the Joint Natural Resources and Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday.

State officials said the battle against invasive species would continue for many years. The consequences of mussels an other invasives taking hold would cost the state millions of dollars.

FWP is creating a bureau specifically to address the AIS threat, adding a division bureau chief to its staff to lead the effort.

The agency is proposing an invasive species boat sticker to generate additional funding.

“We need to throw the kitchen sink at it,” Williams said, noting that different states, tribes, local communities and legislators are collaborating in the effort.

The traditional message of clean, drain and dry all boats, trailers and fishing equipment isn’t dramatic enough, she said.

Crappie fishing pro presents free seminar

FISHING – A free seminar focusing on panfish will be presented by a professional crappie angler on Friday at The Fishing Hole, 1330 N. Argonne Rd. in Spokane Valley.

Wally Marshall, who bills himself as “Mr. Crappie” for the fishing line he’s been associated with, will discuss tackle and techniques for hooking the slabs of warmwater fisheries.

Marshall, a 32-time Crappie Classic qualifier and former national champion, has presented seminars across the country and at venues such as the World’s Fishing Fair in Springfield, Missouri, and Bass Pro Shops

Info: (509) 868-0607.

Predator-prey study focuses on wolf impact

WILDLIFE –A study has been launched in northeastern Washington to determine how eight years of growth in the state’s wolf population is affecting other wildlife species.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of Washington are collaborating on the study, which is scheduled to last at least five years.

Researchers will assess the health of deer and elk herds in northeast Washington, where they support hunting and other recreational opportunities, while providing prey for wolves and other predators, such as mountain lions.

Researchers will also examine the response to wolves by other predators, especially cougars. The study will dovetail with an ongoing research project on moose in northeast Washington.

As of June 2016, WDFW had confirmed the presence of 19 wolf packs and at least 90 wolves in Washington state – up from a single pack with five wolves in 2008. Most of the growth in the state’s wolf population has occurred in northeastern Washington, where the new study is underway.

In January, WDFW research scientists and field biologists began capturing deer, elk and cougars and fitting them with radio-collars to monitor their movements. Capture techniques include trapping animals using bait, steering them into nets, and darting them from helicopters with immobilization drugs.

The goal is to keep 65 white-tailed deer, 50 elk and 10 cougars collared in one study area that includes areas of Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties, said John Pierce, chief scientist for the WDFW Wildlife Program.

In addition, researchers plan to collar 100 mule deer and 10 cougars in a second area in Okanogan County.

UW students will join state research scientists and field biologists to monitor radio-collared animals and track their movements, distribution, habitat use, diet, productivity and survival. Cougars will be monitored to learn about changes in social behavior, prey selection and predation rates in areas where wolves also occur.

“This study concentrates on multiple-use lands used by people for activities such as logging, livestock ranching and hunting,” Pierce said. “In that way it differs from most other studies on the impact of wolves, which tend to be conducted in national parks and other protected areas.”

Funding for the five-year study includes $400,000 from a 2015 state legislative appropriation, $450,000 in federal Pittman-Robertson funds and $150,000 of WDFW funds. UW also secured nearly $900,000 in National Science Foundation grant funds for the project.