WDFW is broken - Our Elk's future is in jeopardy

[elk247]

Nice work bb, I certainly wish that more people would take the time and stand up for what they feel is the right thing to do.
 I cant figure out why this isnt the hottest topic on any outdoors related forum.

Ive had a bad feeling about this for quite a few years. 

I only found out how widespread it was this year. Im also extremely concerned. Thank for all you guys have done to keep this issue in conversation. BB i know you are doing much more than that and I dont think you have any agenda but to help Elk and hold people accountable. Amen brother.

[kentrek]

What part of St. Helens are they seeing this?
Would be interesting to see a map of exact kill locations to see what the pattern is...

  i also do not blame this issue on the natural pop explosion caused by the mtn....the mtn has been very resistant toward this and if anything it could lead to a solution...

the problem came from the lower elevations..

kinda makes a guy think there could be a higher concentration of "something" at these lower elevations...could these chemicals be flowing down stream and geting built up in certain areas ?

just my 

[elk247]

I agree, ive done my research and it did begin at the lower elevation. Maps are available that shows areas affected. Not quite sure how people can rufute that this is hoof rot? Makes me wonder if they have an agenda?

[Curly]

One of the main problems is that this is a reactionary disease. Certain pesticides being used along the coast range kill beneficial bacteria. This in turn has reduced the levels present in said elk herds. Therefore, they can't fight off the detrimental bacteria strains. WDFW know this. I presented these findings over 10 yrs ago in my reports. Private timberlands are just that, private. WDFW doesn't have legal recourse on such properties.

If it was proven that pesticides used by timber companies are detrimental to wildlife, I'd be willing to bet the state WOULD have some way to force them to change their ways. Maybe it wouldn't be the WDFW but perhaps the Department of Ecology or the Department of Natural Resources.

I just can't imagine that there are no laws that could prevent the widespread use of chemicals on the landscape that is harming our state's native wildlife. There is no doubt in my mind that whatever it is that is causing the poor health of elk must also be detrimental to blacktail deer and other wildlife as well.

Yep.  DOE and DNR would be all over that if any studies can show chemicals such as roundup is causing problems. 

Even though timber companies own private land where they grow and harvest their timber, they are required to adhere to timber harvest rules set by DNR.  And any chemicals used I would think would come under the jurisdiction of the Dept of Ecology.   Even the various counties might have other rules timber companies have to adhere to. 

Just seems like the problem of hoof rot started after the State (DOE) implemented more restrictions on burning.  Timber companies used to burn the clearcuts, now they spray them.   

[Bigshooter]

I've seen HR in the Winston, Mossyrock, and Ryderwood units.

[DaveBTS]

All the products being used, with the exception of arsenic, are the best chemicals for forestry application. Many come from government companies.

[Curly]

All the products being used, with the exception of arsenic, are the best chemicals for forestry application. Many come from government companies.

Yeah, but how sure are they that the chemicals are actually safe?  Just asking, cuz I don't know.

[kentrek]

All the products being used, with the exception of arsenic, are the best chemicals for forestry application. Many come from government companies.

Yeah, but how sure are they that the chemicals are actually safe?  Just asking, cuz I don't know.

   esp over the coarse of years and years ?? alil fat isnt bad,but after years and years of unhealthy eating that fat builds up in spots like your heart or in the forests case,lower elevations and boom its a problem..but only after x amount of years

yes i compared the build up of fat to that of the "potential" build up of these chemicals...

[bobcat]

I know when clearcuts are sprayed, notices are always posted to warn people, don't eat the berries, etc.

Unfortunately, animals can't read.

[bobcat]

There is a topic at the Wildlife Commissioner's meeting on Friday, April 12th, that may pertain to the state's ability to control activities on private lands that could affect wildlife in a negative way, such as the hoof rot we're seeing in the elk in SW Washington.

This topic is listed on the agenda for 10:00 a.m. I think I will try to be there for this, and hopefully the rest of the day.

Here's a summary of what this topic is about, and notice it says "particularly on the 10.5 million acres of state and private forestands."