First Carlton Complex Project Upcoming

[MuleDeer]

So we finally have a first chance to help the deer in Okanogan County...we will be putting together a project over 4 or 5 wildlife areas, and the focus will be on Invasive Weed Identification.  There will be a training class on ID'ing and marking weeds with GPS, then groups will split up over different areas to do the work.  Mostly a "boots on the ground" project.  Purpose of this project is to locate and prioritize invasive weeds that are taking over the new growth, and eradicating those weeds in preparation for Fall planting.
If any of you are interested in this type of project, let me know.  I have asked Dale Swedburg to get me date info ASAP, as most of you need at least some lead-time to plan on attending.  More info soon.

[Romulus1297]

Dalmatian Toadflax,  Wild Mustard,  Mullein, Tumbleweed,  Morning Glory,  Thistle, and more are a pain in the rump if you have land to take care of 

[MuleDeer]

What's a bad idea?

[flcracker]

Sounds good, I'd be interested depending on timing

[wolfbait]

Wolves and cougars are causing the most impact on deer, that and WDFW's weather predictions. While we probably won't be able to curb WDFW's new found prediction practices, the next best thing is to focus on the identification of invasive weeds.

[MuleDeer]

Wolves and cougars are causing the most impact on deer, that and WDFW's weather predictions. While we probably won't be able to curb WDFW's new found prediction practices, the next best thing is to focus on the identification of invasive weeds.

So is your idea to just let the invasive weeds go unchecked in what was prime winter habitat before the fire?  Leave thousands of acres with no suitable habitat for the mule deer of Okanogan County?

[jackelope]

Myself and my family would be interested in helping, but the dates are the 1st piece of critical information we'd need before we can commit.

[deerhuntr4885]

Man!  Seems like some people want to turn EVERY thread into "a female dog"session!  I am sooo tired of it.  Count me in if the timing is right. 

[Wea300mag]

I'm also interested, just need to make sure the timing works.

[abe henderson]

Love to help...will depend on timing :-)

[MuleDeer]

Will get some dates on here as soon as I get them from the bios up there.  Hope we can get some times that work for some of you here!

[Romulus1297]

What's a bad idea?

Letting these weeds take over. Which they are doing in alot of places.

[jaredwitman]

I am interested as well in this project. Like most I will also need to check the dates and timing to commit. Keep me posted! THANKS

[yelp]

Great project.. This will help reduce the amount of time the staff have to spend locating infestations of noxious weeds too.  The wildfire assisted these weeds to flourish and spread without native plants to compete.  Efficiency of staff time and quality inventory is important too.  Chemicals cost lots of money.  Many control methods will include not chemical but biological.  Hope to see some of you help out if you can.

[HawkCreek]

Good project. Depending on timing I'd be interested in helping.

[Wea300mag]

Whatever became of this? I'm always looking for an excuse to hang out in the Methow Valley.

[MtnMuley]

I'm still confused on why wait until fall to plant? This obviously is a question that the bio's might be able to answer better than a man with common sense. You'd think that if a plant was planted in early spring that the might choke out a small percentage of the invasive species that comes up. Identifying weeds is great along with areas that they're abundant, but do we really think that we can control the weeds by identifying and pulling/spraying in this day and age?  There's invasive weeds growing throughout the entire county that are not controlled or contained. Also, I would think by planting in the fall would only lead for the wildlife to.forage more on fresh shoots? Afterall this is late fall/winter range were talking about. If the thought that they'll be covered by snow to help protect them is the case, then obviously the lesson wasn't learned by our "winter" last year. Lastly, I appreciate the work that's set up to be done, but when weeks pass with people wondering what's going on, it eventually leads to them forgetting about this and moving on to other things.

[MuleDeer]

Here's the info I just received finally on this initial project.  I know it's short notice, but hopefully some of you can still make it.  email me if you want more info, or if you plan on attending, and I'll pass it along.  If you need more info on the location of the meeting, I have a couple maps and can email them to you if you send me an email asking at dan@muledeer.org.
As for planting in the fall versus spring, with the shrubs that we typically plant, their survival is much higher by a fall planting.  The bios can explain it best, but there are good reasons.  Below is the letter from the bio up there on this project.  Hope to see some of you out there, and thanks.

Volunteers -

Thank you very much for your interest in protecting Mule Deer habitats. Invasive weeds are one of the top threats we face as land managers and your efforts to survey for noxious weeds on our wildlife areas will help us greatly and help achieve or our agencies mission:

To preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Below are the specifics to the weed surveying event.

WHERE –       North Summit Sno-Park near Loup Loup Pass (directions below)

WHEN    --       Saturday August 1st @ 8am.

WHAT TO BRING -    GPS Unit(s)
         Hiking Boots
         Long Pants & Shirt
         Sunscreen & Bug Repellent

Once gathered at the Sno-Park we’ll perform a brief overview of the day – weed identification, GPS use, data sharing and a couple safety issues. After that, we’ll each travel to a wildlife area of your choosing that was affected by the Carlton Complex Fires last year. Each of you will be responsible for your own lodging. There are numerous places both in the Okanogan and Methow Valleys. Loup Loup and JR Campgrounds are both USFS campgrounds and within a mile of the meeting location. Leader Lake (DNR) and Buzzard Lake (WDFW) are also close by. We can provide you with more suggestions if you’d like.
         
Please contact me if you have questions. We look forward to working with each of you. Thank you!


Justin Haug – Manager
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area
(509) 223-3358
Justin.Haug@dfw.wa.gov