2017 Alpine Lakes Mountain Goat Survey

[Bushcraft]

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, located in central Washington, is home to a significant population of mountain goats. An attempt was made a couple years ago to obtain some count data, but proved difficult due to unseasonably hot weather,  fire closures and a limited number of volunteers.  In recent years, hikers have reported aggressive and/or destructive behavior in high-use areas.  We want to gain a better understanding of where the goats are concentrated, how many there throughout the area, how they interact with hikers, and their general health. 

On July 14-17, 2017, in conjunction with SCI and WDFW, the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance will once again lead a boots-on-the-ground survey in and around the Enchantments.  The primary objective is to pin-point the location of goats so that WDFW can follow-up within a week or two with a more efficient and cost effective helicopter aerial survey to obtain a precise population count.  Whenever possible, accurate counts of male, female and juveniles and their GPS locations will be documented by volunteers.

Anyone can day hike within the Enchantment Permit Zone Areas, but must have a permit to overnight.  The Forest Service has agreed to give us a limited number of administrative permits (which have already been allocated) for WDFW personnel and RMGA volunteers to overnight within the Enchantment Permit Zone Areas.  These volunteers can spread out during the day, but must use the same campsite at night with the designated group leader.  The plan is for this group to do a through-hike of all five zones, cover as much ground within them as possible, and document their observations.  But, given the size and scope of the area and the nightly designated campsite constraint, this limited number volunteers can't possibly cover everything surrounding the Enchantment zones.

And so, we need your help!  We need volunteers that are willing to help locate goat populations around the perimeter of the Enchantment Permit Zone Areas. See attachment. If you would like to join us in the mountains for this backpacking survey, please contact the Washington RMGA volunteer coordinator Allen Ernst at allen.ernst@comcast.net or (206) 229-2519.



All able-hikers welcome! Please come prepared with proper backcountry camping gear including good boots, water filtration systems, food, optics, GPS and cameras if you have them. Knowledge of how to use crampons and ice-axes may come in handy given the heavy snowpack.  Help us spread the word and share this project with anyone and everyone who may able to assist. The plan right now is to get a good count of volunteers and where they might be interested in going.

All volunteers will eventually have to formally register with the State of Washington.  More details and a registration link will be sent to all volunteers as the date draws nearer.

Additionally, those entering the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area must have a wilderness permit and follow the appropriate regulations.

Best regards,

Allen

[kselkhunter]

Sounds like fun. Too bad the enchantment passes are already allocated. But will contact Allen.

[Stickerbush]

Yes email sent, but I'm not sure how this would work. Does this mean that I would have to do day hikes as a volunteer?

[Bushcraft]

There is nothing that says someone can’t day hike inside the boundaries of the designated Enchantment permit area. But, one would have to find a spot outside the boundaries to overnight or risk a citation.  I have no idea how diligent the Rangers are about policing the overnight permit zones for people who decide to use a small, easily hidden bivy shelter. 

[Bushcraft]

Could "Clint E." please get back to me with a good e-mail address?

[X-Force]

 

[HighCountryHunter88]

So the through hike is already allocated?

[Bushcraft]

So the through hike is already allocated?

At this point, yes.  If a spot opens up I'll let you know Matt.

[fishngamereaper]

Any plan of doing the North of I90 area, or do they have a good grasp of those goats already. Last time I was up in French Cabin they where all over the place.

[HighCountryHunter88]

So the through hike is already allocated?

At this point, yes.  If a spot opens up I'll let you know Matt.

Well that's lame

[CLARKTAR]

So the through hike is already allocated?

At this point, yes.  If a spot opens up I'll let you know Matt.

Well that's lame

Agreed

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[Bushcraft]

So the through hike is already allocated?

At this point, yes.  If a spot opens up I'll let you know Matt.

Well that's lame

Did you not want me to let you know? Haha! 

[Bushcraft]

FWIW, I think it's a tad ridiculous how stingy the FS is with their admin passes AND having to camp together every night.  We could be way more productive if we used the approach we did last year in the Goat Rocks.  I went 'round and 'round with them, but in they end they have all the leverage. 

[jackelope]

So the through hike is already allocated?

At this point, yes. If a spot opens up I'll let you know Matt.

Well that's lame

Did you not want me to let you know? Haha! 

You can through hike the Enchantments without a permit. There is no camping within the core zone but there's no allocation for through hiking. Have at it, just don't spend the night in the core Enchantments.

[Knocker of rocks]

You can through hike the Enchantments without a permit. There is no camping within the core zone but there's no allocation for through hiking. Have at it, just don't spend the night in the core Enchantments.

Minor correction, you do need a self issued hiking permit from the trailhead.  No limit to those