Scotch Creek Wildlife Area proposal 199609401

FY07-09 proposal 199609401

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal title	Scotch Creek Wildlife Area
Proposal ID	199609401
Organization	Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
Short description	Protect, increase, and maintain a viable sharp-tailed grouse population and increase mule deer use of the project site. Enhance shrub-steppe and forested habitats for sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer and other obligate species.
Information transfer	Information derived from this project will be used to improve wildlife/habitat management techniques on mitigation and non-mitigation wildlife areas and will be provided to CBFWA project managers and other interested parties either electronically or in hard copy reports. All data, reports, techniques, and methods resulting from monitoring and research will be made available in accordance with WDF&W policies regulating the release of sensitive fish and wildlife information. Additional data can be found on the WDF&W homepage (wildlife areas). Publications (Schroeder et al. 2005) explain our efforts at re-establishment of viable populations of sharp-tailed grouse in Washington.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator

Contacts

Contact	Organization	Email
Form submitter
Jim Olson	Washington fish and Wildlife	olsonjpo@dfw.wa.gov
All assigned contacts
Paul Dahmer	WDFW	dahmepad@dfw.wa.gov
Jim Olson	Washington fish and Wildlife	olsonjpo@dfw.wa.gov

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Columbia Cascade / Okanogan

Latitude	Longitude	Description
48 25.974	119 36.770	Point within the Pogue Mountain unit. Approximately 4 miles NW of Omak.
48 32.714	119 48.520	Point within the Mineral Hill unit. Approximately 3 miles west of Conconully.
48 32.537	119.23.730	Point on the northern boundary of the Tunk Valley unit. This is the beginning of the access road to the center of the property. Approximately 9 miles NW of Riverside.
48 56.07	119 5.44	Point on the southern boundary of the Chesaw unit. This is the beginning of the access road to the center of the property. Approximately 1 mile west of downtown Chesaw.
48 31.50	119 41.76	This point is at the headquarters to the Scotch Creek Wildlife Areas, and on the west boundary of the Scotch Creek unit. The 5 separate management units are all located in eastern Okanogan county.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: All Wildlife
Additional: Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse Mule deer Other shrub-steppe obligate species

Section 4. Past accomplishments

Year	Accomplishments
2005	Re-seeded 100 acres to native grasses/forbs on new lands purchased adjacent to the Scotch Creek unit. Planted 1,000 trees and shrubs and installed deer exclosure to protect plants. Applied fall chemical treatment on 200 acres of Russian Knapweed
2004	Re-seeded 125 acres to native grasses/forbs on new lands purchased adjacent to the Scotch Creek unit. Developed solid set irrigation system and planted 2,000 trees and shrubs. Applied fall chemical treatment on 300 acres of Russian Knapweed.
2003	Re-seeded 175 acres old pasture land to native shrub-steppe on new acquisition lands for the Scotch Creek unit. Planted 10,000 trees and shrubs along Scotch Creek below the corrals to restore winter habitat. Controlled weeds on 725 rangeland acres.
2002	Re-seeded 122 acres on Scotch Creek, and 66 acres on Chesaw units. Planted 3,000 trees and shrubs. Approx. 10 miles fence removed, cattle winter feeding structures dismantled, and 30 bluebird boxes built and installed. Weeds controlled on 1,530 acres.
2001	Re-seeded 100 acres on Scotch Creek and 125 acres on Chesaw units to a native grass/forb mix. Completed 500 acres of rangeland weed control, and season long control of Musk Thistle on Chesaw unit. 80 acres browse pruning, and planted 20,000 trees/shrubs
2000	Re-seeded 457 acres on Scotch Creek units to native grasses/forbs. Planted 20,500 trees and shrubs. Removed 10 miles of interior fence, installed 80 bluebird nest boxes, and pruned 20 acres of browse to improve mule deer winter forage.
1999	Re-seed 443 acres on Scotch Creek units for native habitat restoration. Planted 5,000 trees and shrubs in the Boyce lek area to improve winter habitat for sharp-tails. Treated 400 acres rangeland for noxious weeds. Pruned 22 acres browse for mule deer.
1998	Re-seeded 543 acres to a native grass/forb mix. Planted 16,700 trees and shrubs including 9 miles of fabric mulch for a weed barrier. Pruned 22 acres browse for mule deer winter forage. Controlled weeds on 200 acres for Diffuse Knapweed.
1997	BPA funding starts. Purchased equipment and hired personnel to manage a new wildlife area. Re-seeded 250 acres to native grasses/forbs and planted 8,200 trees and shrubs. Controlled weeds on 450 acres. Construct 4.5 miles new fence.
1996	Acquired the 1,800 acre Lathum property adjoining the Chesaw Wildlife Area, completed HEP baseline evaluations on the Scotch Creek, Tunk Valley, Chesaw, and Mineral Hill Units. Re-seeded 90 acres of degraded shrubsteppe habitat to native grasses/forbs.
1995	Installed a wheel line irrigation system and seeded 40 acres to alfalfa for mule deer forage and upland bird nesting, re-vegetated 100 acres of degraded shrubsteppe habitat, and built 30 miles of new boundary fence at Scotch Creek and Tunk Valley.
1994	Treated noxious weeds on 650 acres, planted 150 acres of wheat to supplement sharp-tailed grouse/mule deer winter feed, re-vegetated 60 acres to native shrub-steppe, and completed a comprehensive 5-year management plan for the area.
1993	Controlled noxious weeds on 780 acres, re-seed 100 acres to native shrub-steppe grasses and forbs, and planted shrubs and trees on 10 acres of mesic upland habitat.
1992	Planted 10,000 trees and shrubs along Scotch Creek and on wet springs to improve riparian habitat, and provide winter food and cover for sharp-tailed grouse. Installed 10 guzzlers, 600 acres weed control, and re-seed 100 acres to native shrub-steppe.
1991	Acquired the 9,064 acre Metcalf ranch near Conconully, the 2,800 acre Byers ranch near Chesaw, and 1,000 acres in Tunk Valley with Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program funds. These are the core sharp-tailed grouse recovery areas in Okanogan County.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding source	Related ID	Related title	Relationship
BPA	199106100	Swanson Lake Wildlife Mitigati	Share the Sharp-tailed grouse recovery program with WDFW. Similar habitat enhancements, and genetic augmentation efforts.
BPA	199404400	Sagebrush Flat Wl Mitigation	Sharp-tailed grouse recovery and shrub-steppe habitat restoration. Supports this project and WDFW goals and objectives.
BPA	200103000	Sharp Tailed Grouse Habitat	Sharp-tailed grouse recovery
BPA	199609400	WDFW Habitat Acquisition	WDFW habitat acquired for Sharp-tailed grouse
BPA	199506700	Colville Confederated Tribes P	Supports Tribal (CCT) and WDFW goals and objectives
Other: Douglas County PUD No. 1	[no entry]	Wells Wildlife Mitigation Project	Complements the shrub-steppe protection and restoration efforts of this project as well as sharp-tailed grouse population protection and enhancement efforts in North Central Washington.
[Funding Source left blank]	[no entry]	WDFW Shrub-steppe Restoration Research	This research project evaluates the ability of restored agricultural fields to support native wildlife. The results of this research will help guide restoration and enhancement efforts on the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area. WDFW biologists and scientists conduct the research.
Other: Federal	[no entry]	BLM - Shrub-steppe restoration and management/Wildlife monitoring and evaluation.	BLM acquires, restores and manages shrub-steppe habitat within the UMM for shrub-steppe wildlife species. BLM managed lands are scattered in North Central Washington. Their work complements the shrub-steppe protection and restoration efforts of this project as well as our sharp-tailed grouse population protection and enhancement efforts.
Other: The Nature Conservancy	[no entry]	Moses Coulee/Beezley Hills and Barker Mountain Shrub Steppe Preserve	The Nature Conservancy has acquired more than 25,000 acres of shrub-steppe habitat within the UMM. Their goal is to protect and restore large blocks of this habitat. Their work complements the shrub-steppe protection and restoration efforts of this project as well as our sharp-tailed grouse population protection and enhancement efforts.
Other: County, State and federal	[no entry]	Foster Creek Conservation District habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)	The HCP will offer potential coverage to privately owned or operated agricultural lands in Douglas County. The plan will include management recommendations for specific wildlife species and habitats including those identified as focal indicators within the UMM. Complements the shrub-steppe protection and restoration efforts of this project as well as our sharp-tailed grouse population protection and enhancement efforts.
Other: Federal, Provincial	[no entry]	Okanogan-Similkameen Conservation Corridor Program	This project advances the protection and restoration of shrub-steppe habitat and sharp-tailed grouse within the Okanogan River Valley. It will provide a critical habitat and population link between British Columbia, through the Okanogan Valley to shrub-steppe regions of the Columbia Basin.
Other: Federal	[no entry]	Sharp-ailed grouse translocation	This project funds the capture and transportation of sharp-tailed grouse from Idaho, British Columbia and/or Utah to Washington. Birds are released on the Swanson Lake WLA, the Sagebrush Flat WLA, and lands owned by the Colville Confederated Tribes. This project is essential to maintaining and expanding the population of sharp-tailed grouse in North-Central Washington.
Other: Federal; US Army Corps of Engineers	[no entry]	Chief Joseph Dam Wildlife Mitigation Project	Complements shrub-steppe protection as well as riparian enhancement and protection efforts of this project.
Other: Federal	[no entry]	Landowner Incentive Program	This grant program is administered by the WDFW and offers private landowners financial assistance for the protection and restoration of habitat to benefit species-at-risk. Priorities include Eastern Washington shrub-steppe and protection of sharp-tailed grouse. Compliments state protected lands by preserving and enhancing private lands in the vicinity of the SCWL.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectives	Full description	Associated subbasin plan	Strategy
Conduct research on sharp-tailed grouse	Monitor sharp-tailed grouse leks annually (lek surveillance). Search SCWA and adjacent areas for satellite/new leks annually (site reconnaissance).	Okanogan	Select survey protocol and measure population status of focal species.
Implement management activities and schedules	Control introduced vegetation. Maintain sharp-tailed grouse nesting and brood rearing habitat enhancements. Maintain shrub and tree enhancements. Maintain boundary fence annually to protect habitat from trespass livestock grazing and vehicle encroachment. Maintain project infrastructure and physical improvements. Provide adequate fire protection to include surveillance and fire fighting resources. Assess the feasibility of using prescribed fire for habitat improvements.	Okanogan	Assist in long-term development and implementation of a Comprehensive Weed Control Management Plan in cooperation with local weed boards. Implement habitat stewardship projects.
Increase the number of sharp-tailed grouse to >300	Through augmentation and habitat enhancements, increase the sharp-tailed grouse population to >300 by 2010 in the Scotch Creek basin.	Okanogan	Re-introduce sharp-tailed grouse into the sub-basin and identify sites that are currently not in shrubsteppe habitat that have the potential to be of high value, if restored.
Maintain and enhance mule deer populations	Enhance mule deer populations on the wildlife area consistent with state herd management objectives.	Okanogan	Ensure mule deer habitat needs are met on state managed lands. Protect and enhance important winter range and areas of sensitive habitat.
Maintain and/or enhance habitat function	Improve agricultural practices, fire management, weed control, livestock grazing practices, and road management on existing and restored shrubsteppe.	Okanogan	Develop and implement a long-term comprehensive weed control management plan in cooperation with local weed boards. Implement habitat stewardship projects on the wildlife area.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element name	Work element title	Description	Start date	End date	Est budget
Develop Terrestrial Habitat Features	Expand and maintain nest boxes	Maintain or replace current nest boxes on the wildlife area. Build and expand into suitable habitat for bluebirds, and cavity nesting ducks.	3/15/2007	9/30/2009	$11,700
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics * # of features: 50 new per year
Improve/Relocate Road	Construct parking area on Chesaw unit.	Construct new parking area at the Chesaw unit of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area. Grade and gravel, construct fence and reader board.	3/15/2007	9/30/2007	$10,400
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics * # of road miles improved, upgraded, or restored: .02 miles (parking area construction)
Improve/Relocate Road	Maintain Project Roads/Parking Areas	Continued maintenance of graveled road surfaces on the project area with grading, adding gravel and shaping drainage ditches and water bars where needed. Parking area maintenance includes signs, and fence repair, litter pickup, and grading when necessary.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$10,500
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics * # of road miles improved, upgraded, or restored: 6 miles
Install Fence	Survey and Construct boundary fence	Survey and construct 2 miles of new boundary fence on the Scotch Creek unit to protect from trespass livestock use.	3/15/2008	9/30/2008	$39,000
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics * # of miles of fence: 2 miles
Plant Vegetation	Develop six 1/2-acre shrub/tree plots to utilize existing water delivery system on the Boyce acquisition.	Plant approximately 600 native trees and shrubs in each of six ½-acre plots over the next three years and utilize the existing water line to develop a drip irrigation system on the new Boyce acquisition. Protect plant survival with temporary deer fencing and hand weeding.	4/1/2007	9/30/2009	$38,000
Biological objectives Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics * # of acres of planted: 3 acres
Plant Vegetation	Reseed Degraded Shrubsteppe Habitat	Restore native shrub-steppe habitat on old ag fields on project area. Spray out, summer fallow and re-seed with native grass/forb mix at the rate of 125 acres per year for 3 years.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$146,250
Biological objectives Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics * # of acres of planted: 375 acres
Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel	Scotch Creek Channel Improvement	Restore the Scotch Creek channel to an irregular meandering stream pattern that mimics natural flow regimes and plant native riparian plant species. Previous owners channelized the creek to facilitate pasture and alfalfa production and recently the channel has filled in with reed canary grass causing a wide marsh area with little open water or deciduous vegetation.	10/1/2006	9/30/2007	$58,022
Biological objectives Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics * # of stream miles treated, including off-channels, after realignment: .40 mile
Remove vegetation	Timber thinning on Pogue Mountain	Advance the Ponderosa Pine forested stands on Pogue Mountain to a late seral stage by removing dense stands of young pine and increase spacing. Use proceeds of the timber sale to fund the thinning and slash dispersal.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$33,500
Biological objectives Maintain and enhance mule deer populations Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics * # of acres treated: 500 acres
Remove vegetation	Weed Control	Weed and undesirable plant removal will follow IPM techniques. Cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods will be considered for each species we want to remove and the best method or combination of methods for the particular situation will be used. This is a continuing element to improve habitat quality over the next three years. Budget includes replacement of two ATV's over three years to replace aging equipment with excessive hours.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$209,000
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics * # of acres treated: 200 acres/year Chemical, plus biological releases
Maintain Vegetation	Maintain Extant Shrub and Tree Plantings	To insure success of tree and shrub planting efforts, a continuing annual maintenance schedule will be followed. Rodent control and tree guards to protect saplings, and weed control to reduce competition. Mowing will reduce competition and provide sunlight. Fertilizer and watering applications will increase survival the first year. Temporary deer fencing or repellant may be used.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$39,000
Biological objectives Maintain and/or enhance habitat function			Metrics
Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage	Boundary fence repair	As soon as conditions allow in the spring, survey the entire boundary fence on all units of the wildlife area (60 miles) and repair to prevent trespass livestock use on the area.	3/15/2007	9/30/2009	$74,400
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage	Maintain physical improvements	Maintain all buildings, wells, and other infrastructure to safely operate and manage the wildlife area. Well maintained infrastructure will prolong the life of all structures. Includes maintaining spring developments.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$74,400
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Provide Public Access/Information	Coulee Creek trail	Improve trail system from the Hess lake parking area to the north end of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area through the Coulee Creek canyon. Include interpretive signs to educate public on wildlife habitat needs.	10/1/2008	9/30/2009	$12,000
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Provide Public Access/Information	Purchase easement/access agreement for improved access to the Pogue mountain unit.	Purchase easement/access agreement to improve public access to the Pogue mountain unit. Build parking area adjacent to the Conconully highway and improve trail to DFW property line. Includes fencing to control use.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$15,000
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Other	Equipment/Vehicle Maintenance and/or Replacement	Project equipment and vehicle maintenance (Fuel, LOF, tires, brakes, alignment, etc) and repairs. One 3/4 Pickup replaced in '07, one 3/4 Ton pickup replaced in '09.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$162,500
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Other	Maintain Informational Signs, Reader Boards, and Kiosks	Installation of two information boards on Chesaw unit and parking area. Maintenance of all regulatory and informational signing across all wildlife area units.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$20,800
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Coordination	Fire Protection, PILT, and Weed Assessments	Payments of legally required taxes on project area.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$19,500
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects	Administrative Duties and Professional Development	This element includes all the office and field management responsibilities to effectively carry out the wildlife area management/mitigation plan. Includes professional development to learn new techniques and/or increase scientific knowledge regarding target species and habitats.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$162,500
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Outreach and Education	Community Outreach	Improve public perception of lands owned/managed by WDFW through the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) contacts, presentations or tours, or news events. Educate the public regarding the needs of wildlife and habitat. The CAG has 12 members representing hundreds of people within their interest group. One presentation per year reaches 100's more, and talks or tours can reach additional people from the general public per season. Ongoing element.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$3,900
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics * # of general public reached: 200/year. CAG meetings and presentations.
Produce Inventory or Assessment	Assess Habitat Conditions	Photo points and vegetation data collection sites will be established and mapped for each unit. Staff will assess seeding and planting survival success of all enhancement efforts, and collect nested frequency and cover data on key plant species and exotic vegetation.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$7,800
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Produce Annual Report	Annual Report	Produce an annual report	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$5,850
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data	Monitor Recreational Use	Interview hunters as they exit the area to determine hunter success. Talk with as many as possible before they head into the field to warn them of the closed season for sharp-tailed grouse. Record all use, including non-hunter use of the area.	10/1/2006	9/30/2009	$7,800
Biological objectives Implement management activities and schedules			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data	Monitor Sharp-Tailed Grouse	Starting in mid March and continuing until Mid May, search all known sharp-tail grouse lek sites at least 2 times per season. Count total birds observed or flushed off the site. Search all adjoining lands and potential sites for sharp-tail use. Surveys will occur 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunrise.	3/15/2007	5/15/2009	$58,500
Biological objectives Conduct research on sharp-tailed grouse			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget

Item	Note	FY07	FY08	FY09
Personnel	4.75 FTE's. F&W Bio 3 (12 months), F&W Bio 2 (12 months), Maint. Mech I (9 months), WCC crew (6 months). Also includes a 3.5 % increase per year (COLA).	$156,495	$161,972	$167,641
Fringe Benefits	Includes a 3.5% per year increase for COLA.	$44,650	$46,213	$47,830
Supplies	Includes a 3.5% per year inflation rate.	$78,800	$81,558	$84,413
Travel	Includes 3.5% per year inflation rate.	$4,000	$4,140	$4,285
Capital Equipment	One 3/4T replacement pickup and one Polaris ATV with spray equipment in 07. One Polaris ATV with spray equipment in 08. One 3/4T replacement pickup in 09.	$42,000	$7,398	$35,000
Overhead	Does not include overhead on capitol equipment	$81,748	$84,609	$87,570
Totals		$407,693	$385,890	$426,739

Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets

Total itemized budget:	$1,220,322
Total work element budget:	$1,220,322

Cost sharing

Funding source/org	Item or service provided	FY 07 est value ($)	FY 08 est value ($)	FY 09 est value ($)	Cash or in-kind?	Status
Totals		$0	$0	$0

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $405,450
FY 2011 estimated budget: $405,450

Comments: This represents a 3.5% increase inflation rate over 2009 budget.

Future O&M costs: Future operational costs include administrative duties, monitoring recreational use and sharp-tailed grouse populations, community outreach, and reporting. Ongoing maintenance needs include extant tree and shrub plantings, roads and parking areas, weed control, equipment and vehicle repairs, signs and reader boards, physical improvements, and fence repair. As more lands are acquired adjacent to the project areas there becomes a need for more shrub-steppe restoration and riparian plantings, as well as the ongoing list of maintenance. When Pogue Mountain unit mule deer enhancements are completed in this project funding there is a need for the same forest thinning on the Chesaw unit. Future Operations and Maintenance costs will be similar to this project proposal, mostly due to the acquisition of additional lands in need of repair.

Termination date:
Comments:

Final deliverables:

Section 10. Narrative and other documents

Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget	FY08 budget	FY09 budget	Total budget	Type	Category	Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$200,000	$200,000	$200,000	$600,000	Expense	ProvinceExpense	Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$200,000	$200,000	$200,000	$0		ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This project began in 1991 with major land purchases (now 16,500 acres). Much habitat work has been completed including collecting native plant seeds and commercially growing them to develop a large quantity of locally adapted seed stock for reseeding. This project has meaningful goals with appropriate monitoring data collected to evaluate the sharp-tailed grouse population change over time. With much management activity on a relatively large study area, the ISRP was pleased to see grouse population increases in recent years. Additionally, the ISRP was impressed with the inclusion of the grouse data in the proposal.

ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable