Completion Form

2022

Vegetation was manipulated to stimulate new growth and extend the long-term value of many plant species. Renovation techniques using grazing, mechanical disturbance, chemical treatments, water regulation and re-seeding efforts were used to improve existing habitats.

Habitat manipulation included the use of an agricultural tractor, roller/packer, light discing, and/or spring tine tillage equipment for digging to remove annual grasses.

Grazing was allowed on all of Public Shooting Grounds WMA and a small portion of Salt Creek WMA this fiscal year. Cows were allowed to graze on PSGWMA in the spring of 2022. The use of sheep to graze portions of SCWMA and PSGWMA as per the Jensen property purchase agreement was carried out as outlined in the agreement. Extreme drought conditions in FY22 extending into FY23 will more than likely result in limited to no grazing in FY23.

Due to our inability to hire technicians in 2022, limited herbicide treatments were applied in areas where noxious and invasive weeds were found to be competing with desirable plant species. We were only able to cover approximately 70 acres on SCWMA. These chemical treatments were applied with UTV's and ATV's.

The retention ponds and ditch systems that have been developed to collect return irrigation water were maintained. This water is of higher quality and suitable for perennial cover, food crop and tree/shrub irrigation.

Predator control is an annual event prior to the nesting season. Trappers removed Striped Skunk, Coyote, Raven (by permit) and Raccoon to enhance the reproductive effort of numerous avian species. For FY22 we continued predator removal efforts for skunk, raccoon, feral cats and Ravens. Raven control was administered through USDA Wildlife Services. Again, due to our inability to hire technicians, DWR personnel were limited in the amount of time spent on predator removal for this year.

The goal for the project was to protect, enhance and maximize the benefits for the wildlife resources and the public that use these WMA's.

The objective was to maintain high value habitat for an extended period of time.

The need was to maintain existing suitable habitat and improve marginal habitat with renovation techniques. There still is a need to continue maintaining one of the State's premier wetlands for the public's use and enjoyment in a productive, functional and aesthetically pleasing condition.

Perennial seeding efforts were accomplished on approximately 40 acres within Salt Creek WMA in FY22. This area was fallow since the fall of 2020 in an effort to minimize noxious weeds that have been a persistent problem in this area. Plateau herbicide was applied in the fall of 2020 with a follow-up application of glyphosate in the spring of 2021. Seeding occurred in the fall of 2021. At the time of this report, it is unknown if this project will be carried out in FY23 due to the extreme drought conditions.

Food plots that were planted during the fall of 2021 had varying success. Our millet planting on the east side of Salt Creek did well and a variety of bird species has been observed using it. Several of the winter wheat fields planted in the fall of 2021, though stunted in growth, have been used heavily by Sandhill Cranes and other bird species. About 20 acres of winter wheat were planted in the fall of 2021 and about 7 acres of irrigated millet were planted in the spring/summer of 2022.

Continued irrigation of existing perennial plantings was carried out throughout SCWMA. Water pumps of different sizes were utilized to accomplish watering efforts. Several of the irrigation systems were repaired as needed. Continued maintenance will be crucial for our irrigation systems.

Our efforts were greatly reduced due to being unable to recruit wildlife technicians in 2022. With inflation of the economy having the impact that it has had, we could not compete with private businesses that were offering starting wages of $14/hour or higher. Added to this, the cost of fuel, those individuals that were interested in the positions could not afford to commute to our location or could not afford housing in the area.

Arlo Wing

08/01/2022 14:28:37