Gifford Pinchot Task Force Wildlife Survey

The wildlife camera surveys of the Gifford Pinchot Task Force are intended to increase the collective, forest-wide understanding of wildlife distributions in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF). These efforts offer verifiable records of species occurrence and can enhance our ability to understand habitat roles in different regions of the GPNF. The 2015-2017 wildlife camera surveys are set up to offer multiple benefits to forest planners and biologists. These include: 1.) documenting the potential migration of wolves to the area, 2.) collecting baseline carnivore occurrence data for fisher recovery planning and post-release detection data for fishers and other carnivores, 3.) validating a GPNF bobcat distribution model, and 4.) documenting general habitat usage patterns in four distinct areas of the national forest. The data obtained are able to supply important information on habitat and occurrence patterns that are difficult or impossible to determine through other means.

Climate change is expected to alter habitat relationships and boundaries for wildlife species, and their distributions are expected to shift accordingly. Monitoring species occurrences at the ecoregion boundaries of Mount Adams, for instance, offers baseline data and can document changes in occurrence patterns, such as the potentially shifting elevation presence of martens or the movement of wolverines in search of new habitat. Validating bobcat distribution model results is another objective for a subset of the survey sites. We hope to advance local understanding of bobcat distributions as well as detection probability, which is presently unknown. Bobcat occurrence data in the GPNF is lacking, but wildlife camera surveys offer an opportunity to expand local understanding. Although not confirmed at this time, a reintroduction of fisher to the GPNF may occur in the calendar year 2015 or 2016. Camera sites in potentially suitable habitat and reintroduction areas will collect baseline data on current species occurrence to assist in examining observed shifts post-reintroduction. Re-established trophic cascades can potentially alter habitat dynamics of species such as bobcat, coyote, and smaller non-detectable mammals, and therefore, observation data before and after fisher reintroduction will be valuable for future analyses and monitoring efforts.

An added benefit of field survey projects is the opportunity they offer to help reconnect our community to the national forest. While only a small group of trained volunteers are able to be part of the wildlife camera survey teams, the pictures and dialogue that come from these efforts go far in establishing strong community connections to the forest and fostering a lasting sense of stewardship. Further, two of the selected survey sites have been designated for Young Friends of Forest participants from local middle and high schools to set up and check the camera sets. While students will not be able to fully run survey sites, giving them the opportunity to coordinate survey rounds will offer students valuable, hands-on science experience and a unique perspective on this wildlife study technique.

This survey effort will consist of six cameras running on 28+ day rotations. We will be using Caven’s Gusto as lure, which will be reapplied at two-week intervals during which time photos will be downloaded and recorded.