Bull Trout Research
One of the many uses of national wildlife refuges is scientific research into the lives and needs of wildlife, both by FWS researchers, the academic world and occasionally private researchers. On McNary NWR, the FWS has been conducting research into bull trout. Bull trout are salmonid native to the Northwest and are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. On the Walla Walla River, bull trout are captured, PIT tagged (Passive Integrated Transponder), and released back to the river. As the trout move up and down the river (or not), each time they pass by a PIT tag reader, their movement is noted, and FWS scientists in Vancouver, Washington, can track their movements. By knowing how, where and when the bull trout are moving, the FWS can devise and refine plans for their recovery. Just one of the many beneficial uses of your national wildlife refuges.
Osprey are common along our rivers and lakes—anywhere there is water and fish. Unlike most other birds, they make little attempt to hide their nests, making it easy to follow a nest from egg laying right through the young leaving the nest to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, the manner in which ospreys build their nests clashes with our propensity to litter. In the wild, ospreys often line their nests with lichens, mosses and grasses. However, they will readily use substitute materials, which, sadly, often means baling twine and fishing line. The problem is it can kill them. All too often, they become entangled in the line, suffering gruesome deaths by strangulation or starvation. Researchers at the University of Montana estimate that as much as 10 to 30 percent of osprey chicks and adults in some areas are killed by this baling twine, fish nets, or fishing line. Every year, we’re called to rescue an entangled osprey, but we often arrive too late, or don’t have the resources to pull off a rescue. Many utility companies, such as the Benton REA, have been wonderful partners in helping us rescue ospreys, but we really need your help. When you’re outside, pick up any twine, rope, fishing line, etc.—you may just be saving one of these magnificent birds from a cruel death.
University of Montana Osprey Project