Remote detection of wildlife presence and movement in prescribed burn in the East Cascades

Keywords: remote cameras, prescribed burns, East Cascade, wildlife movement
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Prescribed burning is used within our state and federal land management agencies, like the Department of Natural Resource (DNR), Fish and Game (WADFW), and the USDA Forest Service, for forest management. The Nature Conservancy also is using prescribed burning to manage large tracts of forests adjacent to public land. Prescribed burning is not a new concept as there is ample evidence that burning of the land was done in North America by Native Americans prior to the pre-contact period to encourage growth of crops, like huckleberries, and for clearing areas for wildlife for successful hunting. This project will be analyzing the presence and movements of animals in recently prescribed burn sites of the East Cascades. Remote trail cameras will be used to determine how many animals come back through the area after a burn and to quantify and categorize the use within the prescribed burn zone. Using remote trail cameras, the project will record wildlife that is present, settled, browsing, or moving through the area. Research will involve counting the frequency of animals coming through the burned areas and using data and information provided by wildlife agencies to determine if there is an increase, equal, or decrease in animal activity in these areas. Data and trail camera photos from this project will help and determine the impacts of prescribed burns on wildlife. The outcome of the project will provide recommendations on how forest management may help or hinder wildlife movement in the area, along with ways to improve overall management.