10
CWMP's field protocol adapted these methods to focus on simple detection using remote camera data rather
than DNA analysis based on genetic sample (hair) collection. CCCP's primary research objectives were to collect
information on the genetic structure of carnivore populations in the NCE and to detect grizzly bears and other
rare carnivores. The CWMP's primary research goal is detection of grizzly bears.
I-90 CORRIDOR MONITORING
I-90 acts as a major barrier to wildlife traveling north and south in the Cascades. Results from a large-scale
connectivity analysis designate a narrow corridor along Interstate 90 to be particularly crucial for wildlife
passage.
18
In an effort to create a more permeable interstate, the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) has developed a 15-mile highway expansion project called the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East
Project, which includes measures for safer wildlife passage. Multiple crossing structures, including overpasses,
have been built or are slated for construction within the next five years
19
.
Our project has worked in concert with WSDOT and Western Transportation Institute for close to a decade to
monitor wildlife activity along I-90 within the project area, with support from the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition.
Through remote camera monitoring and snow tracking, the CWMP has provided valuable data informing the I-90
Snoqualmie Pass East Project throughout its planning and implementation phases. During the 2018 monitoring
season, the wildlife underpasses at Gold Creek and Rocky Run were complete and habitat restoration within and
adjacent to the crossing structures was underway. In September of 2016, construction of the first archways for
the Keechelus Lake Wildlife Overcrossing began, with the completion of the overcrossing structure and associated
wildlife fencing projected for 2019
20
. In 2018, our goals along I-90 were to document wildlife activity in habitat
adjacent to the completed wildlife crossing structures as well as in areas relevant to future phases of the project.
TRANSBOUNDARY LYNX MONITORING
Much like the history of wolverines in our state, lynx were targeted in the fur trade in the 1800's and early 1900's,
and trapping pressure along with habitat decline reduced their numbers drastically in Washington. Because of
these pressures, lynx are protected under the federal and state Endangered Species Acts. Washington has
approximately 3,800 km
2
of habitat suitable for this species.
21
Researchers have documented the dispersal of lynx
across the Canadian border in northeastern Washington.
22
Conservation Northwest works closely with U.S. and
Pages 141–182 in Long, R. A., P. MacKay, W. J. Zielinski, and J. C. Ray, editors. Noninvasive survey methods for
carnivores. Island Press, Washington, D.C.
18
I-90 Wildlife Bridges Project description and connectivity analysis: i90wildlifebridges.org/project-info
19
I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project Final Environmental Impact Statement:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/SnoqualmiePassEast/Finaleis
20
http://i90wildlifebridges.org/construction-begins-on-first-wildlife-overpass-on-i-90/
21
Gary M. Koehler et al., "Habitat Fragmentation and the Persistence of Lynx Populations in Washington State,"
The Journal of Wildlife Management 72, no. 7 (2008): 1518–1524, doi:10.2193/2007-437.
22
Stinson, Washington State Recovery Plan for the Lynx.; J.D. Brittell et al., Native Cats of Washington, Section III: Lynx,
Unpublished (Olympia, WA, USA: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1989).; and Kim G. Poole,
"Dispersal Patterns of Lynx in the Northwest Territories," The Journal of Wildlife Management 61, no. 2 (1997): 497–
505.
