WBA is assisting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in assessing the wildlife present in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in north central Washington. WDFW is compiling an assessment of all forms of wildlife in the Sinlahekin, and has already compiled preliminary lists of birds, fishes, mammal, amphibians and reptiles. They are hoping to add a list of butterflies. The preliminary lists are presented on WDFW’s website.

The report of WBA’s survey describes the Sinlahekin as “a little known paradise…consisting of streams, lakes, wetlands, fields, and flower-covered hills and meadows.” Bob Hardwick, WBA’s research chair, led two field trips to the area this summer; one in June, the other in July during the WBA Annual Conference. The WBA teams identified 35 butterfly specifies in June, and 31 species in July. In 2005, he plans to lead two more trips to the area-one in April or May and another in August-to give a more complete picture of the butterfly species found in the Wildlife Area.

G’num2004Vol5No4

Maureen Traxler

WBA Member, Former Board President & Board Member and G’num Editor