Last summer, WBA partnered with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for a research project. Bob Hardwick led WBA’s efforts to document butterfly species at Colockum Pass, a portion of the Colockum Wildlife Area. This Wildlife Area is approximately 88,000 acres, located in Chelan and Kittitas counties.

The Colockum Management Unit was purchased by the State primarily to provide habitat for Rocky Mountain elk and other vertebrate species including mule deer, bighorn sheep, chukar and grouse. Many other species use the area such as owls, eagles, goshawk and bear. Uncommon flowering plants are also found in the area of the Pass. Since little is known about the butterflies in the area, the State asked WBA to visit the area and catalog the species. Bob Hardwick reported to WDFW on three WBA trips to the area. All three trips were hindered by poor weather–butterflies are often inactive in cool or damp weather. Nonetheless, several species were recorded, although none were unusual. Bob believes this summer’s work didn’t provide the best indication of the species at Colockum Pass because of the weather. Over the winter, Bob and the WBA Board will consider plans for future research projects. Options include additional attempts to record species at Colockum Pass, hoping for better weather; and choosing another of the areas for which WDFW would like butterfly information. WDFW is grateful for our efforts, and is eager to continue the partnership.

G’num2002Vol3No1

Bob Hardwick

Former WBA Research Coordinator, Field Trip Leader and Program Presenter