W.R.I. Speaker Series-Mnt. Goat Relocation Project!

Wenatchee River Institute Speaker Series-Washington Wildlife!

Learn more about some of Washington’s dynamic wildlife projects. Every Tuesday in November, Wenatchee River Institute’s Science Speaker Series will focus on Washington wildlife and projects studying their populations and habitats: the Olympic National Park goat relocation project, Cascade Carnivore Project, I-90 wildlife overpass, and Grouse in the Columbia Basin.

The series will be held at Cashmere’s Milepost 111 Brewing Co. on Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26, with doors opening at 6pm and presentations from 6:30pm to 8pm. Enjoy complimentary appetizers with special drinks and menu items available for purchase.

Nov. 5 – Olympic National Park Mountain Goat Relocation Project with Richard Harris, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Mountain goats are not native to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, but in the 1920s appealing habitat and desire for hunting opportunities led sportsmen to introduce them from Alaska into what later became the Olympic National Park (ONP). These goats increased throughout the Olympics, growing to over 1000 animals and creating conflicts with native and endemic plant conservation efforts. The goats also increasingly became a nuisance for park visitors.

Beginning in 2014, ONP partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife –which had separately partnered with regional Tribal governments, to develop a comprehensive plan moving mountain goats from non-native to native habitats. In Sept. of 2018, 98 goats were translocated to preselected release sites in the Cascade Mountains.

Attendance limited to 30, please register soon. Contact WRI Community Education Lead Rachel Bishop with questions, rbishop@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org or 509-548-0181 x5

To register- https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/community-education/workshops-field-courses.html/event/2019/11/05/1573005600/science-speaker-series-wildlife/262939