There were too many bullfrogs. Our cautious attack of the problems would have to be more aggressive if the turtles were to survive. This attack included many different aspects. The Washington Department of Wildlife purchased three parcels of land, a total of 165 acres, which surround the two sites in Klickitat County. The Nature Conservancy has assisted in some of these purchases.
Adjacent property is now in the process of being added to the site.
Negotiations are ongoing with landowners in Skamania County to purchase the property surrounding the turtle ponds in that area. Protection of these sites is paramount and our neighbors and former landowners are watchful when we cannot be there. The western pond turtle was also listed as an Endangered Species in the state in 1993. Beginning in 1994 and continuing until today, we have engaged a formidable force of volunteers to trap turtles each spring, transmitter females, and monitor the females through the nesting season. They are willing to brave cold, wet, hot, and windy weather.