Wildlife

Wildlife in Franklin County is as diverse as the myriad of landscapes that encompass its 1,242 square miles. From Juniper Dunes wilderness area, to the dry land wheat fields in eastern Franklin County, from the thousands of acres of range ground and irrigated lands there are abundant food sources that allow wildlife to thrive. Some of the wildlife in Franklin County include: ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, deer, coyotes, raptors, rattlesnakes and there have even been some elk, mouse and cougar sightings!

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Projects

FCD Supervisor Chris Herron (seated on the guzzler above) explains to Clint Didier (FSA State Committee Member) and other local FCD and FSA members how guzzlers provide supplemental sources of water for wildlife.

The Franklin Conservation District encourages programs that involve farmers, landowners and managers in wildlife habitat development and protection. The District works cooperatively with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to install guzzlers on private lands. Guzzlers collect water and store it for consumption by wildlife. Many species benefit from guzzlers in our semi-arid climate.

The Franklin Conservation District also works with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to install wildlife habitat plots. The FCD assists with planning planting days and with coordinating volunteers to install the wildlife plots. These plots offer wildlife excellent nesting habitat, cover and protection from predators, as well as a food source.

Boy Scouts, Conservation District staff and DNR staff work together to install wildlife plots.

In addition, the Conservation District has worked to establish native grasses on circle corners. By establishing cover on circle corners wildlife habitat is enhanced, wind erosion is reduced and pesticide applications for weed control are also minimized.