Getting Squirrelly: Western Gray Squirrels in the Okanogan

As part of the PBA’s quarterly meeting, local wildlife biologist Matthew Danielson presented Getting Squirrelly: Western Gray Squirrels in the Okanogan.

This presentation shared techniques to identify western gray squirrels from other tree squirrels; covered the local history and human relationships to the species; and explored the connection between fire and habitat quality, highlighting how thoughtful prescribed burning can help restore the open forest structure that western gray squirrels depend on — a key part of the PBA’s mission.

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Post Burns Report

We've been monitoring the recovery of the sites of the three burns we completed since October and we're very happy with the results! In October 2024 we burned 1 acre that had lots of dead branches on the ground and old stumps. We had a good mosaic of some areas that burned very hot and others very lightly. October 26, 2024 Admittedly, that unit didn't look as good as we were hoping in the early spring. While the adjacent unburned units were very lush, the burned one was slow to get started with quite a bit of bare ground showing. May 10, 2025 But arnica eventually started popping up and we had thrown some yarrow seeds on the most severely burned patches (mainly from large stumps) and that's what you can see on the right side of the photos. June 21, 2025 The yarrow is now growing abundantly and the arnica is still blooming despite having gone to seed weeks ago in the unburned units. We definitely overseeded the yarrow and some of it is starting to dry ou...

Flame Cap Kiln Burn

Earlier this week we had the chance to attend a flame cap kiln burn at Dan and Bethany's near Winthrop. Dan built the kiln and Bethany was kind enough to write up the process and take pictures: Kiln Dimensions: Base: 47” X 47”, top: 59”X59”, height: 36”, 1.5” drain valve, approximately 350 gallons capacity (1.7 cubic yards), made out of 1/8” welded steel plate (locally cut in Twisp, WA and welded by landowner outside of Winthrop) designed by landowner based on Oregon Kiln design. Weather: light wind, about 50 degrees Process: We reviewed the weather conditions, forecast, and Dept of Ecology burn information to ensure conditions were acceptable for burning, and 4 people were present to load the kiln and monitor for embers. Safety precautions: We had 2 garden hoses. The kiln was in an open area on dirt. We also had tools available (shovels, rakes, and rogue hoe). We were watching for embers. initial loading of debris the day before burning Timeline We had previously l...

Spring 2025 Learn to Burn Event

We had a great day of learning despite the cold wind! Tom Leuschen talked about the different factors that impact fuel moisture and fire behavior. We then moved around to warm up a little and Xavier gave a tour of the unit that was burned last Fall, leading to a great conversation of what landowners have to do to prepare their property to receive a prescribed fire. After a great lunch provided by the PBA and the landowner, we learned how to set up a proper hose lay around a burn unit and Tom demonstrated the patterns of ignition that can be used during a burn. Participants gained a greater appreciation and understanding for prescribed fire and most of them came back the next day for the Demonstration Burn!

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