I wonder when they will use drones in a real manner for redd counts?


WDFW plans drone flights to assess habitat conditions in Grays Harbor County


MONTESANO, WA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff will fly a drone over sections of the Elk River Wildlife Area Unit and the Department’s Coastal Region office property in Grays Harbor County beginning this month to gather data on habitat conditions.

Flights will take place in February and March 2026, depending on weather and visibility. They will focus on the upland forested area of the wildlife unit south of Westport and around WDFW’s office on Devonshire Road near Montesano.

WDFW manages the Elk River Wildlife Area Unit, near the Sopun Inlet estuary, to conserve coastal forest and estuary habitat and support species recovery. Updated aerial imagery will inform the Department’s habitat restoration and forestry management at the wildlife area and long-term planning near the regional office.

WDFW staff with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot certification will conduct the flights under FAA and WDFW policies. The pilot will maintain line of sight with their drone for awareness of potential disturbances to wildlife and people. The pilot will ground the drone if conditions become unsuitable to fly safely or responsibly.

WDFW has notified neighboring property owners and is working with them to avoid privacy impacts. The Department expects no area closures or significant public impacts.

WDFW manages more than 1 million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for wildlife and people.