Winthrop’s mobile flock of wild turkeys gathered near Pine Near RV Park last week.
Town Council calls growing flock a public nuisance
The Town of Winthrop has formally asked the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for help in capturing and relocating an itinerant flock of feral turkeys that has been declared a nuisance by town officials.
The Town Council has been discussing the problem since late last year, when the rapidly expanding flock — now numbering more than 30, according to several observers — became more problematic. The birds roam around town, foraging for food and leaving droppings and damage in their wake. They sometimes block traffic on town streets, and are not easily persuaded to disperse.
The Town Council turned to WDFW for assistance because wild turkeys are a game animal, under that department’s purview. Town Marshal Ty Sheehan had advised the council that the birds can be trapped by a licensed professional and relocated. Vern Herrst, a former town council member, is a licensed trapper.
At its meeting last week, the council approved a letter addressed to WDFW, asking that the town be allowed to hire a “wildlife control operator,” and agreeing to waive a code that prohibits trapping wildlife with town limits.
The letter relates that while smaller flocks have inhabited the town in the past, “we are now dealing with a flock of around 30 turkeys that are causing property damage, pooping on the boardwalks and causing traffic hazards.” Business owners have lodged numerous complaints about the excrement being tracked into their stores, the letter said.
The letter noted that during the Christmas at the End of the Road fireworks display last November, the flock roosted behind Town Hall and “became startled and flew into the crowd of people watching the fireworks. People became alarmed and the turkeys were distressed.”
The flock recently included the Winthrop Rink in its roving itinerary, the letter said, leaving a mucky mess on the ice.
More coming?
Herrst, who appeared at last week’s meeting, told the council that the birds could be contained either in traps or “net guns,” but the town would need permission from property owners to trap turkeys on private property.
Herrst urged quick action. While the current population may dwindle for a while during the winter, the turkey collective could “explode” when hens lay and hatch eggs in the spring.
“You have certified the problem and given them a solution,” Herrst said of the town’s letter to WDFW.
Herrst added that he believes the flock count is “way underestimated” at 30.
Suzanne Perin, executive director of the Shafer Historical Museum on Castle Avenue, said in a letter to the council that the turkeys roost and forage on museum grounds, leave droppings everywhere and destroy plantings. She supported the council’s action.
Wild turkeys, which Herrst described as “an invasive species,” are common in the valley. They inhabit Twisp as well.
The town now is awaiting a response from WDFW.
In other business, the council agreed to explore purchasing a new street sweeper to replace the current machine, which needs repair.
Public Works Director Jake Gates told the council that he had explored various options, including repair of the existing sweeper at a cost of about $19,000; hiring someone to sweep Riverside Avenue for about $15,000; renting a machine for $4,250 a week; leasing one for about $80,000 a year; or buying one (described in promotional material as a “recirculating air pavement cleaner”) for about $150,000.
Asked if Winthrop could borrow Twisp’s street sweeper, Gates said he was told by Twisp Public Works Director Andrew Denham that the town’s machine could not be driven the eight miles to Winthrop.
Gates recommended the purchase option as his first choice. He said a vendor he contacted has one “ready to go.”
Gates said the existing sweeper is drivable, but the sweeper motor is inoperative. He said repair is a “Plan B” option, but it’s uncertain how long the repair would last. The machine is a 2017 model that was purchased as surplus from a larger town, Gates said.
“We would use it a lot,” Gates said.
Mayor Robert Grim asked Town Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Gaines to investigate possible funding options in the town’s operating budget. Gaines said the money can’t come from the town’s street fund, which is solely dedicated to repairs and improvements and doesn’t cover equipment purchases.
Applications open for council vacancy
Applications are being accepted to fill the Winthrop Town Council vacancy created by the recent resignation of Sophia Boesenberg. Applications will be accepted until Thursday (Feb. 26). The council may interview candidates and make an appointment at its March 4 meeting. Applicants must reside in the town limits. Contact Town Hall at (509) 996-2320 for information or email winthropclerk@townofwinthrop.com.
As of the council’s Feb. 18 meeting, there had been no applicants.
