Survey Summary: 2023 WRST Moose Survey
Miller S . 2025. Survey Summary: 2023 WRST Moose Survey. National Park Service. Anchorage, Alaska
The 2023 Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Moose Survey started on 11/14/2023 and ended on 11/30/2023. A total of 146 GSPE grids were surveyed for different age and composition of moose. Survey conditions were Good to Excellent at the beginning of the survey as cold temperatures (e.g. -30oF on 11/20/2023) created frost on the trees and shrubs making observations of moose easy. With snowy conditions stopping, temperatures warming, and wind that blew the frost from the trees and snow from southerly aspects, the quality of survey conditions deteriorated throughout the survey until it was finished on 11/30/2023. Conditions at the end of the survey were Fair to Good. The central portion of the survey area, the area west side of Mt. Drum to the south towards Cheshnina River, contained the most snow resulting in excellent survey conditions. A total of 4 aircraft assisted with the survey, including one PA-18 from the ADFG-Tok office, one PA-18 from the ADFG-Glennallen office, and 2 NPS vendor PA-18 aircraft. Approximately 125 hours of flight time (including ferry time) was needed to complete the 2023 moose survey.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Miller, Scott
- Date of Issue
- 2025-05-20
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CAKN , WRST
- Keywords
- Aerial Survey, alces, Central Alaska Network, Moose, Wrangell-St. Elias, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park And Preserve
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Mammals