The Butte County Fish and Game Commission held its quarterly meeting on Monday night in Chico. Agenda items included a warden's report; which was a doozy. Instead of just Butte County's local DFG Lt. Sam Castillo, a large part of the Glenn County and Butte County warden squads, as seen on the National Geographic Channel's TV series "Wild Justice" showed up.

Now nationally-known figures; wardens Mike Beals [Willows], Steve Martignoni [Orland], Jack Olsen [Hamilton City], Gene Weckman [Oroville FERC area], and Mark Imsdahl [Oroville] were present, as were several other scientific and technical support personnel.
"We see the Wild Justice program as beneficial", noted Castillo. "It gives the public a new perspective on what we do, and really elevates their knowledge. It is also beneficial for recruitment of new wardens."

Local DFG wildlife biologist Henry Lomeli reported that a deer was recently radio-collared near Buck's Lake, and then went downhill and swam across Lake Oroville, and spent the winter near the parking lot for North Table Mountain.

Lomeli also said that the exotic introduced lice species damalinia is infesting deer along the river, and is causing a lot of mangy deer, with some mortality ramifications.

Problems with nuisance bear, deer, and especially wild pigs continue to be a growing problem around Butte County. Currently, the California black bear population is estimated to be in the vicinity of 35,000 to 50,000, and all-time historic high. The commissioners approved a $1200 expenditure for Lomeli to attend the western states black bear conference in Idaho.

Lomeli also reported that Ord Bend Bridge will be undergoing a seismic retrofit, and the launch ramp there will be closed from May to July. There is currently no plan to create a temporary ramp there.