The Pacific Lamprey Geocaching Series will teach you some interesting facts about the Chehalis River Basin and the Pacific Lamprey found there. The Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), relatively unknown and often underappreciated, is a declining species of fish that is a critical contributor to the fresh and saltwater ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. These fish are also an important food and cultural resource for many Native American tribes. Threats to Pacific Lamprey include dams, stream degradation, poor water quality, and impacts of climate change. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to restore Pacific Lamprey populations in collaboration with Native American tribes and other federal, state, and local agencies.
While there were pathtags for the first 75 cachers to complete the series, the real reward is learning more about the Pacific Lamprey, the Chehalis Basin, and the conservation entities working to restore these and other fish and wildlife populations. We hope that through this series you will develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for these “forgotten fish.”
What is the Pacific Lamprey Geocaching Series? - It is a series of six mystery caches located throughout the Chehalis River Basin. Solve the puzzles for these 6 caches, and then enjoy finding the cache at each location.
How to solve the puzzle and find the cache:
- There are two questions below, one for North coordinates and one for West coordinates.
- Use the provided web links to get the correct answer for each question.
- For the actual cache location use the coordinates given behind the correct answers.
- Find the cache using these coordinates and the hint.
- Park at the coordinates given below as a waypoint.
North coordinates question: Pacific Lamprey are: (for answer, visit link)
- Catadromous (reproduces in salt water, spends part of their life in fresh water) = N 46° 56.658
- Anadromous (reproduces in fresh water, spends part of their life in salt water) = N 46° 56.574
- Riverine or fluvial (lives entire life in freshwater rivers) = N 46° 56.551
- Lacustrine or adfluvial (lives entire life in freshwater lakes) = N 46° 56.629
West coordinates question: Washington Department of Natural Resources with other conservation entities has worked to restore habitat within and around Preachers Slough, part of the tidally influenced Chehalis River Surge Plain. How many acres are in the surge plain which is so critical for fish, wildlife and plant populations? (for answer, visit link)
- 1,957 acres = W 123° 39.139
- 2,276 acres = W 123° 39.312
- 2,805 acres = W 123° 39.274
- 3,018 acres = W 123° 39.196
To learn more about how scientists conduct lamprey surveys to determine habitat requirements for this unique species, please watch this video link.
