arrowwood wetland management district
TRANSCRIPT
ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Pingree, North Dakota
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM
REVIEW AND APPROVALS
ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Pingree, North Dakota
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ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
INTRODUCTION
The Arrowwood Wetland Management District {WMD) is located in east central North Dakota and includes Stutsman, Foster, Eddy and Wells counties. The WMD consists of 150 Waterfowl Production Areas totalling 36,583 acres, 967 individual wetland easements protecting 70,200 wetland acres, 4 Garrison Diversion Unit Wildlife Management Areas totalling 3,040 acres, and 21 FmHA conservation Easements covering 12,541 acres. Halfway Lake and Johnson Lake, two easement refuges, are administered through the WMD.
The District is characterized by the Missouri Coteau on the west and drift prairie to the east. There is very little native prairie left in the district. Most of the grasslands are either tame grasses or seeded natives. With the development of the CRP program, large tracts have been put back into cover with many of these acres planted to a DNC mixture. Unfortunately, the full wildlife potential of these acres has not been realized as a result of extensive haying during the drought years of 1988 and 1990. With the return of good water conditions the wildlife potential of CRP acres is tremendous. In Stutsman County alone, over 125,000 acres have been placed in the CRP Program. Many of these acres are in the coteau where good wetland complexes still exist.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. HIGHLIGHTS
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title 2 2. Easements 3 3 . Other 5
D. PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 2. Management Plan Nothing to Report 3. Public Participation Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates 6 5. Research and Investigation 6
E. ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel 2. Funding 3. Safety 4. Technical Assistance 5. Other Items ....
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General 12 2 i Wetlands 3. Woodlands .......... Nothing to Report 4. Croplands 13 5. Grasslands 14 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing 14 8. Haying 15 9. Fire Management 15 10. Pest Control 18 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring 20
G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity 21 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 22 3. Waterfowl 23 4. Marsh and Water Birds 27 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 2'8 6. Raptors 28 7. Other Migratory Birds .' * 29
8 1 1 1 1 1 1
Nothing to Report
9. 1 0 1 1 1 2 13 14 15 1 6 17
1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6. 7 . 8. 9. 10 1 1 12 13 14 15 1 6 17 1 8 19 2 0 2 1
Game Mammals 2 9 Marine Mammals Nothing to Report Other Resident Wildlife 30 Fishery Resources 31 Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report Surplus Animal Disposal .......... Nothing to Report Scientific Collections Nothing to Report Animal Control 31 Marking and Banding Nothing to Report Disease Prevention and Control 32
H. PUBLIC USE
General 33 Outdoor Classrooms - Students 33 Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report Interpretive Tour Routes ... Nothing to Reoprt Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 35 Other Interpretive Programs Nothing to Report Hunting 35 Fishing 35 Trapping 36 Wildlife Observation ..... Nothing to Report Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation .... Nothing to Report Camping Nothing to Report Picnicking Nothing to Report Off-Road Vehicling 36 Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . Nothing to Report Law Enforcement 37 Youth Programs ... Nothing to Report Cooperating Associations . Nothing to Report Concessions Nothing to Report Volunteer Program .... Nothing to Report
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES i
New Construction 37 Rehabilitation Nothing to Report Major Maintenance Nothing to Report Equipment Utilization & Replacement 38 Communications Systems Nothing to Report Computer Systems 39 Other Nothing to Report
J. OTHER ITEMS
Cooperative Programs 39 Items of Interest Nothing to Report Credits 42
K. FEEDBACK
EASEMENT REFUGES
Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge Halfway Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. HIGHLIGHTS
Martin Brockman EQD March 2 to fill the Biological Technician position.
Extension Technician Kevin Scheidecker transferred to the Chase Lake Prairie Project in October. This position has been eliminated.
Arrowwood Complex received funding and hired a three person fire crew to implement a fuels reduction program and begin much needed habitat improvement. Over 2800 acres were burned.
For the fifth year, winter precipitation and spring runoff were virtually non-existent. The rains during the growing season were slightly above normal, but did little to recharge wetlands. Once again we have entered the winter with little topsoil moisture. The habitat picture for waterfowl in the WMD is extremely bleak.
A 3,013 acre tract in Stutsman County and a 320 acre tract in Wells County wers purchased.
A 627 acre FmHA tract was transferred to the Service in Stutsman County.
Grassland easement of 520 acres was acquired in Stutsman County, one of only three purchased in the state.
One public hearing for a potential fee acquisition was held in the District. A positive recommendation was forwarded to the Governor's office.
Proposed DU island at Stink Lake was cancelled due to slow permit approvals and an early thaw. But by the end of the year the project was added to the FY 1993 construction schedule.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The winter of 1991-1992 was extremely dry. Total precipitation for the December/February period was .58 inches with normal precipitation for the same period 1,28 inches. Scattered showers fell, but rainfall amounts varied widely. Near average precipitation during the growing season enhanced grass growth and produced abundant crop results, but did little to recharge wetlands already suffering from three years of drought. July and August rainfall amounts were more than 50% below average. Although September moisture was nearly 50% above normal this was followed by an average fall and mild winter. Once again no wetland recharge was accomplished.
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Weather data is taken from the weather station at Arrowwood NWR headquarters.
Weather data for Arrowwood NWR, 1992.
Precipitation (in. ) 1992 Average
Temperature ( F ) Max. Min. Average
January .49 .41 4 7 -21 23 . 6 February .17 .46 58 -16 21 . 1 March .53 .68 62 6 32 . 9 Apr i 1 . 19 1 .52 91 9 43 . 3 May 1.55 2 .37 89 30 53.4 June 2.49 3.44 87 30 65 . 3 July 3.36 2. 76 86 40 68.2 August 1 .40 2.52 94 31 68.3 September 3.01 1 .88 85 19 60.4 October 0.00 1 . 32 93 10 45.8 November 1.27 . 59 44 2 31 . 1 December . 32 .41 41 -23 14.3
TOTALS 14 . 78 18.36
AVERAGE 73 10 43.9
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title
Two tracts were acquired and a third tract was transferred from the FmHA inventory in the Arrowwood WMD in 1992. A 3,013 acre tract, Stutsman County #554, was purchased form the Aetna Life Insurance Company, in Stutsman County in January 1992. This tract is located adjacent to the Chase Lake NWR and contains 364 acres of wetland habitat, 2,014 acres of native prairie, 502 acres of tame hay and 133 acres of cropland. In July, a 320 acre tract was acquired in Wells County. The Kost WPA, Wells # 241, contains 88 acres of wetland habitat, 103 acres of CRP grass, 15 acres of hayland and 114 acres of cropland. Mr. Kost was given agricultural rights through September 1993 as a condition of the sale. Two temporary wetlands will be restored the fall of 1993, for a total of 3.2 acres. The Zimmerman WPA, a 627 acre tract, was transferred to the Service from the FmHA inventory in September. This tract consists of 38 wetlands for 102 acres of wetland habitat, of which 16 wetlands for 22.25 acres were restored in November, and all the upland enrolled in CRP. In addition to the 16 restored wetlands three rock piles were buried. Additional work scheduled for 1993
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includes removal/cleanup of an old farmstead, burial of additional junk piles, several more restorations and four proposed creations.
In addition, three other proposed acquisitions were worked on throughout the year. Two small tracts, 3.94 acres in Foster County and 8.91 acres in Griggs County, both formerly Burlington Northern ROW across existing WPAs, were proposed for acquisition in late 1991. After public hearings in both counties, both County Commissions recommended to the Governor to deny the sale to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The Governor upheld this decision. The denial was based on the fact that not one local person spoke up in favor of., the acquisition, many opposed the sale, and a complaint that vehicle access to launch a boat would be restricted. One local citizen was interested in purchasing the tracts to provide himself personal access to the WPAs. The current landowner said he would not sell these tracts to anyone except the FWS. After receiving a letter from our Bismarck Realty Office in December 1991, requesting the Governor to reconsider his denial on the two small tracts, the Governor approved the sale in a letter dated December 8, 1992.
The third tract was a proposed 320 acre tract in Eddy County. The landowner had purchased the full section of land several years ago with plans of selling the El/2, A public hearing was held in February 1992, with the County Commission recommending to the Governor to deny the sale. The main objection to this sale was the fact the FWS already owns 2000 acres in the township. This proposed acquisition is now the landowner's responsibility to convince the Commission to change their mind. By years end no additional progress was made.
In 1992, only one acquisition proposal was submitted to the Bismarck Realty Office, a 400 acre tract in Wells County. We recommended No Purchase unless additional lands could be acquired to roundout the large Type IV wetland.
The current status of fee title lands in the Arrowwood WMD:
County Number of Units Acres
Eddy 19 4 , 658 Foster 9 1,475 Stutsman 92 27,278 Wells 33 7,662
TOTALS 153 41 ,073
2. Easements
No wetland easements were taken in the WMD in 1992. Two easement acquisition proposals were submitted, one in *Stutsman County and
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one in Wells County. Several other tracts were inspected, but were judged not to be suitable and no acquisition worksheets were submitted.
In 1992, 38 easement permits were issued for such activities as burning, dugout construction and push-up island construction.
One grassland easement, the first for the WMD, was acquired in Stutsman County, Stutsman #558G,1. This tract contains 520 acres and is located within the core area of the Chase Lake Prairie Project.
The current status of wetland easement lands in the Arrowwood WMD:
County Number of Easements Wetland Acres
Eddy 194 11,721 Foster 118 6,654 Stutsman 455 39,462 Wells 203 12,884
TOTALS £70 70,721
Twenty-one FmHA conservation easements covering 12,541 acres have been transferred to the WMD to date. Eight of these properties, for a total of 3,296 acres, have been sold. Although the FWS functions as the easement manager on all conservation easements, only those with a recorded deed are actively managed. Drained wetlands are restored, buffer areas are marked and seeded to grass and the easements are appropriately signed.
Special use permits are issued for activities restricted by the easement on all properties. The majority of the wetland basins have been marked on the sold properties. All FmHA easements were checked for easement compliance during our regular easement surveillance flights. No violations were observed. Only three easement permits were issued for activities on FmHA easements.
3. Other
Four WDA%s, GDU mitigation tracts, in the Arrowwood WMD have been turned over to the FWS for management.
Unit Name County Wetland Acres Upland Acres Total Acres
Pipestone Pony Gulch Indian Hills Hawks Nest
TOTALS
Wells Wells Wells Stutsman
43 91
360 172
9 4 0* 3
667.6
113 148
1359 763
2384 . 9
157.5 240.0
1719.7 935 . 3
3052.5
* 13.3 acres are flowage easement. In November 1990, a 87.77 acre flowage easement was purchased on the Indian Hills WDA. This easement allowed for the complete restoration of four additional wetlands. A fifth wetland was restored by altering the dike location for an additional 0.5 acres restored. The five newly restored wetlands totalled 13.3 acres of wetland habitat on the unit,
These units have large areas of restored wetlands and were purchased as part of the mitigation package for the Garrison Diversion Unit.
Restored/Created Wetland Acreage on Garrison WDA's:
Unit Type I Type III Type IV TOTAL
Pipestone . 6 2.4 40.6 43 . 6 Pony Gulch 0 0 0 0 Indian Hills 5.9 125. 7 5.3 136.9 Hawks Nest 3.8 37.4 45.0 86.2
TOTAL 10.3 165.5 90.9 266. 7
The Pony Gulch unit was purchased in 1974 and is one of the original tracts purchased in or adjacent to Garrison Diversion Unit project features for wildlife mitigation. *This tract did not
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contain any restorable wetlands because it was acquired under the earliest version of the wildlife plan.
D. PLANNING
4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates
An Environmental Assessment was written for the ROW permit on the Henne WP-A, Stutsman County #54 and Alfred WPA, Stutsman County #243, for a US West Communicatons 12 fiber optic buried line alone Hiway #46. No mitigation was required.
An Environmental Assessment was written for the ROW permit on the Weber WPA, Wells County #93, to upgrade the gravel road for pavement along the north boundary of the WPA. This road upgrade project requires the purchase of additional ROW in Wells and Sheridan Counties. No wetlands on the WPA or under easement will be impacted in Wells County. All impacts in Sheridan County will be handled through the Audubon Complex office. All impacted private wetlands will be mitigated on site with a proposed overall increase in wetland acreage of 2.54 acres for the total project.
5. Research and Investigations
A. Arrowwood WMD NR 92 - "Hydrological Relationship for Groundwater and Surface Water to the Limnology of Prairie Wetlands," Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Unit - T.C. Winter and G. A. Swanson.
This long term study of 20 wetlands on the Eddy WPA (Stuts. 13) continued in 1992. The impacts of wetland drainage and land use practices on the hydro logic relationship of these wTet lands is an important part of this study.
Monitoring of test wells and instrument packages on selected wetlands were primary study activities in 1992. Most study wetlands were dry by mid-summer.
B. Arrowwood WMD NR 92 - "Effectiveness of Time-Integrated Invertebrate Sampling Devices." Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Unit - N. H. Euliss and D. Mushet.
The sampling devices are two-foot lengths of two-inch diameter PVC pipe with various size openings at one end that are installed in the substrate of the wetlands to collect invertebrate remains as they settle out of the water column. Fifteen WPAs in Stutsman County were used in the study.
C. Arrowwood WMD NR 92 - "Survival Estimates and Causes of Mortality for Mallard and Gadwall Broods on the Walsh WPA. " Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Unit - P. J. Pietz and G. Krapu.
During the 1992 waterfowl breeding season, four nest searches were made inside the predator exclosure at the Walsh WPA in Stutsman County. A total of 38 duck nests were found, 32 of which hatched. Twelve gadwall and 4 mallard hens were captured on nests, radio-marked and released inside the exclosure. Thirty-seven ducklings from 11 gadwall broods and 38 ducklings from 11 mallard broods were radio-marked. Fifty-four radio-marked ducklings were recovered. Predatipn mortalities were attributed to mink (4), fox (4), Swainson's hawk (2), long-tailed weasel (1), unknown hawk (1), unknown bird (1), and unknown predator (25 - probably mostly mink). Other causes of mortality included exposure (5), drowning (1), and unknown (7). Four radio-marked gadwall ducklings and 1 radio-marked mallard duckling are known to have fledged. The high duckling mortality in 1992 was linked to the general lack of water. On the entire 20-km2 study area, only three wetland basins held water, one of these was on the Walsh WPA. Twenty-five of the duckling mortalities occurred on this pond; 20 of the 25 mortalities appeared to be caused by predation. Lack of water also resulted in unusually long movements of broods, including one each to the Courtenay sewage lagoon (7 miles) and ArrowTwood NWR (7 miles ) .
D. Arrowwood WMD NR 92 - "Bird Use and Nest Success in Conservation Reserve Program Fields in the Northeastern Great Plains." Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Unit - R. R. Koford.
This study will estimate breeding densities of songbirds and upland nesting shorebirds in CRP fields, idle grasslands on WPA's and cropland fields in vicinity of study area fields. Nesting success on CRP fields will be compared to WPA fields and rates of brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird on songbirds will be estimated on both CRP and WPA fields. This study is being conducted in Stutsman County, ND and Stevens and Pope Counties, MN. After two years of data collection the following summarizes the preliminary results: (1) nine species of songbirds were fairly common in the grassland study fields; (2) few birds were seen in cropland; (3) Estimated rate of nest success for songbirds that nest on or near the ground was 26% in 1991 and 27% in 1992, in ND the nest success in CRP was 38% while only 19% on WPAs; just the opposite occurred in MN with 10% in CRP and 44% success on WPAs; (4) estimated nest success of ducks was 25% overall, with 31% in CRP fields and 19% in WPA fields, with nest success higher in ND than MN; and (5) overall rate of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds on ground-nesting songbirds was 20% with rates lower in CRP fields than WPA fields. One interesting finding was that all blackbird nests were found in ND CRP fields.
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel
Paul Van Ningen, Refuge Manager, transferred to Long Lake as the new Project Leader in April.
Steve Kresl transferred from Sullys Hill NGP to fill the Manager position at Chase Lake Prairie Project in August.
Mary Beth Schuchard transferred to Chase Lake Prairie Project as Office Automation Clerk in November to replace Kathy Van Ningen.
Martin Brockman was hired as Refuge Biological Technician in February.
Marvae Harrington was hired as a temporary Clerk-Typist during Mary Beth Schuchard's maternity leave.
Kevin Scheidecker, Extension Technician, transferred to the Chase Lake Prairie Project in October. This position has been eliminated.
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Permanent
1. Darold T. Walls, Project Leader, GM-13 PFT 2. Paul C. Van Ningen, Supervisory ROPS, GS-11 PFT transferred to
Long Lake NWR 4/92 3. Paulette Scherr, Supervisory ROPS, GS-9 PFT 4. Carmen Luna, ROPS, GS-7 PFT 5. Mary K. Liberda, Refuge Assistant, GS-7 PFT 6. Mary Beth Schuchard, Clerk/Typist, GS-3 PFT transferred to
Chase Lake Prairie Project 11/92 7. Jerald H. Wolsky, Eng. Equip. Oper, Training Leader, WL-10 PFT 8. James R. Somsen, Maintenance Worker, WG-8 PFT 9. Doris D. Messmer, Tractor Operator, WG-6 PPT 10. Martin Brockman, Biological Technician, GS-5 PFT, EOD 2/92
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Temporary Staff
1. Kevin Scheidecker, Biological Technician (private lands), GS-5, INT NTE 1 year, transferred to Chase Lake Prairie Project on 10/92.
2. Richard Madson, Range Technician, GS-5. 3. Chad Prosser, Range Technician, GS-4. 4. Lee Blaschke, Range Technician, GS-4. 5. Marvae Harrington, Clerk Typist, GS-2, 6/18-8/18. 6. Collin Stangeland, YCC Work Leader, INT NTE 180 days, EOD
6/92. 7. Tom Neys, YCC Enrollee 8. Ryan Somsen, YCC Enrollee 9. Chad McDonald, YCC Enrollee
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WMD Staff
PFT Temporary
FY 92 3 .1* 1 l [private lands) FY 91 3 . 1* 1 i [private Lands) FY 90 3 . 1* 1 1 [private lands) FY 89 2 . 1 . 6 FY 88 2 . 1 . 6
* The WMD staff consists of two PFT employees with the remainder shared within the Arrowwood Complex.
2. Funding
Funding is not broken down by individual substations within the Complex. Totals for the past five years were:
Year Available Funds
FY-92 $ 851,200 FY-91 , 804,100 FY-90 832,100 FY-89 681,000 FY-88 748,601
3. Safety
There were no lost time accidents in 1992.
Defensive driving and safety films are shown as they are received. Monthly safety meetings covering a variety of topics were held throughout the year.
Other safety training included attendance of ND Better Boating Course put on by ND Game and Fish Department personnel, Basic Fire Management Training, S-130 and S-190, in Jamestown by the fire crew; ATV safety training at Kulm WMD, Low Level Flight Safety Training, and purchase of safety equipment for pesticide spraying, carcass disposal, eye and ear protection for equipment operators and LE personnel. Also, rear window guards and tailgate ramps for ATV and equipment loading were purchased for refuge trucks.
4. Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance was provided to National Audubon Society Alkali Lake Sanctuary. Arrowwood staff delivered 20 flax bales for placement on Alkali Lake. One additional fiberglass nesting tub
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was donated for a total of 15 tubs. We also provided several large feed bales that were used as winter food for deer and pheasants. In August, 150 acres of native prairie were prescribe burned on the sanctuary.
Lighting backfire for prescribe burn on Alkali Lake Sanctuary. (CRL)
Technical ass istance was provided on several township road pFojects. In most cases easement wetlands were not involved. Where easements were involved the Townships decided to avoid all impacts to easement wetlands rather than try to mitigate those impacts.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General
All of our habitat management efforts are directed at maintaining cover in the best possible condition. Prescribed fire, grazing and haying are the tools that we use for habitat manipulation. Many old DNC fields are becoming weed infested. The legumes have just about disappeared from their stands and they are nowhere near as vigorous as they once were. These stands need to be broken out, farmed and reseeded to establish vigorous grass stands. This is an excellent time to rejuvenate our lands because of the large areas of CRP grass throughout the WMD.
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The 153 WPAs in the WMD are made up of approximately 13,520 acres of native grass, 12,730 acres of tamegrass and 13,432 wetland acres in 1,700 wetlands.. There are also about 275 acres of woodland.
2. Wetlands
The drought continued into 1992, Although spring precipitation was near average, virtually no runoff resulted. This left most wetlands in poor condition entering the waterfowl breeding season. Localized rains throughout the growing season did little to recharge^or maintain basins. Most wetlands, including many semi-permanents were dry by late summer. Many of the larger lakes in the WMD had very low water levels with large areas of mudflats showing up throughout the summer and into the fall .
4. Croplands
Farming on WPAs is done with primary emphasis on establishing good seedbeds for planting nesting cover. Land farmed is usually former Class III or better cropland. In the past most tamegrass renovation was accomplished by breaking out the old grass, cropping for several years -and reseeding to DNC. The drought has drastically affected the success of recent seedings such that few seeddowns are planned until the drought cycle has broken.
A total of 876 acres were under cultivation in 1992 in the Arrowwood WMD. Of this total, 160 acres were summer fallowed on three units.
Ninety-five acres were farmed on the Ackerson WPA as part of a leafy spurge control program. The governments share was large bales of unharvested grain. These are used as winter feed throughout the WMD. Eventually, we plan to seed this field back to grass and "control" the leafy spurge with goats.
Seventy acres of the Thiesen WPA and 40 acres on the Koenig WPA in Stutsman County were cooperatively farmed. Our share was large round bales of unharvested small grains.
In preparation for a 1993 grass seeding 27 acres on the Gaier WPA was summer fallowed.
Four WPAs were farmed in Wells County. A total of 101 acres were seeded to DNC on two Wells County units. On the Faul WPA 110 acres were farmed with our share taken in unharvested grain bales. Eighty-one acres of DNC were seeded on the Faul WPA with an additional 216 acres cooperatively farmed, with our share taken in unharvested grain bales and 113 acres summer fallowed. Both of these units were purchased as part of the Crystal Lake drain agreement.
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Eighty acres on the Pohlman WPA and 65 acres on the Bibow WPA were part of the Patuxent WRC chemical study. Due to the extremely dry conditions this study has been cancelled. These fields were seeded to forage crops in 1990 and 1991 to eliminate chemical use and the cooperators received the entire crop. In 1992 20 acres on the Bibow WPA was seeded to DNC with an additional 105 acres cooperatively farmed and 20 acres summer fallowed. The 80 acre field on the Pohlman WPA was cooperatively farmed. Our share was bales of unharvested grain bales.
The 18 acre field on the Walsh WPA in Stutsman County that had previously been farmed force account, followed by two failed DNC seedings, was in summer fallow in 1990 and 1991 and through the 1992 growing season. This field received a dormant seeding of DNC in late fal1.
5. Grasslands
There are four grassland cover types in the Arrowwood WMD: native grassland, seeded natives, DNC, and other tame grasses/legumes. The farming program is used to rotate tame and DNC fields with croplands. The grazing and burning program is used to invigorate and rejuvenate natives, DNC, tame and go-back, while suppressing certain tame grasses such as brome, Kentucky blue, and certain noxious weeds. Haying is used to remove excess litter and for noxious weed control.
7. Graz ing
The current drought conditions have allowed us a greater opportunity to expand grazing on WPAs. Many producers were facing the prospect of having to sell their livestock if suitable pasture wasn't available. A number of units were suitable for grazing in 1992. Lack of water was the major reason that these units were not grazed. In addition, very few units have existing fences. All grazing permittees are compensated for activities necessary to accomplish the grazing such as boundary fence construction and maintenance, digging stock ponds and hauling water.
The Whipple-Fritchie WPA grazing system in Wells County has been used since 1990. This system was designed to include the 400 acres of ND Game and Fish Game Management Area {GMA) land, which is located between the two WPAs. Preliminary discussions with the GMA biologist look promising for inclusion in the 1993 grazing system. In addition, we plan to cross fence each of the existing four units.
Three Stutsman County units were grazed for noxious weed control', namely leafy spurge. Three hundred and seventy five acres were grazed with sheep or goats with an approximate*total of 300 AUM'S.
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Four units were grazed in the district for grassland management using cattle this year.
County Number of Units Area Grazed AUM*s
Eddy 0 0 0 Foster 1 160 9 7.5 Stutsman 1 175 136 . 5 Wells 2 385 234.2
TOTAL 4 720 468.2
8. Haying
WPA grasslands often are managed by haying to reduce litter accumulation, stimulate new grass growth, or control weeds. Thirty-four permits for haying were issued in the WMD in 1992. Majority of the hay was released for weed control. The breakdown is as follows:
County ,# of Permits Acres Hayed
Eddy Foster Stutsman Wells
TOTAL
1 3
23 7
34
25 120
1 ,083 363
1 , 591
Small weed areas on several units were mowed force account.
SUP's were issued to 15 adjacent landowner for ROW mowing on 15 WPA and WDA's in Wells County, for compliance with county and township rules, which vary by township.
9. Fire Management
Fire money was provided to hire three Range Technicians as members of a fuels reduction prescribe burn crew for the Arrowwood Complex. The burn crew attended S-130 and S-190 Basic and Prescribed Fire training in Jamestown May 5-7. Thirty-two prescribe burn plans were submitted to the Regional Fire Coordinator for approval for the burning of over 6000 acres.
2300 acres on 14 WPAs were prescribed burned in 1992. (CRL )
From April 9 through October 1, 18 prescribe burns were conducted in the Arrowwood WMD and NWR for a total of 2863 acres. Below is a list by county for the WMD:
FOSTER COUNTY ACRES Zink WPA 120 Florhaug WPA 70 Barlow WPA 285
SUBTOTAL 475
STUTSMAN COUNTY Mount Moriah WPA 640 Siebart WPA 97 Alkali Lake Sanctuary 150 Walsh WPA 95 Tomkins WPA 50 Boelke WPA 70 Moon Lake WPA 55 Thiesen Marsh WPA 25 Stirton WPA 182 Winberg WPA 60 Barnes Lake WPA 100
SUBTOTAL 1,524
WELLS COUNTY Bjertness WPA 314
SUBTOTAL 314
WMD TOTAL 2,313
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Mount Moriah WPA prior to burn. Previous burn attempts usually resulted in escaped wildfires. (CRL )
Mount Moriah WPA
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10. Pest Control
The battle to control/manage leafy spurge in the WMD continues. The problem continues to grow, both on the ground and politically. Two of the counties in the WMD, Stutsman and Wells, have weed officers who are extremely diligent in their leafy spurge control efforts. They seem to know the location of every leafy spurge plant on every WPA in the county and we are continuously reminded that those plants are out there.
In 1990 we abandoned our policy of spraying only the spurge that was within 100 yards of WPA boundaries. This policy had accomplished three things. First, we angered our neighbors; second, we angered the weed board, county commissioners, township officers, and, finally, we allowed patches on the interior of our lands to spread for three years. We initially had proposed to spray spurge once in the spring and once in the fall with two quarts of 2,4-D/acre. It soon became obvious that this was not feasible due to the lack of peoplepower. For the past three years, we have attempted to spray once in the spring/early summer with two pints of 2,4-D/acre and followup on all complaints.
The breakdown of leafy spurge sites that were treated are as follows:
County Number of Unit Acres Sprayed
Eddy Foster Stutsman Wells
Total
2 3
19 4
2 8
134 8 0
206 127
547
In addition 36 acres were sprayed on two units for control of Canada thistle and wormwood.
Three units in Stutsman County were grazed for leafy spurge control. No fee was charged. Cooperators are responsible for fence maintenance/construction, hauling water if necessary and road ROW mowing.
The Tompkins WPA, a 160 acre unit in Stutsman County with approximately 100 acres of spurge, was treated with sheep. Initial treatment began in late May 1990. In 1991 and 1992, five sheep producers combined herds to ensure adequate control of spurge. No plants were observed going to seed. Future grazing agreements will be adjusted to attempt to leave cover, but ensure spurge control.
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The Ackerson WPA, a 320 acre unit in Stutsman County, was treated with cultivation and grazing. Approximately one-half of the 160 acres of tame grass is infested with spurge. We are very fortunate to be able to work with a very cooperative permittee. He understands our waterfowl management goals and looks forward to working out the proper stocking rate of Angora goats needed to keep the spurge under control yet allow for maximum grass production. This year Denny Ova alternated his goats between the two pastures to ensure control of the spurge with very little grass consumption.
Ackerson WPA - plenty of grass after three months of grazing with goats. (CRL )
The third leafy spurge grazing pasture is the Wiese WPA in Stutsman County. This is a 55 acre WPA 100 percent infested with spurge. This unit has been grazed with goats the past three years. No spurge plants were observed going to seed. Plans for 1993 are to work out a stocking rate which will provide for some cover.
Arrowwood WMD, in cooperation with the Wells County Weed Board and North Dakota Department of Agriculture, established a field insectary site for the control of leafy spurge. This site is located on the east side of Wells County #2, Bjertness WPA. In early July 1000 root boring flea beetles, Aphthona nigriscutis, were released on site. Prior to the release the WPA was burned to help increase seedling germination.
Bjertness WPA, Wells County, site of flea beetle release. (MB)
In 1992, seven 'complaints' were received regarding weeds on 10 units throughout the district. Many of these 'complaints' were courtesy calls informing us of weed infestations before they go to seed, as I requested from adjacent landowners and weed board members. All complaints were field reviewed immediately and appropriate control measures taken. All but three units were Canada thistle infestations in dried or drying basins.
Two units in Wells County were watched very closely for grasshopper problems. The Ehni WPA, Wells #231, which was sprayed in 1990 with Sevin and treated with Semaspore in 1991, was holding 15-20 nymphs per square yard in early July. By mid- July grasshopper numbers decreased to tow hoppers per square yard. The second unit, Schindler WPA, Wells #238, which required treatment with Semaspore in 1991, was also checked in early July, but no significant numbers were observed.
13 . WPA Easement Monitoring
Only two fill violations were found in the Arrowwood WMD in 1992. Twenty-one staff days and $5,863 were spent flying, checking files, ground checking, conducting landowner contacts, writing letters and making compliance checks. Three scraper ditches and one fill violation carried over from 1991.
' 21
The table below shows a summary of the past six years of easement monitoring.
Easement Monitoring - 6 Year Summary
Field Station : ARROWWOOD WMD
FY Reporting Year S/B
Number of Easement Violations
PF B Open Total Staff-
Total Cases Costs* Days
1992 3 0 3 7 13 2 $5862.87 21
1991 5 1 3 31 40 4 $9082.00 50
1990 8 3 5 16 32 3 $7539.50 36
1989 1 1 ' 4 22 28 0 $6550.00 40
1988 0 0 0 42 42 0 $4000.00 20
1987 5 0 1 0 6 0 $3500.00 20
Both FY 1992 easement violations wTere brought into compliance by the end of the fiscal year. One fill from FY90 and one SD/fill from FY91 await compliance.
G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity
A diverse habitat base exists in the WMD. Native prairie, seeded natives and various mixes of tame grasses and legumes can be found. Excellent wetland complexes still exist, especially on the Missouri Coteau. Large areas of CRP have been established in the WMD and these have contributed to an increase in pheasants, partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and deer. Both non-game and game species are common in the WMD.
<
22
2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Bald eagles are visitors to the district during spring and fall migrations. The following observations were noted:
DATE NUMBER
1/8 1 immature 1/8 1 adult 2/10 1 immature 3/2 1 adult 3/20 1 adult 10/8 1 adult 10/27 1 adult 12/3 2 adults
A single adult Golden eagle was observed on Arrowwood NWR on 12/3 and 12/8.
In 1992, no piping plovers were observed on Stink Lake on the Crystal Springs WPA in Stutsman County. This lake remained dry throughout the year. Five plovers were observed in 1991 and eight individuals and two successful nests were observed in 1990. Plovers were not documented on this unit prior to 1990.
On June 26, the electric fence peninsula cut off at Lake Coe in Eddy County was searched for piping plovers. A total of 18 birds were observed. This included two adults and four young. Also, two nests were located, one with four eggs and one with two eggs. No followup visit was possible.
Piping plover nest on Lake Coe peninsula, Eddy County. (CRL)
23
On June 10, three pair of piping Chase Lake predato.r exclosure. small bowl nest bowl was noted.
plovers were observed inside the No nests were located, but one No followup visits were made.
3. Waterfowl
A. Spring Migration - 1992
On February 28, 1992 four Canada geese and 12 snow and blue geese were observed. The first flocks of mallards and pintails were seen in northeastern Stutsman County on March 1. Common merganser and common goldeneye were observed on March 3, blue-wing teal on the 13th, woodduck on the 16th and white-frented geese, ring-neck and ruddy ducks were seen on the 17th. Redheads were seen on the 21st, scaup on the 23rd, green-wing teal, widgeon and canvasback on the 25th, gadwall and shoveler on the 26th. A major snow goose movement took place between March 19 through April 2. Due to poor water conditions, most waterfowl continued their migration without stopping.
Most temporary wetlands were ice free on March 15.
B. Breeding Pairs and Waterfowl Production
In the Arrowwood WMD, 200 wetlands on 34 scattered four-square mile plots were counted. All data was forwarded to the Bismarck HAPET Office. Tables 1 and 2 show breeding pair densities and production, respectively, for the Arrowwood WMD based on four square mile counts and the Cowardin model.
C. Nest Structures
In late winter, 177 waterfowl nesting structures were checked for 1991 use and maintained on 26 WPAs. A total of 128 waterfowl nesting structures were checked on thirteen WPAs in the Arrowwood WMD in 1992. Only seven structures were used, six by Canada geese and one by mallards. All wetlands were virtually dry by August.
Dry conditions throughout the WMD contributed to the low occupancy rate, but there are other factors at work. Mallard populations are down, and we really don't know what long term changes have occurred in wetlands. Are WPA wetlands still as attractive as breeding sites? Has the invertebrate composition changed drastically due to chemical inputs from off service lands? Are vegetative changes having a negative impact? These are unknown factors which may or may not be having an impact.
" *
. 24 Table 1. Breeding Pairs for Five Dabbling Duck Species at Arrowwood Wetland Management
District, North Dakota 1989-1992.
SPECIES OWNERSHIP 1989 PAIRS
1990 1991 1992 1989 PAIRS/SQ.
1990 MILE
1991 1992
Mallard Easement Federal Private
7,043 1 ,350
24,926
5,760 1,490
21,022
1,246 245
8,483
4, 748 904
16,587
10.74 15.76 6.03
8.78 17.40 5.08
1 . 90 2.86 2.05
7.24 10.56 4.01
TOTAL 33 , 319 28,272 9,973 22,240 6.83 5.80 2.04 4.5*6
Gadwall Easement Federal Private
6,857 1,638
24,732
7,799 2,610
29,312
1 ,003 204
6,993
3,055 717
10,915
10.46 19.13 5 . 98
11.89 30.49 7.09
1 . 53 2.39 1.69
4.66 8.38 2 . 64
TOTAL 33,227 39,721 8,201 14,688 6.81 8.14 1 . 68 3.01
B-W Teal Easement Federal Private
11,111 1 ,852
38,922
6,545 1 ,426
23 , 507
851 164
5,722
3,202 539
11,058
16.94 21 . 63 9.41
9.98 16.66 5.68
1 . 30 1.92 1.38
4.88 6.29 2 . 67
TOTAL 51,885 31 ,478 6,737 14,799 10.64 6.45 1 . 38 3.03
Shoveler Easement Federal Private
2 , 247 480
8,024
1,110 . 327
4, 109
250 50
1,719
919 194
3,245
3.42 5.60 1.94
1 . 69 3.82 0.99
0.38 0.58 0.42
1.40 2.26 0. 78
TOTAL 10,752 5,546 2,018 4,358 2 . 20 1 . 14 0.41 0.89
Pintail Easement Federal Private
989 165
3 , 466
301 66
1 ,081
170 33
1 , 141
985 166
3,403
1 .51 1.93 0.84
0.46 0.77 0.26
0.26 0.38 0.28
1.50 1 . 94 0.82
TOTAL 4,620 1 ,447 1 , 347 4,553 0.95 0.30 0.28 0.93
o
25 Table 2. Recruits Produced for Five Dabbling Duck Species at Arrowwood Wetland
Management District, North Dakota, 1989-1992.
S P E C I E S 1 O W N E R S H I P 1 9 8 9 P R O D U C T I O N
1 9 9 0 1 9 9 1 1 9 9 2 Y O U N G / S Q U A R E M I L E
1 9 8 9 1 9 9 0 1 9 9 1 1 9 9 2
M a i 1 a r d E a s e m e n t F e d e r a l P r i v a t e
3 , 8 3 2 8 2 9
1 5 , 1 0 9
3 , 1 0 1 8 6 7
1 0 , 8 2 9
8 5 9 8 1
3 , 5 4 7
8 5 9 8 1
3 , 5 4 7
5 . 8 4 9 . 6 8 3 . 6 5
4 . 7 3 1 0 . 1 3
2 . 6 2
1 . 3 1 0 . 9 4 0 . 8 6
1 . 3 1 0 . 9 4 0 . 8 6
T O T A L 1 9 , 7 7 0 1 4 , 7 9 7 4 , 4 8 7 4 , 4 8 7 4 . 0 5 3 . 0 3 0 . 9 2 0 . 9 2
G a d w a l 1 E a s e m e n t F e d e r a l P r i v a t e
5 , 9 9 6 1 , 1 7 3
2 5 , 3 8 6
6 , 6 7 6 1 , 8 2 1
2 5 , 5 8 1
1 , 0 5 1 7 0
4 , 9 9 2
1 , 0 5 1 7 0
4 , 9 9 2
9 . 1 4 1 3 . 6 9
6 . 1 4
1 0 . 1 8 2 1 . 2 7
6 . 1 8
1 . 6 0 0 . 8 1 1 . 2 1
1 . 6 0 0 . 8 1 1 . 2 1
T O T A L 3 2 , 5 5 5 3 4 , 0 7 8 6 , 1 1 2 6 , 1 1 2 6 . 6 7 6 . 9 9 1 . 2 5 1 . 2 5
B - W T e a l E a s e m e n t F e d e r a l P r i v a t e
8 , 7 5 2 1 , 1 4 1
3 7 , 0 9 6
4 , 9 6 2 8 5 0
1 9 , 3 0 7
7 5 6 4 5
3 , 9 1 7
7 5 6 4 5
3 , 9 1 7
1 3 . 3 5 1 3 . 3 3
8 . 9 7
7 . 5 7 9 . 9 3 4 . 6 7
1 . 1 5 0 . 5 2 0 . 9 5
1 . 1 5 0 . 5 2 0 . 9 5
T O T A L 4 6 , 9 8 9 2 5 , 1 1 9 4 , 7 1 8 4 , 7 1 8 9 . 6 3 5 . 1 5 0 . 9 7 0 . 9 7
S h o v e l e r E a s e m e n t F e d e r a l P r i v a t e
2 , 0 0 6 3 1 6
8 , 3 3 7
1 , 0 0 1 2 1 0 ^
3 , 6 8 9
2 8 7 1 1
1 , 3 1 5
2 8 7 1 1
1 , 3 1 5
3 . 0 6 3 . 6 9 2 . 0 2
1 . 5 3 2 . 4 6 0 . 8 9
0 . 4 4 0 . 1 3 0 . 3 2
0 . 4 4 0 . 1 3 0 . 3 2
T O T A L 1 0 , 6 5 9 4 , 9 0 1 1 , 6 1 3 1 , 6 1 3 2 . 1 9 1 . 0 0 0 . 3 3 0 . 3 3
P i n t a i 1 E a s e m e n t F e d e r a l P r i v a t e ,
4 6 0 5 5
1 , 9 1 3
1 3 3 2 1
5 1 9
8 7 5
4 6 3
8 7 5
4 6 3
0 . 7 0 0 . 6 4 0 . 4 6
0 . 2 0 0 . 2 4 0 . 1 3
0 . 1 3 0 . 0 5 0 . 1 1
0 . 1 3 | 0 . 0 5 0 . 1 1 |
T O T A L 2 , 4 2 8 6 7 3 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 . 5 0 0 . 1 4 0 . 1 1 0 . 1 1
26
D. Fence Exclosures, Islands and Peninsula Cut-offs
Due to the continued drought, only the Thiesen WPA fence exclosure has been maintained, turned on and predator controlled. In 1992, nine waterfowl nests were located.
Two peninsula cut-offs were predator controlled and searched for nesting waterfowl, A total of 44 nests, of which three were successful Canada geese, were located on Lake Coe peninsula in Eddy County and 19 nests on the Hall peninsula in Wells County. Two Wilson'S"phalarope nest were also located on the Hall peninsula. One nest was successful.
No island searches were conducted in 1992 as all wetlands with islands were dry.
Below is a summary of nest search findings:
UNIT # NESTS USEABLE NESTS SUCCESSFUL MAYFIELD
THIESEN WPA
9' 9 8 80 . 5
LAKE COE PENINSULA
41 37 25 52 . 3
HALL PENINSULA
19 13 5 12.9
TOTAL 69 59 38 46.0
E. Fall Migration - 1992
Water conditions in the WMD in the fall of 1992 were very poor. Despite higher than normal precipitation in September and average amounts in October and November, virtually all seasonal and many semi-permanent wetlands remained dry. Temperatures were quite moderate throughout the period.
Scattered flocks of small Canada geese and a few snow geese were present in the WMD for the opening of goose season. In localized areas, ducks appeared to be fairly plentiful opening weekend of duck season. Those with water consistently held birds. Overall, very few wetlands had water and hunting pressure was very light throughout the season.
27
Scattered flocks of geese were observed throughout the WMD. (PRS)
Most area wetlands,, what few there were, froze up in early-November. Scattered flocks of Canada Geese and mallards, as well as a few snow geese, remained right to the end.
4. Marsh and Water Birds
Fair numbers of greater and lesser sandhill cranes could be found in the western part of the WMD during spring and fall migrations. The first crane sighting was on March 29 . Western Stutsman and southwestern Wells counties are used very heavily by cranes in the fall .
White pelicans were first observed on April 5, tundra swans on April 16 and great blue herons on April 13, White pelicans and double-crested cormorants from the breeding colonies at Chase Lake NWR are seen frequently feeding in wetlands in the WMD.
Western grebes were observed on April 28. When water levels are suitable in the WMD, large nesting colonies of eared-grebes can be found on the Mud Lake and Cleveland Slough WPA' s in Stutsman County. Unfortunately, low water levels since 1990 prevented the establishment of these colonies.
Soras, Virginia rails, pied-billed grebes, American bitterns, great blue herons, and black-crowned night herons nest in the WMD, although not in any substantial numbers. These species are observed fairly frequently throughout the WMD.
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5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
Numerous species -of shorebirds use the WMD during the spring and fall migration. Low water levels exposed large areas of mud flats, creating excellent shorebird habitat throughout the WMD.
Willets were observed on April 15 and marbled godw-its on April 19. Willets, marbled godwits, upland sandpipers, and Wilson's phalaropes nest in the WMD. These species prefer open native prairie with grasses that are fairly short. Common snipe and greater and lesser yellowlegs can be seen throughout the WMD w7ith snipe being a relatively common breeding species. Killdeer and American avocets are very common breeding species. Nesting avocets are encountered quite often on nesting islands. Nesting records and observations are not consistently recorded.
American Avocet nest found on Lake Coe peninsula in Eddy County. (KS)
Franklin's gulls and black terns have nested in the WMD, but low-water levels have eliminated many of the nesting sites of these species. California and ring-billed gulls also nest in the WMD. The first returning herring gulls were observed on March 16; California gulls returned on April 5. Black terns were first sighted on May 27.
6. Raptors
Red-tailed hawks, Swainson's hawks, northern harriers, American kestrels and great-horned owls are common ne*sting species in the
29
WMD. Ferruginous hawks and short-eared ovrls nest in the WMD, but are not considered common.
Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks are seen occasionally in the WMD, as are goshawks and prairie falcons. A goshawk was observed near Woodworth on February 23. An occasional peregrine falcon is also observed. Even more infrequent are observations of burrowTing owls.
7. Other Migratory Birds
Red-wing* blackbirds returned on March 9, cedar waxwings and meadowlarks on the 12th, robins on the 15th, bobolinks on the 17th and mourning doves on the 29th. Common flickers and grackles were observed on April 6, mountain bluebirds on the 15th and purple martins on the 16th.
Other first sightings recorded were chestnut-collared longspurs on May 8, American goldfinches, yellow warblers and house wrens on the 22nd and northern orioles on the 27th.
Two mourning dove survey routes were censused in the WMD. One route is in Foster/Wells Counties (Carrington) , and one is in Wells/Sheridan Counties (Harvey).
Results of the Mourning Dove call counts are listed below:
Year # Individuals HARVEY CARRINGTON
1982 47 54 1983 67 22 1984 37 27 1985 v 72 48 1986 44 40 1987 46 52 1988 68 78 1989 57 77 1990 57 69 1991 76 76 1992 20 45
8. Game Mammals
A. Large Mammals
White-tailed deer are common throughout the WMD. No surveys have been conducted during the past three years because of the lack of snow cover. General observations indicate th*at the deer herd in
f
30
the district is thriving. Does with triplets are not uncommon and most animals are in extraordinary condition.
The large amount of CRP in the district has had a significant effect on the deer herd. Many animals are now wintering on CRP acres and it appears, from general observations, that fewer deer are wintering in traditional areas. Accurate censusing of the deer herd has become more difficult and establishing the proper number of licenses for the deer season is also more complicated.
CRP also provides large areas of escape cover. North Dakota deer hunters generally want to shoot big trophy bucks. The CRP acres provide a place where bucks can effectively avoid hunters. Some CRP acres are difficult to walk through because of the thick cover and some hunters don't want to make the effort.
Occasional moose sightings are reported for the WMD but, no special effort is made to verify these sightings as they are not that uncommon.
B. Small Mammals
Red fox, raccoon, ,and striped skunk, the three major nest predators, are common throughout the WMD. Coyotes are increasing in some areas and badgers and mink are also fairly common.
Muskrats are down significantly as a result of the drought. When the water returns the rats will be back. Beaver numbers are also down.
Thirteen-lined, Richardson's and Franklin's ground squirrels are also found in the WMD, Franklin's are important nest predators. They remove eggs from a nest one by one and are very efficient.
Short-tailed and least weasels, porcupines, cottontail and white-tailed jack rabbits are found throughout the WMD. Jack rabbit numbers have been suppressed for a number of years. The reason(s) for their low numbers are unclear.
10. Other Resident Wildlife
Hungarian (Gray) partridge and sharp-tailed grouse are common in the WMD with grouse populations higher in the western part of the district. It appears that the combination of several mild winters and large areas of CRP have had a very positive impact on these species. The numbers of both appeared to be up significantly in the past couple of falls.
The ring-necked pheasant has also benefitted tremendously from the CRP program and from an aggressive winter feeding project conducted
31
by the Stutsman County Wildlife Federation. The Federation has contracted with local landowners for food plots and have placed feed bales in many.areas of the county. As a result, the pheasant population in Stutsman County has increased significantly.
11. Fisheries Resources
There are two fee title fisheries in the WMD. A portion of the shoreline of Barnes Lake in Stutsman County is owned in fee title. The lake itself is a meandered body of water. The walleye fishery in this Take has been excellent for the past several years. A good northern pike fishery also exists in the lake and an occasional jumbo yellow perch is also caught. The lake level has been dropping steadily for the past three years as a result of no spring runoff and below normal precipitation. Winter and/or summerkill is a very real possibility unless water levels improve.
No fish were stocked in Barnes Lake by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department during the last three years.
The second fishery is located in west central Wells County on the Crystal Lake WPA. This 30.8 AF reservoir was inherited when the WPA was purchased. Local residents from the Hurdsfield and Harvey area were encountered fishing the reservoir in 1992. According to these fishermen this reservoir once was a fair perch fishery. Unfortunately, like most manmade lakes in the state, the bullheads have taken over. This doesn't seem to bother the locals.
1 5. Animal Control
Blackbird depredation complaints are received regularly in the late summer and fall. These are referred to USDA for action. As part of the North Dakota private lands extension program that is now in place, we can work with private landowners to reduce suitable blackbird roosting sites in cattail choked wetlands. See section J. 1 .
Predator control activities in the WMD were down considerably from previous years. Traps were set on three areas, Thiesen WPA electric exclosure fence in northwest Stutsman County, Hall peninsula cutoff in Wells County and Lake Coe peninsula cutoff. The two peninsula cutoffs were contracted out to local landowners through the WHO office in Bismarck. Nest searches were conducted on all three areas. No records were available on the numbers and species removed.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) office was contacted regarding livestock depredations near several fee owned lands. Mark Zaun, local APHIS trapper, requested a permit to trap coyotes on the Tompkins WPA,' Stutsman #20b an*d Hawks Nest WDA in
f
32
Stutsman County and Indian Hills WDA in Wells County. The cooperative grazers on the Tompkins WPA lost over 50 head of sheep before APHIS was called in to help. Two coyotes, three fox and two skunks were trapped or snared off the WPA.
Three coyotes were shot from the Indian Hill WDA using fixed wing aircraft. Two coyotes, one skunk and one badger were taken with snares or traps on the Hawks Nest WDA. Both WDAs were within a large area of coyote depredation complaints.
Early snow in late October followed by colder temperatures prompted the onslaught of deer depredation complaints. Majority of the complaints were handled out of the Chase Lake office in conjunction with the ND Game and Fish Dept. Approximately 50 complaints were received which required three weeks of stafftime. Over 1000 bushels of corn and 50 feed bales were distributed to 18 landowners. These eighteen sites were holding approximately 2325 deer. In Stutsman County, where we have received most of the past complaints, the efforts of the Stutsman County Wildlife Federation in establishing food plots and placing out feed bales has most certainly contributed to a reduction in deer depredation activities. The services share of the Cooperative Farm Program, unharvested grain bales, were distributed to WPA's and private fields where large .populations of deer and upland game were observed.
Although there were excellent crops in many areas of the district last year, we did not receive any waterfowl depredation complaints. Depressed waterfowl populations and the scarcity of water combined to virtually eliminate this potential problem.
17. Disease Prevention and Control
Several WPAs in the WMD are traditional botulism problem areas. All of the wetlands with a history of botulism outbreaks have been dry sincel990.
On July 21, 1992 a suspected disease die-off, possibly Newcastle's, was observed on the Chase Lake NWR island. A total of 3,479 birds were picked up and burned with 45% pelicans, of which 99% were young of the year, and 52% gulls. Eleven specimens were sent to the Madison Health lab for necropsy. Only one specimen, a cormorant, tested positive for Newcastle Disease. The other ten specimens were all diagnosed as dieing from emaciation - or starvation. Madison Health lab's final statement was that the virus existed on the island, but that the die-off can not be related to the virus. The die-off was probably a function of the severe drought, reducing the forage base for the birds. The cleanup was a cooperative effort with the ND Game and Fish Department", Fish and Wildlife Enhancement in Bismarck and the Arrowwood Complex.
Attempts to mow the vegetation to assist with carcass removal proved futile.
33
Newcastle disease is spread primarily through feces and is extremely contagious. All necessary precautions were taken. {TMP)
34
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General
North Dakota is a rural state and the people that live here are accustomed to seeing wildlife wherever they go on a regular basis. Most North Dakotans do not make a conscious effort to go out and observe wildlife because they take it for granted. There is very little wjldlife observation activity on WPAs that involves local people/' Non-residents are a different story altogether. We do have a fair number of birders that visit the district and most of them are very knowledgeable and have several species that they are interested in locating. People from the heavily populated areas of the east and west coast are very pleased with the amount and variety of wildlife that exists here and they take full advantage of all the opportunities to observe wildlife. It is very gratifying to meet people who are so enthusiastic about going out to observe and photograph wildlife. That is non-consumptive use at its best.
2. Outdoor Classroom - Students
In September, the Foster County Soil Conservation District sponsored a Conservation Day for 100 Carrington third and fourth graders. Kevin Scheidecker represented Arrowwood Refuge and cpvered the topic of wildlife adaptations. Other topics covered included soils, water quality, grasses and trees. These topics were handled by staff from the Forest Service, ND Game and Fish Department, NDSU Extension and the Foster County SCD. The day was planned for outdoors on the refuge but because of heavy rains, the presentations were moved indoors at Carrington.
In October, two school groups were given presentations and tours on the refuge. The Sykeston school district sent the third grade and a senior high zoology class. The tour was conducted by Carmen Luna and Kevin Scheidecker followed by a presentation about birds and their habitats. The second group was the third grade class from Carrington for their annual field trip. Carmen Luna conducted a guided tour of the refuge auto tour route and Kevin Scheidecker a guided tour of the hiking trail wTith emphasizes on waterfowl.
3 5
6- Interpretive Kxhibits/Dpmnnstratinn^
The Crystal Springs rest area on 1-94 in western Stutsman County receives heavy use and the interpretive exhibit that we have
summer tourist Reason T ̂ 1'000 ViSitS * -th -e
hlvTat rthender iWay+ t0 the interpretive display that we addTt 1 +es S y constructing a kiosk, pergola, adding =f=^H0na+-ln Ve raaterials' establishing a display area of
eded native grasses and reroute the access trail to make it handicap, accessible. Hopefully, this upgrade will be done in conjunction with the Department of Transportations' (DOT) Landscape the^SS proJect at ̂ he Rest Area. Funding has been secured through upgrade of0them' agrees to cover the costs of the reroute and natfvf a access trail in return for the establishment of the
' W.lthln the Rest Area. In addition, DOT is a cond^t a.pU"Plng Stati°a on site f°r irrigation purposes. As to ? ft t 0 permit the Service has the right to use the pump Bids sfo^HPhrafytWe ynuS 0n the WPA duri"S periods of low water. April! ln February with construction beginning in late
8. Hunt ing
Waterfowl Production Areas in the WMD are used by upland game, waterfowl, and big game hunters.
Opening weekends generally see the heaviest use although during the
e^Le^s^asr.011 ^ PreSSUre conti— throughout' the
Non-resident hunters often come to North Dakota with little or no allit^of! COnc^ninS trespass laws, with no local contacts and quite often with no idea of where to hunt. These folks utilize tri! dery ,eavily alnd often the success or failure of their hunting trip depends upon how many WPAs they can locate.
9. Fishing
e!!dew lLiake in ,Stuts"an County is a popular fishing spot with a "all<:ya and northern fishery. The North Dakota Game and Fish
Department has constructed a boat ramp on the west side of the lake
for ice ?e h V T 8 the summer' The lake is also popular northerns up ̂ o h d t0 fOUr, POUnd walleyes are common and norLnerns up to lo pounds are taken.
F:!̂ 0̂ 1 g?ntlfm®n were observed fishing for bullheads on the Faul Reservoir located on the Crystal Lake WPA in Wells County. An agreement has been made with'the Wells County Commission to'grade
36
the mile long section line trail several times per year to provide access to this reservoir. In addition, a designated parking area will be constructed.
Local resident fishing the Paul Reservoir on Crystal Lake WPA. (CRL)
10. Trapping
Waterfowl Production Areas are open for public trapping in accordance with state regulations. No special permits are needed. Interest in trapping has diminished considerably in the past several years. Low fur prices have certainly had a major impact on the trapping effort. Some of the old die-hards are still trapping, but they are definitely in the minority. The furbearer populatio ns throughout the WMD are quite high and they are having a significant impact on ground nesting birds. In some areas red fox are at record high levels. More trappers and a stronger trapping effort could play a beneficial role in reducing the number of mammalian nest predators. It doesn't appear that fur prices will be increasing any time soon and the trapping effort on WPAs will, in all likelihood, remain low.
15. Off-Road Vehicling
Unauthorized use of motor vehicles on WPAs is a problem that never seems to end and is almost unsolvable without intensive law enforcement efforts. On very rare occasions, when we observe someone driving on a WPA, we issue a citation, but the odds of
*
37
apprehending someone are very minute. Signs, fences, and news releases all seem to do little good. Persons from all walks of life in all terrain vehicles, cars and pickups can be guilty parties. It is an unfortunate situation that won't be easily solved and we will just have to deal with it as best we can.
17. Law Enforcement
LE patrols are conducted during the waterfowl, upland game and big game seasons. During the opening weekends all LE officers are in the field and at least one officer works during the remaining weekends. If hunting pressure picks up during the season, additional staff conduct patrols.
Citations issued in the WMD during 1991.
Date Violation Case Disposition
10/3 Shooting early. $100.00 bond paid
11/6 Off road vehicle travel $ 50.00 bond paid
The following cases were referred to the appropriate State Game Warden:
- Taking of pheasants out of season (2) - Hunting on posted land without permission and shooting of a hen pheasant (juvenile)
- Unplugged shotgun - Lead shot (4-juveniles ) - Wild turkey poaching - Loaded firearm in vehicle (2)
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction
Two six-stall pole barn garages were constructed, one at Complex headquarters and one at the Woodworth Station. All site preparation, framing and sheet metal work were completed by the maintenance staff with assistance from the fire crew, refuge YCC crew and other complex staff.
The Arrowwood headquarters conference room was converted into four-office spaces.
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4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement
A loader bucket and rotary mower were purchased for the John Deere 4040.
A 1979 IHC 4X4 2-ton truck with utility body and 800 gallon tank was purchased from BIFC. Two new one inch hoses with reels, a gasoline engine pump and a foaming unit were installed on this truck.
Jim Somsen and the new fire truck. {CRL)
A new Chevrolet 1 ton 4X4 was received and outfitted with a 300 gallon tank, engine and 1 inch hose and reel.
Foaming units were installed on all three 300 gallon pumper units in the complex.
Two utility trailers for hauling ATV's or equipment were purchased.
A new Konica 2590 copier was purchased for the ArrowTwood Office.
A terra torch unit for prescribed burning was purchased. A trailer for hauling the unit was designed and purchased from a local res ident.
A terra torch training and demonstration session was conducted in January. (CRL )
6. Computer Systems
Several new pieces of computer equipment were purchased in 1992:
- One Goldstar 486 computer with monitor, keyboard and associate software, and Epson LQ-1070 printer.
- Two Notebook Computer 486 laptop computers with software. - One Fujitsu printer. - One Color monitor for a Zenith laptop computer.
D-fBase/Dos training in Jamestown was attended by nine staff members of Arrowwood Complex.
Word Perfect training in Bismarck was attended by staff from the Arrowwood and Chase Lake offices.
J. OTHER ITEMS
1, Cooperative Programs
Private Lands Program
1992 saw the addition of a new extension biological technician in the district. Kevin Scheidecker came on board in late December of 1991 and started making contacts immediately by meeting with several personnel from the local SCS and ASCS offices. Also, in an attempt to find potential wetland restorations, letters outlining the private lands program were sent to CRP enrollees in surrounding counties.
As spring arrived, Kevin met with many potential cooperators and spent the majority of his time surveying for wetland restorations and creations. Preliminary surveying was done on 15 potential projects resulting in only three signed agreements for wetland projects. Often times, good potential projects do not meet the minimum required standards once the surveying has been completed.
Work also continued on five wetland projects in the Valley City WMD. These projects were obligated in 1991, but awaited permit issuance. By the close of 1992, these five projects still have not been accemplished. Once permits were issued the only contractor interested in bidding on the projects was not available. A new contractor has been hired with these five projects as a high priority.
With each potential project comes a blizzard of paperwork. For a typical wetland restoration, permits are often required from the Corp of Engineers, the State Water Commission and the County Water Board. Turn around time on these permits can run as long as six months thereby creating such a large delay that the project may not be completed before freeze-up.
Forty-seven Wildlife Extension Agreements (WEA) were signed in the WMD in 1992. These WEAs include all projects within the Arrowwood WMD, including those completed by the Chase Lake Prairie Project Office staff. Only one wetland was restored for a total of ten acres and two one-half acre wetlands were created. The delay in the return of permits by the State Water Commission prevented us from completing the restoration of 38 wetland basins and the creation of six wetlands for a total of 97 and 25 acres, respect ively.
Other projects completed in the District include: cattail control (600 acres), idle land (340 acres), delayed haying (44 acres), nest structures, fall stubble (700 acres), island construction, sweetclover interseeding (369 acres) and grazing systems (2,480 acres ) .
Due to the backlog of projects and a vacancy at Chase Lake, Kevin was temporarily transferred to the Chase Lake Prairie Project Office in August. In October, the transfer became permanent with the Arrowwood WMD extension position being eliminated. All extension activities for the Arrowwood Complex will be handled out of the Chase Lake Office.
Wetland restoration in progress. (RLB)
Restored wetland holding water. (RLB)
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Farmbi11
The FWS continued to play an active role in the administration of the 1985 Food Security Act and the 1990 Food, Agricultural, Conservation and Trade Act. The Soil Conservation Service {SCS ) is required to consult with the FWS on many of the issues dealing with wetlands. 1992 saw a decrease in consultations between the FWS and county District Conservationists compared to the 1991 level. Cooperation between the two agencies improved considerably as ND bulletins were developed to help understand the Farmbill regulations and each agencies' responsibilities.
In 1992, District staff were involved in nine Minimal Effect (ME) Agreements in Stutsman County, reviewed two Converted Wetland -Nonagricultral (CWNA) agreements in Stutsman County; one for a landing strip and one for feedlot use; a CWNA in Wells County for a tree planting, and one Restoration Plan in Stutsman County for the restoration of a six acre drained wetland which was restored prior to a hydrological event, thus no loss of wetland values.
Three Wetland Impact Reports were sent to the respective ASCS offices. All three reports were easement violations. The two reports to Stutsman^ County ASCS were for easement violations discovered in the fall of 1990, but restoration had not been achieved to date. The third report was for a Wells County tree and root removal project. Restoration for the easement violation was completed within days of the landowner contact.
Paulette Scherr met with the Foster County SCS District Conservationist, Foster County Water Board Chairmen, and the engineer on the Carrington Creek Project in late December. The Water Board had appealed to the Washington Office for a Commenced Determination on the old drainage project. The appeal was denied. We met to discuss the options available. All cleanout within the Carrington Creek must now qualify for a ME determination or be mitigated. The Water Board Chairmen has set up a public hearing in early 1993 to discuss the options available to the landowners that are affected by periodic flooding on the Carrington Creek.
3. Credits
Kevin Scheidecker wrote the H.2, section and the Private Lands Program section under J.l. Paulette Scherr wrote the remainder and typed the narrative, Darold Walls edited the report.
Photo credits:
RLB - Rick Bohn CRL - Carmen Luna MB - Martin Brockman
PRS - Paulette Scherr KS - Kevin Scheidecker TMP - Tom Pabian
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JOHNSON LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,007 acre easement
refuge located 29 miles east of New Rockford in Eddy and Ne18011 counties of North Dakota. The Fish and Wildlife Service owns 4.5 acres and has perpetual flowage and refuge rights. These include restrictions on access, trapping, and hunting. An 800 acre Type 5 wetland is found on the area.
1971, management of the Nelson county portion of Johnson Lake was transferred from the Devils Lake WMD to the Arrowwood WMD. No special management problems have been encountered. The boundarie s are checked one© a year.
Snow geese, Canada geese, and tundra swans use the refuge during migration. Giant Canada geese also nest on the refuge.
Large numbers of white-tailed deer use the refuge during the winter.
The refuge is checked by WMD staff during the waterfowl and deer seasons, but visits during other times of the year are rare.
In 1992, a proposal for the restoration and enhancement of wetlands aMd uplands on the Johnson Lake NWR was submitted the Bismarck WHO office in response to the 1992 Easement Refuge Initiative. Almost $13,000 of potential projects were identified. No funds were allocated.
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HALFWAY LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Halfway Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 160 acre easement refuge located four miles south of Medina in Stutsman County, North Dakota. The Fish and Wildlife Service does not own any land or make any-'improvements on the refuge, but has an easement granting perpetual refuge rights. These rights include restrictions on access, hunting, and trapping. A Type 4 wetland of approximately 100 acres is located on the refuge and is used extensively by migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. The remainder of the refuge is native prairie.
No major problems have been encountered with the management of Halfway Lake. The boundary signs are checked once a year just prior to the waterfowl season.