CRAB ORCHARD NARRATIVE REPORTS JAMJARY-DECEMBER 1961 narrative Report Routing SHVJ
Mr. Balymv^
Mr. Crawford'4 Administrative Services O Miss Baud
Public Use ( Mr. IhMmt Mr, Kiibicbek Kr. Stollberg
Dr. Morley Mr. Hiekok ^ildj^ge^l^agOB^tit Mr. Baako Mr. Stiles Mr, Goldman
Refsjge CRAB ORCHARD Period September-December 1961 NARRAT IVE REPORT
September thru December, 1961
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH Alt) WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Creb Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Route 2 Carttrvllle, lllinoia CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
REFUGE STAFF
Administrative, Managerial and Technical
H. E. STILES PROJECT MANAGER W. D« CARTER REFUGE MANAGER G. H. HUNTER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT L. HOVELL REFUGE MANAGER L. B. SHEFFIELD PARK RANGER C. C. WINGARD ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN J. WILBRECHT ASSISTAm" REFUSE MANAGER-TRAINEE P, E. FERGUSON ASSISTANT PARK RANGER H. T. GUALDONI. . CLERK (TYPING) ESTHEL L. COX CLERK-STENOGRAPHER JOYCE A. TODD . . . • FISCAL ACCOUNTING CLERIC (STENOGRAPHY) MARY L. SHERERTZ CLERK-STENOGRAPHER ARLIE JACK STORE WEEPER (GENERAL) CLARK BAVIN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER GORDON TRIPP FIRE CONTROL AID
Construction, Operations and Maintenance
4. J. PICW\R FOREMAN, «IXED GANG W. E. ELLIOTT FOREMAN, SHOP R. L. BASLER FIREFIGHTER, SUPERVISORY E. C. HUNTER FOREMAN, OPERATING ENGINEER (STEAM) A. G. BOLES . . FOREMAN, MUNICIPAL UTILITIES (WATER & SEWER) W, T. CAMPBELL FOREMAN, LABORER F. L. NORTON FOREMAN, LABORER P. £• EASTWOOD FIREFIGHTER J. T. GIBBONS FIREFIGHTER W. E. WEBB FIREFIGHTER K. W. SUMMERS FIREFIGHTER H. L. DAVIS GUARD L. J. GASS GIARD 5. E. IRVIN GUARD H- L. SUMMERS GUARD C. B. ORANGE GUARD H. L, GARNER FIREMAN, STATIONARY BOILER C. L. FLORA FIREMAN, STATIONARY BOILER S. A. GLENSKI FIREMAN, STATIONARY BOILER R. H. HOWELL FIREMAN, STATIONARY BOILER H. E. BROWNING FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR J. C. COX FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR J• C, LILLICH FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR L. R. PARKS FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR W. R. WALLIN FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR
- Continued - REFUGE STAFF
H. P. BUTLER BUILDING REPAIRMAN J. C. CALCATERRA BUILDING REPAIRMAN C. L. DAVIS BUILDING REPAIRMAN W. C. HERRING OPERATOR GENERAL L. MORSE OPERATOR GENERAL R. D. TAYLOR OPERATOR GENERAL L. R. TIPPY OPERATOR GENERAL C. C. HOFFARD MECHANIC, AUTOMOTIVE R. E. GOLDSMITH MECHANIC, AUTOMOTIVE J. E. NELLY GARAGE SERVICEMAN J. W. BOOTH MA I NT E NANCE AAA N E. E. DARNELL MA I NTENANCEMAN J. R. RICE MA I NTENANCEMAN J. L. VENEGONI AAA I NTENANCEMAN D. P. ELLIOTT LABORER G. J. ELLIOTT LABORER T. GALINES LABORER J. H. MOORE LABORER A. SEBBEN LABORER W. J. STAGEY LABORER R. L. VENEGONI LABORER j
17 EMPLOYEES WAE - LABORERS
Devil's Kitchen Survey
G. W. DARLAND ENGINEER TECHNICIAN ROBERT NAGEL ENGINEER TECHNICIAN M. o. MCCARTHY ENGINEER AID FRANCIS FROST ENGINEER AID 2 EMPLOYEES WAE - LABORERS CONTENTS Page
I. General A. Weather Conditions 1 B. Habitat Conditions 2 1. Water 2 2, Food and Cover 3 II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds k B. Upland Game Birds 8 C. Big Game Animals 8 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals 9 E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows, Ravens, and Magpies H F. Other Birds 11 G. Fish 11 H. Reptiles , I. Disease 11
III. Refuge Development and Maintenance A. Physical Development 12 B. Plantings 13 C. Collections and Receipts 1^+ , D. Control of Vegetation ]k E. Planned Burning ]k F. Fires 1^
IV. Resource Management A. Grazing 14 B. Haying 15 C. Fur Harvest 15 D. Timber Removal. t 15 E. Commercial Fishing 15 F. Other Uses 15 V. Field Investigation or Applied Research A. Progress Report 16 K Deer Research 16 K. 2, Cannon Net Trap Cartridge 16 ^» 3. Waterfowl banding and trapping 16 E. VI. Public Relations A. Recreational Uses 18 B. Refuge Visitors 19 C. Refuge Participation 23 D. Hunting 27 E. Violations 27 F. Safety 27 AX XX]m9Q()«XRXKXt)e(iJ^b X»^X)©«a«0^)fepi©C xmsft*******, CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Page VII. Industrial Activities A. Water Use 13 B. Feci 1 i ty Act ivi ty, Development S- Mai ntenance 30 C. Industrial Lease Management 33 D. Lease Prospects 33
VIII. Other I terns A. Items of Interest 3^ B. Personnel...... 33 C. Photographs 36 D. Credits for this Report 36 E. Signature 37 N. R. Forms Appended I. GENERAL
A. Weather Conditions. Precipitation Max. Min. Snowfall This Month Normal Temp. Temp.
September 0.36 3.47 94° 37° October oM 4.01 35* 30° November 7.14 3.59 80 * 20° December 6.75 4.60 3.27 66° 5° Total 6.75 12.58 14.34 Extremes 94° 5° Annual Total 24.2 54.44 40.00
Rainfall for the period was I.76 inches below normal. September and October were very dry. This created very good harvest conditions and fire hazards. These conditions were changed the first of November when a one-inch rain fell. This was followed on November 3rd with 2.04 inches of rain.
The above table summarizes the weather data taken from Marion Veterans Hospital records, Marion, Illinois. Page 2
B. Habitat Conditions. 1. Water
Crab Orchard Lake - The level at the beginning of the period was 1,9 feet below the spillway level (405.00 feet). On September 6, the south valve was opened kk inches and the following day the middle valve was opened 2k Inches. This was done in an effort to establish waterfowl foods on mud flats and to prevent bank erosion. This was not done earlier in the period so that recreation would not be hampered until after Labor Day.
The valves were closed on September 15. At this time the level was 403.05 feet. Evaporation continued to drop the level until the end of October when the level was 402.40.
Then rains came and the water level continued to rise through November and December. The south valve was opened five inches on November 30.
The relatively sunny dry weather through September and October created a complaint by the local people. They felt that the water manipulation cut their summer water sports off, A committee met with Bureau Officials and presented the following points In a complaint:
(1) It was unfair to charge local governments for use of water when said water was wasted by "dumpi ng". (2) When the lake level was low the water intakes for various users were plugged with goose feathers. (3) Swimming and boating was not as good because of excess mud flats and exposed stumps.
Little Grassy Lake - There was no manipulation of the valves on this lake. The level was 0.5 feet below the spillway at the beginning of the period. Levels continued to drop through October, The November rains caused a gradual rise that continued into December, The highest reading was taken December 18 (500,28 feet or 0.28 feet above the spillway.
Devi Is Ki tchen Lake - Water levels in this lake followed the same pattern as Little Grassy Lake, Water levels dropped through September and October due to evaporation and raised in November. It reached spillway level (510.00 feet) December 4. On the 18th of December the level was 0.64 feet above spillway level. It then dropped until the end of the period. Page 3
2. Food and Cover The amount of food available for geese was considered very good this past fall. Two factors contributed to this condition. Primarily the record yields of corn and soy beans raised by permittee and refuge farming operations allowed a considerable amount of grain to remain in the fields as the refuge share. Consequent reduction early in the fall of normal goose use days on this food in the ^closed arean allowed the available food to "stretch" over a longer period of time. Goose use days prior to November 1 were almost 900,000 less than that of a year ago. By the end of November the geese had pretty well gleaned everything within reach in the cornfields. Soybean fields, as usual, were used first by arriving birds. However, the geese continued to utilize the bean fields through the end of the period, cleaning up shattered beans and utilizing avallable weed growth.
Browse conditions were poor during October due mainly to the below normal rainfall received during September and October, Above average rainfall during November helped the situation somewhat, but fescue pastures continued to provide the best available browse. "Skinner Bottom" (A-41) and a 13 acre field near refuge headquarters, which were put into corn by the refuge staff, remains virtually untouched at the end of December, This corn will be rolled down during January and February, as the need arises, to supplement available food that the birds are now seeking off the refuge. In that a record yield of corn is involved these fields should help our wintering goose population over the roughest part of the winter.
An experimental planting early in October of ten acres of Field Brome Grass on a newly cleared area of A-^l was a complete failure. Lack of sufficient moisture after planting was responsible for this. This recently introduced winter annual promises, however, to have definite possibilities for goose browse. Conditions permitting, investigations on the desirability of this plant will be continued. Page 4
An experimental seeding of perennial rye grass to about 15 acres of mud flats, exposed by the two foot drawdown of Crab Orchard Lake, provided some interesting information. The grass sprouted and grew best were broadcast on the most moist areas bordering the water's edge. In order to take advantage of this fact, broadcast seeding, either by hand or airplane, should "follow" the water out. In order to allow sufficient growth time after seeding , and_ prior to goose arrival, drawdown and subsequent planting should be accomplished much earlier
ttrerrTtre first part~of September as was done this year. v
As mentioned previously, the survival of grass planted near the water was good, however, even the best reached a length of only two inches and was quickly hammered by early migrants. Drawdown and seeding__in p-arlyAiiqn^t wnnlH alloxAf a sufTi c i en t g rowlnri period "and the development of lush mud-flat "pastures" for gOOse biuwse;
The drawdown had a negligible effect on the production of needle and spike rush (Eleochavis aciculavis and IE, pal ustr i s). Very little of the total mud-flat area had any growth of these plants. The stands which did get started were extremely poor both in density and total growth.
II. WILDLIFE
A. Mi gratory Bi rds.
1. Canada Geese
The fall migration of Canada Geese began on schedule when an increase in the resident flock of 35 birds was noted on September 22. This arrival date is pretty well in line with the last four years. From here on, however, the pattern changes considerably.
In contrast to last year's early build-up of 4000 by September 30th, we experienced no large build-up of similar proportions until well into October when 3270 geese were counted on October 13. Throughout October and well into November, no more than a "trickle" of birds, compared to I960, dropped into the refuge. Page 5
Whereby the peak population of Canadas was tallied at 66,000 on October 27, I960; it wasn't until December 8 of this year that our population peaked at 63,400. However, in contrast to other years, once the geese got here, they stayed longer. Normal population figures for December range from 15,000 to 30,000 birds, whereas the year our census numbered from 40,000 to 63,400 throughout December. At the close of the period our refuge population still numbered around 60,000 birds.
Undoubtedly mild weather conditions to the north of us was primarily responsible for this very slow buildup. Certainly the fact that the goose hunting season around the Horicon refuge in Wisconsin was unusually short again (11 days) allowed the birds to feed out and, quite literally, gave them no reason to push down into our country.
A comparison of goose use days on the refuge between I960 and 1961 shows that, prior to the hunting season, there were almost 900,000 more use days last year (I960) than this year (1961). When the population did begin to build up significantly during the first week of November (33,000), the birds found ideal food conditions awaiting in the "Closed Area". Little wonder that the goose hunters accused us of "feeding the geese to keep 'em in the refuge!" (See Summary of 1961 goose season at end of NR).
Total goose use days for the period was down 4.57o from last year, this again is attributable to the slow popula tion buiIdup.
The exposure of extensive mud-flats accomplished by the two foot drawdown of Crab Orchard Lake provided excellent loafing sites for the geese. As far as managing the refuge for Canada Geese, this is an excellent procedure which should be accomplished every fall. Not only are geese benefited through loafing sites, but the possibility of aerial seeding of mud-flats to provide additional early browse should not be overlooked.
Blue and Snow Geese
Blue and Snow geese were down considerably in peak population from 1,600 tn 1959, to 1,000 in I960, to 700 this year. Use-days for these birdsAcfropped 30.6% from last year (from 27,041 use-days to 18,109). Page 6
2. Ducks
This is the third straight year that the Mai lard population has been on the downgrade. From peak popula tions of 25,000 in 1959 and 12,000 in I960, we dropped to a peak of about 1,400 in 1961. This is an 88% decrease in peak population, resulting in a decrease of almost 82% use days for Mai lards from last year.
All dabblers showed similar high decrease in use- days and peak populations (see following tables) except Wood Ducks. This denizen of the flooded timber showed an increase of 273% use-days over last year. We attribute this to the increasing attractabi1ity of Devils Kitchen Lake.
The Divers which showed increases in use-days were: R i ngnecks which were up in peak numbers from 180 to 590 (228% increase) and a 32% increase in use-days,
Buffleheads peaked at 70 this year whereby 27 was high for I960. Small numbers were also involved with the Ruddy Duck population increase of 12270 in peak number from 90 to 200.
Greatest decline was in Redheads which dropped from peak of 90 to 10 this past fall. Days-use also declined drastically (89%) from 1,358 in I960 to 147 this year. Canvasback numbers fluctuated slightly, however, the small numbers involved (44 peak in I960 and 31 peak this year) are not significant. Lesser Scaup peak declined 45% (4,550 to 2,585) with subsequent drop in use-days of 56% (70,728 in I960 to 30,968 this period).
Merganser (especially Common Merganser) use continues to rise. Of the percentage of total duck use-days, this group rose from 14.5% in 1959, 18.7% in I960, to 43,5% this year, and first place in order of use,
A breakdown and comparison for years 1960-1961 appears in the accompanying tables.
3. Other Waterfowl
A Greater Scaup female and a White-Winged Scoter female were shot by hunters on Crab Orchard Lake this past season. UM-3 C
COMPARISON OF PEAK NUMBERS, PEAK DATES, AND TOTAL DAYS USE Refuge: Crab Orchard Period: September through December, 1961
: Peak Numbers :Per cent of Change Peak Dates* TOTAL DUCK DAYS USE :Per Cent of Change Species ! 19 60 t 19 61 jDecrease i Increase 19 60 J 19 61 19 60 8 1961 :Decrease slncrease : : • I • • : 71.932 Mallard : 12t000 i 1.435 1 11/11 : 11/10 391,636 : 81.6 : Black J Um i 505 ! 79.88.80 : 12/16 : 12/15 57,645 : 15,204 ! 73.6 : Gadwall i 75 ! 70 ! 6.7 ! 12/9 ! 10/27 1,848 : 1,505 18.6 : Baldpate i ! 500 i 102 ! 79.6 10/28 ' 11/10 16.107 : 5,054 68.6 t Pintail " 180 ! 44 ! 75.6 ! 11/10 9/29 8,533 : 1,568 81.6 : G.w.teal i 300 ! 92 ! 69.3 10/28 ' 11/10 9.660 : 1,918 80.2 : B.v.teal : 615 i 207 ! 66.3 ! 9/9 ' 9/15 15.^46 : 1,890 88.2 : Shoveller i 65 ! 21 J 67.7 12/15 1 9/15 1.638 553 66.2 : Wood duck s 71 J 200 ' ! 181.7 9/16 9/1 2.646 9,857 : : 272.5 Redhead i 90 1 ! 10 * 88.9 11/4 11/3 1.358 ! 147 f 89.2 : Ring-neck ! 180 i 590 ! 227.8 12/9 l 11/30 6,440 : 8,484 : 31.7 Canvasback i 44 31 ! 29.5 ll/H : 12/15 413 ! 511 : 23.7 L.scaup ! 4.650 1! 2.585 ' 44.4 11/4 ! 11/17 70,728 30,968 56.2 : Golden-eye i I 80 1 67 16.2 12/23 ' 12/29 1,631 : 896 45.1 : Bufflehead J t 27 i 70 ! 159.3 12/30 11/17 441 : 714 : 61.9 Rudd£ 90 200 122.2 11/4 ! 10/27 2.526 t 3.521 : 39.4 Mergansers ! 8.555 8.064 ! 5.7 12/30 ! 12/22 135,919 : 119,133 12.4 : Old squaw : : S coters 1 : ! 11/10 i 7 • Unident. i : : » • t : : • TOTALS , 30,022 j 14,294 . 52,4 725,151 t 273,862 : 62.2 : *Week ending.
Ccinments: Canada Goose 66,800 63,000 5.5 3 383,485 3,230,167 4.5 Richardson's 25 25 11/11 il^fo » 532 700 31.6 Snow Geese 400 100 75. 10/28 10/27 17,066 3,339 80.4 Blue Geese 600 600 10/28 11/3 27,041 18,109 30.0 Bar Headed Goose 0 1 12/22 0 14 White Front Goose 0 1 10/20 0 7 Coot s 1,100 375 65.9 11/12 10/27 24,612 6,888 72.0 UM-li
PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION BY SPECIES OF TOTAL DUCK DAY USE Refuge: Crab Orchard Period: September through December, 1961
Per cent of total duck day use 1^59 I9 60 : 19 61 Species : % of use : Order % of use : Order : % of use : Order ! ! • Mallard : 74.85 < 1 54.00 1 26.27 : 2 Black duck : 2.84 ! 4 7.94 4 5.55 : 4 Gadwall i .09 i 14 .25 ! 12 0.55 ! 12 Baldpate .28 7 2.22 5 1.84 ! 7 Pintail .13 ! 11 1.17 ! 8 0.57 i G.w.teal i .03 i 16 1.33 7 0.70 < u9 B.w.teal : .15 10 2.19 6 0.69 : 10 Shoveller .03 !' 17 0.22 13 0.20 : 15 Wood duck i .18 ! 9 ! .36 10 : 3.60 1 5 Redhead : .07 15 .18 15 0.05 I 17 Ring-neck 2.17 5 .88 9 3.10 6 Canvasback .10 13 ! .05 17 0.19 l 16 Lesser scaup 1 3.40 ' 3 i 9.75 ! 3 U.31 ! 3 Goldfen-eye ! .21 ' .22 14 0.33 ! 13 Bufflehead ! -12 12 5 .06 16 0.26 14 Ruddy ! -81 1 6 .34 11 1.29 ! 8 Mergansers ' 14.46 2 • 18.74 2 43.50 ! 1 Old squaw ! T ! 18 Scoters T ! 18
Ccunments: Page 7
A Bar-headed goose, native to India and Burma, was spotted with a group of Canada geese on December 17 by Wilbrecht, Positive Identification was obtained on December 23 by Rice and Wilbrecht while on Audubon Christmas Count when the bird was observed for about 15 minutes through a spotting scope. A bird of this species was observed for a number of weeks on the Horicon refuge in Wisconsin this past fall. We are assuming that this is the same bird that migrated with the Canadas to Crab Orchard.
One White-Fronted goose was observed with a large flock of Canadas on October 21.
4. Other Waterbi rds
Populations of these birds were near normal. Doub1e- cres ted Cormorants decreased in peak from 76 to 17. Little Blue Herons didn't show up in their usual numbers. There were slightly fewer Great Blue Herons present than last year, but Common Egrets increased from 162 last year to 217 this period. One migrating flock of 50 Black-crowned Night Herons was noted.
An unusual sighting of two Whi te Peli cans was made on October 20 by Wilbrecht. Both birds stayed with us until October 30 and thereafter only one remained until snow and ice drove the hardy individual south on December 5. These are the first records of White Pelicans on Crab Orchard since 1955 when 15 were sighted.
5. Shorebi rds
Drawdown of Crab Orchard Lake and subsequent exposure of mud-flats enhanced the refuge for the shorebirds. Only the Wi1 son's Phalarope was unusual in the species com position. Of the more common species, hundreds could be seen utilizing the ideal mud-flat habitat along the lake shore.
6- Mourniiihg Doves
Resident mourning dove populations remained about normal. As with last year, there was a considerable l£jig between departure of resident birds and arrival of migrants. Several large groups of doves were still observed well into December. Page 8
B. Upland Game Bi rds.
I. Bobwhi te Quai1
This is the second breeding season since the large scale die off of quail due to a snowstorm, occurred in the late spring of I960. Although the population has done well this past year, populations are still not up to desired or normal levels of late 1959. A tally of quail coveys sighted and numbers per covey along seven miles of the railroad was taken by Bob Rice, Certainly this is no accurate census of the "Closed Area" but nevertheless it is interesting and could become useful as an index if continued.
Date Number of Number of birds Total number • Coveys i n Covey of birds
10-16 k 1-3-35-13 52 10-17 0 0 0 10-18 2 18-8 26 10-19 4 11-9-16-10 46 10-20 4 9-14-20-16 59
Field trialers in the "Closed Area" report an increase in the number of coveys over last year. Hunters report spotty success. Generally, we'll have to report improve ment in the population, but still below normal.
2. WiId Turkey
No observations to report this period.
3• Ring-necked Pheasants
Of the known refuge population of five Pheasants, all are known to be escapees from the "gun" of field trials.
C. Big-Game Animals.
1. Whi te-ta jled Deer
From general observations of our whi te-tailed deer herd the population continues to increase. Q.uite literally, the animals constitute a traffic hazard within certain portions of the "Closed Area" during the late afternoon. An inattentive driver moving along Wolf Creek road about 5:00 PM might very well find a deer running into the side Page 9
of the vehicle, or hanging on the bumper. This is no exaggeration as road kills within the "Closed Area", on roads open to the public, continues to mount. Deer are so common that during November and December many bucks were observed actively in the "rut". Repro ductive capacity, based on numerous observations of twin fawns, is undoubtedly quite high.
An increasing number of complaints from permittee farmers about deer depredations on soybeans and corn substantiate the fact that the deer population may well be too large for the good of the herd, and the well- being of the Canada goose on this refuge. Increased hunting pressure and hunting success have succeeded in cropping about 200 animals on or near the open hunting portions of the refuge. As of the end of this period, we quite conservatively estimate the total refuge deer population at 1100 animals.
D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Other Mammals
1. Muskrat The muskrat population remains low due to the lack of acceptable habitat. Most animals present in farm ponds constitute a nuisance in that their burrowing into dikes requires some control measures.
2. Mink Several observations of mi nk and considerable sign indicates that this species is holding its own on the refuge,
3. Beaver It's been a long time since we've reported any Beaver sign on the refuge, but three areas of activity have been observed during this period. One colony is busy on Crab Orchard Creek below the spillway on the open area. Here they have constructed a dam and cut willow and River Birch for immediate and winter food which they have neatly stacked in the water near their bank den.
Two other workings have been seen in the "Closed Area". One is located on the upper and of Crab Orchard Creek and the other is on Little Wolf Creek near Ogden and Sneed Roads. Page 10
4. Racoon The racoon population remains very high. Numerous sightings and very abundant sign on the mud-flats surrounding the lake, coupled with increased depredation on bottom land corn, indicates that this fellow is becoming more abundant than desirable.
5. Opossum Population about normal, no unusual observations to report. 6. Striped Skunk
Uncommon. Seldom seen.
7. Red and Grey Fox Sightings on both species have increased, indicating they are becoming unusually abundant. Some "Control" measures may be instituted this winter.
8. Coyotes
No coyotes were observed this period.
9. Bobcat An unusual sighting of a bobcat, crossing in front of their vehicle near the spillway on Crab Orchard Lake, was reported by three reliable goose hunters. This observation occurred during the first part of December.
10. Fox and Grey Squirrel
Squirrel populations on both species are below normal. Occasional observations are mostly of Fox sgui rrels, whereby the more wily grey is seldom seen.
11. Cottontail Rabbit Earlier it looked like we were going to have an abundance of cottontai1s this fall. Many rabbits were observed on the refuge during early summer giving all indications of a return to normal. Hunters and field trialers, however, report the population as below average this fall. 12. Woodchuck Very abundant. Crop damage by woodchucks continues to increase - especially soybeans. Page 11
E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows
1. Crows are numerous and continue to dominate as the most abundant of this group.
2. Red-ta iled and sparrow hawks are common and most eas i1y observed.
3. Marsh, Cooper's and Red-Shouldered Hawks are seen occas ionally.
4. The Bald Eagle population is about the same as the past four years with immatures the more numerous. A high count of 11 Immatures and 2 Adults was obtained on November Zk, After this date the normal weekly population consisted of 6-7 Immatures and 1 Adult.
5. A Golden Eagle immature was slgnted on October 18 and again on December 22 by Wilbrecht. We are certain that the eagle population is feeding primarily on crippled and sick geese, however, one Immature Bald was seen diving and feeding on shad in Crab Orchard Lake.
F. Other Bi rds
The annual Audubon Christmas count yielded 61 species and 49,572 individuals. This compares favorably with last year when 62 species and 35,834 individuals were tallied. No other unusual observations to report for this period .
G. Fish Nothing unusual to report on fish. Crappie fishermen were out in force on some of the nice days of the duck season, much to the chagrin of duck hunters. Competition for decoy or fish space was keen in some bays. Duck hunters, being the more forceful, generally convinced the anglers to seek more fertile crappie beds. No casualties resulted. Fishermen are "chomping on the bit" for the January 1, 1962 opening at Devils Kitchen Lake. A survey run by the Fish Division, Illinois Conservation Department, is reviewed in Section V.
H. Pi sease As with last year, a few sick and weakened Canada geese were picked up beginning ON October 10. Examination showed definite crop impaction and very emmaciated breast muscles. Page 12
About this time a number of goose carcasses were noted along the lake shore line. Most of these were too deterior ated to determine cause of death, but some showed definite signs of crop impaction.
An attempt was made to collect about 3 to 5 of these sick birds in a single day in order to justify a shipment to Patuxent Research Refuge for observation and autopsy. In this we";were not successful as most birds died within hours of being captured.
It would be interesting to determine if the cause of crop impaction was due to lead poisoning, or to the birds inability to cope with a tremenduous amount of food stuffed into the esophagus. We have tended to believe that the availability of very dry soybeans may be the causative agent as these are the first fields the birds use on arrival. However, an examination of several crops showed some beans and other seeds, but a large amount of browse (grasses).
It is estimated that 100 birds died as a result of this disease. Last year 200 birds were estimated to have secumbed during a two week period. Although fewer geese were affected this year, we observed and picked up infected birds from October 10 to November 1.
III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
A. Physical Development 1. General Wildlife and Biological Development Clipped 300 acres of idle hayland for goose browse. — Checked and replaced where necessary, all boundary signs — Seeded 15 acres of mud flats to prennial rye grass. Checked and replaced all hunting area signs. — Manned fire tower 22 days. Conducted waterfowl census and Hunter Kill survey. 2, Soil and Moisture Development and Maintenance
— Completed clearing A-M, Completed drainage ditches in A-41. — Began complete renovation of A-13. — Repaired and seeded dike in A-27. -- Riprapped A-41 culvert and bridge. Page 13
3• Recreational Development and Maintenance
Cleanup of public areas and trash collection from quarters required 69 man days. — Mowing of public areas and road shoulders at Devils Kitchen required 55 man days. — Removed about 20 dead trees from heavy use areas. — Painted about 1500 feet of guard rail. — Painted 125 picnic tables. — Repaired 24 picnic tables. — Used about 10 tons of blackcrete for road repair. — Placed crushed rock under and around 70 picnic tables, Dumped 330 tons of salvaged riprap along eroding shore 1i ne. Installed 40 informational and regulatory signs at Devi 1s Ki tchen. — Constructed about 50 diversion ditches at Devils Kitchen to control road ditch erosion. Installed four supplementary culverts under roads at Devi 1s Ki tchen. — Started construction of new 60 car parking lot at Crab Orchard Beach and dumped 160 tons of salvaged rock on it. Constructed turn-around and launching ramp near Yacht Club picnic area, j — Renovated dumps at Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devi 1s Ki tchen. — Assisted Crab Orchard Sailing Club with construction at the Sailboat Basin. B. Planti ngs.
1. Aquatics and Marsh Plants
None.
2. Trees and Shrubs
None
3• Cultivated Crops Refuge crops were very good this year. The early rainfall was sufficient to carry crops through the season and the dry fall permitted easy harvest. Corn in "Skinner Bottoms" averaged 85 bushels per acre according to yield sample taken and weighed in November, Permittees commented on "the good corn crops". Although no yield samples on permittee crops were taken, routine field investigations indicated an average yield of 40 bushels per acre. Page ]k
Soybeans yielded about 15 bushels per acre. A few farmers claimed that the wet weather prevented getting the crop in early, thus cutting the bean yield. One might suspect that this complaint is to cover bean sales not reported to this office. This will be corrected by a new contract being adopted next year.
Again the dry fall reduced browse production. This was especially true with the experimental planting of field brome. This did not germinate until mid-November,
C, Collections and Receipts
None this period,
D. Control of Vegetation All spraying done thfs year was reported last period. Approximately 300 acres of idle fields were clipped this period to stimulate goose use,
E, Planned Burning.
None thi s peri od.
F. Field Fi res Two fires were reported this period, one starting on private land and another on refuge land. Both were caused by debris burning. A total of 4.1 acres of refuge land was burned. Damage was negligible. IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
A. Grazi ng
Rainfall was way below average for September and October and contributed to considerable drying of pastures. Only the fescue pastures held fairly good growth. We allowed one permittee to hold cattle late (up to November 30) in an effort to improve goose browse growth for late fall on a fescue pasture. This was discussed in Food and Cover section of narrative.
A total of 913 cattle grazed 3,990 acres to a total of 4,853.5 AUM's and $4,853.50 revenue. Page 15
B. Hayi nq
Hay quality and yield was below average this year. Above normal rains early in the season resulted in an excessive amount of weeds in the hay. The total acreage cut was 770 (9^0 last year) and the yield was 545 tons (980) last year).
C. Fur Harvest
No fur was harvested during this period. D. Timber Removal
One permit was issued for removal of 400 locust posts for a revenue of $36.00, and one permit allowed cutting of 35,580 board feet of mixed hardwoods on seven acres for a revenue of $302.18. Total timber revenue for the period was $338.18. A complete report on timber removals for 1961 is tabulated on NR-11 in this report.
E. Commercial Fishing
Seven special use permits for commercial fishing were in effect until the end of September. No fishing was carried out. F. Other Uses
Collected revenues from all phases of recreational operations are listed in the following table;
Table No. 1 - Recreational Revenues
1 tem Sept.-Dec. Jan.-Aug. 1961 Total Concessions - Crab Orchard $ 119.32 $ 1129.33 $1248.65 Camp Leases 50.00 347.00 397.00 Camp Permits 4.00 4.00 Use Permit 25.00 25.00 Quarters Rent 233.96 467.92 701.88 Impoundment fees 10.00 10.00 Mi seellaneous 1.49 1.49 $ 403.28 $1984.64 $ 2388.02 Page 16
V. FIELD INVESTIGATION AND APPLIED RESEARCH A. Progress Report.
1 . Deer Research Study.
We promised a summary in this narrative of the deer research problem being conducted by SIU student, Grant Crawford. Once again we will have to "beg off" as due to some problems, Mr. Crawford has not submitted the thesis.
As you know, the basic objectives of the study are to analyze the stage of development of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge deer herd and the relationship of its population to the carrying capacity of the refuge.
We will soon be able to report the start of another phase of the "Closed Area" deer herd research study. At present no detailed study outline has been completed as the student is still evaluating the feasibility of his chosen project.
2, Improvement of Cannon Net Trap Cartridge, Unfortunately, the new Polyethylene cartridge developed by Universal Match Corporation this past year was not available for trapping operations. We now understand, as the result of a few well directed suggestions, that Universal will attempt to work out a smokeless powder load. The results of tests to be conducted on our area will be reported in the next narrative,
3. Waterfowl Trapping and Banding (a) Wood Duck Trapping and Banding A total of 111 Wood Ducks were trapped and banded the past year. A comparison of all Wood Duck trapping effort for the history of the refuge is shown below; Adult Immature Unknown Year Total Male Female Male Female Male Female 1951 6 0 1 1 2 0 2 1953 49 4 G 22 0 0 23 1957 46 1 1 1 11 4 0 19 1958 3 0 1 ] 1 0 0 1961 111 13 13 54 30 0 0 Page 17
(b) Mallard, Black, Pintail Trapping and Banding
A few other ducks were banded incidental to Woody trapping operations - the results are listed be 1ow: Adult immature Unknown Total Male Female Male Fema1e Male Fema1e
Mallard 16 4 4 1 5 1 1 Black 2 10 10 0 0 Pintail 13 10 0 1 2 0 0
(c) Canada Goose Trapping and Banding
A pre-season sample of 193 birds were banded in I960, This past year we trapped and banded 2^7 birds prior to the season opener. Of 1351 geese banded in I960, 853 or well over half, were captured during the hunting season. In 1961 we made no effort to trap birds while the hunting season was underway.
After the close of the season on December 19, we again resumed trapping operations. The results of goose trapping operations are shown below:
Adult Immature No, Banded Male Fema1e Male Fema1e
Pre-season sample 10/18-10/30 247 78 90 35 44
Post^season sample 12/21-12/28 73 28 23 10 12
At the close of this reporting we are continuing our efforts to trap and band our quota of 1000 geese, A complete report will be included in the next narrative,
(d) Fish Survey of Devils Kitchen
During the first part of October the Fisheries Division of the Illinois Department of Conservation conducted a population analysis of the fish in Devils Kitchen Lake. A copy of this report, as written for the Illinois Wildlife Magazine, is appended to this narrative. Page 18
(e) Forest Service Mast Collection Study
In an effort to determine mast production and to improve sampling techniques, the U. S. Forest Service personnel from Carbondale, Illinois, are conducting several studies on the refuge. Trees being sampled are Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) and cherrybark Oak (Quercus falcata var. Pagodaefolia), A more complete report of results will be forth coming when the investigations are completed,
VI, PUBLIC RELATIONS A. Recreational Uses.
Visitor days at Crab Orchard Refuge reached an all time high this year of over one and a third million people. These figures are itemized in the chart on the following page. They were derived from traffic counts by the Illinois State Highway Department and our own personnel. The actual break down was accomplished by surveys, discussions, and guess- timations.
Concession operation will take on a new look next year because four new concessioners were awarded contracts this period. One concession will be opened to the public for the first time on January I, 1962, One will be constructed during the next year, and two old concessions have new operators.
The Devils Kitchen concession which has been completed but idle for two years is now being furnished and supplied to accommodate the public. Rowboats and canoes are on hand (no motors permitted) and plenty of bait (except minnows and fish parts) for the flood of fishermen expected for the New Years Day opening. According to a fishery survey there are plenty of fish, but we have doubts about their appetites in January, The facilities in this area include 34 trailer parking sites with convenient toilets and water; a picnic area with shelter, tables, and toilets; three bituminous surfaced parking lots for 40 cars each; concession and living quarters combined; dockage for about 40 boats; a boat launching ramp; and a small swimming beach.
The concession to be constructed next year will be the second public boat dock on Crab Orchard Lake, It will provide competitive inducement for better services to the public which has been lacking in the past. It will consist of concession and storage building, storage docks, service docks, launching ramp, parking area, and caretaker's residence. Construction will be done by Sports Craft, Inc,, at no cost to the Service, PUBLIC USAGE
Activities: Visitor Days
1960 1961
Hunting Waterfowl 18,400 12,000 Dove 800 700 Quail 1,100 800 Squirrel 1,800 1,800 Rabbit 2,000 1,700 Deer 2,400 3,300 Fox hounding 500 600 Raccoon 100 100 Var taints and crows 500 500 Total Hunting 27,600 21,500
Fishing Boat 37,000 29,000 Bank 37,000 29,000 Spear 300 300 Ice 100 100 Total Fishing 74,400 58,400
General Picnicking 200,000 250,000 Swinuning 370,000 420,000 Camping - individual 40,000 58,000 Camping - organized. Little Grassy 74,100 66,500 Power boating 135,000 180,000 Sail boating 3,000 5,000 Field trialing 1,500 2,200 Dog training 400 400 Spectators - general 179,000 239,000 Spectators - waterfowl 60,000 60,000 Other usage 15,000 15,000 1,078,000 1,296,100 Total, general 1,180,000 1,376,000 Total Visitor Days Page 19
The Little Grassy and the original Crab Orchard docks concessions will both be renovated and open to the public by Ap r i1.
At Devils Kitchen, about 600 cabin site lots have been surveyed by Service personnel. About $410,000 is needed to complete the project. The major item is bituminous surfacing about 25 miles of roads.
Veterans Haven provided relaxation for about 800 man days from the Anna State Hospital. About 5,000 visitor days were recorded by organized community and fraternal groups who had meetings and social affairs. The annual Easter Service attracted about 150 people,
B. Refuge Vi si tors.
Refuge visitors during the period are as follows:
Date Name Organi zation Purpose of visit Sept
Dan Lurie Good Luck Glove Co. Lease expansion Bernard Lurie n ii Chester Collett Wi11iam Collett — Nichols Nichols Net £• Twine Trap nets. 7 Louie Phemister C.O.S.A. Timetables 10 Ken Jacobson St. Louis Post News article Bob LaRouche 11
13 Marshall Skelcher Lale/iew Farms D. K. Sanitation
22 Robert Merz U.S.Forest Svs. Chestnut or acron plots John Krajeck 11 11 Ray Vineyard
26 Raymond Dillinger Murphysboro DK Concession Dewey Higgens " n G. H. Hughes S.I.I. Lease Blest Belleville Wholesale Lease A. Hamilton Herrin Chamber Commerce Lake drawdown Claude Grace F.B.I. Data 27 Bill Mestle 111. Dept. Consv. Census Buck Morris Soil Consv. Svs. Courtesy 28 Frank Hemming R. 0. Engineer D. K. Survey Page 20
Oct.
5 Fred Henderson Mayor, Herrin Lake drawdown -- Beltz Alderman, Herrin
9 Al Lippinot 111, Dept, Consv. Fish samples Chas. Luckett Ill, Dept. Hiways Lease bldg. Ben Gel man Southern lllinoisan News J. Lockhard 111, Dept, Consv, TV tape Harold PErkins S.I,U, Dave Roche 1le S.I.U.
11 A.J. Meyer Regional Office Inspect ion H. Heunecke Regional Office Inspection Joe Caste1 lano Permanent Homes Lease Lewi s Ada i r O'Tallon, 111, Interview Cy Brown Dept, Agriculture Co-op farming Marshall Stinnett USGMA Courtesy Ray Di11i nger Murphysboro Interview D. Higgens Murphysboro Interview 12 E. Ittensohn Makanda Interview C. Brooks Carbondale CI Ine Skelcher Carbondale i i A. J. Meyer Regional Office 11 H. Huenecke Regional Office 11 Don Raines Carbondale 11 Chas, Struz Carbondale 11 Burton Feazel DuQuoi n 11
16 Al Manke Mingo Refuge Courtesy Nieli us Nelson Valentine Refuge Courtesy 17 Dr. W. KIimstra S.I.U. Deer study Ross Hanson R. 0, Goose census J, Redington 01i n Mathieson Lease
18 L, Calvert Carbondale Employment E, Ittensohn Makanda Concession bid J, W, Travel stead General Telephone Number change Don Ra i nes i Carbondale Concess ions — Chamness Sti1 ley Cons, Co, R. 0. W,
19 Jack Mathias Carbondale Duck census
23 Ralph Knowles Hurst Contract painting Bill Mestle Census 111,Dept, Consv, 24 F,E, Graper Prison Cons. Carl Samuels F.B.I. Prison Cons. Bureau Prisons 25 Chet Townsend Cong. Gray Office Concession bids. Page 21
Oct 27 Chet Townsend Cong. Gray Office Refuge Tour Carl Mayhew S.1.U. Refuge Tour G. H. Hughes S.I.U. Sangamo lease B. George Carbondale it Sam Hunter Carbondale 11 Paul Cohen Tech. Tape 11 Claude Grace F.B.I. Law enforcement 3u Harold Perkins S.I.U. TV tape James Brigham Diagraph Bradley Porperty improvement Burton Feazel DuQuoi n Concession bid.
31 R. King 01 in Mathieson Lease V. H. Hartmann 01i n Mathieson Lease John Tol1 Mingo Refuge Courtesy Cli ne Skelcher Carbondale D. K. Concession contract
Nov. Bill Mestle 111. Dept. Consv. Census Marshall Skelcher LakeView Farms D. K. survey & sewage C. C. Young Engi neer C, G, Chappalear Bi-Co. Health Dept Al Baumbartner Metropolis, 111. Tank palnti ng Burton Feazel DuQuoin CoO. Boat Dock Bill Hays 11 II Bob Armstrong Dr. Neil Hosley S.I.U. Timber management David Rohubka St. Loui s COE Rend Lake A. H. Craig St. Loui s COE Rend Lake Claude Armstrong I.0.0.F Camp development B. E. Taylor 11 Lee Morris 11 Mi 11iam Meni
W. E. Kimberlin Dyer & Co. Railroad sale.
Fred Crook St. Louis Water treatment Paul Blackmon Alton & Southern Rai1 road sale Rob"t Mi ley 111. Dept. Hiway R.O.W. Rob't Meyers 11 II E. Ittensohn Makanda Concess ion R. Q.. Kimmel We Goose Club Theft decoys Page 22
Nov.
Robert Cooksey Mayor, Marion Lake drawdown Howa rd Lew 1 s Mayor, Benton II K.Nei1 Thurmond Mayor, Johnston Cty. i i Sherman Spl1ler Mayor, Carterville 11 Fred Henderson Mayor, Herrin 11 Kenneth J. Gray Congressman i i Chet Townsend Ass't to Congressman 11 Gene Wei Is Hall Engineers 11 Dr. Leo Brown Carbondale 11 Dick Stegman S. 111i noi san II John Mulkin Herrin Spokesman i i Paul Powell Marion Water Dept. 11 Lester Jordan Herri n Water Dept. 11 Charles Gal 1i Herrin . i Angelo Ranchino He r r i n : i Ruth Donaldson Wmson Co. Tourist 11 Pauli ne Di11i nger Carbondale 11 Mi nnie Di11i nger Carbondale i I Juli us Swayne Herri n 11 Floyd Bracy Herri n 11 Lon Church Herri n 11 Grover Chamness He r r i n il C. E. Dietz Johnson Co. Sol 1 Dst i i • Paul Ice Soil Consv. Svs. 11 Ben Walker Herri n 11 Roy Cole He r r i n II M. Rankin He r r i n i i Augusta Mi 11igan Carbondlae 11 Robert W. Burwel1 Regional Office 11
13 Chet Townsend Cong. Gray Office 11 Karl Malzahn V.T.I. Civil Defense Claude Grace F.B.I. Vandal ism
14 G. H. Hughes S. 1. 1. Lease prospect
15 Dr. R. A. Scott Carbondale Sa i1 boat b^as i n Grant Crawford S.I.U. Deer research study
16 Wm. Tytler Ontario Courtesy Elmer Eggemeyer R.E.A. R. O.W. Lester Jordan Herri n Water ROW Mi ke Mi ranni He r r i n Water ROW Karl Malazhn V.T.I. Lease space
17 Boyd Metea If Metropoli s Tank inspection Art Hami1 ton Herri n Lake drawdown
20 John Davis S.I.U. Deer research John Tol1 M i ngo Orientation Page 23
Nov. 21 Eddie Carson Kentucky Woodlands Courtesy M. J. Castellano Permanent Homes Lease Bill Mestle 111.Dept. Consv. Census Karl Malzahn S. I.U. Civil Defense 27 A. Hamilton Herri n Lake drawdown 2y Leamon Boat right United Farm Agency Refuge Boundary. Dec. k. Lester Buhl Sangamo Electric Lease George Carty 11
5 Howard Huenecke RegionalOffice Management Conference John Tol1 Mingo Refuge it Bi11 Watts Chautauqua Refuge 11 Arch Merhoff Mark Twain Refuge Leo Ki rsch Swan Lake Refuge n
14 Thomas Schrader Washington, D. C. Courtesy
15 Robert Petronius Ann Arbor, Mich. Courtesy Dr. W. KIimstra S.I.U. Q.uail project 18 Joe Stalda St. Louis COE D, K, drainage John Jansen St, Louis COE 11 Richard Nieman St. Louis COE
20 Bill Mestle 111,Dept, Consv, Census C. Refuge Participation, Sept 7 - Stiles, Carter and Toll attended monthly meeting of Crab Orchard Sportsman Association, 8 - Sheffield rode final day of 111, Stock Horse Association 100 mile trai1 ride, - Stiles and Sheffield attended Shawnee Hills Wilderness Trail dedication barbecue, 10- 13 - Stiles attended the Annual Convention of International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commission held at Memphis, Tenn,
1 1 - Carter and Toll escorted St. Louis Post Dispatch reporter and photographer on tour of Devils Kitchen area. Page 24
15 - Sheffield attended Southern Illinois Recreation Council Tourist Promotion Committee meeting in Harri sburg.
16 - Stiles, Hunter, Toll, Wilbrecht, and Gualdoni were guests of Illinois Central Railroad at Annual Fish Fry and Barbecue.
17 - Sheffield attended the Annual Ozarker's Kickoff in Benton. 19 - Sheffield attended Southern Illinois Recreation Council fund raising dinner at S.I.U. 22- 23 - Stiles assisted with Carterville Street Fair sponsored by Lions Club 22 - Sheffield attended Southern Illinois District meeting of the American Camping Association at Little Grassy Girl Scout Camp. 23 - Ferguson attended Southern Illinois District meeting i of the American Camping Association and scenie tour of Southwestern Illinois / 25 - Stiles attended monthly meeting of Southern Illinois Incorporated Board of Directors at Zeigler, 26 - Ferguson served as instructor at West Frankfort 5th grade school Conservation Camp. 27 - Sheffield served as instructor at West Frankfort 5th grade school Conservation Camp. 27 - Carter, Wilbrecht and Bavin attended regulation and Law Enforcement meeting of Game Management Agents and Refuge personnel at Jacksonville, Illinois
28 ° Ferguson at West Frankfort 5th grade school Conservation Camp. 29 - Sheffield instructed at the West Frankfort 5th grade camp. Oct.
7 - Bavin attended dinner meeting of Crab Orchard Sportsman Association and assisted GMA Sanders with slide program.
9 - Sheffield escorted Southern Illinois University representatives on tour of refuge for T.V. series. Page 25
9 - Sheffield attended Crab Orchard Playground Association meeting at Anna. 10 - Carter attended planning meeting with Southern Illinois University representatives for educational T.V. series. 10 - Stiles and Carter taped "Outdoor in Illinois" program with Jim Lockhart of 111. Conservation Department.
22 - Carter assisted Crab Orchard Sportsmen Association with repairs to club house. 23 - Stiles attended monthly board meeting of Southern Illinois Incorporated in Herrin 26 - Stiles and Wilbrecht attended Fall meeting of Illinois Technical Foresters Association at Dixon Springs Experiment Station. 26 - Bavin presented slide talk to Goreville, Illinois Womens Club,
27 - Stiles and Sheffield attended dinner reception for Technical Tape Corporation at the Carbondale Elks,
Nov, 1 - Sheffield escorted Hurst-Bush High School students on refuge tour, 5 - Carter and Bavin attended Law Enforcement meeting with State Personnel at Horseshoe Lake, 6 - Stiles and Carter attended annual banqutt of American Quail Futurity held at Field Trial Club, 7 - Bavin presented program on current hunting regulations to Southern Illinois University students at Southern Acres Dormitory. 7 - Sheffield met with Civil Defense Committee at Vocational Technical Institute discussion on possible emergency shelters. 13 - Sheffield met with officials of Carbondale South Highway Water District on possibility of city water to Devi 1s Ki tchen, 13 - Sheffield attended meeting of Crab Orchard Playground Association in Anna, 111. 15 - Sheffield escorted 10 Ladies of Marion Literary Society on tour of refuge. Page 26
16 - Hovel 1 attended Soil Conservation Service meeting in Marion.
20 - Sheffield attended Williamson County Tourist and Recreation Association meeting.
25 - Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield were guests at Oak Brook Hounds Hunt Bal1 in Chi cago.
27 - Mr. and Mrs. Stiles were guests at the National Brittany Club Annual Banquet in Carbondale. 27 - Sheffield attended the Southern Illinois Incorporated meeting in Carbondale. 28 - Sheffield attended Southern Illinois Recreation Council meeting in Vienna, Illinois Dec.
6 - Stiles attended meeting in Chicago of area bankers and Chamber of Commerce Officials with Mr. Paul Cohen of Technical Tape Corporation re lease of Sangamo bui Id i j)g,
7 - Stiles attended Public Hearing on Rend Lake at Benton.
11 - Stiles presented talk at noon meeting of Herrin Rotary Club, 11 - 14 - Carter visited Horicon Refuge in Wisconsin. 13 - Stiles made trip to St. Louis Airport and transported Bill Wells of the National Park Service to Herrin. 14- 15 - Stiles attended daily sessions of ARA meeting in Herrin. 14 - Wilbrecht presented slide talk to 75 students and their teachers at Washington Grade School in Marion. 20 - Hovel 1, Goldsmith and Easier picked up two Chevrolet pickups at St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant. Page 27
D. Hunt i ng Sgui rrel hunting was about average again this year. Success was spotty early in the season, but picked up in the later days. From our observations fox sgui rrels made up the bulk of the bag. Mourning dove hunting was below average during the early portion of the season. The bag and hunters increased towards the end of the season. Few limit bags were observed. Duck hunting was the same as last year - poor. The lack of ducks kept many hunters home, however, a few "die hards" and plenty of novices were on hand early in the season. Goose hunters took a few ducks during the concurrent season, but the overall harvest was small. Goose hunting is recorded in detail in an appended special report, "Summary of the 1961 Goose Season on Crab Orchard Area". Deer season, both shotgun and bow and arrow, was highly successful. The law permits taking deer of either sex, but many hunters selected bucks only. Many large bucks were killed on or near the Refuge.
Quai1 hunting was better than last year, but still not normal. Success was generally spotty, but increased slightly near the end of the season.
Rabbit hunting was about the same as last year. Success remained spotty with Mr. Cottontail, but the season remains open through January. E. Violations Hunting Reasons occurred during this period and refuge personnel spent many hours on patrol. Most hunter contacts were informative rather than corrective, however, a few prosecutions were necessary. The end portion of the summer recreation season fell during this period and we had a few prosecutions in this field. Most of our cases were handled in State Courts, however, the more serious offenses were prosecuted in U, S, Commissioner Court, We have two U, S. Commissioners within 30 miles of the Refuge and the authority from the U. S, District Attorney to take any of our serious cases directly to them. We feel that the Federal Court leaves a lasting impression on some of our "vi s i tors". Page 28
The following table summarizes our prosecutions, all of which resulted in a plea of guilty and the assessment of a fine and court cost:
Number Violation Fine and Cost
29 Hunting $ 1,011.00 3 Fishing 45.00 2 Traffic 25.00 1 Boating 15.00 ] Destruction of Gov11.property 43.00 1 Recreational regulation 43.00 3 (Youths) Theft of private property unofficia probat ion ko $ 1,182.00 A certain amount of vandalism and reports of stolen property seem to occur regardless of our patrol effort. There is no question, however, that our vigorous patrol holds such actions to a minimum. Two of our new W.P.A. toilets (see N.R, May thru August, 1961) were discovered damaged on November 10. The fibre-glass roof of one, the door of another and numerous other wood parts had been removed and were apparently used for fuel in a large "camp" fire. Estimated repair cost is $150. Local F.B.I, agents assisted in investigation, however, no prosecution has been made. One private outboard motor was reported stolen on October 26.
F. Safety
Up to December 31, 1961, there have been 305 calendar days without a lost time accident.
Our monthly Safety meetings have included two 15-minute films on "First Aid", two 15-minute films on "The Nature of Fire" produced by the U. S. Navy, and a 30-minute film "And Then There Were Four", a film on safe driving from the State Farm Insurance Company.
Discussions covered courtesy while driving, the Region ill accident report and fire prevention.
December completed the Safety meeting schedule for the year. Each of the six major departments on the refuge was allotted two meetings. Everyone had a chance to participate. Page 29
Vll. INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES
A. Water Use I. Industrial Comsumption Production of treated water at the refuge operated water plant averaged 1,160,500 gallons per day during the period. The daily average for the calendar year was 1,030,000. The September-December figure (one of the highest on record) is about 70% of the practical capacity of the plant. This leaves a comfortable margin for supplying the 200,000 g.p.d, guaranteed the Maximum Security Federal Prison which is scheduled for completion in the coming year.
The decrease in the amount of sewage treated compared with the corresponding period In I960, reflects the improved condition of the sewage collection system. Clean ing and repair of all sewer mains was completed this period A minimum of surface drainage now enters the system.
TABLE NO. II _ Quantities of Water & Sewage Treated at Refuge Operated Plants. Sept.-Dec. I960 Sept.-Dec. 1961 Month Gal Ions Treated Gal Ions Treated Water Sewage Water Sewage September 29,827,000 8,590,000 35,851,000 3,980,000 October 27,778,000 8,769,000 42,464,000 4,450,000 November 27,116,000 8,645,000 31,214,000 4,376,000 December 34,369,000 3,010,000 31,053,000 5,749,000
Total 119,090,000 29,014,000 141,582,000 18,555,000
2. Municipal Use The City of Carbondale resumed pumping raw water from Crab Orchard Lake when their new pipeline and pumping facilities were completed in September, One hundred sixty-five million gallons were pumped during the period. Revenues for this use totalled $3,615.38, Fall rains arrived just in time to replenish water reservoirs of Carterville, Herrin and Marion, Until the rains came, all three cities were preparing to activate their emergency pumping facilities on Crab Orchard Lake, Page 30
B. Facility Activity, Development and Maintenance All industrial facilities — Water, Sewer, Steam and Railroad operated at levels near or above the "Break even" point throughout the period. Two long-term rehabilitation projects received emphasis (railroad and sewer). Both were finished this period. In preparation for winter, roads, buildings, heating systems and equipraent received seasonal maintenance. Construction of a concrete block equipment wash house (see pictures) was also completed and placed in use.
1. Boiler House
Following is a table of comparison of steam pro duction at Boiler House No. 1. With the termination of the Sangamo Electric Company's Ordill operation scheduled for January 15, 1962, this will be our last full period of operation of the steam facility.
TABLE NO. III. - Comparative Steam Production, Boiler House #1.
Bo i 1 e r No. Sept.-Dec. I960 Sept.-Dec. 1961 and Type Steam Prod. Fuel Used Steam Prod. Fuel Used No. 1 - Coal Fired 32,788,000# 4,418,900^ 31,227,000# 3,913,400# No. 2 - Oil F i red 2,117,500# 20,950 gls. 7,574,000# 75,164 gls. Total Steam Produced 34,905,500# ~ 38,801,000#
Oil-fired Boiler No. 2 was used extensively this period so as to consume our inventory of burner oil. Major repairs and maintenance to Boiler House No. 1 largely accomplished by operations personnel, are listed as follows:
- Removed slag from combustion chamber. Boiler No, 1 - Repaired feed water line. - Repaired and replaced 42 drag links on enclosed coal conveyor. - Replaced drive chain on open coal conveyor. - Replaced broken drive shaft on steam powered feed water pump. - Changed 120' smokestack guy wire from Boiler House to permanent underground anchors. Page 31
2, Buildings and Grounds
Major items completed under this heading are listed as fo11ows:
- Construction of 2kl x 36' concrete block wash and paint house, - Painted the gas house, shop yard fence, exterior wood trim at the water plant, and the bridge steel at Little Grassy Lake, - Completed cleaning and repairing leaks in 11.5 miles of sanitary sewer, - Installed 11,000 square feet of insulation in the repai r shop roof, - Inspected and repaired furnaces at all 2k residences - Extended the stack guy wires from the boiler house #1 roof to the ground. - Minor plumbing repairs at Quarters Nos, 2,3,4,14, 23,24, water plant, repair shop, 7 sewage lift stations and the sewage plant, - Installed upstairs bathroom at Quarters #20, - Repaired three water main leaks, - Cleaned two sludge beds at the sewage plant. - Winterized all exterior water meters. 1 - Leveled three burning grounds with bulldozers. - Replaced 100 feet of water service line to Southern Homes Company. - Repaired 50 foot by 200 foot area of soil erosion along spillway at Little Grassy dam. - Constructed 6foot by twenty-four foot unloading dock at the refuge warehouse, - Graded all gravel roads in the closed area of the refuge. - Installed two 12 inch culverts in the valve house at Devils Kitchen dam. - Made four 36 inch by 60 inch bar screens for sewage lift stations, - Reactivated altitude valves at water tanks #1 and#4,
3. Equipment
Major engine overhauls were completed on the 1949 Reo dump truck, 1942 Ford Fire truck, 1959 Dodge pickup, and Ford farm tractor and the Jackson railroad tamper.
Track repairs were completed on the TD-9 and TD-14 crawler tractors.
Of the 40 pieces of automotive equipment, 36 were in the repair shop one or more times, 16 of the 32 pieces of heavy equipment were also brought into the shop for other than routine maintenance. Page 32
4. Ra11 road
The three-year project of railroad rehabilitation was completed on November 9 and the eight man section crew given permanent layoff. A track-bolt tightening machine was obtained on loan from the Illinois Central. Tightening of track bolts is now underway as a part of our regular maintenance program.
The railroad rehabilitation project began July 21, 1958. It included the following work:
Cross ties replaced 14,790 Switch ties replaced 1,532 Bridge ties replaced 95 Trestles - new x braces and repairs 3 Switches - aligned and levelled 20 Rail - removed and replaced 1,400' Track - tamped and levelled 61,077' Right-of-way brush removal 24 miles
Operation records for the period show 730 freight cars handled by our train crew - an increase of 298 cars over the corresponding period in I960.
Through a default, all bids received for 71,613 feet of surplus 90-pound rail the previous period were rejected. A second solicitation is to be made soon with opening date set for March 1, 1962.
5. Water and Sewer
Operation of both these facilities was routine this period. Failure of several tubes in the water plant boiler will necessitate complete replacement of all tubes or purchase of a new boiler before another heating season - whichever appears most economical in the long run. Altitude valves on elevated water tanks No. 1 and No. 4 were re-activated this period to provide greater and more dependable water pressure throughout the south section of the system. Operation of these valves had been discontinued about 12 years ago.
An occasional water line or sewer line break kept our pipeline maintenance crew in practice during the period. Page 33
In addition to operating duties, Water and Sewer Plant personnel accomplished the following maintenance, - Tuck pointed chemical storage building. - Painted all steel above water line on accelators, - Painted hand rails and walkways, - Cleaned and repaired foot valves on raw water pumps, - Painted interior walk and ceiling of boiler room, - Assisted with renovation of altitude valves, Tanks #1 and #4,
6, Fi re and Securi ty
No industrial fires this period.
Regular personnel of the Fire and Security Department accomplished the following maintenance this period:
- Cut grass around 171 fire hydrants - Applied two coats of paint to exterior of Fire Station, - Fertilized, seeded and mulched fresh earthwork around Fire Station, - Checked and winterized 171 fire hydrants (pumped out 53)
C» Industrial Lease Management
One new industrial tenant was added this period bringing the industrial lease roster to 30, Petrof Trading Company of Berkeley, California leased ten high explosive storage magazines i n Area VI.
Several adjustments in lease space were made by 01 in Mathieson, Permanent Homes and Southern Homes, Total industrial occupancy at the end of the period stood at 1,684,924 square feet - a net increase of 38,038 square feet. Total industrial employment on the refuge December 31 was 2065.
Industrial revenues for the period totalled $ 146,373.07, Operational costs were $124,472.78, To date this fiscal year industrial revenues approximate 86% of industrial operations cost, D. Lease Prospects
Subsidaries of the Technical Tape Corporation of New Rochelle, New york appear to be the best prospect to succeed the Sangamo Electric Company in the 240,000 square feet of building space being vacated in January, If present negotiations are successful, they should begin occupying these buildings in March or April, 1962, TABLE NO, IV - INDUSTRIAL LEASING, REVENUE & EMPLOYMENT Lease Footage Monetary Return Total No.Employed Industry Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Rent Wat. & Sew. Steam Switching Total 8-31-61 12-31-61 Allen Industries 42,000 42,000 42,000 42,000 $ 2,373.36 $ 16.00 1 $ 45.00 $ 2,434.36 4 4 Aronson, Knute 2,021 2,021 2,021 2,021 101.04 —' — 101.04 1 1 Blount Brothers »mmm 2,021 2,021 2,021 75.78 96.84 mm ' 172.62 mm 70 Diagraph Bradley 75,410 75,410 75,410 75,410 4,699.12 190.04 90.00 4,979.16 87 100 East Side Lumberyard 16,195 16,195 16,195 16,195 1,079.64 24.00 315.00 1,418.64 3 3 Explosives, Inc. 2,138 2,138 2,138 2,138 71.28 'mm , . mm 71.28 2 mm Fern, Don 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 66.68 —. mm 66.68 2 2 General Services Admin. 63,294 63,294 63,294 63,294 3,539.72 16.00 mm 3,555.72 13 10 Good Luck Glove 24,141 24,141 24,141 24,141 1,207.04 mm, ' mm 1,207.04 2 2 Great Lakes Terminal 42,290 42,290 42,290 42,290 2,370.04 16.00 90.00 2,476.04 3 3 Grinnell Sash & Door 36,041 36,041 36,041 36,041 1,955.00 40.86 885.00 2,880.86 60 56 Hanley Industries 1,069 1,069 1,069 1,069 35.64 —. mm 35.64 — Mass. Elec. Co. 4,685 4,685 4,685 4,685 312.36 mm. 312,36 mmm 13 Monsanto Chemical 33,250 33,250 33,250 33,250 1,511.11 mm 1,515.00 3,026.11 9 5 Nat'l. Reproductions 3,891 3,891 3,891 3,891 259.40 24.00 mmm 283.40 2 3 Norge 76,850 76,850 76,850 76,850 4,610.88 mm mm 4,610.88 25 25 Olin Mathieson 477,609 486,092 491,437 524,122 21,023.40 10,930.53 7,293.44 39,247.37 289 260 Oxford Electric 33,214 . 33,214 33,214 33,214 1,906.80 854.31 — 2,761.11 175 185 Petrof Trading Co. — — — 16,030 66.80 mm — 66,80 — mm Permanent Homes 20,500 20,500 10,250 10,250 871.26 16.00 — 887,26 — PropeIlex Chemicals 1,069 1,069 1,069 1,069 35.64 — — 35,64 Sangamo Electric 194,018 194,018 194,018 194,018 9,811.40 6,726.61 37,056.97 mm 53,594,98 790 793 Schilli Transport 3,324 3,324 3,324 3,324 221.60 16.00 mm 237.60 6 6 Schilli Warehouse 10,250 10,250 10,250 10,250 512.52 — 195.00 707.52 2 2 Southern Homes 82,520 82,520 62,020 62,020 3,659.30 24.00 480.00 4,163.30 20 15 Southern 111, Univ. 220,693 220,693 220,693 220,693 mmm 1,102.41 mm 1,102.41 140 140 S. I. U« Trg. Center 20,702 20,702 20,702 20,702 1,380.16 108.00 mm 1,488.16 8 8 Southern Metal Arts 4,685 4,685 4,685 4,685 312.36 16.00 mm* 328.36 mmm — Triangle Construction 20,500 20,500 20,500 20,500 1,025.00 — 1,025.00 'mm — Universal Match Co. 129,303 129,303 129,303 129,303 5,025.76 2,275.05 15.00 7,315.81 250 330 Winger Construction Co. 4,224 4,224 8,448 8,448 352.16 mm 15.00 367.16 29 Simonds Construction Co. — — — — 100.00 mm 100.00 — mm C. 0. F. T. Club mm, — mm 25.00 75.26 mm 100.26 — mm C. 0. S. A. — mm mm. ~m- mm, ' 69.94 69,94 mm Totals-Sept./Dec., 1961. 1,646,886 1,657,390 1,636,209 1,684,924 $70,597.25 $22,637.85 $37,056.97 $10,938.44 $141,230.51 2065 Totals-Aug., 1961 1,635,555 $71,027.54 $21,338.18 $20,571.61 $ 8,580.00 $121,517.33 1893 Page 34
VIII. OTHER ITEMS
A. Items of Interest.
A •'hot11 Issue in the locality for most of the period was the drawdown of Crab Orchard Lake. Four objectives are sought in our annual drawdown which begins soon after Labor Day of each year. These^are; (1) Waterfowl management ( encouragement of volunteer semi-aquatic such as Eleochari s and provide for planting of perennial rye grass and other browse species on the exposed lake margin). (2) Fisheries management, (3) Erosion control — especially marine erosion to the shore line and (4) Flood control. Maintenance of a lake elevation two feet below spillway from September 20 to March 1 is our objective.
Unfortunately unusually mild weather prevailed through September and most of October this year. As a result a few, but vociferous, boating enthusiasts became very critical of our water management. They argue that our drawdown was discouraging recreational use of Crab Orchard Lake during the beautiful autumn months. This, thevalleged, was causing the area to loose tourist dollars. Local tourist groups. Chambers of Commerce, Mayors Associations, etc, got on the bandwagon, all singing the same tune. The Mayors Association of Southern Illinois, Inc, passed a resolution condemning our drawdown policy. The resolution was sent to Congressman Gray, Senator Dirksen and Senator Douglas, Secretary Udall, — even the President,
At the hearing held at the Refuge Office on November 9, Regional Director Burwel1, Congressman Gray and other government representatives heard first hand all the opposition to our water management program. One Mayor claimed that as a result of the lowered water level, it took the full time services of one employee to daily remove debris and goose feathers from the City's emergency raw water intake at Crab Orchard Lake, A young matron representing an area tourist association proclaimed that she just didn't like the appearance of the lake when it was lowered two feet °- "the shoreline is ugly - not good advertisement for our area", And so it went. Of course the Service presented its defense and promised further studies to determine more precisely the values of annual drawdowns. Page 35
Above average rainfall since November 1 has not permitted us to maintain a level two feet below spillway elevation. City reservoirs are filling, so we hear no more about goose feathers piling up at the trash rack. At this writing, Crab Orchard Lake is nearly two feet over spillway as a result of abnormally high December and January precipitation. Some downstream flooding is imminent. We shall probably hear from another faction about this. B. Personnel
All of us were saddened by the dath of Guy Emery, Firefighter, on September 25. Guy had been ill for several weeks, but with his Doctor's approval had returned to work on the morning of his fatal heart attack. Guy was a veteran of World War I and had approximately 17 years of Federal service. He had been a Firefighter at this Refuge since its origination in March 1948. A Commendable Service Award was presented by Project Manager Stiles to Mrs. Emery in recog= nition of Guy's dedicated service.
Mrs. Bernell H. Murray, Fiscal Accounting Clerk, resigned on September 9 after 15 years of service to accept employment with Southern Illinois University.
Mrs. Joyce A. Todd, Marion, Illinois, e.o.d. November 27 as Fiscal Accounting Clerk to fill the vacancy created by Mrs. Murray's resignation. John E. Toll, Assistant Refuge Manager, was promoted to Refuge Manager and transferred to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Puxico. Missouri. Leroy E. Hovel 1, Jr. e.o.d. November 6 as Assistant Refuge Manager replacing John Toll. Lee was promoted and moved south from the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Mayville, Wisconsin, where he was Assistant Refuge Manager.
The appointments of William Arnold, Nat Demuri, Cloyd Capps and our eight man railroad section crew of Adams, Allen, Conley, Dunn, Massle, Shanklin, Smith and Walker, all laborers (WAE), were terminated on November 9. Kenneth W. Summers was promoted from Guard to Firefighter on November 12. Carl B. Orange was transferred from Fireman, Stationary Boiler, to Guard, on November 12.
Nancy and John Wilbrecht became the proud parents of a baby boy, Erich Karl, on November 12. Page 36
C. Photographs Ten photographs are appended.
D. Credits for This Report. Section I - Hovell (A, B-l) and Wilbrecht (B-2) Section II - WiIbrecht Section III - Hovel 1 Section IV - Wilbrecht Section V - Wi1brecht Section VI - Sheffield (A), Cox (B), Ferguson (C), Bavin (D and E) Section Vll - Wi ngard Section VIII - Stiles (A), Bavin (B and C) Page 37
SIGNATURE PAGE
Submitted by:
Harry Stiles Project Manager Date: (Title)
Approved; Regional Office
Date: ^-fs^^
Regional Refuge Supervisor \ \
\
Interstate Route 57, which cuts through the east end of Crab Orchard Refuge, will eventually be the main road from Chicago to New Orleans, This is the north entrance, R-10-7 9/21/61 W.D,C,
Interstate Route 57 offers travlers a quick glimpse of the Refuge, Several deer have lost their lives trying to prove that it is a Wildlife Refuge Area. R-ll-1 9/29/61 W.D.C, \
This new fire trail bridge crossing Crab Orchard Creek parallel to Interstate Route 57 was constructed by the State Highway Department at no cost to the Service. (Except for about 300 acres of land), R-10~8 9/29/61 W.D.C.
il This aerial photo of ihe south west side of Crab Orchard Lake shows the mud flats exposed by our fall drawdown. R-13-4 10/18/61 J,E,W. During our drawdowns, waves break on the flats and not against the steep clay banks. Bank erosion is often as much as ten feet annually. Riprap would curtail this problem at many spots, R-10-4 9/21/61 W.D.C.
Jack Toll inspects the mud flats in Wolf Creek Bay after seeding with perennial rye grass. Water level is about two feet below spillway, R-9-4 9/20/61 W.D.C, An equipment wash house was constructed on the west side of our diesel shop. The block layer was contracted and our laborers assisted. R-9-1 7/21/61 H.E.S.
Completed wash house gives all weather protection for cleaning our 65 pieces of automotive and heavy duty equipment. R-13-6 11/7/61 H.E.S. Guard, Carl Orange oils and checks one of our 171 fire plugs. Many do not drain properly and in cold weather must be pumped out after checking or using. Stray dogs especially appreciate these little extras furnished by this Refuge R-13-8 11/7/61 H.E.S,
He didn't quite make it to dinner. R-9-8 9/20/61 W.D.C. Summary of 1961 Goose Season on Crab Orchard Refuge Area.
A ^4.-day goose season (Nov. 6 to Dec. 19) was selected by the Illinois Department of Conservation for the four county area of Williamson, Jackson, Union and Alexander. In addition. State regulations established a split season (Oct. 7 to Oct. 16 and Nov. 6 to Nov. 26) for the remainder of the State. Regulations also provided for a daily bag and possession limit of 2 Canada geese throughout the State (l Canada in I960), with special provision for closing the season in the 4- southern counties when the harvest reached 20,000 birds (1^,000 in I960). Hunting hours were from Sunrise to 3?00 pm daily in the k counties, and from Sunrise to Sunset in the remainder of the State.
Food Conditions
The amount of food available to geese during the 1961 season was rated as "very good" to "excellent". This was primarily due to a reduction of nearly 900,000 goose-use days in 1961 than in I960, prior to the season. Also, a near record corn and soybean crop was harvested on the! refuge by permittee farmers. A considerable amount of corn left standing as the refuge share, and shattered corn and soybeans remaining after picking and combining was available throughout the major portion of the hunting season. This year, as in I960, no significant depreda tion complaints were received. Corn and soybean harvest was completed in near record time, with most of the beans combined by mid-0ctd>ber.
The available browse was considerably less than desired early in the season. Drouth conditions prevailed on the refuge during September and October. Above normal rains in November alleviated this situation by the time the population built up to significant numbers.
With the exception of about 150 acres of refuge grown corn, left standing, most grain fields has been fairly well gleaned by the end of November, Population In contrast to other years, the population buildup was extremely slow this past fall. For example, the October 13, I960, census showed 36,200 geese—on the same date in 1961 we tallied 3,270. The peak fall population in I960 (66,000) came on October 27, several days prior to the opening date of hunting (Nov. l). This past season approximately 35,000 geese were on the refuge on the season opening (Nov. 6), Once here, however, the birds stayed longer. The November populations varied from 33,000 (Nov. U) to 52,000 (Nov. 29). Early December saw our peak fall population of 63,4-00 on December 8, Weather The 1961 goose season, as in I960, was characterized by an abnormal number of wet days. However, in contrast to I960, the foul weather contributed little towards good hunting. Precipitation occurred on 15 days and 5 of these could be considered "storms". Only after 3.5" of snow fell on December 9 was any considerable local movement of geese noted. Increased Club and Public Hunting Area kill figures for the week of December 11 - 17 substantiate this. Some of this movement was undoubtedly due to the snow cover forcing the large population to expand its feeding radius outside the "Closed Area",
The Goose Hunting Season The 1961 goose season around Crab Orchard was considered one of the slowest in the last five years. Only half as many geese (2^585) were killed this year as compared with I960 (5,005), An extremely slow population buildup coupled with a very good available food supply combined to keep the goose harvest very low for the major part of the season. There was little doubt that the very light goose-use on the "Closed Area" food supply prior to the season was the main factor re sponsible for the low kill. Another factor contributing to the attractiveness of the "Closed Area" was the lake drawdown and the exposure of vast expanses of mud flats which were heavily utilized by the geese for loafing. Through out November it was not unusual for the major portion of the goose population to venture no further than one-quarter mile from the lake shore (well within the "Closed Area") to feed. Upon completion of feeding the birds would invariable return to the excellent and numerous mud-flat loafing sites. As is normally expected during a season of low kill, accusations of "feeding the birds to keep 'en in the refuge " were numerous. "Hell hath no fury" ,.. like a disgruntled and unsuccessful goose hunter$ Generally, due to the low kill, the hunters around Crab Orchard received an erroneous Impression of the total goose kill in Southern Illinois. Many inquiries were received regarding the possibility of extending the season if the quota was not reached. Explanation of season lengths and quotas notwithstanding, many hunters around Crab Orchard harbor the feeling that they were somehow "cheated" out of their fair share of the goose harvest.
-2- Even with the two goose limit the commercial clubs did not seem to fare as well as last season (i960) when the one bird limit prevailed. A total of 5123 hunters utilized club lands in 1961, whereby 5504. hunted the club areas in I960. The standard fee of $10,00 per day was charged by all clubs with one exception; this one club set a $15.00 daily fee.
This season, as with I960, the collection of goose kill data required a considerable amount of time and effort. Approximately 21 man-days a week were required to collect and tabulate this data.
The harvest of geese in the Crab Orchard area involves three separate categories. The following describes these and presents the data obtained for each.
Harvest on Licensed Clubs A total of 61 licensed clubs were registered in the Crab Orchard vicinity this past season. We are reasonably certain that this includes all of the clubs that haa any opportunity to kill geese. have. This year the clubs were requested to mail registration sheets into this office after completion of hunting on Sunday and Thursday of ea^h week. Even though it did not materiiilize, we were certain that with an increased bag limit the kill would come heavily and quickly, Thus^ the bi-weekly kill data would assist us in making our weekly kill estimates more complete. Many of the clubs responded well to this request; however, some clubs would not be hunted on days when the kill sheet was to be mailed and thereby a number of clubs fell behind in reporting. In view of this and past season experience, we believe that the registration sheets mailed once a week will be sufficient to maintain club kill data for the Crab Orchard area. If and when the kill becomes critical, our personnel on enforcement patrol can pick up the daily kill data.
This season, as in I960, two set of club figures were maintained. These are "estimated club kiil" and the "reported club kill". The estimated club kill was necessary to meet the weekly and bi-weekly kill report deadlines to the Regional Office, The estimated kill waa then adjusted up or down as the actual "reported club kill" data was received. At this time we have received only 29 complete club reports from 61 clubs. This appears to Ibe a very low response; however, most of the clubs are missing only several reporting periods for the entire season.
-3- Based on observations by field patrol personnel we completed the kill record for which no geese were known to be killed during a particular reporting period. In order to compensate for the unreported goose kill and clubs failing to report, we added ten percent (HT^Mrds) to the final club kill figure. The final kill figure on the clubs for 1961 is ^289 as compared with ^864. for the I960 season.
Harvest on Public Hunting Area The collection of kill data on the public hunting area this season was conducted as in I960. By making daily car counts in the early morning and through daily hunter interviews, it was possible to evaluate daily hunter population and success. The following table (No. 1) below, indicates the results of this effort: Table No. 1 1961 Summary of Goose Harvest on Refuge Public Hunting Area.
DAI E S
i 11-6 11-13 11-20 11-27 12- 4 12-11 12-18 to to to to to to to Total i 11-12 11-19 11-26 12- ^ 12-10 12-17 12-19 1961 I960
Cars Counted U9 4.26 357 326 423 505 210 2696 3331 Estimated Hunters 1122 1065 893 815 1058 1263 525 6741 8319 Hunter Interview 274 183 162 139 195 178 97 1228 2214 Hours Hunted 782 465 378 359 506 627 413 3530 7047 Geese Checked 12 10 5 23 23 39 36 14B 351 Hunter Success .0^7 .055 .031 .165 .118 .219 .371 ..144 .159 Estimated Kill 53 59 28 135 125 277 195 872 1307 Adults 8 10 2 11 15 21 24 97 147 Immature 4- 0 3 11 4 11 12 45 187 Age Unknown 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 6 17 Cripples 3 1 2 4- 2 4 4 20 46
Several "firing line" situations continue to exist on the Public Hunting Area. No regulation. State or Federal, exists to keep these hunters spread out enough to eliminate shooting competition. Even though blinds must be 200 yaads from "Closed Area" boundary and 100 yards from property lines, nothing prevents the hunters from building blinds 20 - 50 yards apart and four deep on the public hunt area. This is not conducive to "quality" hunting.
- 4 - An informal survey among public area hunters indicates that the majority (at least all of the good hunters) are in favor of spacing restrictions. An example of the heavy competition for a shot at a goose and the resultant deterioration of the day's hunt was observed by one of our bag checkers on the crowded Cambria Neck public hunt area on December 15. Throughout the day a total of 419 geese (by actual count) attempted to land in an area being hunted by 39 hunters—the resultant kill was 16 birds.
Harvest on "Other" Areas
Hunting areas in this category are lands which are not operated as licensed goose clubs. These lands are privately owned, usually small in acreage and/or the landowner is not interested in leasing the hunting privileges.
As can be expected, this segment of the Crab Orchard goose harvest is the most difficult to evaluate. The harvest on these areas was sampled by distributing daily hunter registration and kill forms to landowners and tenants which has this type of hunting. These forms were inspected periodically throughout the season and collected at the end of the season.
tn I960 good data was obtained from 20 'other' areas and it was estimated we covered about 50 percent of the total. This past season we contacted AS 'other' areas and obtained good data from 40. A breakdown of the results is as follows:
Table No. 2 196l Summary of Goose Harvest in "Other" Areas. Areas Reporting Kill No Kill No Report 20 20 8
The actual reported total kill from the 20 areas which reported killing geese was 154. Even though our efforts to secure better coverage of the "other" areas met with somewhat better success than in past seasons, we know that the reported kill of 154 birds is too low. Also, we believe that using 20 percent of the kill on Club and Public Hunting Area for a kill of 424 is too high.
Based on past seasons' experiences and observations, and the fact we did get better coverage this year, we think that the kill on the
- 5 - "other" areas will normally lie between 15 percent and 20 percent of the combined kill on Club and Public Hunting Areas. However, fro the sake of continuity, we will again use the 20 percent figure for this season's •other" area kill.
Even though we believe our margin or error to be small, these "other" areas will need continual attention during the season, especailly in years of high potential goose kill. A good start has been made over the past two seasons to contact as many of these unlicensed areas as possible. With continued and stepped-up efforts in coining seasons there is little doubt that this segment of the Crab Orchard goose harvest will become less questionable.
Table No. 3 1961 Summary of Goose Harvest in the Crab Orchard Area.
Licensed* Refuge Other (20^) Weekly Report Period Clubs Public Hunting totals
11-6 to 11-12 (58) 62 53 23 138 11-13 to 11-19 (58) 66 59 17 142 11-20,to 11- 26 (57) U2 23 24 194 11- 27 to 12- 3 (51) 120 135 51 306 12- A'to 12-10 (52) 162 125 57 344 12-11 to 12-17 (49) 467 277 149 893 12-18 to 12-19 (52) 153 195 70 418 Season subtotal 1172 872 391 2435
2. Season Total 1289 872 424 25B5 I960 Totals 2864 11QZ 834 5005 1959 Totals 2772 £019 569 4360 1958 Totals 5056
* Figures in () represent number of clubs, out of 61, that had com plete reports for whole week. 1. Report kill. 2. Final adjusted club kill (10 percent of reported kill bases on fact that unreported hunting days by clubs was about 10 percent).
General Comments 1, The objectives of "quality" hunting over "Quantity" hunting
- 6 - should be sought on our public hunting areas. In this we have the support of the experienced hunter,
2. Requiring licensed clubs to mail registration and kill sheets once a week will be sufficient. If kill becomes critical, field patrol personnel can collect daily kill figures.
3. Attaching a self-addressed envelope to registration and kill sheets distributed to "other" areas will be an added incentive and reminder to mail these sheets at the close of the season. 4. The exposure of mud flats accomplished by drawdown of Crab Orchard Lake provides excellent loafing sites for geese in the "Closed Area".
5. Many hunters insist, and we think they actually believe, that we "feed the geese to keep them in the 'Closed Area'". Public relations while making hunter contacts will help to dispel this notion,
6. After the 1961 goose season was over, two letters were sent to all goose clubs in this area. Copies of these letters are attached.
7. A, summary of State and Federal hunting regulations for the area was drawn up by Law Enforcement Officer, Bavin. This sheet was dis tributed to hunters contacted in the field and was also available at refuge headquarters. In that the State is somewhat lax in getting regulation information to hunters, this regulation sheet was well received. A copy of this regulation form is attached.
Submitted by:
John Wilbrecht Assistant Refuge Manager
- 7 - UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Bureau Of Sport Fisheriee And Wildlife Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Route 2, Carterville, Illinois January 10, 1962
Dear Goose Hunter:
This letter ie being sent to all holders of Wild Goose Hunting Area Permits In the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Area who have failed to aubndt all of their Daily Register Sheets. Tea were requested in our letter of November 6, 1961, to mail the register sheets to this office two times each week. These register sheets should have been mailed, whether you hunted or not, to enable us to accurately determine the kill. Our records indicate that your club has not submitted register sheets for each reporting period. An enclosed self-addressed envelope ie provided for you to submit the missing register sheets. The lllinoia Game Code provides in Section 57 that each permit holder shall forward at the end of each season for the taking of migratory waterfowl, or at more frequent times as may be requested, a report upon blanks furnished by the Department. Failure on your part,as permit holder, to comply will constitute a violation of this section and liable you for prosecution. If we do not receive your missing daily register sheets by January 18, 1962, we will be forced to recommend to the State of Illinois that your organization be denied a Wild Gooae Hunting Area Permit for 1962.
7/ //C
Harry E. Stiles Project Manager
CB/hg U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Route 2, Carterville, Illinois January 10, 1962 Dear Goose Hunter: We again wish to express our appreciation for your cooperation during the 1961 Goose Season. Although the twice-weekly mailing of reports required more effort on your part, many of you responded promptly. This year, as last, we promised to give you a summary of the season. 1. There were 61 goose-clubs in the Crab Orchard Area. Last year there were 60. 2. The most hunters to hunt one club was 502. Last year - 4-82. 3. The greatest number of geese killed on one club was 222. Last year - 238. 4.. Eighteen clubs had 100 or more hunters. Last year - 20 clubs. 5. Three clubs killed 100 or more geese. Last year - 6 clubs. 6. One club had 56 hunters and no geese. Last year - $0 hunters and no geese. 7. Sixteen clubs killed no geese, 8. Hunter success on clubs averaged .231 geese p/hunter day. Last year - .4-21. 9. The best hunter success on a club was .718 geese p/hunter day. Last year - .818, We don't like to mention any club names, but you can compare your club average with the above average and see how you stand. As you know,' in anticipation of a good production year, the goose quota was in creased fromj 14.,000 last year to 20,000 this year in Sou, Illinois. In Wisconsin, the quota was also increased from 7,000 last year to 12,000 this year. As it stands right now, about 12,000 geese were harvested in Wisconsin this year and about 18,000 here in Sou. Illinois. Thus approximately 30,000 birds were removed { the flock this season - 10,000 more than last year. At present, to the best of our knowledge, the anticipated good production year did not materialize. Sex and age information gathered from geese killed on the Public Hunting Area indicates that we killed twice as many adults as immature birds. Banding we have done on the refuge this year has indicated the same trend. There seems to be little disagreement to the fact that the past goose-hunting season was, perhaps, one of the slowest in years in Crab Orchard Area. This can be attributed to the very slow build-up of the goose population on the refuge. Our normal refuge population build-up ran almost a month behind previous years. Mild weather to the north of us can certainly be considered partially responsible for this. With the return of the two-goose limit, hunting pressure increased greatly in the Horseshoe Lake area. This is ref.looted in the fact that the goose kill increased greatly in this area over last year. This about sums up our findings for the 1961 goose season. Your continued interest and cooperation with the Crab Orchard Nat'l, Wildlife Refuge of the Fish and Wild life Service, in the management of this goose flock, will insure hunting opportunities to many in future seasons.
Harry E. Stiles Project Manager JEW/hg .AJM 331) JUau^ a^UOJIW JAHOITAH O^AHO^O 8Alt3 HQ aH02AJa OMtTHUH f^gl HUNTING REGULATIONS
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
As a service to hunters, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has developed this information sheet. THIS SHEET DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE HUNTING REGULATIONS. We have only attempted to answer the questions most frequently asked. If you have suggestions for improving this information, contact our men In the field, ' i 8 .voM 03 f.Jqo? eavoQ HUNTING AND TRAPPING ON THE REFUGE:
Hunting and trapping on the public use area of the Refuge, which is posted with red signs, is permitted. No hunting or trespassing is permitted on the closed area which Is posted with white signs. lo All State and Federal hunting laws apply and are enforced.
BLIND BUILDING REGULATIONS: £ bn6
Any person may construct and use a hunting blind In the public hunting area. The construction of a blind shall not be deemed to establish priority of use by the person who constructs such blind.
The cutting or destruction by other means of any living vegetation including trees, brush and plants growing on the Refuge is prohibited.
The digging of a pit for use as a hunting blind, or for any purpose is prohibited except in such areas as may be designated by posting.
It is unlawful to hunt any species of waterfowl from any fixed, floating or artificial blind or ambush located more than 150 feet beyond the shoreline or outward and beyond the natural covering of any form of permanently estab1ished vegetation above the open water,
GOOSE HUNTING REGULATIONS (Williamson. Union; Jackson and Alexander Counties,
On all areas it is unlawful:
(1) For any person to take wild geese except from a blind or pit. (2) For any person to establish or use a blind or pit for the taking of wild geese within 200 yards of the refuge closed area boundary or public road rlght-of-wey adjacent to that boundary. (3) For any person to take wild geese except between the hours of sunrise and 3: PM Central Standard Time during the open season.
On all areas other than licensed clubs it is unlawful;
(1) For any person to establish or use a blind or pit within 100 yards of the boundary of the property on which the blind or pit is located, however, where the minimum yardage requirement cannot be met, one pit or blind may be permitted.
(2) For more than 3 persons to occupy or attempt to take wild geese from any blind or pit at the same time.
On all licensed Migratory Waterfowl Hunting areas it is unlawful:
(1) For any person to establish or use more than one blind or pit for each 20 acres or major fraction thereof set forth in the described area under license.
(2) For any person to establish or use any blind or pit for the taking of wild geese within 200 yards of any other blind or pit or within 100 yards of the boundary of the property on which the blind or pit is located, • (3) For more than 2 persons, but not including a registered guide., to occupy any single blind or pit at the same time, ^3V3IIIT3a A 32U «- hA3JD JJI>i— KOJid Ml 3MO0 M3HT T3J 1961 HUNTING SEASONS ON CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE PUBLIC USE AREA.
Open Season Daily Possession Limit Species dates inclusive Limit OPening day - Remainder
*Qua i1 Nov. 18 to Dec. 27 8 8 16 Oct: 28 to Nov. 26 6 6 6 **Duokwn00^s Oct, '28 to Nov. 26 2 2 k Vf**Geese in Alexander, Jackson, Union r^tayp arts i^wana oj baiqmaJlJe yln^ jtvaH eW and Willlamsbn Co.Nov76\o "6ec. 19 5 5 5 Doves SeptJ to Nov. 9 12 12 2k Jack Snipe Oc?. 28 to Nov. 26 8 8 8 Woodcock Nov. 18 to Dsc. 27 4 4 8 Squirrel Aug. 1 to Oct. 15 5 5 10 *Rabbit£ Nov. 18 to Jan. 31 5 5 10 Deer ( by State permit) Bow and arrow Nov, 15 to Nov. 25 Dec, k to Dec, 31 One deer per person per year of either sex. Shotgun Dec. I, 2, and 3 L> IU b n c Dec, 1, 2, and 3. The daily bag or possession limit may not include more than 1 wood duck and i hooded merganser Ng canvasback or redhead Daily,bag and possession limits of 5 geese may not include more than 2 Canada geese or subspecies, 2 white-fronted geese, or 1 Canada goose or subspecies and I white-fronted goose. Goose season will close when kill reaches 20,000 bi rds. •• • • v : . ; .... : • ^.. • SHOOTING HOURS, ; .> in zov yd boianyiaeb od aaaie riov? ni jonoxo bDJidimnq Geese - sunrise to 3 PM (CST), Doves - 12 noon (CST) to sunset. Jteer - bow hunters 6 AM to k PM, shotgun hunters 7 AM to kPH. (CST). Al1 other species - opening day 12 noon (CST) to sunset, after opening day sunrise to sunset.
SUNRISE - SUNSET TABLE FOR CRAB ORCHARD REFUGE DM I T^UH 320Qi (CST) October Sun rise Sunset November Sunrise Sunset December Sunrise Sunset A,M, P.M. A.M. P.M A,M. P.M. I •noIT Jq^oxe eeeap bl * 28 6:19 5:04 ' i I i 6:23 5;00 1 6:54 4:39 29 6:20 5:03 2 . 6;Z4 ^:59 2 1 6*55 4:39 30 6 * 22 5*01 3 6:25 4:53 3 6!56 4:39 r> i 6i23 5*00 k 6:27 4:56 4 A •'57 4:39 5 6:28 4:55 4:39 6:29 4:54 4:39 I t^wrJmj 7 J i 6:30 4:53 4:39 6:31 4:52 4:39 n Irl Mq Q ^ e, 6:32 4:52 4:39 6:33 4:51 4:39 6:3^ 4:50 4;39 12 6:35 4:49 4:39 6:36 4:48 4:39 \k 6L38 4:47 4:40 15 6:38 4:47 4:^0 16 6:39 4:46 4:41 17 6:40 4:45 4:41 18 6:41 4:45 18 4:42 19 6:42 4:44 19 ^08 4:42 • 20 6:44 4:44 7:08 i 21 6:45 4:43 22 6:46 4:42 23 6:47 4:42 001 nifttiw to Hq no •bnil t 2k 6:48 4:41 : • ' • al liq no bnifd arl^ doidi 25 6:49 4:41 ; 'C.rJ • i' > < b': i , 26 6:50 4:40 6:51 27 4:40 K] S na/lJ eiom TOI 28 6:52 4:39 29 6:53 4:39 30 6:54 4:38 • CHECK BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR MORE DETAILED HUNTING LAWS LET THEM COME IN CLOSE —KILL CLEAN — USE A RETRIEVER (This report was written for and appeared in the Illinois Wildlife Magazine)
Devil's Kitchen, an 810 acre lake way downn south in Illinois' Little Egypt, opens to fishing January 1, 1962. Al Lopinot, Chief Fishery Biologist of our Division of Fisheries, obtained permission from Pete Carter, manager of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, to sample the fish population so the Department of Conservation would have data on age, growth, weights, and size ranges of various species and at the same time be able to tell Illinois anglers what is available. This is a report of what was found in the population analysis and some comments about the lake. Assisting Al were Merle Price, Southern Area Fishery Biologist; Roy Lackart and Lee Colborn, District Fishery Biologist; Jack Newton, a fish conservation agent; and this writer.
Indian Summer's bright blue weather was never prettier the morning of October 9th when we made our first attempt at collecting fish. We ran our shocking gear up in the north end along the west shoreline for about 30 minutes but had little luck. You could see 13 feet straight down and as we approached fish theyM dart away before we could get close enough to stun them. "It's no use. Let's try again tonight; maybe we'll do better", suggested Merle. fO K by me", Al answered. "In the meantime, let's have a better look at the lake". t We tied up one boat and cruised into the south end through the tops of dead trees and into one of the necks. The 24. mile shoreline and surrounding watershed are covered primarily with hardwoods which were starting to show their fall colors. Portions of the hills are decorated with rich green pines planted years ago. Limestone bluffs, some of which come down to the water's edge, enhance the scenery with their cold gray walls and add a sense of age and thoughts of ancient time to this, the newest of Illinois* Federal lakes.
Most of the timber in the lake bottom was left standing except for a path of some 60 feet in width along parts of the shoreline. Even in these places there are small bushes and twigs. One thing is certain - anglers should use weedless lures while fishing underwater or they'll lose a fortune in baits. This is a place for casting gear and fairly heavy line, say 15 - 20 pound test, once thf big bass develop. In some spots it will be next to impossible to land a half-pounder with light spinning tackle.
But it's a beattiful lake and it'll be a challenge. The water lay like a mirror when we drove up at 7 PM to make another try. By the time we were ready to go, pitch darkness had set in. The stars sparkled like diamonds in an overhead sea of black velvet, but there was a new moon so no moonlight. And we needed light to see fish and keep from getting tangled in vegetation along the shoreline where we would be working. We rigged a light to the shocking boat and a pair of them to one of two pickup boats.
We stun fish by connecting a 230 volt a.c, generator, placed in the middle of a boat, to electrodes mounted in front. Fish are simply knocked out by the current and can then be picked up with a dip net. Within five minutes we knew we were in business. In clear water lakes night-time shocking works best because you can get closer to them before they spook.
We would shock for a while, then shut down to weigh, measure and take scale samples before returning the fish to the water unharmed, then shock some more. Biologists read growth rings on scales to tell how old a fish is. At midnight we had an adequate sample and called it a day.
The lake has been stocked with two to four inch bluegill in 1959, fingerling largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in I960, and more fingerling bass and channel cat in 1961. No other species were planted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Of the three, only bass and bluegill were collected. We seldom get channel cat with shocking equippient because they tend to stay near the bottom beyond the reach of the electrodes.
Eleven other species and one type of hybrid sunfish were in our sample. Of these only green sunfish and bullheads appeared to be of sufficient number to provide fishing. There were four other species of sunfish, two species of suckers, a few grass pike, which is a relative of the northern pike, and some golden shiners. We are glad we didnH find carp] Bass ranged from 4 to inches with the majority in the 9 to 10 inch group, which average less than a half pound. The largest bass weighed one and one-half pounds. We were disappointed we didn't collect any of the three-pounders we'd had reports of and can't say for sure that they are or are-not there. However, there is a large population of bass and they are growing faster in length than the State average. Right now they are a bit underweight and may be slightly overcrowded. After the season opens and some of them are caught, those that remain could very likely put on more inches around the waistline.
Bluegill ran up to inches with most of them in the 6 to 6^- inch range. Young bluegill are growing at a good rate but they too are a little thin. The largest bullhead collected measured H inches, the majority 7 to 8 inches. Most of the green sunfish were in the 6 to Tj- inch range. The fishing picture for next spring, we feel, is excellent for 9 to 10 inch bass. Bluegill fishing should be only fair due to a relatively small number of 'keepers* at present. With good growth there could be an excellent ^luegill population by summer's end. Since the channel cat stocked were fingerlings, our guess is they will not reach nice eating size of 12 to 15 inches until late 1962. Of course, there may be some channel cat present that were not officilly stocked. Where did all those other speices come from? Some may have been thrown in by "conservation minded" volunteers; this, or course, should never be done. And there is a possibility some survived the watershed treatment which attemped to eliminate all fish in ponds and streams and lake basin before desirable fish were stocked. On a watershed the size of this one, 18 square miles, it would be next to impossible to kill all fish. Bass and bluegill do have a head start on everything else, however, which is very important.
Since this is a very deep lake by Illinois standards (maximum depth 90 feet, average depth 36 feet) we can't expect it to be a heavy producer in pounds of fish per surface acre of water. Let's take a lo6k at why. Devil's Kitchen has a very steep shoreline and only a small portion of the entire lake is less than 10 feet deep. There is little or no sun light below 10 to 15 feet in our lakes because it is shut out by billions of tipy plants and animals, collectively called plankton, in the upper few feet of water. This is also where the warmest water is found, as you swimmers know. Now sunlight and warmth are important in the growth of plankton. Why is plankton needed? It provided food for animals such as worms, water fleas, fairy shrimps, water mites, insects and their larvae, and snails, all of which are found either in the mud on the bottom or in the vegetation growing in this shallow area. Bluegills and other small fish feed on these bottom animals. Basf,in turn, eat bluegills and small fishes. You see, then, there is a relationship of each group from plankton up to bass. This is called a food chain. So, if only a small portion of the Kitchen's floor produces fish foods, the total pounds of fish the lake will support would be relatively little compared to a much shallow- er iaksr bofly of water. Another event which takes place in our lakes dur ing summertime is a decrease in dissolved oxygen in deep water. This is due to the fact that there is no sunlight in deep water. Plants must have sunlight to give off oxygen. Bottom animals and fish, like all other animals, must have oxygen to live and a lack of it is also a limiting factor in fish food production. This definitely does not mean Devil's Kitchen will not produce big fish, both bass and bluegill as well as other species. It does mean that there would not be as many pounds of them as in a shallow lake of the same surface area. What about trout? Man, that water down in Davy Jones' Locker will be might cold. But don't forget that loss of oxygen in deep water. To get it trout would have to come up to a point where the water temper ature would probably be too warm for them. Our lakes in hot summer have a layer of warm water on top, an intermediate layer or thermo- cline where the temperature drops very rapidly, and a cold layer on the bottom.
Would walleye be a good bet? Good sized walleye have been taken out of some of the TVA lakes. These are big waters, however. One of the northern states found that walleye do best in lakes of 1,000 acres or more. They require rocky windswept shorelines and rocky shoal areas for successful spawning. Devil's Kitchen doesn't quite meet these re quirements. A few stocked walleye may survive but is is very doubtful that a fishable population could be maintained.
You might say then, "All right, let's try northern pike. Let's get something different than largemouth bass; we can catch those most anywhere in Illinois". How many of you fellas have ever seen really good northern water? Remember those large shallow marshy bays with lot of weeds? They need such places for spawning. Does Devil's Kitchen have them? Huh uhi You might catch one of the little grass pike which look li^e miniature northerns. They are found throughout Illinois in streams and rivers, but rarely grow beyond 15 inches.
^Oh, come on Allen, quit hanging crepe. If we can't have those species give us the smallmouth bass". I'm surprised you didn't mention those before now. You're getting c^ose - you have the right genus, "Micropterus", but let's take a look at the ppecies, "dolimieu". Small- mouth are native to Illinois streams. We've found pretty good populations of them as far south as the central part of the state; there might even be some in the southern area, in streams. Now we've tried smallmouth in lakes. Siloam Springs east of %iincy has them. We are trying to develop a smallmouth population in Randolph County Lake near Chester. In those lakes we have redear sunfish in combination with smallmouth but no largemouth. It just doesn't do well when it has to compete with very many other species. There may be some survival, but a good population is hard to maintain. Lake Bloomlngton has a few smallmouth but most of its bass have a bigger grin.
Doesn't someone want tarpon??? Let's stop kidding ourselves. Why not take the old largemouth bass and be satisfied, ^hen you boil it all down and look at the situation aquare in the face, the largemouth bass, "Micropterus salmoides", is our best big game fish in the entire lake. He'll live in just about any lake we have and unless crowded out by overpopulated panfish will maintain some reproduction year after year. Oh, he may not skyrocket time after time like the rainbow trout as he's being reeled in, but you've seen him clear the water when he's feeling his oats. You'v also had him smash a surface plug late some June night when the water was still and the only sounds you could hear were cricket frogs, an occasional deep resonant "chug-o- rum" from an old bullfrog, bit shouldered bluegill sucking down aquatic insects and maybe an owl far off in the timber saying "shoo-whoo-whoo- shooooo". What happened? The old lunker probably jerked the reel handle out of your thumb and forefinger and barked your knuckles. And if you were lucky you may have recovered fast enough to keep him from wrapping the leader around some stump or lily pad so so he couldn't break it. Once you got him in, if he didnH jump out of the water and shake the lure lack in your lap, your heart was hitting over a hundred. Remember? Of course you do. Let's not be ashamed of this critter. He's a worthy trophy and one of the smartest freshwater fish, if the term may be used. One research scientist rated the largemouth as more intelligent than the smallmouth, the musky, the northern pike and the brook trout. And he gets so doggone big (the official Illinois record is 10^ pounds) he isn't afraid of anything else in the lake. Those Little Grassy baas fishermen respect this fellow and are proud of it. Ten pounders have been caught at Grassy and in due time Devil's Kitchen should have comparable size fish.
The lake is located about 12 miles southeast of Carbondale, Fishing will be in accordance with State regulations with two special rules: No motors of any kind will be permitted and no minnows or fish parts may be used for bait. Rental boats will be available in the springj the price! has not been established but the prevailing rate in that area is |3.^0 per dayi Bait, tackle, sandwiches and other items will be handled by the concessionaire. There are 29 trailer camp sites which will rent for about $1.25 per day. Some eager beavers will be there on New Year's Eve poised for the kill, but I'm going to wait 'til late March or early April and go down for a weekend of fun. How about you? 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL TO Pec. 31 19 61 REFUGE (vflh ar^r* MONTHS OF Sept. X
Weeks of reportin (1) : M : 9/15: 9/22 : 9/29 : 10/6 : 10/13 : 10/20 • 10/27 : 11/3 Species : 1 : 2 : 3 : h t 5 x 6 : 7 s 8 • 9 : 10 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 40 40 40 75 966 2,700 3.270 14,000 19,700 33,000 Brant • White-fronted 1 Snow 8 50 100 100 Blue 3 100 400 600 Other Bar-headed Ducks: Mallard 15 15 30 13 38 67 75 696 1,100 1,200 Black 2 3 0 6 49 95 100 Gadwall - 27 4 70 50 Baldpate U 0 2 17 77 121 100 100 Pintail 6 . 7 44 9 19 10 25 10 Green-winged teal 21 20 2 0 0 17 50 Blue-winged teal 207 41 5 2 13 2 0 0 Cinnamon teal Shoveler 21 0 10 0 2 0 17 15 Wood 200 200 200 200 200 150 125 125 75 50 Redhead 5 4 10 Ring-necked 50 50 Canvasback i Scaup 48 600 300 Goldeneye 4 Bufflehead Rudc^r 200 150 Other W.Winged Scot ST Hooded Merganser X 4 75 Common Merganser 10 25 Coot: I 1 40 7 60 151• 375 . 200 - TNT.-DUP , D.C.-5382 3 -1750a Cont. NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL (Continuation Sheet) REFUGE Crab Orchard MONTHS OF Sept. 1 TO Dec. 31 , 19 61
• (2) : (3) • ; Weeks o f reporting peri o d Estimated • Productio(W n (1) il/XO : 11/17 : 11/24 : 11/30 : 12/8 : 12/15 : 12/22 : 11/29 : waterfowl :Broods:E stimate Species : 11 : 12 : 13 : Hi : 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : days use : seen : total Swans: Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 36,450 41,200 45,000 52,000 63,000 50,000 40,000 60,000 3,230,167 25 25 25 25 700 Brant White-fronted T Snow 90 50 25 25 25 4 3,339 Blue 500 450 125 125 275 I 8 18,109 Other Bar-headed 1 14 Ducks: t Mallard 1,435 1,375 810 805 935 725 452 489 71,932 Black 121 265 225 210 220 505 170 201 15,204 Gadwall 22 28 6 t 7 1,505 Baldpate 102 84 71 12 5 0 9 5,054 Pintail 6 16 26 9 u1 35 0 X 1,563 Green-winged teal 92 45 11 6 4 6 0 0 1,918 Blue-winged teal 0 0 1,890 Cinnamon teal m Shoveler 12 I 0 0 1 553 Wood 20 5 I 0 9,857 Redhead 1 X 147 Ring-necked 2X 100 375 590 14 12 8,41*4 Canvasback 2 12 7 9 31 2 8 511 Scaup 120 2,585 345 20 13 4 2 387 30,968 Goldeneye 12 8 17 20 67 896 Bufflehead 15 70 10 0 4 X 2 0 714 Ruddy 112 11 2 0 17 0 0 11 3,521 Otheiw,Winged Scotc; 1 7 Hooded Merganser 121 170 100 285 55 66 27 34 6,566 Common Merganser 48 55 110 636 880 3,535 8,037 2,745 112,567 Coot: 25 95 10 2 8 2 0 X 6,888 i (over) (5) Total Days Use —rs) m SUMMARY Peak Number : Total Production Swans Principal feeding areas "Closed Arca,, of refuge Geese 3,252,336 63,000 Ducks 273,862 8,714 Principal nesting areas — Coots 6,888 375 Reported by John Wilbrecht
INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. (2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations. (3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species. (li) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted* (5) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3). (6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period. (7) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U)*
Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, C. 179^1* 1953 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) (other than waterfowl) Refuge. Crab Orchard Months of September to..9******_ i&l
(1) (2) (3) (4) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Numbe r Date Number Date Numbe r Date Colonies Nests Young Number I. Water and Marsh Birds: Loon 7 10- 27 11-24 Still prjesent 15 Horned Grebe 7 11- 17 11-24 Still prjesent 20 Pied-billed Grebe 1 9-29 1 9-29 1 10-20 10 D. C. Cormorant 1 9-29 17 10-20 4 12-8 25 Great Blue Heron Pres< nt 67 9-29 Still prjesent 150 Little Blue Heron Present 6 9-22 1 9-29 15 Common Egret Present 217 9-29 2 11- 30 250 Green Heron Present 2 9-15 2 10-13 5 Black-Crowned Night Heron 2 10-1 50 10-3 50 10-3 55 White Pelican 2 10-20 2 10-30 1 12- 5 2
II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:Conmon Tern Present 5 9-15 2 9-22 20 Caspian Tern 2 9-22 17 9-29 17 9-29 25 Black Tern Present 31 10- 13 31 10-13 50 Herring Gull 5 10- 6 6719 12-22 Still present 7000 Ring-Billed Gulls 9-29 1335 Still present 1500 10 20 12-22 Bonapartes Gull 10 11- 20 11- 24 20 11-24 50 64 200 JCilldeer Present 3 9-22 2 12-8 5 Black-Bellied Plover 2 9-29 4 10-6 1 10-27 5 Common Snipe 1 10-1 10 10-13 3 11-17 20 Spotted Sandpiper Present 5 10-13 10 10-13 50 Solitary Sandpiper 2 9-22 1 9*29 1 10-13 5 Greater Yellowlegs 1 10-20 10-20 1 10-20 Lesser Yellowlegs 50 9-15 110 10-6 5 10-13 200 Pectoral Sandpiper 75 10- 6 75 10- 6 5 10-13 150 White-Rumped " 30 11- 10 75 11- 17 20 11-24 125 Baird's Sandpiper 50 10- 6 50 10- 6 50 10-6 100 5 25 Least Sandpiper 12 11- 10 11- 17 5 11-30 2 2 10-6 2 Wilson's Phalarope 10-6 ^(o^er) in 12 13. 141 151 31 HI. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove^ Permanciit Residerit White-winged dove
IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle 1 10-18 1 10- 18 (1) Still present 3 ^ttek-hawhBald Eagle 2 10-19 13 11- 24 m n 25 Horned owl PerraaneHt Resident Mafgpte Bam Owl 1 10- 20 io-ao J.0-20 Raven Barred Owl Permanerit Residerit Crow Permanent Resident Turkey Vulture 2 9-22 9-39 10-27 50 Red-Tailed Hawk Permanerit Residerit Red-Shouldered Hawk Permanent Resident Marsh Hawk 1 9-22 2 10-27 Still present 25 Sparrow Hawk 1 9-15 6 10- 13 Still Present 50 Cooper's Hawk 1 11- 10 2 11- 30 2 11-30 5
Reported by J^ B^3!m.
INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.
(3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.
(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.
(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.
(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned, t INT.-DUP. SEC. , WASH.. D.C. / 5931? 3-175>'Cc Foto 1:11-10 \i\:Zi.X}JL HtlKTSR KILL 3U?vV7 (Sept. I960) Duck Kill Refuge Crab Orchard Year 1961
(1) (2) (3) (7) (9) Weeks of No. Hunters Ilunter ToUl Crioplinp Total •tLst ,m I o . i^st. Total] Ihintinf Chocked 'iours itfatcrfo-wl S iccies vsid I'oc. of Each Ea^ed lagged Loss Kill of Hunter J Kill Oct. 28- 35 163 Mallards (4) 12 3 15 350 150 Nov. 3 Wood Ducks (4) Baldpate C2) G. Scoup (1) ' ( •) G. W. Teal (1) Nov. 4- 26 136 Mallard (5) 12 3 15 260 150 Nov. 10 Ringneck (2) Hooded Merganser (2) Baldpate (1) Golden Bye (1) Wood Duck Cl) Nov. 11- 25 127 Mallard (4) 15 6 21 250 210 Nov. 17 Ringneck (3) • Hooded Merganser (2) Baldpate (2) Shoveller (2) L. Scaup (2) Nov. 18- 31 158 Mallard (4) 7 4 11 310 110 Nov. 24 L. Scaup (2) Goldeneye (1) Nov. 25- 9 39 Mallard (2) 3 1 4 90 40 Nov. 26 L. Scaup (1) v ^ v • '7 frcJL. &
• < ' (over) • 3-1750c Fom Nii-lC •^.UVL i-lJir^l KILL 3U'V (Sept. I960) Goose ICill Refuge Crab Orchard leer 19oX
(1) (TS—' —D "TTT ITT Weeks of Hunter Total i^st, L o. —ur No, Hunters e Crippling Total Hunting Waterfowl Species rjid I.'os. of Each Bagc d lagged Checked lours Loss Kill of Hunter. bet. Tote Kill Nov.6- 274 782 Canada Goose (12) 12 15 1122 62 Nov.12
Nov.13- Nov.19 183 465 Canada Goose (10). 10 11 1065 64
Nov.20- 162 Canada Goose (5) 5 7 893 378 39 Nov.26 r
Nov.27- 139 23 27 815 159 Dec. 3 359 Canada Goose (23)
Dec. 4 - 195 23 25 1058 135 Dec. 10 506 Canada Goose (23)
178 39 43 1263 Dec. U* 305 Dec.17 627 Canada Goose (39)
Dec.18- 97 36 40 525 413 Canada Goose (36) 216 Dec.19 ^—s ^5 0 ±23
(over) 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946; December Refuge, Crab Orchard Months of Septerauer to
(i) (2) (3) (5) (6) (7) Density Young Sex Remarks Species Produced Ratio Removals Total
o Estimated Acres V number Pertinent information not •H S3! Cover types, total per o - O using specifioally requested. O Common Name acreage of habitat Bird o (0 Percentage O 45 Refuge List introductions here. o (0
Bobwhite Quail Cultivated fields, upland brush, meadow, and forest edges Areas I & III - 15,000 acres 10 LOGO 50:50 100 1500
Area II- 19,000 Ac J000 50:50 4000 INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge| once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types„ Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series Nc, 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.
* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.
17059 3-1753 BIG GAME Form NR-3 (June 1945) Refuge Crab Orchard Calendar Year_j^
(1) (2) (3) Ik) (5) (6) —m Species Density Young Removals Losses Introductions Estimated (8) Produced Total Refuge Sex Population Ratio Cover types, total 44 o At period As of u u Common Name Acreage of Habitat Number •H < a © a> Source of Dec. Greatest S" as 31 * o use I O -P IN at White-tailed Deer Bottoifi and upland timber, cultivated fields, pasturci 36,000 Acres 400 SCO 54 10 *15 1300 1100 1:125
Remarks: * Primarily road-killed animals
Reported by John Wilbrecht INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-3 - BIO GAME (l) SPECIES: Use correct conmon name; i.e.. Mule deer, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It Is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer. (2) DENSITY: Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this Information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. , (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated total number of young produced on refuge. (U) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the year. (5) LOSSES: On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year. (6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured. (7) TOTAL REHJGK POPULATION: Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as cf Dec. 31. (g) SEX RATIO: Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. ii«ooi 3 .1755 Form NR-5 DISEASE
Refuge Crab Orchard Tear 19.61
Botulism Lead Poisoning or other Disease Period of outbreak Kind of diseaseLead Poisoning or Crop Impaction Period of heaviest losses. Species affected Canada Geese Losses: Number Affected Actual Count Estimated Species Actual Count Estimated (a) Waterfowl 25 100 (b) Shorebirds m (c) Other Number Hospitalized No, Recovered % Recovered Number Recovered Uriimonn
(a) Waterfowl m Number lost (b) Shorebirds (c) Other Source of infection Unknown Areas affected (location and approximate acreage). Water conditions Lake drawdown 2 feet. Very dry fall.
Water conditions (average depth of water in sickness areas, reflooding of exposed flats,etc. Food conditions Good
Condition of vegetation and invertebrate life Remarks
Remarks
nrr.-oop., o.c- 5 3?i9-«9 PUBLIC USE
Refuge Crab Orchard Calendar Year 1961
Total Use Hunting Fishing Miscellaneous Visitor-Days Use Use Use
1, 484,000 21,500 58,400 1,404,100
Where practical, by means of occasional spot checks, or other methods, show by percent and visitor-days the breakdown of the above figures and other related information:
Hunting (on refuge lands): Percent Visitor-Days Acres Miscellaneous: Percent Visitor-Days
Waterfowl ,81 12,000 20,305 Recreation * S8. 1.296.100 Mailing 4. 58,400 Upland Game #C4 5.700 15.160 Official .01 500
Big Game #03 3.300 15.160 Economic Use .10 7.500 Var lid ts a Crow .01 500 15,160 Supervised by refuge Q by State p No. of blinds Q 7. 100,000 Hunting (off Comments: refuge lands): Estimated man-days of hunting on lands adjacent to the refuge 8,000 (These figures should not he included in hunting-use totals above).
Fishing;
Acres of ponds or lakes 8725 and miles of streams
1 open to fishing. *(including picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, viewing wildlife, and photographing) 3-1757 Form NR-7 PLANTINGS (April 1946; (Marsh - Aquatic - Upland)
Refuge .Crab-Orchard ...Year 196 61.
Amount Rate of Planted Location Seeding ;Acres or Date of of Area or Yards of Amount & Nature Plant Cause of Species Planted Planting Shoreline of Propagules ing Survival Loss Remarks
Area I 8 Acres 2/3 r.dllet and sorghum July 12-13 Good Food patches 1/3 millet k vetcJ July 21-3 1 for upland game birds.
TOTAL ACREAGE PLANTED: Marsh and aquatic Hedgerows, cover patches Food strips, food patches 8. Forest plantings
INT.-DUP. SEC. WASH., D.C, M17063 Form NR-8 Fish and .-.idlife Service Branch of Wilc^ife Refuges (Rev. Jan. 19^6) CULTIVATED CROPS - HATING - GRAZING Crab Orchard Williamson Illinois Refuge County State
Permittee1 s Government1 s Share or Return Green Manure, Cultivated Share Harvested Harvested Unharvested Total Cover and Water Crops Acreage fowl Browsing Crops Total Grown Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Ton8 Acres Bu./Tons Planted Type and Kind Acreage
Corn ! 08.5 35,00 0 bu# 57.5 2000 bu. 543 2800 bu. 1514 ,000 bu. 1610 Soybeans 1*07 1£ #03 6000 bu# Grain Sorghura 8 160 bu. 8 Wheat 180 bu. 60 bu. 101 20 ton (over and browse 101 Rye 40 10 ton 40 1 rowse 40 Fescue 10 4 ton 10 I rowse 10 Red Clover 45 8 ton 45 (over and browse 45 Grass Legume pasturemi:: 214 30 ton 214 ( over and browse 214 Hay 841 1126 C over and browse 1126 Field Brome 10 — 10 l rowse
Fallow Ag. Land 26
No. of Permittees: Agricultural Operations 35 Haying Operations 13 Grazing Operations *j
Hay - Improved Tons Cash GRAZING Number AUM»S Cash ACREAGE (Specify Kind) Harvested Acres Revenue Animals Revenue Lespedeza, Timothy, 538.7 763 $1,706.8 0 1. Cattle 871 -,629.5 $4,629.50 : «30 Clover mixture Alfalfa 7 23/79 6.3 2. Other
1. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation 10,160
Hay - Wild 2. Acreage Cultivated as Service Operation 430 DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING
Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops which were planted during the calendar year and for haying and grazing operations carried on during the same period. Separate reports shall be furnished for Refuge lands in each county when a refuge is located in more than one county or State! Cultivated Crops Grown - List all crops planted, grown and har vested on the refuge during the reporting period regardless of purpose. Crops in kind which have been planted by more than one permittee or this Service shall be combined for reporting purposes. Permittee* s Share - Only the number of acres utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. Report all crops harvested in bushels or fractions thereof except such crops as silage, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and hay, which should be reported in tons or fractions thereof.
Government1 s Share or Return - Harvested - Show the acreage and number of bushels harvested for the Government of crops produced by- permittees or refuge personnel, Unharvested - Show the exact acreage and the estimated number of bushels of grain available for wildlife. If grazing is made available to waterfowl through the planting of grain, cover, green manure, grazing or hay crops, estimate the tonnage of green food produced or utilized and report under Bushels Unharvested column. Total Acreage Planted - Report all acreage planted, including crop failures. Green Manure, Cover and Waterfowl Grazing Crops - Specify the acre age, kind and purpose of the crop. These crops and the acreage may be duplicated under cultivated crops if planted during the year, or a dupli cation may occur under hay if the crop results from a perennial planting. Hay - Improved - List separately the kinds of improved hay grown. Annual plantings should also be reported under Cultivated Crops, and perennial hay should be listed in the same manner at time of planting. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation - Report total land area devoted to agricultural purposes during the year.
INT.-DUP. SEC, WASH. , D.C.9176? 3-1758 Form NR-8 Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Wildi ufe Refuges (Rev. Jan. 1956) CULTIVATED CROPS - HATING - GRAZING Refuge Crab Orchard County Jackson State Illinois
Permittee1 s Government* s Share or Return Green Manure, Cultivated Share Harvested Harvested , Unharvested Total Cover and Water Crops Acreage fowl Browsing Crops Total Grown Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Ton8 Acres Bu./Tons Planted Type and Kind Acreage
Wheat 15.25 120 bu. 5.5 40 bu. 21 •
Fallow Ag. Land 155
No. of Permittees: Agricultural Operations Haying Operations Grazing Operations 2
Hay - Improved Tons Cash GRAZING Number AUM»S Cash ACREAGE (Specify Kind) Harvested Acres Revenue Animals Revenue
1. Cattle 42 224 $224.00 160
2. Other
1. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation 21 Hay - Wild 2. Acreage Cultivated as Service Operation 0 0 0 DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING
Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops which were planted during the calendar year and for haying and grazing operations carried on during the same period. Separate reports shall be furnished for Refuge lands in each county"when a refuge is located in more than one county or State. Cultivated Crops Grown - List all crops planted, grown and har vested on the refuge during the reporting period regardless of purpose. Crops in kind which have been planted by more than one permittee or this Service shall be combined for reporting purposes. Penoittee* s Share - Only the number of acres utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. Report all crops harvested in bushels or fractions thereof except such crops as silage, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and hay, which should be reported in tons or fractions thereof. Qovermnent* s Share or Return - Harvested - Show the acreage and number of bushels harvested for the Government of crops produced by permittees or refuge personnel. Unharvested - Show the exact acreage and the estimated number of bushels of grain available for wildlife. If grazing is made available to waterfowl through the planting of grain, cover, green manure, grazing or hay crops, estimate the tonnage of green food produced or utilized and report under Bushels Unharvested column. Total Acreage Planted - Report all acreage planted, including crop failures. Green Manure, Cover and Waterfowl Grazing Crops - Specify the acre age, kind and purpose of the crop. These crops and the acreage may be duplicated under cultivated crops if planted during the year, or a dupli cation may occur under hay if the crop results from a perennial planting. Hay - Improved - List separately the kinds of improved hay grown. Annual plantings should also be reported under Cultivated Cropa, and perennial hay should be listed in the same manner at time of planting. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation - Report total land area devoted to agricultural purposes during the year.
INT.-DUP. SEC, WASH., D.C.9176? 3-1570 NR-Sa REFUGE GRAIN REPORT Refuge -„„C*al?„Cfcchaxd„ Months of „ through .December , l&tl
(i) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) PROPOSED OR SUITABLE USE* ON HAND RECEIVED GRAIN DISPOSED OF ON HAND VABIETY* BEGINNING DURING TOTAL END OF OF PEKIOD PEBIOD Transferred Seeded Fed Total PERIOD Seed Feed Surplus
Corn (Hybrid) 2000 bu 2000 bu. 500 bu 500 bu. 1500 bu. 1500 bu.
Corn (Mixed variety) 400 bu 400 bu. 100 bu 100 bu. 300 bu. 300 bu.
Corn (Pfister Hybrid 20 bu 20 bu. 20 bu. 20 bu.
Wheat 300 bu 300 bu. 250 bu. 250 bu. 50 bu. 50 bu.
Field Brome 3 bu 3 bu. 3 bu.
(8) Indicate shipping or collection points
(9) Grain is stored at
(10) Remarks -Graixi..on.JhajMl.Jifi^ed oii. tois *See instructions on back. NR-Sa
REFUGE GRAIN REPORT
This report should cover all grain on hand, received, or disposed of, during the period covered by this narrative report. Report all grain in bushels. For the purpose of this report the following approximate weights of grain shall be considered equivalent to a bushel: Corn (shelled)—55 lb., corn (ear)—70 lb., wheat— 60 lb., barley—50 lb., rye—55 lb., oats—30 lb., soy beans—60 lb., millet—50 lb., cowpeas—60 lb., and mixed—50 lb. In computing volume of granaries, multiply the cubic contents (cu. ft.) by 0.8 bushels. (1) List each type of grain separately and specifically, as flint corn, yellow dent corn, square deal hybrid corn, garnet wheat, red May wheat, durum wheat, spring wheat, proso millet, combine milo, new era cowpeas, mikado soy beans, etc. Mere listing as corn, wheat, and soybeans will not suffice, as specific details are necessary in considering transfer of seed supplies to other refuges. Include only domestic grains; aquatic and other seeds will be listed on NR-9. (3) Report all grain received during period from all sources, such as transfer, share cropping, or harvest from food patches. (4) A total of columns 2 and 3. (6) Column 4 less column 5. (7) This is a proposed break-down by varieties of grain listed in column 6. Indicate- if grain is suitable for seeding new crops. (8) Nearest railroad station for shipping and receiving. (9) Where stored on refuge: "Headquarters granary," etc. (10) Indicate here the source of grain shipped in, destination of grain transferred, data on con dition of grain, unusual uses proposed.
82586 3-1759 C JBCTIONS AND RECEIPTS OF PLAm STOCK Form NR-9 (Seeds, rootstocks, trees, shrubs) (April 1946) Refuge, Crab Orchard Tear IS^jJl
Collections Receipts Date or Total Amount Species Amouzrb Period of Method VnLt Cost Amount Source Amounts Surplus Collection on Hand
Fescue 300 lbs. July 30 - Aug. Combine 0.18/lb. 250 lbs. None
Timothy 700 lbs. July 30 - Aug, Combine 0.18/lb. 500 lbs. None
Interior Diplieating Secfcion, Was lingtnn 25, D.p.84267 3-1761 Form NR-11 TIMBER REMOVAL Page 1.
Refuge-.-Cr^.C^chard year la^..6.1.
No. of Units Expressed in Rate Reservations Unit or B. F., ties, of Total and/or Diameter Permittee Permit No. Location Acreage etc. Charge Income Limits Species Cut Leyd Cox 34008 600 posts .09 $54.00 3" x 6" x ?• Black Locust T" x 9" x 7' Black Locust S209 TIOS, 5 posts •20 1.00 IB. 34011 x 6- x f • Black Locust Cleo Escue *• Kit 1149 posts .09 103.41 , TIOS, IB. Val Gene Walker 34012 3" x 6- x 7 Black Locust • sfij, 596 posts .09 53.64 326, T103, Rudy Andolaek 34013 207 posts •09 9.63 3n x 6W x 7* Black Locust J15, TIOS, 9 posts .20 1.80 7n x 9n x 7* Black Locust
Alvin Cagle 34014 Down pifMil forfeited - Did not cut p osts. 11.00 Black Locust
Sou. Ill* Univ. 34015, 353513 Removed some Hacxberlry, Sugar Maple), Pin no charge Oak, Red Cedar, Sweeit Gum, Sycamore for landscaping a^id erosion control Troy Cooksey 34018 SWj, SWj, 64 posts .09 5.76 3- x 6- x 7f Black Locust S27, T10S, Rl£, Claude Cox 35347 SBj, SW*, 10 18.07 Mm 286.10 All marked trees Mixed hardwoods k SHi, SWj, S.11,T10S,«|IE. 10 96.69 MBM 932.48 All marked trees Mixed hardwoods S.8, TIOS, RIB. Robert L. Ticer 35352 NBJ, Hii 35.58 mi 302.18 Clear cut Mixed hardwoods s.n, TlOS^ RIB. 3« « t L. H. Cables 35355 SEj, SWj, 400 posts .09 x 6 x 7 Black Locust S35, TUS, RIB. Total acreage cut over.a7-Xlxcluding Total income-£l,761.36-..._ post cutting) No. of units removed B. F. 150.34 Method of slash disposalJ^JIlift trails Cords and farm fields. Ties Posts 2930 Interior—Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 24316 ^t«r t • an •Alut Hate Xrthod orninf Glory 6/30- Pull leaf 34D 1/1 10. BrMd jet — t 36.8S 101.76 19.20 U7.S4 , 1.21 fOl ktcather cl«*r for 3 days | >r.ar tweed 7/1 Avirt •drttrgent acre ' boom sprayer •fttr sprayiag. Jocklcburr 4 Meed control in corn.
7/3 **rfi* 240 2 lb 14.30 i 27.36 3.20 47.06 ^ 3.62 •eed control in corn fro. sail, •star •21 Broadlaaf a/16 k **U leaf 240 •ate 3/4 lb.> Pi 11.52 42.32 3.20 57.04 .13 | 95% Or«o Orchard Dm. 8/If 245? 3/4 10. Ap^aarance very good. •ere 1
roadie 5/23 - Fall leaf 240 ite 42.00 1.52 ; 16.00 {l4v.5i 9.M 50t RoadaiJa spraying - 15 ailaa V22 , i iroadlc 6/25- Ml leaf 1.07 Iba.Flnt CAT tsqk — 195.32 13I.M ! 160.00 494.4a 3.49 1 75% Spraying «lonc both sides 7/1 1.07 lbs. »/?an*aa 34 nilcs of rAbroad t.O.M/ • e poap a W Ifg. 4 9 I a -r • • ^ ? fa 1 "Xnfau Kja> g K
nemicrioM o* RETKX SIDC
Attach Uda side i^ Karrmtlve Iteport - aak and fold it. the - r c