UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE AND FISH REFUGE McGregor District McGregor,

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

FY2001 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, McGregor District

McGregor, Iowa Fiscal· Year 2001

Refuge Supervisor

Date INTRODUCTION

1. Location

The McGregor District is one of four districts comprising the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The District Office is located at McGregor, Iowa with Refuge Headquarters at Winona, . This District contains parts of Houston County, Minnesota (8,651 acres); Grant, Crawford, and Vernon Counties, (37,495 acres); Dubuque, Clayton, and Allamakee Counties, Iowa (32,038 acres) for a total of 78,184 acres. The District covers navigation Pools 9, 10 and 11 and is 97 river miles long, extending from Dubuque, Iowa to Genoa, Wisconsin. Adjoining or nearby public land areas are: 1) Grant River Public Use Area, Potosi, Wisconsin; 2) Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville, Wisconsin; 3) Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor, Iowa; 4) Wyalusing State Park, Wyalusing, Wisconsin; 5) Effigy Mounds National Monument, McGregor, Iowa; 6) Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry, Iowa; 7) Blackhawk Park, Victory, Wisconsin; 8) Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin; 9) Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve, New Albin, Iowa, and several smaller access areas.

2. Topography

The Refuge lies within the Mississippi River Valley which is two to five miles wide and cradled between forested bluffs, rising up to 500 feet above the River. The elevation of the valley is approximately 600 feet mean sea level.

3. Points of Interest

The McGregor District contains no large cities, but small river towns flank the river. Commercial fishing, clamming, and furbearer trapping provide income for some residents along the Refuge. Sport fishing is the most popular recreational activity, occurring every day of the year. Waterfowl hunters may travel over 200 miles to participate in opening day hunts on the Refuge. As a migration corridor, the Mississippi River valley may be unsurpassed in significance.

4. Physical Facilities

The McGregor District Office/Visitor Contact Station (DO/VCS) completed in July, 1986 is located in McGregor, Iowa. Satellite stations are located at Cassville, Wisconsin, and Lansing, Iowa. Warehouse/storage areas are located at Cassville and Genoa, Wisconsin, and McGregor and Lansing, Iowa. INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

Highlights

Page 1. Monitoring and Studies a. Surveys and Censuses...... 1 b. Studies and Investigation ...... 1

2. Habitat Restoration a. Wetland Restoration ...... NTR b. Upland Restoration ...... NTR c. Deep Water/Riverine Restoration ...... NTR d. Other Habitat Management ...... 2 e. Environmental Management Program ...... 2

3. Habitat Management a. Water Level Management ...... 5 b. Moist Soil Management ...... 5 c. Graze/Mow/Hay ...... NTR d. Farming ...... NTR e. Forest Management ...... 6 f. Fire Management...... 6 g. Pest Plant Control ...... 6 h. Other Habitat Management ...... 6

4. Fish and Wildlife Management a. Bird Banding ...... NTR b. Disease Monitoring and Treatment ...... NTR c. Reintroductions ...... NTR d. Nest Structures ...... NTR e. Pest, Predator and Exotic Animal Control ...... NTR

5. Coordination Activities a. Interagency Coordination ...... 7 b. Private Lands Activities ...... 7

6. Resource Protection a. Law Enforcement...... 8 b. Permits and Economic Use Management ...... 10 c. Contaminant Investigation ...... NTR d. Contaminant Cleanup ...... NTR e. Water Rights Management ...... NTR f. Cultural Resource Management ...... NTR g. Land Acquisition Support ...... 11 h. Wilderness or Special Areas ...... NTR

7. Public Education and Recreation a. Provide Visitor Services ...... 12 b. Outreach ...... 17 c. Hunting ...... NTR d. Trapping ...... 20 e. Fishing ...... NTR f. Other Public Use ...... NTR

8. Planning and Administration a. Comprehensive Conservation Planning ...... NTR b. General Administration ...... 21 c. Safety ...... 21 d. Maintenance ...... 21 e. Volunteers ...... 22 f. Personnel ...... 23

9. Wildlife a. Endangered/Threatened Species ...... 23 b. Waterfowl ...... , .... 23 c. Marsh and Water birds ...... 24 d. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, & Allies ...... NTR e. Raptors ...... 24 f. Other Migratory Birds ...... NTR g. Game Mammals ...... NTR h. Other Resident Wildlife ...... 24 i. Fisheries Resources ...... NTR j. Wildlife Diversity ...... NTR

10. Items of Interest ...... 25

11. Climatic Conditions ...... 25 Highlights

The Mississippi River experienced the second highest flood on record in 2001 causing damage to Refuge boat landings and closing navigation for several weeks.

The First Annual Upper Mississippi River Festival was held May 17-19. The Festival was a cooperative effort involving nearly 50 organizations. Refuge and District Staff played key roles in creating and establishing the event.

First trumpeter swan nest attempt occurred on the Refuge since 1883.

Various Environmental Management Program projects in planning.

New conservation easement acquired in Wisconsin.

27 NOV's issued.

Bertom Lake boat landing renovations completed.

New kiosks and observation decks completed at Sturgeon Slough, Pool 10 and New Albin Pool Slough, Pool 9. 1 . MONITORING AND STUDIES

l.a. Surveys and Censuses

An informal eagle survey was conducted on December 1 from Cassville, Wisconsin north to Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa (approximately nine miles). A total of 272 bald eagles were observed. Of particular interest was the concentration of 186 bald eagles within a one mile stretch of Cassville Slough north of Ackerman's Cut in Pool 11.

During the Mid Winter Waterfowl Survey a total of 104 eagles were observed on Pool 11, in addition to various waterfowl. The only unusual observation was the appearance of six trumpeter swans near Cassville, WI. Four of the birds wore green neck collars (7FO, 9F8, 9F9, OFO). All of the marked birds are reintroduced birds from the same nest hatched in 1998 in Clinton, IA.

Fifteen new bald eagle nests were discovered this year. High waters allowed viewing of areas not normally accessible by boat. Pool 9 had 25 active nests, Pool 10 had 9 active nests and Pool 11 had 14 active nests. Overall, 48 active nests were detected on the District in 2001, up two nests from the 46 active nests counted in 2000. Twenty four nests were randomly sampled to provide an estimate for this year's productivity. A total of 30 eaglets were found in the 24 nests checked for production giving us an estimated annual production of 60 eaglets for the District.

Colonial nesting bird surveys proved to be difficult because of flood waters and heavy rains. Butler Lake rookery was the only one surveyed in 2001. 341 nests were recorded compared to 833 in 2000. The production count proved to be difficult as well, due to high water and leaf out. Several nests appeared to be abandoned. Forty-four heron nests with 35 young were observed for an average of 0.795 young/nest. Four great egret nests with four young were also observed.

DM Lindell participated in the Prairie du Chien, WI area Christmas Bird Count December 18, 2000. This CBC is organized by the Madison, WI Audubon Society Chapter.

The District attempted to monitor all sites for the 2001 Frog and Toad survey, but due to high flood waters, several sites were not accessible the first and second run of the survey. Six anuran species were encountered during these surveys. One of the species was an uncommon Cricket Frog. One Cricket Frog was recorded at the Potosi Point, Wisconsin site in Pool 11, on April, 30. Three Cricket Frogs were also recorded at the McCarthy site, Wisconsin on July 15, 2001.

l.b. Studies and Investigations

Flex funds were received for a red-shouldered hawk study by Jon Stravers.

A reply was sent to Refuge Biologist Nelson regarding a questionnaire on duck nest predation being conducted by Utah State.

I 2 . HABITAT RESTORATION

2.d. Other Habitat Management

On December 11th, ADM Male met with Army Corps of Engineers representatives and other interested parties on the McMillan Island Excavation Project. The Refuge concerns focus on the pipeline route across valuable wetland habitat. The Corps has agreed with these concerns and the Refuge will handle them through the pipeline contractor with specific conditions in the required Special Use Permit.

On January 2nd ADM Male contacted the I & M Roadmaster for Clayton County Iowa. Male was investigating the possibility of locating the dredge spoil pipeline along the railroad grade at the McMillan Island Project. This alternative would permit the pipeline contractor to follow an existing open area instead of clearing a new one on the Refuge. The idea would not only be cost effective but also protect some of the bottomland forest stands from this disruption. The Railroad said no. ADM Male and BT Henkenius met with Corps personnel on February 14th at the Buck Creek Spoils Site. Proposed changes in the pipeline route were discussed and agreed to by the Service.

2. e. Environmental Management Program

Documentation was prepared by DM Lindell on the overall success of several former Environmental Management Program projects. The Corps was seeking information from the Service on what we thought about the projects meeting the original habitat needs. Questions about the public perceptions on the success of these projects were also addressed.

A kick-off meeting and site visit for the Conway Lake Habitat Rehabilitation Project was held on November 8, 2000. The study will focus on three distinct, yet interconnected water bodies: Conway Lake, Phillipi Lake, and Shore Slough in Pool 9. Following introductions, Iowa DNR biologists, Mike Griffin and Scott Gritters, provided information concerning existing habitat conditions, habitat concerns, and desired future conditions for the study area. A general discussion ensued, followed by a site visit. EMP coordinator Kieth Beseke, ADM Male, ROS Loose, and fisheries biologist Scott Yess represented the Service.

OM Lindell, ADM Male, and ROS Loose met with the Corps and States of Iowa and Wisconsin on October 17, 2000 to discuss partial closure of Hummingbird Slough in Pool 9. The Corps has funding to complete this project through their Natural Resources Division in LaCrescent, MN. The Corps will put together a draft proposal for this project. Work could begin in 2001.

On October lOth, a meeting was held at the Refuge Headquarters in Winona, Minnesota to discuss the Harpers Slough project in Pool 9. Corps Engineers reviewed the project status and briefed everyone on the latest site plan. Concerns were raised over the selection of the dredge sites for island construction. This will be looked at more closely by their Geo-technicians. A final draft is due out in November, 2000 with construction bids tentatively to be let out in July, 2001. Lindell, Male, Loose, Beseke, and Fisher were in attendance for the Refuge.

2 DM Lindell met with other Service personnel in St. Louis to discuss issues and policy regarding the reauthorized Environmental Management Program on the Mississippi River.

DM Lindell and other Refuge personnel met in LaCrosse to discuss past and proposed Environmental Management Program projects on each Refuge District. EMP projects completed in the McGregor District to date include; pool 9 island, and Cold Springs in Pool 9. EMP proposals, in various stages of planning, in the McGregor District include; Pool Slough, Harpers Slough, Conway Lake, Ambrough Slough, and Pool eleven islands.

District staff and other state and federal managers gather to visit a future EMP project site in Pool 9 .

During December, 2000, the St . Paul District, Corps of Engineers conducted a series of post EMP project public meetings. OM Lindell attended a meeting held at Guttenberg, Iowa and Ferryville, Wisconsin. The Bussey Lake EMP project, including Guttenberg Ponds wetland management area were discussed at the Guttenberg meeting. The Cold Springs and Black Hawk Park EMP projects were topics at Ferryville . Public attendance at these meetings was light. Those who did attend considered the projects successful and supported the EMP program.

DM Lindell attended a planning meeting for the Capoli Slough EMP project, pool 9, on April 3 rd .

DM Lindell attended a pool 11 islands EMP project meeting at the E . B. Lyons Interpretive Center, Dubuque. The proposed project design plan was reviewed. Suggested changes included design of water flow structures to allow equipment to traverse the dike for maintenance, off road vehicle management issues, and refuge boundary amendments at mud lake (Dubuque County Park) .

3 DM Lindell and ADM Male participated in a field review of EMP projects within pools 9 and 10 on June 25 ~ and 26th , with St. Paul District (COE) and state agency personnel. The group visited EMP and channel maintenance projects to determine damage caused by the 2001 spring flood. Continued high water conditions hampered full inspection of all sites. Some erosion of project features was observed at the Big Lake dike (pool 9) . There was also erosion of portions of the dike at Guttenberg Ponds project.

EMP flood damage inspections revealed a breech on the Bertom EMP spoils island berm in Pool 11.

During August, construction work began on the Ambrough Slough EMP project, near Prairie du Chien, pool 10. Work on the project was to be completed by Corps of Engineers 'force account' crew out of Fountain City, Wisconsin. But, low water level during late summer and fall, thus reduced accessibility by the work barge, forced abandonment of planned work until 2002. Work planned included rebuilding the (previously existing) peninsula on the east side of Tilmont Lake, construction of a rock high water overflow structure at the north end of Tilmont Lake, and construction of a notched flow reduction sill at the entrance to Dark Slough.

The District Manager and staff attended several other EMP related meetings throughout the year. These included the Fish and Wildlife Work Group (FWWG) part of the St. Paul Corps District process and its Rock Island Corps District equivalent, the Fish and Wildlife Interagency Group. A major effort of both groups during the year was preparation of pool plans for the respective (Corps administrative} areas. The St. Paul District (FWWG) completed a draft general reach plan and draft plans for pools 1 through 10. This addresses current river habitat status, habitat problems, desired future condition and possible techniques to achieve future conditions. DM Lindell assisted in writing

4 portions of the 'reach plan', drafted pool plans for pool 9 and 10, and assisted with drafting the pool 11 pool plan. Public meetings held at several locations along the river, including Prairie du Chien, WI and Lansing, Iowa presented these plans to the public and solicited public comment.

On going planning for specific projects within McGregor District included meetings and plan review for Pool Slough, Conway/Phillipi Lake, Capoli Slough and Harper Slough (all pool 9); Ambrough Slough (pool 10); and Pool 11 Islands (pool 11).

3. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

3.a. Water Level Management

On November 17, 2000 the boards were changed in the Cold Springs water control structure. The water was diverted into the backwater to boost winter dissolved oxygen levels for overwintering Centrarchids.

Environmental review documents were submitted to the RO for construction of a well at the John Deere Marsh. The well would provide a dependable water source for the managed impoundment.

3.b. Moist Soil Management

Guttenberg Ponds were prepared for fall migration in October. A great number of waterfowl were observed on Big Pond with about 300 geese and 1200 puddle ducks. Puddle duck migrants finally started to move into the District during the first week of November. With their arrival the Guttenberg Ponds Moist Soil Units were put into operation. Within four days water levels within the units were providing what the ducks/geese wanted. The valve to units was closed on December 7 and all logs were removed from control structures.

Waterfowl on the ponds in the spring were 65 Scaup, 47 Widgeon, 110 Ring Necks, 70 Mallards, 21 Shovelers, 2 Sandhill Cranes.

ADM Male and DM Lindell opened structure gates to flood units on April 12 to equalize the head of flooding river waters.

BT Henkenius met with Lock and dam 10 staff to arrange the transport of heavy equipment to Guttenberg Ponds area by barge. The equipment was needed for mowing of the levees to control woody vegetation and allow better access to control structures.

ADM Male contacted Kaz's Flying Service for an aerial application of herbicide. The aerial spraying was needed to control invasives in the 50 acre moist soil units.

MW Jim Brown, BT Henkenius, and temporary workers Kim Grant and Phil Colsch dug a 500 foot trench for the installment of perforated 4 inch tile. The tile was needed to drain water from a low area in the unit. Trees were removed from the dikes at Guttenberg Ponds.

Due to a mild winter, the Guttenberg Moist Soil Units provided migrating

5 waterfowl with open water. A variety of waterfowl were observed before units were closed down for the season including 250 puddle ducks, a pair of swans, and a seldom seen Cinnamon Teal. There were 1000 Geese, 2500 puddle ducks, and 100 Swans at the Big Pond portion.

3.e. Forest Management

MW Brown trimmed around the trees at Patzner field in Pool 11. The field has been going through a reforestation effort for several years.

3.£. Fire Management

Preparation of a Fire Management Plan for Upper Miss Refuge and , NWR began during July. A single plan for all of Upper Miss Refuge will be prepared, with local area and site specific information presented by District. Former Upper Miss Refuge Manager Jim Lennartson was contracted to write the plan.

3.q. Pest Plant Control

The annual weed report and pesticide use report were completed. Purple loosestrife was the primary weed problem noted. Roundup was used to control river bulrush in the Guttenberg pond moist soil units. Cooperative farmers used Dicamba, Roundup, Primisulfuron, and Nicosulfuron on crops in the Turkey River bottoms.

3 . h. Other Habitat Management

On October 3rd, ADM Male attended a meeting on Beach Plans and the Service's position on Bath-Tub spoil sites at the LaCrosse District Office. The Refuge has established the position that the big issue of beaches and their present day use will be resolved during the upcoming Comprehensive Conservation Planning process. For now the Refuge does not want any more beaches, but will maintain existing sites as is. Because of public use issues, the Refuge is opposed to all bath-tubs on Service Fee Title lands, and does not want the problems associated with these sites to be included within the Refuge boundary on those sites the Corps maintains bath-tubs on.

On July 11th ADM Male met with Dick Beatty and Randy Urich of the Corps, as well as Minnesota DNR staff and Bill Thrune from LaCrosse District, at Lock and Dam 8 to assess flood damage. Associated with the repairs, discussions also included the restoration of fish passageways and turtle/amphibian access across the reconstructed dike. All the proposed work may have been premature because of Corps funding questions.

ADM Male met with Corps project engineer, Alaena Ensey on August 14th to assess damage to the Bertom McCartney EMP project. In addition, a new cut was inspected that developed during the flood that now is responsible for the transport of new sediments into the project site. The refuge has proposed placing rock on the cut to stop the flow of sediments.

6 5. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES

S.a. Interaqency Coordination

An interagency planning meeting was held on November 16, 2000 to discuss the idea of a River and Blufflands Celebration. Seventeen people representing eleven organizations were in attendance. A decision was made to pursue the event. A Steering Committee was formed and will canvas local teachers concerning their possible interest in a May 2001 event. Three working groups were also formed to support the event; they are Marketing/Fund-raising, Logistics, and Education. The Upper Mississippi River Festival was held May 18-20. See section 7.b. for further information.

DM Lindell reviewed a grant application for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on the Little Maquoketa River Marsh.

DM Lindell attended an EMP inter-agency meeting in Winona regarding Harpers Slough proposed project, pool 9. This project proposes island restoration and fisheries enhancement at the head of Harper's Slough.

DM Lindell attended a Fish and Wildlife Work Group meeting in LaCrosse. The group discussed and gave initial approval to a "reach plann for Mississippi River navigation pools 1 through 10.

DM Lindell met with Tom Tuttle and other representatives from Wisconsin Department of Transportation regarding continuing use by WDOT of the Dickeyville tower site for their communications systems.

On October 17th DM Lindell, ADM Male, and ROS Loose attended a meeting with IDNR, WDNR and the Corps of Engineers site at Hummingbird Slough (Pool 9). The meeting was called to address the continued problem of sediment transport into the Lansing Big Lake Complex. Several different solutions were suggested during the meeting, but all parties agreed that additional data were needed before any decision could be made on resolving the problem.

DM Lindell attended the Corps of Engineers forest management coordination meeting at Bellevue (IA) State Park, March 1st. This annual meeting is sponsored by the COE to share forest management issues on the Mississippi River in the Rock Island and St. Paul COE Districts. A continuing issue of concern is the relative lack of natural regeneration by the existing forest component.

S.c. Private Lands Activities

ROS Loose and MW Brown posted the Gerald Kleve FSA Easement in Clayton County, Iowa.

On April 30, ROS Loose met with Sheri Houtakker of the Lafeyette County, Wisconsin FSA Office, and Jamie Stietz to discuss the terms of the Conservation Easement which would be attached to the deed of the property Mr. Stietz was purchasing from FSA on May 1, 2001. Following the meeting ROS Loose posted the newly acquired Hartwig Conservation Easement. This perpetual easement protects 2 parcels of land lying adjacent to the Pecatonica River. One parcel of 3.4 acres was

7 established as a riparian buffer along a steep slope of wooded forest that abuts the river on the west side of the property. The second easement of 16.5 acres protects the river floodplain and two associated wetlands on the east side of the property.

On July 18, ROS Loose accompanied Dave Nelson, Dave Omernick and Rick Lange of the USDA NRCS on a review of a proposed WRP site. The tract of land contained 628 acres and lays within Sections 28 and 33, of T9N, R4W in Crawford County, Wisconsin.

ROS Henry participated in meetings and planning for the Upper Iowa River watershed alliance.

A total of 111.5 acres of wetlands, prairies and savannas were restored or enhanced in FY 2001 through the District's Partners for Wildlife Program. The partners involved, the project location/size, and the restoration activity are listed below.

Land Owner County State Restoration Acres

Mike Blazek Chickasaw IA wetland 5 Carmen Conklin Chickasaw IA wetland 4 Ted Steege Chickasaw IA wetland . 5 Allan Goodrich Chickasaw IA wetland . 5 Ehrling Lohman Winneshiek IA savanna 8 Ehrling Lohman Winneshiek IA prairie 6 Volga Elementary Clayton IA savanna J, Richard Graef Grant WI prairie 17 Dan Bohlin Grant WI prairie 14 Desoto High School Vernon WI prairie 1.5 Pheasants Forever 8 sites IA prairie 54 Partnership

6. RESOURCE PROTECTION

6.a. Law Enforcement

Twenty-seven notices of violation were issued in FY 2001 as follows: one for injury of plants, one for possession of lead shot, six for underage possession of alcohol, one for assembly with no permit, one for interfering with an officer, one for reckless boating, one for unconfined pet, two for no running lights on boat, six for possession of fireworks, one for littering, one for traps placed too close to muskrat house, two for hunting during a closed season, two for overbag, and one for possession of alcohol while hunting.

District staff conducted a trapping enforcement sweep within the lower portion of Pool 11 on November 14th. Ice conditions were just starting to hamper trapping activities, but portions of five different trap lines were worked. No violations were discovered.

Refuge Officer Male worked the Bertom/McCartney Ice fisheree on January 21st. The main focus of Male's activities was the Special Use Permit Trail in the area. No violations were encountered, and the fishing was characterized as fair. Organizers reported that 158 individuals took part in the weekend event.

8 The District's Call Out Off-Duty incidents notification protocol was developed and officially enacted on February 27th.

On February 13u ADM Male met with IDNR Warden Bill Collins to discuss the upcoming law enforcement season (spring/summer) .

The Uniform Crime Report was submitted to the Regional LE Coordinator on February 12u . Information was also gathered from State Wardens in the area to include in the report this year. Information collected from the Refuge Comprehensive Accomplishment Report was used to determine the direct cost to the District's LE program (salary-UMRNWFR $67,000, $10,000 equipment, salary-DANWR $17,000). Refuge Officers issued a total of 29 violation notices, while State Wardens issued an estimated 393 violation notices within the District for 2000.

The property involved in the Dairyland Power exchange was posted to reflect the new boundaries. The boundary was moved back from the river to allow the Genoa Power Plant to use it as barge fleeting site.

District staff positioned open water boundary markers in the Bussey Lake area on November 6u . The open water boundary, which had not previously been identified, was being crossed by individuals storing docks for the winter. The problem of docks on the Refuge in this area appears to be resolved, as many of the private docks are now stacked along the Refuge line. Letters were sent to several dock owners, with whom previous discussions have been held, informing them that they have two years to find another location for overwinter storage of docks . Sturgeon Lake in Pool 10 as well as Bussey Lake have been problem areas for illegal winter storage of docks.

Sturgeon lake dock storage will not be permitted after January, 2004.

9 On October 11th District staff flagged five illegally constructed blinds within the Mud Lake area of Pool 11. The flagging note advised users/owners of the blind that it was in violation of the manmade materials blind restriction. Notices indicated that the blind would be removed in two weeks and that salvaging of materials and continued use would be permitted until that time. After that date Refuge staff would be removing the illegal structures. On October 24th all the flagged blinds were removed from the area. One additional illegal blind from the Potosi area was also destroyed after the owner was notified of the pending action.

District staff continued to work waterfowl law enforcement through November. Citations were issued for using maple limbs for blind construction, for hunting without a federal waterfowl stamp, and for hunting with other than nontoxic shot.

This year WDNR expanded the T-Zone deer hunts to include parts of Grant county along the river within the Refuge. These areas, however, were not open during the State's first special T-Zone deer season, but were during the second season. Officer Male worked the Refuge in these locations during the first season and found no violations.

ADM Male observed a helicopter at low altitudes over a raft of boats south of Guttenberg on June 8. Apparently they were filming an event sponsored by Hawkeye Marine out of Dubuque. A letter was sent to P&N Flight and Charter regarding the activity and issuing a written warning about the operation of aircraft on the NWR.

A letter was sent to Mike Griffin of the Iowa DNR to request including new Refuge hunting regulations in the Iowa Hunting and Trapping regulation pamphlet. Specifically, new blind and decoy regulations are in effect.

Refuge officer Male assisted the Savanna District during the weekend of August 4th for the duck blind tag day. Several violations were written including an arrest on an outstanding warrant.

Old LE files were destroyed.

Refuge officers Male, Loose, and Henry and DM Lindell attended the annual Refuge wide law enforcement meeting in LaCrosse. This meeting has been held by headquarters for several years now to coordinate law enforcement activities on the entire Refuge.

6.b. Permdts and Economic Use Management

A special use permit was issued to the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center of LaCrosse to conduct archeological investigations in Pool 9, particularly in Capoli Slough.

A SUP was issued to two physically disabled individuals for ice fishing access by motorized vehicle.

A letter was sent to the Corps regarding the McMillan Island excavation project pipeline crossing. The Corps had requested guidance on compatibility and permit needs as the pipeline will cross Refuge lands.

10 A CD is not needed but a SUP will be.

A CD was completed for the Wisconsin DOT to continue operation and management of their two-way communication system at the Dickeyville tower site that the Refuge recently acquired.

DM Lindell met with Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Miller regarding management of the Dickeyville tower site. The Millers had leased about four acres from the Corps for grazing. Grazing will be phased out over the next three years and the area will be planted to native prairie. The Millers were issued a special use permit outlining the agreed upon uses.

A Special Use Permit was issued to Dairyland Power Cooperative to burn scrapwood resulting from construction of a power line crossing at the Turkey River Bottoms, Pool 11.

A SUP was issued to Michael Benedetti of the University of North Carolina for the study of floodplain sedimentation rates near McGregor in Pool 10.

A SUP was issued to the St. Paul District, Corps of Engineers for access to construct portions of the Ambrough Slough Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project in Pool 10.

A SUP was issued to Bridges "R" Us Painting Co., Inc., Campbell, OH to store 4 trailers of equipment at the Big Slough Beneficial Use Site while their crews were working on sandblasting and painting the Hwy 82 Bridge near Lansing, Iowa. This Project was contracted through the Wisconsin DOT.

Boundary signs were removed from an eight acre bluff parcel in Pool 9 that was traded to Raleigh Buckmaster for land for the Driftless Area NWR. The trade was completed in the spring of 2001.

6.g. Land Acquisition Support

On September 26, 2000, the Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District transferred their communications tower facilities to the Fish and Wildlife Service (via the General Services Administration), to become part of Upper Miss Refuge. The site is located southeast of Dickeyville, Grant County, Wisconsin. The Corps declared the site and facilities excess to their needs. The Refuge, McGregor District, requested transfer to the Refuge for use as part of the Refuge two-way radio system. The site consists of 4.23 acres of land (part of the NE1/4SW1/4 Section 36, T. 2 N., R. 2W, 4thPM) with a 300 foot steel communications tower, and 10 foot by 12 foot concrete communications building. The Corps purchased the site from a private land owner in 1964.

The Refuge has used the tower as a two-way radio repeater site via a cooperative agreement with the Corps. The Refuge will continue that use, with upgraded equipment. The State of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation (Highway Patrol) also used the site for their radio system. The Service granted a Right of Way permit to Wisconsin DOT for continued use of the site for radio communications. DOT use was granted without charge. DOT agreed to be responsible for maintenance of the tower and communications buildings on site.

11 Adjacent landowner Elmer Miller used the tower site land for pasture, as part of his dairy cow operation, as permitted by the Corps. Grazing operations will be phased out over a several year period.

7. PUBL:tC EDUCATION AND RECREATION

7.a. Provide Visitor Services

Near record flooding on the Mississippi River impacted Refuge boat landings and navigation on the river was closed for several weeks. The District received $667,000 for repairs to landings, dikes, and other structures and for general cleanup.

ADM Male met with a representative with the DOT Federal Lands Highway Program on November 17th. All the District's roads and parking lots were identified and plotted on maps for a DOT crew to visit later this year. The program may provide money to the Refuge through the Federal Highway Administration to improve access or conduct maintenance on Refuge Roads.

On November 20 ~ ADM Male, along with Regional Office Staff, conducted the Final Inspection of the Bertom Lake Boat Landing Rehabilitation Project. Several items will require the contractor to return in the spring for correction. They included unacceptable blacktop at several locations, the wrong thickness material on visual screened areas, and post & rail poor workmanship.

Typical Refuge kiosk during flood stage.

12 The real work started after flood waters receded. Lynn Hollow landing in Pool 11 is pictured above.

The Bertom Lake boat landing in Pool 11 was completed.

13 DM Lindell and ADM Male met with Scott Gritters from the Iowa DNR at his request to examine the possibility of establishing a snowmobile/ATV trail. The proposed location is one that has had a history of vehicle trespass problems across from the Sny Magill Boat Landing. Those individuals who use ATVs or snowmobiles and do not cross this land mass are forced to negotiate a chronic bad ice location. The trail would be in support of ice fishing activities, and would appear to create little impact on the land itself, however, it would be the start of a new direction when dealing with these requests. Iowa DNR was advised to make a formal request if they wish to pursue the issue.

ADM Male removed snow from the Bertom Lake Boat Landing on January 12. This was the first time this season that this was required and will continue only when snow depths are significant, and equipment and personnel are available. There was a snow removal contract on this landing previously, but the contractor thought the Service should be paying him twice what he previously received once the landing renovation was completed. Plans are to purchase a snow plow blade in the future for one of the District trucks.

On February 13th District staff removed some of the ice under the railroad bridge at Bertom Lake. The persistent ice was also salted down to facilitate melting.

A meeting was held in the Refuge Headquarters on October 10, 2000 to discuss the District's and Refuge's position regarding future development of the Army Road Boat Landing at New Albin, Iowa. Complex Manager Fisher, EMP coordinator Beseke, DM Lindell, ADM Male and ROS Loose were in attendance. The District is receiving pressure to raise and/or improve the landing road to provide increased access either during or immediately following a flood event. The general consensus was that the Refuge was not opposed to raising the road, if it could be done in a cost effective manner without creating any major impacts on the upstream hydrology, and if the county, state or city are willing to assume the long term maintenance (resurfacing, repair and plowing of the road) and the annual operation and maintenance of the road. Cost effectiveness should be evaluated on a cost to benefit ratio. An engineering study will need to assess the current condition of the road bed, its width and the existing grade and elevation of this bed. A hydraulic study will be necessary to determine how a change in elevation will affect the velocity flows of the river against the road bed as well as a comprehensive study of its effect on the upstream habitat. Permission was granted to the Upper Explorerland Economic Development Commission to submit a grant proposal under these criteria.

With the help of Refuge volunteers, District staff put the finishing touches on the new Sturgeon Slough Hiking Trail. Directional signs were put up on Highway 18, a highly visible trail head sign was added to the kiosk, and a new observation deck overlooking a quiet stretch of backwater was added to the trail.

14 Sturgeon slough hiking trail kiosk, Pool 10.

Sturgeon slough hiking trail overlook in Pool 10.

15 ROS Loose met with Greg Hussman, Highway Maintenance Supervisor for Minnesota District 6A to discuss the construction of the parking lot and turn around for the New Albin Observation Deck. This work came about through a cooperative agreement set up between the District and the MN DOT. District 6A staff constructed the parking lot at no cost to the McGregor District. Under the terms of the agreement, the McGregor District is responsible for maintaining the lot and putting in a wire fence along the boundary between the highway right-of-way and the I&M Rail Link adjacent to the deck. This fence was put in during the late summer and extends approximately 1/8 mile north and south of the parking lot. Working with the Reno Bottoms Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Caledonia VFW Post 3833 and Brad Nelson, an Eagle Scout Candidate from Caledonia, Minnesota, we completed construction of the observation deck and a kiosk during the summer. When the project was completed a new District Sign was added just north of the deck on the State right-of­ way. This complete project was the result of a cost share challenge grant the District received from the Regional Office . A telescope and interpretive panel will be added to the deck in the spring and standard district panels will be added to the kiosk . The deck overlooks the Winnebago Creek Delta as it enters the Refuge, formed by the Winnebago Creek

Construction of New Albin observation deck .

16 New gravel was placed at boat landings in Pools 9 and 10.

ADM Male continued working with Acme Construction as they neared completion of the Bertom Lake Boat Landing Renovation Project.

Funding was received to renovate Big Slough landing. The necessary environmental reviews and permits were initiated. Work will begin in spring of 2002.

Many hours were spent moving and removing snow this winter.

7.b. OUtreach

The First Annual. Upper Mississippi River Festival was held Thursday­ Saturday, May 18-20, 2001. The first two days of the festival were held at Effigy Mounds National Monument and were set aside exclusively for school groups. Over 700 students and teachers from nine separate school districts participated in this year's event. The Festival's theme was "Celebratinq a River of Life."

The festival focused on issues influencing the past, as well as the future health of the Mississippi River, its tributaries and blufflands. Students had an opportunity to explore and investigate these issues, draw conclusions from their findings and consider how their actions or personal choices affect the environment.

During their visit, students had an opportunity to visit four separate stations. The educational themes of these stations were: History and Culture, Aquatic Resources, Watersheds, and Wildlife. Up to 8 separate programs were given at each station with individual students participating in 2-3 programs per station.

On late Friday afternoon the entire festival was moved to the Cabela's Store in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin for Saturday's Open House Event. Nearly 50 organizations participated in Saturday's event, drawing in excess of 2,000 visitors. Saturday's programs included presentations on raptors, turkeys, prairie restoration, native mussels, kayaking, rocket netting, fish identification and habitat preferences, electrofishing, and more.

17 Students learn about the Mississippi River at the First annual Upper Miss River Fest.

Students learn about waterfowl at the Upper Miss River Fest.

18 Music was provided at the public portion of the Upper ~ss River Fest.

ROS Loose presented a program on Prairie Restoration to the Desoto High School advanced Biology classes. A site visit was made that same day on the school grounds and the idea of creating several acres of prairie adjacent to the school was discussed.

ROS Loose presented 4 programs to 86 students at the Volga Elementary School in Volga, Iowa in support of National Refuge Week. Topics discussed were habitat and native prairie restoration.

ROS Loose gave a presentation on the use of the UMRNWFR by migrating waterfowl to the NE Iowa Audubon Society in Decorah. Topics discussed included food sources and bird identification. The Ducks-On-A-Stick display was borrowed from the LaCrosse District for the presentation.

ROS Henry gave a presentation to the Cedar Rapids Garden Club about the Refuge. The Garden Club is active in many conservation issues and several members have summer homes along the river.

Garnavillo third graders enjoyed an afternoon on the Sturgeon Slough trail looking at animal tracks, identifying trees, and looking at invertebrates with ROS Henry. Monona cub scouts learned about the Refuge as well, with a presentation in Monona.

ROS Henry gave a presentation about the Refuge to the Clayton County city and county officials at their monthly meeting in Monona.

DM Lindell attended a public meeting at LaCrosse District headquarters regarding the Refuge system proposed appropriate uses policy. The meeting was called by Wisconsin Congressman Kind, and conducted by the

19 Minnesota-Wisconsin Boundary Area Commission. Some residents of the LaCrosse area requested the meeting because of concern over this proposed policy and its influence on Upper Miss Refuge use.

Fifty MFL MarMac first grade students visited the Visitor Center in McGregor for a presentation by ROS Henry about the Refuge.

The Second Annual District Film Festival was held on Thursday, January 18 at the Prairie du Chien High School Auditorium. Films were shown on owls and sturgeon. A total of 16 people attended.

BT Henkenius gave a presentation to the Guttenberg United Methodist Church, Mens Group on the Refuge and eagles.

DM Lindell gave a presentation to the Upper Iowa Audubon Chapter, Decorah, Iowa, regarding the proposed National Wildlife Refuge System policies.

ROS Loose worked with Visual Information Specialist, Tom Kelley of the Regional Office and Skyline Manufacturing of Cedar Rapids, IA to create a new portable display for the District. The Display made its debut at the River Festival and is being used throughout the Refuge in support of outreach activities.

A news release was sent out requesting public comment on the draft policies regarding the priority public uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

An slide scanner and LCD projector were purchased for PowerPoint presentations.

' Two issues of the McGregor District newsletter were distributed.

DM Lindell inspected erosion on Willow Island in Pool 9 with Corps personnel at the request of Representative Ron Kind's office. An individual from Genoa had expressed concern about the erosion. A follow up letter was sent to the individual saying that the erosion is not of sufficient, immediate natural resource concern compared to other resource issues on the River. The issue was referred to the St. Paul District of the Corps for consideration as a future EMP project.

Refuge staff attended an interagency coffee break at Effigy Mounds National Monument. Effigy Mounds NM hosted the event to provide an opportunity for various local agency personnel to mingle.

7.d. Trapping

ADM Male presented a program on Refuge Trapping to students and their parents as part of the required trapping course for new Wisconsin trappers. Male's program covered the history, methods, laws and future of trapping on the National Wildlife Refuge.

ROS Loose issued trapping permits at the Lansing, Iowa Post Office on October 25, 2000 as a courtesy to local residents. BT Henkenius issued permits in Cassville. Ninety-six total trapping permits were issued for the 2000-2001 season.

20 B. PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

B.b. General Administration

The District Manager positions at all four Upper Miss Refuge districts were reclassified and upgraded to GS-13 during August.

The District's Refuge Comprehensive Accomplishment Report figures for FY 2000 were calculated and submitted to Winona. The District's top five categories were as follows: 124 Staff Days (SD)Providing Visitor Services, 102 SD Interagency Coordination, 66 SD Law Enforcement, 26 SD Surveys & Censuses, and 21 SD Outreach.

Flood damage was estimated at $665,000 within the District. Included in this estimate was the need for a dump truck, backhoe, and skid loader to accomplish the repairs with District staff. Two temporary employees were also included in the estimate.

A new go-devil boat was purchased and received for the District.

Refuge revenue sharing checks were distributed totalling $38,231.

DM Lindell participated in Compatibility Determination training, presented during the Refuges Project Leaders meeting the last week of January at St. Louis, Missouri.

With the retirement of Upper Miss Complex Manager Jim Fisher at the end of May, the four District Managers began a rotating schedule of 'acting' assignments as Complex Manager until the position is advertised and filled. Regional Director Hartwig proposes to upgrade the position to a GS-15, the first such grade for a Refuge project leader in the Refuge system.

B.c. Safety

Safety meeting topics throughout the year included blood borne pathogens, burn prevention, fire in the workplace. The entire staff took an 8 hour Defensive Driving course put on by the Iowa State Patrol at the District office.

Refuge staff participated in an annual wildfire safety refresher. The refresher included several videos and a discussion of the standard fire orders and watch out situations. Following the meeting all staff practiced deploying a fire shelter and operating the District's new slip-on pumper.

B.d. Maintenance

The Deferred Maintenance Projects list was updated and submitted to the RO on March 2nd. A total of 19 projects appear on the list for the District. Three new projects were submitted this year, they included repairs on the Wyalusing restrooms, repairs on the water control structure at Big Pond, and repairs to the knife valve within the east unit of the Guttenberg Ponds. The District's number one project still remains the replacement of the leaking roof over the Maintenance Shop in McGregor.

21 On April 14th , equipment at the Cassville warehouse was moved to higher ground in anticipation of rising flood waters. Equipment was first moved to higher ground on the adjacent power plant storage yard. The next move required storage at ADM Male's residence in Cassville. Despite the constant harassment from neighbors on when the auction was going to be, all equipment finally made its way back to the warehouse on May 30th.

Flooding at the Cassville, WI warehouse .

The existing boundary fence along the east and north side of the Dickeyville radio tower unit (tract G-152, Grant County, WI) was replaced during August .

B. e . Volunteers

Ninety-four volunteers donated 2,836 hours in FY 2001 , up from 89 volunteers and 1758 hours in FY 2000. Recruitment of new volunteers has been a challenge for the District . Several new projects show some promise of attracting people. After a slow start, the Adopt-A -Trail and Adopt-A-Landing programs are gaining momentum. Approximately 40 new people signed up to volunteer for these projects this past year. This program will be expanded to the islands in 2002. A river clean-up project was scheduled for the spring, but had to be cancelled due to historic high water conditions. We will have another go at this in 2002.

Refuge Volunteer Leah Berkman helped create a volunteer database which will allow us to better manage our volunteer program. Staff assisted by providing ideas for volunteer opportunities.

22 8.£. Personne1

Kim Grant and Philip Colsch, two seasonal laborers from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA ) helped staff complete many job tasks. WIA is an emergency funding by the State of Iowa, and provides temporary jobs, up to 1040 hours to dislocated workers.

Good job Phil and Kim!

Staff on the District in 2001 are listed below: District Manager John Lindell Assistant District Manager Clyde Male Refuge Operations Specialist Tim Loose Refuge Operations Specialist (Driftless Area NWR) Cathy Henry Biological technician Neil Henkenius Administrative technician Dixie Palmer Maintenance Worker Jim Brown

9. WILDLIFE

9.a. Endangered/Threatened Species

Four dead bald eagles were sent to the Eagle Repository in Colorado. Two were believed to have died from electrocution and two from vehicle strikes. Two injured eagles were submitted to the Raptor Center in Minneapolis. One of these birds later died and the other was released in St. Paul.

9 .b. Waterfow1

Trumpeter Swan # OFO, was sighted at Cassville Slough. This Swan is one of two swans that has been in the area since the summer and first sighted at Big Pond in July.

The first signs of the spring migration developed with the appearance of common mergansers on February 19th in Pool 11.

The first real sign of spring's certain arrival was witnessed the first weekend in March when migrating Canada geese and common goldeneyes invaded the District.

The season's first buffleheads arrived within the District on March 18th.

By March 19th, diving duck numbers in lower Pool 9 reached the thousands wherever the stubborn ice retreated enough to allow access to the bottom.

ADM Male discovered a trumpeter swan nest in Pool 11. This is the first known nest attempt since 1883. The nest failed, but it is likely the birds will return to try again. A news release was sent out about the nest.

23 Trumpeter swan nest attempt.

9.c. Marsh ' Waterbirds

The first great blue heron of the year was observed in lower Pool 11 on March 2nd .

The first pair of sandhill cranes arrived within the District on March 19 ~ and were observed in the Wisconsin River delta area.

9. e. Raptors

On October 1 ~ ospreys were observed migrating throughout the three pools.

Northern harriers were first observed within the District on their return migration north on March 2.

9. h. Other Resident Wildl.ife

Territorial cardinals first started calling on the District on February 20~ .

24 Like most of the wildlife on the Refuge, the deer herd adapted to the flood waters.

10. Items 0£ Interest

The McGregor District hosted the annual Refuge wide meeting. Tours were given of EMP projects, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and the Driftless Area NWR. On the second day, presentations were given on the CCP at Mark Twain complex, on the Maquoketa River watershed project, and other topics of interest. A going away party was also held for Refuge Manager, Jim Fisher, who retired.

The area code for portions of northeast Iowa changed from 319 to 563, therefore the District's number is now (563) 873-4323 .

11. C1imatic Conditions

The Mississippi river experienced the second highest flood on record this year with prolonged spring high waters extending into June. The cause of flooding was high amounts of snow in Minnesota as well as in Iowa and Wisconsin. Locks and dams opened nearly two months after the average date because of high water levels and flows and hazardous debris. The river was closed to all navigation for several weeks. The Mississippi River reached a flood stage of 629.05 MSL at McGregor, Iowa. This was the second highest flood on record compared to the flood stage of 630.68 MSL at McGregor in 1965.

25 Temperature and precipitation for Fiscal Year 2001.

Month Mean Temperature Total Precipitation (inches) (F)

October 2000 53.7 1. 02

November 2000 34.2 1. 73

December 2000 10.1 2.32 (31. 4 snow)

January 20.5 1. 32 (4.3 snow)

February 17.9 1. 69 (5 snow)

March 30.4 0.94

April 50.9 4.83

May 60.6 5.83

June 66.9 5.15

July 73.8 1. 48

August 72.8 7.20

September 60.3 6.32

October 49.2 1. 31

26