NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WftY 111981 Personnel
1. Don V. Tiller (PFT) Refuge Manager, GS-11
2. James H. Wood (PFT) Asst. Refuge Manager, GS-9
3. Sandra L. Pace (PPT) Clerk-typist, GS-5
Review and Approvals
TAP7/& ^lilfy
Ninigret Re fuge Regional Office Date
NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Charlestown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR N1NIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES WASHINGTON COUNTY. RHODE ISLAND FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTER'OR BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE 7 1° 4 2" 0 0'
41 2200
7 1° 40" 00"
& MEAN ^ DECLINATION ° 1953 Scale BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL Page
A* Introduction ....I B» Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition I D. System Status. 2
11. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction 2 B. Maintenance ••••••• C. Wildfire 2
III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands. 2 B. Grasslands 2 C. Wetlands 3 D. Forestlands .3 E. Other Habitat. ••••. 3 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 4 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 4
IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species 4 B. Migratory Birds ....5 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 7
V' INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation 7 B. Recreation 7 C. Enforcement 8
VI. OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations 9 B. Cooperative Programs 9 C. Items of Interest 11 D. Safety 15 I. GENERAL
A. Introduction
Ninigret Refuge is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Wakefield, Rhode Island in Washington County in an area called Charlestown. The refuge consists of 137.4 hectares (343.4 acres) of asphalt, old aircraft runways and taxiways, grasslands, bomb crater ponds, kettlehole ponds, saltmarsh and dump site. The original refuge area, 11 hectares (27 acres), is part of a barrier beach between Block Island Sound and Ninigret Pond. The barrier beach to the east and west is controlled by the State of Rhode Island and managed as a conservation area. The refuge serves as a resting and feeding area for waterfowl and migratory birds•
The barrier beach portion of the refuge provides the opportunity for environmental studies of barrier beaches, nature study, fishing and photography.
The new addition to the refuge, the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) is closed to the public at the present time.
B. Climatic Conditions
Weather data for the Ninigret Complex was taken at the weather station at Kingston, R.I. The weather station is about 18 kilometers northeast of Ninigret Refuge. The average temperature in 1980 was near normal at 49.30F but temperatures extremes were 950F on July 21 and -80F December 26. In early spring, precipitation was variable, however there was a definite deficiency beginning in May and has continued through into 1981. Normal precipitation for this area is about 46 inches a year. This years precipitation was only 38.2 inches.
The last spring frost was on April 22 (32°) and the first fall frost was September 28 (30°).
The average growing season was 159 days. Crops were affected by the drought; farmers that were not equipped to irrigate were hard pressed to keep up with irrigation.
Homeowners were also affected by the drought, as wells went dry that had never gone dry before and have remained dry into 1981.
C. Land Acquisition
!. Fee Title Nothing to report.
2. Easements Nothing to report.
3. Other Nothing to report. System Status
1. Objectives
The primary management objective of this refuge is to protect the habitat for migratory birds (1210). The refuge also provides incidental benefits to other wildlife.
2. Funding
Total funding for the refuge complex is broken down by fiscal years in the table below.
ACTIVITY FY 77 FY 78 FY 79 FY 80 FY 81
1110 1,000
1210 43,000 38,000 76,000** 53,000 77,000*
1220 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 2,000
1240 22,000 30.000 37,000*** 33,000 39,000 68,000 71,000 117,000 89,000 118,000
* 28,000 is an add-on for a new position at Sachuest Point NWR. ** 22,000 included for equipment purchases. *** 1,000 included for Pay Act Funds.
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Construction
Nothing to report.
Maintenance
Routine sign maintenance was accomplished by Young Adult Conservation Corps. (YACC) during the year.
Wildfire
Nothing to report.
m. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Croplands
Not applicable.
Grasslands
Major portions of the refuge are at successional grassland stages. About ten acres were mowed this year to maintain the areas for upland sandpiper and American woodcock. Our new tractor came in handy for mowing fields and roadsides on the newly acquired lands at the former Naval Auxiliary Landing Field. (6/13/80 Tiller)
C. Wetlands
All of the fresh water wetlands need extensive work. The marsh areas are choked with Phragmites sp. and need to be opened up to be of any benefit to wildlife. The water levels in all the small ponds were very low because of drought conditions this year. The marsh areas should be burned and opened up to improve the condition of the wetland.
D. Forestlands
Not applicable.
E. Other Habitat
A portion of each runway should be left intact at each end near Ninigret Pond. They serve as "feeding grounds" for gulls and crows.
The runways and taxiways are in excellent condition except where small cracks have developed. By just cracking these asphalt areas we could set the deterioration process in motion much quicker. We would like to get rid of these areas as soon as possible. Wherever cracks in the runway have appeared, weeds have taken over, (1/2/80 Tiller)
F. Wilderness and Special Areas
Not applicable,
G. Easements for Waterfowl Management
Not applicable.
IV. WILDLIFE
Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Osprey use the refuge for feeding and loafing. The birds have nested in the areas adjacent to the refuge in the past but have not nested in this location in the last two years, '
Eastern merlin use the refuge during migration for feeding and rest stops.
Immature bald eagles are occasional winter visitors to the refuge and surrounding areas. 5
One green turtle was captured in Ninigret Pond and released. Green turtles are not observed very frequently in Ninigret Pond, This sighting stirred up a lot of interest in "turtle watching" in the local area,
B. Migratory Birds
1, Waterfowl
Ninigret Pond is a traditional black duck wintering area. Large numbers of these birds can be seen when the inland waters freeze. Both Canada and snow geese used the refuge this year. Snow geese used the refuge for a rest stop on the way south. Canada geese attempted to nest in the small freshwater ponds this year but the nest, eggs, and goose were eliminated by a predator. Brant are being seen on Ninigret Pond with more frequency. The reason for this may be the increase in the amount of eelgrass being produced in the pond.
Waterfowl use days for 1980 totaled 75,810 compared to 59,700 in 1979.
2* Marsh and Water Birds
Double-crested cormorants were the most common species found on the refuge this year followed by great blue herons and green herons. Three species of grebes were seen on Ninigret refuge again this year. The red-necked, horned and pied-billed grebes were occasional visitors. Black-crowned night heron, great and snowy egrets were observed using the refuge July through September.
Total marsh and waterbird use days for 1980 was 18,330 compared to 4,745 for 1979, This increase is due to the additional land added to the refuge in late 1979, not an increase in wildlife in the area.
3. Shorebtrds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Black-bellied plover, greater and lesser yellowlegs, and spotted sandpiper were observed July through October.
American woodcock nested and raised broods on the refuge this year. The first sighting was recorded the first week in June. A singing ground count will be done next year to determine the refuge population.
A single sighting of an upland sandpiper on August 15 is worth noting because this bird is seldom seen in the area and is fast disappearing from most of its breeding range. 6
Herring and great-black-backed gulls are the refuge's significant contributors to use days by this group. Gulls can be seen breaking open oysters, clams, and crabs on the runways most of the year. Other species of gulls seen this year include: ring-billed, laughing and Bonaparte's gulls. One black-headed gull was seen on January 11 near Ninigret Pond.
The runways are used by gulls to drop prey items to crack them open. (1/18/80 Tiller)
Common terns attempted to nest on the refuge again this year, but all the nests were destroyed by unknown predator(s). Least terns use the refuge and surrounding waters for feeding in the spring and summer months.
Total use days for this group was 110,700 compared to 20,185 for 1979.
A. Raptors
Ten species of raptors were seen on the refuge this year. They are: American kestrel, marsh hawk, red-tailed hawk, osprey, sharp- shinned hawk. Coopers hawk, red-shouldered hawk, rough-legged hawk, bald eagle and short-eared owl.
Total use days for 1980 was 7,908 compared to 3,010 for 1979. 7
Other Migratory Birds
Data is being collected for a refuge bird list. We do not have enough data to compile a thorough list yet, but should have one by 1981.
C. Mammals and Non-Higratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
There are small numbers of white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, red fox, raccoon, muskrat, skunk, opossum, river otter and groundhog on the refuge. The refuge is closed to hunting and trapping so populations should remain somewhat normal.
2. Other Mammals
Small mammals such as mice, shrews, voles, and moles abound on the area, which is why we have a good raptor population.
3. Resident Birds
Other wildlife residing on the area are bobwhite quail and ruffed grouse.
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation
1. On-Refuge
Nothing to report.
2. Off-Refuge
Outdoor Classrooms-teachers
On May 27 Assistant Manager Wood held a teachers' environmental education workshop at Richmond Elementary School. Fifty teachers participated in the workshop discussions and a tour of the schools environmental study area.
Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
On September 27 Ninigret refuge participated in the National Hunting and Fishing Day exhibit held at the South County Rod and Gun Club in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.
B. Recreation
1. Wildlife-Oriented
Fishing is the primary recreational pursuit of those visiting the barrier beach portion of the refuge during the year. 8
2, Noa-'Mildlife Oriented
On the barrier beach portion of the refuge, off-road vehicles use a sand trail to cross the refuge. The trail was for emergency access to private lands on the other side of the refuge. However, the State put a four-wheel drive camping area adjacent to the refuge boundary. We in turn, to limit the amount of environmental damage to the area, installed a smooth wire fence along the trail to contain the vehicles since we have no way to control access. The fence seems to have worked except for a few tiroes the wire was cut.
C. Law Enforcement
Refuge personnel contacted two subjects in 1980 regarding aircraft violations that occurred on the refuge.
1 Violation - Aircraft landing FOG $100.00
1 Violation - Low level flight Verbal warning
The two violations above are only a small portion of the aircraft violations that occurred on the refuge in 1980.
Refuge personnel assisted Special Agents in Rhode Island and Connecticut during the Migratory Bird Hunting Season again this year. Refuge personnel made or assisted in 40 cases involving migratory birds.
HUNTING VIOLATIONS (RI & CT) 1980
Violation Number of Violations
Hunting with an Unsigned Duck Stamp 11 Late Shooting 11 Take Migratory Birds with Unplugged Shotgun 7 Take Migratory Non-game Bird (Loon) ••••••••••. 3 Take Migratory Non-game Bird (Cormorant) 1 Take Migratory Non-game Bird (Grebe,Plover) . 1 Hunting Waterfowl with no "Duck Stamp" •••.•••.. 2 Hunting During Closed Season (Waterfowl) ... 2 Use Lead Shot in a Steel Shot Zone 1
Total 40
It has been quite a year. Between January and September the padlocks on the main entrance gate (GSA property) were cut off or broken six times to gain entry.
In October, the Charlestown Police received an anonymous phone call that nuclear wastes from a nearby nuclear waste recovery facility had been dumped on the refuge. The Police broke all the locks on refuge buildings to search without even notifying the refuge. During the month vandals broke into a building and poured out diesel fuel and oil stored inside. 9
In November, someone started a fire on the barrier beach but didn't reach the refuge due to wind direction. Evidence of coon hunters or trappers were found on the refuge - a skinned carcass was found. The locks were again cut off the main gate. Evidence was also found which indicated some illegal upland bird hunting had occurred during the month.
In December, someone rammed the gate and broke it into several pieces.
VI- OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations
Dr, Tom Custer (Patuxent) attempted to study nesting terns on the refuge but all the nests were destroyed by some unknown predator(s). After several visits to the refuge to check the nests not one single egg hatched or escaped predation.
Dr. Custer marked eggs and nests with stakes and on returning a few days later found all nests empty. (5/22/80 Tiller)
B. Cooperative Programs
!• The Trustora Pond YCC & YACC worked on Ninigret refuge (see Trustom Pond narrative for details) during the year.
2. Ninigret personnel participated in the following programs this year: two mourning dove survey routes were run in the State of Connecticut; an osprey nest and feeding census was conducted in Rhode Island; cooperated with Rhode Island Fish and Wildlife in lead shot data collection; participated in Beached Bird Survey; cooperated with NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES WASHINGTON COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTER'OR BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE 7 1* 4 2" DO" 7 1° 4 1' DO" 7t* 4 0" 00"
41* 2r o o"
^ MEAN z DECLINATION Scale ^ o 1953 80S TON. MASSACHUSE TTS FEB. 1971 11
with Monomet International Shorebird Survey; cooperated with Cornell Nest Record Card Program; conducted Eag€jj) Survey; conducted Seal Census (SEAN Program) in Rhode Island; cooperated with Marine Turtle Census (CETAP), University of Rhode Island; completed Colonial Bird Register data for refuge tern colony.
This year we assisted the Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife personnel in banding black ducks. A trap was placed near Ninigret Pond on January 25. We began banding and trapping on January 28. The last day the trap was functioning was February 29. For all our efforts, we only banded 41 black ducks (8 with reward bands), 1 mallard, and 6 black x mallard hybrids for a total of 48 birds. Due to the re striction on fuel usage, we resorted to using YACC personnel and vehicles to check the traps each day.
The walk-in trap was more successful than this photo indicates. On most occasions there were at least 5-10 birds. (2/14/80 Tiller)
C. Items of Interest
On June 11, Refuge Manager Tiller inspected the American Wire Works in Branford, CT on a complaint from the U.S. Coast Guard. The facility had a Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection permit to discharge, causing the Branford River to turn "orange" with effluent from their metal processing. No dead fish were observed along the river nor any other impacted wildlife. 12
The effluent from the American Wire Works facility turned the Branford River a lovely orange color. Surprisingly, no impacted wildlife was evident. (6/11/80 Tiller)
On December 22, naturally, an oil spill occurred on the Connecticut River near Hartford, The refuge manager, as Oil Spill Field Response Coordinator, responded on December 23 in one nasty snowstorm. The Mercury Oil Company's off-loading dock collapsed breaking several pipes with approximately 70,000 gallons of #2 fuel oil and gasoline spilling into the Connecticut River, Fortunately, the spill area was boomed and cleanup operations prevented severe damage. The river was heavily iced and most waterfowl were away from the spill area.
The Mercury Oil Company off-loading platform collapsed, breaking several pipes. Someone had not shut off all the valves, thus the fuel oil and gasoline ran into the Connecticut River for sometime, (12/24/80 Tiller) 13 a report of oiled gulls was Investigated by Rhode Island Conservation Officers on August 23. Apparently, several gulls had entered a cooking oil vat located behind a restaurant and became highly "oiled,"
The base station radio has had repeated lightning strikes in the past but this year is different. Our base unit was fitted with power surge interrupters, the tower was triple grounded with ground rods on all three legs of the antenna, the phone lines were fitted with surge interrupters, and the electric plugs were fitted with voltage spike protectors. Total cost of this protection was less than $100.00. We have been assured this will protect our base station from everything but a direct hit from a lightning bolt.
On June 19, we received a 1980 Jeep Cherokee after waiting only a year and a half for the new vehicle to arrive. The new "fuel efficient" Jeep was a replacement for our 1974 Jeep Wagoneer. The only problem with our fuel efficient vehicle is that it only gets 10 mpg. The trick is to be able to manage a 10% fuel reduction from the base year and with this vehicle still carry out refuge programs.
On February 13, we received the word "NO Purchasing Gasoline", thus confining the refuge staff to the office for a month. This action was taken to meet the Service's mandate to reduce gasoline use by 10%.
This is a very effective way to make a point, however, this station had reduced fuel use in excess of 17% over the base year and had to use YACC vehicles to carry out mandated refuge programs.
Ninigret Refuge complex is scattered over a hundred mile area and travel is required to protect and maintain these refuges. The only way this refuge can meet Service energy conservation goals on fuel usage is to replace all vehicles that use excessive amounts of fuel.
Refuge Manager Tiller
Attended the "Wing Bee" at Patuxent WRC from February 4-8, 1980.
Attended Performance Standards Workshop on June 25-26, then Project Leader's meeting June 26-27, 1980, held in Dover, NH.
Completed a Red Cross Multi-media First Aid Course on July 1, 1980.
Attended a Raptor Identification Short Course put on by the National Wildlife Federation in the Regional Office on August 19, 1980.
Attended the Region 5 Banding Workshop held at the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Middlecreek Wildlife Management Area, Schaefferstown,PA, on September 9-10, 1980.
Attended a Bomb Seminar put on by the Rhode Island Bomb Disposal Team of the Fire Marshall's Office, on November 18, 1980. 14
Attended Project Leader's meeting in Portland, ME on December 2-4, 1980.
Assistant Manager Wood
Attended the Raptor Identification Short Course put on by the National Wildlife Federation in the Regional Office on August 19, 1980.
Attended Region 5 Banding Workshop held in Pennsylvania on September 9-10, 1980.
Attended Project Leader's meeting in Portland, ME on December 2-4, 1980.
The Regional Banding Workshop held at the Pennsylvania Game Commission's facility near Schaefferstown was informative and well done. (9/9/80 TILLER)
Refuge Clerk Pace
Completed a Red Cross Multi-media First Aid Course on July 1, 1980.
On March 18, a boundary inspection of Ninigret refuge was completed.
On March 19, a Refuge Revenue Sharing check (half) was presented to the town of Charlestown, R.I. The second half payment was presented on September 15.
One mile of the east boundary of the refuge was planted with trees and bush seedlings. We hope we might extablish a vegetative barrier on the east boundary.
On January 24, an Administrative Inspection was conducted by Kay Owens, Administrative Assistant, from the New England Area Office.
On August 26-67, Gerry Atwell, Staff Specialist, New England Area Office, made an O&M inspection of the refuge complex. 15
D. Safety
Herb Riley (RO, Safety) visited the refuge in July. He was here to inspect the YCC & YACC camps under our supervision.
A new safety plan was developed this year for the Ninigret refuge complex. This plan will be forwarded to the area office for approval in January 1981.
The Ninigret NWR's safety record is 2,556 days without a lost-time accident.
Monthly safety meetings were held with either YACC and/or YCC in attendance.
E. Credits
Credits for the preparation of this section of the Narrative report as follows:
Refuge Manager Tiller I-D; V-C; VI-A,C.
Assistant Manager Wood IA, B, C; II; III; IV; V-A,B; VI-B,D.
Refuge Clerk Pace typed and assembled the entire report. H BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE New Shoreham, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES NEWPORT COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
71".33'00" 71032 00"
COMPILED IN THE DIVISION OF REALTY FROM SURVEYS BY U.S.G.S. and U.S.F.AW.S MEAN DECLINATION 1957 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS MAY 1973 rn MA or^ /irw ooMrn TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL Pa^e
A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition . . I D. System Status* ••••••••••• 1
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A* Construction •••1 B* Maintenance * 1 C. Wildfire 2
m. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands. •••• 2 B. Grasslands 2 C. Wetlands •••••••••••2 D. Forestlands 2 E. Other Habitat . 2 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 2 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management •••• 2
IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species .2 B. Migratory Birds 3 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 3
v. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation 4 B. Recreation 4
VI- OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations 4 B. Cooperative Programs •••• 4 C. Items of Interest 4 D. Safety 6 I. GENERAL
A. Introduction
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Sandy Point, the northern tip of Block Island, Rhode Island, totals 12 hectares. The refuge was established on November 1, 1973 primarily for migratory bird habitat protection.
Block Island Refuge has an Old Coast Guard lighthouse that was placed on the National Historic Register in 1974.
B. Climatic Conditions
The climate is oceanic, subject to fog and storms. The ocean has a moderating effect on temperatures and Block Island is warmer in the winter than the mainland. Temperatures range between -18° and 320C. Annual precipitation is around 107 centimeters. Snow cover is short lived in the winter months because high winds remove the snow in short order.
C. Land Acquisition
1. Fee Title
Nothing to report.
2. Easements
Not applicable.
3. Other
Nothing to report.
D. System Status
1. Objectives
Nothing to report.
2• Funding
(See Ninigret Section).
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
Nothing to report.
B. Maintenance
No major maintenance took place, however the YACC did repost the refuge boundry. 2
During the summer YACC replaced several missing boundary posts* (7/2/80 TILLER)
G. Wildfire
Nothing to report,
III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Nothing to report.
IV, WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Peregrine falcons are generally sighted on Block Island during the fall migration. The following table indicates sightings of peregrines during the last eight years:
Year # of Peregrines Sighted
1973 4 1974 2 1975 3 1976 2 1977 2 1978 2 1979 10 1980 4 3
B. Migratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
Eider, scoter and oldsqaw use the waters around the refuge in the fall and winter months.
2• Marsh and Water Birds
Nothing to report.
3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
The primary species using the refuge are herring and great black-backed gulls. These species have a tendancy to be problem wildlife species because of landfill dumps. Avery intense population study should be accomplished soon in case the gulls present problems in the future,
4. Raptors
Marsh hawks are the most frequently seen species on the refuge searching for food. During fall migration other species are sighted, such as: sharp-shinned hawk. Cooper's hawk, osprey, merlin and American Kestrel.
5. Other Migratory Birds
Rhode Island Audubon goes to Block Island during the fall migration each October. The total number of species for these counts for the last eight years is as follows;
Year # of Species Sighted
1973 146 1974 147 1975 139 1976 120 1977 142 1978 142 1979 108 1980 149
C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
Cottontail rabbits are seen occasionally but the sand dune/ beachgrass vegetation provides little food or cover for them,
2. Other Mammals
Harbor seals are sometimes seen basking in the waters around the refuge. 4
3. Resident Birds
Nothing to report.
v« INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Infonnation and Interpretation
1. On-Refuge
Nothing to report.
2. Off-Refuge
Nothing to report.
B. Recreation
1. Wildlife Oriented
About 100 visitors a day visit the Block Island refuge in the summer for sightseeing and fishing.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
The refuge is used for hiking, sunbathing and visiting the historic North Lighthouse.
3. Enforcement
Nothing to report.
VI, OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations
Nothing to report.
B. Cooperative Programs
Nothing to report.
C. Items of Interest
Under the terras of a cooperative agreement with the Town of New Shorehato, the town has agreed to restore historic North Light (National Landmark) to its original condition. Work accomplished this year was the welding of cracks in the tower, painting the cast iron tower and replacing windows. The tower section was repaired and given a coat of primer prior to painting. (7/2/80 TILLER)
The contractor sandblasted the The windows were replaced and tower and welded the structure repaired by the contractor. (7/2/80 TILLER) (7/2/80 TILLER) 6
The annual Christmas Bird Count took place on December 28, 1980. A total of 91 species and about 10,739 individuals were counted. The entire island is within the count circle, including much of the ocean around it.
D. Safety
See the Ninigret section.
E. Credits
This entire section was written by Assistant Manager Wood. CO
X
•XJ O 3 SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Middletown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES NEWPORT COINTV. RHODE ISLAND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH ANt) WILDLIFE SERVICE 71 014"
SACHUEST POINT N.W.R.
VICINITY MAP
SCALE IN MILES
71 01 5'
COMPILED IN THE DIVISION OF ENGINEER INO FROM SURVEYS #Y O S. AND B S F A W. 1000 3000 4000 Feel MEAN rnd DECLINATION 300 1200 Mete 1970 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL Page
A* Introduction I B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 1 D. System Status ••• •••••••••• 2
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction 2 B. Maintenance 3 C. Wildfire 4
in, HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands 5 B. Grasslands* ••• •••••••••••• 3 C* Wetlands* * 5 D* Forestlands * 3 £• Other Habitat * 3 F. Wilderness and Special Areas* ••••••••••••••• 3 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 5
IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species •••• 3 B. Migratory Birds 7 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 8
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation 8 B. Recreation •••.•••••••• • 8 C. Enforcement •••••11
VI. OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations 12 B. Cooperative Programs. •••• 12 C. Items of Interest •••••• 12 D. Safety 14 I. GENERAL
Introduction
The Sachuest Point Refuge is located in the town of Middletown, Rhode Island, about 37 kilometers southeast of Providence. It is bounded on the east by the Sakonnet River and on the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. The refuge consists of approximately 92 hectares of barrier beach, marsh and coastal brushlands. The area is known as Sachuest Neck on Aquidneck Island, Newport County. Sachuest Point has about 5 kilometers of shoreline of which about 0.5 km is suitable for swimming. The remaining coastline consists of rocky shore that is an area of high quality surf fishing.
The coastal waters in the winter are used by loons, grebes, cormorants, common eider, scoters, oldsquaw, and harlequin duck. Black duck, mallard, teal and mute swan frequent the marsh through the year.
The area has spectacular shorebird and songbird flights during spring and fall migrations.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Climate and Habitat Conditions
See the Ninigret section for weather data.
Land Acquisition
1. Fee Title
Nothing to report. 2
2. Easements
Not applicable.
3. Other
Nothing to report.
D. System Status
1. Oblectives
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is scheduled for master planning in fiscal year 1982.
2. Funding
For fiscal year 1981, $28,000 was added on to the Ninigret NWR budget to cover a new position and equipment at Sachuest Point. This position was to be a permanent full time position. However, due to certain constraints there will not be a full time position at this refuge,
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
On August 26, bids went out for a BLHP building rehabilitation project at Sachuest Point. On October 20, a "building dedication/ ground breaking" ceremony took place.
Deputy Director Ashe, Town Council President Gibbs and Council Member Seiple "breaking ground" to begin construction. (10/20/80 WOOD) 3
Those in attendance were Deputy Regional Director Ashe, Area Manager Maloy, Members of the Middletown Town Council, and the contractor, Edwards Construction Company. On October 28, Refuge Manager Tiller traveled to the Regional Office for a preconstruction conference on the project* Shortly thereafter, the contractor started work.
The former Navy Communications Center is to become the refuge's Visitor Contact Station/Office. (9/17/80 TILLER)
The well was drilled late in December. After reaching 120' only ^ gallon per minute flow was found. The drillers continued for another 130' and found a 10 gpm flow and stopped. (12/22/80 TILLER)
B. Maintenance
Routine maintenance was carried out on the refuge this year, mostly by YACC. A
C. Wildfire
A fire occurred on February 2, which burned about one-third of the refuge. Actually, it did the habitat some good. Heavy brush was eliminated in a portion-of the burn area.
About one-third of the refuge burned when someone set a fire near the marsh on Third Beach. (2/3/80 WOOD)
Another small fire was set near the Town's campground on Second Beach in December.
About 2 hectares were burned in this fire in December. Mostly Phragmites and cattail were the only thing burned. (12/12/80 TILLER) 5
The area was reseeded in the first part of April. The seed produced good results and the burn area recovered without too much damage.
m. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands
Not applicable.
B. Grasslands
Nothing to report.
C. Wetlands
We are still having trouble holding water in the marsh due to a badly engineered and constructed BLHP project from fiscal year 1978. In 1979, the YACC added four feet to the water control structure so that we might be able to retain water in the marsh. This year we started having trouble with the tide gate and the marsh remained dry. We put in stop logs in order to retain some rainwater runoff but we ran into a drought this year. We also had problems with vandals cutting the stop logs so that any small amounts of water in the marsh disappeared. Our final attempt to have a marsh this year was to have a moon high tide flood the area and then place stop logs in the water control structure. This was done in September and now there is more water in the marsh.
D. Forestlands
Nothing to report.
E. Other Habitat
Nothing to report.
F. Wilderness and Special Areas
Not applicable,
G. Easements for Waterfowl Management
Not applicable.
IV« WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
On June 14, Little Compton Police Department reported a giant sea turtle dead on the beach. Special Agent Bolin and Assistant Manager Wood investigated and found a 300 pound leatherback turtle that had been shot. Last year two leatherbacks were found dead adjacent to the refuge. SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES NEWPORT COUNTY. RHODE ISLAND UNITED STATES DEPAtTMENT OF THE INTE»IO« FISH ANt) WILDLIFE71°14" SERVICE
FLIN/T POINT
COMPILED IN THE DIVISION OF ENGINEERING FROM SURVEYS BY O S. AND B S. F A W MEAN DECLINATION 5 1970
PONTON MAS^ATMUSFTT^ u podi o/in /i m 7
B. MiRratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
The marsh area was not used by waterfowl for nesting this year because of drought and problems with the water control structure.
The waters around the refuge attract large numbers of black, surf and white-winged scoters during late fall and winter. When inland waters freeze the waters around the refuge see large numbers of black, mallard, and various other species of puddle ducks. Waterfowl use days for 1980 totalled 131,580 compared to 82,350 for 1979, even though we had problems keeping water in the marsh,
2• Marsh and Water Birds
Marsh bird activity was restricted due to low and no water in the marsh areas.
Water birds are common in the fall and winter at Sachuest Point, with double-crested cormorant being the most numerous, followed by common and red-throated loons,. Use days for this group of birds totalled 13,980 compared to 16,515 for 1979.
3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Twelve different species of shorebirds were seen this year with large numbers observed during fall migration.
Five species of gulls were observed, herring gull being the most numerous, followed by ring-billed black-backed, laughing and Bonaparte's gulls.
Common terns nested on rocks just offshore from the refuge. Least terns constantly hunted for food adjacent to the refuge. One royal tern was observed this year at Sachuest Point in August,
Use days for this group totalled 198,525 compared to 83,015 for 1979.
4, Raptors
Four species of raptors were observed this year on the refuge. There was a marked absence of the short-eared owl possibly because of the fire or the extremely mild weather during the 79/80 winter.
Raptor use days for 1980 totalled 3,690 compared with 3,490 in 1979. 8
5. Other Migratory Birds
Nothing to report.
C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
Eastern cottontail rabbits thrive on the refuge with very few predators except an occasional raptor, fox or dog.
2. Other Mammals
Nothing to report.
3. Resident Birds
Sachuest Point has high numbers of ring-necked pheasant during breeding and brooding seasons. The population then drops in late summer as the birds disperse to other areas.
v» INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation
Total visits for calendar year 1980 was 85,400.
1. On-Refuge
Nothing to report.
2. Off-Refuge
Nothing to report.
B. Recreation
1. Wildlife Oriented
Visitors come to the refuge to dig clams, forage for berries and pick rose hips for Jelly. This type activity is a good wildlife experience especially when you see someone who has just encountered a large snake in the briar patch.
People spend a great deal of time in, on, and around the refuge observing wildlands/wildlife.
Sachuest Point refuge is one of the finest surf fishing areas on the east coast. Hundreds of people travel to this area to fish for blue fish and striped bass in the late summer and fall.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
Driving out to Sachuest Point to watch the water and look around is very popular with thousands upon thousands of visitors to the refuge. There is no way to even estimate the number 9 of people engaged in this activity nor is there a way to control access. The first attempt to close off the area failed because a vehicle with a winch pulled down the gate.
Vandals destroyed Middletown's gate within a few days after installation. (6/28/80 TILLER)
The Town moved the gate near their campground on Second Beach for security reasons.
Middletown re-installed their entry gate near Second Beach Campground. (8/16/80 TILLER) 10
Within a few days someone drove through the gate at an excessive speed and demolished it, again. The individual responsible for this was apprehended within minutes. He indicated "he did not see the gatel" You know how the sun can get in your eyes.at sunset!
The "invisible" gate destroyed again. (8/23/80 TILLER)
An average of 1,000 visitors use the Third Beach section of the refuge in the summer to sunbathe and swim.
A portion of Third Beach during a typical summer weekday. (7/16/80 TILLER) II
A cooperative agreement with the Town of Middletown to operate this area of the refuge worked out satisfactorily. They provided lifeguards, trash pickup daily, parking attendants, harbor master and police surveillance. One problem was parking. They were supposed to limit the number of cars in the lot to 80 but on most days in excess of 110 vehicles were in the parking lot.
The Town permitted, on their property but adjacent to the Third Beach area, a windsurfing school to operate. Lessons in windsurfing and equipment rentals were provided by the enterprise.
These young girls taught windsurfing fundamentals to anyone for a small instructional fee. (7/26/80 TILLER)
Law Enforcement
Motor vehicle trespass continues to be the main enforcement problem at Sachuest Point. Routine patrols were reduced over last years efforts but violations were still quite excessive.
1980 Violations Number of Violations
Vehicle trespass 29 Illegal parking . 4 Speeding 1 Removing Plant life.... •••• 1 Possession of controlled substances. 2
Arson is also starting to be a problem on the refuge. This year two fires were intentionally set. The culprits were not caught. 12
VI« OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations
Nothing to report.
B. Cooperative Programs
1. Youth Programs (See Trustom Pond Section)
C. Items of Interest
On November 18, refuge personnel attended a bomb seminar held at Sachuest Point. The purpose of the seminar was to train law enforcement officers about various explosive devices. After several live ordinance demonstrations building 296 just happened to fall down, almost.
"Before" (11/18/80 TILLER
"Ready Everyone?" (11/18/80 TILLER) 13
"Goodbyel" (11/18/80 TILLER)
"Gonei" (11/18/80 TILLER) 14
Plastic explosives were used the first time. The explosives expert indicated "watch it fall down." It only blew out the corners of the building. He seemed a little embarrassed about the whole thing. The second time he made sure with dynamite. That did it! The building was scheduled to be removed as part of the BLHP project.
On March 21, a Refuge Revenue Sharing check, one-half, was presented to the Town of Middletown. The second payment was presented to the Town on September 17, 1980.
The annual Christmas Bird Count took place on December 20. Approximately 23,442 birds were counted, of 110 species. This is low compared to last years 43,000 individuals and 118 species. The cold weather prior to the count probably attributed to such low numbers and fewer species.
Safety
See the Ninigret section.
Credits
Refuge Manager Tiller completed sections II-A; V-A,B; VI
Assistant Manager Wood completed sections I; II-B,C; III; IV; V-C U N D • TRUSTOM POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE South Kingstown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TRUSTOM POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE UNHID STATES WASHINGTON COUNTY, RHOUK ISLAND UNHID STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
41 23 OO1 41023'00"
41022'30" 41 2230"
41 022'00" 41 22 00
71O36'00" COMPILED IN THE DIVISION OF REALTY FROM SURVEYS BY THE U S G S AND U S F & W S MEAN Scale O DECLINATION 1970 PISTON MASSAr^ ,iAMI iawv See'- TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL Page
A* Introduction. I B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 1 D. System Status ••••••••I
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction ...I B. Maintenance 2 C. Wildfire 2
11!. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands .2 B. Grasslands. ••••• .2 C. Wetlands •••••• 2 D. Forestlands 4 E. Other Habitat 4 F. Wilderness and Special Areas. ••••• 4 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management. . 4
iv. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species •••• 4 B. Migratory Birds .4 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 6
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation ,. 7 B. Recreation ••• 9 C. Enforcement •••• 9
vi. OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations ••••• 10 B. Cooperative Programs 11 C. Items of Interest 13 D. Safety 14 I. GENERAL
A. Introduction
Trustom Pond Refuge is a coastal refuge located in Washington County, Rhode Island. The refuge is in the Town of South Kingstown in an area known as Matunuck. The refuge is approx imately one kilometer east of the Town of Charlestown. The refuge was donated to the Service in 1973. The 146 hectares (365 ac) contains barrier beach, salt marsh, brushland, grassland and forest habitats. The remaining part of the refuge is a shallow, brackish pond called Trustom. The Rhode Island Audubon Society owns the property adjacent to the refuge on the east which it maintains as a wildlife sanctuary called Moonstone Beach Refuge. The property on the west is now in private ownership.
B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions
See the Ninigret section for details on climatic conditions.
C. Land Acquisition
1. Fee Title
Nothing to report.
2• Easements
Not applicable.
3. Other
Nothing to report.
D. System Status
1. Objectives
Trustom Pond is scheduled for master planning in FY 83.
2• Funding
All funding for this refuge comes from the Ninigret budget,
n. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
A septic system was installed in the YACC building at Trustom Pond •
The building was also connected to the South Kingstown Town water system for potable water. The YACC septic system was Installed during July, (7/28/80 TILLER)
B, Maintenance
Nothing to report,
G. Wildfire
Nothing to report,
in, HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands
Nothing to report.
B. Grasslands
About 9,7 hectares of grassland were hayed again this year.
C. Wetlands
A breachway was opened to the ocean on April 2, The breach was cut by a contractor for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, The pond level was lowered by about 1.5 meters and the breach was closed by an ocean storm on April 7. Subsequent ocean storms have occasionally opened and closed the area breached. Several weeks later the level was near normal again. When the ditch is opened up it doesn't take long for it to lower the water level. (4/3/80 TILLER)
The lower water level and exposed mud flats create excellent opportunity for birders to observe shorebirds which would otherwise not be present. (4/3/80 TILLER)
Five small ponds that were overgrown with woody vegetation were brushed out this fall and early winter. The drought conditions presented the opportunity to accomplish this work without boots or wet feet. The YACC cleared several potholes when ice formed on the surface facilitating the brushing activity, (12/15/80 TILLER)
D, ' Forestlands
Nothing to report,
E. Other Habitat
Nothing to report.
F. Wilderness & Special Areas
Not applicable,
G, Easements for Waterfowl Management
Not applicable.
IV- wildlife
A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Nothing to report,
B. Migratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
Canada Geese use Trustom Pond for a nesting and brooding area. As well as a wintering site. The population was slightly higher than last year. Two pairs successfully raised broods this year. 5
Several Northern shovelers were present during November. We don't usually see many, if any, of this species in the local area.
On November 10, a fulvous whistling duck was observed on the refuge. This is only the second record for the refuge and only the forth for the State.
American coot use was down this year. Normally, we don't get much use by coots any time of the year.
Total waterfowl use days for the year was slightly above 1979 use. Waterfowl use days totalled 361,440 for 1980 compared to 335,570 for 1979.
2. Marsh and Water Birds
Nothing unusual was sighted during the year. Use by this group was above last years total. Total use days for 1980 was 37,520 compared to 17,145 for 1979.
3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
Piping plovers nested on the refuge again this year. The refuge accommodates about 40% of the State's nesting pairs.
Common terns nested on the rocky island in the pond again this year.
Twenty-one species used the refuge this year for a total of 144,485 use days compared to 87,901 for 1979.
4. Raptors
Ospreys were observed on many occasions feeding in Trustom Pond but have not attempted to nest on the nest structure setup for them.
Twelve species of raptors were observed on the refuge this year compared to only 10 last year. A golden eagle was seen on October 22, which is extremely unusual.
Total use days for 1980 was 6,000 compared to only 3,720 for 1979.
5. Other Migratory Birds
The refuge staff and visitors had a very photogenic common nighthawk to look at for a few days. This common nighthawk was most cooperative in allowing many to photograph it. (5/20/80 TILLER)
C. Mammals, Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
Eastern cottontail, red fox, white-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum and gray squirrel are found on the refuge in very low numbers.
2. Other Mammals
Nothing to report.
3. Resident Birds
Refuge personnel in conjunction with State biologists continued the practice of addling mute swan eggs. This egg shaking technique has been carried out for a number of years to control the population.
There was a total of six nests on the Trustom Pond area, only four were on the refuge. All nests were checked in April and eggs shaken. Unfortunately, two were successful, probably raised 4 cygnets, the other 2 cygnets.
Unfortunately, our use seems to be on the rise. Total use days for 1980 was 19,380 compared to 9,682 for 1979. Total use days for the last six years is found in the following table. TRUSTOM POM) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE UNITED STATES WASHINGTON COUNTY, RHODI ISLAND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
71 036 00 " COMPILED IN THE DIVISION OF REALTY FROM SURVEYS BY THE U S Q S AND U S F A W S MEAN Seal* O DECLINATION 1970 BOSTON M ASS ACHUSFTTS JANUARY 1Q7fi 8
MUTE SWAN USE DAYS
YEAR TOTAL USE DAYS
1975 29,210 1976 15,470 1977 17,460 1978 10,740 1979 9,682 1980 19,380
4. Fishery Resources
The Youth Conservation Corps. (YCC) has had an ongoing program surveying the fish population in Trustom Pond, White perch caught this year were taken to Rhode Island biologists to determine age, growth rate, and sex.
YCC captured white perch and other fish in part of their ecological study of the aquatic life in the pond. (7/27/80 TILLER)
v• INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
Information and Interpretation
Total visits for calendar year 1980 was 10,815.
1. On-Refuge
Several school groups visited the refuge for outdoor classroom activities this year. Field trips of this kind are going to become scarce as the price of transportation 9
increases. An alternative method to get our message to the youngsters will most likely be to interest teachers in conducting environmental education. A teachers environmental education workshop was held on May 3. The all day program was tailored to fit teachers with classes Kindergarten thru 6th grade.
The Rhode Island Audubon Society and the refuge have a cooperative I & R program on Trustom Pond NWR, The tours and programs were attended by about 400 + visitors a month during the two month program this year.
2. Off-Refuge
Refuge personnel gave slide and informal talks to cub scouts, school groups and teachers.
B. Recreation
1• Wildlife Oriented
Many visitors use the foot trails all year long. These visitors are mainly bird watchers and people that enjoy wildlands. Surf fishing on the beach is enjoyed by many in the fall when stripped bass and bluefish are schooling.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
The nude, lewd, and perverted people still visit the beach portion of the refuge at Trustom Pond. Law enforcement procedures on the beach have reduced violations of refuge regulations, however, we still have a problem in this area. We will continue to have problems until we can control access to the beach or some way is found for local police to enforce laws on the private property adjacent to the refuge.
Sunbathing and swimming in the ocean off the refuge beach make up the major portion of all non-wildlife activities on the refuge.
C. Law Enforcement
The nudity and foot trespass problems are persisting on the beach and dune areas of the refuge. The amount of time spent on law enforcement patrol is proportionate to the number of citations. Below is listed information for the last three years enforcement activities. In 1978 a very active LE program, in 1979 reduced activity and in 1980 a mere "showing of the flag."
The reduced number of violations do not mean the public is following the refuge regulations, all it means is they are not getting caught. 10
VIOLATIONS
1978 1979 1980
Nudity 43 28 19
Trespass (foot) 72 31 16
Trespass(swimming) -- 3
Trespass(vehicle ••••••4 2
Destruction of Govt. Prop. (Signs) — -- 2 119 64 37
Our main concern is not the number of violators apprehended, but the preservation of the dune area on the barrier beach. This fragile habitat is susceptible to destruction by constant foot traffic.
VI. OTHER ITEMS
Field Investigations
The YCC continued their study of the ecology of Trustom Pond. This is the fourth year that the YCC has taken data on the pond. This data, plus data from a study by the University of Rhode Island, should give us information on how to best manage the resources of the area.
This is the fourth year of a five year study by the University of Rhode Island entitled "Man and Nature in Rhode Island Coastal Ecosystems." This is a comprehensive study covering all the coastal ponds in the South shore region in the state, including Trustom Pond. Parts of the study include waterfowl ecology and a study of aquatic plants, including water quality.
The YACC and YCC youth programs were utilized to cut back Phragmites on the south and western edge of Trustom Pond. We know that this is only a temporary way of controlling this plant but, if we continue to cut these tall plants, it will provide the opportunity for preferred species to possibly out-compete the Phragmites. II I
YCC cleared the Phragmites patches along the shoreline of the pond. (8/13/80 RICHARDSON)
Cooperative Programs
1. Young Adult Conservation Corps.
While working against varied budget and hiring limitations, the YACC based at Trustom Pond, accomplished a wide variety of needed projects throughout the Ninigret refuge complex.
Routine replacement of boundary signs throughout the refuge was done when needed. All boundaries at Block Island NWR were reposted in the spring. A number of projects were undertaken at Trustom Pond including construction of a cedar rail fence along part of the trail system to control visitor access near maintenance buildings. Extensive grounds, trail and building maintenance projects were carried out by the YACC crew during the summer months at Trustom Pond while some wildlife habitat improvement projects were conducted during the winter months.
At Sachuest Point the YACC, along with the YCC, spent a great deal of time and effort gutting the interior of the old communications building and preparing the site for the BLHP project contractor. Thousands of dollars were saved by completing this work before the contractor arrived. Litter control was a continuous effort by the YACC at Sachuest as was the mowing of the almost 10 acres of lawns and trails.
The addition of the former Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field to the Ninigret NWR provided a massive rehabilitation project for the YACC. Abandoned property items were destroyed or removed, buildings were either reconditioned or destroyed, boundary signs were erected, miles of vegetation barrier was planted, trails and access roads were made possible, gates were 12
installed9 dump areas were cleaned and various types of bird nesting houses were erected.
The YACC building has come a long way this year. Heating, plumbing and sewage systems were installed and the building is now near completion.
These are just a few of the projects the YACC has completed. Much work remains to be done, and we can only hope for the continuation of the YACC program to assist in the completion of future projects on the refuge.
2. Youth Conservation Corp.
The YCC camp returned for the fifth year at Trustom Pond. The camp had a staff of three and 14 enrollees. The YCC continued the study of the ecology of Trustom Pond and worked on the trail system, cleaned beaches and did many maintenance projects on the Ninigret complex.
The YCC camp for 1980: back row, left to right - Chuck Mattley, David "Mac" Richardson (Camp Director/EA Coordinator), Ron Bruck (Group Aide); middle row - Cheyenne Perry, Art Silva, B.J. Wright, Joyce Cox, Deborah Arnold, Carl Smigielski, Deborah Follett, Frank Ricci; front row - Valerie Heller, David Spence, Penny Bonin, Joan Seites (Group Aide) and Harold Stedman. (8/17/80 TILLER) 13
The YCC program ran for eight weeks this year after funding cuts limited the camp to six weeks last year. Funding was adequate for the camp with very few major budget problems this year.
3. Cooperative Programs
Cooperative programs the refuge participated in this year were; YCC, YACC, the North American Nest Record Card Program, Manomet Shorebird Survey, and Atlantic and Gulf Coast Beached Bird Survey.
Items of Interest
One of our major minor maintenance problems are boundary and closed area signs.
The refuge boundary signs on Trustom Pond (Moonstone) Beach don't last long. The wind and sand literally "blast" the paint off our signs, (10/27/80 TILLER) <
Our older blue goose signs hold up much better than the signs procured within the last two years. The old signs had to be replaced every year or two but the new signs must be replaced every six months or less. 14
The annual Christmas Bird Count was conducted on December 27. A total of 116 species was seen during the count and about 21,628 individuals. Unusual sighting were: house finch 589, long-eared owl 1, glaucous gull 3, Iceland gull 2, black-legged kittiwake 2, yellow-bellied sapsucker 1, eastern phoebe 1, long- billed marsh wren 1, seaside sparrow 1, sharp-tailed sparrow 2, red-breasted merganser 5,721, and Canada goose 3,650. Both Trustom Pond and Ninigret NWR's are within the count circle.
0. Safety
On July 1, a safety inspection of the Trustom Pond YCC and YACC camps was conducted. During this inspection it was noticed there was a twisted main beam in the storage barn. The beam was straightened and reinforced later by the YACC. There were also a few minor problems with YCC and YACC hand tool storage which were also corrected.
E. Credits
Refuge Manager Tiller completed sections IV; V-B,C; VI-C.
Assistant Manager Wood completed sections I; II; III; V-A; VI-A,B,D. tomaouflpw gqtp. i indian aalsium w ocrjooi " -// / VrikJ \ j ^ Rhode Island! ^ ^ Libertv Veterans Cemhlery 1 silver K; \»o l spring lauje£.\ public^ ' o d fishing ah 'Slocum stat, \ dolicej. a < ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AREA
Mwi -' \IJ II Zi fit ^0 '' rber) B KINGj pond i ?qu§paug; x f * ( \ « is! *1 univr rsity ll % rd| rfiorle island $1 o ^ 1/ J/Ioa^resfield
BlScuIf i vKingston\; city §1(l08j pond • A \ 1° fs hght monu, fa \ N .\(lo phSCREATSW. V 2\ 11 i )) ( k\ \yi\ 1 ^ Q Museum ofV frimitlveM £ Peace Dale culture jf / / River Jet. / V - /" j.^ £ j worden pond ^ •- Wakefiel t2 WOROfU? ^^SfHosp.faiCounfy^l Ql <1,-.R Tuckeidow) i/-;t ' *-s^-~^tucher pond / (K 11 -W 3 y xf/ @ Lont? ( . ipondf/ ^'hothopond /, „ I A a T f) WM/i ii ... • Cedar'sivampj school/ i ^erryvillel Wos/,,— s j house • •' pond a! Tr^VPoorff,' 1 public deep ^ fishing .TOWNPond DOCK RD. Cl'2j
VlL xz^cffl nlnlgret n AWiubon /#/ r, _ s\k 1mbSocall r^Charlestowr^f01ifi ^3..,. i *V..< »l«0 green •WMNcro,' 5,,^4- > Beach^./ V •• ^ u
^ /RET conscrvx^s area Vo / J? onv..iontaug /V .howaw WING .-V M A ..• ^ and ^ 1 s L c ^ - : '
SALT MEADOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Westbrook, Connecticut
Annual Narrative Report Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SALT MEADOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE UMUtO STAKS MIOMIMX COUMTT, CONNICTICUT ntx amo whoiim tnvici OMAtlMiNT Of TH« INTIIIOI buiiau of sfoar ^ismhiu amo wiioum aasssi. a: •IJ'JO' - _ ^ITJO'
•ilT'lS" -J trrfrs'
i^roo' - _ 4r-rr'otf,
4CI« JO
COMftLID IN THI OIVIUON Of (NOmillINO F«OM SUIVITS »T O.J. AMO F AW J. MIAN OICIIN ATlON If *1 BOSTON. MASSACMWSCnS JULY If71 Rev. 1/13/76 TABLE OF CONTENTS
.!• GENERAL Page
A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 1 D. System Status 1
H. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction 2 B. Maintenance 3 C. Wildfire 3
HI. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands 3 B. Grasslands 3 C. Wetlands 3 D. Forestlands 3 E. Other Habitat 3 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 3 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 4
IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species. 4 B. Migratory Birds 4 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 5
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation .... 6 B. Recreation 6 C. Enforcement. ... •.•••• 6
vi. OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations 6 B. Cooperative Programs 6 C. Items of Interest 9 D. Safety ••••• 9 I. GENERAL
A. Introduction
Salt Meadow is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Connecticut. The 73.2 hectares (183 ac) of land was acquired by donation to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge is located in the Town of Westbrook, about 1 kilometer from Long Island Sound, The Penn-Central Railroad and the Menunketesuck River intersect the refuge. Entrance to the refuge is on Old Clinton Rd., exit 64 off Interstate 95.
The refuge consists of riverine salt marsh and uplands. It is one of the few unspoiled riverine salt marshes left in the State of Connecticut and will be preserved as is.
The close proximity to the urban centers of New London and New Haven, make it ideally suited as a center for environmental education.
B. Climate and Habitat Conditions
Information on this refuge is not available. But it is very similar to that for Rhode Island found in the Ninigret section.
C. Land Acquisition
1. Fee Title
Nothing to report.
2• Easements
Not applicable.
3. Other
Nothing to report,
D. System Status
1• Objectives
The full potential of the refuge as an environmental education center has not been developed due to lack of funding and personnel. Salt Meadow again hosted a non-residential Youth Conservation Corps, camp this year. Definite objectives for this refuge include landpreservation and environmental education.
2. Funding
This refuge is funded from the Ninigret budget. 2
11, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
A parking lot, Bicentennial Land Heritage Program (BLHP) project, that was started in 1979 was completed this year.
The entrance to the refuge was a narrow, unpaved road. A BLHP project to construct a 10-car parking lot and entrance roadway began in 1979. (10/30/79 TILLER)
Several problems were encountered with the contractor but the major problem was just finishing the project. The job was started on December 15, 1979 and was completed for "final inspection" on May 2, 1980.
"During" construction of the BLHP parking lot/road. (3/20/80 TILLER) "After" completion of the BLHP Project. (6/11/80 TILLER)
B. Maintenance
YACC did some minor building maintenance during the year. They also made frequent trips to Salt Meadow to maintain the large amount of lawns.
G. Wildfire
Nothing to report,
HI. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands
Not applicable.
B. Grasslands
Nothing to report.
C. Wetlands
Nothing to report.
D. Forestlands
Nothing to report.
E. Other Habitat
Nothing to report.
F. Wilderness and Special Areas
Not applicable. 4
G. Easements for Waterfowl Management
Not applicable,
IV. WILDLIFE
A, Endangered and/or Threatened Species
One pair of osprey attempted to nest on the nesting platform this year. Nesting for some reason was not successful. It may be that the birds were immature and on their first attempt at nesting. The YCC erected another osprey platform this year in hopes that if we get a successful nesting in 3 or 4 years the young would return to nest in this area.
The YCC installed another osprey nesting platform south of the railroad tracks. (1980)
B. Migratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
Mallards, black duck and bufflehead use the refuge for a wintering area. Mute swan stay on the river when other areas are covered with ice. We had our first known successful Canada goose nesting on the refuge this year. Small numbers of other duck species also visit the refuge throughout the year.
Waterfowl use days for 1980 totalled 14,520 compared to 16,080 for 1979.
2. Marsh and Water Birds
Only four or five species are known to use the refuge during the year. Use days for 1980 totalled 2,460. 3
3. Shoreblrds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Herring and great black-backed galls are common on the refuge throughout•the year. Common and least terns are sighted occasionally on the refuge during the spring and summer.
Greater and lesser yellowlegs use the mud flats on the river.
Use days for 1980 totalled 12,750, compared with 14,745 for 1979 and 11,125 for 1978.
4. Raptors
American kestrel, sharp-shinned hawk, red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk and osprey use the refuge for nesting and feeding. The great horned owl and barred owl are seen on the refuge occasionally, moreover, we thin^ the great horned owl is nesting on the refuge.
Use days for 1980 totalled 1,530 compared to only 830 for 1979.
5. Other Migratory Birds
A list of birds found on the refuge is being compiled at present for a refuge birdlist and eventual publication.
C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
Eastern cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels are found on the refuge in moderate numbers. Ground hog adult and young were seen on the refuge.
2• Other Mammals
Muskrat, striped skunk, opossum, raccoon and short-tailed weasel were found on the refuge in 1980. The mammal most frequently seen is the Eastern chipmunk.
3. Resident Birds
Ruffed grouse were seen on the refuge again this year. The number of birds present and the time of year seen, indicate they are using the refuge for nesting.
4. Other Animal Life
Nothing to report. 6
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation
1• On-Refuse
Three elementary schools used the refuge for outdoor classrooms this year. About three hundred students, parents and teachers spent a whole day on the refuge doing environmental studies. The YCC started a numbered interpretative trail this year. They began compiling material to put into a refuge trail leaflet.
2. Off-Refuge
Nothing to report.
B. Recreation
1• Wildlife Oriented
Public use is increasing for the purpose of hiking, bird watching, and nature study.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
Local youth use the refuge for sledding and skiing in the winter months when there is snow cover.
3. Enforcement
This year Salt Meadow refuge only had two breaking and entering instances. The buildings were entered in March and April this year. Efforts to secure the building by conventional means are ineffective. Several senseless acts of vandalism occurred on the refuge later on in the year with only minor damage to government property.
V!. OTHER ITEMS
A. Field Investigations
Nothing to report.
B. Cooperative Programs
Salt Meadow hosted an 8 week non-residential YCC camp this year. In the past the camp was residential but was changed to non-residential this year to save money. This year it was again very difficult to provide enough meaningful projects at Salt Meadow to justify the expense and staff at the camp. 7
The 1980 Salt Meadow YCC camp: back row, left to right - Chris Kieffer, Stacey Conklin, Tom Therrien, Michelle Fillion, David Coombs, Andy Martin (Group Aide); front row - Linda Lohbush (Camp Director), Eric Andrews, Kristina Schreck, Lisa Koziy, Patty Wright, Marianne Mahoney (Environmental Awareness Coordinator), and Ivan Zastrow, (8/7/80 TILLER)
The YCC completed maintenance projects on the refuge this year. The wooden basement door was replaced with a Bilco steel door for better security on the small house. 8
J i
Vv - r,-r*.v
"After" (8/7/80 TILLER)
The trails were upgraded and maintained. This project is the main work performed during the summer.
YACC cut some dead red pine near the railroad tracks. YCC hauled it to the trails for the purpose of lining the trail edges. (1980) 9
The YCC also were involved with a community project in the nearby Town of Westbrook.
YCC helped the community of Westbrook by painting vehicle barriers at the Town's beach parking lot. (7/80 LOHBUSCH)
The maintenance project for the community was a good public relations for the YCC program.
C. Items of Interest
Nothing to report.
D. Safety
The YCC enrollees were given a basic first aid course at the start of the camp. The YCC did have the usual scrapes, cuts and one severe case of poison ivy. Poison ivy is the number one problem at this refuge.
E. Credits
This section was written by Assistant Manager Wood. NANTUCKET ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Nantucket, Massachusetts
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1980
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NANTUCKET ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES NANTUCKET COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
TO^O'OO"
\ NANNANTUCKET IS. NWR
VICINITY MAP 100
SCALE IN MILES
41° 22,30'
70002'30"
ISV COMPILED IN THE OFFICE OF REALTY FROM SURVEYS BY U.S.G.S. AND U.S.F.AW.S. 8000 FEET MEAN DECLINATION 2 KILOMETERS 1972 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS MARCH 1978 POSTED. 5R MA 853 401 The Nantucket Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northernmost tip of the island in Nantucket County, Massachusetts. The refuge consists of approximately 16.2 ha of coastal sand dune habitat with low shrub vegetation and shifting sands.
Great Point, Nantucket Island National Wildlife Refuge, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. (6/12/80 TILLER)
Since 1975, the refuge has been managed for the Fish and Wildlife Service by the Trustees of Reservation, owner of the adjacent Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. The Trustees of Reservation also manage the Coatue Wildlife Refuge, a property held by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. The two adjacent, private wildlife areas total about 648 hectares.
The waters around Nantucket Island are an important wintering area for common eider, oldsquaw, scoter, scaup and other diving duck species.
Herring, and great black-backed gulls use the refuge year round. Common and least terns nest on the private wildlife areas but not on the refuge. Arctic and roseate terns can also be seen in the area during the summer.
Gray and harbor seals use the refuge in the winter.
Wildlife oriented public use of the refuge is primarily surf fishing, beach combing, and hiking. Access is by four-wheel drive vehicle, foot or boat. Vehicle access is controlled by means of permit issued by the Trustees of Reservation. On the three areas there is a system of controlled use "Marked Over-sand Routes," or roadways within the dune areas. Vehicles are supposed to stay on these marked routes.
Most of the non-wildlife oriented recreation consists of four-wheel drive vehicle use of the beaches for other activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing. 2
On October 28, 1980, Nantucket Island National Wildlife Refuge was transferred to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. This action was taken to better manage this island refuge that we could visit only once or twice a year.
This section was written by Assistant Manager Wood.