CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Carterville, Illinois REVIEW AND APPROVALS
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Carterville, Illinois
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1987
Date Refuge Supervisor Review Date INTRODUCTION
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has 43,550 acres extending into Jackson, Williamson and Union counties of southern Illinois. The topography varies from gentle rolling slopes through most of the Refuge to slopes ex ceeding 24 in the southern portion.
Broad habitat types include: water (9300 ac.), hardx^oods (12,200 ac.), brush (8500 ac.), pine plantations (3,000 ac.), grassland (3,000 ac.), and agricultural (5,000 ac.).
The Refuge was established in 1947 by an Act of Congress, Public Law 361, which transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service lands administered by the War Department and the Soil Conservation Service. During the 1930Ts these lands, which consisted of small farms, were sold by their private oxtfners to the federal government. During World War II the War Department constructed the Illinois Ordnance Plant on these lands, which after the war became part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
The Congressional Act establishing the Refuge mandated that the land would be managed with four broad objectives: wildlife management, agricultural development, recreational use and industrial operation.
Twenty-two thousand acres were designated a wildlife sanctuarv and remain closed to general public use. Cooperative farming and permittee grazing are the primary management tools used to provide feeding and loafing areas for migrating and wintering waterfowl, the main wildlife management objective.
There is a wide spectrum of recreational opportunities on and around three man-made lakes which exceed 8,700 acres. Boating, skiing, fishing, swim ming, hunting and wildlife observation are part of the public use program provided by concession campgrounds and marinas, and Refuge picnic areas, x^alking trails 'hnd observation points.
Industrial activities on the Refuge range from manufacturing and storage facilities to administrative offices. In excess of $45 million is generated annually by the industrial tenants. The Refuge is required to provide police, fire, water and sewer service to industrial tenants, and water and sewer service to a maximum security federal prison located adjacent to the Refuge. INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
A. HIGHLIGHTS 1
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 2
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title Nothing to Report 2. Easements Nothing to Report 3. Other 4
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan Nothing to Report 2. Management Plan . Nothing to Report 3. Public Participation Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 5 5. Research and Investigations 8 6. Other Nothing to Report
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel 10 2. Youth Programs 16 3. Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteer Program 17 5. Funding 18 6. Safety 19 7. Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8. Other Nothing to Report
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General 21 2. Wetlands 21 3. Forests 23 4. Croplands 23 5. Grasslands Nothing to Report 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing 25 8. Haying 25 9. Fire Management ...... 25 10. Pest Control 23 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring . Nothing to Report Page G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 29 3. Waterfowl 30 4. Marsh and Water Birds 36 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 36 6. Raptors 36 7. Other Migratory Birds 36 8. Game Mammals 36 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 37 11. Fisheries Resources 37 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking . . . Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 38 16. Marking and Banding 38 17. Disease Prevention and Control 39
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General 40 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 40 3. Otatdoor Classrooms - Teachers 40 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 40 5. Interpretive Tour Routes 40 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 41 7. Other Interpretive Programs 41 8. Hunting 42 9. Fishing 43 10. Trapping 43 11. Wildlife Observation 44 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 44 13. Camping 44 14. Picnicking 45 15. Off-Road Vehicles .45 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 45 17. Law Enforcement and Fire Protection 46 18. Cooperative'Associations 48 19. Concessions . 48
!. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction 53 2; Rehabilitation 54 3. Major Maintenance 54 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 55 5. Communications Systems 56 6. Computer Systems 56 7. Energy Conservation . 56 8. Other Nothing to Report Page
J. OTHER ITEMS
1. Cooperative Programs 57 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 57 4. Credits 61
K. FEEDBACK 62 Page 1
A- HIGHLIGHTS
Bald Eagles Two pairs of bald eagles nested for the second year. The Little Creek pair fledged two young. One young at the Crab Orchard Bay nest was ready to fledge when the nest tree was blown down and the eaglet killed on June 28. Eagle production since 1980 is 12. (Sections B, G.2)
Dams Safety/Archeology Work at Devils Kitchen Dam was completed for $60,000. Crab Orchard Lake work details are being finalized, and a con tract award is scheduled for Spring 1988; project cost is $7.5 million. Little Grassy Lake work of $4 million is scheduled for FY-90. Five archeo- logical sites, two recommended for the National Historic Sites Register, were found at Crab Orchard Lake representing habitation between 600 B.C. and 400 A.D. (Sections D.4, J.3)
Canada Geese - Record Number Canada goose numbers reached a record peak of 165,000 on December 22. The previous high was 130,000, and the 1986 peak was 80,000. Severe weather just north of here pushed the geese south all at one time. (Section G.3)
Summer-Fa11 Drought Precipitation from August through December was below average causing Crab Orchard Lake to drop 14" and several small ponds to dry up. The State Fish Hatchery on Little Grassy Lake ceased operations in August, and the City of Marion reservoir dropped over seven feet, resulting in water use restrictions in that city. (Sections 3, J.3)
Murder Victim LaDonna Cooper of Marion was abducted, robbed and murdered after closing a restaurant in Marion the night of .March 4. Her body was •discovered 36 hours later adjacent to Observation Tower Pond along State Highway 148. No arrests have been made, (Section E.6)
Hazardous Waste Sites Field studies at 34 sites have been completed; eight sites have some level of contamination, three with PCBs. The $1.2 million contract study is behind schedule, but a draft report with cleanup recom mendations is expected in Spring 1988. (Section J.3 and past narrative reports of 1984, 1985, and 1986) Page 2
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Average annual precipitation for the 20 years of Refuge records has been 45.28 inches; 33.55 inches were received in 1987. Rainfall did occur at the right times for Refuge crops. A severe hail storm cut a one-half mile wide path from Lookout Point area to the Grassy Road-State Highway 148 intersection on June 28. The Grassy Bay eagle nest blew down at that time killing the eaglet. Refuge crops, 700 acres of corn and milo, were also damaged. Wildlife ponds were the lowest in 20 years during the July to November period.
Due to low water levels, Little Grassy Lake State Fish Hatchery stopped drawing lake water and closed down operations in August. Lake levels reached their lowest levels in early November; Crab Orchard Lake was 13 inches below spillway, the lowest in 15 years.
1987 Temperature Summary (F.)
Month High Record High Low Record Low
J anuary 54 74 19 -17 February 54 78 24 -4 March 68 84 30 -3 April 79 94 39 22 May 87 99 53 32 June 90 106 58 38 July 91 105 63 48 August 96 103 68 46 September 86 100 53 34 October 74 99 33 20 November .. 69 86 27 6 December 54 74 23 -7
Extremes - 96 106 19 -17 Page 3
1987 Precipitation Summary - Inches
Month 20-Year Ave. 1987 Monthly Record January 2.93 0.42 12.42 February 2.66 3.09 7.69 March 4.47 2.63 10.37 April 4.66 2.26 12.62 May 4.70 1.51 12.68 June 3.91 4.15 10.34 July 3.58 2.57 8.33 August 3,96 2.77 8.36 September 2.58 1.57 6.19, October 3.43 0.67 7.93 November 4.47 5.08 9.19 December 3.93 6.83 7.43
Total - 45.28 33.55
Lake Elevations were: Crab Orchard Devils Kitchen Little Grassy Spillway Elevation 405.0 510.0 500.0 Maximum Elevation 405.60 510.45 500.30 Date of Maximum'• 4-17-87 3-20-87 4-17-87 Minimum Elevation 403.96 508.90 496.90 Date of Minimum 11-6-87 11-6-87 11-6-87 Page 4
C. LAND ACQUISITION
3. Other Isolated parcels of land totaling 220 acres were identified as being excess to Refuge needs and available for sale or trade through The Nature Conservancy. The Service will trade for wetlands in Minnesota if such an agreement is reached. Lands identified are the 100-acre parcel in Section 31, T.9S., R.1E., two adjacent 40-acre parcels in Sections 7 and 8, T.9S, R.1E., and a 40-acre parcel along Rocky Comfort Road in Section 21, T.10S, R.IE. Page 5
0. PLANNING
4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates.
Archaeological surveys were conducted on 67.5 acres in areas slated for dam improvement work. Southern Illinois University submitted the low bid of $5,876 for an initial inspection. Dennis Blanton and James Novelli were the project Field Directors. A follow-up contract of $29,770 was awarded to intensively investigate five prehistoric sites found within the proposed construction area at Crab Orchard Lake. Following is the Abstract of the study. The draft contains nearly 200 pages of detailed information.
ABSTRACT
This project initially entailed archaeological survey of 67.5 acres in areas slated for floodwater control projects at three lakes in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson and Williamson counties, Illinois. Five prehistoric and one historic sites were recorded in the Crab Orchard Lake portion of the study area. Each of the prehistoric sites was subjected to test in vestigations. Spillway Site #1 was found to contain potentially significant Middle Woodland (Crab Orchard) and Mississippian components. Well-preserved pit features and a wall trench structure were recorded there. Spillway Site #2 was found to contain primarily a Middle Woodland (Crab Orchard) component. A well-preserved midden and numerous features were encountered. Faunal and floral preservation is excellent at this site. Radiocarbon dates for Crab Orchard features at these two sites were obtained. Spillway Sites #3, #4, and //5 were discovered to be sparse, plow zone lithic scatters where no features were recorded. Components represented at these sites ranged from Dalton (8000 B.C.) to Middle Woodland (Crab Orchard) (600 B.C. - A.D. 400). Only Spillway Sites #1 and #2 were determined to be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. •* Southern Illinois University
Cost to excavate Site #1 (South) is estimated at $25,000, and the estimate for Site //2 (North) is $125,000. Plans now are to excavate Site #1 and preserve Site #2 by reducing the construction project area. A contract for removal of Site #1 will be awarded in Spring 1988. S.I.U. Archeological Investigator at Crab Orchard Lake Site #2. Deep midden layer and estimated 150 features or pits indicate many people lived here for a long period of time between 600 B.C. and 400 A.D. 87-1 Page 7 Page 3
5. Research and Investigations
The following are projects by Southern Illinois University (SIU):
Crab Orchard NR86 - "Reproductive Status and Summer Whistling of Bobwhite Males" (33610-50). This research is intended to provide data which will allow accurate predictions of fall bobwhite abundance through male whistling counts. The project is in progress.
Bobwhite Quail field investigations are being conducted by John Roseberry of S.I.U. The Refuge offers different habitat types and hunted and unhunted areas. 87-2
Crab Orchard NR86 - "Ecology of Canada Geese: Southern Illinois Wintering Grounds, Flyway Routes, and Breeding Ground Utilization" (33610-53). The purpose of this study is to provide information about migration and winter movements of the Southern Illinois goose population. In 1986, 30 female geese over two years old were captured and radio marked on the Refuge. Page
Adult female Canada goose with leg band, neck collar and radio antenna showing, Q
Crab Orchard NR86 - "Resource Exploitation Patterns of Coyote on Crab Orchard NWR (33610-55). The purpose of this research is to determine distribution, habitat use and resource exploitation by coyotes on the Refuge. Scat collection and analysis, radio collar ing and coyote observation indicate an adult population of about ten animals. Further investigation will indicate season habitat use patterns and home range locations. Page 10
E. ADMINISTRATION
The City of Herrin contracted for Refuge fire protection effective Janu ary 1, 1987. Staff changes resulting from the change included elimination of seven Firefighter positions, creation of two Park Ranger positions, and the filling of three vacant maintenance type positions.
The authorized fulltime equivalent allocation for FY 37 was 34.56, a re duction from the FY 1985 level of 43.9.
1. Personnel - January 1988
Permanent Personnel
Norrel F. Wallace Project Manager GM-13 PFT Gerald H. Updike Assistant Project Manager GS-12 PFT Wendell E. Crews Wildlife Biologist GS-11 PFT M. Glen Smart Wildlife Biologist GS-12 PFT George A. Stapleton Biological Technician GS-9 PFT Vacant Forester GS-11 PFT Vacant Refuge Manager GS-5 PFT James T. Cameron Outdoor Recreation Planner GS-11 PFT Edward F. Wagner Outdoor Recreation Planner GS-9 PFT Lonnie S. Priest Refuge Law Enforcement Officer GS-7 PFT Elizabeth K. Buelna Refuge Manager-Enforcement GS-7 PFT Tracy L. Reed Refuge Manager-Enforcement GS-7 PFT Position Abolished Refuge Manager-Enforcement GS-5 Steven T. Fike Park Ranger GS-3 TFT C. Eric Modglin Park Ranger GS-3 TFT Position Abolished Fire Chief GS-7 Position Abolished Firefighter-Structural GS-5 Position Abolished Firefighter-Structural GS-5 Position Abolished Firefighter~Struetural GS-5 Position Abolished Firefighter-Structural GS-5 Position Abolished Firefighter-Structural CS-5 Position Abolished Firefighter-Structural GS-5 Daniel R. Eastman Maintenance Foreman WS-8 PFT James L. Smith Engineering Equipment Operator WG-9 PFT Robert L. Woodsum Engineering Equipment Operator WG-9 PFT Arthur J. Boles Maintenance Worker WG-7 PFT Page 11
W. Frank Aly Tractor Operator WG-3 PFT Brent A. Humphreys Tractor Operator WG-3 PFT John W. Mahan Tractor Operator WG-3 PFT Position Abolished Utility System Operator WG-7 George F. L. Beckwith Utility System Operator WG-9 PFT Bill J. Stacey Utility System Operator WG-9 PFT John T. Emerson Utility System Operator WG-9 PFT Charles W. Adams Automotive Worker WG-9 PFT Gilbert L. Hanks Automotive Worker WG-9 PFT Willard A. Holup Administrative Officer GS-11 PFT Doyle T. Case Contract Specialist GS-11 PFT Bonnie M. Dungey Secretary-Stenography GS-5 PFT Alice F. Phillips Clerk-Typist GS-4 PFT Terry W. Rendleman Administrative Technician GS-7 PFT Carl E. Chew Supply Technician GS-5 PFT Kay F. Parks Accounting Technician GS-4 PFT
Temporary Personnel
Tractor Operator, WG-3, 11/1 - 5/29/87 Kenneth M. Cook
Biological Aid, GS-3, 11/15 - 12/10/87 (Goose Hunter Check) Craig W. Lee John Haffley
Youth Conservation Corps - Enrollees, 6/15 - 7/30/87 James G. Faulkner Annamaria Halterman Melody A. Hemphill * Samuel L. Grimes, resigned 7/5/87 Harold R. Buchmeir, EOD 7/6/87 Page 12 Staff changes during 1987 included:
01/04/87 - John Mahan, Fire Chief, GS-7, to Tractor Operator, WG-3. 01/05/87 - James Brush, Firefighter-Structural, retired. 02/01/87 - Brent Humphreys, Firefighter-Structural, GS-5, to Tractor- Operator, WG-3. 02/01/87 - R. Bruce Whitecotton, Firefighter-Structural, GS-5 to Tractor- Operator, WG-3. 02/01/87 - Steven Fike, Firefighter-Structural, GS-5, to Park Ranger, GS-3. 02/01/87 - Eric Modglin, Firefighter-Structural, GS-5, to Park Ranger, GS-3. 03/29/87 - Wendell E. Crews, Wildlife Biologist, transferred from Reelfoot NWR, TN. 04/26/87 - Roger D. Boykin, Forester, transferred to Bogue Chitto, LA. 05/09/87 - M. Glen Smart, Wildlife Biologist, transferred from Washington, B.C. 05/29/87 - Kenneth M, Cook, temporary Tractor Operator, resigned. 07/05/87 - Susan L. Bolander, Refuge Manager, transferred to Clarence Cannon NWR, MO. 07/17/87 - Robert L. Venegoni, Carpentry Worker, retired. 09/25/87 - John Lalor, Refuge Manager, transferred to Tewaukon NWR, ND. 10/11/87 - A. John Boles, Maintenance Worker, WG-7, transferred from Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. 10/25/87 - W. Frank Aly, temporary Tractor Operator, to Tractor Operator, WG-3. 11/08/87 - Tracy Reed, Refuge Manager, transferred from Chautauqua NWR, IL. 12/06/87 - John T. Emerson, Utility Systems Operator, from WG-7 to WG-9. Grab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Staff, January 1988.
Front Row (left to right) Middle Row (left to right) Back Row (left ro right) Jerry Updike Elizabeth Buelna George Beckwith Terry Rendleman Gilbert Hanks Wendell Crews Jim Smith Chuck Adams Steve Fike George Stapleton Edward Wagner Lonnie Priest Carl Chew Kay Parks Doyle Case •n (13 Bill Stacey John Mahan Dan Eastman OQ Brent Humphreys Norrel Wallace Frank Aly fD John Boles Bruce Whitecotton Jim Cameron Bob Woodsum Eric Modglin Bonnie Dungey Glen Smart Not pictured: Bill Holup, Alice Phillips, John Emerson, Tracy Reed —
PROJECT MANAGER
Wallace CM-13
ASSISTANT PROJECT MANACER Updike CS-12
WILDLIFE OUTDOOR WILDLIF! MAINTENANCE ADMINISTRATIVE BIOLOGIST RECREATION BIOLOGI:IT FOREMAN OFFICER PLANNER Crews GS-11 Cameron GS-ll Smart GS-12 Eastman WS-9 Holup GS-ll
FORESTER REFUGE UW OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AgT'OMOflVE CONTRACT COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT RECREATION OPERATOR WORKER OFFICER PLANNER SPECIALIST Case GS-11 GS-11 Priest GS-7 Wagner GS-9 -Smilb •.WG7.9 Adams WG-9
BIOLOGICAL REFUGE PARK EQUIPMENT AUTOMOTTVE SECRETARY ' TECHNICIAN MANAGER RANGER OPERATOR WORKER STENOGRAPHY ENFORCEMENT - GS-5 StapletonGS-9 Reed GS-7 Fike GS-3 Wood sum WG-9 Hanks WG-9 Dungey
rLEKR REFUGE REFUGE PARK MAINTENANCE UTILITY TYPIST MANAGER MANAGER RANGER WORKER SYSTEMS ENFORCEMENT OPERATOR Boles W0-7 Phillips GS-A GS-5 Buelna GS-7 Modglin GS-3 Beckwlth WG-9
-mrm UTILITY ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATOR SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN OPERATOR Humphreys WG-3 Stacey WG-9 Rendlemnn CS-7
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TRACTOR utilijT SUPPLY OPERATOR SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN Illinois OPERATOR Mahan WG-3 Emerson WG-9 Chew GS-5 Mi PERMANENT STAFF oc to 1987 TRACTOR TRACTOR AWCi'TTrUG" OPERATOR OPERATOR TECHNICIAN WG-3 WI>i tecnttonWG-3 Aly Parks CS-A lipj'tiu. C.s-^Z
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i* ftViec 0(-f«c«r F""* f ktor- /»? A *•.*<». VATt I iky Sy ifimt CUrK - S+«-a« Ci^"• «».«.+ •» AtaaU#-.* Ofk« r*-+« r 6S-r o'Ktt.£*. CS-S" Sa*'.-HA WG-a /Vcwhwy U}G-1 fxCa^ty Cf'V ToUc* r.vc r.s w+.r- CkrfC- Ty f.jT f '•0 m*.* k.AA'l * CS-« 5K«-» CS-S" WG-7 £i-3 Fire P" kttr M«CU. »««,*( U0<»ir-.-A vifi-T CRAB ORCHARD NWR PERMANENT STAFF F.Ve DECEMBER 31, 1976 S-S" Page 16 2. Youth Programs 1987 YCC Crew: (1. to r.) Annamaria Halterman, Harold Buchmeir, Jim Faulkner, and Melody Hemphill. 87-4 The 1987 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program employed four enrollees. Two females and three males participated; one male.resigned. There were 15 female and 36 male applicants for the four positions. Refuge employees, mostly from the maintenance staff, served as crew leaders. Laborer type work was accomplished, and the enrollees gained valuable work experience from the variety of crew leaders they worked with. There were no ^CC accidents in 1987. All enrollees completed first aid training as part of the orientation process. Following are the types of projects they completed, preceded by the en rollees1 attitude toward the projects: These tasks helped save maintenance workers' time, prolonged the life of facilities, and helped preserve resources: — Replaced, repaired and installed 200 signs. — Prepared fish attractors. — Removed nuisance beaver dams. — Cleaned and organized interiors of warehouses and the visitor contact station. Page 17 — Cleaned and painted buoys. — Cleared vegetation from fences, roadside guard rails and signs. — Mulched newly constructed pond and road areas. These were considered important safety projects: — Removed 1/2 mile of old barbed wire fence. — Swept loose gravel from road intersections. These were thought to improve the image of government facilities: — Improved landscaping around Refuge buildings. — Extensive litter cleanup. The YCC program exemplifies the "Take Pride in America" snirit and should continue to serve the public in future years. 4. Volunteer Program The volunteer program continued to grow from 209 hours of donated work in 1983 to 2,415 hours of volunteer time in 1987. A concerted effort was made by the Refuge staff to solicit volunteers during 1987. The 28 volun teers did an assortment of work including: wildlife photography, banding, eagle observation, bird counts, writing and serving as hosts at the Visitor Contact Station. Volunteer organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Crab Orchard Lake Bass Club, Crab Orchard Waterfowl Hunters Association, and the Audubon Society, continued to serve in a volunteer capacity. The Crab Orchard Waterfowl Hunters Association donated $800 for improvement work on upland game habitat. Harlan Barry, 79 years young, donated nearly 400 hours of time while working on the controlled waterfowl hunting program. Park Ranger Fike discussing volunteer program with individuals interested in applying. Most volunteers are associated with Southern Illinois University. «7_s Page 18 5. Funding Refuge Operations and Maintenance FY 84 FY 85 FY 86 FY 87 FY 88* 1260 $1,041,000 965,900 882,800 826,000 848,500 6860 273,000 328,900 328,900 329,000 402,000 TOTAL 0 & M 1,314,000 1,294,800 1,211,700 1,155,000 1,250,500 — Small ARMMS — 66,400 28,500 25,500 Large ARMMS 225,000 102,000 128,000 55,000 26,500 Station Total: 1,539,600 1,463,200 1,368,200 1,210,000 1,302,500 ^Subject to reduction as final appropriations adjustments are made by Regional Office. Refuge receipts for the past five calendar years were: 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Building Rent $363,104 357,948 393,163 393,937 352,165 Water 39,325 38,211 42,694 61,326 58,040 Sewer 22,190 20,274 22,869 29,343 35,451 Total Industrial •424,619 416,433 458,726 . 484,606 445,656 Wildlife 10,415 9,590 5,585 5,194 7,066 Recreation 18,734 26,310 27,377 25,684 17,262 Total Refuge 453,768 452,333 491,688 515,484 469,984 Receipts Payments to counties under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act for FY 86 were: Williamson - $103,258, Jackson - $1,299, and Union - $1,893. Page 19 6. Safety There were nine fatalities on the Refuge from 1976 through 1986. In 1987 there was one fatality and one body was recovered on the Refuge. March 6, 1987. The slain body of LaDonna Cooper, 23, of Marion was found on the edge of Observation Pond by Refuge employees. Mrs. Cooper had closed the Marion Bonanza restaurant and left at 1:00 A.M. on March 4. Signs of a struggle were found at the restaurant, and her car was found in Herrin on March 5. The car was used to deposit the body on the Refuge. No arrests have been made, and there is little evidence or leads for the detectives. October 9, 1987. William Bert Aken, 75, Elkville, died of natural causes in his sleep. He retired for the night in his trailer at Crab Orchard Campground on October 9, and his wife discovered him dead the following morning. Known public use injuries requiring medical attention were: April 17 - Nancy M. Hengsen, Energy, was treated at Carbondale Hospital for a broken ankle. She apparently had slipped from the bank while fishing at A-41 pond. April 22 - Norman Kreitner was accidentally shot in the back/shoulder (with a 12 gauge shotgun and #3 shot) by another hunter during shotgun turkey hunting season at the Devils Kitchen Line #9 Wilderness Area. He was taken to Herrin Hospital, treated and released. May 31 - Annette Hawk, Cobden, Illinois, was treated at Carbondale Hospital for multiple lacerations and a fractured right elbow she sustained from a motorcycle accident by Devils Kitchen Line #11. June 9 - Jan Rieger, Zeigler, collapsed from heat exhaustion while pick ing up litter in the Devils Kitchen Wilderness Area Line #9. He was taken to Carbondale Hospital where he spent three weeks in a coma and has spent six months in rehabilitation at home. . June 12 - Denice Decker, Hinsdale, was treated at Carbondale Hospital for minor cuts on her feet that she obtained while stepping on glass at the Little Grassy Campground Marina. August 15 - J. C. Taylor, Herrin, fell off his motorscooter at Crab Orchard Campground. He was treated at Herrin Hospital for multiple cuts, bruises, and a broken left foot. On November 23, 1985, Mark Early, 16, Carbondale, drowned in Crab Orchard Lake as the result of a drag racing incident. The family filed a 10 million dollar claim against the two drivers and the government. The government offered a $25,000 settlement wThich was refused. During 1987 a second offer of settlement for $30,000 was made and accepted by the family. Safety and legal personnel said the government would win a court trial but felt the $30,000 settlement was cheaper and easier than going to court. Page 20 Incidents Involving Refuge staff in 1987 were: January 1 - John T. Emerson - Severe contusion of third finger, right hand, while repairing electric motor using a wire puller. February 12 - Kenneth M. Cook - Puncture wounds and scratches on left forearm, while clipping barbed wire to a post. May 28 - Daniel R. Eastman - Wrenched back, while removing bush hog mower blades. November 10 - Daniel R. Eastman - Cut on underside of right forearm, while loading bundles of sharp-edged weed stalks. Page 21 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General The best wetland habitat provided naturally. Although beaver numbers are high, thereby causing some problems, the habitat they create is a benefit. This setting is within a few feet of A-3 Road along the auto tour route. 87-6 2. Wetlands The A-41 moist soil units (82 acres) were de-watered in mid-April, resulting in high use by shore and wading birds while the ponds drained and dried. During May ponds one through five sprouted an almost pure stand of cocklebur. In late May these were disked under and allowed to dry for about one week. All ponds were re-flooded for one week and then slowly de-watered. An excellent stand of millet came in, with only a few cockleburs around the drier pond margins. All units were flooded in Novem ber and duck use peaked in mid-December at 10,000 birds (primarily mallards), while Canada geese used the entire area heavily through the end of the year. Two physical improvements were made at the A-41 moist soil units during the year: Page 22 (1) The water diversion structure was repaired and re-designed. For this work Refuge Manager Bolander was granted a $100 suggestion award; the re-vamped structure is working fine. (2) A dry fall was used to split the old unit seven into two sub-units by way of a low dike. This gave the potential for flooding an additional 15 acres. Dry weather presented the opportunity to work on dikes and expand the controlled moist soil unit program below A-41 dam. 87-7 A full pool was maintained in the Little Creek impoundment through mid- June to accommodate a pair of nesting bald eagles. At this time a slow drawdown was started and continued until the elevation drooped three feet; an unusually dry late summer and fall ultimately lowered the water another two feet. The net result of this drawdown was a good crop of millet and smartweeds around the edges and in the northern portion of the lake bed. The impoundment gradually refilled to full pool by surface runoff during November, and daily goose populations of 10-25,000 birds were common. An experimental attempt to flood standing corn below the A-7 pond dam was made during the fall. A low-head perimeter dike was constructed around 20 acres of corn below the pond dam, and the intent was to flood this from the pond. A defective drain valve prevented successful flooding, but the geese "dry bed" the corn anyway. Page 23 3. Forests Roger Boykin, Forester, departed for Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge in April, and the position was not filled during the remainder of the year. Because of this, forestry projects were limited. On November 23, a Special Use Permit was issued to begin a pine stand culling and thinning operation on a 250-acre tract in the southwestern quadrant of Spillway and Detour roads. Local market conditions have never been very favorable for pine sales, but a limited market does presently exist. If this market holds up, the Refuge has much pine stand thinning work which needs to be done. Thirty-six firewood permits were issued to Refuge neighbors for the re moval of 52 pickup loads of wood. A fee of five dollars per load was charged, and because of limited staff time to administer the program, wood cutting was mostly restricted to dead or down material in the'open portion of the Refuge. 4. Croplands All things considered, 1987 was a good crop year. An early, dry spring facilitated early planting of corn and milo. Adequate rainfall was re ceived until near the end of the growing season, and then a drouth set in, continuing into the fall and creating early and ideal harvest conditions. Record grain yields were set on several cropland units. However, a severe wind and hail storm on June 28 seriously damaged 700 acres of corn and milo in the southwestern quarter of the Refuge, and this had the effect of lowering total crop production for the year. Cropland acreages and yields were as follows: Refuge Share Croo Acres Yield Left in Field Corn (Co-op) 2,065 79.2 bu/ac. 40,887 bu. Corn (Bio.)* .. 32 58.6 bu/ac. 113 bu. Milo 305 76.4 bu/ac. 5,825 bu. Red Clover 1,500 2 tons/ac. Green Browse Winter Wheat 200 Green Browse Green Browse ^Contract planting and cultivation. No artificial fertilizer or chemicals utilized. In order to get an accurate yield figure on the bio-farmed corn, 30 acres were harvested for banding operations. Total yield was 1,760 bushels. Crab Orchard Refuge kept 300 bushels and transferred the balance to Agassiz Refuge. Page 24 The following fertilizers were applied to Refuge cropland by coopera tive farmers during 1987: Compound Amount (Tons) Di-Ammonium 30 Anhydrous 102 Potash 134 Starter Fertilizers 108 Nitrogen 85 Ag. Lime 1,283 Two hundred acres of winter wheat were disked under on the Carterville/ Greenbrier controlled hunting units during the last week in August. This provided some good public dove hunting opportunity in September, and then the seed sprouted and produced an excellent green browse crop for the fall goose hunting season, Johnson grass continued to be a problem on the controlled hunting units and prevented a normal crop rotation pattern. Two hundred acres were spot-treated by Refuge personnel, and the worst infested 50 acres were contract sprayed. Roundup was used for both treatments, and the control appeared good. However, it seems that new patches can be found forevermore! A continuing effort was made to keep the experimental Refuge bio-farming program going during the year. Carefully prescribed techniques for the production of 32 acres of corn were bid out for the price of $2,408. The prescribed functions included; plowing under a winter wheat green manure crop, seedbed preparation, planting, rotary hoeing and cultivation. All these steps were completed, and a good corn crop was produced. The yield was 58.6 bushels/acre, and the out-of-pocket cost to the Refuge was $75.25/acre. To compare, a cooperative farmer, using conventional farm ing techniques.,, on an adjacent farm unit also spent $75/acre to produce his corn crop. His yield was 110 bushels/acre, and there was no out-of- pocket cost to the Refuge. There must be a moral here somewhere — namely that wildlife can be fed on bio-produced com, but if it is decided to go this route, a substantially great cash outlay will be required. In other words, if the Refuge had spent $l,30/bushel to produce the 46,712 bushels of grain which were left in the fields by cooperative farmers, a cash outlay of $60,725 would have been required. An important change in the croplands management program, beginning this year, was the conversion from a four-year crop rotation plan to a five- year plan. The new plan entails a rotation of two years grain (corn/milo) — two years red clover — one year fallow. The purpose of this change is to reduce the annual row-crop acreage and to bring wintering waterfowl food production in line with present objectives. Page 25 7. Grazing Eighteen permittees paid $6,130 for the use of 2,036 acres of grazing land. A total of 785 cattle were pastured for 2,657 animal unit months during the period of May through September. Most pasture maintenance was relegated to units A-1E and A-1W where a new watering pond was built, two new loading corrals were built, 2.5 miles of boundary fence were force account constructed, and 825 tons of agricultural lime were applied at a five tons/acre rate. In addition, a low bid of $6,394 was accepted for the construction of 1.2 miles of five-strand barbed wire fence around a portion of the A-25 grazing unit. A new Refuge Grazing Plan was written and submitted during the year. 8. Haying Coonerative farmers harvested approximately 2,000 tons of hay from 800 acres of second-year red clover. Eighty acres of mixed hay was sold for $327 from the A-25 grazing unit by bid invitation. 9. Fire Management Between the dates of February 12 and April 10, 16 controlled burns total ing 1,417.5 acres were made. The two predominant habitat types burned were pine plantations and hardwood brush. A few intermittent acres of grassland were also burned. The primary objectives of the burns were to retard hardwood brush succession and to keep high-hazard ground fuels at a manageable level. > Despite an extremely dry fall and a long, high-risk wildfire season, only six wildfires entailing 103 acres occurred. These were about evenly split between escaped campfires and suspected arson cases. Page 26 1987 Control Burns Fire Number Date Acres Cover Type 3001 2/12 60.0 Hardwood Brush and Grass 3002 2/12 55.0 Hardwood Brush and Pine Plantation 3003 2/13 245.0 Pine Plantation 3010 3/10 57.5 Hardwood Brush 3011 3/11 90.0 Grassland and Hardwood Brush 3012 3/12 25.0 Pine Plantation 3022 3/12 30.0 Hardwood Brush and Grassland 3023 3/13 52.5 Pine Plantation and Grassland 3031 3/17 60.0 Hardwood Brush and Prairie 3033 3/18 70.0 Pine Plantation 3060 4/2 70.0 Hardwood Brush 3061 4/6 30.0 Pine Plantation 3096 4/8 35.0 Hardwood Brush 3097 4/8 87.5 Pine Plantation 3098 4/9 400.0 Pine Plantation and Hardwood Brush 3099 4/10 110.0 Pine Plantation 16 Fires 1417.5 1987 Wildfires Fire Number Date Acres Cover Tvne 3032 3/18 0.5 Grassland 3034 '• 3/19 57.5 Hardwood Brush 3239 11/7 0.3 Hardwood Brush 3240 11/7 0.6 Hardwood Brush 3241 11/7 44.0 Hardwood Brush •3244 11/22 0.3 Hardwood Brush 6 Fires 103.2 Page 27 i9 io- R.1W. R. LE *• 1 E- h-2 E- ROAD NETWORK CRAB ORCHARD SCALE 1:24.000 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE M ' REFUOE LOCATION Page 28 10. Pest Control The entire shoreline of Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake and the north shoreline of Crab Orchard Lake were surveyed for the presence of purple loosestrife during raid-July. No plants were found at Devils Kitchen; approximately 30 plants at two sites were found at Little Grassy, and 20 plants at six sites were found at Crab Orchard. All plants were hand sprayed with a two percent Rodeo solution, and subsequent checks of the sites indicated a 100% kill on the treated plants. However, future monitoring will still be required. Illinois has passed a new state law making it illegal to traffic this obnoxious plant in any manner, but no provision was made for eradication of existing domestic colonies. The Refuge again cooperated with the U. S. Forest Service in the place ment and checking of gypsy moth traps. No moths were caught. This proved to be the year of the seed tick for at least some Crab Orchard Refuge staff members. Even after using a strong insect repellant and tak ing a bath after work, hand-picking "control exercises" often had to be accomplished before relief could be attained from the ravages of these persistent little blood suckers. Page 29 G. WILDLIFE 2. Endangered and Threatened Species Bald eagle nesting activity was similar to the pattern set during 1986. No new nests were built, but the north nest at Little Creek impoundment and the south nest in Grassy Bay were again used. The former nest pro duced two young and the latter only one. Nesting activities at both nests were smooth and relatively uneventful through June 20, when the Little Creek eaglets fledged. By June 28 the Grassy Bay eaglet appeared to be full grown and fully feathered, and pre-flight wing development exercises had been observed regularly for about two weeks. It was anti cipated that the young bird would fly at any time. However, on this date a severe wind and hail storm swept the area. The nest tree was blown down, and the eaglet was killed. By the time Refuge staff got to the nest the following day, raccoons had devoured all edible parts. It is interesting to note that the female of the Grassy Bay eagle pair, which successfully nested in 1986 in its immature plumage, still did not have full adult plumage this year. This implies that she was a very young nester in 1986. Bolander, with TV crew, explaining procedures for rehabilitation of a bald eagle released on the Refuge from Wisconsin. o / -o Page 30 3. Waterfowl The Refuge Canada goose population stood at 165,000 at year's end — an all-time record high number and slightly more than double the 1986 peak of 80,000 birds. The population figure for the entire southern Illinois/western Kentucky area was 571,500 at this time. However, the major influx of geese into the area was later than normal, with the population almost quadrupling during the third week in December. Fall goose use-days were six million, 43% above 1986. Graph 1 shows monthly goose populations for Crab Orchard Refuge and other southern Illinois refuges. Canada geese crowd in a little closer as urban areas expand. Hunter/homeowner conflicts have increased in recen't years. ' 07 n Total duck use-days were 733,110, up 13% from 1986, and this continued an increase which has occurred for the past three years. However, this year's increase could well reflect a "captive audience" situation rather than a general increase in the overall duck population. During much of the fall migration season the Refuge had water, whereas much of the out lying area was dry. The mallard population peaked at 12,000 birds during the second week of December, and the ma]or concentration was in the A-41 moist soil units at this time. Wood duck production was estimated to be 240, the highest figure since 1980 (400) and an increase of 43% from 1986 (168). Page 31 Graph 1. Monthly Goose Populations Southern Illinois/Ballard Co., KY Refuges and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge 700- 600- 500- Canada 400- Goose Population (1, 000'S) 300- 100- Survey Date Page 32 4. Marsh and Water Birds Cattle egrets were observed on the eastern part of Crab Orchard Lake in September, and a single Sandhill crane was observed on several occasions in December. Common egrets and Double-crested cormorants were present until mid-November, but all Green-backed herons were gone by October 1. 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species Ring-billed gulls and Herring gulls were common throughout the fall and winter, and several hundred Bonaparte's gulls spent about six weeks on the Refuge in November and December. Low water levels created vast mud flats on Crab Orchard Lake in late summer and early autumn. This pro vided ideal feeding areas for thousands of migrating shorebirds. Killdeers were present in large numbers until increasing water levels and cold weather forced them out in mid-December. 6. Raptors Ospreys were frequently sighted during late spring and summer. There have been no nesting attempts on the Refuge despite erection of nesting plat forms several years ago, numerous natural sites and an abundant food supply. A single Peregrine was seen south of Crab Orchard Lake on October 7 and a Merlin in mid-October. A small number of Golden eagles wintered on the Refuge, and a melanistic Red-tailed hawk was seen on two occasions. A migration of several hundred Broad-winged hawks passed over the Refuge on September 22-23. 7. Other Migratory Birds The Christmas bird count turned up 106 species, which is a record high species listing for Illinois. Unusual species observed on this count in cluded: one Surf scoter, three Least sandpipers, one Pine warbler, and two Common redpolls. 8. Game Mammals The pre-hunt deer census and check station data indicate a high but relatively stable Refuge deer population. Check station examinations also showed that the herd is in excellent physical condition. A hunter success rate of 57% was attained from 1,125 permits. The total harvest was 572 deer, up 5% from 1986. Page 33 Harvest data for the 1987 deer hunt were: Age Male No. % Female No. % Total No. % 0.5 125 21.9 77 13.5 202 35.4 1.5 150 26.2 42 7.3 192 33.5 2.5 44 7.7 52 9.1 96 16.8 3.5 26 4.5 30 5.2 56 9.7 4.5+ 5 0.9 21 3.7 26 4.6 350 61.2 222 38.8 572 100.0 A bumper mast crop and mild winters during the past two years nroduced a high squirrel population in 1987. 10. Other Resident Wildlife The weather of spring and early summer was ideal for turkey production, and a good crop of young birds was raised to flight stage. Evidence of this good production is obvious in two ways: (1) the general population is up, and (2) range extensions into new area are occurring. 11. Fisheries Resources Fishery management recommendations for Crab Orchard Refuge were completed by the Carterville Fishery Assistance Office in March of 1983. The Refuge completed a Fishery Management Plan in December of the same year. A major 'feature of the plan was to use low cost management techniques to maintain or restore the quality of the Refuge fisheries. Updated fishery manage ment recommendations are planned for 1988. Crab Orchard Lake (7,000 surface acres), Devils Kitchen Lake (800 surface acres). Little Grassy Lake (1,000 surface acres). Visitor Pond (50 surface acres), and A-41 Pond (40 surface acres) are the principal waters under management on the Refuge; these provide nearlv 250,000 angler-days of fish ing per year. Crab Orchard Lake is a 47-year old artificial impoundment which has an overabundance of non-game species and a poor reproduction rate by large- mouth and white bass, the primary predator species. Implementation of a 15-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass and the stocking of hybrid striped bass and flathead catfish is successfully maintaining fishing quality. Crab Orchard Lake has the unofficial reputation of the best largemouth bass lake in Illinois, despite heavy fishing pressure. It is anticipated that a major problem of game fish migrating out of the lake will soon be corrected by installing an 18-inch high parallel bar screen on the spillway. Page 34 Devils Kitchen Lake is the least entrophic lake in the state. Its deep, clear, infertile water lends to poor production of warm water species such as largemouth bass and bluegill. The largemouth bass population has been dominated by small, slow-growing fish. However, a 12 to 15-inch protected size range has restored largemouth bass fishing quality, and annual stockings of six-inch rainbow trout are providing quality fishing for a species more capable of using the deep, cold water of this lake. Little Grassy Lake is similar in configuration and problems, but its more fertile watershed eliminates trout management potential. Small, slow-growing bass are being cropped, while mid-sized fish are being restored with the same bass management strategy as Devils Kitchen Lake above. The Service works cooperatively with the Illinois Department of Conservation here, exchanging water from the lake for fish stock from the Little Grassy State Fish Hatchery. As per this arrangement, the State stocks channel catfish into Little Grassy. Illinois is also in terested in using this lake as a primary walleye broodstock site. If their program works out, walleye will be stocked by the Department of Conservation, and a small number of adults will be collected annually for a sustained broodstock supply. In the interim, it is believed that lake fishermen will benefit from a high quality walleye fishery. Visitor Pond, opened to public fishing in 1986, continues to provide quality fishing. The pond received nearly 500 hours of angling pressure per surface during 1987, equal to some of the heaviest fished lakes in the state. Managed with a 21-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass, this pond provides high quality catch and release bass fishing, and an occasional trophy fish of over six pounds is caught. 15. Animal Control Several instances of raccoon translocation from industrial buildings to remote Refuge areas occurred during the year. Also a few minor good neighbor cases were handled, such as removing a great homed owl from a chicken pen, bii't there were no significant incidents. Beaver control was necessary at a couple of locations, but action was directed at a few particularly troublesome animals, not the general population. 16. Marking and Banding The Refuge staff, along with some good volunteer help, banded 700 Canada geese during the pre-season banding period; 500 birds were fitted with both leg bands and neck collars, and 200 birds were leg-banded only. An additional 30 adult female geese xvere caught and turned over to Southern Illinois University personnel for their continuing telemetry research program. Prior to the trapping season all three trap sites were brushed back and renovated by the maintenance staff, and three new, much-needed sets of rocket net trap gear were purchased. Even though the geese readily responded to the sites, the population was low during the trapping season, and the average catch per net shot was only about 35 birds. Page 35 Volunteer working with Smart, far right, on goose banding operations; 730 Canada geese were caught. 87-10 17. Disease Prevention and Control No disease problems were observed during the year. Crab Orchard Refuge was scheduled to host a Disease Workshop during the summer, but a conflict developed with the Project Leaders' meeting, and the session was cancelled. Page 36 H. PUBLIC USE 1. General Public use for all activities was 1,055,526 visits. This increase of approximately 50,000 more than during 1986 was largely due to reduced publicity regarding the Refuge's possible pollution problems. Management practices continued to influence the public toward the more desirable wildlife oriented public use such as trail walking, wildlife observation and photography. This was, in part, due to the completion of a self- guided auto tour route and the establishment of a Refuge nature photography society. Refuge identity was improved through the implementation of the Sign Plan. Sixty news releases and 55 personal appearances stimulated the media to ward positive toned Refuge coverage. Increased ^public relations type activities were possible because two temporary fire fighting employees were changed to Park Ranger positions. 2. Outdoor Classrooms-Students Most Refuge involvement in outdoor classroom Instruction occurred in con junction with the educational activities at the six youth camps and Southern Illinois University's Touch of Nature Learning Center at Little Grassy Lake. As a matter of policy, youth camp personnel provided at least one hour of environmental education to each camper each day. At Touch of Nature students of all ages are immersed in environmental educa tion activities for their entire visit. 3. Outdoor Classrooms-Teachers Most environmental education activities involving teachers in the vicinity of the Refuge were conducted at the professionally staffed and well equipped Touch of Nature facilities. Refuge personnel participated in these activi ties when requested. Wagner coordinated a six-hour training session for 18 counselors from Little Grassy Lake youth camps prior to the camping season. 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Chamnesstown School Trail was walked by approximately 11,000 visitors. Nine groups were given conducted walks. 5. Interpretive Tour Routes A seven-mile auto tour route was completed in June. The route interprets Crab Orchard Refuge management practices and offers wildlife viewing op portunities at 14 roadside stations. A photocopied handout was available at the Chamnesstown Trail to explain each station. This handout is being upgraded to a more professional looking leaflet for 1988. I Page 37 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations The Refuge Headquarters and Sub-headquarters served as visitor contact stations, and hosted 18,196 visitors. These visitors viewed the indoor exhibits while obtaining information and leaflets from Refuge personnel. An additional 35,875 visitors are estimated to have viewed outdoor exhibits. 7. Other Interpretive Programs Several Refuge management sessions were conducted on the Refuge for high school and university students by Cameron, Crews and Wagner. Approximately 60 off-refuge programs were presented to students, service clubs and other organized groups. Park Ranger Modglin conducting interpretive walk for youth campers at Little Grassy Lake. 87-10 Page 38 8. Hunting-Big Game There were 1,100 permits issued for the two three-day Area II shotgun deer hunts. During these seasons 995 hunters registered and took 572 deer for a success rate of 58%. The number of deer taken in the open portion of the Refuge, Areas I and III, is included in the total Williamson County figure of 621. Approximately 500 of these deer were taken from the Refuge. Union and Jackson County portions of the Refuge accounted for another 25 deer, which brought the Refuge total to 1,097 deer harvested by shotgun hunters. Twelve handicapped hunters took eight deer for a success rate of 66%. Archers accounted for an estimated 2,525 hunting visits during the 86-day bow season. Archers are not required to check in their deer, therefore there is no harvest estimate. Annual deer hunts were initiated in 1973 in Area II to reduce crop depredation and car/deer accidents. Yearly deer harvest averages 500 animals in Area II, and vehicle accidents have greatly diminished. 87-11 Page 39 Migratory Birds Goose hunting season began November 16 and ended January 4, when the season was closed. Illinois Department of Conservation officials calculated that 18,585 geese were harvested during the 58-day season by 60,804 hunters for a .31 goose-per-effort harvest rate. The 1987 quota was 24,500 Canada geese. On Refuge "controlled" goose hunting areas 2,853 hunters harvested 516 geese for a .1 goose-per-effort. Total amount collected for the 1987 controlled goose hunt was $11,653. Approximately 380 hunters had minimal success hunting doves, woodcock, snipe and rails. Upland and Small Game An estimated 4,250 hunters pursued squirrel, rabbit and quail. Squirrel hunters had an excellent season with many daily bag limits reported. Due to the 1986 prescribed burning program, quail and mbbit hunters also enjoyed better than average success. Williamson County turkey hunters took approximately 30 turkeys, most of which were taken on the Refuge. 9. Fishing Fishing continued to be a popular Refuge activity and accounted for more than 254,555 visits. Crappie anglers at Crab Orchard Lake continued as in past years, to fill five-gallon buckets with eight to twelve-inch fish and caught some fish almost every day of the year. Hybrid white bass x striped bass provided sport for fewer anglers than past years, but some fish weighted over 10 pounds. Devils Kitchen Lake produced rainbow trout over 3.5 pounds. Five ponds that were opened to summer fishing in 1986 continued to be favorite fishing spots. Visitor Pond, which has a bass size limit of 21 inches, produced several largemouth bass over seven pounds. ». Three sanctioned largemouth bass tournaments were hosted on Refuge waters, two on Crab Orchard Lake and one on Devils Kitchen Lake. During the three tournaments, 904 anglers caught and released 1,048 bass weighing a total of 2,463 pounds. 10. Trapping Thirteen trapping permits were issued for the 1986-87 season. The annual Trapping Plan was submitted and approved. A very mild December provided continuous open water and created good muskrat and beaver harvests. Animals taken included; muskrats 246, raccoon 99, mink 18, beaver 72, opossum 41, red fox 3, and gray fox 2. Nineteen trapping permits were issued for the 1987-88 season, but harvest results will not be available until March 1988. Page ^0 11, Wildlife Observation Most wildlife observation occurs from vehicles by visitors on evening and weekend drives. A great deal of wildlife viewing was done at the two goose observation platforms and by campers at the concession-operated campgrounds and the Little Grassy Lake youth camps. Deer remain the number one viewing target, with Canada geese the second favorite during their migration season. Eagles, great blue herons, turkeys, beaver and coyotes also interest spectators. The record breaking number of Canada? geese, approximately 150,000, created a most exciting visit for thousands of viewers in December. Visitors flock to the water plant area to view and feed geese. There is a need for a Visitor Center/wildlife viewing area at Crab Orchard Refuge. 87-12 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Campers at Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake concession-operated campgrounds were primarily anglers and hunters. Youth campers at Little Grassy Lake are wildlife oriented and appreciate the majestic landscape and the sights and sounds of turkeys, owls and coyotes. An estimated 1,210 people utilized the Refuge to gather wild foods such as nuts, fruits, berries and salad greens. 13. Camping Most campers at Crab Orchard Lake spend their time fishing, boating, skiing or swimming. Negative publicity regarding the hazardous waste dump site has substantially subsided, and campers used the Crab Orchard Campground at Page 41 an increased rate. Total Refuge camping was 57,236 camper nights, 4,000 more than during 1986. 14. Picnicking An estimated 47,545 picnickers used the eight Refuge picnic areas, 7,000 more than in 1986. Nice weather, along with improved facilities, con tributed to this increase. 15. Off-Road Vehicles Off-road vehicles are not permitted, but vehicle trespass continues to be a minor problem. 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Crab Orchard Refuge is mandated by Congress to provide this type of recreation. During 1987, 182,296 visitors participated in non-wildlife oriented recreational activities, including picnicking, camping, swimming, boating and waterskiing. This was approximately 45,426 more than in 1986. Page 42 17. Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Five employees have law enforcement authority, with three working full- time at law enforcement, one in the Refuge Law Enforcement series and two in the Refuge Manager series. During 1987, 82 citations were issued: Trespass - 30 No Fishing License - 18 Unauthorized Parking - 8 Unauthorized Swimming - 5 Unauthorized Use - 4 Off-Road Vehicles - 3 Speeding - 2 Undersize Bass - No Life Jacket - Disorderly Conduct - Taking Non-game Birds - Untagged Deer - Unauthorized Blind - Loaded Uncased Weapons Transport - Shooting Before Hours - Law Enforcement Incident Reports Included: Death natural causes - 1 Boat fire/sank - 1 Boating accidents - 2 *' Vehicle accidents - • 10 Thefts/vandalism - 11 Assault - 2 Vehicle in lake - 3 Abandoned vehicle/boat - 4 Page 43 Vandalism continues to be a problem, not only with facilities but resources as well. This tree is adjacent to a well-used parking lot. 87-13 Fire Agreement In July 1986 a bid solicitation was issued for fire suppression services for the Refuge. A five-year, $65,000 per year contract was awarded to the City of Herrin Fire Department. They responded to 18 fire calls, including nine brush/grass fires, one structure fire, two auto fires, one boat fire, and five auto alarm system calls (false alarms) at the Refuge headquarters. Three fires were set the evening of November 7 near Devils Kitchen Lake and burned 45 acres. The same individuals set four other fires off the Refuge, Page 44 City of Herrin fireman extinguishes grass fire resulting from vehicle fire at Observation Tower parking area adjacent to state highway 148. Response time from Herrin to the Refuge boundary is 10 minutes. 87-14 18,.. Cooperative Associations Book sales through the Mid-West Interpretive Association, Nebraska, totaled $884.99 at the Refuge visitor contact facility. Sales were up from 1986 bu.t are lower than was anticipated. t Topographic maps and wildlife posters are the most popular items. Sales of duck stamps totaled 940 for $9,400. 19. Concessions The Devils Kitchen Lake campground/marina concession again made an im provement in gross receipts from $30,000 in 1985 and $54,500 in 1986, to $65,000+ in 1987. New concessioners, Norman and Helen Johnson, at Little Grassy Lake con cession have made changes in rate assessments and have experienced some problems in camper disagreements. Overall, the new concessioners have performed satisfactorily and have increased the gross receipts from $90,000 in 1986 to $125',000 in 1987. Page 45 Based on preliminary reports from all the concessioners, it appears that gross receipts for concession operations for 1987 will again exceed one million dollars. A problem has emerged with concession contracts. The problem is acquisition of a multi-year "Performance Bond". The insurance/bonding companies are very hesitant to issue performance bonds for more than a one-year term. It appears cash bonds will be the only way three of the concessioners will be able to comply with the performance bond require ment of their concession contracts. Page 46 TOTAL FOR 1987 |>UBUC USE REPORT Page 1 of 3 amvr TYPE NO. AcrrvTiY ^"ON-STD VISITS HOURS rOT. RDUs XNTERPRETATION Wildlife Trails - Nonmotorired Self Guided 12,695 12,695 Conducted 200 200 Wildlife Tour Routes - Motorized Self Guided 9,325 9,325 Conducted 240 240 Interpretive Center Visitor Contact Station 18,196 4,549 Interpretive Exhibits - Deraonstra Self Guided 35,875 5,979 Conducted 200 200 Other On-Refuge Programs 1,448 7,223 EKVTRCMCNTAL EDUCATION Students • 16.283 16,283 Teachers 18 108 * RECREAIION-WTLDLIFE OONSUMPTIVE Hunting Mig. Birds - Waterfowl Ducks 1,060 4 ,24C Geese 4,100 16,40C Swans General Waterfowl 1-tuntLng Mig. Birds - Other 45C 2,25( • X .' Page 47 'UBLIC USE REPORT Page 2 of 3 airm TYPE NO. ACNVM vJQN-STD VISITS UXJRS IUJ\ nrui RECR£ATIOW-»/ILDL!EE ODNSIJMPTrVECc't Hunting Resident Ga-^e Upland Gane Birds 2.000 8,000 Big Cane Deer - Gun 2.000 .8,000 Deer - Bow 2,525 10",100 Small Game 2.250 9,000 Other Game Trapping 550 2,200 Fishing Wil WamKater 251.400 1.005.60' - Coldwater 3.155 12.620 Saltwater Clans ,Crabs 5 Oysters ,Frogs 125 950 Other Consicptive Wildl. Rec. 1 91 p 1 I?]N RBCREATIQN-WILDLIFE SON-OONSUHPTTVE Canning 38.960 467.520 PicniddLng 18,655 18,655 • • -r Page UBUC USE REPORT ormnr type U1 J NO. OUTPUT TO-STD VISITS units iuj. Rru?i RECREATION-K1LDLIFE NON-CDNSUMPTIVE Act,Hr< Wildlife/Kildlinas Observation Foot 9,775 9,775 Land Vehicle 428,200 428,200 Boat 10,675 10,675 Other Photography 1,560 1,560 Field Trials 100 | 1,600 RBCREAIION - HON-WILDLIFE Canping 18,276 219,3121 Picnicking 28,890 28;890 Su'iiJrdng 63,800 63,800 . Boating 48,500 97,000 Waterskiing 22,830 22,830 Off Road Vchiding Other , TOTAL VISITS TO REFUGE |1,055,526 FISH 6 WILDLIFE INPORMATIGN Pcr.itrji Public Inquiries 11,560 News Releases .v.v.%v*v.v.*.v, 60 Personal Appearances' 55 Professional Services mmm 74 Exhibits Page ^9 I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction Comfort station construction 86-016. J and W Allen Construction, Marion, $119,326. A minority set-aside contractor constructed five masonry comfort stations and set five toilet vaults. A start work order was issued in January, and a final inspection was completed in September. The work performed was of acceptable level, but the 90-day contract period was not met. Block restrooms replaced old wooden leaking vault type structures. New facilities were installed at Greenbriar, Cambria Neck, Lookout Point, Wolf Creek and Devils Kitchen. 0-, , c Page 50 2 • Rehabilitation Devils Kitchen Dam modification 87-071. B & H Construction Co., Murphysboro, $59,024. This contract consisted of construction of a three-foot parapet wall on the Devils Kitchen Dam existing wall, emergency spillway repair, riprapping and placement of a drain pipe downstream near the channel wall. This contract was a combined effort of the Service's Contracting Officer and U. S, Army Corps of Engineers on-site inspectors. Asphalt Paving 87-092. Illini Asphalt Corp., Benton, Illinois, $24,394. This contract consisted of asphalt paving of Greenbriar entrance road to Old Highway 13 and the Greenbriar boat ramp and parking lot. Attempts to do this work by minority contractor failed, as the contractor would not reduce his contract price of $42,000. Greenbriar Area road blacktop. Asphalt of 2,l-4" over oil and chip roads greatly reduces operation and main tenance costs. ,, 8. Major Maintenance Fifteen concrete picnic tables were placed at Greenbriar and Cambria Neck areas at a cost of approximately $300 per unit. Vandalism has occurred to only one of the 25 concrete tables installed since 1985. Wooden tables have to be replaced at least once every two years. Page 51 % Concrete picnic tables replace wooden ones at Greenbriar Area. Tables with pad are easily maintained, vandal resistant, easy to mow around, and have a long life expectancy. They are a bit cold to sit on, however, in fall and winter. 87-17 Filter material was replaced in two backwash filters at the water plant. Gravel/sand material costs were $12,500. Work was done by force account Pasture A-25 fence contract was completed at a cost of $8,000. A. Equipment Utilization and Replacement Equipment purchases included: Winch truck (on order) - $19,000 Pickup truck - 8,000 Patrol boat outboard motor - 3,500 Rotary mowers - 2 ~ 6,800 Page 52 Water system meters - $9,200 Gravel haul contract - 9,900 Riprap Little Creek pond - 3,000 MoTrim mowers repair parts - 2,600 Visitor Center furnace replacement - 2,500 Grader repair parts - 3,800 Sewage plant pump - 4,100 Mechanical seals - sewage plant - 3,600 Gate material - 1,700 Goose banding equipment - 2,700 Fire alarm system - 5,700 5. Communications Systems The ADT smoke-heat alarm systems in the shop and office were shifted from the Refuge fire station to St. Louis for alarm receiving. Refuge personnel are called for trouble alarms, and the Herrin Fire Department is called for heat-smoke alarms. Power interruptions, electric storms and equipment problems produced 15 alarm responses, four requiring a response by fire fighters, during 1987. 6. Computer Systems A Datapoint 2150 system is being used as a printer. An IBM Model 70 computer system was purchased and installed in December. A Datapoint 1550 will be transferred from the Ecological Services office for Refuge use during 1988. 7• Energy Conservation Gas-diesel fuel use was 20,770 gallons, 864 gallons more than 1986, but still well belo,w the station allotment of 29,600 gallons. J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs Industry Little Egypt Grain Company, Murphysboro, leased an additional seven warehouses in Area 7 for surplus grain storage. They have approxi mately 1,300,000 bushels of corn and some soybeans stored in 17 warehouses. B. B. Robertson Co., Marion, gave notification of plans to vacate their leased facilities in Area 7 in February 1988. The company has expanded their Marion operation. Olin Corporation is performing a feasibility study of their operation on the Refuge. Part of their manufacturing area ("I" Area) has build ings with possible PCB contamination, and they are not being utilized for manufacturing. Olin should have their study completed in the summer of 1988. Labor unrest? Labor disputes in southern Illinois, and on the Refuge, have diminished in number and intensity in recent years. Contract differences are settled in a day or two and are almost of a friendly nature. 87-18 Page 54 Fire-Water Agreements The fire protection agreement with the City of Herrin is working well after one year of operation. Such an arrangement for fire protection was 20 years in being approved and implemented. Work continues with General Services Administration toward an agreement for the Rend Lake Water Conservancy District to supply the Refuge with treated water through the City of Herrin system. FY 90 funding is planned for this project with the Bureau of Prisons paying a substantial part of the hook-up construction cost estimated at $750,000. 3. Items of Interest City of Marion Water Request - The City of Marion continues to seek Devils Kitchen Lake as a raw water supply to replace their reservo'ir of inadequate capacity. In 1984 a non-compatibility finding was made and the request denied. In 1986 Congressman Kenneth Gray attached an amend ment to a water bill requiring the Fish and Wildlife Service to sell water overflowing Devils Kitchen Dam to the City of Marion. City officials met with Director Frank Dunkle in Washington D. C. and requested direct access to the lake. They were told that only water flowing over the dam would be considered, A meeting was held in Marion with City officials and Region 3 Assistant Regional Director for Refuges and Wildlife John Eadie in October with the same request and response being given. The City was also informed that any water retention facility could not back water to the toe of the dam. The City of Marion continues to seek Devils Kitchen Lake as a raw water source, but they have softened their approach and are looking at alternatives. During 1987 the City of Marion reservoir dropped over seven feet because of drought and increased use. Only two feet of water remained for pumping, and restrictions were put on City water customers. Emergency raw water lines were installed from a small City of Herrin lake to Marion's reservoir. This, and heavy,• late fall rains, filled the Marion reservoir. Contaminants Studies - Military - Field testing of old military sites in the Refuge was completed in February 1987, and a final report was received in April. The Corps of Engineers conducted and paid for the study. No hazardous waste problems were found. However, state and federal environ mental protection agency personnel do not agree with the extent and quality of the study. Meetings are planned for 1988 to work out these differences. Contaminants Studies - Industrial Sites - Industrial tenants have occupied the military constructed facilities in Refuge Area II since 1947. On-site dumping by tenants occurred from 1947 until approximately 1962. In 1980 indications of metals contamination were found, and detailed studies since have shown poiychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to be present at some sites, along with high concentrations of lead. Historical data are detailed in the 1984, 1985 and 1986 Refuge narrative reports. A Remedial Investigative Field Study (RIFS) is being conducted by O'Brien & Gere, a New York environ mental testing company, with the Service paying $1.2 million for sites outside Page the number 9 dump site, and a former tenant, Sangamo Weston Company, paying for the number 9 site. On July 17 the President signed an amend ment to the Superfund legislation to include federal facilities. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was one of 32 federal facilities added to the priority listing. Additional fish samples were collected from Job Corps pond, and hydrologists checked test ground water wells to determine flow. No problems were found. The RIFS was to be completed in 1987; no completion date has been given. Federal and state health department officials are conducting a health assessment for Crab Orchard Lake. Dams Safety - The Fish and Wildlife Service has been studying the three major dams for recommendations to improve safety, institute a monitoring/ maintenance program, and provide for passage of a probable maximum flood through the system. Plan summaries for each dam are: Devils Kitchen Dam - Reservoir of 24,500 acre-feet and spillway elevation at 510.0. FY 87 funds, $60,000, were used to add retaining walls to each abutment and make downstream spillway improvements. Contract inspection was done by the Corps of Engineers. This dam now meets federal dam safety standards. Crab Orchard Dam - Reservoir of 57,000 acre-feet and spillway elevation at 405.0. Dam crest is at elevation 415.0. The new dam crest elevation will be raised 5.7 feet to 420.7. Original plans for a 1,300 foot spillway and 420.0 dam crest were changed to avoid having to remove the north archeological site at a cost of $125,000. The site will be added to the National Register of Historic Sites and preserved. Little Grassy Dam - Reservoir of 23,700 acre-feet and spillway ele vation at 500.0. Dam crest is at elevation 507.9. Funds of $4 million have been identified for FY 90 work to construct an 800-foot wide auxiliary spillway with Ifuse plug at elevation 503.0. Project Manager Award - Norrel Wallace, Crab Orchard Refuge Project Manager since January 1986, was recognized as one of the top ten GM managers in the Service for FY 87. Wallace accepting a painting donated by local artist Opal Maynard of Herrin. The scene is Crab Orchard Lake near the Greenbriar picnic area. 87-19 Page 57 4. Credits Sections A, B, C - Updike; Section D - Crews and Updike; Section E - Updike, Wagner, Cameron and Rendleman; Section F - Crews and Stapleton; Section G - Crews, Smart and Stapleton; Section H - Cameron, Wagner, Buelna and Case; Section I - Case and Rendleman; Section J - Case and Rendleman; and Section K - Updike, Case and Wallace. Bonnie typed the report. Page 58 K. FEED BACK Local Hiring - Seasonal employee needs and individual applications must be in during February. The system works well for biological aid type positions during the summer. However, for laborer positions and controlled goose hunt personnel in late fall, the system fails. There is a 10-raonth time lapse with the goose checkers, and people are just not available after that length of time. Also, those best fitted for laborer positions do not understand the system and fail to submit applications on time. Local hiring authority, for employment periods not to exceed six months would solve the problem. Local job service offices could take applica tions which would be forwarded to the Regional Personnel Office for certification. The Refuge Manager would then recommend those to be hired from the list returned by Personnel. Contractor Payment - The emphasis is to contract out more projects. Payment to the contractor, even partial payment, takes too long, often more than 60 days. Final payment can take months from the time a project is completed. There are already a number of restrictions placed on a contractor such as bonds, completion time, liquidated damages, material certification, trade minimum wages, certified payrolls, safety require ments, etc. The majority of construction contracts are reserved for Small Business or Set-Aside bidders. Most of these contractors use a lending institution to finance the contractual work costs. They become impatient and are constantly asking as to when payment will be made. A solution to ease the situation would be to add a standard "Payment Awareness" clause to contracts advising bidders that payment, even partial payment, will not be made in less than 60 days from time of request. Job Order Projects - The requirement that any project exceeding $2,000 by force account or contract requires a job order is wrong. Little can be done on any project for less than $2,000. The rdview of a project and establishment of a job order requires unnecessary administrative time at the Refuge and Regional Office levels. The limit should be at least $10,000 unless engineering or contracting assistance is required. Project Leaders should be given more authority to carry out projects at the local level. This item has been mentioned before. Improvement - Items of concern from the past that have improved are: elimination of A-76, reduction of YCC, new uniform program, and submission of payroll data at the end of the pay period. The uniform and payroll improvements have greatly reduced the administration work load. Computers, when properly installed and personnel trained, will be a real improvement to the Refuge. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge illinois History History is as close to the Crab Orchard visitor as an Indian mound along a creekbank, or an overgrown cemetery stumbled upon in a thicket. Straight-rowed pine plantations remind visitors of the 1930's when tree planting and the development of Crab Orchard Lake provided work for the Works Project Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. World War II may be brought to mind by metal-sided refuge buildings dating back to the time when the Illinois Ordinance Plant was one of the largest producers of ammunition and explosives in the nation. In 1947, the entire project was transferred to the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established. The Congressional act that created the refuge specified that management would be for wildlife, recreation, agriculture, and industry. Today the Crab Orchard Refuge covers 43,000 acres that includes 3 lakes, 12 natural areas, and a 4,000 acre wilderness area. Wildlife Forest, prairie, and wetland species of plants and animals coexist at Crab Orchard. Wildlife management is centered around providing a winter feeding and resting area for Canada geese, and the refuge goose flock may build up to 120,000 birds by December. Many species bf ducks visit the refuge in fall and winter and bald eagles may often be seen sitting in trees overlooking the goose flock. Spring brings the departure of most migratory waterfowl and eagles, while other species become more active. White-tailed "V-s'K z .-a- deer, common year-round, can be seen in many areas. Other species of animals Recreation sometimes seen by visitors are coyotes, Wildlife-oriented recreation is encouraged beaver, muskrat, opossum, and raccoon. A at Crab Orchard, and opportunities for bird list is available at refuge headquarters. wildlife observation are excellent. Hikers can walk the self-guided Chamnesstown School Trail, explore the reconstructed Industry Chamnesstown Schoolhouse, or venture out along old fire trails in "open" areas of Industry is important for the economy of the refuge. Some may wish to climb southern Illinois and on Crab Orchard, it observation towers to watch geese, drive coexists with wildlife. Industries located on public roads to look for deer, or lunch at the refuge manufacture a wide variety of established picnic areas by Crab Orchard products with minimal impact to the Lake. environment. Hunting and fishing are popular activities Wildlife can often be seen near industrial at Crab Orchard. Concession-operated buildings. Many buildings now housing campgrounds and marinas are located on industries were used in the manufacture of Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and DeviJ's explosives in World War II and most of the Kitchen lakes for the convenience of concrete "igloos" once used for munition visitors, and swimming beaches are » storage are now leased to private industry. provided on Crab Orchard and Little Grassy lakes. Fees are charged for the use of Agriculture campground and beach facilities. Farming is an important wildlife management tool at the refuge, and 5,000 Information acres are planted annually to provide food The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for the wintering goose flock. Local farmers is located betwen Carbondale and Marion, sharecrop refuge land and take a certain Illinois, and is easily accessible from 1-57. percentage of the crop, leaving the rest in the field for wildlife. For the protection of the public and refuge resources, visitors are permitted only in Livestock grazing is permitted on 2,700 acres of land on a fee basis. Cattle graze designated areas of the refuge. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds, the pastures all summer and are removed no off-road vehicle traffic in October to give arriving geese is permitted, and undisturbed use of the area. fires are to be confined to established fireplaces/grates. Other management activities on tjie refuge General information, including leaflets, include the planting of wildlife food plots, limited controlled burning and pine regulations, and maps may be obtained by thinning. These practices make different visiting refuge headquarters (open 8:00-4:30, Monday-Friday), subheadquarters (open 24 types of food and cover available to wildlife hours), or by contacting the and allow the refuge to support a greater Project Manager, Crab Orchard National Wildlife variety of animals. Refuge, Post Office Box J, Carterville, Illinois 62918. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ° ^ W1L0^V As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural re sources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wild life, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and pro viding for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recrea tion. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Depart ment also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration. RF-32610-1 May 1979 Crab Orchard Wilderness Area Illinois Congress designated 4,050 acres of the Carolinas. The white settlers soon pushed Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as the Shawnee out of southern Illinois and by "Wilderness Area" in 1976. This 1840 had established villages and primitive designation insures that the area will be roads through most of the area. A road to protected against destructive acts of man Jonesboro ran through the present-day for future generations to enjoy and study. Wilderness Area following part of the path that Rocky Comfort Road now takes. The Land The glaciers that covered northern and Recreation central Illinois did not reach beyond the The Crab Orchard Wilderness Area has northern boundary of the Crab Orchard been preserved for people as well as Wilderness /\rea. The landscape remains wildlife, and some types of wildlife-oriented steep with many sandstone outcroppings. recreation are permitted. The Shawnee Numerous creeks interlace the area and National Forest and Giant City State Park two man-made lakes (Devils Kitchen and border the Wilderness Area on the south Little Grassy) border the wilderness area. and west, providing excellent opportunities for a back-country experience. Birdwatchers, hunters, fishermen, and hikers ane welcome in the Wilderness Area; Flora and Fauna but for the protection of the area no The Wilderness Area is home to a wide camping, fires, or motor vehicles are variety of plants and animals. Plant species permitted. Backpackers planning to visit ranging from orchids to prickly-pear cactus the area may camp at Giant City State are found there along with other unusual Park, the Shawnee National Forest, or one wildflowers and 115 different types of trees. of the Refuge campgrounds. Wildlife species include beaver, raccoon, coyote, fox, deer, and possibly bobcat. A small number of poisonous copperhead snakes are present and visitors should be alert in rocky areas. History Southern Illinois was an unoccupied Indian hunting ground when the Shawnee tribe settled there in 1740. In the half-century that followed, the Shawnee were invaded by a steady trickle of white homesteaders from Kentucky, Tennessee, and the LEGEND ///// Wilderness Area — Vehicle Road Foot Trail • Access Point (Parking) X Campground* Streams Information All Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge regulations apply to the Wilderness Area along with the special regulations previously noted. For more information contact Refuge Headquarters at 618-997-3344, or write the *Camping is not permitted in the wilder Project Manager, Crab Orchard National ness area. For area camping information, Wildlife Refuge, Box J, Carterville, III. 62918. contact the State and U.S. Forest Service. For Shawnee Forest information write: U.S. Forest Service, 317 E. Popular St., Harrisburg, III. 62946. For State Park information write: Illinois Dept. of Conservation, Land and DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Historic Sites Division, Springfield, III. 62706. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RF 3-33610-1-6/83 FISHING 1980 MAP & REGULATIONS CRAB ORCHARD National Wildlife Refuge/IL FISHING REGULATIONS ALL STATE LICENSING REGULATIONS, SEASONS, AND REGULATIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED EXCEPT WHEN REFUGE REGULATIONS ARE MORE RESTRICTIVE. FISHING IS ALLOWED ONLY IN AREAS INDICATED ON CHART BELOW V REFUGE TYPE OF TIME OF YEAR TIME OF DAY BOAT REGULATIONS AREA FISHING ALLOWED Crab Orchard Floating trot lines Memorial Day — Labor Day Lake Night only No horsepower restrictions, Jug fishing Memorial Day — Labor Day Night only but speed limited to All other types In State Seasons By State Regulations 40 m.p.h. Zone 1 l Boat fishing only No horsepower restrictions Zone 2 (including jug fishing) In State Seasons Anytime but speed limited to 40 m.p.h. Bank fishing* only on In State Seasons Daytime only Rt. 148 causeway and No horsepower restrictions, Zone 3 Wolf Creek causeway March 15-Sept. 30 Daytime access only but jugs but speed limited to 15 Jug fishing can be left out at night m.p.h. All other types In State Seasons By State Regulations Bank fishing* only A-41 Pond No boats or flotation (walk-in) March 15-Sept. 3 Daytime only devices allowed Devils Kitchen Floating trot lines and In State Seasons Anytime Lake jug fishing 10 h.p. or less and Trout fishing In State Seasons By State Regulations Little Grassy All other types In State Seasons By State Regulations Lake *Bank fishing is limited to two poles and lines with two hooks attached. HELP KEEP YOUR REFUGE CLEAN — DISPOSE OF LITTER PROPERLY RF-32610-7 January 1980 CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HERRIN No trespassing except as authorized CHAMNESSTOWN SCHOOL TRAIL CRAB ORCHARD TRAIL GUIDE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE—ILLINOIS i.VM Welcome to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. We hope you enjoy the Chamnesstown School Trail. We have provided this guide to help you learn about nature and wildlife management. If you walk quietly and use your senses to observe, you will increase your chance of seeing some of the more secretive wild animals. If you have ques tions after your hike, please stop by the office or write us a letter. We would be happy to answer your questions. C DE F 1. AS A TREE GROWS To age a cut tree, count all the rings in the tree trunk. Each ring^(light and dark wood) is one year of growth. Sunlight, There are many deer in this area, and you should be able rainfall, and soil fertility influence a to see their tracks in the soft earth and scars on trees tree's growth. A wide ring means that where the bucks have rubbed their antlers. These scar growth conditions were good that year. red areas are called "buck rubs". In the fall when A narrow ring indicates poor growth antlers stop growing, bucks remove the antler covering conditions. called "velvet" by rubbing their antlers against trees. They continue to rub trees until late winter when their antlers fall off. There are several possible reasons for the 2. PINE TREES rubbing habit. Perhaps they are marking their territory, REDUCE SOIL EROSION shining their antlers to become more conspicuous to other deer or strengthening their muscles to improve Pine trees are often planted on poor, their ability to win a sparring contest with another buck. bare ground where most other plants would not grow. Throughout the year In spring when new antlers begin to develop, the old the tree's pine needles slow the wind antlers that had fallen off usually are gone. They have and rainfall that would otherwise blow been eaten by small mammals which benefit from the or wash away unprotected soil. antlers' calcium content. Two commonly seen pine trees on this trail include the loblolly pine and 4. WOODLAND POTHOLE shortleaf pine. Loblolly pine needles Wood ducks and other animals need nesting sites on or are six to nine inches long and are at near small ponds. This is a man-made pond filled by tached in groups of three. Shortleaf rainwater. You may see ducks feeding or resting on the pine needles are three to six inches long water. Deer and other animals come to the pool to drink and are usually in groups of two. Can in the evening or early morning. How many tracks can you find either of these pine trees along you find? In general, which do you think is more useful the trail? to waterfowl-several potholes or one large lake? 5. SEASONALLY 7. POWER LINES FLOODED LAKE Power lines, like the ones you see here, are a necessary Many natural temporary marshes which traditionally part of today's life. However, they do detract from the provided migratory waterfowl feeding areas have been view along the trail and are sometimes hazardous to permanently drained. This area is managed to simulate birds. In the future, power lines will be placed under those natural areas. It is drained in the spring to allow ground or away from the trail area. Can you describe plants to grow through the summer. Fall rainwater why power lines are sometimes hazardous to birds? Are floods the area setting the table for waterfowl which power lines ever advantageous to wildlife? feed on the seeds and vegetation of the native plants. Most of the original wetlands in the United States, in 8. QUAIL COUNTRY cluding Illinois, have been drained. This part of the trail has been prepared as a home for native bobwhite quail. Refuge personnel have planted 6. FOREST OPENINGS bushes and plants that quail need for food and cover. Trees were cut in this small area of a dark, dense pine When other plants grow and squeeze out the ones that forest to increase its use by wildlife. Not many plants quail like, then we must cut them and replant quail can grow under the thick pine trees. When a few trees food. Quail make nests in the old grass, and when in 24 are cut, sunlight can reach the ground and make small days the eggs hatch, the young are only the size of large plants and grasses grow. Now rabbits, quail and song grasshoppers. birds can find food and a place to hide. Deer feed on the young leaves and tender stems. Can you find any signs of browsing by rabbits or deer? Cannon Net Trap 9. BANDING SITE Waterfowl are difficult to monitor because they migrate over such a vast area. It is necessary to keep track of their numbers and migration routes in order to manage them, so small numbered bands are placed around their 11. FENCE ROWS legs. Information can then be gathered when the ducks AND WILDLIFE or geese are retrapped, or when a hunter reports the band number in another part of the continent. Fence rows in farmed areas are often the only wildlife habitat available. One way these birds are captured for banding is by using Vines, shrubs and other woody plants a wire cage with small funnel-type openings. The birds provide cover for wildlife to hide in, go into the cage to feed on bait and then cannot find while the tender plants are used for their way out. Another method to catch them is to lure food. Landowners who leave wide them in front of a large, folded pet which is tossed over fence rows \\ill be rewarded with more them by small exploding devices. wildlife. 10. NATURAL SUCCESSION 12. GREEN TREE RESERVOIR A barren patch of soil in this part of the country even A green tree reservoir is a wooded area, surrounded by a tually will become vegetated with various kinds of 5 shallow levee, which is flooded in the fall. Ducks and plants. At first the soft-stemmed plants become most geese eat the small acorns, tender vegetation, and even numerous. In time, bushy shrubs and vines will become some of the insects that occur there. In the spring the the major type of plant. This process, called "succes water is drained off to allow the trees to continue to sion", is complete when long-lived trees become the grow. dominant plants. When the trees have been removed, as they have been in this area, the process begins again. Be fore removing trees, it is important to realize that this process may take fifty years or more. NOTATIONS 13. REFORESTATION Much of the forest that existed here before the settlers arrived has been cut down. The land was then farmed, and in some instances the land was farmed until the soil became poor. Since pine trees can grow in poor soil, they were often planted to reforest the area. When large enough, they can be harvested and used for lumber. On the refuge some will be left to provide habitat for wildlife that prefer pine forests, such as red-breasted nuthatches, pine warblers and other birds. 14. BLIND This blind is for observing or photographing wildlife. Some blinds are used by waterfowl hunters whose "duck stamp" money is used to purchase many National Wildlife Refuge lands. Hunters also support other conservation ac- r tivities with funds they provide through f taxes on guns and ammunition. Many non- ui hunters also purchase duck stamps in * order to support waterfowl. NOTATIONS CHAMNESSTOWN SCHOOL TRAIL The name Chamness first appeared in Southern Illinois when Sarah Berry Chamness brought her three sons here from St. Clair County, Illinois, after her husband's death in 1825. Her youngest son, Willey Berry Chamness, moved south of Crab Orchard Creek and founded the village of Chamness. Another son, Jonathan P. (1806-1875) lived directly across the highway from the trail entrance road. His wife was bom Nancy Bright. Their la§t born son, Jonathan Scott Cham ness, married Nancy Copper. In 1853, he bought a 160-acre tract of land from Sam Dunaway, then the president of the Carbondale Shawneetown Railroad— later the Illinois Central. It is on part of this tract of land that the trail is now located. Soon after Jonathan Scott Chamness bought the land, Wil liamson County was divided into school districts, 120 al together, with each serving an area four miles square. The area on which the trail is located was known as Chamness- town School District #45. Since this area once served the educational needs of the community, and the trail is once again going to serve that same purpose, it seemed appropriate that the trail be named the Chamnesstown School Trail. Station Address U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE P.O. BOX J, CARTERVILLE, ILLINOIS 62918 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE #RF-3-33610-11-5/84 Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Illinois Hunting Map and Regulations Department of the Interior U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service HUNTING REGULATIONS Map on back Hunting in General: Deer Hunting in Closed Area Special Rules for Geese: I Season dates are in accordance with state • Special regulations apply in the controlled and federal regulations. A special state permit is required to hunt deer goose hunting areas, Carterville Beach and at * in closed areas of the refuge. Application ^ certain areas along Crab Orchard Lake Hunting and trapping are permitted only in should be made in spring to the Illinois shoreline as posted. Check with refuge areas of the refuge designated by signs as Department of Conservation in Springfield, sub-headquarters just prior to goose season being opdn to hunting. Hunting, trapping and permits are awarded on a random basis. for details. and/or trespassing is prohibited in the closed People receiving permits will be provided a map of the refuge and list of special regula area unless otherwise specified. No goose hunting is permitted within 200 tions. yards of the closed area of the refuge. Hunters under 65 years of age are required to have a valid state hunting license in posses All goose hunting must be done from a blind sion. Waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or Deer Hunting in Open Area that is portable or constructed of dead older are required to have a Federal and State vegetation. Blinds must be removed at the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp in their posses IPeople with a state shotgun permit for end of the hunt. Blinds must not be estab sion. Resident hunters 65 years old or older, lished or occupied beyond the shoreline on or physically handicapped hunters, are Williamson County or a state bow and arrow ^ permit may hunt the open portion of the refuge refuge waters and no more than 3 persons exempt from having a State hunting license in areas designated open to hunting. may hunt from a blind in the public hunting and a State Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. area. Pits may not be dug or used for blinds. Disturbing, injuring, destroying or attempting All goose hunters must sign in at a provided to do the same to any plant or animal on the Waterfowl Hunting: registration box prior to hunting geese each refuge is prohibited except for game animals day and report their kill prior to leaving the during the specified hunting season. IPersons hunting waterfowl with hunting area. shotguns on the refuge are allowed to use or Directing rays of spotlights, automotive head ^ have in their possession only steel shot lights or other artificial light on an animal is shells. prohibited for the purpose of locating, spotting or taking the animal within the boundaries of KNOW YOUR SIGNS Information: the refuge or from road right-of-ways within For more information, contact Crab Or NATIONAL chard National Wildlife Refuge Sub- the refuge. WILDLIFE REFUGE m headquarters, Post Office Box J, Carter AREA ville, IL 62918, or call 618/997-3344. BEYOND THIS WON QUALITY HUNTING DEPENDS ON YOU CLOSED REFUGE BOUNDARY AREA OPEN TO SANCTUARY AREA — PLEASE RESPECT ALL REGULATIONS SIGN — ENTRY BY HUNTING AT OFF LIMITS TO RF-32610-6 PERMISSION ONLY SPECIFIC TIMES THE PUBLIC UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED June 1979 CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HERRIN Goose-Deer Check Station OPEN AREA ^ CLOSED AREA ^CONTROLLED GOOSE HUNTING AREA Open to hunting ^ No hunting or trespassing * Special regulations apply. except for special deer hunt. BIRDS Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge This list contains 245 species which have been recorded on the refuge. Another 29 species, very rare or accidental and out of their normal range, are listed under "Accidental" birds. S—Spring March-May s —Summer June-August F—Fall September-November W—Winter December-February a —abundant—common species that is very numerous, c—common—certain to be seen in suitable habitat, u —uncommon—present but not certain to be seen, o—occasional—seen only a few times during a season, r—rare—seen only once or twice a year; some years not at all. * —nests on refuge. • —Irruptive species seen only during invasion years (2-10 year intervals). Bird S S F W S s F W S s F W Bird S S F w c c c Common Loon c r c 0 Red-shouldered Hawk* Mourning Dove* c c c c House Wren* Broad-winged Hawk* . WinterWren u u o Pied-billed Grebe* c r c u Black-billed Cuckoo Red-tailed Hawk* Sedge Wren 0 u Horned Grebe c c u Yellow-billed Cuckoo* Rough-legged Hawk .. Marsh Wren o o . Eared Grebe r r Eastern Screech-owl* Golden Eagle Great Horned Owl* Golden-crowned Kinglet c c c American White Pelican r r American Kestrel* ... Ruby-crowned Kinglet c c o Double-crested Cormorant u r c r Barred Owl* Merlin Short-eared Owl Blue-gray Gnatcatcher* c c o American Bittern 0 r o Wild Turkey* Eastern Bluebird* c c c c r r Common Nighthawk* Least Bittern r vNorthern Bobwhite' Veery u r Great Blue Heron u c c u Chuck-will's-widow* Virginia Rail Gray-cheeked Thrush u u Great Egret o u u r Whip-poor-will* Sora Swainson's Thrush c c Little Blue Heron o o Chimney Swift* Common Moorhen Hermit Thrush u c 0 Cattle Egret u o u American Coot ... Ruby-throated Hummingbird*... Wood Thrush* u c o Green backed Heron* c c c Bel ted Kingfisher* American Robin* c c c u Black-crowned Night-heron* u u 0 Black-bellied Plover Red-headed Woodpecker* Gray Catbird* u c c Yellow-crowned Night-heron* u u 0 Lesser Golden-plover.... Semipalmated Plover.... Red-bellied Woodpecker* Northern Mockingbird* c c c c Greater White-fronted Goose o r Killdeer* Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Brown Thrasher* c c c u Snow Goose u c u American Avocet Downy Woodpecker* Water Pipit r 0 Canada Goose* c u a a Greater Yellowlegs Hairy Woodpecker* Wood Duck* c c c o Cedar Waxwing* c u c c Lesser Yellowlegs Northern Flicker* Green-winged Teal c c u Loggerhead Shrike* c c c c Solitary Sandpiper Pileated Woodpecker* American Black Duck c c c Willet Olive-sided Flycatcher European Starling* a a a a Mallard* c u c c Spotted Sandpiper* Eastern Wood-pewee* White-eyed Vireo* c c u Northern Pintail c c c Upland Sandpiper Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Bell's Vireo* 0 u r Blue-winged Teal* c u c Ruddy Turnstone Acadian Flycatcher* Solitary Vireo o u Northern Shoveler c 0 c u Sanderling Alder Flycatcher Yellow-throated Vireo* u c u c c c Gad wall Semipalmated Sandpiper. Willow Flycatcher Warbling Vireo* c c 0 American Wigeon c c u Least Sandpiper Least Flycatcher...'. Philadelphia Vireo r r Canvasback u u c White-Rumped Sandpiper Eastern Phoebe* Red-eyed Vireo* c c u Redhead u u c Baird's Sandpiper Great Crested Flycatcher* Blue-winged Warbler u 0 r Ring-necked Duck c c c Pectoral Sandpiper Eastern Kingbird* Golden-winged Warbler o r Greater Scaup r r Dunlin Tennessee Warbler c u Lesser Scaup c c c Horned Lark* Stilt Sandpiper Orange-crowned Warbler u o r Oldsquaw r r Purple Martin* Short-billed Dowitcher... Nashville Warbler u c White-winged Scoter r Tree Swallow* Long-billed Dowitcher ... Northern Parula* c c u Common Goldeneye c u c Northern Rough-winged Swallow Common Snipe Yellow Warbler* u u Bufflehead c c c Bank Swallow American Woodcock* ... Chestnut-sided Warbler u u Hooded Merganser c r c c Cliff Swallow* Wilson's Phalarope Magnolia Warbler u c Common Merganser c c a Barn Swallow* Cape May Warbler u r Red-breasted Merganser c c 0 Franklin's Gull . Blue Jay* Black-throated Blue Warbler r r Ruddy Duck c c c Bonaparte's Gull American Crow* Ring-billed Gull . Yellow-rumped Warbler c c u o BlackVulture Herring Gull ... Carolina Chickadee* Black-throated Green Warbler u u c c c r Turkey Vulture* Caspian Tern ... TuftedTitmouse* Blackburnian Warbler u o u 0 u Osprey Common Tern .. Red-breasted Nuthatch • Yellow-throated Warbler* c c o u 0 c c Bald Eagle* Forster'sTern .. White-breasted Nuthatch* . . Pine Warbler* u c u r Northern Harrier c o c c Least Tern Brown Creeper Prairie Warbler* c c u Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 c u Palm Warbler u u Black Tern Carolina Wren* Cooper's Hawk* u u u u Bay-breasted Warbler c u Northern Goshawk • r _ r r Rock Dove* .... Bewick's Wren* Bird S s F W Bird S s F w Blackpoll Warbler c o Orchard Oriole* Cerulean Warbler* u o c c o Northern Oriole* Black-and-white Warbler u c c u Accidental Birds r u American Redstart c u c Purple Finch c u c Prothonotary Warbler* u c o Pine Siskin* u u o Accidentals are birds which have been seen only once or Worm-eating Warbler* u u o American Goldfinch* c c c c twice on the refuge and are out of their normal range. Swainson's Warbler 0 Evening Grosbeak* u u Red-throated Loon Great Black-backed Gull Ovenbird u o o House Sparrow* c c c c Red-necked Grebe Common Ground Dove Northern Waterthrush u u Western Grebe Long-eared Owl Louisiana Waterthrush* c c o Snowy Egret Black-capped Chickadee Kentucky Warbler* c c o Tundra Swan Vermilion Flycatcher Connecticut Warbler r Brant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Mourning Warbler r Sighting Notes Black Scoter Bachman's Warbler Common Yellowthroat* c c c r Surf Scoter Western Tanager Hooded Warbler u o Barrow's Goldeneye Bachman's Sparrow Wilson's Warbler u u Mississippi Kite Clay-colored Sparrow Canada Warbler u 0 Date Swainson's Hawk Harris' Sparrow Yellow-breasted Chat* c c u Sandhill Crane Snow Bunting SummerTanager* c c u Time in Field Marbled Godwit Brewer's Blackbird 'Scarlet Tanager* c u u Western Sandpiper Pine Grosbeak Red Crossbill Northern Cardinal* c c c c Weather Red-necked Phalarope Rose-breasted Grosbeak u u Glaucous Gull Blue Grosbeak* u u u Indigo Bunting* c c c Dickcissel* c c Observers Rufous-sided Towhee* c c c u American Tree Sparrow c o c Chipping Sparrow* u u o Species Total Visiting Tips Field Sparrow* c c c c Vesper Sparrow u r u Location Lark Sparrow r r Birdwatching is encouraged. Savannah Sparrow u c u Please check at the refuge office Grasshopper Sparrow* u u o Henslow's Sparrow r for times and places of entry. LeConte's Sparrow 0 o u Fox Sparrow u o c PLEASE OBEY POSTED SIGNS. Song Sparrow* c u u c Lincoln's Sparrow u u r FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Swamp Sparrow c c c Refuge Manager White-throated Sparrow c c c Crab Orchard NWR White-crowned Sparrow c c c P.O. Box J Dark-eyed J unco c c c Carterville, IL 62918 Lapland Longspur o u o Phone (618) 997-3344 Bobolink u r Red-winged Blackbird* c c a c Eastern Meadowlark* c c c c Rusty Blackbird u 0 u DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Common Grackle* c c a c U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Brown-headed Cowbird* c c c c RF-361 0-2-4/85 phiktiwj orriot: "