OTTA.WA NATIONAL WILLLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX (OTTAWA, CEDAR POINT, WEST SISTER ISLAND OAK HARBOR, OHIO

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 1980

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX (OTTAWA, CEDAR POINT, WEST SISTER ISLAND NWR'S) OAK HARBOR, OHIO

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 1980

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mgr. Herzberger (left) presents 20 yr. Mgr. Trainee War.gowsky service pin to Maint. Radsick

&c i2.

Ass't. Mgr. Walsworth (left) and Admin. Tech. Behnke jr-*^Outdoor Rec. Planner Boylan Equip. Operator Wood Holbrook Tractor Operator Chariie Holbrook Permanent Personnel

1. Lee Herzberger - GS-12, PFT Refuge Manager 2. Dan Walsworth - GS-9, PFT Ass't. Refuge Manager 3. Larry Wargowsky - GS-7, PFT Refuge Mgr. Trainee 4. Elaine Rybak - GS-5, 50 wk (trans. 1/27/80) . . Refuge Mgr. Trainee 5. Mike Boylan - GS-9, PFT Outdoor Rec. Planner 6. Virginia Behnke - GS-5, PPT Admin. Tech. 7. Alson Radsick - WG-8, PFT Maintenance Worker 8. Wood Holbrook - WG-8, PFT Equip. Operator 9. Charlie Holbrook - WG-6, 50 wk Tractor Operator

Temporary Personnel

1. Chris Kainz - GS-5 (3/16-12/28/80). . Biological Technician 2. Michelle Carlat - GS-4 (3/23-6/21/80) Coop. Ed. Student

YCC Personnel

1. Charity Krueger - GS-9 Camp Director 2. Diane DeYonker - GS-7 Env. Awareness Coord 3. Diane Getter - GS-5 Work Coord. 4. Glenn Weiss - GS-4 Group Aid 5. Michelle Trudeau - GS-4 Group Aid 6. Shane Tiedeman - GS-4 Group Aid 7. Eugene Sattler - GS-4 Group Aid

YCC Enrollees

1st. Session

1. Sophia Ahladis 13. Martha Mock 2. Kenny Bailey 14. Donald Mowl 3. Alan Baldwin 15. Jennifer O'Connor 4. Cindy Bakula 16. Marcia Presley 5. Scott Decker 17. Randy Robinson 6. Tim Heilman 18. Tina Samples 7. Daniel Holtzhauer 19. Lisa Schmersal 8. John Horne 20. Charlie Sinozich 9. Dave Houseman 21. Valerie Szymanski 10. Eric King 22. Eric Turner 11. Rob Linxweiler 23. Julie Wingart 12. Judy Meiners 24. Cindy Wyatt 2nd. Session

1. Mindy Adams 14. Jenni O'Connor 2. Jim Ballmer 15. Barb Papenfuss 3. Cindy Brown 16. Gary Pearson 4. Michael Casper 17. Mack Robinson 5. Traci Curtis 18. Mary Rouse 6. Scott Decker 19. Jody Shoemake 7. Cindy Dyke 20. Victoria Spurling 8. Ernest Glenn 21. Nancy Steele 9. Carol Hallman 22. Valerie Szymanski 10. John Kendrick 23. Chris Terry 11. Rob Linxweiler 24. Robert Upton 12. Paula Mitchell 25. John Zajac 13. Susan Miller

YACC Personnel

1. Rick Basinger . . Crew Leader

YACC Enrollees

1. Jeffrey Ambrozy 13. Louis Jones 2. Lisa Carrizales 14. Marsha Lewis 3. Paul Curley 15. Dora Livingston 4. Joanne Doe 16, Ruth Lutes 5. Ryan Fought 17. Joyce Maltby 6. Ronald Freitag 18. Jennings McCleary 7. Mitchell Gardner 19. Deborah Meyer 8. Sean Gardner 20. Thomas Shumaker 9. Vince Gardner 21. Kevin Stang 10. Diane Getter 22. Tim Sutherland 11. Linda Greiner 23. Juan Torres 12. Jesse Jaso 24. Rojelio Villareal Review and Approvals

JM/7 6:z 2 • // Submitted b6^ / z^/ Date Area Office Date

/C- f/jUSU Refuge Regioiffll Office Date TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL Page

A. Intrcduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 3 C. Land Aquisition 5 D. System Status 7 II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction 8 B. Maintenance 11 C. Wildfire 12

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands , , . . 12 B. Grasslands 14 C. Wetlands . 14 D. Forestlands 15 E. Other Habitat. . ., ,, ... 15 F. Wilderness and Special Areas . 15 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 15 IV" WILDLIFE

A. Endangered and Threatened Species 16 B. Migratory Birds...... 16 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 19

v• INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation . 21 B. Recreation ,25 C. Enforcement 30

VI• OTHER ITEMS

A. Field Investigations 31 B. Cooperative Programs , 32 C. Items of Interest, ... J ...... 34 D. Safety , 35

VII. SATELLITE UNITS

A. Darby Marsh Division ...... 36 B.. Navarre Marsh Division 38 C. Cedar Point NWR, 38 D. West Sister Island NWR 42

) 1

I. GENERAL

A, Introduction

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located east of Toledo, Ohio on the southwest shore of Lake Erie. The "complex" includes three National Wildlife Refuges: Ottawa NWR, Cedar Point NWR, and West Sister Island NWR.

Ottawa NWR is comprised of three subunits: Ottawa Division, Darby Division, and Navarre Division. Ottawa Division, 4,683 acres, in­ cludes the refuge complex headquarters, maintenance facilities, Butternut Lodge Environmental Study Area, Youth Conservation Corps headquarters, refuge housing, and Young Adult Conservation Corps headquarters. The Darby Division, 520 acres, is ten miles east of the Ottawa Division. Darby is owned and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and is excellent waterfowl habitat. The Navarre Division, 591 acres, is five miles east of the Ottawa Division. It is jointly owned by Toledo Edison and Cleveland Electric Illu­ minating Companies. It was traded to them for Darby Marsh in 1967 by the Fish and Wildlife Service, however, wildlife management rights were retained.

Cedar Point NWR, 2,445 acres, is located six miles west of Ottawa Division. As a private hunting club in the late 50's, it was visit­ ed twice by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The unit was donated to the FWS in 1964. Cedar Point is an excellent marsh managed primar­ ily for waterfowl but also supports a thriving population of musk- rats .

West Sister Island NWR, comprised of 77 acres of the 82 acre island, is located in Lake Erie nine miles off the north shore of the Ottawa Division. Ohio's first national wildlife refuge is also classified as a Wilderness Area and a Research Natural Area. The island has the largest rookery of great blue herons, great egrets, cattle egrets, and black-crowned night herons in the Great Lakes.

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex is part of what was a 300,000 acre swamp extending from present-day Sandusky, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan and westward to the Indiana state line. This once primitive area termed "the Great Black Swamp" now amounts to less than five percent of the original acreage. Since 1961, the FWS has saved nearly 8,500 acres of these marshes.

The Ottawa NWR Complex is a wildlife oasis in the midst of an urban and agricultural desert. Located within the Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland megalopolis, Ottawa is slightly more than two hours drive for more than 10 million people. The challenge of the complex will be to cope with the demands of increasing visitations as more people become aware of the refuge's location and potential. k 2 3

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

Table 1. Annual Precipitation and Temperatures, CY 1980

Precipitation Temperature Month CY-80 Normal Snowfall Max; Min

January .7A 2.33 2.9 52 A 00 00 February .81 r—1 7.3 39 1

March A.21 2.26 2.2 58 3

April 2.31 2.77 85 27

May 2.AA 3.OA 89 35

June 3.25 3.79 91 A2

July 3.39 2.59 100 51

August 6.11 3.33 9A 5A

September 2.76 2.13 92 32

October . 1.63 2.39 81 19

November .93 2. OA 1.0 67 12

December 1.65 1.95 6.3 59 6

Annual Totals 30.23 30.50 19.70

Extremes 100 1

A January thaw occurred in 1980 with temperatures in the AO's. Ice was gone from the pools by mid-January but late January temperatures froze them over again. Sub-freezing temperatures continued through February but a warming trend early in March allowed for ice-breakup in refuge pools to occur in mid-March this year. Winter had been nice with just a bit of snow and a low temperature of only 1 degree. Little flooding occurred from spring runoff along Crane Creek or drainage ditches running through the refuge.

However, 1980 will be remembered for the highest Lake Erie water level on record -when flooding did occur. Flooding occurred on April 1A, 1980 when gale force winds (30-A0 knots) began blowing from the northeast. The winds reached gale force about 5:00 AM and high water was evident at 7:30 AM when the refuge crew reported to work and began sandbagging vulnerable sites. Waves along the southwest shore of Lake Erie were reported by the U.S. Coast Guard at 5-7 feet. i 4

Wind generated seiches are common on Lake Erie when storm fronts create winds that blow parallel to the long axis of the lake. The broad flat basins of southwest Lake Erie often exhibit spectacular changes in water level, changing from mudflats when the winds are southwest to white- capped seas under strong northeast winds.

The storm established an all time high water level reading. The water gauges on Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge were set and read by refuge staff. The water gauge in Radar Ditch immediately adjacent to the refuge headquarters showed a reading of 575.64 IGLD (577.54 USGS), a reading .14 foot higher than the previous record set in November, 1972. Unlike the storm of 1972 which caused severe damage to refuge lands, the 1980 storm was not as destructive due primarily to three factors: (1) the shorelines of refuge lands are better protected now than they were in 1972, (2) wave heights in the April 1980 storm were only half as high as those in November 1972, (3) the duration of the 1980 storm was only one-third as long as the 1972 storm.

Ditches overflowed and water covered much of Ottawa Division as Lake Erie surged to an all time high of 575.64 IGLD feet above sea level. 80 KB 5

Considerable dike damage was caused to older lower dikes, most of which were functional and are planned to be repaired. Most of these dikes were overtopped and extensive pumping was necessary to reduce water levels to desirable elevations within the impoundments.

Heavy damage occurred on the eastern dike of moist soil unit 5 (MS 5) and some $57,000 were obtained to quickly repair it so an on-going ditch/dike construction contract within MS 3, 4, & 5 could be completed.

Much habitat was obviously inundated temporarily but caused minimal damage to either habitat or wildlife except to early ground nesters. However, the flood came early enough in the spring that renesting occurred.

Ottawa NWR Complex was spared the widespread drought that hit much of the nation during 1980. Annual precipitation of 30.23 inches was essentially equal to the normal of 30.50 inches. Most rains came spaced nicely to maintain good soil moisture throughout the growing season. Most upland habitat was excellent. Fall was pleasant and mother nature even gave us a gentle 3.5 inches of snow on Christmas Day.

C. Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title

The fee title land acquisition program is essentially complete except for one main inholding at the south boundary of Ottawa Division. This 75 acre parcel designated as tract 31 is owned and farmed by Herman Kohlman and is bounded on three sides by the refuge. Access problems to the refuge and the Butternut Lodge Environmental Study Area across what used to be a public road along side Mr. Kohlman's farmland have recently surface but to date have not been solved.

2. Easements

Nothing to report.

3. Other

A 3.5 mile strip of Lake Erie shoreline, containing 200 acres, was added to the Cedar Point NWR in June of 1980, The property was donated to the Fish and Wildlife Service, through the North American Wildlife Foundation, by Toledoans Edward Lamb and Ralph Lucke, co-owners. The land had been in the Lamb family for some 100 years.

It was most fitting that the donation was concluded during 1980, the "Year of the Coast." The lake frontage, locally called Lamb Beach, contains 0.6 mile of sand beach fronting a 30 acre wooded swamp. 6

Much to our surprise a pair of bald eagles, an endangered species, built a new nest in these woods just a couple of months prior to the formal transfer of deed. Even though no eggs were laid, excitement ran high that a new nest (the 6th) had been estab­ lished in Ohio, 2 of which were now on the Ottawa NWR Complex.

(From left) Edward Lamb and Ralph Lucke present Lamb Beach deed to Dr. Lawrence Jahn of the North American Wildlife Foundation which in turn transferred the deed to FWS add­ ing 200 acres and a bald eagle's nest to the Cedar Point NWR. 80 James Lapp

Eagles had last nested at Cedar Point in 1967 but had been doing so unsuccessfully since the mid 1950fs, Therefore, with some 25 years having past and no eagle production having occurred, it was even more fitting that this parcel was transferred to the FWS whereby an additional degree of refuge protection could be afforded the endangered bald eagle,

A photo and storyline describing the Lamb Beach donation made the August—September issue of the FWS News, 7

D. System Status

1. Obj ectives

Major programs at Ottawa NWR in 1980 emphasized maintenance of existing facilities, continuance of established programs and the conversion of cropland to moist soil food production units. The Butternut Lodge Environmental Study Area was the major focus of the refuge I & R program. This year's improvements made the lodge suitable for use as a Recreation Fee Area and fees were first charged in September.

2. Funding

Funding for the station has improved steadily from the hard times in the mid-seventies. Additional money and manpower generated by the Bicentennial Land Heritage Program (BLHP) has allowed the refuge to make significant progress toward meeting both its wild­ life and public use goals.

Table 2. Funding Levels at Ottawa NWR, FY 1977-1981

Fiscal Resource Management Fund FY Year 1210 1220 1500/1240 1400 6810 Total

1977 181,000* •3,200 16,900 7,200 208,300

1978 155,300 300 36,300 - 2,000 193,900

1979 179,000 300 30,000 700 2,000 214,700

1980 186,000 3,000 35,000 700 2,000 226,700

1981 207,000 3,000 35,000 700 2,000 247,700

* Includes $75,000 allocation for master planning.

Table 3. Staffing Levels at Ottawa NWR, FY 1977-1981

Fiscal Permanent Personnel FY Year Full-time Part-time Seasonal Temporary Total

1977 4 1 0 2 7

1978 6 1 0 3 10

1979 5 1 2 2 10

„ 1980 6 1 1 1 9

1981 6 1 1 2 10 II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Construction

The major construction project for the year was the contract awarded to the George Grade! Company, Oregon, Ohio, x^hich was a $278,500 re­ habilitation contract from funds acquired through BLHP. The contract included the construction of a three-way concrete pumping station including seven sluice gates and intake and discharge tubes. The pump station is equipped with a 10,000 gpm. axial flow pump with 40hp verticle hollow shaft electric motor. The purpose of the project is to provide both pumping and draining capabilities to the nearly 700 acres of MS 3, 4, 5 and 6.

This permanent pump station will provide three way control of water with a pumping capacity of 14,400,000 gallons per 24 hour period. 80 MB

Along with the construction of the pumping station the contract in­ cluded construction and rehabilitation of the 1,5 miles of ditch and dike that extends along the entire south boundary of MS 3, 4, & 5 which provides water control of 550 acres of moist soil units. The finished product of the 1.5 mile $278,500 dike and pump rehabilitation project. 80 MB

During the progress of this project it became necessary to appropriate an additional $56,834.60 of BLHP money for emergency repair of the east dike on MS 5. The dike was raised about one foot, rip-rap placed on the outside slope and the remaining slopes seeded to grass.

Overnight one of Lake Erie's northeast storm's caused substantial damage to the half mile stretch allowing the lake to preclude any managed mani­ pulation of water levels in our moist soil units. This emergency re­ pair contract was also awarded to the George Gradel Company,

The second major construction project was the continuation and comple­ tion of the pool 2 & 3 dike rehabilitation project started in 1979 by Unilliance, Inc. of Fremont, Ohio, This project was also funded through BLHP obligating $618,035,20 toward the rehabilitation of both creek front protection (pool 2) and lake front (pool 3) protection. The project consisted of raising the old dikes, placing stone rip-rap on the outer slopes, road graveling dike tops and seeding the re­ maining slopes to grass. At the termination of Unilliance's contract the dikes stood 8' above average lake levels and the outside 3:1 slopes are now protected by boulder size rip-rap. 10

New force account projects for 1980 covered almost all areas of refuge operations including refuge maintenance, moist soil management, I & R foot trails & YACC camp developments.

To keep up with the needs of recently acquired vehicles a new 2,000 gallon unleaded gas tank and electric dispensing pump were installed. The underground tank was placed next to the regular gas & diesel fuel tanks making all refueling and minor lubrication accessible from one location.

Major efforts this year were focused on the force account construction of a % mile low level dike in the moist soil units. This new dike was built to provide separation between moist soil unit 4 and 5 and to com­ pliment the moist soil pump and ditch construction contract mentioned previously. The dike project developed with few difficulties and it was an excellent opportunity to test the diversity of the new White 2-135 tractor acquired this year. About 1/8 of a mile of the dike was built with this tractor pulling a hydraulically operated pan. The only real problem encountered was during wet weather the tractor didn't have the traction needed for pulling. The remaining 3/8 of a mile x^as built x^ith our Northwest dragline, our nexv JD 450 dozer and old Cat D7 dozer.

Also constructed this year as part of Ottawa's 8 miles of wildlife interpretive trails, and to act as a connection betx^een the Blue Heron Trail and the Butternut Lodge Mini Marsh Trail was a 70 foot bridge installed across the Frederick Ditch. The bridge itself was one of the remaining usable items from Darby Marsh after the storm of 1972. Actually the original iron pipe bridge x^as 48 feet, but with the addition of 22 feet which was fabricated by maintenance worker Alson Radsick the total length or 70 feet was achieved. At present the Blue Heron Trail system is under consideration for addition to the national trail system.

Because the YACC shop was not elevated enough it was necessary to install drain tile around and away from the building to facilitate run off and prevent water problems. With the expectation that this site would eventually be turned over as refuge facilities and to expedite this drainage project refuge personnel and equipment were employed, and the project xcas done force account.

The year 1980 was good to Ottawa NWR with the additions of new equipment which allowed us to excess some of our old parts eaters. Besides a new 10,000 gpm Crisafulli pump the refuge received a Allis Chalmers 7010 agricultural tractor, 15' Woods batwing mox^er, 15 passenger Dodge van, 14hp Wheel Horse lawn tractor with 42" mowing deck, portable D.C. diesel powered arc welder, and other equipment such as a new IBM typewriter. Cannon NP200 photo copier, refrigerator & stove for the Butternut Lodge, audio viewer, binoculars, and log splitter. The new AC 7010 is pretty versitile as an agriculture machine, a Crisafulli pump power unit with murphy switch for automatic shut off and pulling the new 15f batwing mower. 80 LH

B. Maintenance

Time was spent in rehabilitating some of the water impoundments by replacing or repairing 8 concrete and corrigated metal tubes with water control.

Our major winter maintenance efforts were focused on the Butternut Lodge to enhance the refuges I & R program.

Again Maintenance Worker Alson Radsick with the assistance of YACC enrollee Jennings McCleary was called upon to utilize his exceptional carpentry skills. The lodge project consisted of the replacement of about 30% of all floor joists and replacement of the badly deteriorated flooring. Alson also removed some major wall petitions and enlarged an area for providing audio visual pre­ sentations which included the building of a sound room for cameras and projectors.

In addition to this inside winter work on the lodge, YCC planted shrubbery outside and lined the wood chipped trails with treated posts, re-established the front lawn where a gravel parking lot had been and erected a split rail fence. * 12

With the removal of the parking lot and the addition of a split rail fence the Butternut Lodge Environmental Study Area is made more aesthetically pleasing. 80 MB

C. Wildfire

Nothing to report.

Ill. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands

The farming program at Ottawa utilizes a system in which local coop- erators conduct all of the farming activities on their respective units. They receive for their efforts, two-thirds of the available acreage on which they plant a cash crop to harvest for themselves. On the remaining one-third of the acreage cooperators plant desig­ nated crops in a configuration specified by the refuge. These crops are all left standing in fields for use by wildlife. The cooperators bear all expenses in the farming operation except that major repairs to farm pumps and protective dikes are accomplished when needed by refuge funds. In 1980, 659 acres were under cultivation. Of those 13

659 acres, 431 acres were harvested soybeans (418) and corn (13). A total of 228 acres of refuge crops were left standing in fields for utilization by wildlife.

The reduction of 135 acres under cultivation from 794 in 1979 to 659 in 1980 (see table 4) was a result, basically, of the cooperative farmer in farm unit 7 deciding not to farm this unit because of a weakened dike damaged during the April 14 flood. The unit bad al­ ready been scheduled not to be farmed in 1981 anyway, due to planned conversion to a moist soil unit, so the cooperator's decision was acceptable to us. •

Table 4. Crop s Planted on Ottawa NWR, CY 1976-1980

Refuge Crops Co-op Crops

Year Corn Sorghum Buckwheat Barley Millet Soybeans Corn Total

1976 68 67 66 596 797

1977 98 61 104 582 • - '•, 845

1978 no 61 103 571 845

1979 115 45 81* 10** 3** 540 794

1980 112 26 52 38 418 13 659

* Includes 11 acres force account

** All force account

Crop utilization surveys conducted in January indicated that all the buckwheat and barley had been utilized and that 64% of the grain sor­ ghum and 23% of the corn had been consumed. In late January, after the fields had refrozen following a mid-January thaw, cooperators were advised to begin chopping various portions of refuge crops to encourage wildlife utilization and preclude grain being unconsumed and left wasted after spring waterfowl migration. All crops were utilized by the time spring field work began.

Most refuge crop yields were good to excellent except for those planted by two of the six cooperative farmers. Reason for lower, to poor, yields were 1) inadequate amounts of fertilizer and 2) high moisture content of soil at germination and at times during the rest of the growing season (poor field drainage). Both these problems plan to be corrected prior to the 1981 crop year. 14

Grasslands

Ottawa had several areas which were considered grasslands, including fields of dense nesting cover, perennial green browse, and old fields mowed for goose shooting fields. Dense nesting cover fields were established on 26 acres of farm unit 11, The mixture seeded was 40 percent tall fescue, 40 percent perennial ryegrass, 10 percent sweet clover and 10 percent ladine clover. The response xvTas fair and some low spots will need to be reseeded.

In farm unit 2 the refuge maintained 45 acres of perennial green browse. There are three fields in this unit that are mowed twice each summer, the first mowing occurred in mid-July, well after the peak duck nesting season.

Several green browse fields are maintained by the refuge and the Ohio Division of Wildlife as shooting fields for the refuge goose hunt. In 1980 these fields amounted to 47 acres and were also mowed twice during the summer.

In addition 183 acres in moist soil unit 3 were mowed and maintained as green browse which brought the total of mowed browse acres to 275 in 1980.

Wetlands

Dike rehabilitation occurred again in 1980 at the Ottawa Division, Some dikes destroyed by the floods of 1972 and 1973 were repaired. The. floods which breached the dikes allowed fluctuating Lake Erie waters to periodically flood the refuge. The unstable water levels did not allow aquatic vegetation to exist except in widely scat­ tered pockets.

Pools affected by dike rehabilitation projects included pools 1, 2 and 3 and moist soil units 3, 4 and 5 (see II A Construction for detailed discussions). Wetland habitat was non-existent in all these areas except pools 1 and 3 which held water but little aquatic vegetation.

Most all other pools in the refuge complex were lowered by gravity discharge but high Lake Erie elevations precluded optimum pool elevations to be reached. However, aquatic vegetation responded well in all pools except Darby pool 4 and Navarre pool 1 plus those mentioned previously.

Moist soil units 3, 4 and 5 did get flooded after construction was completed in November and the some 500 acres were heavily used by waterfowl. Peaks of 11,000 ducks and 9,000 geese were observed. 15

D. Forestlands

Northwest Ohio is characterized by its numerous farm fields with oc­ casional small woodlots. The Ottawa division contains 7 woodlots encompassing 96 acres. The three largest woodlots are designated public use natural areas. The woodlots have trees of low commercial value as they were logged off prior to the FWS purchasing the land.

Efforts were continued in 1980 to establish a shelterbelt along the south and west boundary lines of the Ottawa division to screen out the heavy flow of cars and truqks on highway 2. When established the shelterbelt will promote waterfowl utilization of fields ad­ jacent to the highway by elimination of the visual harassment of highway 2. Trees planted in the shelterbelt are native to the immediate area. Species planted included 3,000 silver maple, 1,500 black walnut, 1,000 black locust and 500 green ash. Additional species would have been planted but "supplies were exhausted" at the state Ohio Department of Natural Resources nursery.

E. Other Habitat

Several, fields south of pool 6 of the Ottawa division were main­ tained as grassland and upland brush. This abandoned agricultural land was last farmed in the early 1970's. Willows and cottonwoods were extensive as they readily invade old farm fields. Other plant species include thistles, asters, goldenrod, wild carrot, burdock and Queen Anne's lace..

The area was noted to have more utilization by cottontail rabbits and deer as the upland brush increased. This area also contains goose hunting blinds. A 150 yard strip was mowed to provide green browse for the geese, and a shooting field for the hunters.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

Management of West Sister Island NWR Wilderness Area, nine miles out in Lake Erie, continues to be basically "no management," .Protection involves posting, litter cleanup, news releases relating to it being closed to the public and periodic law enforcement activities citing trespassers.

G, Easements for Waterfowl Management

Nothing to report. 16

IV• WILDLIFE

A, Endangered and Threatened Species

A milestone was reached in 1980 regarding the come-back of the en­ dangered bald eagle in Ohio. On April 15, 1980 four persons (Lee Herzberger, Dan Walsworth, Shirley Stokes and Steve Moore) made A FIND of a new eagleTs nest being built on the western edge of Lamb's Woods, part of a 200 acre parcel of land in the process of being donated to the FWS and contiguous to Cedar Point NWR. 1 Excitement wasn't the word for the group's reaction, rather elation, in finding the nest. No production of eaglets had occurred at Cedar Point for some 25 years and no nest at all had existed since 1967.

An adult/subadult pair of eagles were observed that day and in the evening Herzberger observed the adult doing all the nest building while the subadult bird watched and learned. The nest appeared to be about 75% complete. No eggs were laid but the birds remained in the area all year.

The nest was in a dead cottonwood tree located in the SE ^ of SW ^ of Section 14, Jerusalem Twp., Lucas Co. . ,

The eagle nest on Ottawa division located since 1974 on the south dike of pool 4 was again successful in 1980, fledging 2 eaglets in June. This represented 50% of Ohio's eaglet production in 1980 since only one of the other 4 nests was successful. Ottawa's 2 eaglets were banded by Jack Holt on June 6, 1980 with band numbers 599-28715 and 599-28716.

Another federally endangered bird, the Kirtlands warbler, visited Ottawa in 1980 for the first time on record. A migrant female was trapped and banded at Crane Creek State Park on May 21. The bird was confirmed to be a Kirtland's warbler by Dr. Elliot Tramer, ornithology from the University of Toledo.

A migrant Peregrine falcon was again observed on Ottawa this year. One was noted April 13 and it stayed for eight days.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl

Total duck use days this year amounted to 2,648,838 up 91% from 1979. This sizeable increase can be attributed primarily to the conversion to and flooding of some 1,000 acres of moist soil type areas in the fall on Ottawa division. Also, more ducks stopped in the general vicinity of the refuge this year. 17

About 750 ducks were produced on the refuge in 1980 which was a 35% increase over 1979 production. Wood ducks had the highest production (300), followed by mallards (250), Breeding pairs were noted to be abundant, but production by ground nesters was kept down because of the April 14 flood, predation and lack of suitable nesting habitat. Hopefully production will be improved when more dense nesting cover (DNC) is established.

The fall duck population peaked in mid-November with 45,000 birds. Mallards were the .number one species with 26,000 birds followed by red-breasted mergansers (10,000) and black ducks (6,000).

Total goose use days for 1980 amounted to 1,936,643 which was an increase of 28% over 1979, and was also above the goose use days objective level of 1,500,000.

See figure 1 showing goose and duck use day trends and how they compare with objective levels.

The fall peak of Canada geese occurred in the middle of November with 16,000 birds. A total of 65 snow geese were on the refuge in October.

Goose production was estimated at 1400 goslings with approximately 70% usage of goose tubs. The goose nesting tubs were erected and are maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources via a cooperative agreement.

Total use days for whistling swan in 1980 was 26,075, with a spring migration peak of 74 swans on January 31 and a fall peak of 589 birds on November 11, 1980, YEARS 19

2. Marsh and Water Birds

The total marsh and water bird use days for 1980 was 149,005, an increase of 8% over 1979 (136,680).

Some of the rare species observed included the common loon, little blue heron and snowy egret.

An estimate of the number of nests in the. heronry on West Sister Island NWR included great blue herons (800 nests), black-crowned night herons (600+ nests) great egrets (400 nests) and cattle egrets (10+ nests).

3. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns

The total use days for shorebirds, gulls and terns for 1980 was 390,215, a decrease of 28% from 1979 (545,997).

Rare species observed included the piping plover, willet, white- rumped sandpiper and american avocet.

The first recorded nesting in Ohio of the Wilson's phalarope was documented in 1980 on Ottawa NWR. Mark Shieldcastle of Crane Creek Experiment Station found a nest in the old goose pen and on June 22 banded 2 two-day old young.

4. Raptors

Use days for raptors in 1980 totaled 16,087 and were 5% down from 1979 (15,261). The primary raptors at Ottawa include the red- tailed hawk, sparrow hawk, great-horned owl, marsh hawk and brood-winged hawk.

A detailed discussion of the excitement relating to the bald eagles is found in IV A. Endangered and Threatened Species.

5. Other Migratory Birds

The Fish and Wildlife Service Research Field Station at Sandusky conducted a research project on blackbird depiredation on sweet corn and YCC enrollees trapped and banded blackbirds after train­ ing by field station personnel.

C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others

1. Game Mammals

Several species of mammals commonly referred to as "game species" are present at Ottawa NWR in varying numbers. Included in this ^ category are white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, fox squirrel, red squirrel, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, opossum, and muskrat. 20

White-tailed deer decreased slightly in numbers on the refuge this year. Their peak population for 1980 was estimated at 55 individ­ uals. Besides counts made by refuge personnel, another indicator of the deer population trend was the number of deer killed by cars near the refuge on State Route 2. Route 2 is a busy high­ way bordering the west and south refuge boundary. The number of deer reported killed on the highway near the refuge is three to four times higher than during the early 1970's.

Populations of mammals over the last five years have had fairly stable numbers. The only exceptions to this being the eastern cottontail rabbit and groundhog whose populations increased sev­ eral fold.

Muskrat are of principal concern in this grouping as they amassed a total of 3,285,000 use days and funds generated from 50% share of the total 10,217 muskrat harvest during the 11/17/79 - 3/15/80 season returned $41,714 to the U.S. Treasury. Muskrats are def­ initely on the increase.

Other Mammals

As in past years feral dogs continued to cause problems' at Ottawa NWR. A number of them were "removed" from the refuge in 1980.

Resident Birds

The primary species in this category is the ring-necked pheasant, a bird that has gone from riches to rags in this portion of Ohio. Large populations of this species flourished in the areas prior to changes in agricultural practices. Pheasants were abundant when corn was the principal crop, field borders contained dense cover, and fall plowing was an uncommon practice. By 1980, however, field borders were cut down and invisible except to surveyors, and fields that were not fall plowed were rare except on the refuge. Current refuge pheasant population is estimated at 40 birds and represents a 400% increase over 1979. Pheasants are definitely on the increase.

The outlook for ring-necks is very pessimistic for all private lands in this part of Ohio although a core population of birds will con­ tinue to thrive on the refuge. The only bright spot on the horizon for pheasants is the fact that as fuel prices increase, the econom­ ic return from fall plowing decreases and the hope that minium till­ age practices will someday be adopted by local farmers. 2,1

V. INTERPRETATION & RECREATION

Information & Interpretation

1. On-Refuge

Ottawa's public use program came of age in 1980. Despite on-going BLI1P construction projects that saw the refuge's interpretive trails crowded by trucks bearing stone rip-rap and refuge pools drawn-down, for borrow material, the public came to regard Ottawa as a prime birding area this year. Birding groups from Ohio and Michigan spent their weekends living on the refuge in 1980 at the Butternut Lodge Environmental Study Area (ESA). Each group was presented a Saturday evening interpretive program by refuge staff as part of their visit.

"Waterfowl Workshops" have been annual events at Ottawa since 1978 and these were continued in 1980. The demand for such x

On October 6, OPP Boylan presented a similar workshop for the local Ducks Unlimited chapter for the second year, Boylan also made a repeat performance at the request of East Lansing AO at Michigan State University's second annual statewide waterfowl conference with 100 persons attending the identification session.

In 1980, Ottawa conducted its first high school waterfowl workshop. The day-long event brought teams from throughout Ohio to the refuge October 27 to practice their identification skills in the classroom and the field. This proved to be a valuable preparation for the statewide waterfowl ID contest held at Ohio State University in March sponsored by the Future Farmer's of America. Local Oak Harbor teams have finished in the top five in the state the past three years due in part to practicing their skills on the refuge with the aid of materials and technical assistance provided by FWS.

The refuge hosted Conservation Field Days in cooperation with local Soil Conservation Service (SCS) offices in Ottawa & Lucas counties. The Ottawa County Field Day saw more than 600 fifth graders tour the refuge on tractor-drawn hay wagons. This has been an annual event for nearly two decades. At each stop, interpretive talks on topics ranging from wildlife and forestry to soils and fish were 22 provided by local experts from the Ohio DNR, SCS, Ohio State Uni­ versity & FWS. Refuge staff also assisted Lucas County in con­ ducting their annual Field Day activities which saw over 300 fifth graders tour the refuge with interpretive stops along the way. We're currently working with Lucas Co. personnel to model their program along the lines of more established and successful Ottawa Co. program.

April 20 found ORP Boylan touring the refuge with Mr. Lee Pettiford of the Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service (HCRS). Pettiford came to Ottawa to investigate the inclusion of the refuge's Blue Heron Trail into the National Trails System. After much picture taking, discussion and review, the HCRS officials left with the feeling that behind the BLHP construction, dry pools and rutted trails there was a trail worthy of national significance. The Blue Heron Trail features remnant Black Swamp woodlots, an excel­ lent view of one of the few remaining bald eagle's nests and wide marshland vistas. National Trail status might help safeguard the trail's ftiture and perhaps even assist future funding programs.

The Butternut Lodge ESA became the backbone of Ottawa's public use program in 1980. To our knowledge, the lodge and its three cabins are the only effort within the National Wildlife Refuge System to provide permanent residential facilities for groups. We must emphasize that we did not build these structures to accommodate the public but since they were already here decided it was a great waste not to use them year 'round.

In 1980, Ottawa began charging for overnight use after one year of free access. The charge for each group is $75 per night or $150 for the weekend. By year's end, the lodge had hosted groups on 25 weekends (not including 10 summer weekends used by YCC). At the end of 1980, the lodge had 1981 reservations extending well into fall. Each group who uses the lodge is provided a special use permit and transportation to Cedar Point NWR as well as a Saturday evening interpretive program. The evening program provides a chance for visitors to meet FWS personnel and ask questions.

Use of the Butternut Lodge ESA wasn't limited to binding groups alone in 1980. Ottawa had the distinction of hosting the 1980 Ohio College Biology Teacher's Conference (OCBTC) the weekend of October 17-19. Some 60 professors from throughout Ohio heard Dr. William Jackson of Bowling Green State University and Dr. Charles Herdendorf of Ohio State University lecture on the Biological Impacts of Nuclear Power Production. Ottawa was selected for this prestigious meeting not only because of its residential facilities but because the refuge's Navarre Marsh unit is adjacent to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. Following morning lectures, the professors were provided a tour of the Navarre Marsh for a first-hand look at marsh management techniques by ORP Boylan and Ass't Manager Dan 23

Walsworth. An orientation to the nuclear plan was provided by Davis-Besse personnel.

Assistant Manager Dan Walsworth describes the dynamics of Navarre Marsh habitat to participants in the Ohio College Biology Teacher's Workshop. 80 MB

In November, the Butternut Lodge had the distinction of hosting 50 naturalists from the Cleveland Metropolitan Parks District for an interpretive workshop around the theme, "Birds of our Lives." It was ironic that the Cleveland Metro Parks with their large interpretive staff and state-of-the-art interpretive media and displays would hold their workshop at a refuge so limited in interpretive media. Oh, well, at least we had lots of birds!!

Ottawa joined the Toledo Naturalist's Association, the League of Women Voters, the Ohio Audubon Council, the Toledo Metro Parks and the Ohio DNR in celebrating 1980 as "Year of the Coast." ORP Boylan participated in a Coastal Zone Workshop on Saturday, June 21 after which he conducted a special tour of Ohio's threatened wetlands in the vicinity of Cedar Point NWR. Some 40 participants 24 attended the two-day meetings.

The weekend of July 19-29, Ottawa had the privilege of hosting the Ohio Audubon Council's (OAC) executive board meeting. Its 30 members were provided a similar tour of Cedar Point and other threatened wetlands so they could better understand first-hand the significance of the Ottawa Complex. While such tours are not a regular part of refuge programs, the Ottawa's new 15- passenger van makes such special efforts possible. Hosting the OAC gained Ottawa attention, of Ohio's largest environmental organization which before had little knowledge or interest in the refuge.

In addition to providing housing for birding and environmental groups, the Butternut Lodge ESA is the center of Ottawa's envi­ ronmental education program. In 1980, Ottawa held four teacher workshops. The University of Akron conducted its twice-annual "Methods & Materials in Outdoor Education" class at the refuge in spring & fall. This three-day workshop for credit attracts at least 30 teachers each session. The University of Toledo conducted a half-day workshop for Toledo Public Schools' teachers in November at the lodge. This workshop was significant that it marked the initiation of an agreement with Toledo School? (area's largest school system) that teachers must attend a workshop before they could bring groups out. (No more nice long walks with a lot of laughing and little learning). ORP Boylan & University of Toledo Professor Dr. Jerry DeBruin con­ ducted the workshop which was attended by 20 Toledo School teachers.

Undoubtedly the most successful workshop came in October with a joint FWS/Ohio DNR three-day workshop for teachers, naturalists and anybody who was interested in participating from all over Ohio. This drew 35 persons from elementary teachers to jr. college instructors who paid $20 each to participate in activities ranging from values clarification to OBIS. Credit was earned through the University of Toledo. While Ottawa provided the facilities and ORP Boylan conducted activities, we were greatly aided by the ODNR's large mailing list as well as that agency's ability to produce quality leaflets quickly which facilitated registration. We hope to conduct this joint workshop annually. In addition to earning Ottawa the attention of teachers and other education personnel from throughout the state, we netted over $500 from this activity for deposit in the Refuge Recre­ ation Fee Account to return to 1240 funds.

Increased emphasis on "back to basics" and the 3 R's coupled with transportation restrictions meant many local schools did not take advantage of the refuge in 1980. On the brighter side, however, the Toledo Public schools did comply with our request that teachers attend workshops before visiting. So while fewer activity hours of EE are being recorded than in some past years, the quality of the activities is noticeably improving. Some 20 schools amassed over 3,000 activity hours of EE in 1980 for students. We also recorded another 2,160 activity hours of EE for teachers. 25

2, Off-Refuge

A total of 46 personal appearances for off-refuge programs were presented in 1980. ORP Boylan presented 21 programs to various groups and organizations and Tractor Operator Holbrook gave 21 National Wildlife Week presentations to local school assemblies plus 4 other personal appearances.

"Waterfowl Workshops" were presented by request again at Michigan State University's annual statewide Waterfowl Conference in Sep­ tember and for a local chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

ORP Boylan designed an exhibit which he manned at the refuge's second entry in recent years in the Ottawa County Fair, July 15-20. The display was seen by some 3,000 interested visitors during the six-day event.

ORP Boylan gave presentations at the Port Clinton High School Earth Day, the "Year of the Coast" activities. Camp Perry Open House, Sandusky County SCS Field Day, a High School Careers Day plus a number of civic and special interest group meetings.

It often seemed that if ORP Boylan wasn't at his desk or at the Butternut Lodge he could be found speaking and eating at a luncheon or dinner!

Recreation

1. Wildlife-Oriented

Ottawa has three forms of wildlife-oriented recreation, namely, birdwatching or, technically, "wildlife observation," a controlled goose hunting program & muskrat trapping. a. Wildlife Observation

In 1980 the refuge began to actively attract groups of birders to visit Ottawa, The focal point of the so-called "Binding at Butter­ nut" program was the refuge's refurbished Butternut Lodge and its three cabins, shower house and paneled outhouse. As a YCC resi­ dential camp used summers only, the lodge & cabins were remodeled by force account YCC and YACC labor supervised by refuge mainte- nanceman Alson Radsick, In 1979 the refuge had gradually begun allowing binding groups to use the facilities free-of-charge on weekends. The response was so successful that we designated the lodge site a Recreation Fee Area in 1980,

As the word spread, groups from throughout Ohio and even out-of- state made reservations to spend their weekends binding on the refuge. The fee was set at $75 per group/per night with a 26 maximum of 32 persons. Visitors were provided Saturday morning transportation to Cedar Point NWR (closed to the general public) via the refuge 15-passenger van. Since the birding is generally better at Cedar Point, access to this area is the main attraction of the weekend trip. On Saturday evening, visitors are provided an interpretive program and Sunday is spent birding at Ottawa.

The "Birding at Butternut" program is, as far as we know, the only residential program using permanent facilities on any refuge na­ tionwide. The Recreation Fee Account anticipates revenues of $5,000 after a full year of, operation. The addition of a special "Birding at Butternut" leaflet in early 1981 should enhance the program even further. In November, 1980, Outdoor Recreation Planner Boylan published an article entitled "Ohio NWR Provides

Lodging for Birders" in the national publication, Birdwatcher1s Digest. This article resulted in inquiries about lodge reser­ vations from as far away as New York and Canada, Perhaps more important, it resulted in reservations from birding groups throughout Ohio who had not yet heard of the lodge or the new refuge program.

A $3,0.00 sign order was sent to the National Sign Center in early 1980, The order was timed to arrive upon completion of BLHP dike work. The foot trails have no interpretive signs at present since old signs were removed prior to dike rehabilita­ tion- The new sign order will provide attractive wayside ex­ hibits as well as information signs to improve the present barren condition of the trails.

But the single biggest project for refuge trails was the instal­ lation of an iron bridge across the 60-foot Frederick Ditch which separates the Butternut Lodge area from the main Blue Heron Trail system, A sturdy iron bridge that had been relegated to the ref­ uge boneyard was resurrected and, after appropriate testing of soil, driving of piling, surveying, etc. was set into place in late 1980, The bridge will be ready for use by early spring 1981, This will enable groups of birders as well as school groups staying at the Butternut Lodge to have direct access to the eight miles of Blue Heron Trail system, as well as the h miles of trails leading directly from the lodge. These two trails, each 0.6 miles in length, are designated Mini Marsh Trail and Butternut Lodge Woods Trail, The addition of the bridge ties together two separate trail systetis and opens in­ creased birding and environmental education opportunities. 27

Using our new diesel powered 220 amp portable B.C. welder Alson Radsick builds the supports for the new foot bridge. 80 LH

Setting the bridge was not a one man job. After many laborous hours of leveling, pile driving, and earth work the bridge is finally set in place. 80 LH 28

Goose Hunting

The refuge controlled goose hunt, now in its sixth year, is admin­ istered by Ohio Department of Natural Resources personnel from the Magee Marsh Wildlife Experiment Station next door. In 1980, some 723 hunters from 53 of Ohio's 88 counties harvested 184 geese for a 25% success rate. The success was down from a 40% average suc­ cess in previous years. The Ottawa goose hunt has come to be re­ garded by Ohio and southern Michigan hunters as a quality hunt and each year over 1,000 applications are received in Columbus for the chance to hunt at the refuge.

Trapping

The refuge muskrat trapping program is counted as recreation although it is both a wildlife management tool for us and a commercial ac­ tivity for the trapper. Four trapping permits were issued this year for the Cedar Point, Darby, Navarre and Ottawa units. A total of eight trappers (four trappers and four helpers) harvested 10,217 muskrats during the '79-'80 season which ran from November 15, 1979 to March 15, 1980. With rats selling for an average of $7,85 each and the refuge's share of the harvest being 5,312 rats the federal treasury received deposits totaling $41,714,

Rising fur prices caused an unprecedented 120 applicants for the '79t'80 trapping permits. This opportunity was a good way to fight inflation in 1980. A preliminary news release on the trapping pro­ gram citing the historical and cultural role of trapping in north­ western Ohio (which has the countries second largest trapping in­ dustry) as well as the economic benefits of selling the muskrat pelts brought extensive coverage of the trapper drawing including a feature segment on a Toledo, Ohio television station. A local TV news personality covering the story was chosen to draw the lucky trappers.

Refuge personnel responded to requests for justification of the trapping program from Defenders of Wildlife and others. A lengthy questionnaire was returned citing the potential damage to dikes, expensive funding required for dike repair, and flood damage and detailing how harvest quotas are established. The role of muskrat trapping that has continued in the Lake Erie marshes for the past 300 years was also noted.

As in the past, the refuge trappers were selected through a lottery system. This system requires staff time administering the program including; dividing hides, checking trappers tallies, and long hours in Law Enforcement with trespassing, poaching, and theft as major problems. The refuge is however, looking to alter the trapping system by not requiring the trappers to periodically bring all the pelts to refuge headquarters for a division.

Instead, refuge personnel would be present when the trappers sold and the refuge would receive its 50% share of total sale amount. 29

This would preclude the need to temporarily store the refuge share of pelts until fur dealers could come to inspect them, as is now the case. No problem of theft of pelts from our "rat cage" would exist.

The most productive marsh for muskrats during the '79-'80 season was at Cedar Point NWR where 2,937 rats were taken from this 110 acre marsh. 79 MB

In summary, Ottawa's recreation program came into its own in 1980. Northwestern Ohio has an abundance of public and commercial recre­ ation areas both wildlife-oriented and non-wildlife-oriented. Not counting Navarre Marsh (land leased by FWS adjacent to a nuclear plant) and West Sister Island (a wilderness area), Ottawa has less than 8,000 acres of which 85% is wetland. Only a relatively small portion of this can be opened to the public without compromising the wildlife values for which the refuge was established. The refuge recreation program takes advantage of the surrounding state and commercial areas as a "buffer zone" to absorb the im­ pact of most of the nearly 10 million people who live within an hour-and-a-half's drive of the refuge. Ottawa's recreation pro­ gram concentrates on providing the three forms of recreation for which the refuge is most capable, namely birdwatching, hunting and trapping. 30

It is these three forms of recreation to which these marshes owe their existence; the hunters and trappers whose private clubs originally preserved the marshes and the birders and environ­ mentalists who later picked up the cudgel of concern for wetlands preservation. While some refuges have to meet a demand to pro­ vide a comprehensive recreation program, Ottawa has been able to identify its audiences and tailor its programs to those audi­ ences. In time, refuge foot trails will be attractive and well signed with interpretive media for the general public. But with an abundance of nature centers nearby (including one of the state's largest next door) Ottawa has chosen not to compete but to com­ pliment what they offer. In 1980, the public use program was based on the theme that, "At Ottawa, wildlife management is for the birds . . . all of them!" The refuge identity is based on the fact that this is the best place in Ohio to see wildlife, especially wild birds. The type of person to whom this message, does not appeal will go to one of the other recreation areas. Ottawa is not seeking to get as many people as possible but wants quality rather than"quantity, By attracting concerned people through their various groups and associations e.g. Audubon chapters. Sierra clubs, DU chapters, and other environ­ mental organizations, as well as students and schools, Ottawa will develop a relatively small but vocal clientele. We will not try to be all things to all people but emphasize what we do best to those who are interested.

Enforcement

The Butternut Lodge residential program serves a triple purpose. It not only makes groups of visitors aware of the refuge and the FWS but with the facilities being used on the weekends the chances for vandalism are reduced.

The initiation of a bail bond system in 1980 was the biggest boost to refuge enforcement efforts. Enforcement problems related to the muskrat trapping program continued to occupy a disproportionate amount of staff time including trespass, poaching, and theft of traps and 'rats. The presence of an airboat borrowed from Horicon NWR x-^as invaluable in collecting illegal traps from Darby Marsh since x^e couldn't apprehend their owner.

Snowmobile, trespass is also not uncommon on Ottawa's satellite units when conditions permit. In 1980, refuge personnel used our recently acquired snowmobile to increase weekend patrols and several violators were apprehended. Our feeling is that most violators are committed by a relatively small number of snowmobilers. With a good snowmobile of our own for pursuit and a bond system to back us up, the word seems to have gotten out that blue goose signs are meant to be obeyed.

Ten apprehensions were made on the refuge in 1980 involving 12 citations but only 10 fines were levied. Two juveniles were cited 31

for riding motorcycles on closed areas of the refuge, but prosecu­ tion was declined due tg age.

Prosecutions included 5 unauthorized fishing, 2 trespass, 1 trespass with shotgun, unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle and no duck stamp. All fines were $50 each except $25 each for the 2 refuge trespass cases.

V!. OTHER 'ITEMS

Field Investigations

1. 1980 Duck and Goose Nest Survey

During the spring and early summer Chris Kainz (Biological Technician) and Michelle Carlett (Co-op Ed. Student) conducted a nesting survey on selected areas of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In this survey a concerted effort was made to get a better handle on what percent of Ottawa's Canada goose production is from ground nests as compared to those produced from artificial structures and to establish a better understanding of duck nesting at Ottawa, The study area included Ottawa NWR (excluding \ mile radius of active bald eagle nest), Darby Division, Navarre Division, and Cedar Point NWR, The date the nests were found, the location and the number of eggs were recorded. The nests were checked periodically during nesting season for hatching date, numbers of eggs hatched, numbers of infertile eggs, abandonment, predation, and destruction by high water being noted.

The actual study period was from April 1, 1980 to mid-July, 1980. One major problem associated with this study was on April 14, 1980 a storm hit southwestern Lake Erie with strong northeastern winds raising water levels in ditches and Crane Creek to an unprecedented 574.64 feet above sea level. Dikes along some ditches and Crane Creek were flooded and were not searched before this storm. Many nests could have been destroyed and not recorded.

The results of the Canada goose survey were somewhat startling in that 1) the same number of nests were on the ground as were on structures (126 & 124 respectively) and 2) a .higher percentage of nests hatched on the ground as did on structures (88% & 79% respectively). This would lead one to ask why we need artificial goose nesting structures on the refuge! Now that the goose flock is established and since more ground nesting habitat is being made available and is better protected, the need for artificial structures lessens.

In the duck nest survey the first nest was found on April 17, 1980 and the last nest found on July 9, 1980, This is a spread of 83 days with the peak nesting season approximately May 1 to June 15, The species and number of nests were: mallard 46 (49% of total 32

survey)? blue wing teal 42 (45% of total survey), pintail 2 (2% of of total survey), and black duck I (1% of total survey). Three woodcock nests, one Virginia rail nest, and one upland plover nest were also found during the study. One woodcock nest hatch­ ed, one was abandoned, and one was predated by a snake. The Virginia rail and upland plover nests were both successful. Hatching success was only 10% of all nests. Loss of 70% was due to predation, 14% to abandonment & 5% to vehicle destruc­ tion.

2. Brief History of Colonial Birds on the Islands of Western Lake Erie 1940 to 1980 (Dr. L. S. Putnam, Ohio State University)

This year special use permit 80-14 was issued to Dr. Putnam to visit West Sister Island NWR, Ohio's only wilderness area to aid him in his above described study. This study has proven bene­ ficial to the refuge in establishing heron populations on the island and allowed valuable research at no cost to the refuge. In section VII Satellite Units, D, West Sister Island you can find some of the statistical information gathered from this study.

3. Special Use Permit 80-1

The purpose of this permit was to provide access to West Sister Island wilderness area to Richard King, Professor of Biology, Purdue University, Professor King is conducting investigations in connection with research on Lake Erie water snakes (Neordia sipeon),

4, Special Use Permit 80-8

This permit was assigned to David W, Briden of the Toledo Edison Co, to collect specimens at the Navarre unit as part of a con­ tinuing environmental monitoring project for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.

5. Purple Loose Strife (Lithrum salicaria) was positively identified in pool 1 at Ottawa's main unit and was eliminated.

B. Cooperative Programs

1. Young Adult Conservation Corps

Ottawa was the primary camp for YACC in Ohio for 1980 with an en­ rollment of 12-15 people at any one time. 1980, like 1979, was a year of major transition for Ottawa's YACC camp. With the May

% resignation of Rick Basinger, Crew Leader, no replacement was assigned. The crew leader duties were, however, fulfilled by refuge staff member Wood Holbrook, Engineering Equipment Oper­ ator at Ottawa, This transition not only created a greater continuity between YACC and refuge operations but it also helped the YACC enrollees demonstrated greater job interest, performance, and productivity. Some prompt solutions were found in areas such as attendance, tardiness, understanding of objectives, and overall camp safety and performance. This understanding of objectives helped provide a real learning and productive environment., YACC enrollees were taught many basic construction and maintenance skills, equipment operation and maintenance, fundamental building trade skills, minor metal fabrication, clerical support, and wildlife re­ source management.

The major YACC project for 1980 was a community assistance program. After Assistant Manager Larry Wargowsky properly indoctrinated the enrollees to chain saw use and safety, a crew was responsible for the timber cutting and brushing of a mile ditch for the city of Port Clinton, Ohio.

Other projects worked on in 1980 included log splitting for firewood for refuge woodburners, refuge shop and headquarters maintenance, boundary posting, planting shelterbelt trees, general brushing, and office secretarial support.

Youth Conservation Corps

Ottawa was again host for a residential YCC camp in 1980, In keeping with the superior reputation of the camp YCC staffers and refuge personnel worked hard all summer. This year there x^ere 2 four week sessions consisting of 24 enrollees making the total camp attendance 48 enrollees and 7 staff members. They completed projects estimated to have a cash value in excess of $28,000,

During the last 6 years, YCC has helped build a site which con­ sists of the Butternut Lodge (with facilities for dining, recre­ ation, and environmental education), three cabins for sleeping, a shower house, and outhouse. When YCC is not in session, these facilities are used by groups for environmental study.

Work projects this year helped enrollees understand basic ecolog­ ical principles, design concepts, and habitat maintenance and manipulation through the accomplishing of a large number of tasks. The lodge was restained on the exterior, the parking lot in front was removed and landscaped with plantings and shrubbery, and tool storage sheds were redone. At other locations on the refuge in­ terpretive trail signs x^ere installed, dikes were brushed, musk- rat burrows were repaired, rip-rap was hand placed, dikes were seeded, trail foot bridges were repaired, bone piles were cleaned 34

up, photo blinds were renovated, wood duck boxes were replaced and general facilities were given a summer cleaning. Along with these laborous activities YCC enrollees were given the opportunity to live trap blackbirds for sexing, aging, and banding as part of a research project for the Sandusky Wild­ life Research Station, They also worked on a herbarium which included collecting, pressing and mounting of plants, and worked on a survey to identify small mammals at the YCC camp site.

1 3. Cooperative Goose Hunting Program

The controlled goose hunt at Ottawa has come to be reguarded by sportsmen as a quality experience. The hunting program is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife but occurs on the refuge. The system is a lottery drawing of eligible hunters with the issuing in 1980 of 723 permits.

Hunters are required to use preconstrueted blinds and hunt from % hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. All the lottery drawings, permit issuing, and the check in station are handled by ODNR personnel. Basically this cooperative hunt is one where the Fish &.Wildlife Service provides the location and resource and the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources provides the adminis­ tration of the program.

These 723 hunters harvested 184 geese with a success rate of 25%. This success rate for 1980 is down from previous years which is usually 40%.

4. Cooperative Agreement for Canada Goose Production Between the U.S. Fish & Wi1dlife Service and the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

To compliment and to continue goose production studies between US FWS and ODNR a joint goose nest survey was conducted this year. This survey actually involved the comparison between the success of ground nests and artificial nesting platforms. Jack Weeks, Biologist for Crane Creek Wildlife Experiment Station surveyed goose production from nestirig platforms. Chris Kainz, Biological Technician and Michelle Carlett, Co-op Ed. Student surveyed ground nests. As you can see under item 1 of Field Investigations the results were rather surprising.

C. Items of Interest

In June of this year Mr. Edward Lamb added to the size of Cedar Point NWR by donating to the FWS his 200 acre beach front adjacent to the 35

north side of Cedar Point. The acreage happened to have, a new bald eagle's nest (see section I C. Land Acquisition). Mr. Lamb's con­ tribution did generate a great deal of public interest with complete news coverage by ABC, CBS, and NBC local television networks. ORP Boylan also provided interview's on the dedication to WGTE, Toledo EM radio station, the Toledo Blade, Toledo, Ohio's newspaper, and the News Herald, Port Clinton, Ohio's newspaper.

The year of 1980 was a year of 3 exciting firsts. A Kirtland's warbler was sighted in our area, a Wilson's phalarope nest was documented for Ohio and a new oagle nest was found.

On Monday morning April 14, the refuge staff was greeted by unprec­ edented high water levels and plenty of sandbag and pumping work.

1980 was leap year ... so we added another day to our age with a little more grey hair and one more day of paperwork.

Ottawa again participated in the cooperative education program as junior wildlife student Michelle Carlett work on the refuge spring quarter. Michelle is the second student from Ohio State University and the third to participate in the program at Ottawa.

ORP Boylan,attended F.L.E.T.C. in Glynco, Georgia and received his law enforcement credentials.

Assistant Manager Trainee Elaine Rybak departed Ottawa in January, 1980 and headed for Shiawassie NWR in Michigan. Chris Kainz, Biological Technician, whose appointment ended in December, ex­ tended his time at Ottawa by volunteering his services into 1981.

Assistant Manager Larry Wargowsky voluntarily became a man under bondage on July 5, 1980. He married Jean. The Herzberger's wel­ comed the 5th member to their family on September 22 when Alicia Lynn was born. The Charlie Holbrook's welcomed the 5th member to their family on November 14 when Christina Nadine arrived. Grandpa Woody Holbrook was pretty happy.

The 1980 Narrative Report was written by Herzberger, C. L. Holbrook, and Boylan, edited by Herzberger and typed by YACC enrollee Marsha Lewis with assistance from Laura Winter.

D. Safety

1980 was indeed a safety conscious year at Ottawa NWR. A safety calendar was prepared in January detailing meeting dates, topics, and discussion leaders. All meetings were held as scheduled and in general the topics assigned were covered by the discussion leader. The only problem with the safety calendar was the fact that only half of our first choice visual aids were available from the Regional Office even though we scheduled the aids for the entire year on January 9. Table _1 details the subjects of 36

safety meetings at Ottawa in 1980. A discussion period was held after each visual aid and the content of the film was related to conditions at the refuge and potential, hazards. Additionally some discussion leaders prepared tests which were given unannounced - a device that spurred discussion considerably. Impromptu safety sessions were held to discuss safety related problems on the job, safety techniques of jump starting cars, and cardio pulmanary resuscitation.

In all Ottawa enjoyed a year with very few mishaps. There were no lost time accidents at Ottawa in 1980. The few accidents experienced at Ottawa were minor in nature. Xn 1981 anyone required to fill out a DI 134 will be asked to lead a discussion concerning the incident at the subsequent safety meeting.

A number of safety deficiencies were corrected in 1980. A list of items corrected during the year is as follows:

1) Repaired railing on bridge on nature trail. 2) Replaced mirrors on 2^ ton truck. 3) Brushed dangerous intersections. 4) Repaired back-up alarm on dozer. 5) Fire extinguishers inspection and recharge. 6) Fire extinguishers mounted in new YACC building. . . 7) Replaced batteries in fire alarms. 8) Built kindling boxes to contain scrap wood. 9) Annual inspection and servicing of all furnaces. 10) Warning signs erected on hazardous areas. 11) New brake system on dump truck. 12) Replaced floor and floor joist in Butternut Lodge. 13) New exhaust systems on two trucks. 14) Reconditioned ground fault interrupter. 15) Initiated Butternut Lodge Bridge Project to protect visitors from Rt. 2 traffic by using the bridge instead.

VII. SATELLITE UNITS

Darby Marsh Division

Darby Marsh is a 520 acre unit of the Ottawa NWR Complex located 14 miles east of the Ottawa Refuge Headquarters.

With the completion of the 1.2 million dike rehabilitation at Darby in 1976, water levels have been scheduled and are controllable. Marsh vegetation now present is valuable for both wildlife, maintenance, habitat, and as a waterfowl production area. Swans, geese, ducks, and shorebirds can be found in large numbers at certain times of the year. Many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and snakes common to this region are present at Darby.

Muskrat populations are coming back proportionately to the increase in marsh vegetation. The 1979-80 trapping season was the first allowed 37 at Darby since the 1972-73 season.

Trespass problems were present to a small degree during the waterfowl hunting season.

The primary management at Darby Marsh consists of water manipulation for proper interspersion of open water and emergent vegetation, main­ taining proper water levels for muskrat populations, and maintaining sufficient aquatic vegetation for waterfowl.

Darby has four pools that can b,e controlled independently. Pool 1 was lowered by gravity discharge in early summer. In October it was re­ filled from Lake Erie and left full all winter. The water in pools 2 and 3 was left on all year but evaporation plus leaks in the dikes lowered water levels by September. Fall and winter precipitation partially filled these pools back up. Pool 4 was partially drained as soon as ice broke up. Lake levels did not permit complete draw­ down so an 8" portable pump was used to finish the job. No water was added the rest of 1980 except by precipitation.

Part of popls I and 4 and all of pools 2 and 3 of Darby Marsh Division can be seen. A,t the top is part of the .1,2 million rehabilitation project of 1975 providing protection against Lake Erie, 80 MB 38

Navarre Marsh Division

Navarre Marsh is a 591 acre marsh surrounding the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station which is jointly owned by the Toledo Edison and Cleveland Electric Illuminating Companies, Ottawa NWR has full management control of the marsh under a cooperative agreement with the power companies, which maintain roads and dikes, water structures and two high volume electric pumps that are operated at no cost to the ENS,

The 591 acre Navarre Harsh Division is located 5 miles east of refuge headquarters and has one small and one large pool. The Davis-Besse water intake channel divides the two, 80 MB

Water manipulation this year was a partial drawdown after ice break up and a, further drawdown in June, Some dike leaks added water back into pool 2 until they were repaired. A complete removal of water was not possible so open patches of water with carp being the main problem existed in both pools. Pool 2 had better vegetative response than pool 1 and attracted large flocks of pintails and mallards.

Cedar Point NWR

The Cedar Point NWR was undoubtedly the finest waterfowl marsh in 1980 along the southwest shore of Lake Erie. An aerial reconnaissance 39 showed that the water to emergent vegetation ratio was about 1:1 which is considered ideal for this area. The perimeter dike around this marsh was breached in the storms of 1972-73 and was repaired in 1977.

This newly built eagle's nest was found April 15th at Cedar Point where no nest had existed since 1967 and no production since the mid 1950's. No production this year but promising for 1981. (See section IV A. Endangered Species) 80 MB

Cedar Point NWR is divided into three pools, pool 1 (main pool), pool 2 (east pool), and the pheasant farm (west pool). In pool 1 an attempt was made again this year to gravity drain this pool throughout the summer but high Lake Erie levels only permitted a partial drawdown. Large open patches of water with abundant carp still exist throughout the pool.

A botulism outbreak demanded that water be added to pool 1 earlier than planned and to a higher level to surpress the disease. During the four month outbreak that lasted from early September till late December, 2,871 carcasses were collected in about 500 acres of the north corner of pool 1. This number represents carcasses that were collected and burned but many more died, decomposed, and sunk in the marsh. The actual number of deaths could have reached 5,000. Waterfowl were hit the hardest with a loss of 2,651 geese, ducks, and coots. The remaining 220 animals were comprised of muskrats, shorebirds, herons, snipe, woodcock, and others. 40

Over 846 man hours were spent in the actual clean-up with hundreds more spent in preparation and administration.. The first three days of the clean-up was done on foot and with the aid of canoes. Mien the magni­ tude of the die off was realized an airboat was brought in from Horicon NWR to increase the efficiency of the operation. Carcasses collected in the marsh were incinerated at Cedar Point to decrease the potential of the disease spreading. Cedar Point was not the only area in north­ west Ohio to have botulism outbreaks this year. Two other die offs occurred within seven miles of the marsh before the Cedar Point out­ break. One was located along a stream 7 miles south with a loss of 400 ducks. The other area that has a long history of botulism out­ breaks is a diked~in island used for dredged spoil located 5 miles west of Cedar Point. Refuge personnel figure botulism was introduced to Cedar Point NWR from one of these two areas.

The two management practices used to control the outbreak were: 1) in­ crease the supply of fresh water to marsh by gravity flow control struc­ tures and 2) clean-up carcasses to decrease the spread of botulism by the rotting carcasses infected with maggots.

Qn one day two individuals riding the airboat picked up 512 carcasses, Herzherger; (left) and Kainz show "how to do it". 80 MB 41

Grating elevated on cement blocks with wood for fuel was used to burn all carcasses to ashes. YACC enrollee McCleary (left) and Radsick show "how to do it", 80 MB

In pool 2 an attempt to gravity drain was stopped short when the struc­ ture became silted in with sand on the lakeside. A similar blockage occurred in 1979 but was unplugged in late September. Wave, action has deposited a layer of sand several feet thick into and above the dis­ charge tube. An alteration of the protective rock barrier around the tube is needed to direct the water to remove the sand near the tube outlet instead of depositing sand. No water control was possible all year on this pool due to this problem.

Water management for the pheasant farm went right according to what was planned. The small amount of water that was "present over winter was drained by cutting a hole in the east side. Refuge personnel installed a new tube and slide gate to give the capability to gravity drain/fill this unit instead of pumping all the time. Eighteen inches of water were added in November with a good re­ sponse by waterfowl. The pheasant farm pool had a tremendous muskrat population that created an "eat out" in the fall of 1979. An unprecedented 2,937 rats were trapped on this 110 acre marsh during the 1979-80 season. The unit was farmed years back but was left idle to revert to the wild in recent years. Water was not intentionally added over the years as a water control structure 42

did not exist. However, water levels gradually rose in the unit from precipitation and the vegetation response created ideal waterfowl and muskrat habitat. This unit was partially drained this year to re­ store emergent vegetation.

As an item of interest and definitely a future management problem, a small patch of Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was identified in this unit. Because this vegetation is an agressive species and tends to crowd out native aquatics valuable to waterfowl and other wildlife. The "patch" is planned to be completely removed in 1981 and monitored thereafter.

D. West Sister Island

West Sister Island is an 82 acre island nine miles offshore in Lake Erie, It is composed of glacial fill over a limestone shelf. The limestone Shelf protrudes along the edge of the island showing where large caves have been eroded by hydraulic action and in one case forming a crumbled rock beach. The soil contains a great amount of clay and loam. West Sister Island, in addition to being Ohio's first national wildlife refuge, is a wilderness area. Tall hackberry trees are the predominate vegetation, supporting an estimated 800 great blue heron nests. The density of nests make West Sister the largest rookery in the Great Lakes, In addition to the above species, it hosts a growing number of over 10, cattle egret nests, over 600 black-rcrowned night heron nests, and 400 great egret nests. In time this may prove interesting in terms of inter­ specific competition for nest sites. The island also supports a large nesting colony of ring-billed and herring gulls.