REVIEW AND APPROVALS

MORRIS WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Morris, Minnesota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1994 • INTRODUCTION

The Morris Wetland Management District (WMD), originally estab­ lished in 1964 as the Benson WMD, includes 240 Waterfowl Produc­ tion Areas (WPA's) totalling 48,588 acres in fee title ownership. The Morris office also administers approximately 19,000 wetland acres of Waterfowl Management Easement lands, 1,000 acres of FmHA Easements and 600 acres of Wildlife Habitat Protection Easements. The fee and easement areas are scattered throughout Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Yellow Medicine Counties. The headquarters is located four miles east of Morris, Minnesota, on the 861 acre Long Lake-Edwards WPA.

The topography of west-central Minnesota is extremely diversi­ fied, ranging from the granite outcrops of the Minnesota River bottoms to the rolling hills of Pope County. The flat agricul­ tural land of the Red River Valley of the north blends into the transition zone between the tall grass prairie and the eastern deciduous forest. Soils of the region are generally productive which contributed to the historically high concentrations of breeding waterfowl. With the advent of modern agriculture, over 60 percent of the original wetlands were drained and nearly 100 percent of the native grasslands were converted to cropland. As a part of the Minnesota Waterfowl and Wetlands Management Complex (MWWMC), the primary objective of this District is to acquire, develop and manage habitat for waterfowl production and maintenance. Waterfowl species that commonly breed in this area include blue-winged teal, mallard, pintail, wood duck, redhead, canvasback, and Canada geese. The District also contains good populations of ring-necked pheasant, gray partridge and white­ tailed deer. Another high priority objective is to provide habitat for native plants and animals, especially neotropical birds, and to provide for bio-diversity. Private land habitat improvement for waterfowl and other wildlife is an added emphasis during the 1990's. Waterfowl Production Areas are open to public hunting and a variety of other wildlife oriented uses. The WPA's receive their highest public use on opening days of waterfowl, pheasant, and deer hunting seasons. Of the 48,588 acres of fee title, 16,731 acres consist of marshes. Grasslands comprise 29,736 acres of the District. This category includes 7,968 acres of reseeded native grasses and 6,523 acres of unbroken native prairie. The balance of the existing grassland contains various cover types including brome, quack and alfalfa. Croplands account for an additional 696 acres and consist primarily of rest-rotation food plots for resident game. MORRIS WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 2

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title. 7 2. Easements. 9 3 . Other ...... 12 4. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements 13

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan ...... 14 2. Management Plan ...... · Nothing to Report 3. Public Participation .... . Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates . 14 5. Research and Investigations. . . 15 6. Other ...... Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel...... 27 2. Youth Programs ..... 27 3. Other Manpower Programs. 27 4. Volunteer Program .. 28 5. Funding ...... 29 6. Safety ...... 29 7. Technical Assistance 30 8. Other ...... Nothing to Report F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General. 33 2. Wetlands 33 3. Forests. 33 4. Croplands. 33 5. Grasslands 34 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing. 38 8. Haying . . 40 9. Fire Management. 40 10. Pest Control . 41 11. Water Rights . Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13. WPA/Easement Monitoring. 42 15. Private Lands .. . 44

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity 53 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 53 3. Waterfowl. 53 4. Marsh and Water Birds. 60 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species. 61 6. Raptors. 62 7. Other Migratory Birds. 63 8. Game Mammals 64 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife. 66 11. Fisheries. 67 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking. Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal. Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 67 16. Marking and Banding. Nothing to Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control 68 H. PUBLIC USE

1. General. 70 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students. 70 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers. Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 72 5. Interpretive Tour Routes . 72 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 73 7. Other Interpretive Programs. 73 8. Hunting. 74 9. Fishing. 76 10. Trapping 77 11. Wildlife Observation 77 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 77 13. Camping. Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking Nothing to Report 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement. . 78 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions. . .. Nothing to Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction. 79 2. Rehabilitation .. 79 3. Major Maintenance Nothing to Report 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 79 5. Communications Systems. 79 6. Computer Systems. 80 7. Energy Conservation 80 8. Other . Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs. Nothing to Report 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 81 4. Credits . . ... 81

K. FEEDBACK A. HIGHLIGHTS

- April and July precipitation maintains existing high water levels. (Section B)

Demand for Wildlife Habitat Protection Easements is high. (Section C.2)

- Artificial nesting structure study on cylinder use by waterfowl initiated. (Section D.S) - Chippewa River Stewardship Partnership established. (Section F.15) - Over $40,000 in contributed funds collected from partners. (Section F. 15)

Floating nesting structure data is encouraging. (Section G.3) - It was the year of the Snowy Owl. (Section G.3)

- Severe winter affects upland birds and game mammal populations. (Section G.8,10)

- Mr. Steve Fuecker scope dedication held. (Section J.3)

Dr. Roger Strand, a volunteer, is administrator of Morris WMD's successful nesting structure program. 94-1 3/14/94 BLA 2

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The long cool period that began in early 1992 continued through February of 1994. The December 21, 1993 through February 14, 1994 period was extremely cold with an average temperature of -3.0°. Snowfall for January and February totaled 28.9 inches, about double the normal snowfall.

With the arrival of March came moderate and mostly above normal temperatures which continued the rest of the year, breaking a 2-year cool spell. Below normal precipitation patterns in March, May and June and above normal precipitation from January, February and April gave us 11.68 inches of precipitation from January through June, almost identical to the 100-year mean of 11.67 inches. Total Corn Growing Degree Days for May and June were 920, far above the average of 769. A wetter than normal July was followed by a drier than normal August and both were cooler than normal.

September through November was a period of warm temperatures and low precipitation and one of the nicest autumns in recent history, ending with an 8.3 inch snowstorm on November 27 and 28. The first general killing frost did not occur until October 26. The year ended with very mild November and December temperatures. During 1994 temperatures were above normal for 8 of the 12 months in contrast to temperatures generally below normal in 1992 and 1993.

MONTHLY SUMMARIES Temperatures during January averaged -2.5°, 10.5° below the mean. This was tied for 9th coldest January and was the coldest since January 1982 (-5.7°). The high temperature for the month was 31° recorded on January 1. The low temperature for the month of -31° was recorded 9n January 16. Precipitation for January totaled 1.00 inch, 0.32 inch above the long-term mean. Snowfall ·for the month totaled 16.0 inches, over double the average of 7.8 inches. This was the most January snowfall since 22.2 inches recorded in 1982. February temperatures averaged 5. 1°, 7. 7° below the mean. The high temperature for the month was 43° recorded on February 17. The low temperature for the month of -33° was recorded on February 9, which was the lowest temperature recorded at Morris since -34° on January 20, 1985. The cold temperatures that started in late December con­ tinued until mid-February when they moderated. Precipitation for February totaled 0.71 inch, only 0.04 inch above the long-term mean. Snowfall for the month totaled 12.9 inches, about double the average of 6.9 inches. During March the average temperature was 29.5°, 2.8° above the mean. This was only the third month since March of 1992 with average monthly temperatures above normal. The high temperature for the month was 55° recorded on March 22 and the low temperature of 2° was recorded on March 9. Precipitation (rain + melted snow) for March totaled 0.78 inch, about one-third inch below the long-term average of 1.13 inches. Snowfall for March was only 2.4 inches, far below 3 the long-term mean of 8.0 inches. By the end of the month the only snow remaining was scattered drifts in ditches and windbreaks.

Temperatures during April averaged 43.9°, 0.3° above the mean. The high temperature for the month was 76° recorded on April 24 and the low temperature of 17° was recorded on April 5. Precipitation (rain + melted snow) for April totaled 5.57 inches, 3.31 inches above the 100-year mean. The daily precipitation of 2.12 inches recorded on April 25 broke the daily record for that date of 1.33 inches set in 1902. Snowfall for April was 9.5 inches, all of which was recorded on April 29, and was far above long-term April mean of 3.4 inches. This broke the daily record for April 29 of 3.0 inches set in 1990 and was the largest snowfall ever recorded at Morris so late in the spring. It was also the highest April snowfall total since 12.5 inches in 1970. The total snowfall for the 1993-94 winter season was 64.4 inches. The most recent winter with more snow was 1985-86 with 68.7 inches. The normal winter season snowfall totals 38.3 inches.

May temperatures averaged 60.2°, 4.1° above the mean. The high temperature for the month was 89° recorded on May 20 and the low temperature of 31° was recorded on May 5. Precipitation for May totaled 1.12 inches, 1.85 inches below the 100-year mean. This was the 12th driest May on record and the driest May since 1976 when only 0.39 inch of rainfall fell. Corn Growing Degree Days for May totaled 386, far above the average of 292.

Average temperatures during June were 67.9°, 2.1° above the mean. The high temperature for the month was 94° recorded on June 20, the highest temperature recorded at Morris since 94° on July 19, 1991. The low temperature for the month of 47° was recorded on June 8. This was the 4th consecutive month with temperatures above the average. The first half of the month was extremely dry. The precipitation total for June was 2.50 inches, 1.46 inches below the 100-year mean. This was the driest June since 0.49 inch recorded in 1988. Corn Growing Degree Days for June totaled 534, 12 percent above the average of 477.

Temperatures during July averaged 68.1°, 2.8° below the mean. The high temperature for the month was 85° recorded on July 1 and the low temperature of 47° was recorded on July 2. The precipitation total for July was 6.16 inches, 2.65 inches above the 100-year mean. Corn Growing Degree Days for July totaled 562, 9.5 percent below the average of 621. August temperatures averaged 66.2°, 2.5° below the mean. The high temperature for the month was 88° recorded on August 25 and the low temperature of 46° was recorded on both August 5 and 15. The pre­ cipitation total for August was 2.16 inches, 0.85 inch below the 100-year mean. The total precipitation for the growing season (April 1-August 31) was 17.51 inches, slightly above the long-term average of 15.71 inches for this period. Temperatures during this period averaged 61.3°, which was 0.3° above normal. Corn Growing Degree Days for August totaled 511, 9.5 percent below the average of 565. 4

A county road by Lake Oliver in Swift County was inundated with water following heavy rains. 94-2 8/25/94 BLA

Temperatures during September averaged 62.6°, 3.6° above the mean. This was the 13th warmest September on record at Morris and also the warmest since 63.3° recorded in 1978. The high temperature for the month was 88° recorded on September 15 and the low temperature of 37° was recorded on September 26. Light frost was observed on the morning of September 26. The precipitation total for September was 1.98 inches, 0.22 inch below the 100-year mean. Corn Growing Degree Days for September totaled 412, 19 percent above the average of 345. The total Corn Growing Degree Days for May-September were 2,404, 3.5 percent above the average of 2,300.

Temperatures during October averaged 49.3°, 2.1° above the mean. This was the warmest October at Morris since 51.5° recorded in 1973. The high temperature for the month was 69° recorded on 4 days; October 12, 13, 15, and 22. The low temperature was 24° recorded on October 31. Light frost was observed on the mornings of October 10, 20 and 25. The first general killing frost was on October 26 with 25°. The first occurrence of temperatures of 32° or colder was on October 25 with a temperature of 28°. The precipitation total for October was 3.13 inches, 1.74 inches above the 100-year mean. Warm temperatures continued through November averaging 34.6°, 4.9° above the mean. This was the warmest November at Morris since 35.0° recorded in 1987. The high temperature for the month was 56° recorded on November 1. The low temperature was 4° recorded on November 30. The precipitation total for November was 0.73 inch, 0.24 inch below the 100-year mean. Snowfall for November totaled 8.5 inches, almost double the mean of 4.7 inches. The first winter 5 storm of the season brought 8.3 inches of snow on November 27 and 28. This late November storm brought to an end one of the nicest falls in recent history with warm temperatures and low precipitation.

December temperatures averaged 19.4°, 4.2° above the long-term mean and the warmest December since 1987 (20.8°). The high temperature was 48° recorded on December 27 and the low was -10° on December 11. The month was very warm except for a 9-day period from December 6 through December 14. December was the 4th consecutive month with above normal temperatures. Precipitation for the month was only 0.41 inch, with the average being 0.68 inch. Snowfall for December totaled 5.8 inches, slightly below the average of 6.6 inches.

RECORDS OR NEAR RECORDS SET IN 1994

Period Observation Record January 16 Min. temp. (-31°) 3rd lowest temp. recorded January 18 Max. temp. (-20°) Tied daily low max. February 9 Min. temp. (-33°) 2nd lowest temp. recorded Dec.21,93-Feb.14,94 Ave. daily temp. ( -3. 0°) 3rd coldest for period 1993-94 winter Frost penetra. (17 in) Much less than normal April 25 Daily prec. (2.12 in) Record daily precip. April 29 Daily snowfall(9.50 in) Record daily snowfall May Total prec. (1.12 in) 12 driest May on record June 20 Max. temp. (94°) High since July 19, 1991 July 5 Daily prec. (4.05 in) Record daily precip. August 5 and 15 Min. temp. (46°) Tied daily minimum September Ave. daily temp. ( 62. 6°) Warmest Sept. since 1978 October Ave. daily temp. (49.3°) Warmest Oct. since 1973 November Ave. daily temp. (34.6°) Warmest Nov. since 1987 November 28 Daily snowfall (8.3 in) Record daily snowfall December Average temp. ( 19. 4°) Warmest Dec. since 1987

COMPARATIVE WEATHER DATA - 1994

Mean Tem12erature Total Preci]2. Snowfall Period 1994 1993 Aver. 1994 1993 Aver. 1994 1993 Aver. Jan. -2.5 7.4 8.0 1. 00 .89 .68 16.0 14.2 7.8 Feb. 5.1 10.7 12.8 .71 .36 .67 12.9 4.7 6.9 Mar. 29.5 23.9 26.7 .78 1. 68 1.13 2.4 6.0 8.0 April 43.9 43.0 43.6 5.57 1. 85 2.26 9.5 1.2 3.4 May 60.2 56.4 56.1 1.12 6.18 2.97 0 0 0.2 June 67.9 62.6 65.8 2.50 5.47 3.96 0 0 0 July 68.1 68.1 70.9 6.16 7.91 3.51 0 0 0 August 66.2 68.4 68.7 2.16 2.84 3.01 0 0 0 Sept. 62.6 53.2 59.0 1. 98 2.14 2.20 0 0 0.1 Oct. 49.3 43.9 47.2 3.13 1. 06 1. 74 0 0.2 0.7 Nov. 34.6 26.3 29.7 .73 1. 66 .97 8.5 13.1 4.7 Dec. 19.4 14.8 15.2 .41 .77 .68 5.8 10.3 6.6 Annual 42.2 40.0 42.0 26.25 32.81 23.78 55.1 49.7 38.4 6

SELECTED WEATHER VARIABLES

Variable

Growing season precip. 17.51 in. 24.25 in. 15.71 in. (April 1 - August 31)

Maximum temperature 94° 90° (June 15) (August 11)

Minimum temperature -33° -28° (Feb. 9) (Dec. 28)

Days with temp. <90°F 1 day 1 day 13 days

Days with temp. >0°F 51 days 50 days 47 days

Last spring frost 31° 30° 32° (May 5) (April 30) (May 11)

First fall frost 28° 31° 32° (Oct. 25) (Sept. 15) (Sept. 25)

Corn growing degree days 2367 2010 2246 (May 3 - Sept.26)

Many types of storms were produced in 1994 throughout our District. This soybean field was destroyed by hail. 94-3 8/2/94 BLA 7

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title

One new fee tract of four acres was added to the Morris Wetland Management District in 1994. This compares to 342.94 acres in 1993. The new tract purchased this year was a roundout to an existing waterfowl production area. The current fee acreage of 48,587.90 represents 65 percent of the Morris District's goal acres.

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREA ACREAGE - MORRIS WMD - 1994

Acquisition Acquisition Goal County Total 12/31/93 Total 12/31/94 Acres

Units Acres Units Acres Acres Big Stone 61 10,630.14 61 10,630.14 15,600 Lac qui Parle 16 3,368.85 16 3,372.85 6,600 Pope 63 13,402.58 63 13,402.58 21,000 Stevens 54 8,995.82 54 8,995.82 12,850 Swift 30 7,579.03 30 7,579.03 10,800 Traverse 12 3,963.63 12 3,963.63 6,720 Yellow Medicine __4 643.85 __4 643.85 1,260

Total 240 48,583.90 240 48,587.90 74,830

The total fee acres acquired in 1994 is the lowest figure pur­ chased in a year's period since the acquisition program began in the early 1960's. Willing seller numbers have decreased because land values have again stabilized. The continuing low annual revenue sharing payments make it difficult to obtain county certification and thereby discourages the Wetland Manager from being aggressive in going after fee areas. More emphasis on wetland and wildlife habitat protection easements also reduced the time available for realtors to work on fee tracts. The fee program is slow and probably will remain that way.

The long term future of fee acquisition continues to be an unknown. The farm economy, revenue sharing, Service staff time, acquisition funding, Land Exchange Board attitude, emphasis on easement work, and many other factors will influence the future. However, one thing is certain, sufficient wetland habitat still exists for the Morris District to reach its fee acquisition goals. The tax loss issue continues to be the Service's greatest hurdle to future acquisitions. A trust fund payment is made to the County government with each new fee purchase where revenue shar­ ing is short. The interest from the trust fund payment, when invested at the current one-year treasury bill rate, should make up the difference between the revenue sharing payments and the taxes that would be paid on land if it remained private property. 8

The payments will ·only be made in cases where the estimated revenue sharing payment for the land is less than the current taxes on the property. It is up to the counties to decide what to do with the payments. Previously purchased lands are not covered by this new plan. The County Commissioners appreciate this change in the Service's program but don't consider it the answer to the revenue sharing problem and all our "back taxes." A regional committee that includes Wetland Manager Radtke is working with conservation organizations and the Minnesota Association of Counties to try to solve the revenue sharing problem. The only answer appears to be via legislative action and the groups and Association are pursuing that avenue. Ser­ vice officials now seem to be more interested in the problem than in the past so hopefully more action can be generated. However, no solution seems imminent at the close of this reporting period.

A county by county analysis of current and future acquisition follows:

Big Stone County The Fish and Wildlife Service currently owns approximately 10,630 fee acres in Big Stone County, not including Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. This represents 68 percent of the 15,600 acre goal. No fee tracts were purchased in Big Stone County in 1994.

Land acquisition is not an easy task in Big Stone County at the present time. Tax loss seems to be a major issue with the County Commissioners and Zoning Commission. They are also uncomfortable with the fee acres purchased because of the loss of farmable land. However, the Service has always been successful in Big Stone County and the Commissioners are always "full of surprises." The only way to test their attitude is to take a tract before them and see what happens.

Wildlife habitat protection easements and wetland easements are being certified by the Zoning Commission and County Commissioners without a great deal of difficulty. It seems these officials accept easements as being a better option than fee acquisition and an answer to the revenue sharing problem. Six new easements were certified in 1994, including three of the new Habitat Protection (grassland) Easements. Lac qUi Parle County The only fee purchased in the Morris District in 1994 was the four acre Stratmoen tract which was a roundout to the Sumner WPA. The County Commissioners had no opposition to this small purchase. They would rather not see the Service continue to purchase land but we probably can push tracts through if the tax issue is solved. Our wetland easement program is active in this county as three easements were certified in 1994. The Com­ missioners had no problem in certifying our easements, including the first Habitat Protection Easement taken in this county.

Pope County No fee tracts were purchased in Pope County in 1994. Fee pur­ chases are not popular with the Board and it would be difficult to get certification. The death of Commissioner Ralph Ranum, our most supportive Commissioner, also hurts the conservation cause. 9

The Pope County Commissioners require us to go to the Township Boards for their opinion. The Commissioners use this method to slow our efforts and to reduce their responsibility. Our ease­ ment program is very active in Pope County and has received only minor opposition from the Commissioners. Eighteen easements were purchased in 1994.

Stevens County No fee or easement work was done in 1994 because of lack of landowner interest.

Swift County No fee tracts were purchased in 1994. Six easements were taken of which four were of the grassland type. Getting certification from the Swift County Zoning Commission and the Commissioners will always be a challenge but the Service has an excellent record of success. Revenue Sharing is the major obstacle of fee purchases in Swift County also.

Traverse County No fee or easement work was done in 1994. Traverse County Commissioners have always been very unpredictable and probably will stay that way when it comes to the Service's programs.

Yellow Medicine County No fee tracts were taken in 1994. One easement (Coover) was cer­ tified by the Commissioners without any problem.

2. Easements

Approximately 732 wetland acres were added by the 34 Wetland Easements and Wildlife Habitat Protection (grassland) Easements. The Grassland Easement is a new type added in 1993 and will be explained in detail later in this section.

EASEMENT PROGRAM STATUS - MORRIS WMD - 1994

Total Total Wetland Easement Goal County Easements Acres Acres Acres

Big Stone 177 6,177 22 I 341. OS 42,640 Lac qui Parle 23 813 2,541.06 23,540 Pope 203 7,837 29,864.82 44,180 Stevens 50 1,641 4,328.45 6,090 Swift 51 1,092 4,008.52 14,540 Traverse 30 1,041 3,486.96 8,440 Yellow Medicine __6 115 359.95 7,860

Total 1994 540 18,716 66,930.81 147,290

Total 1993 506 17,984 64,049.78 147,290

Total 1992 475 16,986 60,307.59 162,290

Total 1991 455 16,096 57,908.18 162,290

Total 1990 440 15,454 55,963.70 162,290 10

Wetland Easement Wetland easements consisted of 25 tracts out of a total of 34 easements taken in 1994. Under the terms of a wetland easement, the Service purchases the rights to burn, drain or fill wetlands from a willing seller. Easements of highest priority have been those which would preserve wetlands within two miles of a water­ fowl production area. However, wetlands located near Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's Wildlife Management Areas or other acceptable nesting cover can also be protected by easement. A large portion of the wetland easements currently being pur­ chased are on restored wetlands. This probably will be the trend as long as the private lands program remains active.

Wetland easements protect excellent migration habitat on private lands. 94-4 4/1/94 BLA

The future of the easement program continues to be directly related to funds and manpower available to our Division of Realty. The number of easements purchased increased again in 1994 as Realty personnel contacted the landowners who permitted wetland restoration on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands or other private tracts. If manpower was available for addi­ tional "door knocking," many other easements could be taken. Numerous wetlands are still available that need protection. Hopefully this program will continue until goal acres are acquired or there are no unprotected basins remaining in western Minnesota. The county board of commissioners must review all easement pro­ posals for certification as with fee tracts. Easement certifica­ tion has usually been routine in the past. However, opposition is increasing and problems occurred in 1994. The major objection is placing easements on restored wetlands that were previously 11 considered cropland. Many Commissioners view that as a loss of productive agricultural land and are concerned that the conver­ sion to marsh will reduce the tax revenue. All of the objections were handled at the field and none were elevated to the Land Exchange Board level.

Grassland Easements The Fish and Wildlife Service introduced the new Grassland Ease­ ment in 1993. This easement is primarily aimed at preserving native tallgrass prairie. However, it can be used for other upland sites to enhance production habitat.

Four types of the easement are available with some grazing and/or haying options; otherwise the easement is very restrictive and allows virtually no uses except walking, hunting and trapping. The landowner is required to pay taxes and control the noxious weeds. The easement is perpetual with a one-time payment to the landowner.

EASEMENTS FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION - 1994

County Easements HO GO HG NHG Acres Big Stone 3 3 215.00 Lac qui Parle 1 1 26.00 Pope 1 1 31.50 Stevens 0 0.00 Swift 4 1 3 327.94 Traverse 0 0.00 Yellow Medicine _Q 0.00

1994 Totals 9 1 0 0 8 600.44 HO - Allow haying only GO Allow grazing only HG - Allow haying and grazing NHG - No haying or grazing allowed

Approximately 80 private tracts were field checked by Morris WMD personnel in late 1993 and 1994. Forty of these tracts were referred to realty for landowner contacts. Several offers are stilt pending but nine owners had agreed to easements and the transactions had been completed at the end of 1994.

The new grassland easements must have County Commissioner approval and Land Exchange Board certification in the same manner as the Wetland Easement. The Grassland Easement also counts against the goal acreage set for each Minnesota county. The preservation of native prairie is the primary objective of the grassland easement work in the Morris District. Less than one percent of the original 18 million acres of native prairie in Minnesota remains unbroken. Some of the tracts accepted are being enhanced or "squared up" by seeding local species of native grasses and forbs on cropland adjacent to the original prairie tracts. The Service is providing the seed and doing the seeding in these cases. :12

The new Habitat Protection Easement was primarily used on high quality native grass tracts. 94-5 5/24/94 BLA

A volunteer from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and a job training worker completed a 11 photo-drive-by 11 review of virtually all native prairie tracts in the District during the summer. This verified the prairie that remains and gave some clue to current condition. This information, along with native prairie maps completed by the Minnesota DNR, are being used to identify key tracts. Our intent is to contact some of the landowners concerning the merits of our easement program and pursue an agreement.

Easement agreements were taken in four counties in :1994 with the first tract in Minnesota being the Alvin Hanson prairie located near Lake Oliver in Swift County. There was no major opposition from the neighbors or County Commissioners on the tracts that were processed in :1994. Some opposition is anticipated as the number of easement proposals increases but, since the government will not have fee ownership, it may help the Service's effort to protect this unique habitat type.

3. Other The Blue Mounds WPA-Glacial Lake State Park trade with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is finally being processed. An access to Artichoke Lake that is part of the Artichoke WPA, Big Stone County, is also being transferred as part of this agreement. The 11 park 11 trade has proceeded slowly, having been initiated in :1986. The trade will allow the Service to divest of land that is causing illegal park access problems. 13

The Artichoke segment of the trade will give the Minnesota DNR control of an access to a public fishing lake. The State will then be able to expend funding to update the current access which is in poor condition. In exchange for these tracts, the Service will receive some island acreage within the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

4. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements

Wetland Manager Radtke evaluated four Farmers Home Administra­ tion (FmHA) tracts and submitted four deed restrictions in 1994. All four tracts were still pending at the end of this reporting period. Several tracts from previous years have now been pro­ cessed and a total of 16 easement tracts are under permanent protection.

FmHA ACCOMPLISHMENTS - MORRIS WMD - 1994 Service Service Wetland Total Total Farms Deed Plugs Easements Esmt. County Reviewed Restrictions Completed In Place Acre

Big Stone 0 0 0 1 4.82 Lac qui Parle 1 1 0 1 30.13 Pope 1 1 0 4 208.33 Stevens 0 0 0 1 73.55 Swift 1 1 2 8 459.06 Traverse 0 0 0 0 0.00 Yellow Medicine _l _l _

1994 Total 4 4 2 16 1050.77

1993 Total 5 5 2 10 825.33

1992 Total 8 5 0 0 0

1991 Total 3 3 0 0 0

Only minimum management of FmHA tracts is currently conducted because of our funding shortage. Old cropland is usually seeded back to wildlife cover under an agreement with the new land­ owner. Wetland restoration has been done force account or under contract if funds are available. Most posting has been com­ pleted and is being kept current. 14

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan

Field inspections of property acquisitions are conducted following each new purchase. Current habitat conditions and physical features are documented along with all pertinent information. Next this and all supporting historical, topo­ graphical, biological, and geographical data is assembled and put on a resource inventory and planning card. Development needs with respect to habitat improvements, public use facilit­ ies, posting and repairs are also identified and summarized in a Land Use Development Plan for each tract. Plans are updated as changes occur.

Work continues on the backlog of updating and writing manage­ ment and development plans for WPA's. Field checks were con­ ducted, updates made, and plans submitted for review.

4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates

An Environmental Assessment(EA) for "Maintaining Existing Management of Upland Habitat Through the Use of Haying, Graz­ ing, and Farming" was prepared as required by Section 102(2) (c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to evaluate existing management practices. It found existing management improves wildlife habitat diversity, increases public recrea­ tional and hunting opportunities, has effective weed control program, improves water quality and Service image. The detri­ mental effects of soil erosion, disturbance and usage of herbicides have temporary effects which will be offset by the long-term reduction in these effects. As no significant environmental effects were determined in the EA, no Environ­ mental Impact Statement will be prepared.

An Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determination for Issuance of a Right-of-Way Permit to Big Stone County Highway Department to complete a grading project along County State Aid Highway No. 6 along Wagner WPA, Dismal WPA, Malta WPA, and Big Stone WPA in Malta Township, Big Stone County, Minnesota, was prepared. Although the plan to widen existing roadway, flatten the inslopes, and improve site distance could cause temporary disturbance to wildlife and habitat during construction, no significant environmental effects would result and no Environ­ mental Impact Statement will be prepared.

Compatibility Determination documentation were written for existing management activities, recreational and hunting opportunities, Right-of-Way, Special Use Permits, easement program, water management plans, and development projects for the Morris Wetlands Management District. 15

A draft report entitled "Archaeological Inve'stigation of Development and Habitat Restoration on Fergus Falls and Morris Wetland Districts and on Private Land in Minnesota" prepared by archaeologist David L. Peterson, from Tellus Consultants, Inc., was received. Archaeological investigations were conducted as part of compliance requirements by the National Preservation Act of 1966 for plans to construct an interpretive trail and parking lot at the headquarters and to restore wetlands on private lands (Fredrickson/Wehrer property in Pope County constructing three dikes and three borrow areas and the Klicker property in Traverse County to construct one dike and one borrow area) . Survey results conducted between August 22-25, 1994, found no archaeological resources.

5. Research and Investigations

Morris WMD NR94 - "Predator/Furbearer Scent Post Survey" The Scent Post Survey in Minnesota (18th annual) is an inter­ agency cooperation between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-Section of Wildlife, St. Croix State Park, Superior and Chippewa National Forests, all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges and Wetland Districts, Fond du Lac and White Earth Indian Reservations, Beltrami and Cass County Land Departments, Brainerd Technical Institute, the Itasca Biological Station and Crookston Campuses of the Univer­ sity of Minnesota, and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. The routes show the distribution and annual visitation indices for furbearers, dogs, and cats in the state. Routes are generally run in a three week interval between late August and early October. Scent stations spaced 0.43 km apart along a route are baited with a biodegradable plaster-of-paris patty acid scent (Fas) disc and left overnight. Each scent station is checked and all tracks identified and documented. Data is used primarily to develop a population index.

The Morris Wetland Management District participation commenced on September 1. However, rain washed out some routes. Routes were again run on September 22 and completed September 28, 1994. Fifteen routes of ten scent stations located in four counties were run: Stevens County-7 routes, Pope County-4 routes, and 2 routes each in Big Stone and Swift Counties. Survey results from Morris are shown in Table 1.

Of the 150 stations, 146 scent stations were operational during the collection period. 16

Table 1 - Comparison of Scent Station Survey Data Morris Wetland Management District 1991-1994

Species 1994 1993 1992 1991 Coyote 1 1 0 0 Red Fox 38 24 37 19 Raccoon 36 40 28 14 Skunk 6 8 4 17 Dog 11 8 8 10 Cat 4 8 6 18 Mink 2 1 0 0 Badger 1 0 0 0 Weasel 2 0 0 0 Small Mammals 24 24 0 0 Deer 7 10 10 7 Birds 9 9 9 6

Red fox and raccoon visitations were high at Morris.

Morris WMD NR94 "Use and Nest Success in Conservation Reserve Program Lands In The Northeast Great Plains" The study was initiated in 1991 by biologists from Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota, to assess the value of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for avian diversity in North Dakota and Minnesota. Avian diversity may be enhanced by the conversion of cropland to perennial cover on CRP fields. The objectives were to estimate bird density and nest success in CRP fields, cropland, and established grassland on WPA's. The WPA's provided a basis for comparison with CRP fields, indicating whether CRP fields serve an ecological func­ tion similar to the function of established grasslands with respect to attractiveness of a safe nesting cover. Understand­ ing CRP functions compared to established grassland may hold important elements for determining the cause of recent popula­ tion declines in grassland migratory neotropicals. This was the final year of this study.

In Minnesota, all grassland plots of approximately 10-15 hec­ tares. were in plots of CRP land located in Stevens County. A field crew conducted two nest searches on each plot using hand­ drawn rope drags. Various measurements were taken at each nest. The fate of each nest was determined by visits at two to four day intervals. The breeding population of birds (except water­ fowl) was estimated at each field using a series of strip transects 100 meters wide. Robel readings were taken on six randomly selected transects in each field. Figure 1 shows the 1994 apparent rate of nest-success percent­ ages of species found. e e· e e FIGURE 1. NESTS FOUND AND PERCENT SUCCESSFUL STEVENS COUNTY - 1994 20

15 ~ V) ~ 10 LL. 0 aJffi 5 ::E: =:l :z: 0-'-'--- CCSP GRSP DICK RWBL COVE SAVS VESP BOBO DUCK [] Successful Nests Total Nests Found

COYE = common yellow throa~t VESP = vesper sparrow CCSP = clay-colored sparrow DICK dickcissel = ..... SAVS = Savannah sparrow BOBO = bobolink -..1 GRSP = grasshopper sparrow RWBL = red-winged blackbird 18

Morris WMD NR94 - "Prairie Pothole Pesticide Use" This study was conducted by personnel of the Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office. The objective was to deter­ mine whether pesticides commonly employed in the production of major agricultural crops in the Prairie Pothole Region of Minnesota may be entering wetlands.

Two controls and five co-owned treatment waterfowl production area (WPA) wetlands were used in the District:

1. Froland WPA Pope County control 2. Larson WPA Pope County control 3. Chokio WPA Stevens County co-owned 4. Rosby Lake WPA Pope County co-owned 5 . Gorder WPA Pope County co-owned 6. Froland WPA Pope County co-owned 7. Kolstad WPA Pope County co-owned

Final results from the two year study show co-owned wetlands on WPA's acquire runoff from adjacent croplands containing higher concentrations of herbicides than isolated wetlands (on WPAs) . Triazine and alachlor concentrations along with atrazine, cyanzine (Bladex), bentazon (Basagran) and Imazethapyr (Pursuit) were detected. Herbicides enter from direct runoff, aerial drift, and/or precipitation. Wetlands may contain mul­ tiple herbicides, thus becoming chemical "soups" where the vari­ ous ingredients may alter the persistence of compounds and become toxic, potentially impacting water quality and thus the flora and fauna that occur and utilize the wetland.

Morris WMD NR94 - "Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on Duck Nest Success in the Northern Great Plains" This study project was initiated by Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota, to assess the nest success of ground-nesting ducks and the make-up of mammalian predator communities in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields in six, 16-square-mile study areas within the Morris District. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service HAPET Office (Region 6), Bismarck, North Dakota, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are the cooperating agencies. The study areas are centered on 4-square mile waterfowl plots on private land. Objectives for the study are to: {1) estimate and compare nest success of ducks in CRP habitat in various size patches; (2) relate success of nests to distance from various kinds of edges or predator travel lanes; (3) relate success of nests within a CRP field to occurrence of predator species known to prey on ducks and composition of predator community in the field; and (4) relate nest success within a CRP field to age of cover.

Fields within six, 16-square mile plots were delineated and classified by percent habitat (grassland, cropland, wetland, woodland and shrub, and roads). A vehicle tow drag was used in three nest searches made between early May and mid-July. Predators were live trapped or track surveyed. 19

The crew from Minnesota DNR found 112 ducks nests while search­ ing 1,557 acres in Pope and Stevens Counties. Blue-winged teai {68 percent) and mallard {27 percent) made up the majority of nests while five gadwall and one northern shoveler were also found. Estimates of nest success averaged 15.7 percent {95 percent confidence interval-6.2 to 38.4 percent) for mallard with blue-winged teal's 16.9 percent {95 confidence interval - 9.9 to 28.4 percent). Three of the five gadwall nests hatched and the northern shoveler was depredated. Gadwall and shoveler nest numbers were too small to estimate their success rates. Results from live trapping are presented on Table 2, and percent of tracks observed during track survey on Table 3. Parts of this study were conducted in North Dakota {Tewaukon District) and South Dakota {Waubay District) . This study will address the relationship between patch and nest success for upland nesting ducks. Field testing is anticipated through 1995 and a manuscript written in 1996.

TABLE 2 - Results of Live Trapping for Franklin's Ground Squirrels and Striped Skunks on Study Areas in Minnesota 1994

Franklin's Ground Squirrel Striped Skunk

Study Number Number Area Captures Rate CaJ2tures Rate 259 0 0.0 7 0.110 271 27 0.39 4 0.060 273 38 0.63 2 0.030 277 0 0.0 11 0.260 278 1 0.020 8 0.120 291 15 0.280 8 0.150

TABLE 3 - Results of Surveys for Tracks of Mammalian Predators on Study Areas in Minnesota 1994

Percent of Survey Plots With Tracks

Study Area Badger Raccoon Skunk Mink Fox Coyote 259 <1 14 1 1 4 3 271 3 5 5 0 9 0 273 2 8 2 1 11 1 277 1 29 14 2 19 0 278 5 20 6 3 28 0 291 1 10 3 0 8 10 20

Morris WMD NR94 - "Assessment of Potential Effects of Walleye Fingerling Production on the Ecology of Wetland Ponds in Minnesota" A study to evaluate the effects of walleye fingerling production on the zooplankton, macro invertebrates, and plant communities of ponds and wetlands in the Morris District was initiated in 1993. This project is being conducted by the Minnesota Depart­ ment of Natural Resources.

Field work began in May at Stammer and Hagstrom WPA's in Pope County with monthly collection of water quality, level, and transparency, macroinvertebrates and zooplankton samples. Aquatic macrophytes were sampled in late June and early September. Fish were sampled in early May using a 0.64cm mesh trap nets while samples taken in June and August were sampled with 39x20 em minnow traps. Results of the catch rates from the fish sampling are shown on Figure 2. Aquatic marcophytes found at three of the six sampling sites at Stammer WPA include: Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian water milfoil), Potamogeton pectinatus (sago pondweed), Utricularia sp., Chara sp., and Cladophora sp .. only at three of the six sampling sites. More plants were observed in late summer but densities remained low. Aquatic macrophyte densities at Hagstrom WPA were high. Species found were Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian water milfoil), Potamogeton pectinatus (sago pondweed), and Utricularia sp.

Walleye fingerlings will be introduced during 1996 and the wetland community monitored in the years following. Results will be reported and disseminated.

Catch rates of fishes from Stammer and Hagstrom Ponds.

500.------,

400 .c -CD ~ 300 t::"'.... .aCD 200 ------·- . ------E z::I 100 -· ----

Stickleback Fathead Stickleback Fathead Stammer Hagstrom 21.

Morris WMD NR94 - "Native Prairie Inventory" This Vision funded research project was conducted by the Morris Wetlands Management District to gather baseline data on where native prairie tracts remain in the seven counties within the District. County records were searched and unfarmed areas mapped. Poten­ tial tracts were checked by vehicle drive-by searches on a township by township process. Those nonfarmed areas that were wetlands or broken ground areas were eliminated on aerial photographs by marking the area with an "X." Non-farmed areas appearing non-broken were identified on aerial photographs. These areas will need further walk-on assessment by a qualified individual. The study began on May 3, 1994. Stevens, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Traverse and Swift Counties were completed. In Yellow Medicine County all townships except Minnesota Falls, Northern Minnesota Falls and Sioux Agency were finished. Only Walden and Hoff townships of Pope County were looked at. Continuation of this project is pending further funding.

The objective of the Prairie Inventory. 94-6 9/6/94 BLA

Morris WMD NR94 "Bti-Chironomid Field Dose-Response Study" An evaluation of the effects of the microbial pest control Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) on chironomids popu­ lations is planned. Five wetlands in Minnesota, of which four were located on Larson WPA (Pope County) were studied as poten­ tial site for Bti dose/response study on chironomid composition, life cycle and production. This study is being conducted by 22 the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) , Minneapolis­ St. Paul, Minnesota, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Water Quality and Freshwater Ecology Program of the University of Kansas Biological Survey.

Three dip-netting samples (DNS), and 100 artificial disc samplers (ADS) were placed on ponds June 7, 1994 and checked at two week intervals until August 2, 1994. All chironomids were identified and slide mounted. Larval densities were estimated for each zone and depth on each wetland. Standing crop densities of larvae by wetland, depth, and zone were obtained. A total of 3,873 larvae of 27 taxa of Chironomidae were identified. Total species richness by wetland is given on Table 4, along with the number of taxa detected by sampling method. Table 5 lists the estimated total standing crop den­ sities of chironomids and the 95 percent Confidence Interval of the estimate for the four wetlands of the District.

The study found wetland XIN on Larson WPA the most appropriate site for a dose-response study because it contained the highest standing crop densities, was the most productive, had the largest area of emergent vegetation, was the most accessible even during wet weather, and would cause the least amount of disruption to the WPA. The RON wetland was selected as the first alternative wetland, and the BAR wetland as the second. It was recommended that the study include ADS, core, and emergence sampling as part of the study protocol, and also to study the larvae found in the floating mats and bottom sediments.

Table 4 - Number of Taxa Collected by Wetland and Sampling Method

Total Species Dip-Net Artificial Disc Wetland Richness Sample Samples XIN 20 19 15 RON 24 22 12 BAR 19 17 12 DAV 17 13 11

Table 5 - Standing Crop Densities and 95 Percent Confidence Intervals for Total Chironomid Larvae by Wetland

95 Percent Wetland Density Confidence Interval XIN 1506 548-2886 RON 425 54-1010 BAR 606 258-1069 DAV 209 -7.8- 548

Unit is larvae per square meter 23

Morris WMD NR94 - "Comparison of Two Nesting Structures For Mallards In Pothole Habitat of Minnesota and Manitoba"

A two-year graduate research study sponsored by Fish and Wild­ life Service, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and Louisiana State University-School of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries to evaluate nesting structures was initiated. Terry Kowalchuk, a graduate student from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, will complete the study to attain his Master's Degree. Objectives of the study are to: {1) determine usage rates between a hen house nesting structure constructed of fiber­ glass and one constructed from flax straw and wire; {2) determine nesting success between the two types of nests; {3) determine relationship between usage rates of structures and the localized upland and wetland landscape features; and {4) determine if nesting success and usage rates can be duplicated. Each of the nesting structures were mounted on a pole and placed in wetlands in pairs to see which structure mallard ducks preferred. The study began in April and continued until July. Table 6 shows preliminary results from the first year data. Occupancy rates were lower than what has occurred in other studies. An obvious preference for the more natural appearing flax-rolled structure was observed. This type also had the highest nesting success. A final report will be completed after the second field season in 1995.

Table 6 - Hen House Structure Study Results of 1994 Nesting Season

Number Structure Structures Number Number Location Type Available Occupied Successful

Manitoba Fiberglass 97 10 {10.3%) 10 {100%) Flax-rolled 97 25 {25. 8%) 22 { 88%)

Minnesota Fiberglass 48 7 {14.6%) 7 {100%) Flax-rolled 48 16 {33.3%) 11 {68.8%) 24

This traditional style hen house structure ...... 94-7 7/94 LEL

... will be compared with this low maintenance fiberglass version built to Delta's study specifications. 94-8 3 / 17/94 BLA 25

E. ADMINISTRATION

13 14 6 8 4 5 9 2 3 10 7 1

1. Alfred L. Radtke, Wetland Manager, GM-13, PFT. 2. Gaylord J. Bober, Refuge Operations Specialist, GS-12, PFT. 3. Bernard L. Angus, Soil Conservationist, GS-11, PFT. 4. Larry E. Lewis, Wildlife Biologist, GS-12, PFT. 5. Darrell D. Haugen, Wildlife Biologist, GS-11, PFT. 6. Chad G. Raitz, Refuge Operations Specialist, GS-9 PFT. 7. Donna M. Rieckmann, Biological Technician, GS-7, PFT. 8. Michael E. Ellis, Biological Technician, GS-6, PFT. 9. Maureen A. Gallagher, Wildlife Biologist, GS-7, PFT. 10. Karen M. Stettner, Administrative Technician, GS-6, PFT. 11. Patrick J. Molitor, Forestry Technician, GS-5, PFT, seasonal. 12. Stephen A. Revering, Forestry Technician, GS-5, PFT, seasonal. 13. Rodney G. Ahrndt, Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-8, PFT. 14. Victor H. Gades, Maintenance Worker, WG-7, PFT. 26

Forestry Technicians Stephen Revering and Patrick Molitor

TEMPORARY PERSONNEL

Kristofer Beuckens, Biological Tech., TFT, 4/17/94-10/14/94 27

OTHER

1. Gerald Gau, Green Thumb 4/16/90 - 9/30/94 2. Earl Steuck, Green Thumb 10/17/94 - Present 3. Katina Rode, Minnesota CEP 5/03/94 - 7/07/94

1. Personnel

MORRIS WMD STAFF SIZE, FYSS-94

Permanent Full Full Time Permanent Temporary Other Time Seasonal Part Time GS & WG Programs*

FY94 12 2 0 1 3 FY93 12 2 0 2 2 FY92 11 2 0 3 6 FY91 10 1 1 6 6 FY90 10 1 1 3 7 FY89 10 1 1 6 4 FY88 9 1 0 9 5 *YCC, CETA, Work Study, Green Thumb, etc.

There was only one change to the permanent staff this year. Forestry Technician Stephen Revering accepted a transfer to Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge in December. For the first time in over 20 years, the District was only able to employ one Temporary Biological Technician; Kristofer Beuckens worked from April 17 through October 14.

2. Youth Programs

This year the YCC program was not funded for this station.

3. Other Manpower Programs

Green Thumb Mr. Gerald Gau had worked at this District from April 16, 1990 under the Green Thumb program. This year all individuals under this program who had been at the same work site for two years were required to change work sites. September 30,· 1994, was Gerald's last day of work at this station.

On October 17, 1994, Mr. Earl Steuck was assigned to this office as his work site under the Green Thumb program. The Green Thumb employees have performed maintenance work in the headquarters area for the past several years. They work between 20 and 30 hours a week, depending on the Green Thumb budget and number of enrollees. 28

Minnesota Youth Employment Program The Morris WMD served as the work site for Ms. Katina Rode under Title IIB of the Job Training Partnership Act for a total of 240 hours. Ms. Rode assisted in the office and worked on mapping native prairie areas in the District.

4. Volunteer Program There was a tremendous increase in volunteer efforts in Morris in 1994. Several of our programs have become dependent on volunteer labor and when the word went out that we needed help, our community pitched in. Morris WMD has seen great success in the last few years with its artificial nesting structure program, but this success has required more time than our staff could spare, leaving the fate of the program in a precarious state. Dr. Roger Strand came to the rescue by volunteering 150 hours to coordinate the purchase and distribution of 361 floating cedar rafts, while 16 members of the TKE Fraternity from the University of Minnesota, Morris, volunteered 102 hours to rehabilitate used floating structures and construct an additional 60 hen houses to be used in a Delta Waterfowl Study.

TKE Fraternity was selected as Morris WMD's 1994 Volunteers of the Year and honored at our Awards ceremony. 94-9 4/19/94 BLA

A native prairie inventory was also started in the District with the help of Judy Schreifels who volunteered 240 hours while working on an undergraduate internship. Tina Rode also worked an additional 90 hours on the project. 29

Increasing demand and complexity of projects has also left the private lands program in need of a little help. The Swan Lake 4-H club donated 40 hours to prepare a mailing of wetland restoration flyers to promote the program. Jerry Matison contributed five hours in contacting landowners for our Diamond Lake project.

Our entire staff is thankful for the assistance we received and hope that the efforts and partnerships will continue to grow.

5. Funding

The station's total funding for the past six years is shown in the following table.

MORRIS WMD FUNDING LEVELS - FY89-FY94 {Dollars in Thousands) Total FY 1260 9120 3110 YCC 1221 1230 1120 Budget 94 596.2* 33.4 5.0 -0- -0- 15.3 120.0 769.9 93 528.4 28.2 5.6 -0- -0- 116.0 25.5 703.7 92 592.3** 37.9 5.6 6.3 5.0 125.0 11.0 783.1 91 482.0 56.1 15.0 6.3 3.0 202.0 15.0 779.4 90 431.7 23.3 5.0 5.1 82.0 27.0 574.1 89 430.6 -0- 5.0 5.1 52.9 493.6 *Includes $220.8 of MMS and other project specific funds **Includes $176.1 of MMS and other project specific funds This year 37 percent {$220,800) of the 1260 funds were for specific projects such as Watchable Wildlife, Volunteer Pro­ gram, Vision Projects, Challenge Grants, and MMS. Thus, there was $375,400 of actual funds to pay fixed costs and salaries.

6. Safety

There were two accident reports filed during the past year. The first was for a right wrist flexor injury sustained by one of the station's Forestry Technicians during a training session. The second was for a small particle in the eye which occurred during native grass seed harvest. The entire staff has been tested for lyme disease. Temporaries and Work Study personnel were tested the first and last day of work. Permanent personnel were tested once in late fall.

Following is a list of topics of our monthly meetings: Winter Defense Driving Seat Belts Tornado Watches & Warnings ATV Safety Burn Treatment Heat Stress Natural Gas & Energy Safety Attitude Awareness Stairway & Ladders Power & Hand Tools Hunter Safety It's The Little Things That Get You What To Do In Case of Fire, Tornado, and Earth Quake 30

The station Safety Committee, consisting of three staff mem­ bers, rotates every three months and remains the most viable part of our safety program. This committee is responsible for planning and presenting our monthly safety meetings and con­ ducting inspections and accident investigations for the station.

The station now stands at 471 days without a lost-time accident.

7. Technical Assistance Throughout the year technical assistance was provided to local agencies and individuals on the following variety of topics: Participated in county Conservation Review Group meetings. (Staff) Provided assistance with Waterbank Proposal Review and Ranking. (Rieckmann) Provided assistance with developing a management plan for Scandia Woods Environmental Learning Lab. (Angus) Assisted teachers at Scandia Woods Environmental Learning Lab (SWELL) with planting native wildflowers. Second graders each planted a flower. (Angus)

Morris Elementary school second graders planting native prairie flowers at their outdoor classroom, SWELL. Plants were grown from seed by Morris WMD personnel. 94-10 6/1/94 BLA Provided assistance in planning next year's programs for the Natural History Series at Morris. (Angus, Rieckmann) Judged Morris Area School's Science Fair projects. (Staff) Participated in county Re-Invest In Minnesota (RIM) and Permanent Wetland Preserve (PWP) Screening meetings. (Haugen, Rieckmann, Raitz, Gallagher) 31

Met with Mary Kroll, Minnesota Extension Environmental Education Coordinator, to help develop a pilot "Tree Top" program. This is a program on forest awareness for elementary age kids. (Angus) Met with an area Boy Scout and his parents and provided assistance on making a bluebird trail as a project. (Rieckmann) Assisted NRCS with Wetland Determination Appeals. A total of 52 landowners and 101 sites were visited. (Raitz, Lewis) Assisted NRCS with Minimal Effect, Mitigation and Restoration Agreements. Thirty-six requests were visited and recommendations sent. (Lewis, Raitz) Assisted NRCS at the area level on wetland determination appeals. (Raitz) Attended county Comprehensive Water Committee Meetings. (Radtke, Lewis, Raitz) Assisted Minnesota DNR in conducting Scent Post Surveys. (Ellis, Raitz, Rieckmann, Revering, Beuckens) Met with Terry Dennison, Manager of the Upper Sioux Agency State Park, on a wetland restoration and water management project at the State Park. The structure was installed and is functioning. (Haugen) Provided assistance to the Upper Sioux Agency State Park on native wildflower planting. (Angus, Haugen) Evaluated and gave recommendations to Granite Falls High School on developing a native prairie area as an environmental education site. (Radtke, Angus, Haugen) Provided assistance to area SWCD personnel on selecting and delineating wetlands for a tour group made up of water resource administrators from around the state for the MN Wetlands Conservation Act. (Lewis, Raitz) Provided assistance to county highway engineers on road improvement projects within the District. (Bober, Raitz) Provided assistance to both county and state highway engineers on water/road problems. (Bober, Lewis, Raitz) Met with Hancock city officials to discuss the outlet to city sewage system. (Bober) Attended a public hearing on zoning permits for hog operations. (Bober) Assisted Kulm WMD with cleaning up botulism ducks at Ashly, ND. (Rieckmann, Ellis, Beuckens) ~ttended and provided ideas to the West Central Environ­ mental Education Resource Committee meeting. (Raitz, Lewis, Rieckmann) Attended Perkins Lake Association Meetings hosted by the Minnesota DNR. (Bober) Attended the Grove Lake Advisory Board Meeting for best management practices around Grove Lake to develop clean water. (Haugen, Radtke) Met with several county planning committees about high water problems. (Bober, Radtke, Lewis, Raitz) Conducted a Breeding Bird Survey Route for the National Biological Survey. (Rieckmann) Served as the Pope County Coordinator for International Migratory Bird Day. (Rieckmann) Served on Chippewa River Stewardship Partnership Committee. The focus of the group is to target wetland restorations. (Radtke, Haugen) 32

The Morris WMD and Stevens County Pheasants Forever are working with the Minnesota State Highway Department to increase the amount of wildflower seed to be planted along State Highway 59 around Morris in 1996. An initial organization meeting was held on August 24th. The project was explained to 32 people. Volunteers were solicited to aid in collecting wildflower seed. The Morris WMD organized seed gathering outings on September 8 and 17, October 11 and 13. Target species for these outings were purple prairie clover, golden alexander, pale purple coneflower and goldenrods. More collections will be done in 1995. (Angus)

Prairie flower seeds being collected for Minnesota Department of Transportation. Seeds will be planted in 1996 along State Highway 59 around Morris. 94-11 10/11/94 BLA Met with Andres Jergenson, writer for "The Land" magazine, to discuss a feature article on controlled grazing on WPA's. (Angus) Served on the Regional Revenue Sharing Committee. (Radtke) Met with Evelyn Lindstrom and Larry Hutchings from the Stevens County Museum and gave recommendations on wild­ flowers to use at the museum in their landscaping. (Angus) Provided a tour of WPA's, grassland easements, and private lands projects to Jim Erkel from The Nature Conservancy. (Radtke) Served as a member of Union Slough NWR review team. (Radtke) Provided assistance to the planning committee for the National Academy of Science Annual Meeting to be held at the University of Minnesota, Morris, in April , 1995. (Angus) Attended Traverse Lake Clean-up Project meeting. (Haugen) Attended township meetings on easement approvals. (Staff) Provided a private lands tour to Russian farmers on best management practices. (Haugen) 33

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

Habitat types in the Morris Wetland Management District are summarized in the following table.

HABITAT SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994

Cover Type Acres Wetland 16,731 Cropland 696.5 Grassland 29,736.5 Timber 1,424

Total 48,588

Type IV marshes comprise 52 percent of the wetland acreage and type III's, 29 percent. These marshes, combined with numerous type I and II wetlands, offer a wide variety of waterfowl habitat. The upland:wetland ratio for our District is 1.9:1. Upland nesting cover is comprised of 7,968 acres of seeded natives, 6,523 acres of native prairie, 16,744 acres of introduced grass and/or legume seedings, most of which are at least 15 years old, and cropland on new fee purchase prop­ erty. Native grass seed fields consist of South Dakota 149 {Forestburg) switchgrass, North Dakota 444 Indiangrass {Tomahawk) , South Dakota 27 big bluestem {Bonilla) , and indigenous big blue, Indian, side oats grama, and little bluestem. These fields provide the bulk of seed needed for native grass plantings.

2. Wetlands Spring wetland conditions were very good. Type I's in crop fields were excellent until the early part of May and then disappeared rapidly. An April 29 snowstorm of 9.5 inches filled type I wetlands.

3. Forests The Morris WMD lays within what was once the "tall grass prairie." Thus, less than four percent of the fee acreage is covered by timber. Of the 1,424 acres of timber, the majority consists of older farm groves and shelterbelts.

4. Croplands In 1994, 696.5 acres of cropland were managed as resident wildlife food plots. These plots were located on waterfowl production areas identified by the Minnesota DNR as significant wintering areas for ring-necked pheasant and white-tailed deer. 34

All food plots were located near shelterbelts and/or cattail sloughs which provide escape and winter cover. Plots were located on soils not classified as highly erodible land which have minimal soil loss potential. Most of the food plots consisted of two, ten-acre fields where corn was planted in one field and a grass mixture was seeded in the other. These fields are then alternated every three to five years. This rotation has helped reduce disease and insect problems in corn and also provided nesting cover in the grassland field. Occasionally soybeans are planted one year instead of corn to break an insect or disease cycle. The cooperator is responsible for all field work, seed, fertilizer, and weed control.. The wildlife's {government's) share is left standing in the field in alternate strips. The alternate strips help disperse snow and reduce the chances of the entire plot being buried in snow. The cooperator is allowed to harvest any corn or soybeans remaining the following spring.

FOOD PLOT SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994

No. WPA' s Total Acres in Total Acres County With Plots Corn, Soybeans In Plots

Big Stone 10 117 213 Pope 4 48 73 Stevens 12 100.5 199.5 Swift 6 92 117 Traverse __.1. 52 94

Totals 36 409.5 696.5

The Stevens County Pheasants Forever chapter financed winter food plots and feeder cribs throughout the county, predominantly on private land. One plot was planted on Edwards WPA and one on Pomme de Terre River WPA, both in Stevens County. Big Stone Pheasants Forever sponsored one plot on Artichoke WPA, Big Stone County.

5. Grasslands Grasslands consist of native prairie, native grass and intro­ duced cool-season grass seedings, and legume plantings. Manage­ ment practices include fire, grazing, and haying. Some fields have not had any active management for 20 years but still pro­ vide good cover. New fee acquisition has provided the acreage for seeding each year. Occasionally new acquisition land is cash rented back to the original landowner. The purpose is to have soybeans planted, making a good seed bed for native grasses. Weed control on young seedings is very critical. A combination of herbicides {roundup, 2,4-D, banvel), burning, haying, and grazing are used to aid the establishment and maintenance of both native and cool-season grass seedings and legume plantings. For native grass establishment and maintenance, prescribed burning reduces competition from unwanted cool-season grasses 35

but may also stimulate broadleaf weeds. This may necessitate the subsequent application of 2,4-D.

TREATMENT OF SEEDINGS - MORRIS WMD - 1994 (in Acres)

2,4-D & County Banvel Mowing

Big Stone 294 106 Lac qui Parle 135 0 Pope 33 114 Stevens 335 129 Swift 62 56 Traverse 302 63 Yellow Medicine 134 __0

Total 1295 468

Clinton Ag Service was hired to ground spray 1# A.I. of 2,4-D on 34 acres in Big Stone County and 302 acres in Traverse County at a cost of $5.00 per acre, and 130 acres in Lac qui Parle County at $5.50 per acre. Charles Aerial Spray Service was contracted to aerial spray 29 acres in Pope County with 1# 2,4-D per acre at a cost of $4.50 per acre. The government furnished the herbicide for all contractors. Other herbicide spraying and all mowing was done in-house.

A 11 late bloomer. 11 Nodding Ladies' Tresses, Spiranthes cernua. 94-12 9/19/94 BLA 36 a. Reseeded Native Grasslands Since 1973 the Morris Wetland Management District has planted 7,968 acres of native grasses. A shift has been made to plant more local ecotypes and indigenous material. The Morris WMD supplied native grass seed and seeded the Jacobson Brothers Farmers Home Administration inventory property.

The Morris WMD harvested native grass seed from the following areas:

HARVESTED NATIVE GRASS SEED - MORRIS WMD - 1994 Species/ # Cleaned Harvest WPA Variety Seed Acres Date

Artichoke Lake Native Prairie 1264 25 9/19,20 Schultz Indian-Tomahawk 205* 5 9/22 Lamprecht Switch-Forestburg 343 3 9/23 Lamprecht Big Blue-Bonilla 1609 10 9/26,28

*Majority of seed had shattered due to wind prior to harvesting.

The Morris WMD also harvested seed for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Native prairie on a Wildlife Management Area was harvested on September 8, 9, and 16 and 1,098 pounds of cleaned seed was obtained from 15 acres.

Indigenous native grass seed was also obtained from Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. A total of 1,609 pounds of seed was the end product after cleaning.

WARM-SEASON NATIVE GRASS SEEDING - MORRIS WMD - 1994

County Unit Acres

Pope Jacobson Bros. (FmHA) 20 June 6,8 b. Cool-Season Grasslands A total of 179 acres was seeded to introduced cool-season grass or alfalfa in 1994. Cooperative agreements were used to seed this acreage. The cooperator furnished all seed and used small grain as a nurse crop. The small grain was har­ vested at maturity and the straw chopped at the time of har­ vest or removed within 10 days after harvest.

The District also supplied seed and seeded 28 acres on a Wildlife Habitat Protection Easement taken out by Jim and Janet Suckow. This area adjoins upland and wetlands restricted under an FmHA Conservation Easement. 37

COOL-SEASON GRASS/LEGUME SEEDINGS - MORRIS WMD - 1994 Pound/Acre County Acres Mixture Traverse Lawrence 24 April 8# intermediate wheatgrass 2# orchardgrass 2# bromegrass

Yellow Spellman Lake 40 April 15# alfalfa Medicine Spellman Lake 115 April 8# tall wheatgrass 2# bromegrass 2# reed canary 3# orchard 2# timothy

Swift Jim Suckow ~ 10/25 diverse cool and (upland easement) warm-season mix

Total 207

c. Native Prairie

These beauties (Yellow Lady Slipper, Cypripedium calceolus), along with many others, were found around a wetland in Pope County. 94-13 6/12/94 BLA 38

The original upland vegetation within the Morris District was tall grass prairie. The total native prairie acreage on WPA's within the District was 6,523 in 1994. The areas vary in size from less than one acre to 424 acres. Active management consisting of prescribed burning, grazing, and haying have been limited to the larger acreages. The small remnants have not been actively managed because of size, location, and staff time.

7. Grazing Controlled grazing has been used as an alternative to prescribed burning. Objectives are to reduce litter buildup and reduce competition from cool-season grass invaders. A high concentra­ tion of livestock is needed to remove a dense litter buildup and the new growth in a 30 day period of time. Grazing does not begin until approximately April 25 for two reasons: 1. Most permittees are not through calving until May 1. 2. The combination of spring rains and high A.U.M.'s can cause degradation of the sod.

Fall grazing has been considered but permittees are hesitant to have their livestock on a public area when it is open to hunting. The grazing period is 30 days. In dry years there may not be enough vegetation to support the number of A.U.M.'s and live­ stock need to be taken off early. Permittees have been good to work with. This grazing period on WPA's gives their own pastures a break. However, it is becoming more difficult to find permittees as each year there are fewer cow/calf operators. Grazing is targeted more to native prairie. Areas are normally grazed two years in a row and then rested for three to five years. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) comes on very strong if grazing takes place only one year. A late April snowstorm caused a few permittees to remove their livestock for one week. The permittee on Hagstrom WPA grazed with dairy cattle. The cattle were herded back and forth to the WPA daily after each milking. The cattle were also crowd grazed on 3-5 acre blocks and moved to a new block every 2-3 days within the 47 acre pasture. Each block was grazed three times within the grazing period. 39

GRAZING SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994

Planned Actual Grazing Scheduled County/WPA Acres AUM's AUM's Fee/AUM Period Period

Big Stone Hillman 75 50 58 $3.00 4/21-5/29 4/23-5/23 Thomson 55 50 34 $3.00 5/06-5/25 4/20-5/23

Lac qui Parle Farrell 15 25 20 $3.00 4/24-5/22 4/23-5/23 Hastad 40 28 18 $3.00 *4/25-5/23 4/08-5/23 Hastad 124 69 127 $3.00 3/30-5/28 4/04-5/23 Pearson 87 30 32 $3.00 4/23-5/24 4/23-5/23

Pope Hagstrom 47 95 60 $3.00 **4/23-5/23 4/23-5/23

Stevens Pepper ton 30 50 35 $2.50 *4/24-5/23 4/23-5/23 Struck 60 75 71 $3.25 4/23-5/21 4/23-5/23

Swift Loen 80 70 55 $3.00 *4/22-5/25 4/23-5/23 Loen 75 110 69 $3.00 4/13-5/23 4/04-5/23 Welch **.,.175 4/15-9/01 4/15-9/01

Total 688 652 579 *Livestock were removed for one week due to late April snowstorm. **Livestock were crowd grazed on 3-5 acre blocks and moved every 2-3 days within the 47 acre area. ***Landowner retained 1994 grazing rights on new fee property. Not included in acreage total.

Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum, always a spring charmer. 94-14 5/24/94 BLA 40

8. Haying Haying has been used on a limited basis for noxious weed control and upland habitat management. It has been utilized primarily on pure stands of alfalfa. The annual manipulation keeps the alfalfa in a more vigorous condition. Haying is normally delayed until after July 15 to allow for duck nests to be hatched. However, on newer seedings haying may take place earlier to eliminate a serious noxious weed problem.

HAYING SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994 County WPA Acres Rate/Acre Harvest Date

Big Stone Anderson 18 $10.00 7/26 Hillman 37* $15.00 7/07 Hillman $10.00 8/17 Karsky 24 $ 8.00 8/20

Lac qui Parle Florida Creek 18** $ 1. 00 9/15 Pope Rolling Forks 49* $10.00 7/02 Rolling Forks $10.00 8/17 Westport 40* $10.00 7/11 Westport $ 5.00 8/23 Stevens Thorstad 35* $10.00 7/11 Thorstad $10.00 8/24

Swift Fahl 57* $10.00 7/09 Fahl $ 6.00 8/23 Monson Lake 42* $13.00 7/01 Monson Lake $10.00 8/24 Monson Lake 16 $10.00 7/01 Traverse Diekman 93* $20.00 6/15 Diekman $20.00 8/01 Gibson 19 $ 2.00 6/30 Gibson 9 $ 2.00 6/30 Robinhood 128* $25.00 6/15 Robinhood $20.00 8/01

Total 585

*Fields were hayed twice **Native prairie

9. Fire Management A total of 1, 176 acres was prescribe burned in 19_94. Experienced employees aided in making the burning program more efficient. 41

PRESCRIBED BURN SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994 (In Acres)

Date Native Intra. Cost/ County/WPA Burned Prairie Natives DNC Marsh Total Acre

Big Stone Boehnke 5/12 53 4 57 $3.24 Malta 5/12 75 75 $2.25

Pope Snetting 5/16 9 33 3 45 $8.21

Stevens Edwards 5/06 22 17 1 40 $8.89 Huebner 5/27 39 8 47 $1.23 Lamprecht 5/26 13 13 $8.61 Staples 4/22 33 3 36 $4.24

Swift Artichoke Lake 5/12 90 188 252 530 $1.13 Spring Lake 4/22 31 10 74 115 $3.10

Traverse Murphy 5/12 47 4 51 $3.12 Pedersen 5/12 91 91 $1.33

Yellow Med. Busack 5/04 28 1 2 31 $5.77

DNR 5/26 __12. __3 45

Total 194 594 372 16 1,176

10. Pest Control

a. Insect Nothing to report.

b. Plant In 1994, 520.2 acres received some type of plant control, fourteen sites were sprayed for spurge, one area was spot sprayed for trees invading native prairie, and one area was sprayed for marijuana. The control of Canada thistle continues to take a great amount of time and effort. Com­ plaints from County Agricultural Inspectors about our con­ trol of Canada thistle continue at a very low level. This is due in part to our efforts, and the fact that there are a large number of acres of CRP with Canada thistle so our units are not as conspicuous. 42

NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL - MORRIS WMD - 1994 Contract Force Account Spraying Spraying Mowing Totals

No. No. No. *No. County WPAs Acres WPAs Acres WPAs Acres WPAs Acres Big Stone 0 0 4 21.6 4 31.0 8 52.6 LacquiParle 0 0 7 41.0 2 15.5 9 56.5 Pope 0 0 6 71.8 1 32.0 7 103.8 Stevens 0 0 9 155.2 2 21.0 11 176.2 Swift 0 0 7 52.5 1 20.0 8 72.5 Traverse 0 0 4 33.6 2 14.2 6 47.8 Yellow Med _.Q. _.Q...... 1. 10.8 _Q _o_ .....1. 10.8 1994 Total 0 0 38 386.5 12 133.7 so 520.2 1993 Total 0 0 23 111 10 143 33 254 1992 Total 1 18 54 653 4 72 59 743 1991 Total 2 73 58 321 5 62 65 456 1990 Total 0 0 65 922 20 337 85 1259 1989 Total 8 183 62 599 29 268 99 1050 1988 Total 70 2420.5 75 1045 6 160 122 3625.5 *Some waterfowl production areas may have received both contract and force account control efforts.

13. WPA/Easement Monitoring a. Easements EASEMENT ENFORCEMENT SUMMARY - MORRIS WMD - 1994 Cases closed during 1994 1 Cases forwarded for legal action 0 New fall 1994 violations (unresolved) 2 Total cases outstanding December 31, 1994 11 Fall easement surveillance flights were accomplished November 16-18. During easement flights we also photographed other potential wetland violations and reported them to ASCS, Minnesota DNR, and Corps of Engineers. Duplicate photos are usually sent with the turn-in so responsible authorities have copies of avail­ able photo evidence. Those sincere about protecting wetlands appreciate and use the photo evidence in resolv­ ing the problem. Others may do what they have to because they are concerned that the photos will haunt them if they fail their responsibility. 43 b. Waterfowl Production Areas Most WPA problems are detected during routine work activities, while flying easement checks, or from public turn-in. Typical problems include farming encroachment, rock dumping, sign damage, vehicle trespass, dead animal and/or garbage dumping, and private drainage affecting WPA wetlands.

Most problems are caused by neighboring landowners or renters. The preferred procedure is to negotiate a solution without creating a neighboring enemy. Legal action is usually a last resort. Other violations such as vehicle trespass, dumping, littering, etc., are highly visible, but catching someone is difficult and rare.

Two noteworthy cases occurred this year. The first occurred on Bredberg WPA, Pope County, where a neighbor pushed rocks and debris across the WPA boundary onto Service property during construction of an adjacent manure pit and then allowed the manure pit to overflow onto the WPA after it filled. The debris is now removed, the boundary is clearly marked, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has made clear the importance of proper pit pumping and maintenance. The second case, in Stevens County along Welfare WPA's east boundary, involves a dispute with a new neighbor who removed Service signs, bulldozed trees and sod from this one-half mile boundary, and then replaced the signs on the disturbed survey line. Plans are to cite him for his bulldozing activities beyond the survey line, have him reseed the area, and insure the boundary is correctly posted according to legal ownerships.

Lake Cochrane At the southwestern corner of our District, approximately a quarter mile from the South Dakota state line, a controversy developed when a Minnesota rural water system provider used FrnHA funding to dig three high capacity wells to help accom­ modate the water needs of 21 cities/towns and 2,385 rural customers. Environmental concerns about the potential adverse effects from pumping on hydrology of nearby Lake Cochrane, the Sioux Nation Calcarious Fen, and other lakes, fens, and wetlands in the area prompted several monitoring sites to be established by the owners of the well system. Written reports will be provided to the Minnesota DNR.

One of the monitoring sites was set up on a wetland on Dakota WPA located one mile east of the well site. Established were three shallow wells to measure ground­ water elevation changes and a weir at the wetland outlet to measure outflow when it occurs. Combined with data from other monitoring sites, any surface water impacts from pumping should be detected.

If no impacts occur, the current controversy should fade. If they are detected, however, some expensive and contro­ versial options are inevitable. This promises to remain interesting! 44

15. Private Lands

The Private Lands section is divided into three categories in this report: a. Private Lands-Enhancement, b. Private Lands­ Wetland Restorations, and c. Swampbuster.

a. Private Lands-Enhancement The Private Lands-Enhancement program is an extension and environmental educational program aimed at improving wild­ life habitat and land management practices on private pro­ perty. This is accomplished through environmental educa­ tional presentations to schools, scout groups, and 4-H programs as well as programs, meetings, and display booths for local government agencies, sportsman groups, and civic functions. One-on-one contacts are also made with private landowners and other interested parties in which advice and technical assistance is given on specific wildlife develop­ ment projects pertaining to their property. Landowners are also informed of various land protection and easement pro­ grams available to them through various State and Federal agencies.

The majority of our efforts are placed on wetland restora­ tion projects. These projects are designed and construction costs paid for by the Morris WMD. On projects such as food plots and tree plantings in which only technical assistance was available through the Morris office, interested parties were advised as to the projects which would be beneficial to their property and referred to the Minnesota DNR, Soil and Water Conservation District, Pheasants Forever chapter, or some other agency where further assistance, including finan­ cial assistance, may be available. Very close and fruitful working relationships have developed with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) , Minnesota State Agencies, Lake Associations, and Watershed Districts. We actively promote their programs such as Waterbank and Wetland Reserve Program and they in return promote and refer interested landowners to our private lands program. Lake associations and watershed districts are also turning to us for assistance in improving the water quality of area lakes. In the past we have worked on projects for Big Stone, Niemackel, Traverse, and Grove Lakes. Again this past year, a member of the staff served on a seven member committee with the North Fork Crow River Watershed District, Grove Lake-Lake Owner's Association, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), NRCS, and private landowners develop­ ing a grant proposal for funding through MPCA's Clean Water Partnership involving Grove Lake. In late March, three Russian scientists from the Lake Baikal region toured the Morris District. Big Stone Lake and the Lake's watershed projects were emphasized during the tour. Presentations by active partners on their efforts to clean up the Lake were completed at a meeting in Ortonville. The 45

Russians were here to gather information on how to cope with the serious pollution problems of Lake Baikal. The Morris WMD was very instrumental in the formation of the Chippewa River Stewardship Partnership (CRSP) . The Chippewa River is one of twelve major tributaries into the Minnesota River, Minnesota's most degraded and polluted river. The Chippewa River drains a 2,080 square mile area which includes two counties within the Morris WMD. Currently the Chippewa River and its tributaries are seriously degraded by both agricultural and urban pollution sources. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency cites the lower Chippewa River as having some of the poorest water quality in the entire Minnesota River Watershed. In addition, serious flooding occurs on the Minnesota River due in part to enhanced drainage and the conversion of wetland storage areas in the Chippewa River Basin. The CRSP was formed in 1994 to restore the lower Chippewa basin via voluntary, incentive-based water quality and flood reduction improve­ ment programs. The CRSP obtained a $200,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation, a 3-M based foundation, for water quality and flood control projects within the Chippewa River basin. The $200,000 will be matched 2:1 by the Minnesota Waterfowl Association. The Fish and Wildlife Service and other private donors will also provide matching dollars on a lesser scale. CRSP members include: American Farmland Trust, Chippewa County SWCD, Clean Up Our River Environment (CURE), Minnesota DNR, Land Stewardship Project, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Swift County SWCD, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of the private lands program, the Morris WMD has promoted and made available waterfowl nesting structures designed to deter or limit nest predation. In past years three types of structures have been used: fiberglass nesting cones, a 46 inch by six foot high fiberglass tub or culvert, and floating nest structures. This year a cylindrical nesting structure referred to by DELTA as a "hen house" was also made available. The floating structure and hen house were made available to the public through a grant from Ducks Unlimited (Section G.3.d). The program was expanded because of limited success with the fiberglass nesting cone and tub. b. Private Lands-Wetland Restorations Wetland restorations under the Service's Partners for Wild­ life program declined slightly in 1994, however the work load seems to increase every year. The above normal pre­ cipitation and high water levels the past three years have increased the number of repairs needed on existing dikes. Not only are dikes that have been put in recently through our private lands program needing repairs, but also older dikes put in by the Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS 20 to 30 years ago. In some cases the Service has a permanent wetland easement on the wetland restored and is therefore responsible for the maintenance. In NRCS's case, landowners are referred to us by NRCS because they do not have the 46 money .necessary to complete the repairs. Many repairs required replacing water control structures that had washed out or rusted away or dikes that had been damaged by either muskrat or beaver. The high water levels also increased the number of high water complaints received. We responded to complaints of wet, soggy fields to flooded roads to cows being drowned by our restoration projects. Many of the complainants know of a restoration project in the area and automatically blame the restoration for their water prob­ lems. The cow owner blamed us for the loss of six cattle because a dike gave way on a two acre restoration, flooding his 80 acre pasture. We met with all complainants and tried to relieve or alleviate their concerns or problems. In some cases this required the lowering of spillways, the removal of beaver dams, or repairing leaky dikes. WETLAND RESTORATIONS - MORRIS WMD - CALENDAR YEAR 1994 CRP Other Total County Restorations Restorations Restorations Basins Acres Basins Acres Basins Acres

Big Stone 0 0 9 14 9 14 Lac qui Parle 0 0 1 5 1 5 Pope 4 6 18 208 22 214 Stevens 0 0 0 0 0 0 Swift 0 0 34 208 34 208 Traverse 0 0 10 40 10 40 Yellow Medicine _Q _Q .2 _2Q .2 ~ Total 1994 4 6 75 565 79 571 Total 1993 20 102 97 406 117 508

Total 1992 26 47 53 157 79 204 Total 1991 62 126 51 723 113 849

Total 1990 so 136 54 201 104 337

Total 1989 81 249 16 97 97 346

Total 1988 199 623 9 so 208 673

Total 1987 26 46 7 33 33 79 = = = = GRAND TOTAL 468 1335 362 2232 830 3567 To notify the public of our free restoration program, land­ owners were contacted directly by mail. One thousand four­ hundred Stevens County landowners, 800 Big Stone County landowners, and 1,200 Yellow medicine County landowners were sent information about our free wetland restoration program, as well as information about the various fixed length and perpetual conservation programs available. We received 39 responses from our mailing, all but six were from Yellow Medicine County. Interest in wetland restoration projects has decreased significantly in Stevens County the past few 47 years. We are not sure why. We restored a large number of wetlands in the county the first years of our program.

An agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS calls for all restoration projects to follow NRCS guide­ lines. District personnel are allowed to engineer restora­ tion projects with watersheds of less than 100 acres. Restorations with watersheds over 100 acres must be designed by a professional engineer. This is accomplished either through the Fish and Wildlife Service private lands engineer in St. Cloud, Regional Office engineers, or NRCS engineers. Once designed, the plan must be signed off by the county ASCS for CRP land and the local watershed district where applicable. In some cases a Minnesota DNR permit is also required. A total of 25 landowners cooperated with the Service to restore 79 wetlands during the calendar year. Wetland restorations were completed in six counties of the District for a total of 571 acres restored. The typical restoration increased in size over last year by almost three acres per restoration, averaging 7.23 acres per restoration in 1994 at an average cost of $185.93 per acre. Restorations occurring on CRP land decreased dramatically this year as many CRP contracts are nearing expiration. Seven of the restorations involved Waterbank contracts. However, this will also decrease in coming years as funding has been eliminated for new waterbank contracts. This has been a very popular program and a good tool in securing restoration projects.

In addition to the 25 landowners involved in wetland restoration projects, 16 landowners were involved in dike repair projects. A total of 20 restorations required repairs, three water control structures and 17 dikes. All but two were because of muskrat and beaver burrows. A total of $27,051.09 was spent on repairs involving 128 wetland acres. The average repair cost was $1,352.55 per project and $211.34 per wetland acre. The Morris WMD expended 2.2 FTE's of effort over the past year on the station's private lands program. Funding for the program came from Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Wildlife funds, North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Flood funds, and private donations. The FY94 budget was $135,000, with. an additional $29,480 from North American Waterfowl Management Plan, $16,266.66 from private dona­ tions, and $184,000 from Flood fund allocations. The Flood fund monies were allocated for FY94 and FY95. This budget must cover salaries, supplies, and construction costs for new restorations as well as repairs on past restoration projects.

CONTRIBUTED FUNDS IN 1994

North American Waterfowl Management Plan $29,400.00 Ducks Unlimited-MARSH 5,193.00 Delta Waterfowl Association 4,300.00 Hadley Companies 1,966.66 $40,859.66 48

Dennis Haaland property before restoration. 94-15 8/93 DDH Dennis Haaland's 22 acre wetland in Yellow Medicine County was drained by a county tile system. The tile system worked well enough to destroy the wetland but not well enough to save the crop after heavy summer rains. Tiring of losing his crop and money year after year, Mr. Haaland signed a perpetual wetland easement allowing for the restoration of the wetland. The tile line in the wetland was replaced with non-perforated tile, the reason for the ridge running through the center of the photo. Two nesting islands were also constructed in the wetland.

Dennis Haaland property after restoration. 94-16 6 / 94 DDH 49

Ron Sundheim property before restoration. 94-17 5/30/90 BLA Ron Sundheim's first participation in our Partners for Wildlife Program was in 1990 when the larger wetland in the center of the photo was restored. He was so excited about the success of this restoration that he purchased a D-2 dozer during the winter of 1992 so he could restore additional wetlands on his property. He restored five more wetlands in 1993 and one more in 1994 with advise, gas money, and survey help from our office. We com­ pleted one restoration (center far right) in 1993 and finished up the 1994 restoration after his dozer broke down. The restored wetlands have received heavy use from mallards.

Ron Sundheim property after restoration. 94-18 8/25/94 BLA 50 c. Swampbuster The swampbuster provisions of the Farm Bill legislation have us involved in wetland appeals, exemption requests, turn-ins of possible wetland conversion violations, minimal effect/ mitigation requests, and the wetland reserve program.

Wetland Appeals The wetland appeal process is initiated when a landowner challenges the NRCS determination that some areas of his property should be classified "wetland." As a consultant, the Service employee and the NRCS representative visit the site, review ASCS slides, check available wetland inven­ tories, and then confirm or reverse the initial NRCS deter­ mination. Most determinations are upheld and most NRCS field offices appear to be doing a reasonable job. If the landowner still disagrees he must appeal his case to the next level of authority.

In 1994, the Morris Wetland staff reviewed 52 landowner appeals involving 101 potential wetlands. Cumulative totals since the beginning of swampbuster are 946 appeals involving 2,738 areas. Of these, 1,926 were upheld as wetlands and 812 were determined non-wetlands. This year five areas that were missed were also added to the inventory.

Exemption Requests Another portion of the Farm Bill Swampbuster legislation allows landowners or ditch authorities exemption from swampbuster provisions if they meet specific criteria. Exemption from swampbuster provisions can be granted if either commenced or third party requirements are met. In Morris all commenced exemption cases are complete and finalized. Third party exemption provisions are intended for situa­ tions where a landowner has no control over or involvement in wetland conversion activities. In 1994, one third party exemption was applied for and granted. However, the exemp­ tion applicant's neighbor who did the original drainage later restored his two "cw" wetlands by removing the tile and we regained the wetlands. This is a classic example of why it is important to detect, report, and properly identify converted wetlands. Many will eventually be restored. If rules are properly applied, they offer few loopholes. Often a landowner wants a township or similar entity to drain something on his behalf. When this occurs, they are clearly not third party victims and exemption criteria doesn't apply.

Turn-ins of Potential Wetland Conversion Violations Another key role has been our reporting of potential viola­ tions. Swampbuster legislation of 1985 provided that if a landowner seeded a crop in a converted wetland, he was to lose his total Federal farm subsidy payment. The updated 1990 FACTA regulations reduces the penalty if the wetland is restored. 51

In 1994, nine Wetland Impact Reports of potential wetland conversions were sent to ASCS offices in the Morris Dis­ trict. A total of 216 have been submitted since swampbuster began. The 1985 legislation required wetland conversion, seeding, and participation in Federal farm programs before benefits could be withheld. Changes in the 1990 Farm Bill made only the act of converting a wetland the trigger for penalties and it encouraged restoration of the wetland by offering a reduced penalty when restoration was done. Two restoration agreements were processed in 1994. An owner who decides not to restore forfeits his total payment. Many potential violation turn-ins are determined legal activities not causing wetland conversion.

Swampbuster, combined with Corps of Engineers 404 authority and the new Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act, has done much to curb drainage. We have gained respectful attention of most drainage proponents and have witnessed a signifi­ cant reduction in drainage of larger wetlands. Old oppor­ tunities to purchase and destroy wetlands for profit without being challenged no longer exist. The message we hope to groom is "If you buy a wetland--you own a wetland--and you have a social obligation to pass it on in tact to future generations."

Minimal Effect/Mitigation Requests The minimal effect evaluation and agreement are for activit­ ies which have a truly minimal effect on the hydrological and biological functions of a wetland. Mitigation is the replacement of lost wetland functions and values by restor­ ing a previously and effectively drained wetland of equal or greater size. Thirty-two minimal effect and four mitigation requests were processed in 1994. Minimal effect requests must meet rather strict criteria or they are denied. Many of those approved required modifications to eliminate or minimize wetland impacts. Many applications this year came from Big Stone and Lac qui Parle Counties where exceptionally high water created several situations justifying temporary drainage because major roads or buildings were threatened. To date no mitigation proposals have been approved. Generally, existing wetlands are proposed for improvement rather than the required true restoration of a prior converted area. No one so far has been willing to restore an effectively drained area and maintain the "no net loss" policy!

Wetland Reserve Program The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary USDA program that offers landowners a chance to receive payment for restoring and protecting wetlands on their property. An easement payment is offered for the wetland acres and a small buffer zone. Cost sharing is allowed for the wetland restoration. 52

Good in theory, the program still needs much improvement. Of the 32 intent to bid applicants received in our seven counties in 1994, four are known to remain active. It appears only a couple of these may make it to final accep­ tance. Adding further frustration is the fact that the best restorable wetlands have ranked out lowest in the process currently used. The successful and popular Federal Waterbank Program is being phased out in favor of WRP; so hopefully improvements will be forthcoming.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) The Conservation Reserve Program had much debate and publicity regarding program renewal. Currently 166,791 acres are enrolled in this program in our seven counties. Our District totals for sign-ups one through seven are:

County Acres Enrolled

Big Stone 18,502 Lac qui Parle 32,211 Pope 35,557 Stevens 24,958 Swift 20,038 Traverse 9,163 Yellow Medicine 26,362

Total 166,791 This acreage is over three times our fee ownership and many of our private land restorations are on CRP lands. Our interest in this very important and valuable program is obvious. Current ten year CRP contracts will begin expiring in 1995. Most will terminate between 1996 and 1998. Authorization to continue CRP has occurred as of January, 1995, but debate about program funding and land eligibility continues. Most agree that CRP has been the best wildlife program since the 1950's and 1960's when the Soil Bank Program occurred. There is widespread support from conservation organizations and farm groups for continuing the program. We are all hopeful that this all too important program is continued with liberal funding and sound direction. 53

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Waterfowl production areas in the Morris Wetland Management District contain a diversity of habitat types that supports over 260 species of birds, 55 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles, amphibians and insects. The keys to maintaining this diversity are habitat preservation and manipu­ lation. Manipulation activities used to maintain wildlife diversity are: water level management, prescribed burning, grassland establishment, woodlot improvement, and wildlife food plot establishment.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Bald eagles occur within the District. Observations occur mainly throughout the fall, winter, and spring months. Nest­ ing attempts have been documented mainly along the Minnesota River. The Minnesota DNR reported two nests in the District in 1994. On the Lac qui Parle State Wildlife Management Area a pair attempted to nest but were unsuccessful. A pair located on private property in Yellow Medicine County successfully raised two birds.

A migrating adult Peregrine falcon remained in Walden Town­ ship of Pope County for a few weeks in early May.

State of Minnesota endangered, threatened, or species of special concern found on units within the Morris District are: horned grebe, American white pelican, American bittern, osprey, peregrine falcon, sandhill crane, yellow rail, common moorhen, upland sandpiper, marbled godwit, Wilson's phalarope, common tern, Forester's tern, short-eared owl, burrowing owl, logger­ head shrike, Baird's sparrow, sharp-tailed sparrow, Henslow's sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur, least shrew, prairie vole, mountain lion, mule deer, plains spotted skunk, northern pocket gopher, five-lined skink, snapping turtle, bullfrog, northern cricket frog, western hognose snake, shovel nose sturgeon, and Dakota skipper.

Presently there are no efforts to evaluate populations mentioned above because no funding exists for monitoring. However, observations of the American bittern, American white pelican, peregrine falcon, sandhill crane, upland sandpiper, marbled godwit, Wilson's phalarope, osprey, Forster's tern, loggerhead shrike, mountain lion, mule deer and snapping turtle were reported in the Morris District.

3. Waterfowl

a. Swans Tundra swans are common migrants throughout the Morris District. First observation of the spring migrants were 54

of five observed north of Morris, Stevens County, on March 21. A yearling swan suffering from lead poisoning was captured and taken for rehabilitation on April 28, however, it died shortly after arrival at the center. Ten south bound birds were seen north of Morris on November 4.

A small group of trumpeter swans were observed near Pomme de Terre Lake in Stevens County on November 14. One bird was wearing a collar, however, an exact reading of the letters could not be made. In checking with banding authorities, the color and letter series meant the bird marked was from Wisconsin. b. Geese Canada geese are common in the Morris District, becoming extremely abundant during the fall. With mild winters some geese remain in the area. Northward migrants numbering over 23 began showing up along the Pomme de Terre River in Stevens County on March 2. Local populations of resident breeders are experiencing very high productivity.

Although the white-fronted goose is a common visitor during migration, no sightings were reported.

Snow geese were once very common during migration. Popu­ lations have recently shifted their migration route to the west, by-passing our District. On March 17, 27 were seen at Kill WPA in Stevens County,

The Ross' goose is listed as an accidental in Minnesota with most reports occurring in the southern part of the state. There were no reported sightings in our District.

During the avian botulism outbreak at Mud Lake (Section G.17), two Canada goose mortalities occurred. c. Ducks Most ducks arrive on their breeding ground from late March to early May. The first observation of spring migrants in the Morris District was on March 4. Mallard, wood duck, lesser scaup, common goldeneye, and common mergansers were the first arrivals. Number and species diversity increased as wetlands opened around the middle of March. Other species recorded in the District during the year include: gadwall, northern pintail, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, American wigeon, redhead, northern shoveler, ring­ necked duck, canvasback, greater scaup, bufflehead, black seater, ruddy duck, red-breasted merganser, and hooded merganser.

During the avian botulism outbreak (Section G.17), the following species of ducks suffered mortalities: mallard, gadwall, northern pintail, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, American wigeon, northern shoveler, and wood duck. d. Waterfowl Production Wetland and upland conditions were good to excellent throughout the District for waterfowl. Canada goose numbers increased, as many nests were found on the abundant muskrat 55 houses on most wetlands. Duck numbers increased especially for mallard, blue-winged teal and woodduck. Breeding pair estimates are provided by Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center using results of our Four-Square Mile Survey. Results from 46 plots are shown below.

FOUR SQUARE MILE SURVEY BREEDING PAIR ESTIMATES Morris WMD - 1994

Easement Federal Private Total

Breeding Pairs 5,031 6,043 65,267 76,341 Pairs/Area (Sq Mi) 61.97 62.63 14.44 16.25 Pairs/Area Wet (Sq Mi) 304.50 150.98 207.17 205.45 Pairs/Wet Ponds 2.36 3.83 2.45 2.51

Waterfowl Nest Structures

One of 361 cost-shared nest structures distributed in Minnesota in 1994 that hatched 225 mallards, 18 Canada geese, 5 teal, 1 wood duck and 1 canvasback. 94-19 5/94 JS

Morris WMD has been developing and field testing waterfowl nest structures since 1991. As the lead District for the Minnesota Waterfowl and Wetland Management Complex respon­ sible for nest structure work, we have sought to develop a productive duck nesting structure for use by interested citizens, wildlife clubs, and wildlife managers. Several designs have been tested with varying degrees of success. We have promoted use of those that have been most successful. 56

Our most successful was a floating cedar raft type with several available nest sites for ducks and a goose. This type was distributed throughout Minnesota through the efforts of Service Volunteer Roger Strand who coordinated the program, and Ducks Unlimited who provided $20,000 in cost share funding for the purchase of the structures. Their contributions were matched by private individuals, sportsman clubs, and conservation agencies to accomplish distribution of 361 floating nest structures. Most were placed in the prairie pothole region of west-central Minnesota. After five years of maintenance and reporting the structure becomes the property of the cooperator. First year nesting results are as follows:

361 Structures placed 4 No report received 39 Not available during nesting season 11 Rope/knot failed and structure washed to shore 8 Carried to shore by ice/floating bog 6 Capsized in ten inch April snowstorm 3 Wetland dried up during nesting season 5 Structure gone/lost and fate unknown 6 Never placed on wetland in 1994 318 Judged available for waterfowl nesting in 1994 112 No successful nesting attempted 206 Hatched successful duck and/or goose nest from 258 Nesting attempts (at least one egg)

NESTING FATES OF 258 ATTEMPTS Canada Number Mallard Goose Teal Wood Duck Canvasback Attempts 225 18 5 1 1 Hatched 184 15 3 1 1 Predated 19 0 1 0 0 Abandoned 19 0 1 0 0 Capsized 2 2 0 0 0 Unknown 1 1 0 0 0 Other interesting items included: *Predators and abandonment -Thirty ducks nested in the top nest site. Their preda­ tion (predominantly avian suspected) was four times higher (23 percent) than predation inside the cylinders ( 6 percent) . -One hundred ninety-one ducks nested inside the cylinders where abandonment (13 percent) was twice that of the top nest site (7 percent) . -Ducks nesting inside the cylinders abandoned nest sites (13 percent) at twice the rate of those on the top open nest site (7 percent).

*Distance from shore -Eighteen predated nests averaged 44 yards from shore. -One hundred eighty-nine hatched duck nests averaged 88 yards from shore. 57

*Successful multiple nesting ~Five goose/mallard combination nestings were reported with no interspecific strife noted. Fifteen success­ ful double hatches and two triple hatches of mallards were reported.

*Outlook for 1995 nesting season -Imprinting on structures, multiple nestings, predation, high muskrat numbers, and use of adjacent pole type structures are highlight items sure to provide interest­ ing information in the second year of the program. We have certainly learned that high use and success does a lot to spur public interest and support as the 361 struc­ tures available in the 1995 cost share program are nearly gone as of January 31, 1995. Volunteer coordinator Roger Strand has done an outstanding job running the program and reporting results.

Morris WMD scaled down their structure field testing program in 1994. We monitored 12 floating raft structures on three WPA's with the following results:

CEDAR FLOATER STRAW/CARPET CYLINDER - 1994 RESULTS

Number nest sites/structure 3 Number structure available 12 Number structures used 10 {83%) Total number nests 22 Number nests successful 13 {59%) Number nests predated 2 { 9%) Number nests abandoned 6 {27%) Number nests unknown 1 { 5%)

We also monitored four types of pole mounted nest struc­ tures. The reduced number of structures monitored in 1994 was because many that met study criteria were converted to hen house structures and used in a formal study {D.5). Many others were taken out by ice during spring breakup. We had exceptionally high water on most of our wetlands going into winter and several windy days during ice out ... a bad situa­ tion for pole nest structures. Results, however, were quite surprising as use increased significantly on all structure types {Table 7) and has caused us to reassess their value. e e e e

TABLE 7 COMPARISON CHART, 1993-1994 POLE MOUNTED NEST STRUCTURES

·Number No/Percent Total No/Percent Structure Nest Sites/ Structure Structure Number No/Percent No/Percent No/Percent Unknown Type Structure Available Used Nests Success Predated Abandoned or Drowned

POLES

- Wreath - 1993 1 so 12 I 24% 10 (D) 5 I SO% 0 2 I 2o% 3 I 30% 3 (G) 2 I 67% 0 0 1 I 33% 1 15 9 60% 5 (D) s 10o% 0 0 1994 I I 0 ...!.. - 5 (G) 3 I 60% 0 2 I 40% 0

- Single - 1993 1 49 3 I 6% 3 {D) 2 I 67% 0 0 1 I 33% inder

- 1994 1 20 s I 2s% 5 {D) s I 10o% 0 0 0

- Double - 1993 2 49 7 I 14% 11 (D) 10 I 9H 0 1 I 9% 0 Cylinder ~1994 2 23 9 I 39% 12 (D) 1 I sa% 0 s I 42% 0

- Cedar Box - 1993 3 25 3 I 12% 1 {D) 0 0 0 1 I 10o% 2 {G) 2 I 1oo% 0 0 0

- 1994 3 17 10 I 59% 9 (D) a I 89% 0 1 I 11% 0 4 {G) 4 I 1oo% 0 0 0

D = Duck LTI CXl G = Goose 59

All pole structures had significantly higher use. This double cylinder type went from 14 percent success in 1993 to 39 percent success in 1994. 94-20 5/5/93 LEL

This cedar box structure with three nest sites hatched a goose and two mallards. A third mallard abandoned her nesting attempt. 94-21 5/94 LEL 60

4. Marsh and Waterbirds

Common loon, red-necked grebe, horned grebe, eared grebe, western grebe, pied-billed grebe, American white pelican, double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, green-backed heron, whitefaced ibis, cattle egret, great egret, black­ crowned night heron, least bittern, American bittern, sand­ hill crane, Virginia rail, sora, yellow rail, American coot and common moorhen can be found using the District's lakes and marshes during the summer.

Lewis and Rieckmann investigating a case of pelican shooting north of Morris. Two pelicans died and three others were wounded. The wounded birds recovered from their injuries. 94-22 8/14/94 BLA

Marsh and waterbird mortality totals from Avian Botulism, Type C, in the District were reported as follows:

Avian Botulism Number Grebes 1 American white pelican 8 Great blue heron 1 Sora 6 American coot 27

A botulism outbreak occurred on Mud Lake, Traverse County (Section G.l7). 61

Great egrets are extremely abundant. 94-23 8/29/94 BLA

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Species of this category occurring within the District are: ruddy turnstone, semipalmated plover, black bellied plover, American woodcock, common snipe, upland sandpiper, spotted sandpiper, solitary sandpiper, willet, greater and lesser yellowlegs, pectoral sandpiper, Baird's sandpiper, least sandpiper, dunlin, short-billed and long-billed dowitcher, stilt sandpiper, semipalmated sandpiper, marbled godwit, Hudsonian godwit, sanderling, Wilson's phalarope; herring, ringbilled, Franklin's, Bonaparte's and Sabine's gulls; and Forster's, common, Caspian, and black terns. The North American Woodcock Singing Ground Surveys are coordinated by the Office of Migratory Bird Management and run by individuals throughout the United States and Canada. Woodcock breeding populations are indexed through combined results of the surveys. The survey route in Pope County conducted on May 5 documented three singing males.

The first bird observed in 1994 in this category was a kill­ deer observed near the City of Morris, Stevens County, on March 19. Twenty-seven shorebirds, and seven gulls deaths were attributed to the botulism outbreak on Mud Lake {Section G.17}. 62

The killdeer is traditionally the first shorebird to arrive. 94-24 7/18/94 BLA

6. Raptors

An invasion of starving snowy owls from the north remained in the state until mid-March. Sightings in the District include two in Big Stone, four in Lac qui Parle, one in Pope, seven in Stevens, five in Swift and two in Yellow Medicine County. 94-25 1/13/94 BLA 63

At least 26 representatives of the vulture, buteo, osprey, falcon, accipiter, and owl families have occurred within the Morris District. Turkey vulture, northern goshawk, rough­ legged hawk, golden eagle, osprey, merlin, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, and gyrfalcon pass through on migration. Hawks such as sharp-shinned, Cooper's, red-tailed, broad­ winged, and Swainson's, northern harrier, bald eagle, American kestrel, and the eastern screech, great horned, barred, long­ eared, short-eared, and burrowing owls have been identified as nesters. The rough-legged hawk, northern goshawk, snowy owl, and northern saw-whet owl winter in the region.

Bald eagles have been known to nest in our District. In 1994 only two eaglets fledged (Section G.2).

7. Other Migratory Birds

Over 150 species of non-game birds occur in the Morris District. A greater effort was initiated to monitor and manage for non­ game birds.

A male Eastern bluebird. Need we say more? 94-26 6/4/94 BLA

A survey by habitat type of migratory non-game birds on selected waterfowl production areas located in the counties of Big Stone (Rothi, Thomson, and Hillman), Lac qui Parle (Florida Creek, Hastad, Hegland, and Taylor), Yellow Medicine (Dakota), Pope (Rolling Forks and Nelson Lake), Swift (Loen), and Traverse (Robinhood) was continued. Sampling was conducted from June 2 to June 22. Seventy-five species were observed during the point survey. Brewer's blackbird, dickcissel, Forster's tern, and marbled godwit were new species to the survey. Forty-four 64

species of neotropical migrants were found. This inventory is anticipated to last a number of years, pending funding limits, and should provide valuable information to species composition and abundance patterns in the District. Breeding Bird Surveys are coordinated by the Office of Migratory Bird Management and run by volunteers and government personnel over the entire United States and Canada. Data gathered may be used in a data-base of breeding bird's occurrence and abundance. Morris WMD runs Route #065-Glenwood in Pope County. Seventy­ three species were observed during the June 3 survey. The most numerous species was the red-winged blackbird followed by common grackle.

Christmas Bird Counts are arranged by the National Audubon Society and the data is used by Office of Migratory Bird Management database. A 15 mile diameter count circle was established in Morris, with the second annual count held on December 17. Thirty-four species and 4,379 individuals were observed. The most numerous species was the house sparrow followed by the Canada goose.

8. Game Mammals The Minnesota DNR reported the fourth highest white-tailed deer harvest on record. The deer population has remained high the past couple of years.

Deer populations remain at near record levels. This buck survived the season and will live for another year. 94-27 12/13/94 BLA 65

The 1993-94 winter proved fatal for 11 deer on Pepperton WPA. Several other cases of single deaths were also observed. The severe cold temperatures and deep snow stressed wildlife, restricted movement, and limited available habitat.

I

I

I Deep snow and cold temperatures reduced available food and cover. In this cattail marsh the snow is three to four feet deep. 94-28 2/14/94 BLA

A mule deer, extremely uncommon in this area, was taken during the firearms deer season.

No moose were sighted within the District this year. Moose are occasionally seen in western Minnesota but rarely stay long.

Coyote sightings are becoming more common throughout the Dis­ trict. Sightings from landowners and staff have been reported in all seven counties. Red fox numbers have increased since last year, while skunks show a decrease according to the Scent Post Survey results (Section D.S}. Raccoon have decreased since last year, although their numbers are high in comparison with past records.

Minnesota DNR August Roadside Counts show the 1994 Eastern cottontail index decreased 11 percent statewide from 1993. This marks the fourth consecutive year of a decline in the cottontail index. Indices from 1993 to 1994 remained unchanged in the West Central region. The statewide white-tailed jackrabbit index for 1994 increased 100 percent from 1993. The statewide jackrabbit index had decreased each year since 1989, and even with the increase in 1994, the 1994 index remains 57 percent below the 12-year mean. 66

Muskrat numbers are increasing as evidenced by an increased number of houses and animals observed. This larger population of muskrats has helped open up some previously cattail choked marshes.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

This woodchuck never chucked wood, only our landscaping. 94-29 7/21/94 BLA

According to the 1994 Minnesota DNR August Roadside Wildlife Count Summary, the following was recorded:

Ring-Necked Pheasants After two consecutive years of decline, the statewide pheasant index was only 7.8 percent below the five-year mean. The West Central region, which includes our entire District, showed an increase of 83 percent over last year. This increase is deceiving in that the two previous years have had record or near-record cold and rainy conditions dominating most of the nesting and brood-rearing seasons. Also an extended period of deep, persistent snow cover from late November through mid­ March affected portions of our District. Records back to 1989 show 1994 having the second lowest count, only 1993 was lower. The winter so far has been mild and we are hopeful this will continue. 67

Gray Partridge Because partridge are more strongly affected than pheasants by weather extremes during the nesting and brood-rearing season, the fact that partridge populations were at near-record lows after the 1992 and 1993 breeding seasons, and that populations were undercounted in 1993, favorable weather conditions during 1994 resulted in large increases in populations. The West Central region showed a 186 percent increase over 1993. The 1994 index is still well below those of the 1980's and early 1990's but marks the first increase in the index after four con­ secutive years of decline.

Several sightings of wild turkeys have been reported throughout the District. This past year wild turkeys were released by the Minnesota DNR in Pope and Lac qui Parle County. DNR officials have chosen several areas throughout the state where they are attempting to establish a flock. They are using birds trapped from south-eastern Minnesota. Officials are hopeful they can adapt and survive.

Several unconfirmed sightings of mountain lions have been made in the Barsness Park area of Pope County over the past two years.

11. Fisheries In 1994, as in the past nine years, the Minnesota DNR Area Fisheries Office in Glenwood requested the use of four type V wetlands on waterfowl production areas for rearing walleye fry to fingerlings. However, only two areas were used. Efforts to net walleye fry this fall by the DNR were unsuccessful and no fingerlings were removed from those areas.

MINNESOTA DNR FISHERIES STOCKING PROGRAM MORRIS WMD - 1994

Number of County Species Fingerlings Pounds

Pope Rolling Forks Walleye 0 0 Kolstad Walleye 0 0

15. Animal Control

Beaver Six beaver were removed from three wetlands where they were causing problems with water control structures. Four beaver were also removed from easement property structures. The five exclusion devices that were installed in 1992 survived spring ice-out and were extremely successful. We had only one problem with beaver getting inside one of the exclusion devices. Three more exclusion devices were installed, one on a WPA and two on easement properties. We are hopeful to have continued success with these exclusion devices in the future as they save many hours of work. 68

17. Disease Prevention and Control

An outbreak of Avian Botulism, Type C, took a total of 422 birds on Mud Lake located in Traverse County along the Minnesota/South Dakota border. This shallow lake receives water from Lake Traverse to the south flowing north to become the Bois de Sioux River. Mud Lake is about 3,750 acres in size. This is the third year that Morris WMD has coordinated a botulism clean-up on this lake. The number of birds using the lake was high. The lake had a surface area of approximately 8,000 acres on July 19, and with flood control releases at the White Rock Dam, decreased to around 4,000 surface acres by August 1. Stable water levels and relatively mild temperatures throughout August and September helped reduce the severity of the outbreak. This years outbreak was relatively insignificant in comparison to 1993, when a total of 7,266 birds were picked up.

Avian botulism is a paralytic, often fatal disease resulting from ingestion of toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Once botulism occurs it is usually perpetuated by bird-maggot cycle. Bacterial growth and various environmental conditions (water depth, water fluctuations, water quality, presence of vertebrate and invertebrate carcasses, rotting vegetation, high ambient temperature) combined to favor toxin production in wetlands. Toxin production occurs when the vegetative form of Clostridium botulinum bacteria multiply following spore formation. Optimum growth stage for toxin production occurs at 25°C (77°F) . Marsh soil rapidly warming in shallow water during high ambient temperature favors toxin production. Soil containing spores of Clostridium botulinum and suitable organic nutrients along with high temperatures favor spore germination and reproduction. Carcasses and high temperature are all conducive to the buildup of fly population involved in bird-maggot cycle of avian botulism transmission.

Botulism is a threat to migratory birds when birds eat in infected areas or eat insects having fed on dead birds. It first affects the peripher/nerves resulting in paralysis of voluntary muscles making sustained flight impossible. Once power of flight is lost and paralysis of leg muscles, along with paralysis of inner eyelid and neck, the bird is unable to hold the head erect. Death from drowning or respiratory failure usually occurs. The outbreak was discovered on July 19 by Assistant Manager Bober and Rich Papasso (Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge) , during a check of Mud Lake for possible botulism problems. Disease monitoring began on July 19 and ended on September 23. After the check on August 1, the eight specimens found were sent to the National Wildlife Health Center at Madison, Wisconsin, for diagnostic evaluation. Laboratory results confirmed Avian Botulism Type C. The peak outbreak occurred on September 7, when 117 birds were collected. A total of 422 birds were collected, including 344 waterfowl and 78 non-game birds (Table 6). The birds were buried in a pit to isolate the spread of botulism. Personnel from the Service (Morris WMD and Big Stone NWR), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks were involved in the cleanup activities. 69

Table 8 - Species and Number of Mortality Due to Avian Botulism Outbreak, Mud Lake, Traverse County July 19-September 23, 1994

Total Waterfowl Picked U}2 Mallard 62 Blue-winged teal 118 Green-winged teal 117 Gadwall 8 Wood duck 1 Pintail 2 American wigeon 1 Northern shoveler 19 Unknown ducks 14 Canada goose __2

Total 344

Total Other Birds: Picked U}2 American coot 27 Grebe 1 American white pelican 8 D.C. cormorant 1 Great blue heron 1 Sora rail 6 Sandpiper 27 Franklin's gull 3 Herring gull 2 Ring-billed gull __2

Total Other 78

Total of All Birds 422 70

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

With 240 WPA's spread throughout seven counties in the District it is difficult to promote the various wildlife and non-wildlife orientated recreational and other public use opportunities that exist for each individual WPA. Thus, efforts to increase the public's awareness of the environment is emphasized in areas such as the visitor center, demonstration and tour area, our environmental education programs, and news releases at Morris.

Biologist Lewis appeared on the local television program 11 Prairie Sportsmen Show, 11 discussing predators.

2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students The quantity, quality, and diversity of programs and tours given by the Morris staff continues to grow. The majority of our audiences continue to be from the Morris area, but visits to schools and special interest groups is slowly expanding throughout the District.

Wildlife Biologist Gallagher discusses native prairie management with a University of Minnesota, Morris, Ecology Class. 94-30 10/12/94 BLA 71

,

Wildlife Biologist Gallagher uses a student volunteer as a raincloud to demonstrate the movement of water underground to Morris Elementary students during the second annual Wetland Field Day. 94-31 5/25/94 BLA

Refuge Operation Specialist Raitz explains the habits of various mammals in Minnesota during the second annual Wetland Field Day. 94-32 5/25/94 BLA 72

The second grade Wetland Field Day tradition was continued for a second year, with additional schools attending. The event gave 210 area second graders some hands-on exposure to the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of wetland ecosystems. The all day event provided hands-on education about the individual components of wetland ecosystems and a trip on the auto tour route to see how the individual components fit together to form a wetland ecosystem.

4. Interpretive Foot Trails

Progress continues to provide opportunities for people with physical disabilities. A paved trail was completed in 1993. Materials for an observation deck were purchased in 1994. Volunteers from the University of Minnesota, Morris, will be constructing this deck in 1995. A parking lot and paved trail leading to the observation deck is the next step to provide a wetland and woodland experience to people with physical disabilities. There is one existing foot trail in the Morris District. The trail on Froland WPA, Pope County, serves the communities of Benson, Starbuck, and Glenwood. The trail is approximately one mile long and is self-guided. Unfortunately, our work load prevents us from doing more than basic trail maintenance. Although both local residents and tourists use the trail, we do not know the amount of use it receives.

5. Interpretive Tour Routes

A University of Minnesota, Morris, class utilizing our Demonstration Trail. 94-33 10/11/94 BLA 73

The demonstration area developed in 1989 at the headquarters site has seen increasing use during the last year. The 2.5 mile gravel road through the Edwards WPA is a "show me" tour of wild­ life habitat and wildlife management techniques such as: water level management, wetland restoration, grassland seedings, food plots, artificial nesting structures, nesting island, predator exclusion fence, and wildlife tree planting. The route is con­ tinuously open to the public for hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding, but is only open to vehicular traffic by special appointment or announcement.

The trail was opened to vehicular traffic on two occasions this year. It was first opened on May 3 to celebrate National Wet­ lands Month and again on September 8 to view the beauty of native prairie grasses and fall flowers.

6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations

A display was set up at the Lac qui Parle Fair again this year. The display was expanded to include an entire wall of photo­ graphs and information about native prairie, grassland birds, wetland restoration techniques, and our prescribed burning program. The office fur and scull collection, accompanied by a few species on loan from the Minnesota DNR, was available for people to touch and see. There were interactive posters asking questions to test the knowledge of visitors to the booth. We have a new horne at the fair now and will continue to improve the quality and diversity of information in our booth.

The portable display purchased in FY93 with non-game funds was completed in FY94. Our office has had tremendous use for the display and the variety of topics it covers. The display, with photographs of grassland and wetland birds, is shared between the offices in the wetland complex and refuges within the state. Additional displays were set up at the Morris Horne and Garden Show and the Enviro 2000 environmental education workshop to provide additional exposure to the public, the services and programs this office is involved with.

7. Other Interpretive Programs The Morris Wetland office was one of the ·sponsors for the Natural History Series again this year. The series of environmental education programs is directed towards the entire family, both young and old. Some of the programs presented in 1994 include:

1. Charlie Maguire. Charlie, an environmental troubadour, presented an evening of song and celebration. His songs entertained and educated the audience on Minnesota's natural resources and parks.

2. Northern Monkshood-Saving Our Bluff Beauties. University of Minnesota Biologist Margaret Kuchenreuther shared her expertise on this beautiful but threatened mid-western plant and the very unique way it grows. 74

3. The "Bear" Facts. Minnesota DNR Wildlife Biologist Karen Noyce presented a program about the behavior, habitats, population, and some common misconceptions of black bears. Pelts, bones and other bear artifacts were also displayed.

4. Waterfowl and Songbirds: Let's Flock to Niemackl. An early evening outing took place around Niemackl's wetlands to observe the many varieties of waterfowl which they support. Many songbirds were observed also.

5. Landscaping For Wildlife. Morris WMD Wildlife Biologist Donna Rieckmann and Soil Conservationist Bernie Angus presented a program entitled "Landscaping For Wildlife" at the Wetland Office. Habitat components were discussed in detail.

6. Fifth Annual Walk on the Prairie. Morris WMD Soil Conserva­ tionist Bernie Angus and Wildlife Biologist Donna Rieckmann led this late summer stroll through native prairie. Grasses such as little and big bluestem, Indian grass and sideoats grama were identified as well as late blooming flowers including brilliant asters, golden rod, and sunflowers.

The Natural History Series is sponsored by the Morris Wetland Management District, Stevens County Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Minnesota-Morris Division of Education and Department of Biology, Morris Area Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Advanced Hunter Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Research Service, Morris Area Community Education, Minnesota Extension Service, Girl Scouts, Pheasants Forever, and University of Minnesota Conferences.

8. Hunting The diversity of WPA's in the Morris District offers different options to the hunter.

Following is the 1994 Minnesota DNR August Roadside Wildlife Count Summary:

After two consecutive years of record or near-record cold and rainy conditions dominating most of the nesting and brood rearing seasons for farmland wildlife in Minnesota, a return to more normal spring and summer weather occured in 1994. Better weather conditions, coupled with the presence of over 1.8 million acres of quality nesting habitat (especially Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) lands), allowed most farmland wildlife species to begin recovery from their depressed levels of 1992 and 1993. Various weather events still· influenced farmla'nd wildlife population levels in 1994, but at more of a regional or local level rather than state-wide. Overall though, with most of the Farmland Zone weather conditions being average or better than average during the spring and summer of 1994, wildlife population levels, for the most part, improved as a result. 75

Waterfowl were abundant throughout the summer but migrated early, frustrating many hunters. 94-34 4/1/94 BLA Waterfowl hunting was fair to poor over the District. Given the option from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Minnesota selected the longer 40 day season and a three duck daily bag limit. It is notable that one canvasback was allowed in the daily bag limit. The open season dates for ducks, coots, and mergansers were October 1 - November 9. Local goose popu­ lations increased, and due to depredation complaints, the Minnesota DNR extended the early goose season zone to include most of our District. The early goose season was open from September 3 - 12. Firearm and bow hunters registered 3,103 deer in the Morris area during the 1994 hunting season, down about 10 percent from 1993. A higher percentage of antlerless deer were registered, which may indicate that the local population may be decreasing in size. This was Minnesota DNR's objective for this area. State­ wide, the 1994 firearms deer harvest totalled 176,000 deer, the fourth highest total ever recorded. 76

FIREARMS DEER HARVEST 1964-1994 260

240

220

200

180 .... (I) 160 ~-a: co ct-,:, :cia 140 (I) co 26a:.c 120 ca:t- ILl a: 100 ii: 80

60

40- 20 I or

9. Fishing Although good fishing opportunities abound within the Morris Wetland District's seven county area, minimal fishing resources exist on the WPA's. Two units, Artichoke WPA (Big Stone County), and Heidebrink WPA (Pope County), offer the best fishing opportunities. Shoreline fishing along Artichoke Lake could result in northern pike, walleye, crappie, and blue-gill catches. During the spring months, northern pike can be found along a section of the Chippewa River that runs through Heidebrink WPA. 77

10. Trapping In 1994 red fox and raccoon were opened to trapping and hunting year around. This was a change from previous years. According to a local fur buyer, fur prices remained similar to last year. Trapping data for specific species is not available. The Minnesota Predator/Furbearer Scent Post Survey (Section D.S) shows a general increase in furbearers within our District.

11. Wildlife Observation As WPA's are developed and become more and more established in the community, the local residents become aware of the oppor­ tunities they offer. Probably the most important aspect is the casual wildlife observation of people ujust driving by.u Water­ fowl, deer, pheasants, and a myriad of other wildlife are there. Many bird watchers take advantage of the WPA's. Because of the lack of good habitat in the surrounding areas , migratory and resident birds tend to concentrate on the units to the joy of the birders.

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This brown thrasher nested in our shelterbelt. 94-35 6/11/94 BLA

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, photography, and mushroom hunting are just a few of the other wildlife oriented recreational opportunities offered on WPA's. Since no motor­ ized vehicles are allowed on our units, many individuals find that simple peace and quiet is the most beneficial aspect of a visit to a WPA. 78

17. Law Enforcement Three people on the Morris staff had law enforcement authority during the year; they were Officers Lewis, Bober, and Raitz. Refuge Operation Specialist Raitz received his law enforcement training January through March. Shortly thereafter, a "grinning" Officer Bober retired his credentials. Most enforcement activities are associated with wetland drainage violations or resolving WPA problems. Citations are seldom used in resolving these problems but the training and the authority to arrest or cite an individual are essential assets in these contacts. State Conservation Officers have primary responsibility for hunting season enforcement. We maintain good rapport with these State Officers and work cooperatively during waterfowl season and upon request in other situations. 79

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

Artichoke WPA - Ditch Plugs Twenty-five ditch plugs were constructed on the last quarter section that was purchased for this WPA in Swift County. The 25 ditch plugs restored 63 surface acres of wetland.

Robinhood WPA - Ditch Plugs There were eight ditch plugs constructed on Robinhood WPA in Traverse County. These plugs will restore nine surface acres of wetland.

2. Rehabilitation

Ben Wade WPA Water Control Structure The water control structure on Ben Wade WPA in Pope County washed out in 1993 due to high water. This structure was a half-round stoplog riser. The entire structure with outlet pipe was displaced and all the original fill washed away. The structure was re-positioned and new fill hauled to the site.

Brady WPA There was a wetland restoration on Brady WPA, Swift County, that was created by a dike built several years ago. This dike had become honeycombed with muskrat burrows and was leaking. The existing dike had existing vegetation burned off, dike flattened with the cat, and new fill hauled in during November, 1994.

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

Vehicles - Pickup A replacement vehicle was ordered for the 1986 Dodge 1/2-ton pickup. A new Ford 9030 bi-directional tractor with a three-section mower (21 foot cut) was received to replace the 1981 Ford 7600 tractor and mower.

5. Communications Systems

There were no major breakdowns this past year with the radio system. We did need to have two service calls during the year for minor problems. The Motorola equipment purchased in 1983 has continued to perform very well for this District's needs. We have good communication ability when work sites are up to 50 miles from the office. · 80

A lightening strike just northeast of the maintenance building during the summer. resulted in our phone system being knocked out for a day. We had to replace a relay for the phone system, one telephone, and several fuses. AT&T spent several days getting the entire system functioning again.

6. Computer Systems

The two IBM 286 computers used in the office were replaced with Dell 466 machines with end of the year money. Two Laserjet 4 Plus printers were also purchased. These machines have more memory and run at a much faster speed than the IBM's did. The Dell computers came with Windows already installed. We are keeping the IBM's and have set them up in individual offices. We have no network set up but all machines are compatible so files and printers can be shared.

Also purchased with end of the year money was an Intel 90MHz Pentium Microprocessor and a Paintjet XL 300 printer. An ENV8100 Scanner and software was also purchased. These will be used for GIS work.

We received a laptop computer, surplused from the Regional Office, to be used by District staff.

7. Energy Conservation Replacement of the station's boilers last year with new, high efficiency propane boilers has saved energy and reduced costs. 81

J. OTHER ITEMS

3. Items of Interest

REVENUE SHARING PAYMENTS - MORRIS WMD

County: FY92 FY93

Big Stone $23,717 $22,619 $ * Lac qui Parle 6,629 6,544 Pope 31,088 29,713 Stevens 28,344 27,032 Swift 23,684 22,588 Traverse 12,503 11,924 Yellow Medicine 3,421 3,263

Total $129,386 $123,683 *Payments for 1994 have not been received at this time.

Revenue sharing payments are important to our acquisition program. The county commissioners are always interested in the percentage of the calculated annual payment their counties receive. The reduced payments are now causing the slowdown of acquisition in several counties in Minnesota. Big Stone, Swift, and Pope Counties will probably not certify additional fee tracts until 100 percent payments are received.

Spotting Scope On January 22, 1994, the Morris WMD office held a dedication of a spotting scope in memory of Steve Fuecker, a former local sportsman. The scope was purchased jointly by Mr. Steve Kufrin, a close personal friend of the late Mr. Fuecker, Ducks Unlimited, and the Morris WMD. The scope is located in the visitor area of the office for use by the public for wildlife observation.

4. Credits The following staff members contributed to this report.

Angus: B I F ( 1-12) I G ( 4 I 5) . Bober: E (1-6) I I, J (1-2). Raitz: E (7), G (8-17), H (8-16), editing. Ellis: G (8-17) I H (8-16). Lewis: F (13,15), G (3), H (17). Radtke: A, C, J (3-4). Haugen: F ( 15) . Gallagher: E (4) I F (15) I H (2-3, 6-7) I I. Rieckmann: D, G (1). Stettner: I (6), all typing and assembly of report. 82

...... and another year softly slips away.