TOGIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Dillingham, Alaska

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1983

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM ·~.

PARK

KUSKOKWIM BAY

BAY IS. PEIRCE TOGIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE REFUGE BoUNDARY WILDERNESS MEA ti:\:;~!"-'£l's":'•Nl NATIVE ~~EYED \\\\\\\\\\\\· RoAD ------.

50 0 50 F"""-3 ~ I

trala in rni1111c Refuge Staff (L to R) L. Hotchkiss , K. Brandt, and D. Fisher. 83 Refuge File Photo (SH)

) Personnel

1. David A. Fisher, Refuge Manager, GS -12, entered on duty i0/22/81, permanent-full time. 2. Lee A. Hotchkiss, Assistant Refuge Manager/Pilot, GS-12, entered on duty 1/24/82, permanent-full time. 3. Karen S. Brandt, Clerk Typist, GS-4, entered on duty 9/06/83, local hire, full time. 4. Shelley A. Farler, Clerk Typist, GS-4, entered on duty 10/31/82, local hire, resigned effective 6/25/83.

US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE--ALASKA I I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 4982 00021194 5

) INTRODUCTION

Located in southwestern Alaska, between Kuskokwim Bay on the west and Bristol Bay on the south and east, Togiak NWR is approximately 400 miles southwest of Anchorage. The refuge is bordered on. the north by the Yukon Delta NWR, and on the east by Wood-Tikchik State Park.

Togiak NWR absorbed the former Cape Newenham NWR, and now comprises 4,105,000 acres. In the northern half of the refuge, 2,270,000 acres have been designated as wilderness area.

The refuge is roadless. Eighty percent of it is in the Ahklun Mountains, where large expanses of tundra uplands are cut by several broad glacial valleys opening onto a coastal plain.

Archeological evidence indicates that the Cape Newenham-Togiak region of southwestern Alaska has been continuously occupied by Eskimos for at least 2,000 years. One site, at Security Cove near Cape Newenham, shows evidence of possible human occupancy dating 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

Aboriginal people within this area were of two different groups: the Kuskwogrniut Eskimos, who occupied the area from Chagvan Bay north to the Kuskwogrniut Riveri and the Togiagamiut Eskimos, who lived in the area south of Chagvan Bay east to Togiak Bay. The people of Nanvak and Osviak Bays were known as Chingigrniut, or Cape People, and were considered a branch of the Togigagrniut.

At the time of the 1880 census, over 2,300 Eskimos lived within what is now Togiak NWR. Elliott (1866) stated that the Togiak River was remarkable with respect to the density of the people along its banks. At that time, 1,926 people lived in seven villages along the river between Togiak Lake and Togiak Bay. This population reflected the great abundance of fish and wildlife, which the people relied on for their sole source of food and clothing.

The Togiagarniuts, unlike most coastal Eskimos, did not depend primarily on the fish and wildlife resources of the sea for their subsistence. Sea mammals were hunted, but more effort was expended in pursuit of moose, caribou, and brown bear which roamed the interior mountains and valleys. From their winter villages along the rivers near the coast, hunters and their families traveled into the interior where they spent several months, in spring and fall, hunting and berry picking. In mid-summer they would return to their villages to harvest salmon. The food thus gathered would hopefully tide them over the coldest winter months, when weather conditions restricted hunting and fishing activities.

The Kuskwogrniut, who occupied the area to the west and north of the Togiagarniut, relied more on the resources of the sea for their subsistence. The people living in the vicinity of Cape Newenham, for example, obtained their meat, blubber, and oil from seals, beluga whales, and walrus. The latter, howeveri was prized for its ivory, which was used as an article of trade, and in the manufacture of tools. Sea birds were abundant and furnished people with meat, eggs, and clothing. Salmon and trout were also important items in their diet. Captain James Cook was probably the first white man to see the area when on July 9, 1778, he entered Bristol Bay and continued westward, reaching Cape Newenham on July 16, 1778. Somewhere to the north of Cape Newenham, possibly in the area of Goodnews Bay, Captain Cook was visited by a group of Eskimos in kayaks. He was of the opinion that these people had no previous contact with whites, as they had no tobacco or foreign articles in their possession.

Russian explorers reached Bristol Bay in the 1790's, but the first contact with the Togiagamiut probably did not occur until 1818, when a party of Russian American Company traders established a fort on the Nushagak River. From this post, trade was established with the Togiagamiut The area was rich in furs and the post was soon handling over 4,000 pelts annually. A great variety of animals were taken including : brown and black bears, wolves, wolverines, red and arctic foxes, beaver, marten, mink, marmots, muskrats, river otters, lynx, ground squirrels, and seals.

Of the various industries created in the area during the 1800's, only the salmon fishery retains its original importance. In 1885, Alaska Packing Company of Astoria established . the "Scandinavian" cannery on the west side of Nushagak Bay. With a capacity of 2,000 cases per day, it operated until the end of World War II . Bristol Bay Canning Company, called Bradford Cannery, went into production a few miles from the Scandinavian in 1886, at a site which later became Dillingham. By 1897, the fishing industry had invested $867,000 in the Bay. In 1908, there were ten canneries in operation at Nushagak.

) Interest in gold mining and trapping declined during World War II, and reindeer .herding became practically nonexistent by the mid-1940's when reindeer were nearly exterminated by a series of hard winters. Most of the gold mines closed at the outbreak of World War II, but platinum mining started in 1926, and presently continues.

1

Remnant of early mining days . 83-DAF The majority of lands that were to become Togiak NWR were withdrawn in 1971, under Section 17(d) (2) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)·. The withdrawls covered all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including selection under the Alaska Statehood Act, and the mining and mineral leasing laws. ANCSA directed the Secretary of the Interior to study all (d) (2) "national interest land" withdrawls as possible additions to the national wildlife refuge, park, wilderness, and wild and scenic river systems.

The Secretary withdrew additional parts of what was to become Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, under Section 17(d) (l) of ANCSA. These "public interest lands" were also withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, except for metalliferous location.

Congress failed to take action before the five-year deadline expired for the (d) (2) lands being considered for additions in the national park, refuge, forest, and wild and scenic river systems. So, on November 16, 1978, the Secretary of the Interior invoked his emergency withdrawl powers, under Section 204(e) of the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA), and withdrew approximately 110 million acres throughout Alaska to protect these lands. Most of the present Togiak NWR; including the (d) (1) and (d) (2) lands, and lands available to the Natives but not selected, was covered by this Order.

Fifteen months later, on February 11, 1980, the Secretary issued Public Land Order 5703, under section 204(c) of FLPMA, establishing the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. The Order withdrew all lands subject to existing rights, for up to 20 years, from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws. As a refuge, Togiak NWR became subject to all of the laws and Fish and Wildlife Service policies governing administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

In December of 1980, Congress enacted the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This act, among other things, rescinded Public Land Order 5703, and designated all of the withdrawn land as a refuge. In addition, the Act redesignated Cape Newenham NWR as a unit of Togiak NWR. The first Fish and Wildlife Service manager subsequently reported for duty in October, 1981.

ANILCA is the primary statute affecting the planning and management of Tog·iak NWR. The Act established Togiak as a national wildlife refuge, identified its purposes, and required it to be administered subject to existing rights, in accordance with the laws governing the Refuge System.

Section 303(6) (B) of ANILCA, stated four purposes of Togiak NWR. The Fish and Wildlife Service has set additional goals for the refuge. All of the following goals and purposes form the major guidance for managing Togiak NWR. They are also the criteria for developing and evaluating management alternatives for the refuge. These purposes are:

1. To conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity:

* preserve a natural diversity and abundance of fauna and flora on refuge lands. * conserve salmon population~ and their habitat.

* conserve marine bird populations and their habitat.

* conserve marine mammal populations and their habitat.

* conserve and restore to historic levels large mammal populations, including brown/grizzly bear populations, and their habitat.

* preserve, restore, and enhance in their natural ecosystems (when practicable) , all species of animals and plants that are endangered or threatened with becoming endangered.

2. To fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitat:

* to perpetuate the migratory bird resource

3. To provide, in a manner consistent with the purposes set forth in (1) and (2) , the opportunity for continued subsistence use by local residents.

4. To ensure to the maximum extent practicable, and in a manner consistent with the purposes set forth in (1) , water quantity and water quality within the refuge.

5. To assure preservation and availability of wild and scenic waterways, lakes, historic and archeological sites, trails, and other cultural features, geological and paleontological areas, and other scientific and educational values.

6. To provide an understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology and man's role in his environment, and to provide refuge visitors with high quality, safe, wholesome, and enjoyable recreational experiences oriented toward wildlife to the extent these activities are compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established. This discovery, near the present village of Platinum, produced what was probably Alaska's last big stampede. Miners from all over Alaska and the "Lower 48" came to the mining camps along the tributaries of the Salmon River, heralded as the "Dawson of 1937". The platinum stampede was unlike any of the Klondike era: airplanes brought stampeders in several times a week; few resorted to dog sleds or long overland treks prevalent in the "Trail of 98"; power drills and tractors replaced single jacks and horsedrawn wagons. Since 1926, more than 640,000 ounces of this precious metal have been mined from the platinum placers in the Goodnews Bay district.

The Goodnews Bay platinum placer mine on the Salmon River, adjacent to the refuge, is the only major mining operation now active in the region. By 1934, one company, the Goodnews Bay Mining Company, had acquired nearly all the claims. It is now the only company in the U.S. that primarily produces platinum. Most of the platinum claims owned by the Goodnews Bay Mining Company are located on lands selected by native villages.

)

Dredge tailings from the platinum mine operation on the Salmon River - now called No Salmon River 83-DAF

Trapping also continues, with fur prices dictating the degree of trap­ ping effort. Historical and archeological features of the refuge primarily consist of former Eskimo villages.

The area that became Togiak NWR prior to 1969 was part of the public domain, under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. On January 20, 1969, the Secretary of the Interior issued Public Land Order 4583, withdrawing 265,000 acres of the area and designating it the Cape ) Newenham National Wildlife Refuge. With this Order, the Fish and Wildlife Service assumed its first refuge management responsibilities in the area: to protect and preserve the "outstanding wilderness values" of Cape Newenham. TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

A. HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1

C. LAND ACQUISITION 3

1. Fee Title . . Nothing To Report 2. Easements Nothing To Report 3. Other . . . . . 3

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan . . . . . 7 2. Management Plan ...... 7 3. Public Participation 7 4. Compliance With Environmental Mandates 7 5. Research and Investigations . 7

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel ...... ~ ...... 15 2. Youth Programs Nothing To Report 3. Other Manpower Programs . . . . Nothing To Report 4. Volunteers Program 16 5. Funding ...... 16 6. Safety ...... 16 7. Technical Assistance Nothing To Report 8. Other Items ...... 17

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General ...... 18 2. \-Jet lands ...... 20 3. Forests . . Nothing To Report 4. Croplands . Nothing To Report 5. Grasslands Nothing To Report 6. Other Habitats ...... 21 7. Grazing . . . . Nothing To Report 8. Haying . . . . . Nothing To Report 9. Fire Management ...... 21 10. Pest Control Nothing To Report 11. Water Rights Nothing To Report 12. 1-Jilderness and Special Areas ...... 23 13. 1-JPA Easement Monitoring ...... Nothing To Report G. WILDLIFE PAGE

l. \Hldlife Diversity ...... 24 '") L., Endangered and/or Threatened Species 24 3. Waterfowl ...... 24 4. Marsh and Water Birds 27 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 27 6. Raptors ...... 28 7. Other Migratory Birds 28 8. Game Mammals . . . . . 29 9. Marine Mammals • . . . 30 10. Other Resident Wildlife 34 11. Fisheries Resources 34 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing To Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing To Report 14. Scientific Collections . Nothing To Report 15. Animal Control ...... Nothing To Report 16. Marking and Banding Nothing To Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing To Report

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General ...... 37 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing To Report 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing To Report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails . . . Nothing To Report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes . . . Nothing To Report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing To Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs Nothing To Report 8. Hunting 38 9. Fishing ...... 39 10. Trapping ...... 40 11. Wildlife Observation . 40 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation . 40 13. Camping ...... 41 14. Picnicking ...... Nothing To Report 15. Off-Road Vehicling ...... 41 16. Other Non-\.Jildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing To Report 17. Law Enforcement ...... 42 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing To Report 19. Concessions Nothing To Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. Ne•.;r Construction . Nothing To Report 2. Rehabilitation . . 44 3. Major Maintenance 44 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 45 5. Communications Systems . 45 6. Energy Conservation . . . . Nothing To Report 7. Other ...... Nothing Ro Report J. OTHER ITEMS PAGE l. Cooperative Programs . . 45 2. Items of Interest .... 46 3. Credits ...... 46

K. FEEDBACK 47 ]

A. HIGHL:L~;H'i.'S

Refuge personnel were heavily involved in Refuge Comprehensive and Bristol Bay Cooperative Management Planning. Public meetings were attended by either the RM or the ARM at all villages within, or adjacent to the refuge.

Mrs. Karen Brandt became our new clerk typist in September. She was hired under the local hire program, and replaced Mrs. Shelley Farler, who resigned in June.

Herring fishing opened on Hay 3, and closed on May 15. Figures from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) show that this year's Togiak Herring sac roe fishery was the bes~ on record.

Bristol Bay sockeye salmon catch for the year was about 36.5 million fish. The salmon run was not a record run, bu~ was the third largest in the history of the fishery.

Regional Director Keith Schriener and Regio~al Director Designate Dr. Robert .i:'utz visited re£ uge hea::iq'..:w.rt.srs to :1.eet t."~"' st:a:: i:, <::...:-.~ d.i.sc1:ss o;:c;oing refuge progra~s <::..n~ pr2blerns.

Tom Pogson, a graduate student from the University of Alaska (Fairbanks), collected field data on lesser sandhill cranes during the summer, using the Nushagak Peninsula. Only ~ crane chick was captured and outfitted v.;i th a band and neck collar. 'I'om later v:rote that he observed this same bird ir. the lower Sacramento Valley du:::-ing the winte:::-.

An increase in walrus haul out activity was periodically observed at both Cape Peirce and Nanvak Bay, during August and Septerrber. Aerial surveys lnciicated between .:, ,OG:..; illiC.1 7 ,ul.G c.. •• ir:.;::.::__ "="·'-'-"~_,.,(; cc;~. ::;_.;.;): ::~~ .... ~--::. :-.1r· revealed twenty-plus carcasses, v.;ith heads missing, on the beach at Nanvak Bay.

B. CL::':MP-.TIC COI;:n':'ItJNS

The refuge is located in a climatic transition zone. The primary influence J..s mari~lrne; i1owever, t..11e l~rct:.i~ cl::.:::~~'..t.e:: c:: ~r..tc.:.::i.,~r r~l2..:k::... z-:2-~:J a:fc(:""!:.s the refuge and the Bristol Bay coastal region. Temperatures range from an average minimum of 4°F. in January, to an average maximum of 56°F. in July. The average frost-free period is approximately 120 days. Ponds and small lakes usually freeze in October, and thaw in May.

Prevailing winds are from the north and northeast during October through March, and from the south and west during April through September. Winds blow almost constantly along the coast, frequently reaching gale force velocities in the Cape Hewenham ii.rec. DJ._.__i:.~h~-"'' Ali:~-l-:1., ~;;;:;; ;:cccrd~d temperatures from -41°F. to 92°F., with an average of 26 inches of rain and 65 inches of snow. By comparison, Cape Newenham has recorded tempera­ tures of -28°F. to 75°F., with an average of 37 inches of rain and 81 inches of snow ••

Fall is the wettest season, while the least precipitation occurs in the spring. Topography on the refuge varies, creating microclimates which affect local temperatures, types of precipitation, and wind conditions. 2

January - March

) January was the coldest month, with a low of -23°F. March claimed a high of 44°F. Total snowfall for these three months was 22.05 inches, compared to 81 inches for the same time period in 1982. Conditions throughout the refuge, toward the end of March, indicated a definite warming trend with a very low snowpack.

)

Typical low stratus/fog conditions during spring months 83-DAF

April - June

April had temperatures ranging from a low of 9°F., to a high of 48°F. The snowfall for this period totaled 11.4 inches, compared to 6.6 inches for 1982. By the end of April, all of the snow in the Dillingham area was gone, and most of the small ponds on the Nushagak Peninsula were ice free. Final breakup of ice in Nanvak and Chagvan Bays occurred by mid-May. June was drier than normal and recorded 16 days without measurable precipitation.

July - September

Weather for this quarter seemed normal after the dry months of previous quarters. However, dry conditions continued to exist throughout the refuge, with rivers and lakes being at their lowest levels in over 30 years, according to our local old timers. Coho slamon runs on the refuge were pretty spotty during August and September, probably due to the extreme low water levels.

) October - December /

Weather this quarter started out with a minimal amount of precipitation in the form of rain. By the end of October, most interior portions of 3

the refuge were frozen over, with a good accumulation of snow. November was a month of radical changes. It began with 9 inches of snow on the ground, and increased to a total of 21 inches by the end of the first week. This was reduced to one inch, by rain and warm temperatures, a week later. Twenty-seven days of measurable precipitation were recorded for November, with a total of 7.95 inches of rain. By contrast, December turned out to be quite dry for this time of year in Bristol Bay.

TABLE 1 - 1983 Climatic Conditions

Month Max. Temp. Min. Temp. Precipitation # of Days Snowfall January 40 -23 0.63 15 4. 71 February 37 - 5 0.98 15 13.71 March 44 1 0.40 14 3.63 April 48 9 2.13 24 11.40 May 61 28 0.43 13 0 June 68 36 1.12 14 0 July 72 43 1.27 18 0 August 74 31 1.68 18 0 September 60 22 1. 70 19 0 October 50 1 1.82' 22 0 November 45 - 3 7.95 27 26.55 December 41 1 0.72 11 3.0 Totals 20.83 220 63.00

c. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title

The division of Realty, Anchorage regional office, contacted this office earlier in the year and indicated that a limited amount of funds were available for use in purchasing an administrative site in Dillingham. Refuge personnel have investigated the availability of suitable land for an administrative site, and have tenatively identified the following two possibilities:

A. Mission Subdivision: two tracts (2.9 acres and 3.70 acres) are available. This land is owned by the Choggiung Limited Native Corporation, and is located near the Dillingham airport.

B. Sampson Subdivision: a new subdivision, owned by a local native, containing 1.25 acre and 2.5 acre tracts. These tracts are located on the lake road, about 1.75 miles from the airport.

The Mission tracts are ideally suited for our needs, especially in regard to public access. However, the price per acre, for the amount of land we would need, may exceed available funds.

On the other hand, while being less expensive per acre, the Sampson tracts are a little less desirable in terms of public access. Once we decide the exact amount of land needed, taking long range development into consideration, realty will start negotiations. 4

3. Other

Under the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) , immediate benefits to individuals were to be largely foregone in favor of long term benefits to them as shareholders. All enrolled Natives became members of one of twelve regional corporations, depending upon which region of Alaska they considered home; or of a thirteenth corporation, if they lived outside the state. About 50,000 of these enrollees also became shareholders in one or another of 203 corporations organized in villages which they considered to be their home.

The surface estate of more than half the land settlement was to go to these village corporations, and a few other special-category corporations. The mineral estate was to go to the appropriate regional corporation. Full ownership of most of the remaining acreage was to go to six regional corporations, among which the land would be divided.

Two native corporations, both regional, have selected lands within the Togiak NWR. The eastern half of the refuge is within the Bristol Bay Native Corporation region; and the western half is in the Calista Native Corporation region.

Eight village and one native group have had land interim conveyed to them within Togiak NWR. These villages all have land entitled to them under Section 12(a) of ANCSA. A few villages also have land entitlements under 12(b) of the same Act, where land is allocated to eleven of the twelve land-holding regional corporations, and then reallocated to specific villages within each native region; based upon an equitable basis after considering historic use, subsistence needs, and population. Some of these 12(b) allocations, or entitlements, are subject to change at this time because of protests by certain villages on the acreage they received.

Village selections and interim conveyances are listed below:

A. Clarks Point (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge .. 25,764 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge. 14,040

B. Dillingham (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge .... 17,946 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge. 2,509

C. Ekuk (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge .... 23,916 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge ... 21,477

D. Manakotak (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge ....108,558 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge. . 29,140 5

E. Platinum (Calista Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge .. 7,570 2. Total remaining acreage selected.within the refuge .. 21,070

F. Quinhagak (Calista Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge .•.. 75,840 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge ... 47,526

G. Togiak (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge ....119,007 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge ... 29,665

H. Twin Hills (Bristol Bay Region)

1. Total acreage interim conveyed within the refuge •... 65,906 2. Total remaining acreage selected within the refuge ... 17,361

There is one native group within Togiak NWR (Olsonville) which has an entitlement of 7,680 acres, and has selected 9,161 acres within the refuge. Olsonville is classified as a native group, rather than a native village, because it has less than 25 residents of which 50% are native. Selections by Olsonville will not be conveyed until the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) receives a letter of certification from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) , verifying Olsonville's existance. (Olsonville was certified as a Native Group, on 6/16/83, by BIA.)

There are four hundred forty-five native allotment applications, totaling 42,189 acres. Approximately 15% of these are in litigation, and most of those in litigation are in the western part of the refuge. There are eighty-seven, 14-(h) (1), regional corporation applications, totaling 2,450 acres, scattered throughout the refuge. 14(h) (1) sites are cemetery sites and historical place applications.

As of this writing, 444,552 acres of land have been interim conveyed.

Originally, about 742,000 acres of land were selected; and it is not known at this time, just how many more acres of land remain to be conveyed. BLM continued to survey individual native allotments, within the refuge, during 1983. Most of the work was done within the Togiak drainage. More surveys will be conducted in 1984.

Eleven years after the near billion dollar, 44 million acre land settle­ ment, most natives are richer by about $600. Apart from tracts available under another program, they hold no individual title to land they did not hold in 1971. However, their land rights are assured and entitlements secure. Hany persons improved their economic status, in part, because of the settlement act.

Despite the cash payments received by Eskimo, Indian, and Aleut shareholders, or the value of shares they own in corporations, the lives of most natives 6

appear to be little changed by the most extraordinary aboriginal land claims settlement in American history. More natives are employed than ) eleven years ago; but this increase is, at least partly, the result of the construction of the oil pipeline, and the generally high level of economic activity the State is currently experiencing.

)

A typical Native land selection near refuge coastline 83-DAF

Approximately 523,000 acres currently under BLM ownership (north of Platinum and west of Goodnews Bay) were excluded from becoming refuge lands because of mineral resource values. BLM is now interested in turning this land over to FWS for addition to Togiak NWR, or entering into a cooperative management agreement . Of the 523,000 acres, nearly 256,000 acres have been selected by regional and villa ge corporations; and by 1982, nearly 57,000 acres had been conveyed. The n umber of acres left to be conveyed is not known at this time.

The entire area has good fish and wildlife values . The coastal area provides waterfowl nesting habitat .and staging areas for migratory waterfowl. The interior area cont ains brown bear, small mammals, ptarmigan, and salmon spawning areas. Management may be hindered, somewhat , due to the large number of mining claims. If FWS does agree to make this part of the refuge, then the area under refuge jurisdiction should be closed to new mineral leases. The decision, as t o whether this area becomes part of Togiak NWR or remains with BLM, may be determined in 1984.

) f 7

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan

The Comprehensive Conservation Plan, mandated by ANILCA for Togiak NWR, is scheduled for completion in late 1984. During 1983, work continued on conservation plans for the four Bristol Bay Refuges: Becharof NWR, Izembek NWR, Alaska Peninsula NWR, and Togiak NWR. By the end of 1983, a draft for Becharof NWR was complete. The major planning effort is being undertaken from the regional office, with input provided from the refuge staff.

Refuge personnel reviewed portions of the plan throughout the year. Species distribution lists and habitat maps were updated, along with several management alternatives. A draft of the Bristol Bay Cooperative Management Plan (BBCMP) was completed by the end of the year.

2. Management Plans

Individual management plans for Togiak NWR have not been drafted. Once a draft of the refuge conservation plan is complete, work on individual management plans will begin.

Draft wildlife inventory plans were submitted for waterfowl, swan, bear, moose, beaver caches, and public use, in April of 1983. Only the public use plan has been returned. Necessary changes were made, and the plan was resubmitted.

An inventory plan for marine birds will be developed during 1984.

3. Public Participation

Refuge managers Fisher and Hotchkiss attended public meetings for the BBCMP at the following towns and villages: Togiak, Twin Hills, Manokotak, Aleknagik, Goodnews Bay, Quinhagak, and Dillingham. Public meetings for the refuge comprehensive plan will be held during 1984.

Refuge managers Fisher and Hotchkiss also attended meetings in Bethel, Dillingham, Anchorage, and Quinhagak concerning the Wild and Scenic River Study for the Kanektok River.

4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates

A draft compatibility determination, concerning airboat use on the refuge, was started in December. This will address the problem encountered on the Goodnews River with commercial sport fishing guide, Ron Hyde, of "Alaska River Safari's". Basically, the determination would justify prohibiting airboat use on the refuge. (See J. OTHER ITEMS, 2. Items of Interest)

5. Research and Investigations

Togiak River Coho Salmon Studies, 1983

Since 1977, catches of coho salmon have increased dramatically in Bristol 8

Bay. A record harvest of 148,000 fish was recorded for the Togiak River district in 1980. In addition to increased catches, fishing effort has undergone an increase; as indicated by the number of drift boats and set nets registered to commercially fish the Togiak district. Approximately 37% of Bristol Bay's coho production comes from the Togiak District. This study was conducted on the refuge by the research fisheries biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game .(ADF&G) . These biologists are aware that many of the basic tools, used to help efficiently manage other Bristol Bay salmon resources, are. lacking for the coho fishery.

Specific objec~ives of this study were to:

* calibrate aerial survey escapement estimates

* gather age, length, and sex data from coho salmon escapements

* test the feasibility of using side-scan sonar to enumerate salmon species in the Togiak River.

Aerial survey estimates were calibrated for the proportion of fish missed, on the basis of comparative estimates made from aircraft, and census data collected from a weir which operated at the mouth of the Gechiak River. Fish passing through a live box at the weir were sorted, and escapement by species was recorded.

)

Fish weir located on the Gechiak River 83-DAF

) I 9

Adult coho salmon, passed through the weir, were sampled for standard length {mid-eye to fork tail) and sex. A scale sample was collected for aging purposes.

) Coho Sampling Underway 83-DAF

Juvenile cohos, captured with minnow traps, were measured for length (tip of snout to fork tail) and weighed t o the nearest tenth of a gram. A scale smear was c o llected for aging purpo ses .

In an effort to determine the feasibility of enumera ting salmon in the Togiak River, a 1981 Bendix side-scan counter was operated for a portion of the coho run. The substrate and electronics, borrowed from the Alaska Power Authority, were similar to those used on . the Nushagak River. Counts were recorded daily, while calibration and species apportionment were made b y periodic visual observation; allowed this time of y ear by unusually clear water conditions.

Basic weather and river conditions were recorded at the weir site. Subjective observations were made of sky conditions, wind velocity, river turbidity, and depth. Air and water precipitation were measured, daily, at 0800 and 2 000 hours.

The Gechiak River weir was installed, and completely operational, on August 13. Chum, king, sockeye, and coho salmon were passed through a live box and enumerated, until September 30, when high waters made it necessary to pull the weir. A total of 163 coho were passed through the weir during that period; along with 271 chum, 6 sockeye, and 19 chinook.

The coho estimate is considered to be minimal since the weir was ouu of production, for a period of several days, allowing fish to pass during the dark hours. 10

Two different surveyors flew separate surveys on September 15. Because of poor accounting of coho escapement, large numbers of spawning char, and the schooled behavior of cohos, results were inconclusive in the calibration of observer counts . . The weak coho run, and uncooperative weather, precluded surveys prior to the pulling of the weir.

Several observations are in order, however. During surveys, large spawning populations of Arctic char tended to confuse observers; as size and coloration were similar to spawning coho. The significance of resident char, being present on aerial coho estimates, is not fully understood. Past experience suggests there is seldom an overlap, between peak periods of spawning, between these species.

A total of 75 coho salmon, and 56 chinook s~lmon, were sampled for standard age, length, and sex data; and a total of 139 juvenile coho salmon were captured with minnow traps.

A side-scan ·sonar unit was tested, on the main stem of the Togiak River, some 5 kilometers upstream from the Gechiak River. A single substrate was deployed on August 27, and recorded some 897 counts until it was pulled up, at 1700 hours, on September 6. Calibration and species apportionment were periodically conducted by visual observation. At the time the sonar was operated, virtually all counts were assumed to be pink salmon.

The test conclusively proved sonar can be operated in the Togiak River. A tenative site, approximately 2 kilometers upstream· from where the ) Pungokepuk Creek enters the main stem of the Togiak, is believed to be an ideal location for future studies.

) Typical Chum Salmon Spawning Habitat on the Togiak River 83-DAF 11

Togiak Chinook Salmon Escapement Sampling, 1983 This study was conducted by ADF&G fisheries biologists. The sampling on ) the refuge was conducted, jointly, with refuge staff. Air support was provided by the refuge pilot; and the manager helped collect fish data. Objectives of this study were to collect age, length, weight, and sex data from chinook salmon escapement; comparing it to commericial and subsistence catches.

)

Sampling crew getting ready to start work. 83-DAF

)

ADF&G fishery biologist collecting data. 83-DAF 1 2

A t wo - man crew started a t Togiak La ke t he first week of August. Outfitted with an inflatable raft, t he y pro ceeded down the Togiak River, seek i ng spawned chinoo k salmon carcasses. Length to the nearest millimeter, a n d sex data for each carcass were recorded. Scale samples were also tak en. Because of the decomposed nature of most of the carcasses, three scales were taken per fish. To avoid bias, all chinook carcasses were sampled.

A total of 608 samples were collected; 459 from the commercial catch and ~~~ ~ . 149 from escapement. The escapement s amples came" tne maln stem of the Togiak river and on e tributary (Gechiak River) . Sampling results indicated a sex ratio o f 59% male to 41% female. Average length and weight was 781.55 mm, and 8.84 k g, respectively.

The chinook salmon return, to the Togiak district, totaled 60,740, and was the second largest return ever documented. Commercial and subsistence catches accounted for 38,340 and 900 fish, respectively. Escapement was estimated to be nearly 22,000 fish.

Lesser Sandhill Crane Survey on the Nushagak Peninsula Th is surv e y was conducted b y Un iversity of Alaska (Fairbanks) graduate studen t, Tom Po gson. He wa s a ssisted by friend and ~olunteer Dan Cooper; also from Fairbank s. The refuge provided flight time and equipment for the survey . Tom and Dan spent 14 days (July 20 to August 6) conducting surveys to l o c a te and census sandhill cranes on the Nushagak Peninsula. The purpose of the surveys was to gather information regarding: crane abundance, distribution, ha bitat use, and breeding phenology. If possible, Tom was prepared to band and color mark flightless young cranes that could be re­ ) sighted during migration on southern wintering areas.

. ( / Crane Habitat along the Igushik River, Nushagak Penlnsula 83-TP 13

Crane Habitat - Inland on Nushagak Peninsula 83-TP

) 101 pair of cranes were located in the study area, and 17 of these were confirmed to have young. Torn was able to capture (run down) one young crane. It was fitted with a bright yellow enameled aluminum neck band; bearing the code "JOl" in black digits. It was also fitted with a bright yellow plastic leg band above the tarsel joint on the left leg; bearing the "CJOl" code. A USFWS aluminum band (size 8) was fitted on the right leg.

)

Success 83-TP 14

Tom and Dan were proud of the one crane they were able to capture and tag. Dan returned to Fairbanks; while Tom is continuing his crane study in the ) Sacramento Valley during the winter. A phone call was received from Tom, during January 1984; he reported spotting "JOl" about 20 miles south of Sacramento. Tom plans to return to Dillingham next summer to continue his crane work on the Nushagak Peninsula.

Kanektok River Fishery Investigations

The Kanektok River originates at Kagati Lake; in the foothills of the Eek, Ahklun, and Togiak Mountains. Flowing westerly for ninety miles, it termi­ nates in the Bering Sea, near the foothills at ithe village of Quinhagak.

Mid-reach of the Kanektok River during the winter. 83-LAH

The study was initially conceived and planned to provide fishery information to the inter-agency , Kanektok River Wild and Scenic River planning team. The Kanektok River has been withdrawn from consideration as a Wild and Scenic river because of strenuous objections .by native residents of Quinhagak. They foresaw an increase in tourism, due to this status, as - ~ straining village resources, and degrading the fisheries and water quality of the Kanektok River.

During 1983, there were eight commercial sport fishing guides operating on the Kanektok River. They guided about three hundred clients during the year. Species available to the angler were: King, Silver, Pink, Chum, and Sockeye Salmon; Rainbow and Lake trout; Dolly Varden/Arctic Char; Grayling, Burbot, and Whitefish.

A request was made to the King Salmon Fisheries Station to examine the status of the sport fishery resources on the river. It was felt this e xamination would determine if the resource was being impacted by the current level of exploitation by commercial guides. 15

Initial investigations have revealed the limiting factor to production is water level fluctuations. The sport fishery is in excellent shape, and six of the eight guides adhere to a strict "catch and release" policy. It is clear, however, that new guiding operations and unguided anglers are increasing, in number, on this river. In order to maintain the current excellent status, especially with regard to rainbow trout, we will likely be encouraging the "catch and release" practice.

At the time of this writing, we had not received specific data regarding this investigation. It is in the process of being compiled, and will appear in next year's report.

Reconnaissance of Surface Water Resource in the Togiak River Basin

Data for this report was collected in 1980 and 1982; however, the report wasn't published until 1983. The study is a product of a geological survey program, initiated in the early 1970's, to study environmental conditions in selected frontier areas of Alaska. The study was conducted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; with help provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. The purpose of the study was to obtain information on the surface water resources of the Togiak River basin.

Information obtained includes: measurements and observations of streamflow conditions during late summer and winter periods; stream channel character­ istics; evidence of past flooding and erosion; water quality; and benthic invertebrate populations.

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

During 1983, the number of permanent personnel remained the same. We had hoped to be able to hire a badly needed wildlife biologist, but this never materialized.

The clerk typist, hired under the local hire program in October of 1982, resigned effective 6/25/83. She was replaced by Mrs. Karen Brandt; also hired under the local hire program. Karen has a varied work background, and is doing an excellent job for us. She has rescued the typewriter from misuse by the RM and ARM; and remembers where things are filed, which is something the manager has had trouble with.

The local hire program has turned out to be quite valuable to us. Using it we are able to hire competent individuals from the immediate area. Besides, local hire positions are not counted as FTE's.

TABLE 2 - Staffing Pattern for Togiak NWR

FY FTE OTHER 81 1 0 82 2 1 83 2 1 84 2 1 16

4. Volunteer Program

One volunteer was used during the summer of 1983. Dan Cooper, from Fairbanks, helped graduate student Tom Pogson with his sandhill crane study on the Nushagak Peninsula.

This station plans on recruiting more volunteer help during 1984. Several inqu1r1es, concerning volunteer help, were received by the end of the 1983 calendar year. Housing for volunteers in 1984 won't be the p~oblem it has been in the past. We will convert quarters #1 into a bunk house to accommodate both volunteer help and potential temporary hires.

5. Funding

TABLE 3 - Funding History for Togiak NWR

FY 1210 1220 1260 1360 ARMM TOTAL 81 10,000 20,000 30,000 82 130,000 66, 000 196,000 83 130,000 60,000 190,000 84 --- 190,000 10,000 60,000 260,000

FY 1983 started out with the same amount of funding as FY 1982. One initial cut of $6K was made; thereby reducing the final figure to $190K. In addition, $22K was initially removed for Togiak's share of printing costs for the refuge comprehensive plan; an item we had not planned on having to pay. This was restored at the end of the FY, just in the nick of time to purchase needed equipment and supplies. This type of "Now you have it, now you don't" shuffling makes it difficult to plan. For FY 1984 we were advised, quite early, that $25K would be taken away for printing costs of the refuge plan. These costs should not have to come straight from the stations' operation and maintenance funds; especially when it is so expensive to do business in Alaska. However, the $60K planned for ARMM projects will help. Too bad there aren't any FTE's to go along with the funds!

6. Safety

The station safety record continues unblemished for the second year in a row, with no lost time accidents occurring.

Monthly station safety meetings were held, covering a wide variety of procedures, such as: mobile home fire prevention, bear safety precautions, aircraft emergency procedures, field safety, emergency radio procedures, static electricity danger while fueling the refuge aircraft, and chain saw safety.

The Station Safety Plan was completed and submitted to the regional office in February.

The annual Pilot Ground School, presented by OAS/FWS representatives, was conducted from November 29, through December 2. ARM Hotchkiss attended the session with other USFWS, NPS, and USGS pilots. 17

ARM Hotchkiss continued to function as the FAA Aviation Safety Counselor for the Dillingham area, on a volunteer basis, throughout the year. He participated in a local radio program concerning his role as Safety Counselor, and helped present an FAA Safety Seminar for Dillingham area pilots.

One aircraft, thought to be down on the refuge during a severe cold spell, October 16-19, precipitated an extensive air search and rescue effort. The refuge aircraft was in Anchorage for maintenance at the time and was not available to participate. ARM Hotchkiss helped coordinate the search effort; and provided needed information on refuge lands, cabin locations, etc., from the FAA service station. The pilot was found in good .condition and without injury on Hagemeister Island by a CAP pilot, on October 19. Both pilot and aircraft were blown offshore while trying to land on a beach at the Island. The pilot eventually swam to shore; but lost his plane and all of his survival equipment in the process. He did save his Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), but it was soaked with salt water and failed to function. He had not filed a flight plan, which delayed the start of the search and rescue effort. Temperatures during his ordeal ranged from +1 °F. to +10°F., with a strong northerly wind causing the wind chill factor to drop well below 0°F. The aircraft was never recovered.

Defective smoke alarms were replaced in both refuge quarters during February. New 20 lb. Class ABC fire extinguishers were purchased for both quarters, and for the refuge pickup which is equipped with the Avgas bulk tank and pump. A static discharge line/reel was .also mounted on the pickup for grounding the aircraft during fueling operations.

A furnace failure in quarters #2 had the potential of becoming a very dangerous situation. The Coleman model 8800 oil gun furnace had a rare dual function failure. When the igniter transfonner and the primary control failed, the combustion fan and fuel pump were allowed to operate without interruption; injecting oil into the furnace firebox. This occurred during the work day, between 8:00 a.m. and noon, and was not discovered until the close of the day. The circuit breaker was thrown, preventing any chance of ignition, until a qualified furnace repairman could be contacted. The furnace firebox was full of unburned fuel which had seeped down into the combustion chamber, where it could not be recovered. Fortunately, the igniter transformer had completely failed, preventing the excess oil from being ignited. Had ignition occurred, an uncontrolled fuel burn resulting in an overheated furnace and ultimate destruction of the quarters would have probably occurred.

ARM Hotchkiss attended the FAA Spring Safety Seminar in Anchorage on April 9 and 10.

8. Other Items

Twenty-eight Special Use Permits (SUP's) were issued in 1983. Twenty-three of these were issued for Commercial Guiding activities; which increased 77% over the number issued for guiding activities in 1982.

In order to issue SUP's for activities on refuge lands to comply with Section 810 of ANILCA, the refuge staff developed an "Exclusion Statement" 18

covering big game guiding and river rafting/fishing guiding activities. In effect, this statement established that these activities involved a minimal amount of public lands necessary to accomplish the purpose of that use; and that those permitted activities had little or no effect upon the subsistence resource and use of that resource.

The following Table shows the SUP's issued for Calendar year 1983:

TABLE 4 - Special Use Permits, 1983 Permit No. Issued To: Purpose of Permit T-01-83 Alaska River Safari's Commercial Guide T-02-83 Bristol Bay Lodge " " T-03-83 Alaska River & Ski Tours " II T-04-83 Golden Horn Lodge II II T-05-83 Fish Alaska, Inc. II II T-06-83 B&B Fishing Adventures II II T-07-83 Western Alaska Sport Fishing, Inc II " T-08-83 Arctic Sport II II T-09-83 Western Alaska Guide Service II II T-1Q-83 American Wilderness Adventures II II T-11-83 Curley Warren II II T-12-83 Alaska West Sportfishing II II T-13-83 Grant Fairbanks Herring Fishing Base Camp T-14-83 John Burrows II II II II T-15-83 RamGo Enterprises Commercial Guide T-16-83 N.E. Hautanen " II T-17-83 North West Outfitters II II T-18-83 Alaska Safari, Inc. " II T-19-83 Eberhard Brunner II II T-2Q-83 Riverbound Float Trips " II T-21-83 Steve Kaufman Photography - Nat. Geograph: T-22-83 Alaskan Wilderness Adventures Commercial Guide T-23-83 Tikchik Narrows Lodge II II T-24-83 Kanektok River Outfitters II " T-2s-83 NOAA Placing Photographic Reference Panels T-26-83 Jakes Alaska Wilderness Outfitters Commercial Guide T-27-83 Backcountry Alaska " " T-28-83 ADF&G Commercial Fisheries Fish Weir and Camp

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

Vegetation on the refuge includes plants common to both arctic and .sub­ arctic regions. Tundra occurs on nearly all of the refuge, and is classified into three general types: moist, alpine, and wet.

Moist Tundra: found on approximately 50% of the refuge. It usually forms a complete ground cover and is the most productive of the tundra habitats. It is comprised of cotton grass, sedges, mosses, grass tussocks, and shrubs including: willow, Labrador tea, mountain cranberry, and bog blueberry. 1 9

Alpine Tundra: the second mo st common type on the refuge; found on t h e higher mountains a nd ridges. This tundra is made up of low growing mats of lichens; herbaceous and shrubby plants; and is interspersed with patches of barren shelf or broken rock. The plant species on this type of tundra primarily consists of dwarf willow, crow berry, Labrador tea, bear berry, and mquntain cranberry.

Wet Tundra: the least common type found on the refuge; comprising only about 2% of the area. It is mostly found in low coastal zones and drainages, with shallow. lakes and extensive marsh areas of standing water. Vegetation is made up of a mat of lichens, mosses, and sedges; including a few woody species, such as bog cranberry and bog rosemary. Dwarf birch and willow occur on the drier portions of wet tundra.

Willow-Alder thickets occur along creek drainages up to 1,900 foot mean sea level. Scattered stands of cottonwood and a few black spruce trees are found along the Togiak River drainage. Cottonwood, willow, birch, and alder thickets occur along the Goodnews River and Kanektok River drainages.

Riparian Habitat and Fall Colo rs, Nay orurun River Valley 83-DAF

The eastern portio n of ·the refuge, between the Togiak River drainage and Dillingham, has several relatively large stands of bla ck spruce, white spruce, and birch. These s tands are islands of tree s surrounded b y moist or wet tundra plains; representing areas free of permafrost.

) / 20

2. Wetlands ) J Coastal areas, and to some extent low lying interior valleys, are considered to be pristine wetlands; unaltered by man. These wetland areas range from coastal strands of brackish and freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes; with both stabilized and active dunes, inland to large areas of wide shallow valleys; studded with shallow lakes, ponds, marshes, and wet meadows. These are interspersed with relatively dry uplands on small buttes, hills, and plateaus.

Typical Interior Wetlands within Togiak River Drainage 83-LAH

Vegetation found along the coastal area includes: dunegrass(Elymus arenarius, Poa emins), sedges(Carex sp.), rushes(Juncus sp.), dwarf shrubs (Empetron nigrum, Arctostaphylos arcticus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Salix sp), and forbs. Salt marsh vegetation along the coastal area includes: Elymus arenarius, Poa emins, Carex lyngbyaei, Carex ramenskii, Puccinelia phryganodes, and Plantago maritima. ·

Lowland marsh vegetation includes: sedges (Car ex ·sp.) , cottongrass .· (Eriophorum sp.), grasses, various mosses, and forbs (Menyanthes trifoliata, Drosera sp.)

No management practices other than protection are exercised on these pristine wetland areas.

) f 21

6. Other Habitats

In addition to wetlands; riparian habitat along the river drainages, relatively dry uplands, and portions of th~ Ahklun Mountains are found throughout the refuge. The Ahklun Mountains enter the refuge along the northern boundary, and terminate in the Bering Sea at Cape Newenham, and in Bristol Bay at Kulukuk Bay.

Termination of Ahklun Mountains at Kulukuk Bay 83-LAH

The Ahklun mountains are mostly unvegetated above 2,500 mean sea level (m.s.l.). They rise from the valleys near sea level to elevations of approximately 4,000 feet m.s.l. The highest peak within the refuge boundary is Mount Waskey (5,025 ft. m.s.l.). All refuge rivers and streams originate in these mountains; and are lined with dense stands of low growing willow, birch, alder thickets, and thinly scattered bla.ck spruce.

9. Fire Management

RM Fisher served on the Interagency Fire Planning Team during the year; providing input into the Yukon-Togiak Fire Management . Plan, which is scheduled for completion in April, 1984. The planning team is comprised of representatives from BLM, USFWS, BIA, ADF&G, ADNR, and the Calista Native Corporation.

Purposes of this fire plan ·for southwest Alaska are:

) * make sure all fires that threaten human life, private I property, vegetation, and man-made developments are adequately fought; 22

* ensure dollars spent on fighting fires are about equal to the value of the resources needing protection; and

* help land managers and owners achieve their individual management objectives for their lands. ·(All landowners are able to select their own levels of fire protection)

Several _highlights of the proposed fire plan include the following:

* The plan will be reviewed and modified every year, as necessary.

*All conveyed and selected Native lands and .allotments will be given full protection.

* Areas classified as modified may be allowed to burn during times when Tire danger is low.

*Areas classified as limited will be ·allowed to burn unless they threaten to spread to an area of higher protection. (Modified and limited areas were initiated to save money and improve wildlife habitat.)

· During the evening of June 23, a fire started in a tent frame· at Ron Hyde's commercial guide camp (Alaska River Safari's) at Goodnews Lake. Approximately 2! acres of tundra, dwarf willow, and alder were burned. A call for assistance was put out via HF radio by the cook; alone at camp ) with two small children. The fire was controlled and extinguished by personnel from Wood-Tikchik Lodge who flew to Goodnews Lake in answer to the call for help. Fortunately, the fire remained on a leased, private inholding and did not spread to adjacent refuge lands. No injuries occurred, but an estimated $1,200.00 in damages was done to camp facilities.

Goodnews Lake Fire 83-LAH 23

12. Wilderness and Special Areas

Approximately 2,270,000 acres, or about one-half of the refuge was established as the Togiak NWR wilderness area. This area occupies the northern part of the refuge, and .consists ·Of high mountain deep water lakes , pristine rivers, and sharply sloped mountains; representing excellent natural undisturbed habitats.

Beautiful fall morning at High Lake, refuge wilderness area 83-DAF

The natural diversity protected by this area will serve as an invaluable source of data for scientific investigations and for future fish and wildlife needs. Although protected, ANILCA permitted several uses within the wilderness area. Some of these include:

* the use of snowmachines (during periods of adequate snow cover), motorboats, airplanes, and non-motorized surface transportation methods for traditional activities and for travel to and from the villages.

A draft on the wild and scenic r i ver study for the Kanektok River was completed in December . The study was prepared by the National Park Service in cooperation with FWS, ADF&G, Quinhagak Village Corporation, and the Calista Corporation. The draft wild and scenic river study describes and evaluates two alternatives with respect to possible inclu­ sion of the Kanektok River into the National Wild and Scenic River System. The majority of the river is within the refuge wilderness area. The study team found this portion of the river would definitely qualify for wild and scenic classification; however , local residents from the village of Quinhagak did not support adding the river to the National 24

System. It was felt, by the study team, inclusion in the National System would not offer more protection than exists with present refuge and wilderness designation.

Two feasible alternatives were identified and presented in the draft:

Alternative 1 - (Proposal) No Action Under this alternative, none of the river would be designated as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Alternative 2 - Designation of the Main River Upstream from Village Lands to Kagati Lake This alternative would have included the above section of river into the National Wild and Scenic River System.

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Togiak NWR supports an abundant variety of wildlife. The area is a crossroads for waterfowl and shorebirds coming from wintering areas as far away as Russia, Japan, Mexico, South America, New Zealand, and a number of South Pacific Islands. The Bristol Bay area, bordered on the north by refuge lands, has been described as the southern terminus of the "Arctic bird migration route". Birds from the "Asiatic route", the "mid-Pacific route", and the North American Pacific Flyway, funnel through the area. A list of 141 bird species has been compiled for the refuge. Thirty-two species of land mammals and at least eight species of marine mammals occur on, or adjacent to, the refuge. Five species of salmon and eight species of fresh water sportfish are known to inhabit refuge waters.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

River rafting/fishing guides operating on refuge .lands have provided a great deal of information on various bird and mammal sightings. One guide in particular, who operated entirely on the Kanektok River, turned in an extensive bird list, which he compiled throughout the summer while on that drainage. He recorded the sighting of a pair of peregrine falcons approximately midway downriver from Kagati Lake; and believes he also located a nest in the area of Township 5 South, Range 68 West. This has not been confirmed by refuge personnel; but attempts to confirm the nesting pair, and to pinpoint the nest location, will be done during the next field season.

Gray whales are regularly found feeding in the coastal waters between Kulukuk Bay and Cape Newenham, on the southern boundary of the refuge, between April and September. The animals are most frequently seen in large groups during April, May, and June. Later in the summer, small pods of 10-20 animals are usually observed in the Cape Peirce, Cape Newenham, and Security Cove areas.

During a coastal survey flight, April 8, approximately 200 Gray whales were observed feeding in the Bristol Bay waters between Round Island and 25

Right Hand Point. Reports from herring spotter pilots indicated the Gray whales stayed in Hagemeister Straight until mid-May before moving north, up the coastline.

3. Waterfowl

Large eelgrass beds in saltwater lagoons at Chavgan Bay, Nanvak Bay, and Osviak Slough; and intertidal marshes and estuaries found on Nushagak Peninsula, Tongue Point, Kulukuk Bay, Asigyukpak Spit, and Jacksmith Bay ·constitute important staging and feeding areas for migrating waterfowl. Chagvan Bay and Nanvak Bay are the two most important fall and spring staging areas on the refuge.

Spring waterfowl surveys of the refuge coastal areas began on March 29. Chagvan Bay was 20% ice free, and Nanvak Bay was 10% ice free on that date. Approximately 450 greater scaup were observed on Chagvan Bay during this first survey.

The first black brant and emperor geese were observed during the April 14 survey on Chagvan Bay, which was now 60% ice free. By April 18, white­ front geese, Canada geese, and pintails had begun arriving on the Nushagak Peninsula. As of the survey on April 21, only emperor geese, black brant, pintail, and common eider were found on Chagvan and Nanvak Bays.

The survey flight on April 29, showed a marked increase of waterfowl numbers and species along all of the coastal bays and estuaries. Water­ fowl numbers peaked during the week of May 9. Peak counts of 1,250 Canada geese; 11,600 Emperor geese; 27,250 black brant; 222 white front geese; 6,600 pintail; 18,800 white-winged scotor, and 15,810 common eider were obtained during the flight on May 5. Other species, present in smaller numbers were: mallard, gadwall, shovelers, old squaw, green-winged teal, and black seater. By May 25, the large concentrations of birds were gone from the staging areas.

Breeding pair surveys were initiated on Nushagak Peninsula this year. Transects totaling 159 miles in length were selected and flown on May 6. Goose and duck observations were made ·approximately 200-300 feet on each side of the aircraft center line; while swan were observed up to 500 feet on either side of the aircraft. Nearly 15 square miles were surveyed during this flight, and the following observations were made: 30 pair Canada geese, 4 pair white-front geese, 13 pair mallards, 115 pair pintails, 1 pair shovelers, 10 pair scaup, 1 pair common goldeneye, 25 pair old squaw, 9 pair common eider, 5 pair black scoter, 28 pair unidentified ducks, and 43 pair tundra swan.

1983 breeding pair surveys on the Nushagak Peninsula averaged 2.26 pair geese/sq. mile; 13.8 pair ducks/sq. mile; and 1.4 pair swan/sq. mile. This compares favorably with past surveys conducted by Waterfowl Investi­ gations. These surveys, conducted during the early 1970's, indicated waterfowl nesting densities on the Nushagak Peninsula and other refuge habitat reached 32 ducks (16 pair), and 1.2 swans (0.6 pair), per square mile. 26

Nesting bird ground surveys, covering 40 square miles of the south­ eastern portion of the Nushagak Peninsula, were conducted by University of Alaska (Fairbanks) graduate student Tom Pogson, and Dan Cooper, his field assistant. Tom was collecting data on the refuge for his Masters Thesis work on Pacific Flyway Populations of Lesser Sandhill Cranes. In return for flying support and field equipment provisions made by the refuge; Tom agreed to conduct water fowl brood counts and collect infor­ mation for the refuge bird list.

Tom found the common scotor was the most frequent nester in the area: 11 broods with a total of 60 ducklings (11+60) . They were followed by pintail (8+47) , common eider (4+19), oldsquaw (3+8) , Canada geese (3+8) , spectacled eider (3+7), greater scaup (2+2), green-winged teal (2+9), white-front geese (2+2) , and northern shoveler (1+3) .

Tundra swan pairs were noted during each flight over refuge lands through­ out the spring and early summer period. A total of 89 pair of swan were observed on refuge lands during the year. Brood counts were done on 44 pair and of these, 19 pair with broods averaged 2.26 cygnets per pair. The remaining 25 pair were either failed or non-breeders. Production for tundra swan, based on our brood surveys, averaged 0.54 cygnet/pair.

During an aerial survey for locating sandhill crane on the Nushagak Peninsula; 1,200 molting white-front geese and 2,800 Canada geese were located on small lakes, at the southeastern end of the peninsula. These molting concentrations, and areas, were unknown to the refuge staff prior to this time.

Fall waterfowl migration surveys, along coastal staging areas, began on August 17; and were conducted at least once a week, during September to mid-November. During the August 17 survey, Canada geese (13,270), white-front geese (425), emperor geese (560), black brant (2,600), white­ winged seater (750), and pintail (5,575) were observed.

Canada geese numbers peaked at 16,000 on September 26; emperor geese peaked at 1,950 on September 23; white-front geese peaked at 425 on September 17; black brant peaked at 6,200 on September 23; mallard peaked at 3,350 on September 26; and pintail peaked at 22,460 on September 8.

Pintail numbers during the fall migration period were up 69% over last year, while Canada geese were down 55% from last year's peak. Emperor geese did not appear to stage on Togiak NWR this year; as their numbers were very low throughout the fall migration. Black brant peak population was very high in comparison to last year.

Only pintails appeared to remain more than one week in the main staging areas before moving on. All other waterfowl species, especially geese, stopped over for a few days; and then migrated out of the area. The normal pattern is for the duck and geese populations to start building up in mid to late August, usually peaking in late September; then depart­ ing enmasse during a one or two day period, leaving few stragglers. 27

Waterfowl surveys during early October found few birds remaining on the refuge staging areas. By October 15, all that remained were a few eiders along the coastline between Togiak and Cape Peirce.

Winter coastal surveys of open leads in the shorefast ice usually find large rafts of common eiders. Total winter populations of 6,000 common eiders are not uncommon in the coastal area between Cape Peirce and Kulukuk Bay. Inland rivers, having short stretches of open water in an otherwise frozen stream, usually contain wintering populations of 350 mallard, and 50 common goldeneye.

4. Marsh and Water Birds

The first sandhill crane observations on the refuge were made by refuge staff on April 27; two days earlier than last year. Sandhill crane nesting on the Nushagak Peninsula appears to be of a much higher density than was previously suspected. Aerial surveys indicated a relatively low density nesting population of one pair per two square miles. However, field work conducted by Torn Pogson (see D. PLANNING; 5. Research etc.) revealed the actual sandhill crane nesting density to be 2.4 pair per square mile. This data was based upon a ground survey of approximately 40 square miles on the southern portion of the 800 square mile peninsula. Torn found an average total density (including non-breeders) of 5.5 cranes per square mile, and was able to determine 17 of the pair had young: 15+1 and 2+2. He suspected 25-30 additional pair had young, because of their behavior; but was unable to confirm his suspicion.

During Tom's study of sandhill cranes on the Nushagak Peninsula; he observed red-throated loon broods, arctic loon broods, and red-necked grebe broods. He was unable to locate a common loon brood; but felt they did nest on the area.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species

Twenty-two species of shorebirds have been identified using the refuge. Some of these species come from wintering grounds in New Zealand, Patagonia, Japan, and the South Pacific Islands. A few species actually nest on the refuge; but most are migrants, visiting enroute to nesting grounds further north.

A glaucous-winged gull colony, located on a small island in Kikertaluk Lake on the Nushagak Peninsula, was surveyed by refuge staff during June to determing nesting density. The island, approximately 5 acres in size, was estimated to contain 3,130 active gull nests. Two subcolonies of cormorant nests were also present; but did not appear to be in use this year.

The island also contained one common eider nest with 5 eggs. The gull nests, located in a 2,500 square foot sample area, contained an average of 2.6 eggs per nest. This colony will be visited each year to provide trend data that, hopefully, will represent the numerous other glacous­ winged gull colonies located on the refuge.

Seabird colonies at Cape Peirce and Cape Newenharn constitute one of the most outstanding wildlife features on the refuge. Population estimates 28

made in the late 1970's range from one to two million birds using the sea cliffs during nesting season. Common murres and black-legged kittiwakes are the most abundant of the cliff nesting seabirds. Other seabirds known to nest on these cliffs are: horned and tufted puffins; parakeet auklets; double-crested, pelagic, and red-faced cormorants; marbled murrelets, and pigeon guillemots.

Common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, and comorants arrived on the sea cliff nesting sites, at Cape Peirce and Cape Newenham, during the week of April 11. During a survey flight on April 14, an estimated 400,000 common murres, and 275,000 black-legged kittiwakes were observed rafted on the ocean at the base of the cliffs. The birds were on location approximately 18 days earlier than the previous year.

Common murres appeared to be leaving .the Cape Peirce and Cape. :Newenham rookery areas early in August; and were gone by August 17. Black-legged kittiwakes were still present during the August 17 survey; but had departed by month's end. Common puffin were still present on the rookery areas at the end of August.

6. Raptors

At least ten species of raptors are known to frequent the refuge on a regular basis. Of the ten species, the most commonly observed raptors are: rough-legged hawk, osprey, short-eared owls, great horned owls, snowy owls, peregrine falcons, marsh hawks, golden eagles, and bald eagles. All of these are either known, or suspected, to be nesting on the refuge.

Six bald eagle nesting sites have been located on the refuge to date. Three of these nests were confirmed in late June, containing three eaglets per nest. One nest was not active even though a pair of adult eagles were staying near. the.site. Two nests were not relocated for observation. At least two other nesting areas are suspected; but the nests have not been located yet. Another nest site, located three years ago near Cape Peirce on a rock pinnacle, remained inactive. Apparently this site has been abandoned since all traces of the nest are now gone. Two bald eagle nests were checked on April 14. They both had adult birds on them that appeared to be incubating.

A river rafting/fishing guide reported observing a peregrine falcon nest and two osprey nests, on the Kanektok River this year. All nests appeared to be active. Refuge staff will attempt to confirm these nesting sites next summer.

Both bald and golden eagles are year around residents on refuge lands. They are commonly observed on the Kanektok River, the Goodnews River, and on the Togiak River drainage.

7. Other Migratory Birds

Passerine birds are abundant during spring migration, and throughout summer months. A refuge bird list is slowly being developed. If possible, a draft bird list will be completed by this spring. 29

8. Game Mammals

Moose, caribou, brown and black bear, wolves, and a variety of small game, including snowshoe hare and tundra hare, are found on the refuge. Caribou, black bear, and wolves are relatively rare and sightings are seldom reported. They are occasionally found in the northeastern corner, which is the most remote portion of the refuge.

Moose are restricted to willow and alder lined streams, and brush covered hillsides adjacent to the streams. Brown bear are the most abundant big game animal on refuge lands, and are found throughout; from coastal beaches inland, to high mountain ridges. Bear sightings by fishing guides and their clients, as well as refuge staff, were up considerably this year. No conflicts between bears and the visiting public were reported. The first bear den emergence (a sow and two yearlings) was observed by refuge staff near Kagati Lake, in the northern portion of the refuge, on March 29. The first bear seen on the refuge the previous year (1982) , by refuge staff was May 14.

Total bear sightings by refuge staff this year, which were obviously different bear and not recounts, were: 11 singles, 1 sow with 1 cub, 3 sows with 2 cubs, 3 sows with 3 cubs, and 1 sow with 2 yearlings. Fishing and bear hunting guides reported a minimum of 94 sightings; with one guide only reporting numerous sightings. One guide reported seeing a partial albino sow with two normal colored cubs (yearlings) in the Goodnews River drainage.

Five bear hunting guides operated on the refuge this year; and reported a harvest of 9 brown bear and 2 b.lack bear. One report was received of a bear guide operating illegally on Togiak NWR. This guide was said to have been hunting in another guide 1 s exclusive guiding area; as delineated by the Alaska Guide Board, and was without a Special Use Permit. His clients were reported to have taken 2 brown bear during the spring season, but this was not confirmed by refuge staff. Kanektok village residents reportedly took 9 brown bear for subsistence use, during 1983; but refuge staff have not been able to confirm this.

Moose observations on refuge lands have increased substantially over last year, according to observations made by refuge staff; and reports from visitors. Nearly all the observations came from the eastern half of the refuge. This could indicate the moose are filtering in from the expanding populations in the Wood-Tikchik lake chain area, which adjoins the eastern refuge boundary.

While engaged in other survey flights, refuge staff made observations of 18 different moose during the year. River fishing guides reported a total of 7 moose, which was an all time high according to guiding records over the past 6 years.

One big game guide reported his clients took 2 moose during the fall hunt; one from Kagati Lake area, and one from the Middle Fork Goodnews Lake area. Village residents from Togiak and Twin Hills were reported to have taken 6 moose from the Togiak River drainage. Goodnews Bay village residents reportedly took 5 moose from the Goodnews River drainage. A village resident, from Quinhagak, reported 9 moose taken from the Kanektok Ri·ver drainage by various residents. This is more moose taken than anyone can recall in many years. 30

ADF &G biologists have determined the cow/calf ratio of the moose ) popula tion, in the Wood-Tikchik Lake area adjacent to the refuge, has taken a dramatic upswing over the past year. In spite of this increase, no moose production was known to occur on the refuge during 1983.

Reports of a caribou herd, located in the northeastern corner of the refuge, near Hart Lake; and of heavy hunting pressure on the herd by residents of Togiak, Twin Hills, Goodnews Bay, Quinhagak, and other villages on the Kuskokwim River, .were received in December. Survey flights made in an attempt to locate the herd and observe the hunt were unsuccessful. Well travelled snowrnachine "super highways" were found from all the above mentioned villages into that area of the refuge; but no caribou or kill sites were found.

Refuge staff met with the Chairman of the Regional Game Advisory Board, and the local ADF&G biologist, to discuss a possible caribou reintro­ duction into Togiak NWR. Both expressed an interest in continuing the project. Plans were made to consult with ADF&G caribou experts, early next year, to determine needed field studies prior to any caribou reintroduction attempt.

Togiak Valley, an area of potential for caribou. 83-DAF

9. Marine Mammals

Several species of seal, sea lion, and walrus utilize portions of the refuge for haul out areas. Waters of the Bering Sea, immediately adjacent to the refuge, are used as feeding areas and migration routes by walrus, seal, sea lion, and several species of whale. 1 31

Walrus appear to be making an attempt to re-establish a historical haul ) out site at Cape Peirce. Walrus used this area during the late 1800's as a major haul out site. Since that time, the area was only used sporadically by small gro ups of walrus for one or two days at a time.

)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 83-LAH

Walrus "en-naturale" at Nanvak Bay 83-LAH 32

Continual hunting pressure, and harrassment , prevented regular use ) o f the haul out site since the turn of the century .

ADF&G established a walrus sanctuary on Round Island, which is located approximately 65 miles east of Cape Peirce and has the distinction of being the only walrus sanctuary in the free world. This sanctuary has hosted an .average annual population of 16,000 for the last ten years.

ADF&G biologists contacted our office to inquire if we had noticed increased walrus activity at Cape Peirce, during the latter part of July. Regular flights over Cape Peirce found small groups of 200-600 walrus on the beach since mid-April; but not the numbers ADF&G reported missing from Round Island. The biologist reported a dec rease of nearly 10,000 walrus from the sanctuary during late July .

Refuge staff conducted a coastal survey on August 17, _and found ~,000 walrus hauled out on the beach at Nanvak Bay. A subsequent flight on August 23 , found an excess of 7,000 walrus hauled out on the same beach.

)

Hopefully, this activity will continue. 83-DAF

These large concentrations (5,000-7,000 animals) were observed until early September. At this time, subsistence hunters from Togiak or Goodnews Bay shot 12 of the animals , removing only the heads. By the end of September, the numbers had dwindled to about 400 animals . However, in early November, the population had increased t o approximately 4,800 animals ; then declined to 650 , by December 31 .

The sea lion rookery, on the tip of Cape Newenham, arrived on their haul out area during the week of April 11. A survey flight conducted on April 14, found 220 sea lions hauled out on their traditional site. Two hundred sea lions were found on the haul out site in 1982, and 130 in 1 981 . 33

The sea lion population level, this year, is equal to the population level of 1976.

Harbor seals haul out on a sand bar at the mouth of Nanvak Bay during the spring, summer, and fall months. Their population usually starts with about 200 animals in late April to mid-May, and builds to a peak population level in September. The peak population in 1981 was 3,000 seals; in 1982, it was 1,500 seals; and in 1983, it only reached 600 seals. No conjecture as to the reason for this dramatic decline can be offered at this time.

Spring, fall, and summer seal hunting in Nanvak Bay, by native villagers in boats, is and has been a common occurrence. The hunting pressure during 1983 did not appear to be as heavy as in previous year's observa- tions.

Federal regulations leading to transfer of marine mammal management back to the state of Alaska, nearly 12 years after the federal government seized control of these species, were printed in the federal register on May 6 of this year.

A complicated series of steps are still ahead:

a. Alaska must publish species accounts of the nine species of marine mammals it seeks to manage, (walrus, sea otter, polar bear, sea lion, harbor seal, larga seal, ribbon seal, bearded seal, and ringed seal) . These accounts are to be estimates of population size and status.

b. Alaska's legislature must pass a new law relating to the waste of game.

c. The state must hold optimum sustainable population (OSP) hearings, after a hearing officer is appointed. The hearings are expected to be held in 1984. At these hearings the state will indicate how it ex­ pects to maintain OSP of its marine mammals if the federal government returns management authority over to the state.

d. Following these hearings, the Alaska Board of Game must make a formal finding relating to its acceptance of the state's contentions on population levels and harvestable surpluses.

e. Next, the Board of Game must adopt new regulations-­ after appropriate publication of the proposed regulations, and public hearings--to bring the state's marine mammal regulations into conformance with the federal marine mammal act.

f. The federal government must review and approve all of the state's actions. 34

If all of this happens in a timely fashion, the earliest possible date that Alaska could resume management of its marine mammals will be July 1, 1984.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

Willow ptarmigan are common on refuge lands. Flocks of several thousand birds are often observed in willow and alder patches, near lakes and streams, during winter months.

Fur bearers are abundant throughout the refuge. Beaver, river otter, weasel, mink, red fox, and wolverine are commonly seen on refuge lands. On rare occasion, a wolf may venture across the northernmost portions of the refuge; but is very rarely seen. Lynx are also found on refuge lands, but their numbers are very low.

11. Fisheries Resources

The salmon fishery continues to be the most important source of food and income to the residents of villages adjacent to the refuge, as well as the Bristol Bay area. Excellent populations of Chinook (King), Chum (Dog), Pink (Humpback), Sockeye (Red) , and Coho (Silver) salmon spawn in refuge waters. All five species are harvested for subsistance, sport, and commercial fisheries.

Subsistence takes of salmon stocks have remained relatively stable since modern harvest tools, such as larger boats, outboard motors, and gill nets have become available to the subsistence users.

Salmon have become one of the most important sources of income for village residents. The village people are still limited in their share of commercial fisheries, by the size of their boats and the numbers of nets they _use for fishing. Most villagers, that participate in the commercial salmon industry, earn respectable amounts of cash during the summer fishing season.

Salmon spawning escapement population estimates, compiled by ADF&G Commercial Fisheries Division, are obtained by several different methods, or a combination of these methods. Most of the estimates are obtained by spotting tower counts and/or aerial surveys. A side-scan sonar device is being experimented witll to obtain escapement counts; but several bugs in that method of data collection need to be worked out before it will be considered a good, solid, reliable information source.

The following salmon escapement population estimates, compiled by ADF&G, reflect approximately 50% of the spawning rivers and streams found on Togiak NWR.

Species Togiak River Goodnews River Kanektok River Chinook (King) 22,000** 14,000 24,500 Chum (Dog 165,000 15,000 10,000 Pink (Humpback) no est. * 357* no est.* Sockeye (Red) 240,000 70,000 11,000 Coho (Silver) 12,000 no est. 14,000 * off year for pink salmon run **2nd largest run/escapement in 20 yrs. 35

The first king salmon of 1983, was caught in a subsistence net in Nushagak Bay, near Dillingham, on May 4. The commercial King Salmon fishery for the Nushagak District opened in late May and totaled a catch of 139,000 fish; the fourth largest since 1893. The majority of king salmon escapement was delayed until the end of June, due to the lack of storms which usually cause fish to move, from the Bristol Bay area, into their spawning streams. The Togiak District catch of 38,000, was the 2nd largest ever documented for that district.

Chum salmon, predicted by ADF&G to be poor, turned out to set an all time catch record for the Togiak District of 323,000 fish.

ADF&G summarized the 1983 sockeye salmon run, for the Bristol Bay area, as follows:

"Another year of shattered records for Bristol Bay. It was an 'almost perfect season' in that 1) the sockeye run returned in record off-peak abundance (in fact only the third largest ever with 1965 showing 53.1 million and 1980 showing 62.5 million catch/escapement); 2)an early price settlement meant no interruption of fishing schedules on a return that 'held' in most of the districts, allowing a steady (although large) flow of fish to the area processors; and 3) escapement goals were achieved in all the major sockeye-producing river systems."

"It was not perfect in terms of economics, as the lower vessel value, and large inventories of both canned and frozen product have put a damper on market expectations for those fishermen whose price was tied to final market values. The total sockeye catch of 37,276 million exceeded the previous record catch of 25,713 million in 1981, by about 45%."

Coho salmon runs in the Togiak District were weak and very spotty. The entire Togiak District commercial fishery was closed on September 4, when commercial catches (6,000) and upriver sport fish catch rates and escapement all showed that a poor coho run was in progress. Many of the fishing guides, using the Togiak River system, shifted their fishing operations to other streams on and off the refuge.

Herring fishing, in waters adjacent to the refuge boundary, is becoming increasingly important in the economic base of the Bristol Bay area. Both the subsistance and commercial herring fishery begins in early May, and ends near the end of May or the first of June. During this time period, herring spawn in areas close to shore that have kelp and eelgrass beds, and rock substrate. Several areas along the refuge coastline provide important spawning habitat--most notably the area between Kulukuk Bay, Asigyukpak Spit, and Security Cove.

Herring are important in the food chains of harbor seals, sea lions, and many seabirds that nest in the sea cliff rookeries adjacent to the spavming beds. Herring are also an important historical food source in the subsistence diet of the Eskimo, and are becoming increasingly 36

important as a commercial fishery; providing a source of cash to the natives, as well as other fishermen, from Alaska and the Pacific North­ west. The bulk of the herring fishery is directed at obtaining the egg (roe) sacs for a Japanese delicacy called "Kazunoko".

The first herring processing ship was observed in Nunaviachak Bay on April 21. By April 29, thirty-eight processors, and approximately 110 fishing boats, were observed anchored in Kulukuk and Nunaviachak Bays, awaiting the opening of the herring season. Herring were observed on the spawning grounds the last week of April.

Herring tenders and processing ships ln Kulukuk Bay 83-DAF

Herring fishing opened. on May 3 , and closed on May 15. Preliminary figures from ADF&G showed this years' Togiak herring sac roe fishery to be the best on record. An estimated 350 seiners and gillnetters landed approximately 26,800 tons of herring; topping the previous record of 21,600 t ons. Prices paid f or t he catch differed among buyers, generally running between $350 and $550 a ton, with roe content per fish averaging about 8.8%.

Kelping season (hand-gathering of kelp and rockweed covered with herring roe) opened May 5-7. This harvest resulted in 123 metric tons. Value of the kelp harvest was estimated at $0.3 million; averaging $1.05 per pound.

The King Salmon Fishery Station started operating on October 1, 1982. The station was established to provide fisheries support activity (resource inventories and planning) to the Alaska Peninsula, Togiak, Becharof, and Izembek National Wildlife Refuges. 37

The station is located within the former National Marine Fisheries Service complex at King Salmon; and shares office, storage, and other facilities with the staffs of Alaska Peninsula and Becharof NWR's.

Refuge staff flew support for the King Salmon fisheries station to aid in conducting fisheries surveys of the Kanektok River. ARM Hotchkiss and Fisheries Biologist Dlugokenski flew a king salmon spawning survey of the Kanektok River on July 29; and a coho salmon survey on October 4. During these surveys, sample transects were located and tested for suitability as permanent transect routes.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

Located within lower Kuskokwim Bay, and western Bristol Bay, adjacent to the refuge, are the following seven villages: Quinhagak, Goodnews Bay, and Platinum on lower Kuskokwim Bay; and Togiak, Twin Hills, Dillingham, and Manokotak on western Bristol Bay. These seven villages contain an estimated 3,567 residents.

TABLE 5 - Village Population Growth

Goodnews Twin Year Quinhagak Bay Platinum Togiak Hills Manokotak Dillingham 1930 71 1939 224 45 278 1940 10 1950 194 100 72 108 120 577 1960 228 154 43 220 149 424 1965 20 1970 340 218 55 383 67 214 914 1980 412 168 55 470 70 294 1,563 1981 448 173 58 513 75 300 1,656 1982 427 173 57 507 75 299 1,791 1983 477 215 59 545 76 299 1,896

Residents of these villages (except Dillingham) exhibit a high degree of subsistence utilization and dependence; although precise harvest data is unavailable at this time. The Kuskokwim Bay villages concentrate their commercial fishing and subsistence activities north of Cape Newenham; and utilize Bethel as their transportation, service, social and political center. The western Bristol Bay communities focus their commercial fish­ ing and subsistence activities east of Cape Newenham to the Nushagak River; and utilize Dillingham as a center for transportation, service, social and political needs. Marine mammals tend to be a more significant component of subsistance activities in the Kuskokwim region. 'l'his is probably due to the relative scarcity of moose and caribou in the vicinity of these communi­ ties, and in part, to the traditional maritime orientation.

Residents of Dillingham and Nushagak Bay villages make less use of subsis­ tence products due to a combination of factors, including relatively high cash incomes by regional standards. The regional center, Dillingham, is 38

a rapidly growing community. It is a focal point for transportation as well as for all other services during the summer fishing season.

A portion of our recreational use is generated by residents of these six villages pursuing their subsistence lifestyles. The remaining public use, on refuge lands, consists of sportfishing, river rafting, and big game hunting--guided and unguided. A few people are beginning to utilize coastal portions of the refuge for photography, wildlife observations, and waterfowl hunting.

8. Hunting

Local rural residents engage in waterfowl and small game hunting as well as a limited amount of big game hunting for moose, bear, and caribou on refuge lands.

Non-resident (visitors not living in the immediate vicinity of refuge lands) hunting is confined to guided, and occasional unguided, bear hunts on the refuge. Very few non-resident hunters travel to Togiak NWR to hunt waterfowl, small game, or upland game birds.

Aerial surveys of spring hunting camps indicated spring hunting, between Kulukuk Bay and Asigyukpak Spit, remained at the level of last year's effort, which was 18 hunting camps. Chagvan Bay had it's compliment of 4 hunting camps during the spring hunt.

Four (4) big game guides took 21 hunters on refuge lands during the spring and fall hunting season. They reported taking 2 bull moose, 2 black bear, and 6 brown bear. This is the first year moose and black bear have been taken by non-resident hunters.

It is nearly impossible to obtain hunting harvest information from the local rural resident hunters. Reports are usually obtained from non-native residents of each village, during the course of general conversation. Trying to confirm these reports on animals harvested during the year in each village, by talking to village members will usually generate the following comments/reactions:

A blank stare "I don ' t know. " "I heard someone got one." "Why do you want to know?"

Needless to say, quantitative data in villages is not easily obtained.

Unconfirmed reports of big game taken by village residents are: Goodnews Bay - 5 moose; Togiak - 6 moose; and Quinhagak - 9 moose and 9 brown bear.

Fall waterfowl hunting pressure on the refuge was light this year, probably because most of the migrating birds moved rapidly through the area. Local hunters on the Nushagak Peninsula averaged 4.5 birds per hunter. Mallards and Pintails were the predominant species in the hunters' bag. 3 9

9 . Fishing ) Fishing in refuge waters falls into two categories: subsistence fishing and sport fishing.

Subsistence fishing visits and activity hours recorded as refuge use have sharply declined this year; not because the subsistance fishing effort has decreased, but because what were once native selected lands are now native convey ed lands, and are no longer considered refuge lands. Subsistence fishing usually involves use of a gill net, during ice free times of the year; to harvest 5 species of salmon, as well as herring, pike, whitefish, rainbow trout, lake trout, and arctic char. Jigging through the ice, for trout and cod, is a common wintertime activity near all the villages.

Sport fishing in rivers and lakes on Togiak N.W.R. is considered to be excellent. Eighteen . guided operations on Togiak NWR, under SUP's, offer trophy sport fishing packages to guests from all over the world. Prices for these packages range from a low of $1,200 up to . $2,800, for a 6-10 day fishing trip. None of the p a c k ages include transportation from the clients' home t o Dillingham. However, t he p acka ge does include trans­ portation between Dillingham and the guide's camp; either by air charter, or the guide's own aircraft.

Gruman Widgeon--owned and operated by Yute Air--often chartered b y guides to transport their clients. 83-DAF

Many guides have a high percentage of "return" clients, and are usually booked solid well ahead of the season. Most guides practice a "catch and > . . , release" fishing policy, especially with regard to rainbow trout. 40

Special Use Permits were issued to 18 commercial guides to conduct guided fishing activities on the refuge this year, as opposed to only 12 permits issued last year.

Eight guides operated on the Kanektok River system, accommodating 308 visitors for a total of 3,137 use days. Six guides operated on the Goodnews River system, accommodating 428 visitors for a total of 2,321 use days. The Togiak River system was used by 6 guides as well. They accommodated 816 visitors for 3,034 use days. Some guides operated on more than one river system during the year. '

Calendar year 1983 revealed a substantial increase in fishing (guided) public use over 1982; 1,552 visitors for a total of 8,492 use days as opposed to 1,054 visitors for a total of 4,311 use days in 1982. In addition, an estimated 120 unguided visitors, for a total of 720 visitor use days, fished and rafted refuge lakes and streams during the year. Refuge staff believes the time for putting a lid on the guided river rafting and fishing activities is drawing very near. An attempt to stop the guiding growth rate will be made during 1984.

10. Trapping

Trapping on refuge lands is common, especially by local rural residents of seven villages found adjacent to refuge boundaries. Special Use Permits to conduct trapping activities are not required, because fur bearer trapping is so closely tied to subsistence lifestyles. Furbearer population levels are unknown; and harvest data is unavailable. Many furbearers harvested by subsistence users are not tagged or reported to ADF&G, unless the trappers intend to sell the pelts. Beaver, weasel, river otter, mink, and fox are the most commonly trapped animals on refuge lands. A few wolverine and an occasional lynx are also taken each year.

11. Wildlife Observation

Wildlife observation on the refuge is incidental to other activities at this time. Most of this activity is done, via boat or inflatable raft, during float trips on rivers and lakes within the refuge. A small portion of this activity occurs by aircraft, during flights to and from rivers and lakes. This activity was estimated at 980 visits and 4040 activity hours for 1983.

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Photography is usually done in conjunction with hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. We estimated 20 visits and 265 activity hours for 1983.

Steve Kaufman, a free lance photographer on assignment for the National Geographic Society, visited the refuge during 1983. He was doing some photography work on several Alaskan refuges for the Society's WILD LANDS FOR WILDLIFE, a book on the National Wildlife Refuge system.

Subsistence mostly berry picking, greens picking, and egging can be this category. -=:...:.___.J 41

13. Camping I Virtually all non-rural resident use on the refuge is supported by camping, with the majority of use in direct support of sport fishing. Guided river trips usually last 6-10 days, while unguided trips are usually shorter. Camping on the refuge .is entirely back-country related; and no refuge camping facilities are provided. Some camps operated by fishing guides are anything but primitive.

Alaska River Safari's - set up on Goodnews River 83-DAF

15. Off Road Vehicling

The only off road vehicles authorized for use on the refuge are snow­ mobiles. These are for use only during periods of adequate snow cover. During winter months, snowmobile traffic on a few winter trails crossing the refuge is rather extensive. These tracks usually serve as the main routes of winter travel, connecting various villages. 4 2

Three-wheelers are primarily used on beaches and native conveyed/selected lands. Wet tundra and rough terrain make three-wheeler travel difficult.

Typical three-wheeler use by village residents. The village of Goodnews Bay is in the background. 83-DAF

16. Law Enforcement

The law enforcement effort during 1983 consisted primarily of visible patrols during peak use; and some investigation of complaints received from the public . Both the RM and ARM have law enforcement authority. A four million acre refuge does not lend itself to effec tive patrol; especially with a staff of two.

Walrus hunting- activity at Nanvak Bay increased during the fall, along with the increase in haul out activity. During an on the ground inspection by refuge personnel, at Nanvak Bay, 22 dead walrus (with only hea~s missing) were counted. This information, along with other similar incidents, was turned over to law enforcement personnel in Anchorage. Heresay indicates that a lot of ivory is traded for drugs and alcoholic

beverages. f 4 .3

When ivory is found by non-natives, they are required by law t o have it registered by FWS. Any ivory found and brought to this office is marked, by refuge personnel, with an electric engraver.

Beach Ivory - brought for registration 83-LAH

Several other incidents were . investigated, and the information turned over to state Fish and Wildlife Protection Officers. Cooperation between the state officers and refuge officers is very goodi as is the effort we have received from our SAC's. FWS enforcement division is trying to fill a position which would provide for a full time SAC for the Bristol Bay area. This would definitely help our cause. > I 44

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

2. Rehabilitation

This consisted primarily of work on the two mobile homes:

a. Interior painting - Quarters #2 b. Installation of new carpet in master bedroom - Quarters #2 c. Installation of thermo-pane wood frame windows - Quarters # 2 d. Exterior staining of arctic entries - both Quarters e. Reseal arctic entries - both Quarters f. Minor electrical repairs -Quarters #2 g. Replace rear entrance door - Quarters #2 h. Replace kitchen range, washer, dryer, and regrigerator - both Quarters i. Replace oil heater "gun nozzle" - Quarters #2

3. Major Maintenance

Oil furnaces in both quarters were inspected and serviced. Anti-siphon valves were installed on furnace oil lines in b oth mobile homes.

OAS performed two 100-hour inspections on Cessna N748 during 1983. Gear changes from wheel skiis to floats, and vice versa, were made during the appropriate seasons. N748 was flown to Anchorage for this maintenance, as well as for magneto and oil leak repairs. A malfunctioning starter was replaced in Dillingham by Colonel Wingnut.

Tune-ups, oil changes, and other repairs were performed on the Chevrolet 3/4 ton Suburban, and the Dodge 3/4 ton pickup. All refuge equipment was maintained in accordance with the equipment maintenance schedule developed this year.

Preheating of refuge aircraft prior to winter flight 83-LAH 45

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

Equipment purchases during the year included the following:

* miscellaneous camping equipment * 25 Horsepower Mercury motor * ASB 500 HF Radio for Cessna N748 * two 8X10 Hansen weatherports * Camera lenses * Avon WM460 raft * Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and ranges for Quarters * SGC model SG-715 HF-SSB field radio * miscellaneous vehicle parts

5.. Communications Systems One motorola HF-SBB Base/Mobile radio and antenna was installed in the office. Field tests with the HF radio in N748 indicates the system does not perform as anticipated. Apparently the antenna on the office building isn't placed high enough to porvide the range necessary for good reception. Ground to ground reception is also poor. King Salmon and Cold Bay are the only stations we have been able to transmit to and receive from.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

ARM/Pilot Hotchkiss helped biologists from Alaska Maritime NWR conduct reindeer surveys on Hagemeister Island, on two separate occasions.

Refuge personnel assisted ADF&G Fisheries research with their work on the Togiak River. Equipment and manpower were provided to help with data collection from the river. The refuge provided air logistical support for the transportation of supplies and equipment.

Cooperative efforts such as sharing air support, collection of data, joint wildlife surveys, and coordinated law enforcement work, are also carried out with ADF&G and Fish and Wildlife Protection.

A right-of-way permit was drafted and granted to ADF&G, for their use and occupancy of 8.2 acres on the Togiak River, near the lake outlet. There are two small cabins and two counting towers located here. These facilities are used for operating a fisheries research station.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, is in the process of preparing a management plan for the Wood-Tikchik State Park. The park is located north .of Dillingham, and contains approximately 1.5 million acres. A cooperative land management agreement will be needed with state parks; as boundaries of both conservation units join near the northeast part of the refuge. A draft park management plan was put out for review in December 46

2. Items of Interest

Early in May, the RM received a telephon,e call from Ron Hyde of "Alaska River Safari's", stating he had purchased an 22-foot airboat. He wanted to know if it was permitted on the Goodnews River, in conjunction with his sport fishing guiding operation. RM Fisher told Mr. Hyde he didn't think this type of equipment was compatible with the purposes(s) of the refuge; but would review regulations, and get back to him.

A review of the refuge regulations and several phone calls to the regional office were made. Manager Fisher then called and informed Mr. Hyde that the use of the airboat would not be permitted.

Several days later, the RM received a phone call from the regional office telling him to ammend "Hyde's" permit to allow airboat use on the Goodnews River. The permit was ammended and reissued. Apparently Mr. Hyde does not want to accept decisions made in the field, as he skirted field authority through contacts in Washington D.C.

This same guide has tried on several occasions to get his permit changed from a one-year issue to a permit of five years in duration. Fortunately, ·this has not happened yet.

RM Fisher and ARM Hotchkiss met with Ron Hyde in October, concerning his apparent plans to set up a year around permanent, camp within the refuge wilderness area. When confronted with :r·efuge regulations prohibiting this arrangement, Mr. Hyde once again made his end run. At the request of the regional office, this staff spent several days, plus a weekend, preparing data for the necessary response. Hopefully, this matter has been resolved, with the response by the regional office supporting field reccommendations.

The U.S. Air Force holds a 2,295.5 acre section of Public Domain within the refuge at Cape Newenham. The station is used for aircraft control and an early warning system. The station has been operated by both military and civilian personnel. However, during September all the military personnel were removed; the system was automated (computerized?); and now, only a handful of civilians remain.

3. Credits

The narrative report was written by RM Fisher and ARM Hotchkiss. RM Fisher wrote sections A,B,C,D,E(l,4,5,6), F(9,11,12), H(ll,l2,13,17), I,J, and K. ARM Hotchkiss wrote sections E(6), F(l,2,6), G, H(l,8,9,10,12), and I{l). The report was typed and assembled by Clerk Typist Brandt and edited by the staff. 47

K. FEEDBACK

Planning for refuges in Alaska has overshadowed most everything else. Some planning is definitely needed, but not to the tune of 44 regional office planning positions (?);plus thousands.of dollars spent for computer time, printing, travel, maps, etc. necessary to complete a 200+ page document, when a shorter document would have been adequate.

Refuges established by ANILCA have only been minimally staffed to date. There is insufficient manpower on these areas to obtain biological data needed to make good planning decisions. Much of the informa~ion has been obtained from the state; but in some instances, the state also lacks sound biological data. Yet sums of money are being spent to produce plans with poor resource data. Basic biological information should be collected first, and then incorporated into a sound plan.

This station has two full time staff members (three counting the local hire clerk) to manage 4.1 million acres; yet it seems as though it requires just one person to perform all of the necessary administrative functions. Two years ago, Annual Work Plan Advices required several end-of-the-year reports to be completed. Annual Work Plan Advices for FY 1984 now require twelve end-of-the-year reports, plus three mid-year reports.

On a more positive note - ARMM funding will definitely help this station, provided it is not just a one time shot. New stations in Alaska should receive some FTE's with these funds.

It's good to hear that RMIS is being modified. Hopefully, it will prove to be more beneficial to field stations. ~~~ w~ ~ ;:;- 32- //Yl~~~ ~~~~~ ~~ . ~ 1':31)' . ~ ~_A-r.~ -/'- 3'5' ~ r:~ ~ ~ p-4U (/'~~~I· ¥0 /' ---<-4~ ~ ~ f c/s r--rt: ~ •

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