REVIEW AND APPROVALS
SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Summerton, South Carolina
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
0 A,,,~ /1- 93 Refuge Manager Date Associate Manager Review Date
Regional Office Approval Date a INTRODUCTION
The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Clarendon County in the upper coastal plains region of South Carolina . The refuge was established on January 1, 1942 primarily to alleviate the loss of natural waterfowl habitat caused by the construction of hydro-electric power and naviga- tional projects on the Santee and Cooper Rivers . Except for some 4,400 acres of fee title land, the refuge is superimposed on lands and waters of the 110,000-acre Lake Marion reservoir which is administered by the South Carolina Public Service Authority (SCPSA) .
The refuge is physically divided into four geographically separated management units containing 9,000 acres of open water, 1,445 acres of shallow freshwater marsh, 2,350 acres of timberland, '750 acres of agricultural lands, and 1,550 acres of early successional fields . The primary objective of Santee is to annually provide wintering habitat for some 8,000 Canada geese and 50,000 ducks . Special emphasis is placed on managing specific habitat for the wood duck . In addition, emphasis is placed on management of the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species .
Included in the refuge is the 420-acre Dingle Pond Unit which is a designated Public Use Natural Area . This unit consists primarily of a Carolina Bay and as such is of local geological significance . The 163- acre Plantation Islands area and Little Pine Island are proposed for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System . However, the proposal has not yet been signed by the president . Historic sites within the refuge and listed in the National Register include the Santee Indian Mound, the site of Fort Watson of Revolutionary War fame . This site is also listed in the South Carolina register of historical sites .
A fifty-year lease agreement between the USFWS and the SCPSA became effective in 1975 . This lease completely altered the water boundary and changed much of the land boundary from the original lease . Provisions in the lease permitted the posting of mutually agreed upon boundaries which would become official refuge boundaries once officially surveyed . Both land and water boundary surveys were completed in 1985 and final approved maps from the SCPSA in 1986 .
0
TABLE OF OORMM
A. fIIGHUGHPS 1
B. QORTIC CQQDTFJtWS 1
C. LAND ACPIISITION
1. Fee Title Nothing to Report 2. Easements 2 3 . Other Nothing to Report 4. Farmers Hale Administration Conservation Easements 3
D. PIII+IIING
1. Master Plan Nothing to Report 2. Management Plan Nothing to Report 3. Public Participation 4 4. Oamplianoe With flnvirannental and Cultural Resources Mandates 4 5. Research and Investigation 4 5 . Other Nothing to Report
E . ADIINISIRATI(N
1. Personnel 6 2. Youth Programs 9 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteer Progrdmm 9 5. EVading 9 6. Safety 10 7. Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 0 8. Other Nothing to Report F . HABITAT MANA IF
1. General 10 2. wetlands 10 3 . Fbre_sts 13 4. Cropland 14 5. Grasslands Nothing to Report 6 . Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying Nothing to Report 9 . Fire Management 17 10. Pest Cbntrol 18 11 . Water Rights Nothing to Report 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas 19 13 . WPA East Manitoring Nothing Report 14 . Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements . . .Nothing to Report 0 15 . Private Lands Nothing to Report
16. Other Easements Nothing to Report
G. WIIDI3I'E
1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 19 3 . Waterfarl 20 4. Marsh and Water Birds 23 5. Shorebirds, Galls, 'hems and Allied Species 24 6. Raptors 24 7. Other Migratory Birds • . . . . • 25 8. Game pals 25 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 26 11 . Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking 27 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Oontroi Nothing to Report 16. Marking and Banding 28 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report
H. FU AIC USE
1 . General 29 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3. Outdoor Classrooms le ers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Fbot Trails 29 5. Interpretive 'lour Trails Nothing to Report 6. Interpretive Fthiibits/Demonstrations 30 '1. Other interpretive Programs 30 8. Hinting 31 9. Fisshing 33 . Trapping Nothing to Report . 10 11 . Wildlife (beervation Nothing to Report 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking Nothin5 to Report 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Nam-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement 34 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report
I. UTEM f AND FAOLLITIFS
1. New construction Nothing to Report 2. Rehabilitation Nothing to Report 3. Major maintenance 35 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement 37 5. Oommnicatians System Nothing to Report 6. Computer System 37
ii 7. energy oaoservation Nothing to Report 8. Other Nothing to Report
J. Olm17M
1. tboperative Programs Mothi.nq to Report 2. Other Flxu is Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 38 4. Credits 39
K. FEEDBACK
iii
A . HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfowl numbers are still down although goose numbers have leveled off . (Section G)
Wood duck nest box use was the highest percentage in years --- maybe ever . (Section G)
Lake levels stayed in the 75-76 + range during November and December which is two feet higher than normal for that time of year . (Section B)
The refuge staff went from six to four with the retirement of Eddie Stuckey and the transfer of John Johnson . (Section E)
Sharing of refuge equipment plays a major role in refuge operations . (Section I) 0 B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Normal climatic conditions for central South Carolina typically consist of hot humid summers and mild winters . Rainy seasons normally occur during late winter and late summer . Annual mean temperature and precipitation based on a 30-year average is 63 .5 of and 46 .35 inches, respectively .
This year precipitation totaled 53 .89 inches, considerably less than last year's 60 .86 inches . The wet summer caused us to have to pump much more than normal, but the crops did well . However, some crops in low areas drowned out . In November the rains came and we had to pump little water to flood impoundments for waterfowl . As a contrast, last year we had to pump all the water to flood impoundments .
The summer was hot at times but temperatures broke 100 of only in July, but exceeded 90 of four other months . Refer to Table 1 .
Lake levels were a delight during December because the level is normally down to about 73 ft . MSL during the month, but this year it stayed at 75-76 ft . MSL . These two extra feet of water provided vast acreages of waterfowl habitat off the refuge as well as on and little water had to be pumped .
1
Table 1 . Climatological Data on Santee Refuge, 1992 Precipitation (inches) Temperatures (oF) Lake Average 1st Month Total 30-yr -Avg No . Max Min Max Min of Mth Avg +Avg Days o F . o F . Rain JAN 4 .14 3 .44 +0 .70 9 66 22 50 34 73 .00
FEB 3 .59 3 .67 -0 .08 10 78 23 59 35 74 .40
MAR 2 .30 4 .66 -2 .36 7 85 29 67 42 75 .30
APR 3 .70 3 .51 +0 .19 6 90 28 76 51 75 .70
MAY 3 .30 3 .35 -0 .05 7 93 43 84 60 75 .85
JUNE 8 .01 3 .82 +4 .19 14 94 53 90 67 75 .50
JULY 4 .77 5 .65 -0 .90 11 103 65 93 71 75 .10
AUG 11 .12 5 .63 +5 .49 12 97 63 93 71 75 .10
SEP 2 .39 4 .32 -1 .93 6 94 50 84 64 75 .40
OCT 2 .42 2 .58 -0 .16 3 86 34 77 51 75 .40
NOV 5 .05 2 .34 +2 .71 8 84 29 67 41 75 .10
DEC 3 .10 3 .38 -0 .28 9 76 26 58 34 76 .60
C . LAND ACQUISITION 2 . Easements
0 Instead of acquiring more land, the refuge recommended giving up some . Actually, the area in question is about 2 acres of water leased from the South Carolina Public Service Authority and lies in front of some privately owned lots on Lake Marion at the Pine Island Unit . The lease amendment had not been finalized at year's end .
Field supervisor Roger Banks from the Charleston Enhancement office, Manager Bond and Assistant Manager Fringeli visited a 1,700-acre site close to the Black River in Clarendon County in December . The state highway department is considering purchasing the site as a mitigation area . If the highway department does purchase the area and the state wildlife department doesn't want to manage the site, there may be a possibility that it could be turned over to the Service and become part of the refuge .
2
3 . Other
Farmers Home AdministrationConservationEasements
Six conservation easements were conveyed to the Service this year :
Wilson, J . R . III - 40 .52 acres
Wilson, J . J . - 39 .35 a .
Hicks, E . - 24 .50 a .
Fleming, R . B . - 88 .44 a .
Nelson, S . E . - 58 .95 a
Brunson, D . C . - 34 .59a . TOTAL 286 .35 a .
Some of these tracts were not conveyed until near year's end and money for boundary posts was not available until near year's end . Therefore, only two of these were posted this year, but the others will be posted early next year .
Along with Joe Cockrell from the Charleston Enhancement office, Manager Bond inspected a FmHA area in Bamberg County . The site was recommended for a conservation easement, which will be known as the Spell tract .
Assistant mgr . Fringeli is posting a conservation easement boundary corner right where the Farmer's Home Admin . surveyor marked it . The entire building is on the easement, but the refuge staff had no input on the boundary . (GB)
3
D . PLANNING
3 . PublicParticipation
In late 1991, the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department (SCWMRD) held three public meetings in the Santee-Cooper Lakes area to present options and receive feedback about waterfowl management in the area . The primary purpose of the meetings was to discuss several proposals concerning changes in hunting regulations on the lakes . Refuge personnel attended two of these meetings, the first one at Orangeburg and the second at Manning on February 6th .
SCWMRD's proposals included increasing the area on the lakes that would be limited to 1/2 day hunting, limiting hunting on the lakes to 2 or 3 days a week, reduce the number of hunting days on the state's waterfowl management areas and creating a waterfowl sanctuary on an area west of the refuge on Lake Marion . These proposals were made in response to the reduced waterfowl numbers wintering in the area and to corresponding poor hunting opportunities .
During the meetings SCWMRD made it clear that they would do what the hunters wanted . The proposals were reviewed and a vote was taken . All the proposals were defeated by a 35 to 9 count . We heard later that the proposals were also defeated at the Orangeburg meeting, but were passed at the meeting in Moncks Corner by a narrow margin . Overall, however, the proposals were voted down by the majority of hunters . The hunting regulations remained unchanged for the lakes area for the 1992-93 waterfowl hunting season .
4 . Compliance With Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates .
No further actions were taken during the year on the several proposals recommended in 1991 to repair, monitor and survey the Santee Indian mound and adjacent land . The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism manages the site under an agreement with the refuge that remains in effect until 1995 . Personnel from Santee State Park routinely mow the area and maintain the site . Last year they removed woody vegetation from the mound and seeded it with Bermuda grass . The project was partially successful . Bermuda grass germination was spotty and some of the woody vegetation started growing back . On two occasions during the year state personnel cleared the mound of vegetation .
5 . Research and Investigations .
a . 43525-I-1 - Migration and Survival of Canada Geese Wintering in the Atlantic Flyway, with Special Emphasis on the Carolinas .
This continued to be a high priority program . Santee's main objectives in this study are to read and record collar numbers and to neck collar as many Canada geese as possible . This study began in 1983 to determine the migratory and wintering patterns of Canada geese along the Atlantic seaboard and to develop new management strategies for the populations . It was originally coordinated by Dr . Richard Malecki with the New York Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University . In October 1990 the New York Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit completed the study . However, Patuxtent Wildlife Research Center wanted us to
4 continue reading collars and attempt to neck collar geese . In 1991 the study was picked up and slightly modified by the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts . The study is now being directed by Dr . Jay Hestbeck .
During the year a total of 119 neck collars were read . This is a drop of 105 collar readings from last year . The main reason for this decline was the retirement of our Range Technician in June . He was the one who usually went out in the mornings to observe collar numbers . Also, there was a noted drop in the number of yellow collared geese that used to show up in the winter . Attempts to capture and neck collar geese were again unsuccessful . The geese completely ignored bait on the trap sites .
b . FurbearerSurvey
Santee annually participates in SCWMRD's statewide furbearer survey . The state began the surveys in 1984 as a way to index the relative abundance of gray and 0 red fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum and free-ranging dogs and cats . This index is used along with fur harvest statistics and age structure data to evaluate trends in turbearer populations .
The two permanent survey lines for Clarendon County are located on the refuge, one on the Bluff Unit and the other on the Pine Island Unit . Each line consists of ten scent stations that were set up and recorded in October . The results included 3 gray foxes, 12 raccoons, 3 opossum and 4 domestic cats .
c . Acid Rain Station
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has maintained an acid rain monitoring station on the Bluff Unit since 1984 . The station is completely operated by NOAA without any involvement from the refuge . 0
5
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel
1 4 3 2
Personnel Name/Title Grade EOD Status
1 . Glen W . Bond, Jr ., Refuge Manager GS-12 08/84 PFT 2 . Gerard C . Fringeli, Asst . Refuge Manager GS-11 01/90 PFT 3 . Rufus Gaymon, Office Assistant GS-06 08/78 PFT 4 . Bobby L . Pearson, Engineering Equipment WG-08 08/88 PFT Operator
There were several significant personnel changes that occurred during the year . After spending thirty years at Santee, Range Technician Eddie Stuckey retired on July 1st . Eddie started here in 1962 as the Refuge Clerk . After several years in that position Eddie transferred to the Biological Technician series and remained in that position until his retirement . Eddie's title was administratively changed in 1989 to Range Technician . Eddie requested that no retirement dinner be held for him . We did treat him to lunch and presented him with a new watch, something his wife said he desperately needed .
b S
After 30 years, Eddie Stuckey decided to retire and from the looks of manager Bond's hair, or lack thereof, he's not far behind him .
Automotive Mechanic John Johnson transferred to Blackwater NWR in Maryland effective August 9th . John's last working day at Santee was August 4th . He started here in July 1977 as a Maintenance Worker . Although this is John's home, he stated that the fact that he needed a change in his life was the primary reason he made the move .
We were advised that only one of these positions could be filled . It was decided to fill the vacant position as a Maintenance Worker WG-7 . This way most of the maintenance workload would be kept up and the biological field work could be handled by the Manager and Asst . Manager . The position was advertised both locally through OPM and in the Washington consolidated vacancy announcements . Both certs were received and a preliminary selection was made as the year closed out .
1
Before Automotive Mechanic John Johnson transferred to Blackwater NWR, he was rewarded for designing and constructing these sprayer-boom supports . (GF)
Table . 2 FiveYearStaffComparison
Permanent Total Full-Time Part-Time Temporary FTE
FY 92 5 0 0 5 FY 91 6 0 0 6 r FY 90 6 0 0 6 FY 89 7 0 0 7 FY 88 7 0 0 7
Bobby Pearson was promoted to Engineering Equipment Operator WG-8 effective 11- 01-92 . Bobby started at Santee in 1988 as a Tractor Operator . His increased knowledge and experience at operating equipment and accretion of duties due to our reduced staff made the promotion well deserved .
Automotive Mechanic John Johnson received an On-the-Spot award for designing and building a system to prevent the booms on the John Blue sprayer from vigorously bouncing when operated over rough terrain . This resulted in unsprayed sections in the fields and damages to support chains, springs and spray nozzles . John's design uses a coil spring and pipe attached to the booms and sprayer frame to absorb the up and down motion of the booms . The system was made from available parts .
8 2 . YouthPrograms .
Two enrollees were selected to participate in the YCC program . Both were brought in for one hour prior to the start of the program to familiarize them with their job and complete required forms . Ryan Clark ofSumter and Angela Oliver of Santee both started the eight-week program on June th . Ryan only worked seven weeks, opting to go on a family vacation in Florida the last week . Angela remained the entire length of the program .
Primary duties included litter pickup, nature trail maintenance, boundary sign maintenance, clearing brush along roads and levees, cleaning vehicles and equipment, mowing grass, grounds maintenance and assisting refuge staff on various projects . Angela's last working day was July 31st .
4 . VolunteerProgram .
Harold "Fuzzy" Furse, a local waterfowl hunter and duck enthusiast, has r volunteered his services on the refuge for several years . Fuzzy's main interest is the wood duck nest box program and wood duck banding . Fuzzy is concerned about the waterfowl resource and this interest shows in his enthusiasm to volunteer on the refuge . His volunteer duties included checking all the nesting boxes bi-weekly and recording nesting data . He also reported any needed repairs . During the banding season, he frequently assisted with banding ducks when his schedule permitted .
Every year the wildlife class from Central Carolina Technical College helps out at the deer check station on the first day of the Cuddo Unit primitive weapons hunt . This year instructor Joey Taylor brought out ten students . The students assisted refuge personnel weigh deer, pull jaw bones, attach appropriate anterless deer tags and record data . The students enjoy the opportunity to get some hands-on field work and we appreciate the extra help, since this is the busiest day of the deer hunts .
5 . Funding .
Initial funding allocation for FY-92 was $276 .6K . During the year four adjustments were made, all were funding increases . These included : 1) $200 for volunteer efforts ; 2) $5,000 for equipment repairs ; 3) $3,700 carry over funds for Hurricane Hugo cleanup and repairs ; and 4) $2,700 for the YCC program . This brought the final funding level to $288 .2K, an 8% decrease from FY 91 .
Table 3 . Five-Year FY Funding Allocation ($1,000's) Sub-Activity 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1120 1 .0 0 .5 1221 1 .5 1261 205 .5 180 .5 203 .3 204 .7 163 .1 1262 76 .0 104 .9 93 .4 88 .3 112 .4 2821 3 .7 24 .2 50 .0 9120 3 .0 3 .0 TOTAL 288 .2 314 .1 346 .7 294 .0 276 .0
9
6 . Safety .
Staff safety meetings were held on a monthly basis . Meetings usually consisted of a safety film followed by a discussion of the film and other relevant safety topics . A variety of topics were covered, ranging from defensive driving, welding safety, fire safety, accident awareness, hand injury prevention, back injury prevention and basic first aid . The YCC enrollees also attended meetings and were given additional safety training during the summer program .
Fortunately, no accidents requiring medical attention or involving lost time off the job occurred during the year . A total of 416,415 staff hours have been worked since the last lost-time accident in 1966 .
A window guard made with expansion metal was designed and put on the John Deere 4230 tractor . The guard is needed to protect the driver while operating the boom axe mower . While mowing, chunks of wood debris are occasionally flung back towards the cab .
F . HABITATMANAGEMENT
1 . General
Ongoing evaluation of habitat and land use guided activities in 1992 within the general guidelines set out in the Wetlands Management Plan and the Moist Soil, Croplands, and Non-Forested Upland Management Plan . This resulted in a variety of habitats being manipulated and maintained . Table 3 shows data on pumping for management of wetlands .
2 . Wetlands
a . Pine IslandUnit
This unit is unique in that greentree reservoirs, moist soil habitat, and 0 permanent open waters are present . Managed waters of the unit were brought to 76 .2' msl in March and the east pool was further lowered by pumping out and blocking the connecting culvert to the west pool . An 8-acre area in the east pool was plowed and planted to corn, but wet summer weather prevented proper cultivation and fertilization . The corn didn't make a grain, but foxtail came in very heavy . A wet summer dictated that we pump or gravity flow water out on numerous occasions . Before flooding in the Fall, the blockage was removed between the east and west pools and strips were mowed with the 20-ft . mower in the heavier vegetation . In early October two 5-acre areas were disced and planted to wheat for green browse during the winter . Water was brought to flood stage, '77 .4' msl, in early November by pumping . At this level, which is the maximum for the dike/road system, timber and moist soil areas are flooded . The three areas of year-round water were 50% to 90% covered with emergent vegetation such as white water lily, buttonbush, lotus and giant cutgrass .
1 0 b . DinglePondUnit
The Dingle Pond Unit is a designated Public Use Natural Area . A single access road which traverses the unit on its southern extremity is maintained solely for management and maintenance access . The only other development is a low level dike and concrete water control structure used in past years to control water levels within the 290-acre pond . In more recent years the water control structure has been filled with a permanent plug allowing the pond to revert to its natural character as a Carolina Bay . As in previous years, pool levels in 1992 were dictated by precipitation and evaporation . During the summer, water level stayed well above the spillway, and at year's end water was still flowing over the spillway . The existing spillway elevation is necessary to prevent flooding a state highway .
c . Cuddo Unit
Six wetland management areas have been identified on the Cuddo Unit, and 0 are connected to the main water source via a system of canals and water control structures . The main water source is a 48-inch reversible, high capacity pump located at Black Bottom, a part of Lake Marion . From this location all impoundments and wetland areas can be inundated and dewatered . Dewatering can also be done by gravity flow, depending on lake level, through a 36-inch screwgate on the Potato Creek side . In addition, the Cuddo Unit contains permanent water and green timber reservoirs .
In 1992 the entire unit was managed as a single unit, although there are several water control structures in the overall system . In January 1992 water elevations of 76 .0' MSL were maintained throughout the unit ensuring shallow inundation in green timber reservoirs and moist soil areas . With only minor fluctuation, this elevation was maintained through the winter until drawdown was initiated during mid-March . A summer elevation of 74 .5' MSL was our goal, but heavy summer rains kept levels fluctuating . In November the water level was brought back to flood levels and winter rains helped maintain the level at 76 .5 ft . msl .
Timber Island Field can be and is managed separately from the remaining Cuddo Unit wetlands system . Having its own in/out pumps, the field was flooded at least 12 inches deeper than the main system in winter and drained in summer . About 50 acres of corn were planted in Timber Island field, but wet conditions prevailed and much of it drowned out .
Pump No . 3, which is the supply pump for the three upper contour levels of Timber Island Field, broke down in December and was not repaired or functional at year's end . However, we were able to pump into the upper levels a little before the pump broke, which allowed several thousand ducks to use the field . Good winter rains also added to the water levels .
d . Bluff Unit
This is primarily a farming unit where waterfowl foods are produced on untloodable lands . 'In addition, there are two shallow ponds, Cantey Bay and Five-Pine Ponds, along with associated wetlands which provide habitat
1 1 for wintering waterfowl . Expansive beds of Hvdrillaverticillata, a submergent 0 aquatic plant generally considered a pest species in Lake Marion, was observed in all of Cantey Bay during the year . This species has expanded its local range on the lake in recent years, but only in the past five years has it been noted on the refuge in any significant amounts . Interesting to note was the intense use of these grass beds by wintering waterfowl at the beginning of the year . From the arrival of waterfowl concentrations in late October and November, the major use area was the grass beds during past winter, but high lake levels and introduced grass carp apparently reduced the grass beds to near nothing . Observations by the staff showed little use in the open waters of Cantey Bay where grass beds used to be .
Since the installation of a pumping structure on the Bluff Unit, we have realized the canal which supplies water to this pump needs to be lengthened, widened, and deepened to ensure an adequate water supply during periods of extremely low lake levels which is almost annually . With the existing setup, water supply at low lake levels cannot keep up with the pump and pumping operations are prolonged when pump rpm's are reduced . No such problems this year, at least in the Fall and the lake 0 levels stayed up through year's end . With good rain and high lake levels, water in the impoundments was the highest it has been in years .
Table 4 . Bluff Unit, Pumping Time - Fuel Consumption 1992 Month Hours Fuel January Qtr 1 February 29 .5 35 March April Qtr 2 May 88 62 June July Qtr 3 August 44 57 September October Qtr 4 November December 6 8 0 Totals 167 .5 162
12
Table 5 . Pine Island, Pumping Time - Fuel Consumption, 1992 Month Hours Fuel January 1st Qtr February 11 .5 5 March 2nd Qtr April May 26 34 June 3rd Qtr July August 5 40 September October 4th Qtr November 100 93 December Totals 142 .5 172
Table 6 . Cuddo Unit, Pumping Time - Fuel Consumption 1992 Black Bottom Timber Island Field #1 #2 #3 Qtr Month Hours Fuel Hours Fuel Hours Fuel Hours Fuel Jan 1st Feb 0 0 0 0 41 44 4 .5 5 Mar Apr 2nd May 0 0 0 0 48 82 0 0 June July 3rd Aug 0 0 0 0 61 83 0 0 Sep Oct 4th Nov 0 0 170 268 0 0 44 .0 144 Dec Total 0 0 170 268 150 209 48 .5 149
3 . Forests
The effects of Hurricane Hugo in September 1989 are still much in evidence . Some areas of the refuge survived Hugo better than others . Much of the Bluff Unit was nearly "clearcut" as was Pine Island on the Pine Island Unit and the Plantation Islands area of the Cuddo Unit . From a waterfowl standpoint the real damage came when much of the bottomland hardwoods, water and willow oaks, turned bottoms up . This takes away mast which we could flood in winter and cavity trees for wood ducks in summer . It seems that the larger the tree the easier it fell . Contributing factors to the bottomland hardwood devastation were shallow root systems caused by a high water table, moist soil and the tree still had a full set of leaves in September when the hurricane hit .
With much of the overstory gone, the understory of vines, briars and fast growing woody plants such as sweetgum have created a tangled mass . Adding further to the
1 3
tangle are the fallen trees, which will ultimately rot, but it will be many years 0 before the forest returns to "normal" . No forestry practices were done this year . We just sat back and watched the trees grow .
4 . Croplands
a . Bluff Unit
In Calendar year 1992 the Bluff Unit was force account farmed to corn and wheat . In January fields 1, 2a, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 were in wheat from fall of 1991 totaling 85 acres . These fields were plowed under in early March for green manure and planted to corn in late March-early April with good success, except field No . 1 which was fallowed over the summer . Crows were kept out this year by using a product called Kernal Guard . It worked as far as birds were concerned, but not for raccoons . They dug up many 30 to 50 yard strips in all the fields . We tried a couple of methods to discourage them but in the long run the corn just outgrew their s tastebuds .
The dark streaks are caused by raccoons digging up newly planted corn . Natural control of the large coon population began near year's end with an epidemic of what was probably canine distemper . Several coon carcasses were discovered . (GB)
Again this year the corn seed was donated by Northrup King Co . and although it doesn't meet their highest standards, we got good stands and the corn made well .
Those fields which were in corn at the beginning of the year were summer fallowed and then planted to wheat in early October . These fields included Nos . 1, 2, 5, 8, 11 and 12 totaling 62 acres . Although the fields were summer fallowed, they were disced several times during the summer to germinate sicklepod seeds . This is part
1 4
of our efforts at integrated pest management to get rid of or control a pest without using chemicals .
This is typical of the corn on the Bluff Unit and reveals what was available to the waterfowl even in February when this picture was taken . (GF)
Corn and wheat in the Fall on the Bluff Unit ready for this winter's waterfowl . (GB)
1 5
W
7
The coons left plenty of corn and an excellent corn crop was available in the Fall as indicated by this Bluff Unit field . (GB)
b . Pine IslandUnit
Pine Island consists of 869 acres of upland interspersed with marsh and moist soil areas . About 200 acres are kept open by mowing and burning . This year in October, 10 acres of land were disced and planted to wheat with a good stand existing at year's end .
c . CuddoUnit
In the distant past, over 1,000 acres were farmed on this unit, both cooperatively and force account . This year the acreage was less but the cooperative and force account methods were used .
Cooperative farmer James Richburg was supposed to get the wheat he planted last year, but was killed (unrelated to the refuge) before he could harvest it . Another farmer, Robert Spigner was signed up and planted soybeans in fields Q1-7, Q2-1, and Q2-17 totaling about 30 acres . He signed up to farm rather late in the season and the wet summer ended further thoughts of planting . As it turned out, he didn't harvest a bean because the deer ate most to six-inch nubs .
16
Deer on the Cuddo Unit ate the cooperative farmer's soybeans to such an extent he didn't even bother to harvest them . (GB)
The staff force account farmed all of field Q3-9 (Timber Island Field) on Cuddo can be 90% and planted about 50 acres of corn in the field . Because this field flooded and has many contour dikes with four water levels, farmers generally have large pieces of equipment and don't like to work these small areas . At least half of the corn was drowned by wet weather and, too, we were unable to put down nitrogen because of wet weather . The halt that did make it was eaten by the deer and by Fall not a grain could be found .
The staff also planted 35a of dryland corn in field Q4-6 . With the aid of chemicals, namely Accent, we made some good corn .
In November all the corn was mowed down . The wet summer allowed excellent growths of natural waterfowl foods to invade the corn such as millet and panic grass . When flooded in late fall, Timber Is . field provided some good waterfowl habitat .
9 . Fire Management
A prescribed burn plan was approved to burn the red-cockaded woodpecker colony on the Pine Island Unit and this was accomplished in January . No other fires occurred on the refuge a 1 7 Hurricane Hugo didn't leave much, but we prepared firelines and burned the red-cockaded woodpecker colony in January . (GF)
10 . PestControl
Manager Bond held a South Carolina license for restricted pesticide application, even though we aren't allowed to use restricted pesticides on the refuge .
Staff personnel applied minor amounts of Rodeo to aquatic vegetation at the Bluff Unit banding site . Our major pest control effort was mechanical to control such species as Johnsongrass and sicklepod .
The cooperative farmer was permitted to apply approved chemicals for the control of noxious plant species on agricultural lands . These included Bronco and Canopy . The refuge staff used Accent, Simazine and Evik on acreage force account farmed in corn . Kernal Guard was used on all corn seed planted by the staff . As noted previously, the Kernel Guard worked well in preventing crow damage .
Our biggest success story was the use of the pesticide Accent over the top of corn . The label says for best control the grass should not be more than 10 inches tall . Ours was 10 to 18 inches tall as was the corn but when applied at the label rate, it stopped the growth of Johnsongrass, turned it purple in color, but allowed the corn to continue growing . This treatment was done only in the corn planted on Cuddo Field Q3-5 . The corn came through what was a solid stand of Johnsongrass to make an estimated 90 bu . per acre . The treatment cost $18 per acre .
i
1 8 a 12 . WildernessandSpecialAreas The 615-acre Dingle Pond Unit is a designated Public Use Natural Area . This area, being a Carolina Bay, is of both local and State geological significance . Because of this designation, development and management of this unit is minimal, although it does have a water control structure that is permanently set to allow excess rainfall to spill into Lake Marion before backing out onto a nearby state highway .
G . WILDLIFE
2 . Endangeredand/or ThreatenedSpecies
a . TheAmericanAlligator
The American alligator was removed from the endangered species list in 1987 and reclassified as threatened due to similarity of appearance with other species . This reclassification permits more liberal management of the species by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department statewide . Under new guidelines, the American alligator can be legally removed under strict guidelines which prevents or minimizes the useless slaughter of these animals considered to be nuisance or dangerous . Under the present guidelines, alligators can be removed only by a team of authorized persons who attempt to trap and relocate those "gators" which pose a problem to residential areas . If capture cannot be accomplished the animals are dispatched .
On the refuge only one alligator is known to have died and that was caused by two arrows being shot into an 8-footer . Apparently, some archery deer hunters couldn't find any deer and decided to waste a cheap broadhead and a cheap field point arrow on the gator . We didn't find the gator until well after the deer hunt .
Peak populations during 1992 remained at an estimated 200, although no population census was conducted during the year . Consequently, population estimates were based on casual observations . As reported in previous years, numbers seemed to decrease during the summer months when impounded waters were pulled down leaving only shallow impoundments and canals . It is during this time that "gators", particularly the larger ones, move into deeper water and shallow coves along the shoreline of Lake Marion . These animals normally return to the refuge with the tall flooding of impoundments and canals . Probably 95% of the refuge population is found on the Pine Island and Cuddo Units .
b . Southern Bald Eagle
The endangered status of the Southern Bald Eagle remained unchanged in 1992 . Observations during the year remained about the same as 1991 with monthly reported sightings . The majority of these sightings were reported on the Bluff, Pine Island and Cuddo Units and as many as tour were seen at one time .
1 9
No known nesting occurred on the refuge this year, but an eagle's nest on or the refuge was first observed on December 21, 1988 and from general appearance and size appeared to be a new nest . The nest, located on the Pine Island Unit, was first observed from the air while flying the waterfowl survey, and periodic inspection of the site revealed two adult eagles tending the nest . However, they did not produce any young and even egg laying could not be confirmed . When hurricane Hugo ripped through the area in September 1989, the nest was blown away, but the tree remains .
In 1992 the new nest, located in February 1990 about 1 .5 miles on private property from the one Hugo blew away, was not observed for nesting activity by refuge staff .
c . Osprey
The Osprey was observed throughout the year with a peak of ten reported during the summer . Numerous nests occur in dead tree snags off the refuge in Lake Marion and are used annually . This year a pair nested on the platform in Cantey Bay that Bond and Stuckey put up six years ago . A natural nest was noted on the refuge for the first time in 1991, located in a small cypress tree on the east side of "the pasture" of the Pine Island Unit . This year another nest was noted on the Cuddo Unit at the mouth of Black Bottom on the east side in a small cypress tree . Production in these natural nests was unknown . The species was observed on all units of the refuge with larger numbers reported at Pine Island and the Bluff Units .
d . Peregrine Falcon
No sighting of a peregrine falcon was made at Santee during calendar year 1992 .
e . Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Continued monitoring of the red-cockaded woodpecker colony at Pine Island indicates that the colony was active in 1992 . This was the only active colony on the refuge, but since Hugo, their future is in doubt . Six of nine cavity trees were eliminated by Hugo . Of the three remaining trees, one looked very good as a possible nesting cavity, but nesting was not confirmed this year . Observations in May revealed only one woodpecker and it appeared it was excavating an old cavity .
3 . Waterfowl
Population figures have fluctuated dramatically during the past 10 years . However, the general trend in peak waterfowl populations is downward . Swans do not occur in significant numbers, so any population changes are of little concern in the overall waterfowl picture . a 20 Or
- z - H
n _ -
OCOn~Mu~'1L~MMC4C4 0 -,t W C4 r-~OO~~O0Or-n~'O~~t-tMMON .--Ir-I~Q ri r--I r-4 r-I r-i ri r4 r-I r-i r-I V-4 r-I r-4 r-i
Thousands a . Ducks
At the beginning of the year ducks peaked at 14,040 about the first week in January . This is much below the peak reported in January 1991 . Like last year, widgeon was the most numerous duck with a peak of 7,800 . Ring-necks peaked at 2,750 during January to become the second most abundant species followed by mallards at 1,750 . The black duck, a priority species, peaked at only 210 during the same period .
A very mild January and February were recorded with the high temperatures in the 60's and 70's . With this and the end of hunting season, ducks dispersed almost immediately and by mid-February only 1,030 remained . The geese and swans seem to stay on the refuge until they are ready to migrate north which is usually mid-February .
The Fall of '92 brought fewer ducks than the Fall of 91 by about half . The year ended with widgeon and ring-necks peaking out at 2,855 and 6,780 respectively and mallards at 1,808 . Black ducks and green-winged teal were down to peaks of 185 and 304 respectively at year's end .
Unlike the past several years, the Bluff Unit did not hold as many ducks as the Cuddo and Pine Island Units, especially in the Fall . During the first part of the year, food in the form of corn and aquatics were plentiful . In the Fall corn was again plentiful but the aquatics in Cantey Bay were diminished . The lack of aquatics may have been the result of grass carp or high lake levels . Much of the use occurring on the Bluff Unit was in a flooded cornfield that produced little corn but was grassy . At one point as many as 150 canvasbacks were using the open waters of Cantey Bay . The peak population on this unit in January was recorded at 4040 and 75% were widgeon and ringnecks . The Fall migration on this unit peaked at 4,023 at the end of December again being widgeon and ringnecks .
The Dingle Pond Unit is a designated Public Use Natural Area . Because of its size and physical character, Dingle Pond has never contributed sig- nificantly to the overall waterfowl management program at Santee . This unit, however, provides an abundance of excellent wood duck brood habitat and nine nest boxes are located there with 10 more planned next year . A peak of 150 ducks was estimated on Dingle Pond in December . This peak included only ringnecks . In past years the eastern portion of Polly Cantey Bay which was a part of the refuge has supported minor concentra- tions of teal, ring-necks, wood ducks, mallards, and black ducks . However, with lease boundary line changes in 1985 a boundary line hunting situation has developed which has effectively eliminated waterfowl use of this area of the Dingle Pond Unit .
Pine Island has been set aside, year to year managerial decision, as a wetland management area, i .e . no row-crop farming . With the capacity to manipulate and maintain water at desired elevations, the unit consists of shallow pools, expanses of open wetland areas, and flooded timber, thus, providing a diversity of habitat for both divers and dabblers . With this i management regime waterfowl use of the unit has improved in recent years but in a disproportionate amount to development .
2 1 Waterfowl use of the area in 1992 was concentrated along the shoreline and the open waters of The Pasture, probably because of beds of aquatic grass . Small numbers of ring-necks utilized the Pine Island Pool and minor numbers of mallards, black, wood ducks, and g . w . teal utilized shallow flooded wetlands . The majority of divers, however, were to be found in the open waters and wood ducks in general preferred the flooded timber . Peak use of the unit was reached in January and December with 2,650 and 4,023 ducks respectively, including mallards, black duck, ring-necked, g . w . teal, bufflehead, widgeon, and gadwalls . This is considerably down from last year's 7,100 and 10,677 ducks respectively .
At the Cuddo Unit during 1992, duck numbers peaked at 7,320 in early January with a major use area being the Nelson's Cut area . Ring-necks, widgeon and mallards composed the majority . Major concentrations of birds were observed in Black Bottom and the shoreline inlets of Potato Creek .
Minor numbers of ring-necks, and wood ducks utilized Black Bottom impoundments, Still Creek, and Cattle Guard Wetlands . Goose Pen Pond received only minor use . Shallow impoundments within Timber Island Field were used by dabblers including mallards, blacks, teal, and ring-necks .
Green timber reservoirs 1 and 2 received only minor use by wood ducks and black ducks, and insignificant use was noted in winter wheat and dry land corn fields .
Gator Pond was used by as many as 3,300 ring-necks in December .
b . Geese
Canada Geese peaked at 852 during early-January . Though high temperatures remained in the 50's to 70's throughout much of January and February, wintering concentrations did not disperse until late February . The first birds of the fall migration were difficult to determine because of resident birds using the refuge from time to time . By October their 0 number steadily increased until there were 637 on the refuge at year's end . Use by snows (blues) and white fronts is insignificant since there were less than 10 during the year .
Historically, the Bluff Unit has wintered the majority of geese at the refuge . With the mild weather the birds preferred the shallow open waters of Cantey Bay, both loafing and feeding in grass beds . Winter wheat fields, B-2 and 11 received good use and manipulated corn fields were used considerably in December . With high lake levels, which persisted throughout the winter, shallow areas offered excellent loafing areas and seldom were birds observed off the unit . Though optimum habitat conditions existed, a combination of factors including summer-like weather, high lake levels, and the absence of the grass beds, effectively altered both feeding and loafing patterns . It should be noted that for the sixth consecutive year, geese spent a major portion of their time in Cantey Bay . When you speak of peak numbers and concentrations of geese in 1992, you are, at best, referring to rather small numbers . A peak of 729 birds used the Bluff in January and even this number seems large by
2 2
997 • 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 z 0 83 H 82 ro a~ 81 0 P4 80 w 79 8 0 78 x 77 a 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 966
0 oo ~1D -t N 0 00 110 -It N 0 oo %.D -It N 0 00 lO -It N 0 1 M M M M M N N N N N r-i r--I r-I r-I e--I
Thousands
comparison with the peak of 350 which occurred in mid-December 1988 . Only minor use of the Pine Island Unit was observed during the year, though winter browse was available . The birds preferred the open waters and mud-flats of "The Pasture" . At no time were more than 355 geese observed, and that was only for a short period of time in November when birds interchanged between the refuge units .
Less than 150 Canada geese utilized the Cuddo Unit during the year and only minimal use was made of green browse and corn fields . Geese preferred the shorelines of Black Bottom and Nelson's Cut . At no time during the year were the birds noted on the open waters of bake Marion .
c . Swans
Swans, though a curiosity, are of minor significance in the overall waterfowl picture at Santee . The species has occurred in small numbers for 10 consecutive years and continue to be of interest to visiting groups . The 1992 peak of 27 occurred during January and were found on the Bluff and Pine Island Units . The Fall peak of 26 occurred in December, but did not include 19 in a swale of a nearby farmer's field .
d . Coots
Coots peaked at 970 in early December, which is a decrease of two thirds from the previous year . Even though the species occurs on all units of the refuge, most were on the Bluff and Pine Island Units .
4 . Marsh andWaterBirds
Habitat management for this category of birds is incidental to the overall management objectives and programs at Santee, and unless significant environmental changes occur, populations of marsh and water birds will fluctuate only moderately from year to year . As a general rule these species occur on all units of the refuge . However, abundance and frequency of observation is determined primarily by availability of r wetland habitat which is a factor controlled largely by lake levels and impounded waters .
Of the six species of herons known to occur at Santee, only four were observed during the year . The black-crowned, and yellow-crowned night herons were conspicuously absent from the refuge . This is the eighth and ninth years respectively that these have not been reported . All of the four heron species observed, great blue, tricolor, little blue and green- backed were seen in modest numbers . A small rookery of great blue herons was observed at the head of Black Bottom Impoundment and though this rookery contained only 10 nests, it may well be the beginning of a new larger rookery . Great blues also nested in Cattle Guard Wetlands on Cuddo and four on Pine Island in impounded water on the east side .
The pied-billed grebe was observed on all units during cool and cold weather months .
2 3 King, Virginia, black and sora rails are present and their populations seem stable .
For the fifth consecutive year concentrations of up to 300 cormorants were observed on the refuge . The birds showed up in late October and remained on and around the refuge units through the cold weather months . Some nesting during the summer occurs in the waters of Lake Marion, but off the refuge .
Other birds in this group were present, but only the anhinga nested (6) and they were not present in such exceptional numbers as to be noted here . Such birds other than the anhinga included white ibis, and the egrets . The anhinga nests were located on Cuddo in Black Bottom Impoundment and Cattleguard Wetlands .
5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
As with the marsh and water birds, habitat management for this group of birds is incidental to overall refuge programs . However, it should be noted that factors directly affecting the presence or absence of these species, primarily lake levels, are controlled by the South Carolina Public Service Authority . Species diversity and numbers occurring on the refuge are normally in direct proportion to the amount of exposed shoreline and mud flats present .
Noticeably absent were the large concentrations of gulls including 600 herring, ring-billed, Bonaparte's and laughing gulls which have occurred on the refuge in the past . They were present, but only in group of 20's or thereabouts . Common snipe could be found around the flooded moist soil areas, particularly on the Pine Island Unit . A stroll through the area might jump 10-20 in February .
6 . Raptors
0 a . Hawks Hawks commonly observed during the year included the northern harrier, Cooper's, red-tailed, red-shouldered, and the American kestrel . Less frequently encountered were the sharp-skinned and broad-winged hawks . These species occurred on all units of the refuge with larger concentra- tions reported at Cuddo and the Bluff Units . Nesting does occur on the refuge, but no nesting or population surveys were conducted during the year . As in previous years, overall peak numbers occurred during the fall and winter months . Generally, populations remained stable with only minor fluctuations in numbers .
The peregrine falcon, bald eagle and osprey are addressed elsewhere .
b . Owls
The four species of owls which occur at Santee are year-round residents and include the barn, barred, great-horned and screech owls . These birds,
24 being nocturnal, are heard more frequently than seen . However, daylight observations and the frequency of calls tend to indicate stable numbers .
Screech owls (9) nested in structures intended for wood ducks, especially on the Cuddo Unit .
7 . Other Migratory Birds
Mourning dove peaked in December . As in previous years, small numbers were observed on the refuge throughout the year and nesting was observed on all units . As many as 300 doves were observed using corn fields manipulated for waterfowl during the winter months and agricultural fields were favored for feeding and loafing in the spring .
The annual dove census was conducted in May by staff personnel and the number of birds observed and calls recorded on both routes 0530 and 0601 were near those numbers reported in 1991 . Both routes are well away from the refuge .
A dove hunt was conducted on the Cuddo Unit during September . (Section H .8 .a .) .
8 . Game Mammals
The State of South Carolina prescribes a hunting season for eleven species of mammals . Of these eleven species, ten occur on the refuge . Four of the ten species which occur on the refuge, white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, raccoon, and opossum, were hunted in 1992 .
The Bluff and Dingle Pond Units each supported small populations of white- tailed deer . However, the larger more diverse Cuddo and Pine Island Units supported the major concentrations . It was on the latter two units that deer hunting was allowed, but restricted to primitive weapons . Other 0 hunting activity was restricted to the Cuddo Unit . (Section H-8 .) Other mammals for which there is a prescribed state season include rabbit, mink, muskrat, otter, skunk and fox . None of these were hunted or trapped on the refuge .
The muskrat is present, but its numbers are so small as to be insignifi- cant .
The first beaver were noted on the refuge in 1991 when Manager Bond found cuttings and a dam in a drainage ditch on Cuddo in early October . With a good population of alligators, maybe they won't become the nuisance they have on other refuges . 0
25
Although none of the staff have seen beaver on the refuge, these cuttings on the Cuddo Unit show they are present, but not a problem -- yet . (GF)
In addition to the gray squirrel, the eastern fox squirrel is also present on the refuge . The fox squirrel, though not listed as either endangered or threatened, is of state significance and concern due to relatively small numbers statewide . This species is also far from abundant on the refuge and we are concerned that hunters might remove some fox squirrels along with grays during the September hunt, even though taking them is prohibited .
The river otter was observed in small numbers on all units throughout the year . Evidence of their presence is more frequently observed than the otters themselves . A population estimate, based on casual observation, was placed at 25 .
Both the red and gray fox occurred on the refuge and peaks of 20 and 50 respectively were estimated . The species were observed on all units of the refuge with the larger numbers found on the Cuddo Unit . The raccoon is probably the most abundant game mammal on the refuge . An estimated 250 are present .
10 . OtherResident Wildlife
Other resident wildlife include wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and bobcat . Turkeys are increasing in their range, and the population on the Cuddo Unit is thinning . Fewer birds were observed this year than last and the flocks are smaller . Turkeys were not reported this year at the Pine Island Unit, but groups of 4-6 were seen on Cuddo . The general decline in Turkey's may be long term results of hurricane Hugo .
2 6 Bobwhite quail were present on all units of the refuge . Habitat 0 management naturally favors quail in summer by providing habitat diversity, food, water, cover, and lots of edge, but in winter a lot of their habitat is flooded .
Bobcat also occurred on all units of the refuge, and it is not uncommon to see a bobcat in daytime on the refuge .
12 . WildlifePropagationandStocking
A total of 77 wood duck nesting boxes were located on the various Units of the refuge .
BluffUnit
- 18 boxes available of which 18 were used by wood ducks . - 12 of the 18 boxes were used twice . 0 - 2 of the 18 boxes were used three times . - 34 successful nests and 11 unsuccessful . - 1 box was used by another bird .
DinglePondUnit
- 9 boxes available of which 9 were used by wood ducks . - 6 of the 9 boxes were used twice . - 13 successful nests . - 1 box was used by other birds .
PineIslandUnit
- 6 boxes were available of which 5 were used by wood ducks . - 2 of the 5 boxes were used twice . - 1 box was used three times . - 6 successful nests . - 2 boxes were used by other birds .
CuddoUnit
- 44 boxes were available of which 42 were used by wood ducks . 26 of the 44 boxes were use twice . 58 successful nests and 10 unsuccessful . 13 other birds nesting include the Carolina wren, great crested flycatcher, and screech owl .
From March 20 thru August 3 the boxes were checked seven times by refuge volunteer, Harold Furse . He has an intense interest in waterfowl and does a superb job of checking the boxes and noting data . His data showed that despite the heavy use of the boxes, dump nesting was not as bad as last year when 16 nests of 70 had 16 or more eggs . This year only 19 of 126 nests had more than 16 eggs and it was interesting to note that one nest with 32 eggs hatched all but 5, another with 31 hatched all but 10 and yet another with 24 eggs hatched 21 of them . Other good numbers include 21
2 7
ANNUAL REPORT FORM WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM INFORMATION YEAR 1992
77 Total Boxes Up
Total Usable Boxes 77
Use by Wood Ducks 74 of Usable Boxes
Number of Success- 118 ful Boxes (Wood Ducks)
Use by Other Ducks 0 of Usable Boxes
Period Checked March - August (Month)
Use by Other Wild- life of Usable Boxes 17
*Total Wood Ducks Hatched 1180
Wood Duck Broods Produced 118
**Wood Ducks Surviving to 590 Flight Stage
Plans for Next Year (Indicate Number)
20 More Boxes Entrance Holes Created in Trees Fewer Boxes
No Change
To prevent apparent predator kills of hens on nest, all boxes-on the Bluff Unit will be placed over water (C,antey tray Pond) .
------*Unless you can actually count iqq shells, Just multiply successful boxes by 10 . **If survival rate is other than 50 percent, please explain rationale in remarks section . ***3e sure and document periods that boxes were checked for use and repair .
of 26 eggs hatched, 16 of 20, 15 of 17 and 15 of 18 eggs hatched . On two occasions he noted two hens in the box at the same time .
On the Bluff Unit evidence showed that six hens were killed in the box or as they exited . The only theory we can find plausible is that a bobcat has learned how to get an easy meal . Just in case the theory is true, we moved all the boxes on the Bluff Unit into the water . The Cuddo Unit, for instance, had none of the 44 boxes over water and no hens were killed .
More disturbing evidence was discovered on the Pine Island Unit . On April 13 three boxes had 16 eggs, 12 eggs and 12 eggs respectively . However, when checked on April 26, all the eggs were gone . Down remained, but not a trace of egg shell could be found . Appears to be human thievery .
16 . Marking and Banding
The banding quota this year was 375 preseason wood ducks . Pre-season wood duck banding began on June 26th with 18 woodies banded, and continued to September 20 . With a good effort and cooperation by the woodies, we ended up with a total of 519 . Efforts at baiting continued year round with corn and wheat and our sole capture method was use of a rocket net at one site, namely Cantey Bay Pond on the Bluff Unit .
Because the staff did such a good job of banding wood ducks, district biologist Otto Florschutz thought we should have a recognition plaque . Stuckey accepts on behalf of the staff . (GF)
2 8 H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General
Santee NWR offers a variety of public use activities for the visiting public . The visitor contact station's dioramas, exhibits, information panels and aquarium gives the visitor an excellent understanding of Santee's management goals and a glimpse of the variety of wildlife found on the refuge . The mile-long Wright's Bluff nature trail provides visitors the opportunity to view wildlife, a pine forest, wetland community, wood duck nesting boxes and the refuge farming program .
Several sections of Lake Marion are included within the boundary of the refuge . Along with Lake Moultrie, Lake Marion comprises the Santee-Cooper lakes system, renowned as one of the best sport fishing areas in the Southeast . Some of the more popular fishing areas are located in the larger bays and coves within the refuge . Fishing from boats on the lake is by far the most popular way of fishing, although bank fishing along the lake shore and some of the refuge ponds is common . Hunting for deer, small game and migratory birds is also available on the refuge .
A total of 68,760 refuge visits were recorded this year . This is a considerable increase over 1991 use, but in-line with 1990 and 1989 figures . The biggest increases were in the fishing and boating categories . Total activity hours were 134,368, indicating the average visitor spent 1 .9 hours per visit .
Eleven special use permits were issued to residents of the Cantey Bay subdivision for ingress and egress through Cantey Bay during the waterfowl sanctuary closure period, November through February . In order to minimize disturbance to waterfowl using the bay, permittees' boats are required to navigate at no-wake speeds along the extreme eastern side of the bay . In addition, a memorandum of understanding is in effect which restricts activities such as pier lights, fires, shooting and other disturbances 9 along the shoreline during the closure period . The SUP's are only issued to subdivision residents on an annual basis .
Federal duck stamps, Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports are available at the visitor center . During the year, 8 duck stamps were sold and 12 Golden Age Passports were issued .
4 . Interpretive Foot Trails
The effects of Hurricane Hugo are still evident along the nature trail . Trees weakened during the hurricane continued to blow over during gusty winds . The thick understood that resulted due to the opened canopy is constantly encroaching on the trail . This requires constant attention to remove fallen trees and cut or spray vegetation . Despite these minor inconveniences, visitors continued to enjoy the sights and solitude of the trail . An estimated 3,350 visitors walked the trail during the year .
2 9
6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
The visitor center is usually the only stop for most visitors to the refuge . Many visitors commented in the guest register of how impressed they were with the center and the exhibits . No major changes were made to exhibits during the year . Only minor maintenance such as changing pest stripes, dusting, cleaning glass, replacing burned out light bulbs and cleaning the aquarium were required . Total visits to the center were estimated at 3,426 .
7 . Other Interpretive Programs
Tours and programs were conducted when requested by schools and other groups . Most of the groups wanted a tour of the VCS by refuge personnel to explain the exhibits and talk about the refuge . If time permitted a tour of the nature trail and the Fort Watson/Santee Indian Mound site were given . Several off-refuge programs were also presented . Table 7 lists the programs presented during the year .
Table 7 . Programs Presented In 1992
On Refuge Date Group Type Of Program I In Group 02-05-92 Central Carolina Technical Tour Of Refuge 20 College (Biology Class) (Cuddo Unit) 05-08-92 Elloree High School VCS Tour/Film 14 (Special Ed Class) 05-19-92 Manning Elem . School VCS Tour/Film 40 (2nd Grade) 05-22-92 Kingstree Elem . School VCS Tour/Film 40 (5th-6th Grades) 06-17-92 SC Teachers Environmental Talk/Tour/Film 35 Workshop 06-24-92 Wee Academy VCS Tour/Film 20 r 08-04-92 Liberty Hill AME-Summer VCS Tour/Film 35 School 12-01-92 Manning Middle School VCS/Film/Tour 100 (7th Grade) 12-04-92 Manning Middle School VCS/Film/Tour 50 (7th Grade)
Off Ref uqe
03-03-92 AARP - Santee, SC Talk 32 05-15-92 Alcolu Elem School Talk-Career Day 90 (4th-5th Grades) 06-10-92 Manning Rotary Club Talk/Film 60 08-11-92 Lake Marion Nursing Endangered Species/ 20 Home Talk/Film
30 Larry Davis, Outdoor Recreation Planner at Cape Romain NWR, gave three of the on-refuge and one of the off-refuge programs . With our reduced staff his assistance is well appreciated . The remaining programs were given by refuge staff .
Rudy Mancke, naturalist on the syndicated SC Educational Television program "NatureScene" gave a tour of the visitors' center and Bluff Unit to a group of 25 people from Florida on April 10th . The group was touring various parks and wildlife areas throughout South Carolina .
8 . Hunting
The refuge had open seasons on five game species during the year . These included white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, mourning dove, raccoon and opossum . For the 7th consecutive year there was no waterfowl hunting on the refuge, due to SCWMRD electing not to have an early duck season . All of the hunts were open with no limit on the number of hunters that could participate . Aside from possessing appropriate licenses, hunters were required to sign and carry a copy of the refuge hunt regulations which served as a permit and to sign in and out at designated check stations .
Deer hunting on the refuge is popular and raccoon hunting also produces a respectable turnout . Interest in dove and squirrel hunting, however, is a different story . There are two main reasons for this lack of interest . First, population numbers for these species are not very high, requiring a lot of effort to bag some game . Second, there are better opportunities within this area for a more successful hunt, especially for dove . During these hunts deer hunters are permitted to scout the Cuddo Unit . This accounts for the greatest activity while the area is open to public vehicle access . The number of hunters scouting a good location to put up a deer stand far exceeds the number of those that are hunting squirrels or doves . Approval has been received from the Regional Office to reduce the dove and squirrel seasons to 14 days starting in 1993 . This will give ample time to those who want to hunt dove or squirrel or scout for deer . a . Raccoon and Opossum
The raccoon/opossum hunt is annually held on the last ten days of the state gun season and is only permitted on the Cuddo Unit . This year the ten-day period ran from February 22 - March 2 . Participation was up 16% from 1991 and the number of raccoons harvested nearly doubled . In accordance with state regulations the bag limit was 2 per party per night . This year 133 hunters took 51 raccoon . No opossum were harvested . b . Mourning Dove
Participation for this hunt on the refuge has always been low . The dove population on the refuge is small and there are plenty of other privately managed fields in the area to interest hunters . Dove hunting on the refuge is limited to the Cuddo Unit . This year, the refuge hunt ran from
3 1 September 5-30 . Five hunters showed up during the 26-day season . For the second consecutive year no doves were taken .
c . Gray Squirrel
Squirrel hunting is only permitted on the Cuddo Unit . This year, the hunt was held September 15-30 . This is another refuge hunt in which the hunting community shows little or no interest . During the 16 days that the Cuddo Unit was open, not one hunter signed in or was observed in the field hunting . Consequently, no squirrels were harvested .
d . White-tailed Deer
The refuge deer hunts consisted of three different hunts held on two of the units . The first hunt was on the Pine Island Unit and the other two 7 were held on the Cuddo Unit . Traditionally, these hunts are very popular and the number of deer harvested has kept the herd in balance .
The Pine Island primitive weapons hunt was held October 5-10 . Compound or long bows and muzzleloading rifles or shotguns were permitted . This was one of the better hunts for the Pine Island Unit with a total of 38 deer taken . This is an increase of ten deer over last year's harvest . Hunter participation was also up but only by 4% . A total of 220 hunters showed up for the hunt .
The Cuddo Unit hunts consisted of six days of archery hunting and six days of primitive weapons hunting . The archery hunt ran from October 12-17 . The turnout was down 159 from 1991's hunt with 580 hunters showing up . The harvest was also down with 38 deer bagged . This is 7 deer less than last season .
Normally, the Cuddo Unit primitive weapons hunt is the most popular of all the refuge hunts . This year, the number of hunters participating went way down . Only 574 hunters showed up for the hunt . Not only is this 242 hunters below last year's turnout, but it was also lower than the number of hunters that took part in the archery hunt . The only explanation for this drop may go back to Hurricane Hugo . In 1989 the refuge deer hunts were cancelled due to the extensive damages caused by the hurricane . The next year the deer population was up, resulting in one of the best hunts ever . In 1991 we believe that the turnout was high due to the high number of deer taken the previous year . The harvest, however, returned to an average level . This year, with no expectations of high deer numbers, hunter participation went down . Surprisingly, the number of deer taken was exactly the same as last year . A total of 62 deer were harvested .
The final tally for all three hunts was 138 deer . This is 3 higher than last year's total . Table 8 shows the results of the deer hunts by units .
3 2
Table 8 . DeerHunt DataByUnit - 1992
PINE ISLAND UNIT (PRIMITIVE WEAPONS OCT . 5-10)
Age 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 1/2 4 1/2 5 1/2 UNK TOTAL
Male 3 5 5 13
Female 9 5 7 4 25
Total 12 10 12 4 38
CUDDO UNIT (ARCHERY OCT . 12-17) 0 Age 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 1/2 4 1/2 5 1/2 UNK TOTAL Male 6 7 4 2 1 1 21
Female 5 3 6 3 17
Total 11 10 10 5 1 1 38
CUDDO UNIT (PRIMITIVE WEAPONS OCT . 19-24)
Age 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 1/2 4 1/2 5 1/2 UNK TOTAL
Male 13 8 7 4 32
Female 6 8 12 2 2 30
Total 19 16 19 6 2 62
9 . Fishing
Fishing is the most popular recreational activity at Santee . Being located on a renowned sport fishing lake is the main reason for the high fishing activity on the refuge . Lake Marion provides excellent opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, white bass and striped bass . Due to the variety of fish and various types of structures found in the lake the fishing is generally good year-round, except during extremely hot or cold periods .
The majority of fishing at Santee is done in the sloughs, bays and open waters of Lake Marion where access is generally unobstructed and lager boats can navigate . Bank fishing is also popular . However, the inaccessible shoreline along most of the refuge restricts this type of fishing to the Scott's Lake section of the Bluff Unit, Log Jam Landing on the Cuddo Unit and the perimeter levee on Pine Island . The Scott's Lake area is popular due to
3 3 its easy road access . The refuge's interior impoundments and canals are open to fishing March through October . These areas are only accessible by walking, bicycling or boating in from the lake and crossing over a levee . For these reasons the interior impoundments are not heavily used . A total of 30,850 fishing visits were estimated during the year .
17 . Law Enforcement
Santee has two collateral refuge officers with law enforcement authority, the Manager and Asst . Manager . With the loss of two permanent staff during the year much of their time was taken up with duties that were usually performed by someone else . This resulted in less time devoted to law enforcement activities .
Most of the effort put into law enforcement occurred during the refuge hunts and state waterfowl season . Prior to the opening of the Cuddo Unit deer hunts an effort was made to locate baited areas . Five sites with scattered shelled or ear corn were located . All the sites were checked the opening mornings of the archery and primitive weapons seasons and periodically throughout the hunts . Despite all the checking only one individual was caught and cited for hunting over bait . Whatever the reason, hunters did not return to hunt over the baited areas . At one site the bait was removed and the stand taken down just prior to opening morning of the archery hunt .
Periodic patrols were made during the state waterfowl seasons . The patrols were usually confined to areas close to refuge boundaries . One area of concern was in Nelson Cut, along Potato Creek, where evidence of hunting activity on the refuge was found last year . No such evidence was noted this year . Several patrols with state conservation officers were made in the Jacks Creek area .Hunting activity was slow and interest waned as the season went on . Very few hunters that were checked had their daily bag limit of three birds .
During the weekend of January 4-5 the FWS porcelain shield was stolen off the new Bluff Unit entrance sign . The new sign had only been up for a month . No suspects or clues were found . A cheaper stick-on shield was ordered to replace the stolen one .
0
3 4
Shortly after the new entrance sign was erected, the beautiful porcelain shield was stolen . We replaced it with a stainless steel shield with a stick-on emblem . . . no stealing problems by year's end . (GF)
Manager Bond attended the annual 40-hour law enforcement training session held at the Lively Law Enforcement Training Center in Quincy, Florida on March 9-13 . Asst . Manager Fringeli attended the second session held at the Center on March 23-27 . On September 17th both officers requalified with their Service pistols at the Manning police range . The requalification was given by SA George Hines .
Table 9 . SummaryofViolations
Violation Number Disposition
Fishing in a Closed Area 2 S50/each
Hunting Over Bait 1 $100
I . EQUIPMENT ANDFACILITIES
3 . MajorMaintenance
Major problems were encountered with the Timber Island Field 13 pump, which is needed to flood the upper tiers of the field . In May, the motor's 9 radiator coil had to be replaced and at the start of the pumping season a
35 problem developed with the diesel motor's fuel system . A repairman had to be called in to tackle the problem after several attempts to troubleshoot and correct the problem by refuge staff failed . After repairs were completed, the pump was only run for several days when the top bearing on the pump shaft burned out . A replacement bearing was ordered and put on . This, however, was not the last of the problems . When the pump was turned on, the lower end of the shaft where the propeller is attached started to vibrate . This left us with an array of possibilities . Either the shaft was bent, or the lower unit babbitt bearing was broke, or there was a problem with the propeller or even some other unforeseen problem . Since the end of the pump was several feet underwater and the excavator would be needed to dig out and pull up the pump, it was decided to wait until early next year to tackle this problem .
The Bluff Unit boat ramp was cleaned out in January with the excavator . Sediment had accumulated in front of the ramp making it almost unusable when the lake level was low . This is not a public ramp but used only by the refuge, local conservation officers or other agencies requesting permission to use the ramp when conducting research studies on the lake .
The old Bluff Unit entrance sign was repainted and put up at the Dingle Pond Unit . The previous Dingle Pond sign was blown out of its frame during Hurricane Hugo . The sign was in good condition but was stolen by someone before it was retrieved and put back up .
Mowing roads was an almost constant job during the growing season . With 30 miles of roads to maintain, no sooner is the last road mowed then the first road cut needs it again . The reduction in staff did not help either . Mowing was put off until the seed heads were high enough to go through a truck's grill and clog up the radiator . Only the center of the roads were mowed until the last cut of the year when the roadsides were also mowed .
In August, the contour levees in Timber Island Field were mowed using the new boom axe mower . Most of the levees had not been mowed in several years and some of the woody vegetation was getting so big, that if mowing had been put off one more season, it would have required a chain saw to clear the levees .
Just prior to the opening of the refuge deer hunts, roads on the Bluff, Pine Island and Cuddo Units were spot graveled . Only sections with the worst potholes or ruts were treated . This was only a band-aid treatment since there are several sections of roads that need extensive road grading and graveling to get them into good condition .
Prior to the opening of the state waterfowl season all the water boundaries along the Bluff, Pine Island and Cuddo Units were checked . Missing and damaged signs were replaced . New reflective tape was also put on poles that did not have any .The reflective tape helps as an aid while navigating at night .
3 6 0 4 . EquipmentUtilizationandReplacement The new boom axe mower that was received in late 1991 was mounted on the John Deere 4230 tractor . During its initial use a tension adjustment bar on the 3-point hitch snapped in half . The weight of the mower caused the entire unit to bounce while the tractor was moving . This put a lot of pressure on the hitch . To correct this problem an attachment was designed to add counter weights to the mower unit . Although this did alleviate some of the pressure it did not solve the problem . The mower manufacturer recommended a sta- bilizer bar that hooks up to the unit and attaches to the rear axle of the tractor . In July a bar was ordered and installed, which corrected the problem .
Two new vehicles were received during the year . In January delivery was taken on a 1992 Jeep Cherokee . A 1992 Chevrolet long bed pickup truck was delivered in July . Both vehicles were badly needed as the refuge fleet of vehicles was getting old and costly to maintain . The Jeep replaced a 1983 vehicle and the '92 Chevy replaced a 1981 vehicle .
Two Smith and Wesson model 66 revolvers were transferred to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in February . The revolvers were excess after the station refuge officers switched over to Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistols .
The old military Caterpillar D-8 dozer was transferred to the Hattiesburg-Laurel (MS) Airport Authority in July .
Several pieces of equipment were loaned out to neighboring refuges and fish hatchery . Likewise, some equipment was borrowed . The excavator was gone most of the year . On January 30th Pee Dee NWR picked up the excavator with the understanding that after they were through with it, Carolina Sandhills NWR would borrow it for awhile . We do know that at the end of the year it was back at Pee Dee NWR . Fortunately, we were able to get through the year without having an urgent need for it . The John Deere 350 crawler spent the entire year at ACE Basin NWR . They have been using it on their extensive levee rehabilitation project . ACE Basin also borrowed our Ford 4110 tractor and mower for about a month . Alligator River NWR borrowed the truck-tractor lowboy rig in November to transport some equipment from Okefenokee NWR back to their station . In September Orangeburg NFH borrowed the International dump truck for two weeks . They were cleaning up a storage site and needed it to haul away material . On the other side of the coin, we borrowed Carolina Sandhills NWR's stake body dump truck on three occasions to haul corn and wheat from Pee Dee NWR .
6 . Computer Systems
The new cc :Mail system was installed in September to replace the phased out Compuserve system . The public use and oil/gas modules for the RMIS program were also installed .
3 7 J . OTHERITEMS
2 . ItemsOf Interest
Lynn Willhite and Eric Alvarez from the Division of Realty in the R .O . conducted a realty appraisal of the refuge on January 7-9' .
The Columbia Audubon Society spent the day of January 25th birdwatching on the Cuddo Unit .
In March Manager Bond judged an essay contest for the Clarendon Soil Conservation District . The theme of the contest was conservation . Entries were limited to 5th-8th graders .
Jim Kelley from the Office of Migratory Bird Management visited the refuge on April 20th . Jim was here to look at the wood duck nest box program and to discuss the possibility of including Santee in a proposed wood duck 0 nesting and population survey study . District Biologist Otto Florschutz made a brief visit to the refuge on April 22nd . Otto presented the staff with a plaque for successfully achieving last year's pre-season wood duck banding quota .
On April 16th Manager Bond, Asst . Manager Fringeli and Tractor Operator Pearson attended an eight-hour fire fighting training program at Carolina Sandhills NWR . The program, entitled "Standards for Survival", was presented by Steve Fowler of Alligator River NWR .
Manager Bond attended a meeting of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee at Central Carolina Technical College on April 24th . Glen is a member of the Committee .
CGS Chief Ruth Slette conducted an acquisition management review on June 17th . Ruth found everything in order and complimented office Asst . Gaymon on doing a good job .
Asst . Manager Fringeli attended the "Meeting the Needs of the Disabled : Program Accessibility" workshop held in Tallahassee, FL on June 2-4 . The station self-review for disabled accessibility was conducted on July 22nd . The review was done by Mgr . Bond, Asst . Manager Fringeli, Cape Romain ORP Larry Davis and Preston C . Carter of the South Carolina Board for Barrier Free Design . The completed forms of the review were submitted to the R .O .in August .
Manager Bond delivered the Refuge Revenue Sharing check to Clarendon County Treasurer Margaret Jackson on June 5th . The check was for $30,227 .
Manager Bond attended the Pre-retirement workshop at Wheeler NWR on June 10-11 .
38
Manager Bond and Asst . Manager Fringeli attended the South Carolina/Georgia project leaders meeting held at ACE Basin NWR on June 23rd .
Manager Bond attended a farming workshop entitled "Wildlife is Part of Sustainable Agriculture" in Kinston, NC on August 5-6 . The workshop was put on by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service .
Manager Bond attended another farming workshop on September 1-3 . This session was held at Pee Dee NWR .
Ethel A . Thomas, an auditor with the U .S . Dept . of the Interior's Office of Inspector General, visited the refuge on September 2nd . Ms . Thomas was gathering information about possible hazardous waste sites on or near the refuge . She was also interested in any sources of air or water pollutants, the refuge's methods of disposing of chemicals and items such as used oil, anti-freeze, old batteries, etc ., and employee training in handling hazardous materials .
David Otis, Leader of the SC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Clemson University, visited the refuge on September 4th . David's trip was primarily a get acquainted visit . However, he was interested in our wood duck . banding and nest box programs and may be interested in doing some wood duck research at Santee . David returned on December 17th to discuss using the refuge as a control study site in conjunction with a wetland mitigation project at the Laidlaw hazardous waste landfill .
Asst . Associate Manager Karen Cartlidge conducted a station inspection on November 17-19 .
Field Supervisor Roger Banks from the Charleston Enhancement Office, Manager Bond and Asst . Manager Fringeli visited a 1,700-acre site close to the Black River in Clarendon County on December 18th . The state highway department is considering purchasing the site as a wetland mitigation area . It the highway department does purchase the site it would probably be offered to the SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Department to manage . If SCWMRD rejects the offer, it would than likely be offered to the U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service and it accepted, become a part of the refuge .
4 . Credits
Mgr . Bond wrote Sections A, B, C, F and G and edited the entire report . Ass't . Mgr . Fringeli wrote Sections D, E, H, I and J . Office Ass't . Gaymon compiled information for Table 1, typed and assembled the report .
3 9
hc.x . j
8A1 NATIONAL VILDLIUZ R 1OM mtan*tDg, South Carobs &oyssblr` 26, 19ld
Regional Director Fish end Wildlife service 316, Glenn Building . Atlanta, .Ueorgia.
Attention: Mr . ArthurF. i~illex
Deer Sir :
;Refrenee is made to your lcttor of a ;oaear r. .23 iMi+ating that the Black Water g.ofuea ham been rquest ed-to capture us 50 wild ducks . At appears from the , aorraapondarsa" that the dUcks Which Would be shipped a*- not the sseii-do r ctioated birds that have been branding lie 'asrptivity and the type which we desire .
We do not wivh them to go to tho tr~;ub1o of trap. o plug Wild birds a>1d sending them to us for pinioning, release, as our own trapping efforts during the last week revealed that we can trap all of the wild mallard* we desire.
Wo are very sorry that this whole affair has "back- freti" and would ap-rociate you canceling our, order .
Very truly yours,
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sabots National hiid f Ile`iige
Mefto 7# 1945.
Refuge Manager, Santee Refuge, Manning, S . C .
Dear Mr . Haldwins
In compliance with instructions contained in Mr. Miller's letter of Sept . 4, 1945, we are, Sept . 8, 1945, entering for shipment to the Santee Refuge 11 rolls of barb wire . This ship- ment is by freight . I an attaching hereto Gov . B. L, No . 1-19129 with sufficient copies for your use and distribution .
I trust that the wire arrives at your Refuge by the time you need it . However, our freight shipments have been very slow recently, and it say be soar time before the wire ar- rives .
. Very truly yours,
Endiver L . Refuge- Manager.
CC- Regional Office .
N
14,44,1
t01A,A- 01 ?_t~ e--6- - SIXTH WAR LOAN DRIVE GOING WELL
As this issue of The Service Survey goes to prosd, .the 6th War Loan is approaching a conclusion . Frclir.iinary reports . show that the -early pessimism regarding the meeting of quotas for this Service and for individual divi- sions and offices was not justified . A few days still remain for individuals to purchase extra war bonds for credit against the quota of their groups .
VOUNTAP'T LIONS CONTINUE TO INCREASE
Acoordtng to District Agent G, H . Hansen, .of the Nevada district, Division of Prodator-and Rodent Control, during-the last six months our - field men, as well as livestock operators, and those in charge of-the fedoral ranges, report increased numbers of mountain lions, principally in •oastorn and central parts of the State .
Clyde R . Jiadsen, assistant district agent, located at Elko,,Nov .,, states that' on July 13 ;and 14 a mountain lion cameQ into Ralph Pitchforth's band of sheep at Secret . Pass, 40 miles cast-of Elko, and killed 32 lambs
-4-
THE SERVICE SURVEY . DEC EMIBER 1944
and 9 ewes . In the early morning of July 15, Louie Alcano. , the sheep. foreman, "jumped" the lion and shot it 4 times with a :.3a- .30 rifle, this being all the ammunition he had . The lion was not killed outright, but the herder's dogs caught it and held it at bay until Alcano arrived on the .scene on horseback .. He jumped off his horse, armed himself with a club, and midst flying claws and barking, snarling dogs, finished off the lion with the club . Madsen says that thq lion appeared to be 3 or 4 years old . He also reports that on the night of July 16 another lion, probably the mate of the one killed came .intq the same band of sheep and destroyed 4 more lambs .
APPOINT DR . SWANSON TO THE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
The appointment of Dr. Gustav A . Swanson as a biologist in the Division of wildlife Research was announced by 14r. Day c4i'October 6 . .
Dr . Swanson has been selected to-head the Service's important coopera- tive wildlife research unit program and also will servo as liaison officer on°Pittman-Robertson resuaroh * projects in order to correlate the valuable scientific data acquired through the expenditure of Federal Aid funds . His headquarters will be in Chicago, Ill ., at the Service's ccntral offices .
A native of Minnesota, Dr . Swanson has been Associate Professor of Entomology and Economic Zoology at the University of Minnesota from which' institution ho has received the degrees of R .S ., H .S ., and Ph .D . Ho has boon connoctod with the University's teaching staff since 1937, with the exception of a year spent as a Federal Aid Inspector in Region 3 for the Fish and ildlife Service . Previous to 1937 ho was a state biologist with
SAatee Nations/ Wild//fe Refuge Route 2, Box 66 Summerton, S. C. 29148
Santee Refuge is one of over 400 National Wildlife Refuges. The primary objective of a National Wild- life Refuge is to provide habitat for the conser- vation and protection of all species of wildlife . Sport fishing is permitted at a level compatible with the environment, provides wholesome recre- ational activities, and permits the use of a valuable renewable resource.
The regulations listed below supplement the gen- eral regulations which govern fishing on wildlife refuge areas as set forth in Title 50 Code of Fed- eral Regulations. Sport fishing will be in accor- dance with applicable State regulations .
GENERAL FISHING REGULATIONS
Public fishing on the Santee National Wildlife Re- fuge is permitted on approximately 16,000 acres as shown on the reverse map, except for those areas designated by signs and/or map as being closed.
Sport fishing is permitted 24 hours per day except for waters within land units which are limited to daylight use/bank fishing only .
Sport fishing is permitted year-round except that Cantey Bay, Black Bottom, Savannah Branch and waters within all land units are closed from November 1 through February 28 .
A valid State fishing license is required in accor- dance with State regulations .
Camping, overnight mooring of boats, open fires and firearms are prohibited .
Disturbing, damaging, destroying or other molest- ing of wildlife, habitat, or refuge facilities is pro- U . S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR hibited . Fish and Wildlife Service RF - 42570-7 April 1983
4 miles x
e
S 3 S S Creek Landing S 64 Old Ri+er Road
(t\ A OX nding
0
. Road across Dam r~ ~+4 N,nd j1 •l =~ `~ ri°yeo ~. o puoiie L:o ,lin • F
4 I 7VNA 1 w0.3 9000-- BRANCH 100 ACRF ROUND ISLAND Road ISLAND
z1 L __,*~-.. .~.PINE ISLAND LEGEND
Areas closed to fishing 47 Now 1 thru Feb, 28 .4
R Refuge Headquarters
I
N ,;;;;;;; Dike
Refuge Boundary
a~riaNAC WI DtIffREFUESa Calendar of Wildlife Events Ii It-! ID Ii
Santee INational t WildlifeIt RefugeIi Calendar of Wildlife Events Excellent fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass This calendar is meant to pro ide visitors with a and catfish . general guide to seasonal w dlife events. Weather Visitor Information may cause variations of one o two weeks, The Santee National Wildlife Refuge Office/Visitor January - Waterfowl conc trations, peak with Center is located in North Santee on the shores of Canada geese abundant o the wheat fields and Lake Marion . The office is located off U .S. Highway large numbers of mallards in he impoundments 301/15, seven miles south of Summerton, South and bays . "Winter" sparrows, 'uncos and finches are Carolina and three miles north of Santee, South here in good numbers for th winter. Striped bass Carolina. Signs that will lead you to the office are are schooling . located at the entrance to the refuge on U .S. February - Waterfowl num s begin to drop with Highway 301/15 and on Interstate 95, Exit 102 . The- shovelers becoming prevale t. Crappie begin to historical site of Ft . Watson/Santee Indian Mound move into the creeks. Wood ducks, purple martins and the Wright's Bluff Nature Trail are located at the and bluebirds are beginning o look over the nesting end of the paved entrance road and are open boxes. year round. March - Raptors are plentifu Alligators may be Public ramps for launching boats are located on seen sunning on canal and .nd edges. the Cuddo Unit (State Highway 260 at Taw Caw Largemouth bass begin to m ve into the shallows . Creek, open year round), on the Pine Island Unit April - Butterflies and dragon ies are everywhere, (east end of State Highway 400, open year round), Buntings, orioles, tanagers, vir os and blue and on the Bluff Unit (State Highway 257 and U .S. grosbeaks have returned an warblers are Highway 301/15 intersection on Cantey Bay, open migrating. Productive fishing or most species . March 1 - October 31) . May - Spring migration conti ues. Nesting activities There are several campgrounds, restaurants, and motels within two to seven miles of the Refuge are evident . Excellent fishing or all species. Office. Recreational camping is not permitted on June - Local songbirds activ , rabbits and squirrels the refuge . Restrooms and drinking water are foraging. Fish begin to seek ut cooler waters, available at the Refuge Office during office hours . White bass begin schooling . Foot, bicycle and boat traffic is permitted inside the July - Shorebirds begin to ret rn from their nesting land units from March 1 - October 31 . Exterior Lake grounds and can be seen on pond and lake edges . waters are open year round with the exception of Young of the year are out pr .cticing their skills and Cantey Bay, Savannah Branch, and Black Bottom, learning to survive . Bass, cra.pie and catfish have which are closed to boating traffic from November moved to deep water. 1 - February 28. The Dingle Pond Public Use Naturcil August - Summer warblers b gin to migrate south . Area and the Scott's Lake and Wright's Bluff Nature Redbugs, biting flies and mos 40 uitoes are voracious . Trail areas are open year round . Fishing is generally poor . REMEMBER - Bring everything you need to make September - Fall songbird gration peaks. Terns your visit enjoyable . .. . rain gear, comfortable are leaving as kestrels, blue-w ged teal and gulls walking shoes, insect repellent during warm are arriving . weather, water, binoculars, etc . October - Raptors, cormora ts, white-throated Weapons, water skiing and swimming are not and song sparrows, and watefowl are arriving in permitted. Pets must be on a leash . numbers. Ruby-crowned king ets and yellow- For addition information on hunting, fishing, and rumped warblers are prevalert. Caffishing is other public uses, please write the Refuge excellent . Manager, Route 2, Box 370, Summerton, South November - Bald eagles are frequently sighted Carolina, 29148 or call (803) 478-2217. around waterfowl concentrat ons . Striped bass are schooling.
December - Large concent tions of waterfowl, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Whistling swans may be observed on Bluff Unit . U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service
JAYS, CROWS : TennesseeWarbler T Dickcissel T Blue Jay P Orange-crowned Warbler W Evening Grosbeak W American Crow P Nashville Warbler T Purple Finch W Fish Crow P Northern Parula S House Finch T TITMICE, NUTHATCHES, CREEPERS : Yellow Warbler T Pine Siskin W Magnolia Warbler T American Goldfinch W Carolina Chickadee P BIRDS Cape May Warbler T Rufoussided Towhee P Tufted Titmouse P Black-throated Blue Warbler T Savannah Sparrow W White-breasted Nuthatch P Yellow-rumped Warbler W Grasshopper Sparrow W Red-breasted Nuthatch W Black-throated Green Warbler T Henslow's Sparrow A Brown-headed Nuthatch P Cerulean Warbler T LeConte's Sparrow W W Brown Creeper Blackburnian Warbler T Vesper Sparrow W WRENS : Yellow-throated Warbler P Lark Sparrow T House Wren W Chestnut-sided Warbler T Bachman's Sparrow P Winter Wren W Bay-breasted Warbler T Dark-eyed Junco W Bar o s Wren A Blackpoll Warbler T Chipping Sparrow P Carolina Wren P Pine Warbler P Clay-colored Sparrow A Marsh Wren W Kirtland's Warbler T Field Sparrow P Sedge Wren W Prairie Warbler S White-crowned Sparrow W MIMIC THRUSHES, THRUSHES : Palm Warbler W White-throated Sparrow W W Northern Mockingbird P Ovenbird T Fox Sparrow Northern Waterthrush A P T Lincoln's Sparrow Gray Catbird W Brown Thrasher P Louisiana WarblerWa ush S Swamp Sparrow W American Robin P Kentucky S Song Sparrow Wood Thrush S Connecticut Warbler T Hermit Thrush W Mourning Warbler T Swainson's Thrush T Common Yellowthroat P Gray-cheeked Thrush T Yellow-breasted Chat S Veery T Hooded Warbler S Eastern Bluebird P Wilson's Warbler T Canada Warbler T KINGLETS : Slate-throated Redstart S Blue-gray Gnatcatcher P Golden-crowned Kinglet W WEAVER FINCHES, BLACKBIRDS : NOTES Ruby-crowned Kinglet W House Sparrow P PIPITS : Bobolink T Date No . Species Water Pipit W Eastern Meadowlark P Observer(s) Sprague's Pipit A Western Meadowlark A Yellow-headed Blackbird A Weather WAXWINGS, SHRIKES ; STARLINGS : Red-winged Blackbird : . P Time Afield Cedar Waxwing W Orchard Oriole S Loggerhead Shrike P Northern Oriole W European Starling P Rusty Blackbird W VIREOS: Brewer's Blackbird A White-eyed Vireo S Boat-tailed Grackle A Yellow-throated Vireo S Common Grackle P Solitary Vireo W Brown-headed Cowbird P Red-eyed Vireo S TANAGERS: Philadelphia Vireo T Western Tanager T of tAe Warbling Vireo T Scarlet Tanager T WOOD WARBLERS : Summer Tanager S Black-and-white Warbler P FINCHES: SANTEE Prothonotary Warbler S Northern Cardinal P Swainson's Warbler S Rose-breasted Grosbeak T DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Worm-eating Warbler T Blue Grosbeak S U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Golden-winged Warbler T Indigo Bunting S Blue-winged Warbler T Painted Bunting S RF-42570-2 - May 1989
Black Tern T WATERFOWL : The Santee National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1941 RAILS, AVOCETS : Black Skimmer A as a refuge for migratory waterfowl, lies in the upper Tundra Swan ...... W King Rail P d Canada r_, PIGEONS, DOVES, CUCKOOS : South~ Carolinavaiu~iuu iii rn"'viaiuiuuu W Via5iila Ra ii' coastal plains of Crllt[ai Rock Dove P County, approximately seven miles south of Summerton Barnacle Goose ...... A Sora W Mourning Dove P White-fronted Goose ...... W Yellow Rail ...... T on Highway 301 . Common Ground Dove A Snow Goose ...... W Black Rail ...... T The refuge is comprised of 15,095 acres of mixed hard- Yellow-billed Cuckoo S woods, mixed pine-hardwoods, pine plantations, marsh, Fulvous Whistling Duck ...... A Purple Gallinule S Mallard ...... P Common Moorhen P Black-billed Cuckoo T croplands, old fields, ponds, impoundments, and open OWLS: waters located in four separate management units along American Black Duct : W American Coot W ~_ P Lake Marion, a hydro-electric reservoir. This diversity Gadwall W American Avocet A Common Barn-Owl of habitats on Santee supports a wide variety of birds . Northern Pintail ...... W PLOVERS : Eastern Screech Owl ...... P P Green-winged Teal Great Horned Owl ...... P This list of 293 species is based on records and observa- P Semipalmated Plover T P Blue-winged Teal Wilson's Plover Barred Owl tions by refuge personnel, state biologists, and visiting Cinnamon Teal ...... A ...... T W Killdeer . . . . Long-eared Owl birders and on a literature search of appropriate publica- Eurasian Wigeon ...... A ...... P Short-eared Owl W tions . Persons having information regarding species not American Wigeon ...... W Piping Plover T Northern Saw-whet Owl ...... T Lesser Golden Plover listed are urged to contact the Refuge Manager, Santee Northern Shoveler ...... W T Black-bellied Plover GOATSUCKERS : National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2, Box 66, Summerton, Wood Duck ...... P T SC 29148 - phone (803) 478-2217 . SANDPIPERS : Chuck-will's widow S Redhead ...... W Whip-poor-will T ...... Marbled Godwit ...... Ring-necked Duck ...... W T Common Nighthawk S Since most birds are migratory, species use of the refuge Canvasback ...... W Whimbrel T is indicated by the following codes : Greater Scaup W Upland Sandpiper T SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS, KINGFISHERS : Lesser Scaup W Greater Yellowlegs W Chimney Swift ...... S P = Permanent Resident T = Transient Common Goldeneye ...... W Lesser Yellowlegs ...... T Ruby-throated Hummingbird S W = Winter Visitor A = Accidental Bufflehead W Solitary Sandpiper T Belted Kingfisher P S = Summer Resident White-winged Scoter A Willet T WOODPECKERS : Ruddy Duck W Spotted Sandpiper W Northern Flicker P LOONS : Hooded Merganser W Ruddy Turnstone T Pileated Woodpecker ...... P Wilson's Phalarope Common Loon T Common Merganser W T Red-bellied Woodpecker P American Woodcock Red-throated Loon T Red-breasted Merganser ...... W P Red-headed Woodpecker P Common Snipe W GREBES : Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ...... W VULTURES : Short-billed Dowitcher T Red-necked Grebe T Hairy Woodpecker P Turkey Vulture P Long-billed Dowitcher T Downy Woodpecker P Horned Grebe W Red Knot T Eared Grebe A Black Vulture ...... P Red-cockaded Woodpecker ...... P HAWKS : Sanderling T Pied-billed Grebe P Semipalmated Sandpiper T FLYCATCHERS : PELICANS, CORMORANTS, DARTERS : - American Swallow-tailed Kite A Western Sandpiper T Eastern Kingbird S American White Pelican A - Mississippi Kite S Least Sandpiper T Gray Kingbird A Do bl d - Sharp-shinned Hawk W White rumped Sandpiper T Western Kinoird T Anhinga P - Cooper's Hawk ...... P Baird's Sandpiper T Scissor-tailed Flycatcher A - Red-tailed Hawk P HERONS, BITTERNS, STORKS Pectoral Sandpiper T Great Crested Flycatcher S : - Red-shouldered Hawk P Dunlin T Eastern Phoebe W Great Blue Heron P -. Broad-winged Hawk S Stilt Sandpiper ...... T Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ...... T Green-backed Heron S - Rough-legged Hawk A Buff-breasted Sandpiper T Acadian Flycatcher S Little Blue Heron P - Golden Eagle W Cattle Egret S Ruff A Willow Flycatcher T - Bald Eagle P Alder Flycatcher T Great Egret P - Northern Harrier W GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS : Snowy Egret Least Flycatcher ...... T P OSPREYS, FALCONS Herring Gull ...... Tricolored Heron : P Eastern Wood-Pewee S P Ring-billed Gull Black-crowned Night Heron - Osprey P P Olive-sided Flycatcher ...... T P Laughing Gull T Yellow-crowned Night Heron S - Peregrine Falcon T LARKS, SWALLOWS : Least Bittern S - Merlin T Franklin's Gull ...... A Horned Lark W American Bittern W - American Kestrel W Bonaparte's Gull ...... W Tree Swallow ...... T Forster's Tern W Wood Stork A QUAIL, TURKEYS, CRANES : Bank Swallow T Common Tern W IBISES : Northern Bobwhite ...... P Northern Rough-winged Swallow ...... S Little Tern S Barn Swallow S Glossy Ibis Wild Turkey S p Royal Tern T Cliff Swallow T White Ibis - Sandhill Crane A P Caspian Tern T Purple Martin ...... S The distribution of bait and hunting over bait GENERAL PROVISIONS is prohibited . Santee Refuge is one of over 475 national wildlife No Sunday hunting is permitted . refuges . The primary objective of a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for the Camping, overnight parking, open fires and littering conservation and protection of all species of are prohibited . wildlife. The harvest of surplus animals is one tool All hunters under the age of 16 must : Hunting used to manage wildlife populations . Carefully 1) Have successfully completed a state-approved Regulations & managed hunts maintain wildlife populations at a hunter education course in order to participate in level compatible with the environment, provide any refuge hunt . Permit wholesome recreational opportunities and permit the use of a valuable renewable resource . 2) Must be supervised by an adult at least 21 years of age. The adult must be in sight and normal The regulations listed below supplement the voice contact of the youth . An adult may general regulations which govern hunting on supervise only one youth under 16 years of age, wildlife refuge areas as set forth in Title 50, Code except two (2) may be supervised in a hunting of Federal Regulations . Hunting will be in blind during waterfowl hunts . Santee accordance with applicable State regulations . Nahonal Wildlife Refuge GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS SPECIFIC HUNTING REGULATIONS Public hunting of white-tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl, gray squirrel, raccoon and WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTS opossum is permitted on portions of the Santee Pine Island Unit : Primitive Weapons Season - The first National Wildlife Refuge other than those areas Monday in October through the following Saturday . marked or otherwise designated as being closed Cuddo Unit: Archery Season - The second Monday to entry or to hunting (see reverse map) . in October through the following Saturday. Hunters must personally check in and out of Primitive Weapons Season - The third Monday in designated check stations . October through the following Saturday . Permits are required for all hunts and must be Primitive weapons include long or compound bows signed and in possession when hunting on the and muzzleloading (blackpowder) shotguns or rifles refuge. only. 0 Hunt Permit Valid for: Upland game and migratory bird hunters are No bag limit - either sex (antlerless deer must be Big Game, Upland Game & Migratory Birds requested to use hunter check stations identified tagged at the designated check station prior to Name: on reverse map . leaving the refuge) . 8 Dogs may be used only for dove, waterfowl, Hunters must wear either a hat, coat or vest of solid Address: opossum and raccoon hunting. visible fluorescent orange during the deer primitive N weapons hunts . All vehicles must remain on established refuge 0 a) roads identified by signs and/or gates . ATV's and () ATC's are prohibited . a UPLAND GAME CUDDO UNIT ONLY 12 C I have read and understand the regulations All firearms must be unloaded and dismantled or : Fox squirrels are protected 30 governing hunting on Santee NWR encased while being transported in a vehicle . Gray Squirrel Only . N . Open last 14 days of September if within State U) 15 U 0 The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a season. 0 c stand to a tree or hunting from a tree into which a c 0 Signature : Raccoon and Opossum : Last ten days of State gun a metal object has been driven to support a hunter . is prohibited . All stands must be removed at the season end of the hunt. This permit is valid only when signed by the hunter listed above. MIGRATORY BIRDS CUDDO UNIT ONLY Mourning Dove: Open last 14 days of September if within State season . PINE ISLAND & CUDDO UNITS NationalSANTEE Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl : Opens for October season, hunting is allowed until noon . Decoys and non-native blind materials must be removed at end of each days hunt. Permanent blinds are not permitted. SCOUTING No special scouting season for white-tailed deer or waterfowl has been designated for the Cuddo Unit. Scouting is permitted during the dove and squirrel hunts. The scouting period of the Pine Island Unit will be the last Friday and Saturday before the hunt - vehicles permitted . Hunters may scout anytime prior to this date on foot or bicycle .
Santee Vicinity Map
LEGEND Refuge Boundary """' Roads ® Vehicle Entry Point P Vehicle Parking Area Check Station
Department of the Interior Recycled paper Boat Ramp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ~~ a 1 MILE Area Closed to Hunting i i
6
E
ST PAUL
127
J'cE'c VIS CROSSROADS O C .e . 4.
St.
Cant .y Ba y
Nat, . Tra,i S t N~smrm S .t. 20 Shoe s u .• Otpc .l V,*!tO( Cent.
n •o
us 301
SacSnNf Branch,
Bl .ck Bottom
Tn. Factor . tF LEND S . - ow I . Bouroay B rao.a Row --- •- --- D,rt Rala . Nature Tray SCALE 1,65 i > 3.666
LAKE MARION
SANTEE National Wildlife Refuge DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service r
4-
w To support a large v tensive habitat ma management prog i very basic to the comp] grams is the wood du . nesting boxes are prov in available tree cavi(- at- ural habitat . The wate agement program is more comple Wat 1 e adjusted We Need to provide maximum benefits or wildlife . In the impoundments and marshes different levels are This Refuge ... used to help some types of vegetation to grow while controlling unwanted "pest plants" . Periodi- To provide food, water and shelter for approxi- cally flooded woodlands containing nut-producing mately 8 .000 Canada geese and over 50 .000 hatdwe -are ibi3d-rich and very beneficial to ducks during the months of November through waterfowl . February. Wildlif e The management of forest and crapli -are also- To proveses tpixl;-waterand shelter for many o[~e -A --myriad of wildlife species inhabit the varied critical- -Private-farmers are contracted who plant n iig atory and resident birds . landscape of S `ntee . During. . the winter months c n wheat, millet and soybeans . These crops the ndangerld bald e gle and 'casiot speciesof wildlife . The ~armers receive
red-cockaded woodpecker and American alligator . mallards, pintails, teal and wood ducks along ernment . with Canada geese are a major attraction .Through- e, established in To provide opportunities for environmental educa- out the year red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks Habitat management is a complicated procrss-but- _ 'County, South tion, interpretation and wildlife-oriented recreation can be viewed soaring overhead, as can a variety well worth. the effort since it provides an abundant---o- s. within the for refuge visitors . of songbirds in the trees, and wild turkey . amount of food;-cover and shdlterfor-a wide rang' ymixed hard- of animals. . ods, pine plantations, Birds are not the only residents of Santee . The ponds; inlpoundnie't is forest provides a home for white-tailed deer and ous diversity of habi- other'woodland creatures such as raccoons, squirrels life, . _ and bobcats . The ponds and marshes provide a home for an alligator here and there plus a num- f the refuge stretch . r.. ._ ber of snakes including cottonmouths . 9, .r them side of antee office/visitgr- center s for Mblic viewing eS Enjoy Your Visit ... Santee offers a variety of outdoor recreation activi- ties for the refuge visitor . The refuge Visitor Center For more information contact : presents a general overview of what there is to do and see at Santee . Trails for hiking, wildlife obser- Refuge Manager Santee National Wildlife Refuge vation and photography are available . Boating, Route 2, Box 66 fishing and hunting are also permitted . Portions Summerton, SC 29148 of the refuge are closed during parts of the year . For current information on closures check with Phone (803) 478-2217 the refuge office .
VISITOR CENTER - The Santee Visitor BOATING - Lake Marion is open year- Centeris currently open Monday through round to boating, except Cantey Bay, Friday, 8 :00 AM - 4 :30 PM. It contains Savannah Branch, and Black Bottom, a number of displays describing refuge which are closed from November 1 wildlife and habitats . The Center pro- through the end of February . Public vides an excellent opportunity for the launches are available at Log Jam Land- visitor to become acquainted with the ing and the Pine Island Unit Launch Site . 8, refuge before venturing out, and is highly recommended, especially for the
first time visitor . y FISHING - All areas open to boating are also open to fishing, as well as the Scott's . Lake Public Fishing Beach . Open year- round, these areas produce largemouth -r WILDLIFE OBSERVATION - Foot and bass, catfish and bream . Remember, all bicycle trails are open during March Federal and State regulations are in through October for wildlife observa- effect. tion, photography and hiking . For history buffs the Ft . Watson/Santee Indian Mound is a must . For birders, the dikes around the Dingle Pond Public Use Natural Area are excellent for view- HUNTING - Permitted on the refuge ing wading birds and shorebirds . Winter- during designated seasons . Deer, small DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ing migratory waterfowl may be ob- game, quail, dove and waterfowl seasons served from the observation tower along are scheduled yearly . Consult the hunt U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the Wright's Bluff Nature Trail, which brochure for additional details . RF-42570-1 - July 1989 is open year-round . oath- Carolina- SANTEE National Wildlife Refuge
Jack's Creek /
BLUFF x UNIT f t N O DINGLE POND 'y 3 UNIT Santee 0 l -1 e River F PINE CUDDO UNIT ISLAND UNIT M A R I O N Bluff Unit
II
h
L A K E
M I RIO N Q Exit 102
Dingle Pond
Dingle : Polly-Canvey Bay Pond Unit 0 1 /2 1 Mile
......
m c v V Pine Islan
LEGEND : ......
M Office/Visitor Contact Station J
Public Boat Ramp • `. • Maintenance Area
t '. Wright's Bluff Nature Trail and Observation 4 Tower/Wayside Exhibit • • • •• Historic Site of Ft . Watson • `• and Santee Indian Mound
' •• '' 100Acre ' Plantatio1 Islands Refuge Boundary Island Wildern ss Area Round Island L A K E M A R I O N • • • •• •• • Road
III