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DES LACS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Kenmare, North Dakota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Refuge Operations Specialist

Refuge Supervisor TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

A. HIGHLIGHTS 2

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 3

C. LAND ACQUISITION 5

3. Other 5

D. PLANNING 5

2. Management Plan 5 3. Public Participation 6 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 6 5. Research and Investigations 6 6. Other 7

E. ADMINISTRATION 8

1. Personnel 8 2. Youth Program 11 3. Other Manpower Programs 11 4. Volunteer Program 11 5. Funding 12 6. Safety 13 7. Technical Assistance 14 8. Other 14

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 18

1. General 18 2. Wetlands 19 3. Forests 21 4. Croplands 21 5. Grasslands 22 7. Grazing 23 8. Haying 24 9. Fire Management 24 10. Pest Control 26 11. Water Rights 28 14. Private Lands Enhancement 29 G. WILDLIFE 30

1. Wildlife Diversity 30 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 30 3. Waterfowl 31 a. Geese 31 b. Ducks 32 c. Swans 33 4. Marsh and Water Birds 33 5. Shorebirds. Gulls. Terns, and Allied Species 34 6. Raptors 34 7. Other Migratory Birds 35 8. Game Mammals 36 10. Other Resident Wildlife 36 13. Surplus Animal Disposal 37 16. Marking and Banding 37

H. PUBLIC USE 38

1. General ,38 2. Outdoor Classrooms 39 7. Other Interpretive Programs 39 8. Hunting 40 10. Trapping 40 11. Wildlife Observation 40 14. Picnicking 40 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 41 17. Law Enforcement 41

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 43

1. New Construction 43 2. Rehabilitation 44 3. Major Maintenance 45 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 47 6. Computer Systems 47 8. Other 48

J. OTHER ITEMS 49

1. Cooperative Programs 49 3. Items of Interest 50 4. Credits 50

ii 1

INTRODUCTION

"Des Lacs" is french, meaning "of the lakes." Early trappers originally called the area "Riviere des Lacs," literally, "River of the Lakes," which aptly described its prominent features. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is a 28-mile long river valley with three natural lakes. The distinctive physiography was created by glacial meltwater cutting through a vast ground moraine known as the Drift Plain. The refuge is in Burke and Ward counties in northwestern North Dakota, about 50 miles northwest of Minot and 90 miles east of Montana; it borders Saskatchewan to the north. Upland topography changes from the gently rolling Drift Plain to steep slopes that descend 50-125 feet to the river. The slopes are interrupted with numerous wooded draws and coulees, which have intermittent streams that drain hundreds of square miles of adjacent Drift Plain.

The refuge was established in 1935, amidst the "dust bowl era." Construction of dikes and water control structures, beginning with work by the Civilian Conservation Corps, created more permanent, large pools and several smaller marshes in a region historically known for high numbers of nesting waterfowl. Hence, primary objectives of the refuge are waterfowl production and protection, and enhancement of migratory bird habitat. An additional objective is to restore and maintain prairie vegetation.

Water management on the refuge is complicated by the flat topography of the valley. The original, natural lakes formed when natural dams were created by glacial outwash at the mouths of several large coulees draining the Drift Plain. When water levels are high, water travels south toward the Souris River. Much of Des Lacs refuge water comes from adjacent coulees, however, not from upstream sources in Canada. If coulee water flows are low to the north, water can flow north. Water builds very little "head" going either direction, making water manipulation more difficult than at other riverine refuges.

Des Lacs NWR's 19,544 acres include 13,600 acres of upland grass and grass-shrub communities, 230 acres of wooded draws and coulees, 5014 acres of open water, and 700 acres of marsh. Grass and grass-shrub slopes are native sod dominated by western snowberry shrub, wheatgrasses and needlegrasses, grama, bluestem, and native forbs, but are invaded by exotics especially Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and leafy spurge. Prairie on level Drift is similar though generally more degraded by exotic invasion. Green ash and American elm dominate woodlands, and chokecherry, juneberry, and sapling trees encroach into prairie at the woodland edge. Other upland communities include quaking aspen clumps, remnant farm shelterbelts, and old crop fields seeded in tame grass-legume ("dense nesting") cover. Conspicuous vertebrate fauna of open prairies and woodland margins include northern harrier, sharp-tailed grouse, mourning dove, eastern kingbird, gray catbird, yellow warbler, house wren, western meadowlark, song, clay-colored, and savannah sparrows, white-tailed deer, meadow vole, and deer mouse. Common wetland fauna during summer include western and eared grebes, white pelican, Canada goose, mallard, gadwall, blue-winged teal, ruddy, sora, Wilson's phalarope, Franklin's gull, black tern, yellow-headed and red-winged blackbirds, and muskrat. 2

A. HIGHLIGHTS

We experienced a very unusual summer, with cool temperatures and abundant rainfall, following another dry winter. The drought appears to be over!

The SOO-acre Middle Des Lacs lake at Kenmare (Unit 4) refilled from July rains after drying up in 1992 for the first time since the drought of the 1930's. (See F.2)

Fall snow goose numbers reached 400,000 in late October and geese left in early November. Good production resulted in good hunter success. Fifth annual "Goosefest" was termed a "success." (See G.3.a.)

The City of Kenmare, Ward County, and the refuge received a grant for 60 K to rehab the Old Highway 52 road through the south end of the refuge. The refuge is an active partner on the project and the project will greatly improve the tour route through the refuge.

A $425,000 grant was approved by the North American Wetland Conservation Council for the Northern Coteau Project. We will coordinate with the Wetland Habitat Office' to get this project rolling. ND Game and Fish Department is supplying one field staff in support of the project.

The first upland game bird and fox hunting season for Des Lacs refuge was held with a December 1 opener. Interest was high for this area, but snow conditions made travel and hunting difficult. (See H. 8)

Snowy owls were abundant in northwestern North Dakota this year including many (> 12) observations in late April and early May. Snowy owls returned to the area in mid- October, and were again plentiful in the fall. (See G. 6)

Three wildfires on the refuge and adjacent private lands occurred in 1993. All were good habitat burns from our point of view. (See F. 9) 3

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Soils were dry going into winter 1992-93. Precipitation during October 1992-April 1993 was 1 inch below normal. In January the high temperature was 47° F on the 31st with a low of -25° F on the 9,h. We experienced a temporary thaw during January 25-31 and lost most snow cover but received little runoff. February brought varied conditions to Des Lacs. Temperatures were above normal at the beginning and end of the month (high of 47° F on February 1), with low temperatures to -17° F in the middle of the month. March began very nice with high temps the first week in the 50's. Temperatures were cold during the middle of the month, with 4 days below 0° F. But by the 24th it was 70° F and then it cooled off the rest of the month. But by then the thaw had already occurred, and spring run-off was extremely limited due to poor frost seal in the winter of 1992-93. Unit 3 was the only unit to obtain objective water levels in the spring.

May temperatures were variable and on the 15th we recorded our last below freezing temperature of 27° F. But then the rains started, with rain on eight days totalling 2.01". June was an exceptionally cool and wet month. High temperature for the month was 91° F and the low was 37° F. Rain was received on 16 days totalling 4.43". July was more exceptionally cool and wet than June. High temperature for the month was 84° F and' the low was 38° F. Rain was received on 22 days totalling 7.03". The largest rainfall event was on July 26-27 when 2.66" was received. This unusual precipitation during mid-summer filled up all wetland units except Units 1, 2 and 7. The rain continued throughout August but we missed the heavy downpours again. We received 1.97" on 14 days during the month, just enough to keep everything wet but without runoff. The high temperature was 90° F on the 10th and it remained cool with an average high temperature of 80°F for the month.

Fall turned out dry with little moisture in September and October, but soil conditions were still fair for a good frost seal. The first killing frost was on September B^with a low of 24° F. October brought us Indian Summer with only 0.09" of precipitation received on 3 days during the month. The high was 79° F on the 3,d with a low of 7° F on the 29th. Snow began piling up early with approximately 20" total in November and December and all indications are pointing to excellent run-off in spring of 1994. We appear to finally be back in to an above-average moisture pattern, and so it may be a good spring runoff year!

Table 1 shows the 1993 weather conditions measured at Des Lacs NWR headquarters weather station. TABLE 1. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON DES LACS NWR IN 1993 MEASURED AT KENMARE, ND.

MONTH HIGH AVG LOW AVG SNOW PRECIP TEMP HIGH TEMP LOW

JANUARY 47 15 -25 -4 3.75 .18 FEBRUARY 47 20 -18 0 1.75 .15

MARCH 70 39 -13 18 8.00 1.36

APRIL 74 56 18 27 - .32

MAY 89 69 27 40 - 2.01

JUNE 91 69 37 47 - 4.43

JULY 84 72 42 51 - 7.03

AUGUST 90 80 43 52 - 1.97

SEPTEMBER 83 65 24 40 - .88

OCTOBER 79 54 7 28 - .09 NOVEMBER 48 32 -4 15 11.50 1.26

DECEMBER 39 26 -27 9 8.45 1.39

TOTALS 33.45 21.07

AVERAGE 17.72 5

C. LAND ACQUISITION

3. Other

Blenden and Kessler looked at the Buford-Trenton Irrigation District lands that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) wants to give to someone to take care of. As if we don't have enough problems to deal with. It will be considered further at another time depending on what the Corps decides to do. This land is tied into rising water levels of the Corps' Lake Sakakawea, causing groundwater problems in the B-T Irrigation District lands. The landowners want the Corps to buy them out but they still want to farm the land, and we're not interested in that concept.

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan

In June, Biologist Murphy initiated a draft plan for implementing multi-level ecological monitoring on Des Lacs NWR, to attempt to incorporate multiple needs and objectives under the same umbrella: characterize major upland plant communities; evaluate long- term change in common flora; develop ability to schedule and prescribe treatments based on periodic, quantitative assessment; monitor frequency and dominance of noxious weeds; monitor upland breeding bird community and develop predictive models for relevant habitat management.

In July, Murphy revised and did initial field tests of ideas and techniques proposed for implementing multi-level ecological monitoring on Des Lacs NWR; identified major plant communities; established 20 monitoring transects each with 4 30-m radius plots; conducted preliminary breeding bird point counts on several mornings; assembled vegetation sampling tools; initiated vegetation analyses and experimented with modifications of sampling techniques.

To go along with our biological monitoring effort starting in 1993, quite a bit of time has been spent sorting and organizing past records of habitat management activities. Most of the relevant information had been relegated to the basement and was scattered in many files. The data was organized and installed into databases so we can track habitat management and biological monitoring. 6

3. Public Participation

The Des Lacs NWR Advisory Council which began in 1988 met twice in 1993. The first meeting was March 23 with 8 members present, and discussion was primarily about the proposed Des Lacs upland game hunt and compatibility of Tasker's Coulee. The second meeting was held in October with only four members able to participate. The meetings continue to be helpful for the refuge regarding issues the community is concerned with and past history of the refuge from the public perspective.

The group presently consists of nine people from the Bowbells-Kenmare area. The members are:

Dave Colby - President Kenmare, North Dakota Greg Bommelman - V. President Donnybrook, North Dakota Don Brewster - Secretary Bowbells, North Dakota Jeff Duerre Kenmare, North Dakota Robin Carlson Kenmare, North Dakota Arlen Gartner Kenmare, North Dakota Roger Ness Kenmare, North Dakota Jim Rodin Kenmare, North Dakota Keith Melby Coteau, North Dakota

4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates

We received COE approval to change our Pool 7 Islands Project from 10 additional 0.25- acre islands to 4 additional 0.5-acre islands. We will have slightly less impacts, fewer islands to trap, and more distance between islands. The Bureau of Reclamation planned on funding the building of two more islands in 1993, but because of abnormally wet conditions we had to postpone the project. The Bureau did, however, complete a topographic map of the Unit 7 to aid in island placement and to determine island elevations.

5. Research and Investigations

Biologist Murphy worked with two graduate students at Lostwood NWR on their respective investigations of habitat relationships of breeding grassland passerines; the studies will yield an assessment of effects of habitat management treatments and provide data for predictive models.

Murphy developed a working outline of potential graduate research for the Complex and communicated the list to several interested university and FWS-Cooperative Education persons. Priorities included piping plover nesting success and productivity on Lostwood 7

NWR and Crosby and Lostwood WMDs, development of habitat models for breeding migratory birds in uplands on Des Lacs NWR, and reproductive output of grassland sparrows (esp. Baird's) related to upland habitat management on Lostwood NWR. Several other potential projects were also listed.

A doctoral thesis entitled "History, nesting biology, and predation ecology of raptors in the Missouri Coteau of northwestern North Dakota" was completed by Biologist Robert Murphy through Montana State University. Des Lacs NWR, Lostwood NWR, and Region 6 Refuges & Wildlife (R&W) will receive bound copies. The work was partially supported by FWS-R&W and included work done on Lostwood NWR and the Crosby WMD,

A manuscript entitled "Prey delivered to two Cooper's hawk nests in northern mixed grass prairie" was published in the Canadian Field-Naturalist, coauthored by D. Peterson (an undergraduate, summer intern at Lostwood NWR in 1989) and Biologist Murphy.

A manuscript entitled "Predation and habitat management for piping plovers at Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge" was published in the Prairie Naturalist, coauthored by K. Smith, R. Murphy, and D. Michaelson and W. Viehl, undergraduate summer interns at Lostwood NWR during 1987 and 1988.

6. Other

Murphy and Blenden finalized an initial Performance Plan, Plan of Operation, and workspace organization plan for the new Complex biologist position. Major tasks of the biologist will include Complex endangered species programs; ecological monitoring of upland biotic communities, especially Des Lacs NWR; analyses and publication of management results, especially Lostwood NWR; and guidance on wildlife monitoring and evaluation of habitat management needs on WMD fee areas.

For quick, easy reference by staff, Murphy compiled current literature on special management or status designations for wildlife species that occur or may occur in the Complex and whose populations are or possibly are imperiled. This list was sent to other refuges in the area to assist them in managing species of concern. 8

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

PES LACS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE STAFF

1. Dan Severson, Supv. Refuge Oper Specialist GS-11 PET 2. David Gins, Eng. Equip. Operator WG-10 PET 3. Duane Dockter, Maintenance Worker WG-08 PET (EOD 7/25/93 from J. C. Salyer NWR) 4. Scot Wockenfuss, Maintenance Worker WG-08 PET (Transferred to Agassiz NWR, 7/11/93) Pes Lacs NWR Complex Staff

1. Mike Blenden, Project Leader, GS-12 Complex H.Q. PFT 2. Dan Severson, Supv. Ref. Oper. Spec., GS-11 Complex H.Q. PFT 3. Edith Goettle, Admin. Support Asst., GS-05 Complex H.Q. PFT 4. Janet Leet, Office Automation Asst., GS-04 Complex H.Q. PFT 5. Robert Murphy, Biologist, GS-09 Complex H.Q. TFT 6. David Gins, Maintenance Worker, WG-10 Des Lacs NWR PFT 7. Scott Wockenfuss, Maintenance Worker, WG-08 Des Lacs NWR PFT (Transferred to Agassiz NWR, 7/11/93) 8. Duane Dockter, Maintenance Worker, WG-08 Des Lacs NWR PFT 9. Don Helwig, Biological Technician, GS-04 Des Lacs NWR TFT 10. Karen A. Smith, Refuge Manager, GS-11 Lostwood NWR PFT 11. John Stewart, Mechanic, WG-10 Lostwood NWR PFT 12. Ken Maruskie, Laborer (TAPER), WG-3 Lostwood NWR PPT 13. Tim Kessler, Refuge Operations Spec., GS-11 Crosby WMD PFT 14. Toby Placek, Biological Technician, GS-07 Crosby WMD PFT 15. Monte Ellingson, Biological Tech., GS-05 (Private Lands) Crosby WMD TFT 16. David Kringen, Biol. Tech., GS-05 Crosby WMD TFT (4/18/93-6/26/93) 17. Bob L. Barrett, Refuge Oper. Spec., GS-09 Lostwood WMD PFT 18. Lowell Vaage, Maintenance Worker, WG-08 Lostwood WMD PFT 19. Carrie Summerfield, Biological Tech, GS-05 Lostwood WMD TFT (5/16/93-9/04/93) 20. Gary Summerfield, Range Tech. (Fire),GS-05 Complex TFT (5/02/93-9/30/93) 21. Dan Alto, Range Tech, (Fire), GS-05 Complex TFT (5/02/93-8/21/93) 22. Randy Kropp, Biol. Tech, (Fire), GS-05 Complex TFT (8/8/93-9/12/93) 23. Elizabeth Madden, Biol. Tech., Coop-Ed, GS-05, (5/2/93-8/7/93) Lostwood NWR TFT 24. Bill Rudolph, YCC Lostwood WMD (5/30/93-8/7/93) 25. Chad Gartner, YCC Des Lacs NWR (6/2/93-8/21/93) 26. Jacob Carlson, YCC Lostwood NWR (6/1/93-7/24/93) 27. Maiken Winter, Volunteer (Grad. Student) Lostwood NWR 28. David Ruppert, ND SYETP Lostwood WMD 29. Justin Potter, ND SYETP Des Lacs NWR 30. Brian Johnson, Montana State Univ. Lostwood NWR Research Technician 10

Photo 1. Des Lacs NWR Complex staff at Lostwood NWR. Front row kneeling L- R, 14, 3, 1; Standing L-R, 21, 6, 28, 9, 25, 24, 26, 20, 7, 30, 10, 15, 17, 19, 12, 4, 13, 2, 23, 27, 5 and 11. Not shown 8, 16, 18, 22 and 29. July 1993.

Our two Complex Range Technicians (Firefighters), Gary Summerfield and Dan Alto started on May 3, one month later than planned because of recruitment problems and required drug testing. This just shows that in the future, we have to recruit for summer temporaries before we know what our budget is! Robert Murphy, temporary Wildlife Biologist, GS-9, (NTE 1 year) started work on May 17, immediately after he received his Ph.D degree at Montana State University.

Duane Dockter, Maintenance Worker, EOD on July 25. "Doc" transferred from J. Clark Salyer NWR to fill the position vacated by Scot Wockenfuss. Wockenfuss transferred to Agassiz NWR, MN as a Maintenance Worker.

Don Helwig, Biological Technician, worked at Des Lacs in October-November, was laid off, and then volunteered for the refuge for several months. He was rehired as a Biological Technician on April 4 and worked through August on Des Lacs. He was then paid as a firefighter and worked on mowing firebreaks for the Complex during September, after Range Technician Alto resigned. Randy Kropp worked for us as a firefighter in the Crosby WMD for five weeks in August and September. He was hired originally through the Bismarck HAPET office for the (Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) nest searching study, and when his appointment was over we picked him up to construct firebreaks*.

Range Technician Alto resigned his position on August 20 to get married and also return to school to finish his teaching credential. We hope to have Dan back next summer. 11

Brian Johnson was hired to assist Beth Madden in her study at Lostwood NWR through Montana State University with non-game migratory bird funds.

Bob Barrett, Lostwood WMD was presented an On-The Spot Award of $250 on September 1 for his dedicated work on the NAWCA grant proposal to fund the Northern Coteau Project.

2. Youth Program

One YCC worker was hired at Des Lacs NWR this year. Chad Gartner from Kenmare worked from June 3 through August 21. Chad worked on restaining the HQ office, repainted the doors, mowed lawns and mowed lawns again and again and helped pour concrete and build forms. It was such a cool, wet year that he had to spend too much time on the lawnmower. His help has been invaluable and we've enjoyed working with him. We also got Chad involved with biological monitoring on Des Lacs with Biologist Murphy.

3. Other Manpower Programs

Justin Potter, Kenmare, worked for the Complex on a Summer Youth Employment Training Program jobs program with funding for 160 hours provided by North Dakota State Job Service. David Ruppert worked for 200 hours at Lostwood WMD through the same program.

4. Volunteer Program

Don Helwig volunteered full-time during February. Primary duties were hauling rock to Unit 7 islands and to the Unit 2 dike. Don and Jerry Felch (retired Service employee) volunteered for a special assignment in April. We received two travel trailers excessed by FEMA after Hurricane Andrew. They were stored near Lacassine NWR and Don and Jerry drove two trucks down to pick them up and tow them back to the refuge, about a 4,000 mile round trip.

Steph Thelan, a Kenmare resident who graduated high school in 1993 and will be attending UND in the fall in the biology program, volunteered for us during the summer. She worked with Murphy on the Des Lacs vegetation inventory, and also entering data on past land management on the refuge into a database.

Jane Severson volunteered her time to lead local school groups on tours of the refuge in May and November. HQ and Tasker's Coulee were the most popular sites for tours. One day she took a dead snow goose around to classes and taught the kids about it. 12

Another day she took wildlife coloring books into the classes and is working on teaching the kids about native american culture in the area using displays from the refuge.

5. Funding

Specific funding activities for Des Lacs NWR are not available. All funding is administered through the Des Lacs NWR Complex. The budget for the Complex is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2. FUNDING LEVELS FOR DES LACS NWR COMPLEX FOR 1989-1993.

FY BASE ARMMS, MISC1 EXPENSE YCC QTRS2 TOTAL O&M RESOURCE FOR PROBLEMS SALES > OR FLEX

93 578.0 83.0 80.2 12.0 4.2 4.8 762.2

92 595.0 340.0 59.4 12.0 4.2 5.4 1016.0

91 605.0 84.6 44.7 12.0 4.5 3.6 754.4

90 580.0 14.0 75.0 12.0 4.5 6.5 692.0

89 534.0 61.5 2.0 12.0 4.5 5.4 619.0

'FIRE 9120-44.IK; EXTENSION 112I-31.5K;MINOT AFB 1971 2.1K; MIG BIRDS 1230-2.5K 'ESTIMATE

1262-flex MMS funds were spent on the following: 13.0 K for replacement of Jeep Cherokee totalled in accident; 16.2 K for shop rehab at Lostwood NWR; 14.2 K Handicapped Accessible facilities at Des Lacs NWR; 39.6 K for Phase 1 of the Lostwood NWR/WMD office project.

1993 was the first year that Des Lacs Complex received temporary fire personnel. We received one FTE and 22.0 K funding for hiring GS-5 Range Techs. We opted to hire two Range Techs for 6 months each from April 1 through September. 13

We also entered into a contract with the U. S. Air Force to haul some rock for them to cover over exposed missile cable that crosses the Upper Des Lacs Lake. The missile cable became exposed during the drought when water levels declined.

All funds were spent by EOY. I guess that means it was another successful year. What a process! Now we have to wait five months before we know what we can spend in the next fiscal year. No wonder people outside the Service don't think we can plan.

The Regional BET team was provided budget percentages for evaluation of spending in different programs. FY 94 fire budget request was completed in September. Much of November was spent with AWP budget requests for info to stretch stretched dollars, and MMS and RONS updates. In December the RONS Minimum Needs List and Funding Analysis request were completed.

EOY funds from RO (ADP) purchased a laser printer (1.6K) for the Complex office. EOY Regional Office fire funding (29.5K) was used to purchase a pumper unit, two hose reels, foam proportioner and new mud grip tires for 2,000 gallon tanker picked up excess at Minot AFB; a replacement 1-ton pickup fire unit for Lostwood WMD; and a 486 desktop computer for the Complex Biologist. The computer is to be used for fire data only, other use causes the hard drive to crash!

6. Safety

In September, Maintenance Worker Dockter had a vehicle accident in the 1991 Dodge Dakota when a LARGE horse ran out of the road ditch and into the front side of the pickup. No injuries occurred (even to the horse), but resulted in $1050.00 in damages to the vehicle. Range Tech Summerfield was also in the vehicle.

In October, EEO Gins had an accident with the dump truck when the brakes failed and he ran into the shop door. No damage to the truck occurred, but the shop door was replaced at a cost of $1400. Gins doesn't like to talk about it, but the reason he was putting the truck in the shop was to work on the brakes!

Dave Gins, our Equipment Operator has been assigned (no volunteers could be found) to be our MOUSE DETECTIVE because he is the only one qualified to use a respirator. Dave is also a zone asbestos inspector and therefore already has the required equipment. He's real excited about it! We may pick someone else to do the work the next fecal year if we get special mouse funding.

• Safety meetings were held in conjunction with staff meetings, with responsibility for presenting a topic rotating among staff. A safety meeting was held on February 8 at Lostwood NWR with all staff. Vaage presented topic on winter survival. A safety meeting was held on March 23 at Des Lacs NWR with all staff. Wockenfuss presented 14 the topic on hearing protection. A safety meeting was held on September 7 and covered what to look out for with illegal dumping of hazardous materials. A video was reviewed. A safety meeting was held on October 7 at Crosby with all staff attending. A safety meeting was conducted by Gins and the Mollie Beattie introduction tape was viewed. The November monthly safety meeting was presented on the 17th by Ken Maruskie and covered safe chain sawing techniques.

Gins, Wockenfuss, and Helwig completed course work and were recertified as Commercial Pesticide applicators in March. Dockter was also recertified while at J. Clark Salyer NWR.

All fire extinguishers were checked and recharged in May by Dakota Fire Extinguisher, Minot, and replaced, where necessary.

7. Technical Assistance

Murphy provided input to WHO office (R. Reynolds) on considerations for nest-searching techniques for short-eared owls.

In July, Murphy reviewed and commented on a draft of the National Ecology Research Center document entitled, "A Biological Survey of Fort Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges," as requested through RO. Murphy also conducted a computer-based literature review on fire ecology/fire effects for Sully's Hill National Game Preserve.

In September, Murphy advised USD A-APHIS on protection of game farm birds and poultry from raptor predation, and on identification of sources of apparent raptor-caused mortality. Murphy also provided suggestions and expertise to Custer National Forest on ferruginous hawk foraging habitat needs to be considered in use of GIS, to identify special habitats for protection against oil and gas and other development in southwestern North Dakota.

8. Other a. Asbestos- Equipment Operator Gins completed the asbestos inspection at Upper Souris NWR in January. Devils Lake FmHA property inspection was completed in February. b. Training and Meetings- The CY 1992 Pesticide Use Report was completed on a new RO database and sent to the RO. Pesticide Use Proposals for CY 1993 were also submitted. Proposals included Tordon/2,4-d and Hi-Dep for use on leafy spurge and Roundup for use in reseeding old cropland to native grassland on Lostwood NWR and WMD. 15

Blenden, Smith and Barrett attended the Management Brainstorming meeting in Bismarck on January 15. Blenden was a moderator for one of the morning sessions. Many good ideas about refuge land management were exchanged. The meeting was put together by Karen Smith, Lostwood NWR, with assistance from Arnie Kruse.

Barrett, Kessler, Placek, Severson, and Smith attended the annual Law Enforcement Refresher training at Marana, AZ during the period January 26-February 1. Refuge Officers Severson, Barrett, Smith, Kessler, and Placek all requalified and attended PPCT training at Upper Souris NWR on September 23.

Project Leader Blenden attended an HRM training course at Alamosa-Monte Vista NWR on January 18-22.

Asst. Project Leader Severson attended the three week Refuge Academy training session in Charleston, S.C. February 23-March 11. A very informative session was put on for 35 participants.

Compatibility training was attended by Blenden, Smith, Kessler and Barrett in Bismarck, ND, February 23-25.

Wockenfuss, Gins and Vaage attended Workforce Diversity training at Bismarck on May 25-26.

As part of our property cleanup effort, five S&W .357 revolvers were transferred to NPS, Canaveral National Seashore, FL and one revolver was transferred to the NPS, Rocky Mountain NP, CO. We also destroyed four old rusted guns, two .22 cal, and two .30 cal. carbines. Annual firearms inventory was completed by local sheriffs office.

On May 11 Blenden attended the "round table" discussion with ARD Ladd, Jim Matthews, Max Peace and Mitch King held at Upper Souris NWR. The discussions were open, productive and will hopefully be held on a regular basis. Then on May 12, Blenden, Severson and Barrett gave a tour of Des Lacs NWR, Lxistwood NWR and Lostwood WMD to Ladd, Matthews, Peace and King.

Murphy attended grazing workshop at Upper Souris NWR on June 24 that provided a forum for discussion of current ideas, practices, and problems.

Murphy toured parts of Lostwood NWR and Des Lacs NWR and discussed vegetation monitoring, grass seeding, grazing systems, and relevant plant ecology topics with J. Taylor, Emeritus Professor (Range Science) from Montana State University on June 26- 27.

Steve Wunderley, National Law Enforcement Coordinator, visited the Des Lacs Complex on June 7, specifically to inspect LE on Lostwood WMD. Blenden, Severson and Barrett 16 discussed District LE problems, and the overall LE program on the Complex.

In July, we responded to an IG request for information on refuge farming operations.

Administrative assistants Goettle and Leet attended the administrative workshop in Bismarck on July 20-21.

Murphy assisted Lostwood WMD manager Barrett with writing of a grant proposal for funding through the North American Wetland Conservation Act, mainly by assembling the biological sections and providing editorial suggestions.

Murphy, Kessler, Barrett and Severson attended "Wetlands Symposium" at Jamestown August 11-13 including an afternoon of relevant, hands-on field demonstrations at the Woodworth Station on August 13.

Blenden, Severson, Barrett, Kessler and their families made the trek to Brainerd, MN for the joint Zone 2/Minnesota Project Leaders meeting, August 17-19.

Murphy, Blenden and Severson gave a 2-day tour of the Complex to FWS-regional nongame migratory bird coordinator Stephanie Jones and regional fire ecologist Anna Maria LaRosa; the interaction was productive and mutually beneficial.

The annual Real Property report and disk was completed and returned to the RO. Other than a couple of minor glitches that are being corrected the new computerized program works well and is user friendly.

ND Action Group meetings were attended throughout the year in various locations in the state for implementation of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture of the NAWMP.

An Operations Inspection was held the week of October 18-22 by Associate Manager Matthews (his final tour!), Regional Planner Adam Miztal, and Fort Niobrara/Valentine Biologist Len McDaniel (who needs no introduction). All stations on the Complex were visited and toured with their respective managers.

Biologist Murphy attended the Interior West Fire Council Fire Symposium in Bismarck, October 25-26 and presented a paper entitled, "Historical change in prairie habitats at Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota: raptors model fire suppression effects."

Fire Training form» were completed and sent to Zone 2 FMO Dearborn. The Fire Facilities Needs Assessment was completed. Fire qualification updates were sent to RO. 17

County Commissioner letters describing activities on FWS lands were sent out to all counties in the Complex and similar information was also provided to McEnroe, Bismarck WHO, for a consolidated report to the Governor.

The NDGFD held an Advisory Board meeting in Kenmare on December 6. Approximately 60 people attended and were introduced to new NDGFD Director K L Cool, who spoke on a variety of issues affecting the Department and wildlife management in the state.

Severson and Kessler attended the Project Leader's meeting in Jamestown on December 14, to discuss budgets, RONS, and Partners For Wildlife funding and personnel. They also attended a retirement celebration for Jim Matthews in the evening.

RMIS was updated to include separate entries for Lake Zahl and Shell Lake NWR's. Public use info was entered for all refuges in Complex for 1992, and sent to RO. 1993 Quarterly Public Use reports were submitted to RO on disk.

Murphy submitted paper entitled, "Breeding season diets of large raptors in northwestern North Dakota: implications for holistically managing native wildlife resources." to chairpersons for consideration for the ND Chapter, TWS February 1994 annual meeting in Jamestown. 18

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

Northwestern North Dakota continued on a dry cycle through early 1993, but grass and crop production was good because of cool, wet summers in 1992 and 1993. The drought broke in June-August 1993 with water back in many wetlands. An early winter brought good snowfalls and 1994 is set up to be the first normal spring runoff in many years. Upper refuge pools have received virtually no spring runoff for six years.

Habitat management at the Des Lacs NWR was synonymous with upland management during much of the 50-year refuge history. Water management for wildlife was, and still is difficult due to the relatively steep banks of the deep lakes and poor gravity flow through refuge wetlands. During the 1970s, refuge staff reduced season-long cattle grazing until cattle grazing was insignificant if not absent from the refuge. Prescribed burns and cooperative farming agreements were the primary means for habitat development in the early 1980s.

More recently, prescribed burning has been used on uplands to remove litter from extremely decadent grasslands, but fire has not improved refuge lands over the past ten years. This is primarily due to an infrequent burning schedule. Burns have been completed sporadically and generally only where easily done. Grazing has been used

Photo 2. The wet summer brought water to previously dry and farmed wetlands in the area. These wetlands are typical of areas that were dry enough to farm in the spring but filled up with summer thunderstorms. 6/93 DJS 19

2. Wetlands

The main feature of the Des Lacs Refuge is the large lake area formed from the natural riverine topography of the Des Lacs River (see maps). There are six main water units and three major coulee impoundments within the refuge, ranging in size from the 3,000- acre Unit 1 to the 45-acre Niobe impoundment (Unit 3). Most water entering the refuge originates as runoff from surrounding farm and pasture land and is fed into the pools via numerous coulees. The Des Lacs River itself originates from runoff a few miles north in Canada.

Small wetlands began opening up when we had our second spring thaw beginning March 22. Spring runoff filled only three (Coulee Units 3, 4a and 8) of the seven lower units (3, 4, 4a, 5, 6 7, & 8) to planned water management levels. Unit 4 received some limited runoff through Unit 3 but was less than one-quarter full after spring runoff. Units 5, 6, and 7 all remained completely dry and were farmed. Water levels in Unit 1 did not rise enough to reach the bottom of the outlet structure. Water levels in Unit 2 were very low and the south edge of the lake was approximately one mile north of the Unit 2 dike and water control structure in the spring.

The June rainfall was enough to generate limited runoff during the month. Coulee Unit 3 refilled and spilled into Unit 4. Unit 4 was still 7 feet below full pool level, but rose 0.6 feet during the month. Unit 1 was stable and Unit 2 rose 0.4 feet during June. In July, abnormal rainfall generated good runoff during the month. Flood waters filled Units 4, 5, and 6 in a mater of days. Unit 4 rose over four feet and Units 5 and 6 went from dry marsh (farmed to wheat) to flowing over the spillways. Most runoff came out of Tasker's, Niobe, Rytters, and Stoney Creek Coulees that drain from the west. Munch's Coulee drained water into Unit 7 but not enough to fill up to the outlet structure. Unit 1 was stable and Unit 2 rose 1.3 feet during the month. In August, Units 3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, and 8 remained full through the month. Unit 2 rose 1.6' and Unit 1 came up 1.1' during the month. Stoney Creek was still running into Unit 2 at the end of the month.

Area wetlands were in excellent shape going into winter. Units 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were above fall target levels and Units 1 and 2 were higher in October than they were in May. Unit 4 was lowered .75' by draining water into Unit 2 to the north. Units 1 and 2 were stable and neither unit reached its water control structure. Unit 3 remained dry. All wetlands froze over for good on November 4.

The result of planned lower water levels in Units 1, 2, and 4 began showing some results in 1993. A good band of emergent vegetation began to grow in Unit 2 (Photo 3) and Unit 4, with sparse emergents beginning to grow in Unit 1. The goal as outlined in the 1988 Long Range Water Management Plan is to maintain a continuous band of emergent vegetation, bulrush and cattail, around the margins of Units 1, 2, and 4. This establishment will take time to fully develop. Scouring by ice and high water conditions 20 will make it difficult to maintain. With limited water control capabilities, it may prove difficult to maintain low enough water levels. Only time will tell.

Photo 3. Unit 2 emergent vegetation band beginning establishment. View to south from east side ~ 2 miles north of Unit 2 WCS. 9/93 DJS

Photo 4. New wetland creation at Schoemer's Coulee filled with water in summer. 7/93 DJS 21

TABLE 3. WATER LEVELS ON DES LACS NWR, 1993.

UNIT SPRING SPRING HIGH FALL FREEZE 1993 HIGH THAW LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

1 1778.30 1778.30 1778.90 1778.90

2 1777.90 1777.90 1779.10 1779.20

3 DRY 1787.00 DRY 1788.00 4 1780.00 1780.30 1783.20 1784.65

4a DRY 1786.94 1786.60 1789.00 5 DRY DRY 1783.50 1785.94 6 DRY DRY 1783.34 1783.86'

7 DRY DRY 1778.20 1778.30 8 DRY 1780.96 1782.64 1784.44

3. Forests

Des Lacs has an abundance of wooded slopes and coulees. Many upland areas are being taken over by trees thus reducing the grassland acres and eliminating grassland bird nesting habitat. In an minor attempt to control forested areas, especially along road and trails, woodcutting by permit is allowed, but only one woodcutter was interested in 1993.

We plan on mapping and calculating woodland acres in 1993, comparing aerial photos from 1938 to 1993, to assess the distribution and extent of woody invasion of the refuge. This is the first step in stopping the loss of grasslands to woodlands on the refuge.

4. Croplands

The Des Lacs refuge farming program is used to maintain tame grass Dense Nesting Cover (DNC) habitat for upland nesting birds. Des Lacs has 1725 acres of DNC habitat. In addition to DNC fields, during the current drought, dry marsh areas were farmed to reduce cattail invasion in shallow marshes and to limit the growth of noxious weeds. 22

Cooperative Farming Agreements allowed farming on 433 acres of DNC fields in 1993. DNC was reestablished on 133 acres this year in Unit A-1(1), and A-7 (fields 1, and 3). There are now 300 acres being farmed prior to reestablishment of DNC (17%). Our new goal is to keep the farmed acres to only 5% of the DNC acres. We will utilize haying, burning and grazing where possible to maintain vigor and reduce litter, rather than relying on farming to break-out and reestablish DNC periodically. We should be able to maintain quality DNC habitat for 20-30 years with active management.

Received SCS approval to break out a 20-acre crested wheatgrass field north of field A- 10. The soils are not highly erodible and will be eventually planted to DNC. B. Wittman is the cooperator.

The typical farming agreement involves "breaking out" a decadent DNC field, fallowing to kill unwanted vegetation (primarily smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass) and then farming small grain the following year. The second crop year is accompanied by a spring or fall DNC planting. The normal DNC mixture is 60% intermediate wheatgrass, 20% tall wheatgrass, 15% alfalfa, and 5% sweetclover seeded at 10#/acre, with seed provided by the refuge. On some agreements we add an extra year, using sweetclover underseeded in the first year's crop, then hay after mid-July and plow under in August the second year. In some fields this rotation improves soil condition and sweetclover is a good competitor to reduce weeds. Chemical weed control is only being used as a last resort in special conditions. In 1993, Roundup was sprayed on 42 acres to control quackgrass. We had tried for three years to control the quackgrass with tillage, sweetclover and plowing to no avail (as we expected). We fallowed the field in 1993, sprayed it in July, and will plant DNC in 1994. No other chemicals were used in the farming program.

For the second year, Greg Bommelman cooperatively farmed ~260 acres in the dry lake bottoms in units 2, 4, 5, and 6. He farmed wheat and barley in all units and planted food plots on 65 acres (25%). The refuge food plots were planted using free, out-dated seed (corn, millet, sunflowers) received through the Stanley Sportsmen's Club. The July rains completely flooded out the crops in Units 5 and 6.

Bob Feldman cooperatively farmed ~400 acres in Unit 7, planting wheat, oats, and a food plot for the refuge share. He was also flooded out in July and had a total loss. That has to be expected when you farm a dry lakebed! (Unless you work with the COE).

5. Grasslands

Grasslands were in excellent shape from the cool, wet summer and responded well to grazing treatments. This was a great year to reestablish DNC fields, with excellent catches in all the fields. The DNC hayed this year (296 acres) is coming back strong with knee-high alfalfa by September. 23

7. Grazing

Des Lacs Refuge had allowed season-long grazing for many years. Season-long grazing was terminated in the 1970s because of its detrimental effects on waterfowl nesting cover. From 1985-88, little or no grazing occurred on the refuge. Since 1989, limited-term, short-duration grazing has been applied on the refuge. The goals are to improve grassland conditions and keep grasses productive and suitable for ground-nesting birds. Non- permanent electric fence is being utilized and cattle are generally moved every 1-3 weeks.

Grazing was again limited in 1993 due to lack of water for cattle, with only four cooperators interested in grazing. Most uplands on the refuge are in need of some type of defoliation treatment, either burning or grazing to keep the grasslands healthy and prevent continued invasion by woody plants, smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. Sheep grazing by Haroldson is for leafy spurge control and is covered under 10. Pest Control.

TABLE 4. GRAZING USE ON DES LACS NWR IN 1993.

COOPERATOR UNITS ACRES AUM'S COST TYPE

J. Duerre HB-39,40,41 501 268 $1,361 78 COW/CALF M. Cook HB-13,14 120 188 $882 47 COW/CALF D. Immel HB-36,37 1381 363 $2,542 125 COW/CALF J. Aufforth HB-8,9 545 191 $1,267 46-57 COW/CALF P. Haroldson HB- 440 538 N/C 700 28,29,11,44,45 EWE/LAMB 30,27 TOTAL 2,987 1,548 $6,052

In September, Biologist Murphy reviewed and evaluated potential grazing systems projects on private lands, mainly on Lostwood WMD. Systems that could be tied into management of FWS fee areas via "mini-joint ventures" were given special consideration. 24

Murphy contacted 20 landowners; surveyed present and potential wildlife resources on pasture areas; evaluated range condition (SCS method); reviewed pertinent National Wetland Inventory (NWI) and SCS references on wetlands, soils, and grazing recommendations; proposed possible systems; and prioritized projects for review by WMD managers.

8. Haying

Six DNC units totalling 296 acres were hayed in 1993 to stimulate the alfalfa and tame grasses. The fields were offered by sealed bid and ten bidders submitted bids for the six fields (Table 5). Haying was allowed after July 23.

TABLE 5. DNC FIELDS HAYED ON DES LACS NWR IN 1993.

FIELD ACRES $/ACRE TOTAL $ COOPERATOR

A-l (E) 38 $16.00 $608.00 G. Ankenbauer A-5 (NVi) 40 $5.00 $200.00 J. Duerre A-9 58 $23.50 $1,363.00 L Peterson A-10 57 $18.50 $1,054.50 B. Ankenbauer A-12(S) 45 $15.25 $686.25 B. Feldman A-20 58 $15.00 $870.00 P. Haroldson TOTALS 296 $4,781.75

Two cooperators hayed about 22 acres of refuge trails North of Highway 52. There is no charge for haying the trails since it helps the refuge. Otherwise we would have to spend at least four days to rotary mow the trails each fall.

9. Fire Management

Gary Summerfield (Range Technician, firefighter), attended S-130 and S-190 Basic Firefighter training at Arrow wood NWR on June 15-19.

Approximately 40 miles of presuppression firebreaks were mowed in September. 25

A meeting was held with the ND State Department of Health on September 23 with Blenden and Smith regarding complaints of smoke from prescribed fires on Lostwood NWR. The State Health Department will monitor burns in the future, but have so far dismissed any problems at this time. a. 1993 Prescribed burns

No prescribed burning was conducted on Des Lacs NWR in 1993. Four areas were readied for prescribed burning during the summer, but the wet conditions didn't allow us to complete any burns. Des Lacs personnel Severson, Gins, Dockter, Murphy, Blenden, Helwig and Wockenfuss assisted on several prescribed burns at Lostwood NWR in 1993. b. 1993 Wildfires

A 40 acre wildfire occurred on May 20 in Unit HB-25 and adjacent private land and was put out by the refuge and Kenmare VFD. Cause is unknown, but is suspected to be a landowner cleaning up trash around her cabin. The habitat response to the spring burn was excellent and showed the tremendous potential for reclaiming much of the native prairie habitat on Des Lacs NWR with the use of fire and grazing (photo 5). Big bluestem, green needlegrass, blue grama, porcupine grass, purple coneflower and many other native grasses and forbs appeared after the burn. The same plants were very difficult to find or non-existent in the adjacent unburned hillside.

Photo 5. Grass and forb response after May 20 wildfire in HB-25. 9/93 DJS 26

Complex staff were on standby to assist in suppression of a "1000 acre" wildfire on Lake Zahl NWR on May 21. As the smoke cleared it was determined our assistance was not necessary since the 8 local fire companies on the scene felt they could handle the actual 120-acre fire. People get real excited in this area because of the large acreages of GRP. Its been so long since the locals have seen that much ungrazed, unfarmed standing grass they don't know what to think.

Two wildfires occurred on the refuge in October. The first (0.1 ac) was caused by a train in HB-14 on October 23 and was extinguished by Kenmare RFD and Des Lacs NWR personnel. The second occurred on October 31 and burned a total of 160 acres with 90 acres of DNC burned (beneficial) in Unit A-l on the refuge, adjacent to the town of Kenmare. The fire cause was children with matches on private land. The fire came close to a housing subdivision and got the residents excited. A total of 8 rural volunteer fire department engines (Kenmare, Donnybrook, Mohall, and Bowbells) and one refuge unit assisted in putting out the fire.

10. Pest Control

This refuge has one of the worst leafy spurge problems of any refuge in Region 6 (1,000 plus acres). Past efforts to control this weed using 2,4-D/Tordon have not contained its spread. The steep, hilly, forested terrain makes ground spraying difficult on most of the acreage. Several times in past years helicopters were utilized to spray spurge, but results did not justify the costs.

During 1993, refuge staff only sprayed 2,4-D/Tordon on spurge that was near our boundary. A quick, high profile response was maintained to allay any complaints or requests to spray other refuge spurge. However, this only amounted to a one time spraying of about 15 acres in HB units 8 and 9. Cooperators sprayed 14 acres in and around refuge DNC. The problem at Des Lacs is simply larger than funds, personnel and equipment can handle.

Approximately ten acres of spurge spots were mowed in DNC fields A-8 and A-25 in June. These fields have been sprayed repeatedly with Tordon/2,4D in past years with little apparent change.

Biological control of leafy spurge began in earnest in 1989 when the refuge entered a Memorandum of Understanding with USDA/APHIS. The main goal of APHIS is to establish field in sectaries in the U.S. A site was established in HB-12, with Aphthona nigriscutis. A cvparissiae. and A. flava. The adult beetle attacks the leaves of the leafy spurge plant, but the larvae does the most damage, burrowing into the soil and attacking roots of the plant. The insects are still alive in this insectary.

A second insectary was established in 1992 in cooperation with North Dakota Department 27 of Agriculture and Burke County Weed Control Board in HB-11. The Department of Agriculture provided 1000 insects nigriscutis) and the refuge built a five-acre exclosure to keep grazing animals (sheep and cattle) out. The hope is that the insects will proliferate at these sites to the point where they can be harvested and released into other spurge populations on and off the refuge. This will provide a domestic source of spurge control agents as opposed to foreign collection and importation. In 1993, a reduction in plant vigor was noticeable and affected plants did not set seed, in a 40 X 40-m area around the release site.

Paul Haroldson, Coteau, ND, worked again with us in developing a good sheep grazing program to control spurge. We used five-wire electric fence, not as much to keep the sheep in but to keep hungry coyotes out. Haroldson brought in two flocks of sheep (approximately 350 ewes with lambs each) with one flock on each side of the lake (Units HB-11,44,28,29). The number is approximate because everytime the Project Leader tries to count them he falls asleep! The units are divided into 10 pastures, with rotations from 3 to 10 days, depending on the size of the pasture and amount of spurge. The sheep went in on May 15 and came out on September 11 after the first killing frost. Most units received three grazing treatments to keep the spurge from flowering and setting seed. Spurge did not regrow as fast in 1993 because of the cool, wet temperatures during the summer.

Photo 6. Leafy spurge stripped of leaves by sheep. 8/93 MDB 28

Photo 7. Sheep grazing for spurge control on left in Unit HB-45. This is after 3 grazing treatments.

We plan to keep working with the sheep, and goats if we can get them, to graze the spurge and leave grass cover. The process takes a lot of time to monitor the spurge and grass to not overgraze an area when there are hundreds of sheep to contend with. We need to keep the spurge from spreading anymore until a suitable biological control is established on the refuge.

A summary of weed control efforts was sent to Burke and Ward County Commissioners for their information.

Gypsy moth traps were set out in May and picked up in September as a cooperative effort. Negative results were sent to U.S. Forest Service.

11. Water Rights

The Annual Water Management Report/Plan was completed and sent to RO on March 30. A Water Rights, and Uses questionaire update was completed and sent to Engineering on December 28.

Des Lacs NWR will be used as the first test case in adjudicating refuges 1930*8 water rights in the state. Des Lacs was chosen because of the hydrological information gathered 29 in the 1980's in developing the Long Range Water Management Plan. Roybal Engineers was contracted by the Regional Water Rights staff to determine area-volume tables for the Des Lacs lakes and worked in the area for about one month in May. They took aerial photos and then took elevations using GPS across all the units.

Blenden and Severson attended a meeting with Kenmare Mayor Jim Greuneich, State Water Commission, State Engineers Office, Mike McEnroe, and Bob Green, Regional Hydrologist, in Bismarck on August 27 to discuss the status of the Niobe Coulee Dam Project. The State agreed to relook at the possibility of building a dam for recreation (primarily fishing) and complete a hydrologic model. The refuge's main concern is that we maintain the water rights for the water coming through the coulee but could make some water available in some years. Many more assurances need to be made before we agree to the project.

14. Private Lands Enhancement

We picked up 38 flax bales (free) from Allen Willock of Coulee for the Private lands Program. The bales will be put out on private lands for use as safe nesting sites for Canada geese and ducks. 30

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Diversity in wildlife habitat on Des Lacs ranges from freshwater marsh to mixed grass prairie and from tame grass-legume cover to wooded slopes and coulees. This variety of habitat attracts a diversity of resident wildlife as well as migratory birds. The Souris Loop bird list which includes Des Lacs Refuge includes 290 species of birds and is attached to the back cover.

Murphy conducted two annual FWS Breeding Bird Survey transects (Powers Lake and Wild Rose) for northwestern North Dakota on June 10 and 19.

Murphy organized the annual Des Lacs Christmas Bird Count on December 17. The count was a big success due to reasonably good weather and participation by many staff and local birding enthusiasts. Initiated in 1939, the Des Lacs count is one of the longest running counts in North Dakota. Twenty-nine bird species were observed this year compared to an average of 21 (range 9-32). Although snowy owls and northern goshawks had been seen regularly in the area, neither were observed on the count day. Horned larks, Lapland longspurs, and snow buntings were unusually scarce as were gray partridge and Bohemian waxwings. Redpolls and a few blackbirds were observed, as was a mallard and adult golden eagle. Count data for 49 years of the Des Lacs CBC were uncovered and entered into a database and summarized. These data currently comprise almost the only semi-quantitative information on mid-winter abundance of birds in the refuge area, and many trends suggested are corroborated by regional or continental data. Murphy also participated in the Minot CBC on December 19.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

The first bald eagle observed in the spring was an adult on March 29. They migrated through in April, following the waterfowl migration north.

The first bald eagle of the fall was sighted on October 2 shortly after the arrival of the first snow geese. Up to 10 eagles were observed at various times harassing and feeding on crippled and dead snow geese throughout the month. As many as six bald eagles were observed in Units 4-8, cleaning up cripples and harassing the ducks, for up to 10 days after the snow geese left on November 5. When the ducks left so did the eagles.

* Murphy surveyed breeding piping plovers in June for Crosby WMD (total 57 adult plovers including 20 pairs on 25 km of beach searched, 5 wetlands) and helped with surveys on Lostwood WMD and NWR. Murphy also discussed future plover surveys and 31 information needs with D. Licht, FWS-Bismarck. About 10% of the northern Great Plains breeding population of piping plovers occurs in the Complex area.

3. Waterfowl

. Geese

Birds really began coming back during March, starting with Canada geese on March 10, and pintails on March 22. By the end of the month we had 1000 Canada geese, 1000 pintails, and a few mallards.

The peak migration of Canada geese as well as white-fronted geese occurred during mid to late March. Snow geese were observed passing through the area but not staying long.

The local giant Canada goose flock suffered during the recent drought. Giant Canada geese were reintroduced on the Des Lacs refuge in 1973. At that time 156 birds were released. In 1979 and 1980, 144 more birds were released due to overharvest of the originally released birds. The second release also necessitated an area closure to protect and enhance a viable nesting population. The original closure consisted of 172 mi2 around Kenmare. In 1986 this area was reduced in size to 28 mi2. In 1989 the closure was eliminated and we will continue to monitor the local goose population. Production has been way down in the last few years but we always have a lot of adults looking to nest in the spring. In 1993 production was estimated at 25 fledged with a total of 100 geese present on the refuge by late summer.

The southward migration of other Canadas began in mid-September. The Canada goose population varied from 3-5,000 in October with most birds in the shallow flooded Units 5, , and 7. The last Canada geese left on November 7.

White-fronted geese (41) were surveyed for the coordinated fall white-fronted goose survey on September 30. There is seldom a build-up of more than 500-1000 white-fronts on the refuge in the fall. They pass through the area but don't stay long.

Fall use by snow geese at Des Lacs has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. They have expanded their migrational corridor to include most of northern North Dakota from the Devils Lake area west to the Montana border. Snows were once present only in small numbers (1000 or less) in the fall, but in recent years heavy snow goose use has occurred.

* The first snow geese (60) were observed on September 11 N of Lakeshore in Unit 1. By the end of the month the population was at 10k. Snow geese used the refuge heavily again this year, primarily for roosting. The snows started building up on the refuge after the October 2 waterfowl season opener. By October 3, we had 50k snows and the 32 population slowly built up to 100k by the lb*11. The population varied between 200k and 300k from October 19-28. The last days of October saw an increase up to ~400k snows as birds began moving out of Canada with the cold weather on October 28-29. By November 1 we were back down to 150k and all the lakes were frozen over except for the 6-8 holes kept open by the geese. Feeding conditions were excellent in nearby stubble fields with the lack of snow, and generally warm weather.

The snow geese migrated out of the area on November 3-5. Thousands of geese went out to feed on November 5 and returned to the refuge in the late morning only to find their open water had froze over and they had to turn and head south with many of the birds going to Lake Darling on Upper Souris Refuge.

Photo 8. Snow goose flock using Units 7 and 8 in October. 10/93 DJS b. Ducks

The spring duck migration began late in 1993 with the arrival of 20 pintails on March 22. These were followed by wigeon, mallard, and lesser scaup in late March.

Mallards and gadwalls are the predominant nesting duck species on the Des Lacs Refuge. Each makes up 30% of the total ducks produced in a normal year.

Duck production on Des Lacs was again very dismal this year. Very few ducklings were observed in the little water available in June and July, and large flocks of ducks were observed in Pools 1,2, and 4 and apparently decided not to even try to breed this year. 33

Given the lack of water and ducks, we decided not to conduct brood surveys and estimate production. Four square mile data will have to suffice for 1993 (available in Lostwood and Crosby WMD ANR's).

We did see some late hatching broods show up in August, and at least this year they had something to paddle around on. Non-breeding or post-breeding mallards and gadwalls started congregating in August in newly flooded marshes on the refuge, primarily in Units 5, 6, and 7, where there is flooded out grain.

The duck population varied throughout September from 5-35k mallards. Most ducks stayed off the refuge and used the many full wetlands on private lands, many of which contained swathed and flooded grain.

The mallards (~ 1,000) kept two holes open in Unit 4 and 8 after the geese left and stayed until November 20, when they couldn't keep the water open any longer. c. Swans

Tundra swans are commonly observed migrants during spring and fall at Des Lacs but the drought moved swans somewhere else this year. Approximately 50 swans used the refuge in the spring. Only 20-40 tundra swans used the refuge until late October when 70 swans were counted as they migrated.

4. Marsh and Water Birds

The white pelican population averaged 100-125 birds through spring and summer. These are non-breeding birds that feed on minnows found in all refuge pools.

Western grebes, once abundant breeding birds when we had water, were again tough to find this year. No production occurred and only 20-30 adults were seen in Units 1 and 2 through the summer. Pied-billed (10-20) and eared grebes, (100-120) were also observed but no nesting took place.

Other marsh birds such as double-crested cormorants, black-crowned night herons, great- blue herons and American bitterns were observed throughout the summer but none were known to nest. Most water birds appear to be just trying to survive the drought.

The sandhill crane migration was very active in the middle of September with thousands of birds flying over and stopping for short periods. 34

5. Shorebirds. Gulls. Terns, and Allied Species

Shorebird use was again relatively low in 1993, which is surprising considering the low water levels and extensive mudflats due to the drought. It appears that shorebirds avoided the entire area because of the lack of wetland complexes. There were exceptions, however. Spotted sandpipers were common along the shores of Units 1 and 2 through summer and some were territorial. In early to mid-July, gatherings of up to about 2000 foraging and loafing shorebirds occurred over a mile stretch of the south end of Unit 2; lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, Wilson's phalaropes, and stilt, least, and white- rumped sandpipers were dominant shorebirds, in addition to about 750 Franklin's gulls.

Des Lacs clearly is an important area for many non-breeding gulls and terns. The black tern, a species of special concern and FWS candidate for listing, was fairly common throughout Units 1 and 2 during summer. For example, during early July about 100 black terns, along with 50 eared grebes and 25-40 Wilson's phalaropes, were often observed foraging in the shallows along the old road crossing in Unit 1, between HB 8 and HB 38. Non-breeding Franklin's gulls once again used areas of the refuge in large numbers from July through September. The gulls responded quickly to the flooded out wheat in Units 5 and 6 with several thousand feeding and roosting in the units, probably feeding heavily on flooded terrestrial insects. Franklin's gulls are very opportunistic and local populations fluctuate rapidly.

6. Raptors

All raptor species common to the prairies of North Dakota are found at Des Lacs. The most common nesting species include red-tailed and Swainson's hawks, northern harriers, Cooper's hawks and great-horned owls. During fall, bald and golden eagles, red-tails, Swainson's, ferruginous, rough-legged and Cooper's hawks, as well as prairie falcons are commonly observed. Cooper's hawks nested successfully near (<75 m from residence) headquarters and at Tasker's Coulee.

Snowy owls were abundant in northwestern North Dakota this year including many (>12) observations in late April and early May. Snowy owls returned to the area in mid- October, and were again abundant. Great-horned owls and goshawks were also seen frequently during the winter.

Several kettles (30+ birds) of migrating Swainson's hawks were observed in the Crosby and Lostwood WMD's in late September. Rough-legged hawks moved into the area in October and became the most observed raptor during the month. Most other raptors left in October. Snowy owls began showing up in October and several were observed throughout northwestern North Dakota. We continued to see many snowy owls in the area in November and December and a merlin was observed on November 22. It was an unusually good fall for short-eared owls. Several northern goshawks were seen on and 35 around the refuge in December. An immature red-tailed hawk was observed during the CBC in Taskers Coulee. Murphy observed an immature female gyrfalcon at Noonan on October 7, which ties the earliest fall observation date in ND for the species.

Murphy received several injured raptors throughout the summer. An injured, adult snowy owl (damaged tendons in wing) was picked up in June from Powers Lake; the owl apparently had been grounded in the area for at least 2 weeks. The owl was cared for temporarily and shipped to the Raptor Center in St. Paul. In August Murphy handled two injured raptors brought in by the public. An immature male prairie falcon was treated for wingsprain and dehydration and was subsequently released. An immature red-tailed hawk was given first aid assistance and a diagnosis, then shipped to the Raptor Center in St. Paul for treatment of a fractured manus; it may be returned for final rehabilitation and release. An immature male northern harrier (from Upper Souris NWR) was treated for old gunshot (wing and leg) injuries, reconditioned and released.

7. Other Migratory Birds

Preliminary breeding bird counts were conducted by Murphy in HB-10 during early July, to test the efficacy of a 30-m point count radius for surveying birds in upland communities on DLNWR. Birds detected in prairie/woodland slopes included (1) abundant (> 1 singing male/point): clay-colored sparrow; (2) common (0.5-1/count); E. kingbird, yellow warbler, savanna sparrow; (3) uncommon (0.1-0.5/count): orchard oriole, yellow-breasted chat, gray catbird, willow flycatcher, brown-headed cowbird, brown thrasher, cedar waxwing, mourning dove, American goldfinch, black-billed magpie, song sparrow, house wren. Birds detected in drift prairie included: (1) common: clay-colored sparrow; (2) uncommon: savanna sparrow, western meadowlark. Lark bunting, bobolink, black-billed cuckoo, tree swallow, W. kingbird, chestnut-collared longspur, rufous-sided towhee, upland sandpiper, black-capped chickadee, least flycatcher, and Baird's sparrow were among other birds detected in prairie or prairie/woodland slope during this preliminary work.

A 30-m radius may be efficient for woodland point counts on DLNWR, but this radius yielded plots too small for detecting an adequate sample of birds in the more open woodland/prairie or prairie habitats. Thus, a uniform, fixed point count radius seems impractical for use on DLNWR. Distances to initial bird detections will be recorded at points in 1994, and plot size will vary depending on detectability bias correction for a given species and habitat.

Bobolinks were widespread, common breeding birds on DLNWR upland prairie and DNC units during summer. They were particularly abundant (>10 singing males/40 ha) on DNC units in perennial cover that was hayed in 1992 or 1991, and were scarce or absent in prairie or DNC units idle (rested) for >4-5 years. Such land use relationships have 36 been documented for the bobolink elsewhere in North America (see recent reviews by Bollinger and others).

Murphy investigated possible Complex involvement in the cooperative effort known as "Partners in Flight" (PIF) for conservation of neotropical migratory birds. He reviewed recent literature and guidelines and contacted FWS personnel and other agencies. He also reviewed potential for contribution to MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survival) and other programs. The Complex will continue to remain abreast of PIF and acknowledges help form S. Jones, Regional nongame migratory bird coordinator, in this regard. Because of funding and staffing limitations, however, the Complex must focus attention on trying to complete inventory and monitoring tasks as its top priority. MAPS is not within the realm of reality here, at least in the near future.

8. Game Mammals

An estimated 150-200 deer were on the refuge during winter. The area deer population does not appear to be excessively high as reported elsewhere in North Dakota. Moose and elk are occasionally seen in the refuge area, especially during summer and fall. A big bull moose can give a pheasant hunter quite a scare when they stand up at 15 yards in a willow wetland! A moose appears to have taken up residency in Tasker's Coulee.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

Sharp-tailed grouse populations declined from the high numbers in 1992, to a more average population. Table 6 shows results of this year's lek count completed by Gins and Wockenfuss. Numbers in spring of 1992 were the highest ever recorded. Production in 1993 suffered when many broods perished due to the wet, cool spring, similar to 1992. We expect the spring 1994 population to be even lower. 37 TABLE 6. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE LEK COUNT ON DES LACS NWR 1983-93.

YEAR LEKS COUNTED NO. OF MALES AVG MALES /LEK

1983 15 164 10.9

1984 14 244 17.4

1985 18 313 17.4 1986 10 298 29.8 1987 28 567 20.3

1988 27 512 21.2 1989 - 27 302 11.2

1990 22 306 13.9 1991 23 496 16.3

1992 22 673 30.6

1993 20 370 18.5

13. Surplus Animal Disposal

A crippled ring-necked duck was brought into the office by a thoughtful citizen, and we were surprised to find a home for the duck at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot. They even picked it up.

16. Marking and Banding

We returned about 750 aluminum butt-end bands of size 6, 7B, and 8 from Des Lacs and Lostwood NWRs to the Bird Banding Lab to help resolve band shortages, and to get rid of an inventory we're not using. 38

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

Total visitation to the refuge in 1993 was an estimated 4,000. Half the visitors are picnickers and birders. Birders from as far away as Florida and Hawaii and several foreign countries enjoyed the birding here. Hunters constituted the rest of the visits. Both birding and hunter visits are down due to the current drought. We keep telling birders that we're sorry they can't see displaying western grebes but the drought is a natural cycle and the marsh really benefits from the drying out! They are concerned the birds won't return but we're confident that when the water comes back so will the birds.

The Canada goose hiking trail was opened for automobile touring for the seventh year in a row. The trail is opened for 2-3 weeks when the trees are changing color and before many waterfowl arrive. This public use of a refuge patrol road is becoming very popular with local residents. Use is approximately 40-50 vehicle trips.

Slide shows and refuge management presentations were given to various local schools' and civic organizations. Requests for these programs seem to increase each year.

Murphy was a guest speaker at "Old Settler's Day" at Mouse River Park on June 20; he gave a presentation on historical changes in area birds, especially raptors.

The biggest event of the year occurred in October when Kenmare hosted the 5th Annual "GOOSEFEST" the week of October 17-23. Refuge personnel assisted with some of the events and participated in most of them. The event is drawing in large numbers of hunters and others interested in snow geese to the Kenmare area and is a positive attraction for the refuge, with new visitors coming to visit Des Lacs refuge area.

The week-long event is sponsored by the Kenmare Association of Commerce. The event was again highlighted by a guest appearance by Bud Grant, former Minnesota Vikings head coach. Bud spent a couple of successful days hunting in the area. State and federal law enforcement personnel were concerned that the hunting contest with $5,000 worth of prizes at stake would encourage more hunting violations, but the hunt is kept honest by having independent "checkers" with each hunting party. Project Leader Blenden participated by being one of the checkers this year. In addition to the Saturday "goose hunt" (25 four-person teams), contests were held for the largest Canada goose, the largest snow goose, the largest "greenhead", and the longest pheasant tail feather. No increase in hunting violations were noted. Other events held were Ladie's Day, BB-gun shoot for kids, free feeds for anyone at the local drinking establishments, free wild game banquet, mini-Sporting Clays shoot, chili cookoff, goose plucking contest, and a raffle where a new Dodge pickup was given away. 39

Kevin Cramer, ND Tourism Director, was the featured speaker at the wild game feed on October 20, and Severson met with him before the banquet to discuss the new proposed tour route on the Old Lake Road and other items to interest people in visiting northwestern North Dakota to view wildlife. His office doesn't have much money to spread around but he will help with signing off the highways through the Department of Transportation.

The Kenmare Association of Commerce again sponsored a "landowner appreciation banquet" after Goosefest which resulted in a good turnout. They provided an excellent free meal to landowners for not posting their land and allowing hunting and also gave away lots of door prizes. This event is important in keeping the amount of posted land down and improving hunter-landowner relations.

News releases were prepared for the Christmas Bird Count (2), winter recreation opportunities, and upland game bird hunting season on Des Lacs NWR. The timing of a news article by the Bismarck WHO announcing that all refuges in the state were closed to snowmobiling was interesting, because it ran directly under the news release by us that announced that two refuge lakes were open to snowmobiling! Who says the government doesn't know what's going on? The lakes are opened up in the middle of winter when there are few wildlife on the refuge.

2. Outdoor Classrooms

Six classes totalling 172 students used Tasker's Coulee for Environmental Education classes the week of May 17. The classes were led by Biologist Murphy and volunteers Jane Severson and Peggy Blenden. Murphy also taught a Scout class (10 kids) on trees at Tasker's on May 24. In August, Murphy met with Powers Lake Boy Scouts to suggest conservation-oriented ideas for Eagle Scout merit badge projects. This effort resulted in an Eagle Scout project with Paul VanBerkom, to do a wildlife-oriented tourist's leaflet for the Powers Lake area. Murphy and volunteer J. Severson, led the Kenmare 1st grade (27 students) on a outdoor introduction to area trees on September 1 at Des Lacs NWR, focusing on the value of native North Dakota trees and shrubs.

Carol Garrett, Public Use and Education, spent May 4-5 on Des Lacs refuge reviewing potential interpretive projects and assisting in development of a new refuge brochure. She visited Lostwood WMD and NWR on May 6.

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Murphy assisted with the Lostwood NWR bus and horseback tour on August 14, focusing on habitat needs of migratory birds and related habitat management programs. 40

8. Hunting

A total of 77 refuge deer gun permits was issued in 1993, down from 102 in 1992. In North Dakota if a hunter is issued a refuge permit, the individual must hunt the first 1-1/2 days on the refuge. Average success in the management units that include the refuge was again about 80%.

Bow hunting use of the refuge was down this year due to the major population of mosquitos because of wet conditions. Most bowhunters who tried to hunt in September were driven out of their stands by the bugs. Those hunters who persisted did well as several nice bucks were taken on the refuge. One record book, non-typical 6X7 white-tail was taken on the refuge.

The first upland game and fox hunting plan for Des Lacs refuge was approved in late November for the December 1 opener. Interest was high but turnout was low due to poor road conditions and heavy snow making hunting difficult. Approximately 25-30 hunters participated on opening day and the average was approximately 15-20 hunters through the first weekend." Success was fair, with only pheasants and a few grouse being taken. One falconer used the refuge many times and was successful in taking several rabbits with a red-tailed hawk.

10. Trapping

There was again no interest in trapping the refuge this year. Fur prices remain depressed and most old die-hard trappers probably have moved on to happier trapping grounds. No animals were removed.

11. Wildlife Observation

The grouse observation blind was again set out at the grouse lek in Unit A-7 north of Highway 52. We continue to get 15-30 visitors using the blind every spring to watch and photograph displaying sharp-tailed grouse.

The old lake road was popular for viewing waterfowl this fall as Units 4, 5, 6, and 7 were all flooded and holding large numbers of snow and Canada geese and all the duck species at close range for viewing,

14. Picnicking

Picnicking is an important use of the refuge to the local community. Tasker's Coulee Recreation Area is a unique wooded site for picnics, ball games, hikes, and group and 41 family events. Tasker's Coulee is maintained by the Village of Kenmare Parks and Recreation Board as part of a cooperative agreement, while the refuge does any major repairs. The Boy Scouts mow the grass, keep the trash picked up and clean the restrooms. The area is locked up by the Kenmare PD every night at 10:00 pm and vandalism is essentially non-existent. We are very happy with the arrangement and the community enjoys the area. We have started promoting the area for use as an Environmental Education area, with interpretive displays, hiking trails, and in the future a science center. We plan on eventually phasing out of the picnicking, and playground equipment that is not part of an environmental education program.

16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Bicycling is allowed on refuge tour route and hiking trails. Estimated use is 100 trips annually on bikes. The refuge also maintains an agreement with the Village of Kenmare that allows winter recreation activities on the ice surfaces of Units 2 & 4. Activities allowed are 3- and 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, skating, and skiing. A news release was issued that defines the areas open for winter recreation on the refuge. More winter hiking and cross-country skiing occurred in 1993 because of the good snow conditions. Some winter use of the ice surfaces occurred in 1993 in Unit 2. No skaters and only a couple of snowmobilers used Unit 4 ice. Activity on the hiking trails and county roads though the refuge is primarily during the spring with the return of warmer weather and in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.

17. Law Enforcement

No citations were written in 1993. The snow goose limit stayed at 10/day and with excellent production the hunting was very good. Ducks were not legal to shoot until 15 minutes before sunrise with geese open at xh hour before sunrise, which is too tempting to most hunters. Unfortunately, by the time you hear the shot you are usually too far away to make the case. From an enforcement viewpoint, we'll be glad when they get the duck season back to the same as geese.

Most bird hunters concentrated on pheasants and partridge and we did not put much effort into checking resident game bird hunters. Given limited staff hours our efforts are focused on endangered species and migratory bird protection and checking for easement violations. Very little time was spent on checking deer hunters on the refuge in 1993.

Help was provided by the refuge in searching for a lost nursing home resident on June 23. Many local residents were involved in the search. The 83 year old woman had wandered off, gotten confused and ended up ~4 miles north of town after she trekked up the Canada goose hiking trail. She was spotted by a plane shortly after Blenden and Murphy found 42 her coat along the trail. It was cold and wet that day but she held up well and was returned to her home in good condition.

An illegal dumping case was investigated by Severson when someone dumped five bags of wet calcium chloride off the side of the Tasker's Coulee road on September 4. The mess was cleaned up but no clues were found (Photo 9).

Photo 9. In these days of hazardous chemicals being dumped to avoid having to haul and pay at registered dumpsites, a view like this makes a person very cautious. 9/93 DJS

Deer hunting season ran from November 5-21 this year. It was a typical season with no problems noted, several nice bucks taken, and the big one got away again this year! No citations were written, and the retreival road use was not abused.

Blenden presented information on refuge regulations to about 30 persons attending a Snowmobile Safety Course in Kenmare on December 18. State Trooper Gerhart also presented a program to the mostly young snowmobilers.

The Kenmare area finally got a new resident State game warden after several years without much coverage here. Ken Scuza began work in the area in October as a temporary warden and was hired full-time in January 1994. 43

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

In May, Wockenfuss and Gins completed rip-rapping the Unit 2 ditch/dike and the repaired Schoemer's coulee dike spillway, using the rock that was stockpiled during the previous fall.

In July, Dockter and Gins assisted in pouring the foundation and floor on the new Lostwood office project. Dockter and Gins also put up the walls and roof on the new 12' X 16'shop addition at Des Lacs NWR (Photo 10). The addition will be used for storage of paints, solvents and tools, and will free up space currently used for storage in carpentry shop. All that remained at year-end was putting on the exterior siding.

Photo 10. Gins and Dockter working on new Des Lacs shop addition. 8/93 DJS

Received two new above ground fuel storage tanks (500 gal gasoline and split 1,000 gal diesel #1 and #2 tank) from Nebraska Welding, Inc., in November. The tanks were put in place by Mattson Construction, Minot, and wired by Graveson Electric. Lund Construction, Crosby will remove the old tanks, but removal has to wait until spring 1994 because the ground was frozen.

Eklund Welding, Kenmare, completed and installed the new handrails on the office ramp in December as part of the retrofitting for accessability. 44

Bureau of Reclamation completed a topographic survey of Unit 7 to help us determine how many more nesting islands we can build in the unit. BOR thought they would be able to provide more money in 1993 to build four more islands under their Wetland Initiative, but it didn't happen. But we are all set with all engineering work completed, all we need is money for the project.

2. Rehabilitation

Work was completed in June on a new access ramp at HQ, handicapped parking space and concrete loading pad, and several other retrofits for accessibility. In August and September, work was completed on complete rehabilitation of the restrooms at Tasker's Coulee for Universal Acessability (Photo 11). New plumbing, fixtures, and dividers were installed. We also poured a concrete pad for and modified a picnic table and grill at the CCC shelter. Handicapped parking areas were also modified and designated at Tasker's at the shelter and restrooms. We should be able to pass ADA inspections now. Over 14.0k of MMS dollars was spent on these projects, not including salary costs.

Photo 11. Gins at Tasker's Coulee rehabilitated restrooms.

Range Tech Summerfield repaired the Woods bat-wing mower after a gear housing was broken and the deck eaten up by the blades.

A new 12' shop door was installed during the month, replacing the door damaged in the accident with the dump truck. 45

3. Major Maintenance

The Woods bat-wing rotary mower picked up surplus from Minot AFB was rehabed and put in operating condition for ~$100. The motor in the Chevy service truck was overhauled, clutch repaired, and a new radiator core installed for $500 in parts, by John Stewart and Wockenfuss.

All boards were put back into water control structures in anticipation of spring runoff. The Unit 2 structure continues to get in poorer shape every year with many cracked and spalled concrete walls.

The Unit 3 WCS and bridge structure was temporarily repaired by the refuge and Ward County when it almost washed out in July, following a heavy downpour (Photos 12 and 13). The refuge stopped the major leak by filling with rip-rap and dirt and the County completed the repair.

Photo 12. Water undermining the bridge and water control structure. The water was going under 20' sheet piling and around the bridge abutments. The day before this photo was taken the water level was 4' higher, 7/93 DJS 46

Photo 13. Water rushing through hole in bridge abutment on west side of bridge. About 150 CY of fill was pushed into the hole before it was plugged. 7/93 DJS

The hydraulic valve for the JD front-end loader was pulled and had a valve kit installed at a cost of $265.00 in June. Then in August, the injector pump and loader cylinders were rehabed by Midwest Industrial for $1132.

In June, the dump trucks were repaired again, replacing wheel cylinders, gears in rear end and axle seals. Then in July, one dump truck broke an axle when we were hauling rock to prevent the Unit 3 WCS and bridge from washing out on July 28 from floodwaters. In October, the brake master cylinder was replaced on the dump truck (see safety!). In November, brakes were again repaired on both dump trucks. In December, Gins and Dockter repaired seals and pumps on the dump trucks. These two 1978 International trucks are requiring more and more repairs every year.

Major repairs were made during September on the Woods mower, Bat-wing mower (bearing housing), and International tractor, all being used mowing firebreaks.

All vehicles and heavy equipment were fitted with threaded tees and had the antifreeze recycled using the borrowed J. Clark Salyer refuge recycler.

Tasker's Coulee Recreation Area was readied in May prior to Memorial Day by getting the electricity and water running. The Boy Scouts are going to continue to mow the grass and otherwise maintain the area. 47

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

We'Tinally" received our 50-ton lowboy trailer from Centreville Trailer, Maryland in July. We had to raise the 5th wheel height 4" to get the trailer level but it does work and is a very stoutly built frame. Several problems were corrected by Gins after the connecting pin broke. His modification is much improved over the factory model.

The D-6 dozer was transferred to Red Rock Lakes NWR on July 14 by CMR personnel.

A 1.25 ton 4X4 Dodge service truck was picked up at the Minot AFB (Ilk miles) in October and transferred to the Lostwood WMD. It will be put to use as a fire unit with a 200 gallon slip-in unit. Numerous other small items were also picked up at the AFB by Dockter and Gins. It is getting to be so profitable we can't afford not to go to the base and screen property.

6. Computer Systems

Three new computers were purchased in the Complex in 1993. Midwest Micro 486/313 desktops were purchased for Crosby and Lostwood WMD's, replacing Dell 386/8 computers. A Gateway 2000 486/50 desktop computer was purchased with RO fire funds for the Complex biologist. All computers were purchased with internal tape backup systems. An HP laserjet 4 printer was purchased with EOY Regional Office funds and installed on the Administrative Assistants computer.

We are all switched to Windows programs and purchased upgrades in DOS, Wordperfect and Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows.

We experienced a virus problem in June when our Regional ADP Coordinator visited the refuge and brought us the new CC:mail program. Somewhere the Michaelangelo virus had been picked up and it caused us some grief on three computers until we got the virus removed. We had a local computer contractor remove the viruses from our computers. This method worked well for us because they have the latest updated virus scanning products, something that may not be profitable for us to own ourselves. Viruses are something we all have to be a little more aware of, because we share disks from stations and the RO so much.

Wayne Daub, ADP Coordinator met with Complex staff in June at Lostwood to discuss GIS needs and potential GIS software solutions. Murphy and Smith had several relevant phone discussions with D. Cohan, R. Gephardt of FWS on EPPL7 and MAPINFO software.

The new CC:mail program was implemented and the system works well. The on-line time is drastically reduced with little actual time needed to send and retrieve messages. 48

Murphy received Wordperfect for Windows 6.0 as a free upgrade because the Version 5.2 was purchased just before 6.0 became available. Our initial experience is not good, there are numerous glitches and it is a very RAM hungry program, plus is requires about 40MB of hard drive storage. The Complex is going to stick to Version 5.2 for now. Papyrus bibliographic software was purchased for biologist Murphy's computer. The software will help us organize and retrieve our Complex library reference collection. It's a great program and reasonably priced ($95).

8. Other

Gins, Wockenfuss and Dockter made several trips to Minot Air Force Base DRMO and picked up two 1.5 CY Clark loaders, 2000 gal 6X6 tanker, and a 5 CY dumptruck, with a loader and dump truck going to Lostwood WMD. The tanker will be used on the Complex for the fire program. A 1977 Galion motor grader was picked up for Lostwood NWR, and after a few repairs is working fine, at least much better than the 1957 CAT 12. Many other items, such as steam cleaner, radial arm saw, utility trailers, a gun safe, and many tools and other items. It was well worth the time and effort. A person has to sort through the garbage but we have received a lot of new tools and other items still in the box.

Photo 14. One of two Clark loaders picked up from Minot AFB. The other was sent to Lostwood WMD. Both loaders were put to work immediately. 10/93 DJS 49

Photo 15. Excess 2,000 gallon 6X6 tanker from Minot AFB. This tanker will be rehabilitated and put to use in the fire program. 12/93 DJS

Equipment Operator Gins traveled to Lake Ilo NWR on March 22 and certified several employees on heavy equipment operation. Gins also certified several employees (Biol, and Range Techs) on heavy equipment operation at Lostwood WMD in May.

Four Honda ATV 4-wheelers were received surplus from SCS in 1993, after they were finished with updating soil surveys in NW North Dakota. One was distributed to each of the four field stations in the Complex.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

The NOAA weather station was read daily again this year, and snow surveys were conducted as requested. We also participated in nationwide biological surveys: mourning dove count, BBS routes, gypsy moth trapping, etc.

* Severson attended the monthly meeting of the Kenmare Volunteer Fire Department on November 3. Duane Dockter was reinstated back into the Kenmare VFD after being off the force while he had been working at J.C. Salyer NWR. 3. Items of Interest 50

Blenden and Barrett judged the Kenmare Science Fair in February. This is an annual event that the refuge participates in.

Blenden, Severson and Barrett attended a luncheon held for Governor Schafer on his visit to Kenmare on June 24. He is aware of our interest in improving old Highway 52 and the Boat Dock road and also in developing a tour route. Barrett had the opportunity to provide the Governor with a copy of the Northern Coteau Plan and briefly discuss the plan. Blenden attended a meeting of the Lakeview Road Project in November.

4. Credits

Des Lacs Refuge Manager Dan Severson wrote all sections of the report. Biologist Murphy and Project Leader Blenden provided editorial improvements. Administrative Support Assistant Goettle assembled the report. 51

K. FEEDBACK

I usually don't take the time to write a feedback section, but I think it is time to explain to some future manager why changes were made at the Des Lacs refuge in the 90's. Our emphasis has been forced to change in our management of the refuge. For the past two years we have eliminated many of the established programs, unfortunately the biology part, such as, nest searching to determine success rates, predation and habitat problems, Canada goose nest structures and monitoring, waterfowl surveys for pairs and broods to estimate production, vegetation surveys, upland game bird surveys, and deer surveys. Law enforcement has been cut back to practically nothing, focusing almost entirely on migratory birds. We have a huge problem with leafy spurge but have had to cut back to spraying only 10-15 acres because of lack of funds for chemicals and personnel to do the work. We have established two areas for flea beetles and are grazing sheep to try to control the spread of spurge but it goes mostly unchecked.

Instead of doing biology, we're now directed to focus on Environmental Education, without a trained ORP to assist, developing partnerships to improve public use roads, developing a tour route and new refuge brochure, writing EA's for compatibility of everything we do. Much of the maintenance on the refuge in 1993 concerned retrofitting bathrooms and doors and access to comply with ADA law. We're almost spending more time in LE training with Arizona refresher (7 days) and fall requalification (1 day), with pressure to expand to 2-3 days refresher in the fall, than we are in the field.

Our biological program is now directed to doing ecosystem-wide surveys like 42-mile waterfowl surveys, BBS routes, piping plover surveys, dove surveys, and coordinated waterfowl and sandhill crane surveys. We're going to get ourselves in trouble and risk not being able to biologically justify any of our management actions because we have practically no refuge biological information. I can see us ending up in court at the mercy of whichever group wants to sue us, to make us stop managing the refuge,(i.e. grazing, haying, burning, farming) in their narrow guise of protecting wildlife and its habitat.

The main problem has been a loss of staff and staff time. Des Lacs Refuge once had a refuge manager, equipment operator, maintenance worker, summer temporary (6 months) and a YCC in the summer. Now we have a refuge manager who is also the Assistant Project Leader for the Complex, also responsible for most of the reports and paperwork for the Complex; an equipment operator who is also a heavy equipment certification instructor, asbestos inspector, and hantavirus mouse inspector, entailing lots of travel to other stations; a 50 week/year maintenance worker; a Complex biologist that is only filled temporary, with no funding for the position through the AWP, that can spend at most three months on the refuge; no summer temporary help, and still one YCC worker.

We're instead spending our time on the following required training: workforce diversity (once isn't enough, now we have to have 16 hours/3 years refresher), hantavirus inspector, boat safety, heavy equipment certification, aviation safety training (with 52 refresher required every 3 years), fire training, defensive driving (refresher every three years), ATV safety training, pesticide certification (with refreshers), 40 hours of LE refresher annually and two requalifications, not to mention the new reports and new databases that spring up weekly. And I sure hope that we don't have to get the pepper mace refresher every three years to carry it for law enforcement! Once is enough.

More time is spent securing funding sources through grants, challenge cost share, RONS, MMS, DU, BOR, TNC, TPL, NAWCA and many acronyms we haven't even discovered yet. In the past, we received money for running the refuge, without having to panhandle funds just to do basic refuge O&M, with the result of having less time to put into biology.

All these factors continue to add up and have resulted in considerably less time available for biological work. I realize that the administrative portion of our job is a necessary evil in managing a national wildlife refuge, but the administrative aspect is growing exponentially, while staff is decreasing. (At least with fewer staff there are fewer performance plans and mid-year and final performance appraisals to complete!) I don't know what the solution is, but spending less time in the field is not the solution.

Have faith, maybe next year will improve?