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OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ANNUAL NARRATIVE CALENDA^rEA^998 REVIEW AND APPROVALS
OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Parkersburg, West Virginia
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1998
Refcfuge Manager Date Refuge Supervisor Review Date REVIEW AND APPROVALS
OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Parkersburg, West Virginia
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1998
L: Rdfuge Manager Date Refuge Supervisorirvisor R€Review Date
Regional Office Approval Date OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Parkersburg, West Virginia
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1998
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
INTRODUCTION 1 A. HIGHLIGHTS 2 B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 3 C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title 4 2. Easements 6 3. Other 6 D. PLANNING 1. Master Plan 6 2. Management Plan 9 3. Public Participation Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resources Mandates 9 5. Research and Investigations Nothing to Report 6. Other Nothing to Report E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel 9 2. Youth Programs Nothing to Report 3. Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteer Program 14 5. Funding 18 6. Safety 19 7. Technical Assistance 19 8. Other 22 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General 22 2. Wetlands 23 3. Forests 24 4. Croplands Nothing to Report 5. Grasslands Nothing to Report 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing Nothing to Report 8. Haying 26 9. Fire Management Nothing to Report 10. Pest Control 26 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Area Nothing to Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report
i G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity 29 2. Endangered or Threatened Species 32 3. Waterfowl Nothing to Report 4. Marsh and Water Birds 32 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species Nothing to Report 6. Raptors 3 3 7. Other Migratory Birds 34 8. Game Mammals Nothing to Report 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 36 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking..Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control Nothing to Report 16. Marking and Banding 44 17. Disease Prevention and Control ....Nothing to Report H. PUBLIC USE 1. General 44 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 47 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers 49 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 50 7. Other Interpretive Programs 53 8. Hunting 57 9. Fishing 57 10. Trapping Nothing to Report 11. Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking 58 15. Off-Road Vehicles Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 58 17. Law Enforcement 60 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction Nothing to Report 2. Rehabilitation Nothing to Report 3. Major Maintenance 61 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 61 5. Communications System 62 6. Computer System 62
ii 7. Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 8. Other Nothing to Report J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs Nothing to Report 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 62 4. Credits 62
iii 1
INTRODUCTION Established in 1990, the Ohio River Islands NWR became the first national wildlife refuge in West Virginia. There are now refuges in all 50 states. The refuge currently consists of all or parts of 20 islands in the Ohio River and two mainland tracts. As acquisition progresses, the refuge may include up to 35 Ohio River islands. The acquisition boundary stretches nearly 400 river miles from Shippingport, Pennsylvania to Manchester, Ohio and includes four states (PA, OH, WV, KY). The geologic origin of this unique chain of islands has given them a relatively stable gravel base that has resisted natural erosion forces since the Wisconsin glacier receded 12,000 years ago. The natural character of some islands has been exploited by recent human activity but many are still relatively undisturbed. The Ohio River islands and their back channels have long been recognized for high quality fish and wildlife, recreation, scientific, and natural heritage values. These areas provide some of the region's highest quality riverine, wetland, and bottomland habitats, and are used by waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, warmwater fish, and freshwater mussels. The refuge has potential to protect 2,000 acres of bottomland and wetland habitats and 1,500 acres of riverine habitat associated with the islands. Refuge management concentrates on increasing the diversity and productivity of the fish and wildlife populations characteristic of the Ohio River Valley. Although some early successional vegetation stages are present, natural succession and active reforestation are being encouraged to benefit wildlife species adapted to the mature forest floodplain and associated wetland and riverine habitats.
Many types of public uses occur on and around the Ohio River islands. The relatively undisturbed nature of many of the islands make them popular spots for nature study, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and pleasure boating. As land acquisition and planning has progressed, the refuge has developed a public use program which includes such activities as educational workshops, interpretive programs, wildlife exhibits, hunting and fishing programs, and day-use recreational opportunities. These and other wildlife-dependent recreational and educational opportunities benefit school groups of all ages as well as local residents and visitors. 2
A. HIGHLIGHTS Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt visits refuge. (Section J-3) Refuge began Comprehensive Conservation Planning with the holding of 18 public scoping meetings in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. (Section D-l) Refuge Manager travels to Washington, DC to brief House and Senate members on Comprehensive Conservation Planning. (Section D-l) Buckley Island purchased from Jerry Buckley. (Section C-l) Refuge Manager and Refuge Office Assistant upgraded. (Section E-l) Refuge expends $1,672,470 to complete flood damage repairs. (Section F-l) Refuge receives $1.2 million Land and Water Conservation Funds for FY 98. (Section C-l) Refuge purchases new Boston Whaler boat. (Section I- 4) ORP Butler serves as leader for the outreach committee of the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem.
Refuge Operations Specialist Tom Cox served as subgroup leader for the wetland and riparian subgroup of the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem. Biologist Morrison serves as the Chair/Leader of the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem Mollusk Sub-Group, a cooperative association of partners throughout the nine-state ecosystem area committed to working together to reverse the decline of native mollusks.
The National Tree Trusts contributes 2600 trees to the refuge for habitat restoration on Middle Island. Thirty-two acres were reforested on Middle Island with the help of volunteers. (Section F-3)
The Sierra Club sponsors a week-long service trip to the refuge for the second consecutive year. Ten volunteers came from around the country to participate in work projects on Middle, Grape, and Muskingum islands. (Section E-4) 3
ORP Butler travels to Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma, AZ for a week-long work detail assisting the refuge with exhibit design for their visitor center.
A Pleasants County Middle School teacher is awarded a Toyota Tapestry Grant for a trail project to be implemented on the refuge and on the Internet. (Section H-l) The refuge completes its fourth year of zebra mussel monitoring, at 6 sites along the Ohio River. (Section G-10) Refuge Operations Specialist Cox receives L.E. commission, refuge now has collateral duty officer.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS The year 1998 was another wet year for the Ohio River Valley, with precipitation for February and June at record levels. The late June storm event brought 13.22 inches of rain, and tornado-like wind damage. Temperatures were above normal from January through May, and there were 28 days where the air temperature exceeded 900F. Water temperatures reached 840F. There was minimal snowfall (<1.5") for the year, and 45.31 inches of rain. 4
Table 1 - 1998 Weather Data for the Ohio River Valley, Taken at Parkersburg, WV.
ll Precipitation Temp (0F) (inches) Min. Max. Mean
Rain Snow January 3.63 0.5 17 69 39.6
February 4.71 20 69 41.2
March 3.55 16 84 44.3
April 4.91 31 85 53.8
May 3.85 50 90 66.8
June 13.22 49 93 68.5
July 2.56 55 93 74.8
August 0.67 51 93 75.5
September 2.31 42 98 71.0
October 2.02 31 85 56.1
November 1.65 23 68 45.6
December 2.23 1.0 11 75 39.8
TOTAL 45.31 1.5 11 98 Annual Extremes
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title
Support from U. S. Senator Robert C. Byrd's office resulted in $1,250,000 Land and Water Conservation Funds appropriated in October to purchase additional islands and high priority mainland areas in FY 99. Total available Land and Water Conservation Funds at this station is $2,218,000. Currently the Services owns 20 islands with partial ownership of three islands and two mainland tracts, for a total of 2,745.30 acres. This includes the purchase of Buckley Island and mainland property (235.7 acres) on June 16 by The Nature Conservancy and transferred to the Service on June 18. Figure 1. Jerry and Kathy Buckley help raise the new refuge boundary sign on Buckley Island. Current negations by The Nature Conservancy are in the final stages for purchase of Captina Island and two parcels of mainland property totaling 216.19 acres (including underwater acreage).
Offers were made on a 106 acre mainland tract and 94.1 acre Vienna Island owned by Joe and Diane Neal and 117+ acre Neale Island owned by Buzzie Dils. Negations are still underway on these properties.
In March 1996, a request was made to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, for transfer of 18.9 acres of immature bottomland hardwood forest habitat (consisting of a 2000' riparian corridor along Buffalo Creek near Wellsburg, West Virginia) into the refuge. On August 4, this parcel became an addition to the refuge. Refuge Manager and Outdoor Recreation Planner, Butler, held a meeting in Wellsburg, West Virginia on March 26 to discuss the Service's future plans for the area. House of Delegate Representative, Tim Ennis, attended the meeting with the local citizens and press. 6
2. Easements Currently the refuge administers only one Farmers Administration Easement. The property consists of 8.37 acres located in Belleville, Wood County, and West Virginia.
3. Other In 1995 the Embayment/Wetland Expansion Package was approved which could add 5,400+ acres consisting of over 100 sites to the refuge. Earlier meetings have been held with the affected State Natural Resource Agencies in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The states of Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania are very supportive of our efforts. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources continues to oppose the expansion based not on habitat importance but their different management objectives concerning the refuge's hunt plan. In 1998 Comprehensive Conservation Planning began and this land acquisition proposal has become part of the planning process. The Conservation Planning Process will be discussed further under Section D-l and D-3.
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan The final draft of the Archaeological Reconnaissance of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was completed. The purpose of the reconnaissance survey was to locate and identify archaeological resources as well as landforms with the potential to contain archaeological resources through a combination of archaeological, geomorphological, hydrological and historical investigations. This study will provide essential baseline data for the scheduled Comprehensive Management Planning at this station. Comprehensive Conservation Planning began with the assignment of Tom Bonetti, Regional Office Planner, and Gib Chase Ascertainment Biologist. A total of 18 public scoping meetings were conducted throughout the four-state area. These were as follows: May 4 Beaver County Community College Monaca, PA May 5 Martins Ferry Recreation Center Martins Ferry, WV
May 6 Jefferson Community Center Steubenvilie, OH
May 7 Beaver County Conservation Sportsmans League, Beaver, PA
June 1 St. Ambrose Parish Hall Belpre, OH
June 4 Washington State Community College, Marietta, OH
June 17 Holiday Inn - Gallipolis, OH June 18 Ramada Inn - Portsmouth, OH
July 6 Lions' Club - Manchester, OH July 7 Maysville Community College Maysville, KY
July 20 Cabell County Public Library Huntington, WV
July 21 Fire House, Community Room Ashland, KY July 22 Community Building Ravenswood, WV
August 3 Council Chambers Parkersburg, WV
August 4 Marina Building St. Marys, WV August 5 Fire Hall Sistersville, WV August 10 Lewis Wetzel Family Cntr New Martinsville, WV
August 11 OH County Public Library Wheeling, WV 8
Figure 2. Regional Office Planner Tom Bonetti host a refuge open house and public scoping meeting in Kentucky for the Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process. On July 10 Manager Wilson, Regional Office Planner Tom Bonetti and Ascertainment Biologist Gib Chase traveled to Washington, DC to brief the House/Senate members on the status of Comprehensive Conservation Planning at the refuge. The briefing was well attended and lots of information exchange occurred. A variety of issues surfaced during these public-scoping meetings. They included water pollution, erosion problems, lack of habitat protection along river corridor, spread of non-native and exotic nuisance species, inadequate river access, declining fisheries/lack of habitat, effects of recreational boating, hunting with pursuit dogs, recreational trapping, states statutory rights vs. Federal/refuge laws/policies concerning submerged lands, use of water overlying underwater refuge lands, environmental education, outreach efforts, lack of trails, insufficient information signs, management programs, opposition by the West Virginia DNR to further refuge land acquisition, and the need for increased refuge staff.
Two separate meetings were scheduled following the initial public scoping meetings. An aquatic resource workshop was 9 held on November 18 and a Priority Public Use Meeting was held on January 20 to further discuss issues raised at the 18 public scoping meetings. The draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment are scheduled for completion in summer 1999.
2. Management Plan
The Annual Hunt Plan submissions were modified to include dove and Canada goose hunting on Middle Island.
4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resources Mandates The refuge received a total of $1,672,470 flood damage funds in FY 97. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit Certification, Archaeological Certification and State Water Quality Certification were obtained in FY 97. However, some minor re-evaluation of work was required in order to remain in compliance with Archaeological Certification for flood damage work on Manchester Island #2, Lewis County, Kentucky - completed in FY 98.
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel Jim Dotson and Lee Ridge were hired as temporary GS-3 Biological Technicians with flood damage funds to assist refuge staff with litter clean-up, facility repair, boundary posting and noxious weed control.
R.J. Lewis was hired as a GS-4 bio-tech through the Student Temporary Employment Program. Lewis assisted with all aspects of the refuge. The refuge once again enjoyed the assistance of student interns: Kate Murray and Holly Barnes. Kate and Holly worked 12 weeks during the summer months. This program helps tremendously, providing assistance to refuge staff during the busiest time of year. We hope to continue with the summer internship program in years to come. Manager Wilson was upgraded to GS-13 effective November 18, 1998 and Office Assistant Cindy Bloomer was upgraded to GS-6 effective April 26, 1998. 10
Table 2 - Ohio River Islands NWR Staff Information.
1998 Staff Information
Jerry Wilson GS-13 Refuge Manager (PFT)(EOD 3/91) Thomas A. Cox 6S-11 Ref. Oper. Spec. (PPT)(EOD 5/97) Patricia Morrison GS-11 F & W Biologist (PFT)(EOD 1/92) Janet Butler GS-11 Outd. Recr. Plan.(PFT)(EOD 6/93) Cynthia Bloomer GS-6 Office Assistant (PPT)(EOD 7/91) James Dotson GS-3 Biological Tech.(TEMP)(EOD) 3/98 Lee Ridge GS-3 Biological Tech.(TEMP)(EOD) 3/98 Roger Lewis GS-3 Biological Aid(STEP Program)3/98
Staffing History
Year Perm Full Time Perm Part Time Temoorarv PTEs 1991 2 0 0 2.0 1992 4 0 0.5 4.5 1993 4.5 0 0.8 5.3 1994 5 0 0 5.0 1995 5 0 0 5.0 1996 5 0 0 5.0 1997 4.3 0 1 5.3 1998 5 0 1.5 6.5
Figure 3. Refuge Manager Jerry Wilson finds a silver maple that's been on the refuge longer than he has. Figure 4. Secretary Babbitt visits the refuge in Decemberr accompanied by ROS Tom Cox and ORP Janet Butler. Figure 5. Biologist Patty Morrison "scoping" for freshwater mussels. 13
Figure 7. Perennial volunteers Lee Ridge (1) and Jim Dotson (r) brave cold wind and waves enroute to refuge islands. 14
Figure 8. Biotech i?. J". Lewis examines the catch of mussels
4. Volunteer Program Two-hundred-thirty-six volunteers contributed 1568 hours to the refuge in 1998. As in previous years, Jim Dotson and Lee Ridge were outstanding contributors in the volunteer program. They each contributed nearly 100 hours to the mussel quarantine facility, independently framing, insulating, and paneling the room. They also helped when needed for other projects, including tree planting and sign maintenance. Lacking any maintenance staff, the refuge has been "bailed- out" more than several times by these two men, providing the extra sets of hands needed to allow the refuge to fulfill basic operating functions. 15
Figure 9. Volunteers Jim Dotson and Lee Ridge constructed the new mussel quarantine facility on Middle Island.
Volunteers contributed 438 hours to the Middle Island bottomland hardwood forest restoration project in 1998, fewer hours compared to 1997 because of greater reliance on the refuge's tree planter. Two volunteer Saturdays were held for tree planting as well as a number of school service trips conducted on week-days. Planting began in mid-March and ended on April 22 with Earth Day. The Ames Tool Company in Parkersburg donated twelve shovels in support of the project. The Sierra Club scheduled their second week-long service trip to the refuge in mid-July. Eleven volunteers came from throughout the eastern half of the country. They conducted tree survival surveys as required by the National Tree Trust for donated trees, evaluated a draft brochure for the Muskingum Island interpretive boat tour, dug up purple loosestrife, and surveyed for amphibians, butterflies, and small mammals. 16
Figure 10. Members participating in a Sierra Club national service trip surveyed amphibians on Middle Island. Two volunteer student interns assisted the refuge during the summer. Kate Murray, a junior majoring in wildlife and fisheries at WVU-Morgantown, was selected from several applicants for a biological intern position. She worked forty hours per week for a twelve week period. A native of Parkersburg, Kate learned about the intern program through a former intern and fellow student at Morgantown, R.J. Lewis. She interacted well with the staff and provided the help we needed while learning through "hands-on" experiences.
Holly Barnes, also of Parkersburg, and a 1998 music major graduate of Emory and Henry College, volunteered an average of twenty hours per week as a public use intern while employed half-time with the Parkersburg Community Foundation. Her enthusiasm, maturity, and commitment to her assignments made up for any lack of specific college course work in recreation or environmental education. Unaware of the non-biologist career routes in the agency before she interned. Holly may now look at graduate school with some new career alternatives in mind.
The refuge does not provide interns with housing. A stipend of $100 per forty-hour week was furnished to help with living expenses. 17
I Figure 11. Student interns Holly Barnes and Kate Murray developed boating skills while assisting with refuge field work.
Figure 12. High school senior Kristen Magyar volunteered at refuge headquarters as part of a community service class. 18 A volunteer appreciation picnic was held on Middle Island in July to coincide with the Sierra Club Service trip.
Table 3 - Summary of 1998 Volunteer Hours
RCAR ACTIVITY CATEGORIES #VOL• HOURS
Surveys and Censuses 340
Studies and Investigations 179
Wetland Reforestation 438
Pest Plant Control 22
Nest Structures 104
Law Enforcement (boundary signs) 42
Visitor Services (EE, etc.) 267
Outreach 168
CCP 8
TOTAL HOURS 1568
5. Funding
The refuge budget was $330,416. This included $247,400 for salaries, $38,616 for maintenance and $44,000 for various other fixed costs and expenses.
The refuge received $20,000 from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for our involvement with the Ohio River Mainstem Study. However, the standard deduction of 38% overhead resulted in only $14,492 for actual refuge use. These funds were used for travel and salary.
The refuge received $2,500 from the U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory for our assistance in developing a method to identify efficient quantitative sampling methods for assessing freshwater mussel populations. The refuge received $4,000 from the Regional Office Realty for our assistance with land acquisition on Buckley Island and mainland properties. Realty Chief, Andy French, agreed to provide 1% of total land sales to the refuge for assistance with land transactions. 19
Table 4 - Refuge Funding Summary
TRANSFERRED YEAR 1261 1262 FUNDS TOTAL
1994 246,511 6,000 252,511 1995 292,672 6,000 298,672 1996 284,405 10,000 5,000 (c) 299,405 1997 291,800 15,100 6,200 (t) 284,073 1998 291,800 10,500 20,992 323,292
c = contributed funds t - transferred funds
6. Safety
In preparation for SCUBA activities in the 1998 field season, several items were accomplished: Refuge Operations Specialist Cox completed the training requirements for open water certification, leading to Scientific Diver in Training; medical examinations were received by Biologist Morrison, ORP Butler, and ROS Cox. The refuge engaged in a variety of safety-related activities in 1998. Several inspections, training sessions, equipment acquisitions, and safety program implementations were accomplished in addition to staff safety meetings. The refuge dive program has a serious safety component and a large quantity of training and effort was put forth in this regard.
The following safety-related items were accomplished; SCUBA equipment submitted for annual inspection, maintenance, and repairs. All staff members, including two temporary biological technicians and summer interns attended CPR training. The refuge purchased eye-wash stations for both shop areas. Flammable proof storage cabinets were purchased and new approved life vests were purchased with MMS funding. GSA placed a new seal around the shop doors to prevent fumes from the shop entering the main office.
7. Technical Assistance ORP Butler spent a week at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma, AZ in April assisting the refuge staff with development of new exhibits for their visitor center. A local elementary school in the process of writing a grant application for a WV DNR-sponsored Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS) requested assistance from the refuge in identifying appropriate species and methods for the proposed 20 project. ORP Butler met with the teachers and students involved. ORP Butler assisted the staff of Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and others on the "regional dedication strike team" for the October dedication of the Occoquon Bay addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Refuge staff and two summer interns assisted the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Ohio State University Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in conducting electrofishing surveys in the Ohio River embayments in the spring and summer. The OSU study is designed to determine seasonal uses of these embayment habitats by Ohio River fishes, using electrofishing, gill netting, and other survey techniques. The refuge also provided significant technical assistance to other partners in the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem in the arena of freshwater mussel work. These studies are listed below, and some are discussed in greater detail in Section G-10, Freshwater Mussels. a. Brail survey of the upper Ohio River near Wheeling, WV with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to assess the efficacy of earlier contractor surveys for mussels. We found three species of mussels where the contractor found none. b. Assisted USGS-WRD in conducting qualitative and quantitative dive surveys to assess the status of two species of endangered mussels in the Allegheny River near Foxburg, Pennsylvania. c. Collecting and quarantining specimens of native mussels for captive holding at White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and the Leetown Science Center. d. Tracking the status of zebra mussel infestation at six mainstem Ohio River sites, and assessing the impact of the zebra mussel infestation on native mussel communities.
The refuge is participating in the Corps of Engineers Ohio River Mainstem Navigation Improvement Study along the entire 981 miles of the Ohio River. The Corps is taking a 20-50 year look at traffic patterns and associated navigation improvements which might be needed to accommodate them. In addition, the Corps is looking for ideas for environmental restoration projects along the entire river. Refuge staff participated in all restoration team meetings, of which there are approximately three or four per year. The refuge has 21 created for the Corps an Ohio River Islands database, including not only refuge islands but all islands from Pittsburgh to Cairo. These database sheets were completed by the refuge biologist and temporary biotech R.J. Lewis, and includes descriptive information as well as habitat types, resource problems, and protection/restoration opportunities. The refuge also drafted individual island by island sheets for the overall restoration program detailing bank protection, exotic plant control, and reforestation needs for each island in the refuge. The refuge assisted the West Virginia Department of Highways and researchers at Salem-Teikyo University and West Virginia University in conducting a study of the effects of bridge crossings on wildlife. The Buckley Island unit is being used as a reference site for an island which currently has an interstate bridge crossing. Refuge staff assisted the Kentucky State Museum in providing thousands of dead mussel shells for the development of a new museum exhibit on native American culture. The dead shells will be used to construct a real-life indian midden, illustrating the ways in which native American peoples utilized freshwater mussel resources.
Refuge staff assisted the Law Enforcement Divisions in Regions 3 and 5 and the Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife in shooting a documentary video which tells the story of the investigation and prosecution of high profile mussel poaching activity in the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. Biologist Morrison and temporary biotech R.J. Lewis provided boat transportation for Special Agents Pierce and Gorham, a commercial video crew, and ODNR Game Protectors as well as conducted snorkeling around Muskingum Island to demonstrate the ease of collecting thousands of commercially valuable mussels with a minimum of time and effort. The recently completed successful prosecution of the Tennessee Shell Company by federal law enforcement officials resulted in the settlement and payment of a one million dollar fine by the defendant, the proceeds of which are to go to the protection and conservation of freshwater mussel resources. Biologist Morrison serves on the Wounded Waterways Committee, a cross-program and cross-regional team of Service people who have been asked to draft an initiative to help reverse the decline of aquatic systems nationwide. 22
8. Other
Table 5 - Summary of training received in 1998 by staff.
Training Employee Hours
Microsoft Word I Bloomer 6 CPR All Staff 10 (2ea) Administrative Workshop Bloomer 40 Basic Supervision Cox 80 ROBS Cox 40 FLETC Cox 520 RCRA Cox 16 Pesticide Effects on Fish & Butler & 40 Wildlife Resources Morrison Emergency Oxygen First Aid Morrison, 4 Administration Cox, Butler
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General A major habitat problem, which continues to plague the islands, is shoreline erosion. Most islands have lost significant amounts of soil to the Ohio River for various reasons. Under normal conditions, the head of an island would be expected to erode somewhat during spring run-off and accretion of soil would be expected at the toe of the island. However, although some accretion of land is occurring at the toe and backchannel side of some islands, some islands now show evidence of erosion from both ends. Erosion of the islands can be attributed to several causative factors. The construction of dams for navigation purposes, commercial sand and gravel dredging, dredging of the channel for navigation, wave action caused by passing barges and other watercraft, spring flooding, and removal of riparian vegetation have all contributed to the erosion of shoreline along the Ohio River to some degree. In the winter and spring of 1998 water levels in the lower Ohio River were at or near flood stage. This resulted in continued erosion of two refuge islands in Kentucky. The refuge assessed the damage and responded to budgetary request from the Washington Office concerning flood damage. Fortunately, the refuge received $1,672,470 flood damage funds. The refuge contacted Michael Spoor, Geotechnical Branch, Engineering Division of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington, West Virginia District Office. Mr. Spoor had previously completed an in-depth report on Ohio 23
River Islands erosion control needs; including cost analysis, proposed treatments and photo documentation. Therefore, utilizing this information, proposed treatments were developed for stabilization work on Manchester #2 Island located in Lewis County, Kentucky. This included 1368.8 feet of protection involving 34,000 ton of rip-rap. The work was completed utilizing contractors currently contracted with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The remaining funds were utilized for purchase of boundary signs/posts, vegetation stabilization, litter clean-up, temporary employees and purchase of a 19' Boston Whaler and a 150 H.P. boat motor.
Figure 13. Manchester Island t2 stabilization work nearing completion.
In 1996, the refuge received $631,000 flood damage funds to stabilize Grape/Bat Island. The remaining $17,000 of these funds will be utilized to finalize vegetative stabilization efforts on Grape/Bat Island in the winter of 1999. Contractors working for the U. S. Corps of Engineers completed all of the stabilization work on Grape/Bat Island.
2. Wetlands
A two acre wetland was restored on Middle Island by breaking the 4 inch drain tile that was put in for agricultural drainage in the 50's. Although small, this area will provide 24 high-quality habitat in a region where flood-plain wetlands have become extremely rare due to development and agricultural drainage. Over 200 wintering mallards and black ducks were seen using the site.
3. Forests The refuge reforested 32 acres of agricultural land on Middle Island in 1998, the largest acreage planted in one year since this habitat restoration project began in 1995. Approximately 3400 trees were planted with the assistance of volunteers and a mechanical tree planter. Spacing on hand planting was increased to 20' x 20' and on mechanical planting to 20' spacing between rows (the planter's automatic spacing is about 15' within a row) because of higher-than-expected survival rates in previous years.
Figure 14. Students from Parkershurg Catholic High School were among the groups that helped plant trees on Middle Island. The National Tree Trust (NTT) was again the biggest source of tree stock. They donated 2600 trees consisting of 700 tulip poplar, 500 sycamore, 300 green ash, 700 pin oak, 200 hackberry, 200 red bud, and 100 black gum as part of their Community Tree Planting Program. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Challenge Grant provided the refuge with an additional $500 to purchase trees and supplies unavailable through NTT. 25 One hundred sweet gum and 300 silky dogwood were purchased from the Ohio DNR. One hundred Ohio buckeye and 100 shagbark hickory were purchased from Oikos Tree Crops in Michigan. The refuge also planted about 200 cottonwood seedlings and cuttings harvested on Muskingum and Middle islands.
Table 6 Summary results of reforestation plot tree survival
YEAR #TREES PLANTED 1ST YR SURVIVAL 2ND YR SURVIVAL
1995 2048 67% 65% *
1996 4600 88% 86% *
1997 2150 79% 70% *
1998 3400 93%
*Reflects survival based on original number planted
The refuge also engaged in a "seed bank" project through the National Tree Trust. With the help of volunteers, a minimum of 1000 seeds each of spice bush and paw paw were collected on refuge islands and sent to a West Virginia state tree nursery for propagation. Under this arrangement, the National Tree Trusts pays the nursery for culturing costs and the tree seedlings are made available the following year for planting on public lands. The refuge hopes to receive back a large share of the seedlings.
Figure 15. Happy gatherers display the stock of spice bush berries they collected for future refuge reforestation. 26
Students from Washington State Community College in Marietta, Ohio also contributed to future reforestation efforts by collecting and preparing paw paw seeds for planting on the refuge. Seeds collected in the fall of 1997 were planted in a nursery plot on Middle Island in the spring of 1998. Transplanting of the seedlings will take place in 1999.
8. Having This was the fourth and final year of a haying program on Middle Island. The program consists of one permittee and was established to occupy habitat so certain weedy species would not overtake the island. The effort allowed the refuge to continue implementation of a reforestation program toward species endemic to the Ohio River floodplain. Approximately 126 acres of the total 235 acres on Middle Island were initially put into the program. In 1998 the acreage hayed was reduced to 85 acres and will be not be renewed in 1999. The hay fields are restricted to planting of native warm/cool season grasses, which provide an excellent base for reforestation efforts. In 1998 the permittee removed several cuttings of hay off these fields. Harvesting of the hay fields once again provided some limited dove hunting opportunities.
10. Pest Control One of the major habitat management problems throughout the islands refuge is exotic plants. Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and sachaline (Polygonum sachalinense) are two of the most problematic perennial invasive species, establishing tall monocultures which crowd out native herbaceous, shrub and tree species. In 1998, refuge staff tried control measures on 20 acres of knotweed on Broadback Island. An extensive trail system had to be cut through the knotweed patches just to gain access. The knotweed patches were cut into grids and sprayed with Roundup from a step ladder using a handwand supplied by a 300' hose to the tank in the boat. The area will be treated again in 1999 and then planted with bottomland hardwoods in 2000. Aerial spraying of knotweed is not an alternative due to forest canopy and close proximity to the river. Figure 16, Control of Japanese knotweed is a daunting challenge, as it grows 8 to 10 feet tall by mid-summer.
Figure 17. Trails must first be mowed through the knotweed to gain access for spraying. 28 Since the knotweeds are a perennial group of species, complete evaluation of the effect of these treatments will have to await post-emergence in 1999 growing season. However, initial indications are that active-flowering treatment with Roundup showed the best initial response (nearly 100% kill). Mile-a-minute weed (Polyaanum perfoliatum), another invasive exotic plant with the potential to thwart reforestation and habitat protection efforts, was first identified on the refuge in 1993 at Muskingum Island. This vining, fast-growing annual is native to Asia, and was not known in the Ohio River valley prior to the 1980s where it was first seen at Boaz, WV, a mainland site directly adjacent to Muskingum Island. The island is now heavily infested with Mile-a-minute weed, probably made worse by ground-disturbing well-plugging activities in 1993.
Figure 18. Mile-a-minute grows over the top of herbaceous and woody vegetation. 29
Known locations of mile-a-minute weed in the Ohio River valley are limited to just two counties; Wood County in WV, and an adjacent county in Ohio, Washington. In addition to Muskingum Island and several mainland locations, it is also known to occur on Vienna and Neal islands. The refuge staff organized and held an initial meeting of what has become a Mile-A-Minute Task Force, which is focusing on the current distribution, spread, and potential control/eradication techniques applicable to mile-a-minute weed. The first meeting was held in February 1997 at the local Department of Agriculture NRCS facility, and was attended by approximately 30 representatives of concerned Federal, state, private entities, and universities, and local industries along the Ohio River within a regional "epicenter" of mile-a-minute. The second meeting was held in February 1998. The group developed a mechanism for recording new locations of mile-a-minute, having voucher specimens sent to a local university, began preparation of a white paper on the problems associated with mile-a-minute, and established an immediate need to begin testing potential control/eradication techniques. The refuge will begin testing control measures in 1999. Biologist Morrison and ORP Janet Butler attended an Exotic Plant Task Force Meeting in Washington, DC focusing on mile-a- minute (polygonum perfoliatum) and its potential control techniques. The refuge also hosted a meeting of the Mid-Ohio Valley Mile-a-Minute Task Force representing Federal, state, and local agencies and individuals having an interest in tracking the spread of mile-a-minute and testing different techniques for its potential control.
G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity The refuge continues to collect information on the diversity of wildlife species inhabiting the refuge. With the invaluable assistance of a number of dedicated volunteers, the refuge completed surveys for butterflies, amphibians, and small mammals in 1998. Baseline inventories also continue for breeding birds (by point count methodology) and freshwater 30 mussels. Other regular surveys conducted during 1998 include the mid-winter bald eagle survey, great blue heron rookery checks. International Migratory Bird Day Count, and zebra mussel monitoring at six Ohio River sites.
Figure 19 31
Figure 20. A red- spotted purple butterfly dazzled the butterfly enthusiasts during the July Butterfly Count.
The refuge now has computerized databases to hold most of the biological data heretofore collected on the refuge - rookery database, freshwater mussel database, miscellaneous wildlife database, and the Region 5 Census Database. Many thanks to Hal Laskowski, Southern Zone Biologist, for his invaluable assistance in refining and modifying the mussel database to accommodate our data analysis and reporting needs. 32
2. Endangered and Threatened Species On January 5, Biologist Morrison and Office Assistant Bloomer conducted the fourth mid-winter Bald Eagle Survey which covers a continuous 29 mile route along the Willow Island Pool of the Ohio River. One adult bald eagle was recorded this year. Under the current Federal salvage permit signed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and cooperating states in the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem, one live endangered fat pocketbook {Potamilus capax) was collected from the heavily zebra mussel infested lower Ohio River below Paducah, Kentucky, and one fanshell {Cyprogenia stegaria) was collected below Belleville Dam. Both were transported and held at the Middle Island Quarantine Facility, and then transported for long term holding at the Leetown Science Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia. In August of 1998, Biologist Morrison and temporary biotech R.J. Lewis assisted the West Virginia DNR in radio-telemetry studies with the endangered Virginia big-eared bat. Twelve bats had been captured and fitted with radio transmitters, and the objective of the telemetry study was to identify the night time ranges, feeding areas, and roosting areas of these endangered bats. Morrison and Lewis spent four nights tracking and plotting of movements of the bats along North Mountain and the South Branch of the Potomac River Valley.
4. Marsh and Water Birds - Heron Rookeries During 1998, refuge staff monitored two of the three known great blue heron rookeries on the Ohio River Islands: Muskingum Island and Grape Island. The Fish Creek Island rookery (off-refuge) was not monitored this year due to lack of staff and time. The other small rookery below Wells Island on the Ohio mainland had six nests again, all in the same large sycamore tree. 33
Figure 21. Great blue herons nest on three refuge islands, so far. The number of active nests on Grape Island declined by 17% since last year, but the rookery is expanding geographically into new trees along the north side of the slough. Some of the large silver maples (the dominant nest tree) are losing major limbs and, hence, available nest sites.
6. Raptors
The Mountwood Bird Club monitored the progress of a pair of osprey nesting, for the fourth year, on top of a power line tower at the toe of Neal Island near Parkersburg, West Virginia. The same pair of adults built a second nest on a transmission tower on the West Virginia mainland, but laid their eggs in the nest on the island. This year, two osprey chicks hatched, and one young eventually fledged. The adult birds (at least one was banded) nesting in the valley are the result of a six-year osprey re-introduction project spearheaded by the DuPont Wildlife Enhancement Committee in cooperation with the West Virginia DNR and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There was another osprey nest documented on a transmission tower near Rayland, Ohio, but no information is available on success or hatching rate. There was also a nest attempt on the Belleville, West Virginia transmission tower, but the nest was abandoned before completion. 34
Table 7 - Trends in nesting activity on Ohio River Island Rookeries, measured by number of active nests
LOCATION OF ROOKERY
YEAR Grape Island Fish Creek Is. Muskingum Island
1992 105 140
1993 126 150
1994 123 169
1995 68 106
1996 92 131
1997 102 115 1
1998 85 no data 4
Table 8 - History of Osprey Nesting, Neal Island.
Year # Hatched # Fledged
1995 0 0
1996 3 3
1997 3 3
1998 2 1
Due to lack of staff and time, the two barn owl nesting boxes on refuge properties were not checked during 1998.
7. Other Migratory Birds
The refuge again participated in International Migratory Bird Day Counts on Middle Island in Pleasants County, and the Ohio River and Blennerhassett Island in Wood County. The Christmas Bird Count for 1998 was a bust due to poor weather conditions (snow, wind, and ice).
During the month of June, Biologist Morrison and two summer interns conducted the third year of a five year baseline breeding bird survey by point count methodology at 45 points along seven islands in the refuge, including parts of three 35 West Virginia counties. The breeding bird survey was run over a three day period (visiting an average of 15 points per day). The data have been entered in the Census database, developed by Hal Laskowski, and will also be entered in the West Virginia Partners in Flight Point Count Data Clearing House in
Figure 22. Biologist Morrison and Biotech Lewis conduct Breeding Bird Surveys in the early, damp, morning hours.
It is important to recognize the limitations of any surveys in trying to document uses of the refuge by a particular faunal group. The list of breeding birds generated by the point count survey methodology is by no means comprehensive, but rather provides a index that can be compared year-to-year. Of notable interest is the fact that 15 of the 20 species of birds identified by the West Virginia Partners in Flight working groups as species of concern in fact nest on the Ohio River Islands NWR.
During 1998, the refuge continued to monitor prothonotary warbler nest boxes which were placed on the islands as part of the cooperative program with the West Virginia DNR and DuPont Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Committee. Ten of the 74 boxes were lost due to record flooding during the winter of 1996. Of the remaining 64 boxes, prothonotary warblers used two. Other bird species nesting in the boxes included tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees, house wrens and Carolina wrens. The boxes are also seasonally used by Peromvscis and mud 36 daubers. This completes the third year of the warbler box program. All boxes are being brought in, cleaned, maintained, and the program will be evaluated based on the last three years of data. Placement of boxes and number will be dependent on the evaluation.
10. Other Resident Wildlife Ohio River Islands NWR plays a pivotal role in both setting strategies and accomplishing tasks in furtherance of ORVE Resource Priority #1: "In cooperation with partners, reverse the decline of native aquatic mollusks within the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem with emphasis on endangered, threatened and candidate species and species of concern." The refuge's contribution is prominent not only because of our geographic location (i.e., with property situated along 365 miles of the Ohio River), but also because of the unique expertise of the refuge in having a dive team which specializes in freshwater mussel work. Since the refuge boundaries actually encompass underwater acreage as well as terrestrial habitat, the refuge has a continuing need for a dive team in order to conduct its own systematic surveys and monitoring of native mussels on the refuge. In addition, refuge staff have embraced the concept of the ecosystem approach to management and actually set aside time to work "beyond the refuge boundary signs" on important freshwater mussel issues in the Ohio River basin. Biologist Morrison is the leader of the ORVE Freshwater Mollusk Subgroup, and is also the Monitoring Coordinator for all mussel surveys (both native and zebra mussels) in the ORVE. During 1998, refuge staff conducted three mussel surveys on refuge, and seven surveys off refuge in furtherance of ORVE Resource Priority #1. These activities will be discussed below under the headings which parallel the major components of the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem Unionid Conservation Plan. a^ Monitoring The refuge began baseline mussel surveys along the newly acquired Buckley Island property in Wood County, West Virginia. Initial brailing and hand-picking surveys revealed at least 15 species of native mussels so far, and, unfortunately, zebra mussels are beginning to explode in the upper Ohio River. 37
Figure 23. Summer intern Kate Murray with a successful brail haul of over 40 mussels. A large percentage of the refuge's mussel monitoring activities in 1998 was expended in conducting zebra mussel monitoring at six locations along the Ohio River mainstem. Sampling at the four downstream sites off- refuge are the result of a cooperative effort of 24 different individuals representing nine distinct partners which get together for one week a year to conduct the monitoring at these four sites. Assisting in 1998 were Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, West Virginia DNR, Ohio Biological Survey, Ohio DNR, Indiana DNR, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, U. S. Forest Service, USEPA, and representatives of eight U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offices (Ohio River Islands, White Sulphur Springs NFH, Elkins Field Office, Reynoldsburg OH Field Office, Muscatatuck NWR, Bloomington Field Office, Cookeville Field Office, and Carterville IL Fisheries Assistance). 38
Figure 24. Refuge and EPA divers prepare to enter the water to assess the status of zebra mussels.
Figure 25. The stetrtling beauty of native freshwater mussels at Hawesville, KY. 39 The year 1998 marks the fourth year of annual monitoring at six mainstem Ohio River sites. Zebra mussel density and biomass had been increasing steadily in the lower Ohio River through 1997, and in 1998 we documented the first year of decline in both zebra density and biomass at all four lower Ohio River sites. In contrast, the two upper Ohio River sites had very low numbers of zebras through 1997, however, we saw striking increases in both density and biomass at both upper Ohio River sites in 1998. The reasons for the declines in the lower river are not yet fully understood, however, the lower Ohio River experienced an unusual summer flood event which was not felt in the upper river. It is possible that the flood velocities may have scoured some of the zebra mussels off the bottom. It may also be possible that the lower-most zebras attached to the substrate and native mussels merely reached ripe old age and died, thus taking everything attached to them away with them when they released from the bottom. There may be other physical and chemical factors which account for the recent declines in zebra mussels in the lower river, but only time will tell. Zebra mussel densities in the lower river are at present less than 2000 per square meter (down from 31,000 per square meter last year). Zebra mussel densities in the upper river are now approaching 5000 per square meter. Native mussel mortality is still elevated at four sites (range is 12 to 44 percent fresh dead shells). Although there is no evidence that the natives are "crashing" in the lower Ohio River, we are seeing decreased live density of natives at two of the four lower Ohio River sites. In addition, there is a concern of sub-lethal effects being expressed in reduced recruitment of native mussels. At two of the four lower Ohio River sites, recruitment as expressed by percent of native mussels less than or equal to three years old has been below two percent since 1997.
Muskingum Island - This site showed over a twenty-fold increase in zebra density in one year. The native mussel community is still healthy, but average number of zebras per live native exceeded 56, and nearly 90% of the natives are now infested with zebra mussels.
Manchester Islands - Over 96% of the native mussels are infested with zebras, and the average number of zebras per live native is 17.7. Zebra density and biomass continues to increase, and native mussel mortality expressed by percent fresh dead is now approximately 20%. Live native density has declined slightly, and biomass of natives has also decreased. Recruitment of juveniles has declined somewhat, but is still in the neighborhood of 10%. 40
Aurora - The native mussels in the Aurora bed have already crashed. Initial monitoring in 1995 revealed the bed with nine live species, 6.4 animals per square meter, biomass of 476 grams per meter square, and percent fresh dead of four percent. Zebra mussels reached a peak in 1997 of 14,645 per square meter, and a zebra mussel biomass exceeding 12 pounds per square meter. In 1998, only four live species were encountered, at a density of one animal per square meter, and a biomass of 17 grams per square meter. Freshdead mortality approaches 44 percent. Although the zebras had declined to less than 2000 per square meter, the natives have been so stressed by previously high level of zebra infestation that they may not be able to recover.
Rosewood - Densities of zebra mussels at the Rosewood Bed have exceeded 31,000 per square meter in 1997, and a biomass of 1,908 grams per meter square. Although zebra mussel densities in 1998 were below 1000 per square meter, the native live density has declined from 18 animals per square meter to 11 per square meter since 1995. Native mortality expressed as percent freshdead shells reached 33% in 1997, but was only eight percent in 1998, closer to background levels of mortality. Native mussel biomass has declined by 25% over the four year monitoring period.
Hawesville - The Hawesville bed remains a mystery. After seeing initial zebra mussel densities in excess of 3500 per square meter in 1995, zebra mussel density continued to decline annually to 4.2 per square meter in 1998. During the sampling time frame in September, we would see new recruitment of zebras every year (as indicated by the presence of zebra mussels less than or equal to 15 millimeters), yet when we returned the following September, there was little evidence of survival of those recruits to adulthood. It is unknown whether there are physical, chemical, or some combination of factors at work which are suppressing zebra mussel survival. Although native mussel density and live biomass have also declined during the sampling period, it is not clear whether that decline can be attributed to the zebra mussels. Recruitment of natives at the Hawesville site has only been one percent for the past two years.
Cypress Bend - Zebra mussel density at this site reached a peak in 1997 of 15,693 per square meter, and a zebra biomass of 2,753 grams per meter. Average number of zebras per unionid reached a high of 445, and a maximum of 1,293. In 1998, zebra densities have declined to 491 per square meter, and the average number per live unionid is now only 14.3. Native mussel mortality expressed as 41
percent freshdead approached 37% in 1997, but in 1998 was back down to 12%. Over the past four years, live native density has declined almost 45% from 10 animals per square meter down to 5.7. Live native biomass has declined from 1,315 grams per square meter to 851. Native mussel recruitment has been in decline for the past four years, and was found to be zero in 1998. b. Focus Areas for Protection and Restoration The ORVE Mollusk Subgroup completed its task of developing a preliminary list of focus areas for mollusk protection and restoration. This list can be amended at any time by the submission of new information, for example, the state of Ohio has yet to nominate any of its streams for focus area designation. Table 9 lists the focus areas by category - watershed protection, limited area protection, restoration, and not enough information at this time. Selected reaches of the Ohio River are focus areas for protection, specifically those pools in reaches where federally listed species occur - the Belleville and Racine Pools in the upper Ohio River, which includes a number of refuge islands.
Table 9 - Focus areas for mollusk protection and restoration in the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem.
WATERSHED PROTECTION/RESTORATION •French Creek Watershed North Fork Hughes Middle Island Creek •Tippecanoe River Dunkard Creek East Fork White South Fork Kentucky River •Green River Elk River Wabash River RH 411.4-271.1 Barren River •Licking River Allegheny River
•indicates the most intact systems
LIMITED AREA PROTECTION Kanawha River (above navigation) Ohio River (selected pools & reaches where listed species occur)
RESTORATION Kanawha River Dunkard Creek Ohio River Hackers Creek Elk - site specific
NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION TO CONSIDER AT THIS TIME Sugar Creek North Fork Vermillion River 42 c. Propagation and Holding
The Ohio River Valley Ecosystem Unionid Conservation Plan has an aggressive propagation and holding component. For those species of big river mussels which are at risk due to zebra mussels, off site holding and propagation may provide an important management tool for restoring these populations once the zebra mussels run their course (if ever) and also for reintroduction into areas historically occupied by these species basinwide. The refuge has collected specimens from the mainstem Ohio River for captive rearing studies at Leetown Aquatic Ecology Laboratory and White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery. The refuge also assists in propagation and holding studies by operating and maintaining a freshwater mussel quarantine facility on the Middle Island tract of the refuge. Refuge staff assisted in scrubbing and inspecting the native mussels after their mandatory quarantine period to insure that they are zebra free before transporting them to their long-term holding facilities. During 1998, approximately 600 mussels went through the Middle Island Quarantine Facility on route to White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery. Five federally endangered mussels are now in captivity at Leetown. Based on four years of experience now, the refuge has a revised quarantine protocol to make the process less stressful on native mussels and more likely to exclude zebra mussels from entering the facility at all. During 1998, two of our most dedicated refuge volunteers rebuilt the quarantine facility - installed insulation, walls, drop-in ceiling, and new lighting. d. Meeting Research Needs During 1998, the refuge participated in activity in two research projects which are pertinent to the long term survival of native freshwater mussels in the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem. These two projects are summarized below.
Comparison of Glycogen Levels in Native Mussels: River Versus Pond Environments. Refuge staff assisted researchers at Virginia Polytechnic institute and the Leetown Science Center in comparing the physiology condition of native mussels, principally glycogen levels, from pond versus river environments. Over 6,000 mussels have been held in ponds at the Leetown Science Center since 1995. During the past year, representative samples of these mussels have been sacrificed to assess their condition. The refuge collected animals from the wild in the Ohio River near Muskingum Island to use as a background reference for normal glycogen levels. 43 Preliminary results indicate that the animals which have been held in ponds are in relatively poor condition in that their glycogen levels have been significantly reduced when compared with those animals from the open river. This may indicate a problem with long-term holding of native mussels in this particular pond, or that the food supply has been somehow compromised in the localized reservoir system. The glycogen levels of animals at an alternative holding site (White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery) are being looked at now as a comparison.
Figure 26. Mussel tissue is shucked from the shell and preserved in enthanol for glycogen content analysis.
Captive Holding and Propagation of Ohio River Native Mussels. Refuge staff continued to collect native mussels for captive holding at Leetown Aquatic Ecology Laboratory and White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery. Both facilities have target lists of species which they have permits to hold, and refuge staff keeps the list handy when out in the field collecting for other purposes. All animals collected for captive holding are first taken through the mandatory 30 day quarantine procedure to ensure that zebra mussels are not inadvertently introduced into the pond systems at the off-site holding facilities. Thus far, the quarantine 44
process has worked well. Native mussels must be certified zebra-free before they can be moved out of the quarantine facility; if zebra mussels show up at the end of the first 30 day period, they are rescrubbed, cleaned, and put in clean water and kept another 30 days until they are certified zebra-free. e. Outreach Biologist Morrison gave a presentation at the American Fisheries Society, Southern Division Mid-Winter Meeting held in Lexington, Kentucky titled "Monitoring the Impacts of Zebra Mussels on Native Mussels in the Ohio River." Biologist Morrison gave a scientific presentation at the 1998 Mid-West Fish and Wildlife Conference held in Cincinnati, Ohio titled "Conserving Ohio River Basin Freshwater Mussels: An Ecosystem Approach." Biologist Morrison gave a talk at the newly renovated Ohio River Museum on the importance of freshwater mussels in the Ohio River Valley Ecosystem. Biologist Morrison published an article in the January 1998 issue of Dreissena!, a publication of the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse. The article is titled "Ohio River Zebra Mussel Strategic Action Plan: Monitoring, Salvage, and Captive Holding."
16. Marking and Banding
Due to lack of staff and time, no wood duck banding occurred in 1998.
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General
Acquisition of Buckley Island in 1998 expanded refuge public use opportunities. The former owners had posted the island with "no trespassing" signs, a precedence making the refuge's use restrictions much less prohibitive by comparison. This 160-acre island, although technically in West Virginia, has more of an Ohio affiliation with its past ownership and history, and already has shown itself to be a valuable connection for the refuge in increasing our recognition in Ohio. Many people refer to it as "Marietta" Island with the town of Marietta, Ohio off on its western side. 45 A refuge kiosk was placed on the head of the island to provide visitors with information about public use. Although the island lacks bridge access, 1-77 crosses the Ohio River over the island and would be an ideal location for a highway department sign identifying the island and the refuge. The island is also a focal point for passengers on the Valley Gem, a local sternwheeler operating out of Marietta which takes summer visitors on river tours. A range of possibilities exists for using the Valley Gem for transport of visitors, including trips such as the one taken by a group of retired "Appalachian Lifelong Learners" who arranged for a refuge- narrated tour around the island.
Figure 27. Intern Holly Barns views Buckley Islsmd from the Valley Gem sternwheeler in preparation for a group tour.
The refuge received five custom interpretive panels from Wilderness Graphics for an auto tour on Middle Island. These fiberglass-embedment panels are mounted in aluminum frames and covered with Lexan plexiglass. They were installed along one and a half miles of road on Middle Island and interpret the refuge's habitat restoration on what was agricultural land prior to refuge acquisition. 46
Figure 28. One of five new interpretive signs designed for the Middle Island auto tour. A walking trail providing visitors with improved opportunities for wildlife observation was mowed on Middle Island. The trail begins at the toe of the island and winds through a natural succession area and tree plots before ending 1 1/4 miles later at the barn parking lot. The trail also gives visitors a choice about walking with road traffic or having a more secluded experience. The trail was not intended to be permanent, but offers the staff a chance to evaluate impacts before a permanent location is decided upon. The refuge will partner with Pleasants County Middle School in 1999 to construct and interpret a permanent trail with a loop route. Karen Parlett, a 5th grade teacher at the school, received a $10,000 Toyota Tapestry grant for a proposal she developed with ORP Butler to implement a trail project on the refuge and on the Internet. The refuge is designated to receive $5500 for on-the-ground work at Middle Island from this grant. Through a Challenge Cost Share grant, the refuge will also receive another $5500 toward implementation of the project which will include a barrier-free wildlife viewing blind. 47
••
Figure 29. Intern Kate Murray measures the length of a new trail on Middle Island.
2. Outdoor Classrooms- Students
Two-hundred-fifty students from Ohio and West Virginia participated in staff-assisted outdoor classroom activities on the refuge. Although these activities are usually scheduled for Middle Island because of bridge access, the refuge accommodated an 8th grade class from Manchester, OH due to our limited presence on that end of the refuge. These students visited Manchester 2 Island in the spring and again in the fall. They helped set up prothonotary warbler nest boxes and helped checked them for use in the fall. They also dug out Japanese knotweed and planted tree seedlings in its place. Figure 30. Students from Manchester, OH check prothonotary nest boxes on Manchester 2 Island. Several classes visited Middle Island to learn about habitat restoration on the refuge and participated in this on-going project by helping plant trees. Pleasants County Middle School fifth graders made their annual trip to the refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week. They studied Middle Island's small mammals, insects, trees, and non-native plants. These students also had an additional assignment to write a report about a plant or animal on the island in preparation for the 1999 trail and web site project that received a Toyota Tapestry grant for implementation. 49
Figure 31. Pleasant Co., WV Middle School students use observation skills to identify insects with ORP Butler during an outdoor classroom exercise.
3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers
The refuge collaborated with Washington State Coimnunity College to provide a teacher workshop on Buckley Island for Washington, County Ohio teachers. Twenty-eight teachers participated in activities that had them wading in the river looking for native freshwater mussels and invasive zebra mussels, taking water samples, and exploring island habitats. For many of the teachers, this was their first experience on the river. 50
Figure 32. Washington Co., Ohio teachers get their feet wet with ORP Butler while looking for freshwater mussels during a workshop.
6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
The biggest event of the year in terms of refuge effort was a National Fishing Week event held at Parkersburg City Park with the West Virginia DNR. Bio-tech R.J. Lewis and interns Holly Barnes and Kate Murray assisted ORP Butler with organizing the event and producing exhibits and games. The West Virginia DNR brought a live fish display and a local fishing club was on hand with expert advice for anglers wanting to know more about the sport. Prizes were donated by many local businesses and organizations in addition to those provided with the National Fishing Week casting contest kit. But for all the hours that went into preparing the event, the cool weather and location apparently did not make for the most successful attendance combination. About seventy-five kids and fifty adults came to the exhibits and games. 51
Figure 33. Intern Holly Barnes challenges a contestant with a fishing question as part of festivities for National Fishing Week.
Figure 34. WV DNR Fisheries Biologist Scott Morrison and ORP Janet Butler keep an eye on lines during the NFW casting contest. 52
"Refuge Jeopardy" was once again a popular tool for reaching students at the annual "YES (Youth Engineering and Science) Day" event held at Marietta College for local 7th and 8th graders. Thirty-four classes and 544 students participated. The game was also used at the West Virginia Non-Game Wildlife Day held at the state capitol building in February for about 350 students and adults.
Figure 35. Intern Kate Murray hosts refuge "Jeopardy" as part of Young Engineers and Scientists Days at Marietta College. Educators in Ohio continued to request programs focusing on freshwater mussels while in West Virginia there were no inquiries. Refuge Biologist Morrison brought a variety of mussel-related activities to 2nd graders attending a summer program at Ohio River Museum in Marietta, OH. ORP Butler presented similar activities to children attending a summer education series at the Beverly, OH public library. ORP Butler also spent a day at a Salem, OH school teaching students in grades 1-6 about mussels. Collectively, over 200 children participated. Megan Smith, a fourth grade student at Lubeck Elementary School, researched the cultural and economic history of mussels and prepared a display for the Social Studies Fair. She received a 2nd place award at the Wood County Social Studies Fair. 53
flAUT: , It (TA |COMMUMI vail
rESTI;IU)AYH1USSI-:i.S-^ TOO AY i0? 33 m
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Figure 36. Megan Smith and her social studies fair display on the cultural history of freshwater mussels.
7. Other Interpretive Programs The refuge continues to receive many requests for general presentations to schools, civic groups, professional organizations, and clubs, and provided twenty-one outreach presentations in 1998. Several slide presentations were given at refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan meetings, but the majority of the programs were in response to requests from a wide range of groups including 4-H clubs; a Beverly, Ohio nursing home; Parkersburg Lions Clubs, Vienna Garden Club, Marietta Ad Club, and several schools. Several interpretive programs took place on the refuge or, in the case of 80 members of Appalachian Lifelong Learners, near the refuge. This group of mostly retired people came from Morgantown, WV to see the refuge from the Valley Gem sternwheeler with ORP Butler interpreting the scene as they cruised around Buckley Island. The popular Fourth of July Butterfly Count had to be cancelled because of rain, but was picked up two weeks later by the Sierra Club service trip group volunteering on the refuge for a week. 54
Figure 37. Members participating in a Sierra Club National Service Trip surveyed butterflies on Middle Island.
In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week in October, the refuge scheduled activities to coincide with the Week. Outdoor classroom activities for Pleasants County Middle School students have become an annual event during this week. ORP Butler also gave a Lions Club presentation in Parkersburg, guided 15 boy scouts on a refuge nature walk, and narrated a tour of the Valley Gem sternwheeler around Muskingum Island. In keeping with a National Wildlife Refuge Week tradition started in 1995, a special tree was planted on Middle Island. Rather than honoring an individual as in previous years, a pin oak was dedicated to all refuge volunteers. a^ Media Outreach The refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan process brought more media inquiries than usual because of news releases issued by our regional office. The refuge also issued news releases on sign vandalism at Middle Island, volunteer tree planting. International Migratory Bird Day, Middle Island bird count, Buckley Island acquisition, Broadback Island herbicide spraying. Middle Island hunting, Muskingum Island zebra mussel monitoring, National Wildlife Refuge Week, and closure of Manchester 2 Island to hunting during stabilization work. 55
Media coverage concerning the refuge was highly favorable overall. The only note of controversy was expressed in a Parkersburg News article written following a public meeting held in conjunction with the refuge's CCP process. The article reported briefly on the West Virginia DNR's disagreement with the refuge on hunting restrictions.
Figure 38. Refuge Manager Jerry Wilson and WTAP-TV staff pause for our cameras following an interview on Buckley Island. 56
Table 10 - Media coverage
Parkersburg News Volunteer tree planting
Parkersburg Sentinel Volunteer tree planting
Marietta Times Volunteer tree planting
St. Marys Oracle Volunteer tree planting
Wheeling Intelligencer Buffalo Creek Acq.
Steubenville TV Buffalo Creek Acq.
Maysville newspaper Manchester 2 stabilization
Manchester newspaper Student volunteer on Island
Wheeler Intelligencer Refuge CCP
Marietta Times Refuge CCP
Ohio Public Radio CCP
Kentucky Post CCP
WTAP TV Buckley Island Acq.
Marietta Times Buckley Island Acq.
Parkersburg News Buckley Island Acq.
Lexington Herald CCP
Reg. 4 Special Affairs Mussel poaching invest.
Marietta Newspaper CCP
Magic 1010 radio CCP
Wild Ohio Magazine Refuge—general
Pittsburgh Magazine Refuge—general
Ohio Public Radio Manchester 2 stab.
WV Retirement Times Refuge—general
Louisville Courier Jr. Zebra Mussel Monitoring
WTAP TV Zebra Mussel Monitoring
WCHS TV Zebra Mussel Monitoring
USFWS - WO - Erick Eckel Zebra Mussel Monitoring
Cincinnati Post Manchester 2 Stabilization
Parkersburg Mews Refuge Hunt Opportunities 57
8. Hunting The refuge received more inquiries about hunting opportunities in 1998 than in previous years. Public participation in this activity remains quite restricted because of access limitations. Only Middle Island offers a bridge from the mainland to an area open for hunting. The WV DNR continued to question our policy on dogs which limits their use for retrieval purposes only, rather than allowing use to include pursuit as in rabbit hunting. Comments received from the public concerning refuge hunting indicate overall support for the refuge's position. Some hunters have expressed appreciation for the relative seclusion that the islands offer, particularly for archery deer hunting. Recently acquired Buckley Island was opened to hunting in 1998, although the mainland property remained closed to hunting until adjacent landowners can be met with. Although a news release announced the goose and dove hunts on Middle Island, few hunters took advantage of either opportunity. The refuge closed the north end of the island to other public uses during the hunt period, and should evaluate future hunting use to determine whether this closure best serves the public. Non-consumptive wildlife-dependent uses such as wildlife observation are popular on the island, and restricting those uses for hunting may do more damage to our public support than what we gain by offering hunting at this location. Visitors are required to carry a refuge hunt brochure while hunting on the refuge. There is no registration of hunters specific to the refuge.
9. Fishing
Refuge specific regulations are limited in relation to sport fishing. This was due to adequate state fishing regulations and most fishing activities occurring from a boat along the perimeter of islands. However, fishing is restricted to day- use only. This year the refuge has a significant number of underwater acreage added to the land base. These added underwater acreages associated with islands now in the refuge system will strengthen the Service's position if adjustments are ever needed in the fishing program. Current fishing activities on refuge properties are compatible and pose no impact to refuge resources or other programs. Total fishing visits in 1997 was estimated at 20,400. The logistical layout of this refuge makes accurate assessment of any public use activity almost impossible. 58
Figure 39. Fishing attracts many anglers seeking good habitt associated with underwater areas of refuge islands,
14. Picnicking Facilities for picnicking are not provided on any of the refuge islands. This activity occurs in conjunction with other public use and is included in "beach-use" figure in Table 11.
16. Other Non-Wildlife Dependent Recreation Most refuge visitor use is difficult to track because there are no designated entry points. With twenty islands and two mainland properties now in the refuge, we can only estimate visitor use for each activity, relying in part on field observations of activities and inguiries to the refuge about specific uses. The only property obviously receiving increasing use is Middle Island with its bridge, and it is often difficult to make the call on whether the use occurring there is wildlife-dependent. People are probably attracted to the wild setting as a place to engage in an activity, such as walking or bicycling, that could also take place on the streets of the adjacent town. 59 Other islands, such as Manchester 1 and 2, bear little resemblance to the beach party atmosphere common on summer weekends just three years ago. When questioned about this decline in use, one local resident of the Manchester, OH area attributed it to the major flood that occurred in 1997. He claimed that people had become afraid of the river. Another possible reason for decline is the rumor that the refuge is not open to the public. All refuge properties are posted with the standard refuge boundary signs, and time and time again they are interpreted as "keep off" warnings. Despite numerous newspaper articles and large information signs on the most heavily used islands, we encounter people who "thought they weren't allowed on the refuge." While the decline in non-wildlife dependent uses is desirable, it may reveal another problem in that all types of users may feel discouraged about visiting the refuge. Beach use and picnicking continued to decline in 1998. The addition of Buckley Island to the refuge did not seem to have much effect on these uses, although it was necessary on at least three occasions to disperse fire rings left by visitors who ignored the nearby information sign.
Table 11 - Refuge Recreational Use - 1998
BEACH/ * WILDLIFE MONTH WATER USE OTHER** FISHING HUNTING OBSERVA. TOTALS
Jan — 20 50 50 — 12 0 Feb — 50 — — — 50 March — 60 — — 90 150 April — 120 2000 — 125 2245 May 1000 150 4100 — 150 5400 June 6000 1200 4500 — 150 11850 July 9000 1400 2000 — 250 12650 Aug. 7000 2600 2000 — 200 11800 Sept. 2000 1000 2800 30 100 5930 Oct. 1000 200 2100 85 100 3485 Nov. — 50 800 35 20 905 Dec. — 50 50 50 10 160 TOTALS 26,000 6900 20400 250 1195 54745
* Beach and water use includes boating, waterskiing, sunbathing ** bicycling, walking, jogging, auto touring, and picnicking 60
17. Law Enforcement
ROS Cox completed the LMTP law enforcement training at FLETC in February and Refuge Officer Basic School in July. He will serve as collateral duty refuge officer for the refuge and is the only refuge officer to patrol 20 islands spread over 360 miles of river. Compliance during 1998 was good overall. Several warnings were issued for overnight mooring on the islands. Camping is still a problem on the refuge but has declined drastically over the last few years. One person had taken up residence on his boat while tied to Paden Island. Given his questionable mental status he was issued a warning and told to leave. He complied. Officer Cox and Special Agent Gorham assisted the Tyler County Sheriff Department and the Sistersville Police Department in a search for a fugitive wanted for 52 counts of sexual assault on minors. There were four sightings of the fugitive hiding out on the refuge islands. The search proved unsuccessful but may have flushed him out as he turned himself in to the Wood Co. Sheriff Department four days later.
One hunter was cited for hunting over bait for deer during the refuge deer archery season. Deer gun hunting is prohibited on the refuge and kept Officer Cox busy with patrols during the season. Hunting within the closed mainland Buckley tract was active, but due to the rugged terrain and the hunters use of 4-wheelers for escape, no citations were issued.
Figure 40, Baiting for deer is illegal on the refuge, as this hunter found out on opening morning. He was forced to clean up the baited site and pay a $100 fine. 61 The refuge once again held a dove hunt on Middle Island over harvested hay fields. Due to reforestation efforts and substantial habitat changes, dove hunting will be phased out over the next few years. This season less than 12 people turned out and compliance with steel shot and refuge specific zoning regulations was excellent. The early waterfowl season was guiet with no citations written but is expected to be busy in January when the migration peaks along the river. Visitor contact patrols were conducted over select holidays and weekends. Refuge staff Wilson, Butler, Morrison and Cox shared the responsibilities of contacting individuals on all 20 refuge islands scattered along 362 miles of the Ohio River. Fortunately, through previous contacts, brochures, and interpretive kiosks on select islands, we continue to have exceptional visitor compliance.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
3. Major Maintenance Boundary sign maintenance continues to be a major task. Factors including high water, vandalism, and lush Japanese knotweed growth makes periodic inspection, replacement, and weed clearing a necessity. Each sign has to be inspected/weeded 2-3 times per year keeping these signs visible to the public is critical in order to enforce refuge regulations and distinguish which islands are in the refuge system. Basic maintenance of all 175 boundary signs is by boat.
Maintenance activities centered around Middle Island's two mile access road. A total of 400 tons of gravel were spread on the road in 1998. Base rock on the northern mile of the road was provided by Triad Oil Company and spread with a rented backhoe using refuge staff.
4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement
In September 1998, the refuge received a new 18' Boston Whaler with a 150 H.P. motor which was purchased with 1997 Flood Money. The 1991 Blazer was replaced (through MMS) with a 1998 Tahoe. The Blazer was transferred to Monomoy NWR, The refuge purchased a new Ricoh Copier. Flammable Storage cabinets were purchased for the Middle Island facility and the refuge headquarters shop. 62
5. Communication System The refuge communication system consists of marine radios in all boats, cellular phones in the refuge vehicles (which can be taken into the boats) and two hand-held radios for various purposes. The office phone system is a "Norstar Meridian" system featuring five lines (we added one new fax/computer line and a voice line), an intercom system, paging, memory dialing, and other functions.
6. Computer System
The refuge purchased four new Micron Computers and a new Hewlett Packard Desktop Printer in 1998. Software used at the station indues: Windows, WordPerfect, Microsoft Work, Microsoft Money, Microsoft Powerpoint, RBase.
J. OTHER ITEMS
3. Items of Interest On December 27, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt visited the refuge (see photo in Section E-l). He was given a boat tour of several refuge islands. The tour was very informative and provided the opportunity for several refuge staff to discuss a variety of Service and on-going refuge programs. Blennerhassett State Park Superintendent, Donna Smith, conducted a tour for the Secretary of the Historical Blennerhassett Mansion located on Blennerhassett Island near Parkersburg, WV.
In May 1998 the following revenue sharing checks were delivered to the counties and burroughs listed below:
COUNTY/BOROUGH ACRES PAYMENT Shippingport Borough, PA 39 $ 296 Ohioville Borough, PA 16 $ 123 Wetzel County, WV 81 $ 613 Tyler County, WV 219 $ 1,549 Pleasants County, WV 312 $ 5,116 Wood County, WV 134 $ 834 Jackson County, WV 162 $ 1,228 Mason County, WV 29 $ 217 Lewis County, KY 114 $ 864 City of Wheeling, WV 19 $ 255 TOTALS 1125 $11,095
NOTE: Acreage is above water, revenue sharing not calculated on Service's owned underwater acreage, totaling 1,385 acres 63 In 1998 Halwell Oil Company sold their oil/gas lease to Triad Resources. Halwell Oil Company had numerous discrepancies on 10 wells located on Middle Island. Over the last several years, West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection and the refuge had succeeded in forcing Halwell Oil Company to bring the wells up to state compliance, resulting in plugging of three old wells. So far, Triade Resources had been much more cooperative and environmentally concerned. Plans are underway to remove numerous unnecessary oil holding tanks and structures and to consolidate their remaining tanks in one location. These changes are environmentally and aesthetically more acceptable. A lease agreement is in effect with the St. Marys Refinery for sale of water from five wells located on Middle Island. The refinery is responsible for providing 50 tons of gravel each year for the refuge road and $4,000 for the cost of water. Approximately eight more years are left in the lease agreement.
4. Credits The entire refuge staff participated in the preparation of the annual narrative.