COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION

USE: Hunting (Migratory Birds, Upland and Big Game)

REFUGE NAME: Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (NWR/refuge)

ESTABLISHING AND ACQUISITION AUTHORITIES: Havasu NWR, originally known as Havasu Lake NWR, was established by Executive Order 8647 on January 22, 1941, by President Franklin Roosevelt.

REFUGE PURPOSE(S): For lands acquired under Executive Order 8647 "...as a refuge and breeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife...” For lands acquired under the Refuge Recreation Act “...suitable for (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened species..." For lands acquired under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act "...for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources...for the benefit of the Fish and Wildlife Service [Service], in performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude...” Additional lands totaling 2,757 acres were subsequently added on February 11, 1949, per Public Land Order 559. The purpose of these additional acres was the same as the purpose set out in Executive Order 8647. The Lower Land Use Plan (USDOI 1964) describes the high wildlife values of Topock Marsh, Topock Gorge, and the Bill Williams River. The document describes their “prime wildlife values” and expresses a need to “improve their management and production and preserve their scenic qualities”. In 1994, the Service developed a Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) for the lower Colorado River refuges (USFWS 1994). The CMP describes the desired future conditions of the refuge and provides long-range guidance and management direction to achieve refuge purposes; help fulfill the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) mission; maintain, and where appropriate, restore the ecological integrity of each refuge and the Refuge System; help achieve the goals of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and meet other mandates.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION: “The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57).

Draft Compatibility Determination for Hunting on Havasu NWR 1

DESCRIPTION OF USE: What is the use? The refuge allows hunting opportunities for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto), African collared-dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea), duck species permitted by the State of , American coot (Fulica americana), common gallinule (Gallinula galeata), dark geese, light geese, Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata), Gambel’s quail(Callipepla gambelii), desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), desert bighorn sheep, (Lynx rufus), (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), and feral swine (Sus scrofa). Where is the use conducted? There are seven management units on Havasu NWR, five of which are available for hunting. Not all species may be hunted in all units and varying State and refuge regulations apply. Upland game, migratory bird hunting, big game hunting, is allowed in the Topock Marsh East Management Unit (7,240 acres). The Pintail Slough Management Unit (443 acres) is open to upland game and migratory bird hunting. The Topock Marsh West Management Unit (6,065 acres) is open to upland game hunting. Big game hunting is open in the Pintail Slough and Topock West management units with the incidental take of feral swine by hunters participating in other hunting opportunities. The Havasu Wilderness Management Unit (15,021 acres) is open to upland game and big game hunting but will close to all waterfowl hunting to serve as a waterfowl sanctuary. The Management Unit (3,870 acres) is open to migratory bird, upland game, and big game hunting south of Blankenship Bend to the boundary of the Lake Havasu City limits. All units are accessible by foot and most are accessible by boat. Big game hunting at Havasu NWR includes the incidental take of feral swine by hunters participating in established hunt opportunities and the AZGFD managed desert bighorn sheep hunts within the Topock Marsh East and Havasu Wilderness management units. These areas are within AZGFD game management units 15D and 16B. Lottery sheep hunt permits are issued by AZGFD. No hunting is permitted within the Mesquite Bay Management Unit (232 acres) which is located within the Lake Havasu City limits. No hunting is permitted in the Topock Gorge Management Unit (4,644 acres), which is comprised of all the waters of the Colorado River and those refuge lands within 1/4 mile (.4 kilometer) of the waters of the Colorado River from Blankenship Bend northward through the Topock Gorge to Interstate 40 bridge. The refuge is unable to support safe hunting activities in these areas because of high-density visitation by millions of recreational boaters. Both of these management units combined provide a one-fifth of the total waterfowl sanctuary acres. When is the use conducted? Regulations follow the respective State’s rules and seasons (table 1) with additional refuge restrictions for some species on hunting hours, methods of take, and/or season length. A permit system is employed within the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area and hunting may only occur Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 2 p.m. MST during waterfowl season. Night hunting is not allowed for any species.

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Table 1.—Havasu NWR established hunts: Species and hunting dates.

Species Approximate dates based on AZ State season Mourning dove September 1–September 15 (early AZ season) November 20–January 3 (late* AZ season) White-winged dove September 1–September 15 (early AZ season) Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR season) Duck, American coot, common gallinule, dark October 23–February 7 (AZ State season*) geese, light geese, Wilson’s snipe Gambel’s quail October 17–February 7 (AZ State season*) Desert cottontail rabbit September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR season) Black-tailed jackrabbit September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR season) Desert bighorn sheep December 1–December 31 (AZ State season*) Bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR season) Feral swine September 1–March 15 (incidental take only) * Some hunt dates change annually in AZGFD regulations, please refer to AZGFD regulations for species seasons and hunt dates. How is the use conducted? Hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, duck, American coot common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, and Wilson’s snipe hunt dates align with state regulations for the above species in all permitted hunt areas with the exception of Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. A permit system is employed within the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. Methods of take for these species on the refuge are federally approved non-toxic shot only and include shotgun, crossbow, and archery. The use of dogs is permitted. The refuge provides approximately 60 hunt days for mourning and white-winged dove. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved non-toxic shot only and include shotgun, archery, and crossbow. Hunting of Eurasian and African collared-dove is permitted following the above regulations for mourning and white-winged dove approximately 196 hunt days and muzzleloader, handgun, and pneumatic weapons are allowed as additional methods of take.

Gambel’s quail hunt dates align with State regulations for the aforementioned species in all permitted hunt areas with the exception of Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. A permit system is employed in the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved non-toxic ammunition only and include shotgun, handgun, pneumatic weapons, archery, and crossbow. The harvest of desert cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox is permitted within Pintail Slough, Topock Marsh East, Topock Marsh West, Havasu Wilderness, and Lake Havasu management units. Incidental take of upland game species within Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area may only occur by permitted hunters. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved non-toxic ammunition only and include shotgun, handgun, muzzleloaders, pneumatic weapons, archery, and crossbow. The incidental take of feral swine by

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individuals participating in established hunt opportunities on the refuge follows the above listed regulations for upland game species like desert cottontail rabbit. Desert bighorn sheep hunting consists of the AZGFD managed hunt within the Topock Marsh East and Havasu Wilderness management units. Methods of take for desert bighorn sheep are in full alignment with the State of Arizona and include rifle, handgun, muzzleloader, shotgun, archery, crossbow, and pneumatic weapons. These areas are encompassed within AZGFD game management units 15D and 16B. Desert bighorn sheep hunting permits are issued by AZGFD through a lottery system. Several hunts on Havasu NWR require permits, including a State permit for bighorn sheep hunting, and a refuge permit for hunting in Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area during waterfowl season. Permits for waterfowl and goose hunts at Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area are managed through a formal application and drawing. Why is the use being proposed? The purpose of this proposed action is to provide compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on Havasu NWR and determine how they might be increased and more closely align with State regulations, while also fulfilling our mission and duty to the American public. Per national policy, a refuge manager will not expand, renew, or extend an existing use of a national wildlife refuge, unless the refuge manager has determined that the use is a compatible use (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee). The need for the proposed action is to meet the Service’s priorities and mandates as outlined by the NWRSAA to “recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general uses of the NWRS” and “ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses” 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4). The original hunt plan for the refuge was completed in 1960, has been periodically updated over the years, and is being updated once again as part of the 2021-2022 Hunt Opening Package. This action is also needed to effectively implement Secretarial Order 3356, which directs bureaus and offices within the Department of Interior (DOI), in collaboration with States, tribes, and territorial partners, to “…enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities to hunt and fish; and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond.”

AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES: Annual refuge operation and maintenance funds are used to support public hunt activities. Hunting license and tag sales are conducted by AZGFD and the proceeds remain with the State agency, so expenses for maintaining the hunt program are not recuperated through fees. Expenses associated with management and monitoring of hunting include staff salaries and time, support for the volunteer program, supplies and equipment, and fuel and wear on vehicles. Coordinating the hunt program with AZGFD is the refuge manager’s responsibility. Enforcement of rules and restrictions is conducted by Federal wildlife officers. Support in the form of providing hunters information, reporting of violations, and keeping the refuge free of trash is completed by all field-going staff as additional duties, and in the winter, by refuge volunteers. In addition, maintenance staff time is required for installation, or replacement of signs and periodic maintenance of the roads as part of the hunt program. Approximate annual costs to maintain infrastructure for hunting activities are outlined below (table 2).

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TABLE 2.—Approximate Annual Cost to Maintain Hunting Facilities and Infrastructure Activity Approximate Annual Costs Purchase of regulation signs, seed, and hardware $4,500 Irrigation pump maintenance and operating costs $10,000 Maintenance of roads and agricultural fields $10,000 Labor for law enforcement staff (10% of salary [2]) $26,000 Labor for maintenance staff (15% of salary [2]) $23,000 Labor for administration staff (15% of salary [1]) $15,000 TOTAL: $88,500

ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE USE: Short- and Long-term Impacts: Hunting has shown no measurable adverse impact to the refuge, its habitats, or wildlife species. Mortality of wildlife successfully harvested would occur, but with no discernible negative impact to wildlife populations. Short-term disturbance of those animals that are pursued and nearby non- target species may occur but is not expected to have lasting negative impacts. Potential hunt- related issues such as wildlife and habitat disturbance (soil and plants), poaching by non- registered hunters, public safety, and conflicts between hunters and other members of the public are potential issues that are mitigated by the size of the refuge, the limited number of hunts/hunt tags offered for the popular lottery hunts, and refuge law enforcement. AZGFD Wildlife Managers also patrol the refuge to enforce rules and regulations, especially during popular lottery hunts. No detrimental long-term impacts from hunting are anticipated as long as wildlife populations are monitored through the refuge biological program or in collaboration with State officials, and refuge and hunt regulations are adhered to and successfully enforced. Cumulative Impacts: Hunter-related human activity would have minor, adverse effects on wildlife because it would predominantly occur when environmental conditions are less stressful to wildlife. Potential disturbance to wildlife will also be mitigated through closures to areas as waterfowl sanctuary. Impacts to vegetation, soils, air quality, water resources, and wilderness would not be significant. Some minor adverse impacts would occur to visitor use due to conflicts between hunters and other user groups. However, conflicts would be minor due to the size of the refuge and low density of hunters. Visitor conflict will also be mitigated through the closure of high visitor use areas to hunting, including the Topock Gorge and Mesquite Bay management units. The refuge would remain open to all other public uses during hunts, with the exception of the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area during the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt. Minor beneficial impacts to the socioeconomic environment could occur through expenditures in the local economy by hunters. Any impacts to cultural resources would be negligible due to existing rules and regulations and there are no anticipated increased costs for administration of the hunt program. There are no anticipated adverse cumulative impacts resulting from expanded hunting opportunities. Ultimately, this activity will create additional public use opportunities on the refuge. This will increase public awareness about conservation issues and the Refuge System, and lead to greater fulfillment of the Service’s overall mission and the refuge’s purpose.

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PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: News releases will be prepared and submitted to local periodicals including the Kingman Daily Miner, Today’s News-Herald, and Topock Topics newsletter, the local newspaper. You are invited to review draft documents related to the hunting and fishing program, including the compatibility determinations, hunting and fishing plan, and environmental assessment. The documents are available beginning Thursday, April 15, 2021, until the close of the Federal Register public comment period, at least 60 days. Draft documents are available on the refuge website, or you can contact the refuge at 760-326-3853 or at [email protected] to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format. The public comment period is an opportunity to provide your comments on the draft documents. You can submit comments via email to [email protected] or mail in comments to Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at 317 Mesquite Avenue, Needles, CA 92363. In the subject line, please add—Havasu NWR hunting/fishing comments.

DETERMINATION: Use is not compatible

X Use is compatible with the following stipulations:

STIPULATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY: To ensure compatibility with the Refuge System and refuge goals and objectives, hunting can only occur under the following conditions: 1. Hunters are required to follow all refuge rules and regulations. 2. Hunters are not allowed to use or possess toxic shot (lead) or rifles in the field except during desert bighorn sheep hunts. 3. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited. 4. The use of permanent blinds, stands, or baits is prohibited. 5. During Pintail Slough Quota Hunt dates, access to the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area is restricted to permitted hunters only. 6. The Topock Marsh West Management Unit (6,065 acres) is open to upland game hunting in the months of September, February, and March only. It remains closed to all hunting and all other entry from October 1–January 31, to serve as a waterfowl sanctuary. 7. The Havasu Wilderness Management Unit (15,021 acres) will remain open to upland game and big game hunting, but is closed to all waterfowl hunting, to serve as a waterfowl sanctuary. 8. No hunting is permitted within the Mesquite Bay Management Unit (232 acres) which is located within Lake Havasu City limits and included as part of the waterfowl sanctuary. 9. No hunting is permitted in the Topock Gorge Management Unit (4,644 acres), because the refuge is unable to support safe hunting activities in these areas due to high-density visitation by other recreational users. This unit is part of the waterfowl sanctuary and includes the” Topock Maze” and “Hum-Me-Chomp” tribal cultural sites.

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10. The refuge releases announcements with hunting information several weeks in advance of hunts, and posts the announcements in the visitor center, to several refuge kiosks, to social media, and to the refuge website.

JUSTIFICATION: Hunting is a priority public use for the National Wildlife Refuge System as outlined in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. By facilitating hunting on the refuge, we hope to increase visitor knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and their habitats and create public stewardship of their wildlife resources. Increased public stewardship may support and complement the FWS’s actions in achieving refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge System. This activity may conflict with other priority public uses such as fishing, wildlife observation and wildlife photography, but this conflict is expected to be minimal. Increased hunting activities are not anticipated to adversely impact biological resources for which the refuges were established, if outlined stipulations are followed. Through the compatibility determination process, the refuge has determined that expanded hunting opportunities on Havasu NWR, in accordance with the stipulations provided above, is a compatible use that will not interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the Refuge System mission or the purposes for which the refuge was established.

Signature: Refuge Manager (Signature and Date)

Concurrence: Regional Chief (Signature and Date)

Mandatory 15-year Re-Evaluation Date: 2036

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REFERENCES: USDOI. 1964. The Lower Colorado River Land Use Plan. 187 pp. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1994. Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. Albuquerque: USFWS, Region 2.

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