CHAUTAUQUA NARRATIVE REPORT JANUARY-DECEMBER 1964 \
Division of ¥il He^ QmmvmL^^. Tear 1964 Chiefs Office; lli'^ CllltLl Tfi I Iml Iili Mr. Staaania* ^e^^SatxM kj Wildlife: Mr. Bellou i Bfe». Webster Mr* Stiles Resoarcegs Mr. Stollberg l?r. tob Mr. Britt Interpretations Mr. DctMont llr. Monsmi Mr. SoJ^iesn Job^gorjg^; llr. Began ^fe^a^ae^^ NARRATIVE REPORT 19 6 1+ PERSONNEL William Le French Refuge Manager (Transferred to Parker Rirer Refuge, Mass., 6/15/61;) James W. Salyer Refuge Manager (EOD 6/25/6I|., transferred from Lower Souris Refuge, N.D.) Charles Watts Refuge Clerk Lester Wohlwend Operator General Temporary Employees Don Hahn 7/5 - 6/l2 Laborer James McCausland 7/*? - 8/l2 Laborer Dan Dietrich 7/7 - 10/^ Laborer Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge Havana, Illinois CONTENTS Page I. General A. Weather Conditions „ „. „ 1 Bo Habitat Conditions••••••••••••••••••• • • 2 1. Water 2 2o Food and Cover...... 2 II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds 5 Bo Upland Game Birds 10 C o Big Game Animals...... « «.,.. 1^ D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and 10 Other Mammals , E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows, Ravens, and Magpies•••••••••• • Fo Other BLrds*.... 12 G. Fishoo....,oo o..o. 13 H. Reptiles.o.oooo.., 13 I. Disease, o o.. o... o ••••• 13 III. Refuge Development and. Maintenance Ao Physical Development 13 B. Plantings 15 C« Collections and Receipts 15 Do Control of Vegetation «. 15 E. Planned Burning « 15 Fo Fires o, oo. o.o.o.ooo.o.. 16 IV. Resource Management A. Grazing.. o o.»...... «• o 16 Bo Haying. ••••«••••••••••••• „ 16 C. I J? Harvest ooo o o. o.. o. o...... o. o... o 16 Do Timber Removal<> ••••••••••••••• 16 Eo Commercial Fishing ...o... 16 F. Other Uses. , IB V. Field Investigation or Applied Research A. Banding 19 Bo Progress Reports 20 C. D. E. VI. Public Relations A. Recreational Uses...... o...... «.«... 20 Bo Refuge Visitors.oo , 21 C. Refuge Participation. „ 25 D. Huntingoooooo.oooo 26 E« Violations.... o. o 26 VII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 27 B. Photographs ....o 28 Co Signature.oooo.oo.ooooo 29 I. GENERAL A. Weather Conditions. Precipitation Max. Min. Month Normal Snowfall Temp. Temp. January- 1.19 1.82 6.0 60 -3 February .85 1.53 10.0 54 $ Marqh 3*65 2.67 7.1 67 16 April 6.46 3.55 86 23 May .59 3.84 35 June 4*65 4.09 96 V> July 2.84 3.50 99 47 August 3.34 3.03 99 41 September 2.57 3.60 95 34 October .12 2.48 85 21 November 3.45 2.11 5.3 80 0 December 2.76 1.66 8.4 54 0 Annual Totals 32.47 33.88 36.8 Extremes 99 -3 The above precipitation and temperature data were obtained from the official Weather Bureau Station in Havana, Illinois. The mean temperature was 2° above average for the whole year 1964, as established ^y the "Local Climatogical Data" from 1901 to 1963 for Havana. Total precipitation during the year was 1.41M below the 50 year average of 33.88. During the months of February, May, and October, precipitation was less than one inch. October, 1964 was the driest on record in Illinois. This area the climate is classified as the humid continental type, which is marked by frequent changes in weather. The climate varies from relatively warn or hot summer to relatively cool or cold winters. A killing frost this year occured on the 6th of October which is about 2 weeks early. 2. B« Habitat C^^tipffigt 1. Water a* Lak^ Chautauqua Water levels in Lake Chautauqua were slightly below the approved 435.0 MSL until April when the Illinois River rose to 439.0 MSL and put 3.5 feet of water in the lake. A second small rise put water over the west spillway in late June. Water levels remained above the approved level until the summer drawdown was begun July 15. The drawdown was delayed from June 15 to July 15 as a result of a request by the Chautauqua - Goofy Ridge Sportsmen's Club. This delay was to maintain maximum water depth for fishing during the annual vacation period of local industries such as Caterpillar and International Harvester. The gates were open until August 11, 28 days, during which time 4750 acre-feet of water were drained. About 525 acres of mud flat were exposed for planting Japanese millet and to promote growth of wild food plants. The gates were closed when the water elevation reach 433.95, o.45 feet above the approved drawdown level. The lateness of the season, the slow rate of drawdown and the small gain in exposed acreage were factors influencing our decision that further drawdown would be unwise. After closing the gates August 11, water levels remained constant near 434.0 MSL until early October. Water diverted into Lake Chautauqua from Quiver Creek in October raised the level to 434*50 MSL by November 15. This was a total increase of 1500 acre-feet. By December 31, Quiver Creek water and the results of 6.21 inches of rain had brought the level to 435.30 MSL. Quiver Creek water is good clean spring water that improves the quality of the lake water to the benefit of aquatic plants, waterfowl, and fish. The inflow from Quiver Creek has permitted us to raise the level enough to crack one of the radial gates and establish a flow through the lake. b. Liverpool Lake Liverpool Lake flucaates with the IllinoisRiver which reached a low level of 429.8 MSL August 14 and never again rose above 432.0 until late December. Only small pools of water were available to waterfowl during the fall months. c. Wels Lake - Cameron Uhit Weis Lake flucuates with the Illinois River and water level management is not possible* Due to the extreme dry fall season, water levels in the river never raised enough to flood over into the planted millet fields at the Cameron Unit. 2» Food and Cover, a. Chautauqua, Lake Chautauqua had a moderate ice cover through January and by the end of February the lake was 50% free of ice. Wintering populations of Mallards and Canada geese used spring openings and Quiver Creek for resting areas. Waste grains, mostly corn in nearBy fields provided the major winter and spring food source. Some supplemental feeding of corn was conducted on the south dike and spillway. Sago pondweed was relatively abundant during the summer but very little was available to fall waterfowl populations. The unstable silt bottom of Lake Chautauqua enabled wave action to uproot vast stands of this plant and deposit it on the shore in wind-rows. Inspection of these deposits revealed heavy seed heads. In addition to loss of sago to wave washing is the consumption of this food source by coots. Coot flocks arrived in late August and feasted almost exclusively on sago. Significant mallard populations did not arrive until late October, A droughty summer in Mason County caused corn production to suffer a 32% loss on the average yield. Compared to a normal 93 bushels per acre in 1963 the average dropped to about 65 bushels in 1964. The dry and mild weather continued into October to permit local farmers to have all their crops harvested and fields plowed before the ducks arrived. Thus, field feeding this fall was poor and afforded very little to attract flocks into this area, A poor food supply in Lake Chautauqua was also attributed to the deferred drawdown of the lake level for planting millet. Millet planted August 11 struggled through a cool period until early September and was killed by an early frost October 3« Wild food species were also inhibited in their growth by the late drawdown and cool weather. The nut grass group flowered and stopped grow ing at about 6 inches along the lake shore mud flats. In sloughs along the west dike in Liverpool Lake bottoms chufa was about 20 inches tall with root nuts up to one inch in diameter. These taller plants were much more product ive than the stunted shoreline plants* American lotus beds afforded most of the cover for Lake Chautauqua waterfowl* Early plans this year included grid spraying of the lotus to create openings and curtail spreading* However, an infestation of an unidentified larva in the stems appeared to be a natural control in late July when 80^ of the lotus beds appeared dead* By late August the lotus had recovered to the point that no signs of the earlier kill could be detected. Wood ducks roosted in the lotus and mallards, blacks, teal and widgeon used the beds for cover* An estimated 90% of the muskrats built their houses in the lotus beds* Upland game birds, consisting mostly of quail with some pheasants, seemed to fare well in the natural cover fringe surrounding lake Chautauqua* Intensive farming in the refuge vicinity emphasises the value of this narrow brush area. Bobwhite quail, grey squirrel, cottontails and songbirds used this cover throughout the year* There are 155 wood duck boxes mounted on soft maples in this narrow fringe of cover which were about 65% successful in 1964* All of the elms have been lost to dutch elm disease and only a few mast trees remain on the higher portions of the ridge along the east side of the lake. Oaks near the shoreline are practically non-existant* b* Cameron Unit Millet planting at the Cameron Unit was delayed due to wet weather. The first plowing was completed early in July but heavy rain showers caused Crow Creek to overflow its banks and flood the fields* It was necessary to disc the fields three times due to flooding before the millet was finally planted the first week of August* Along with the Japanese millet planted in the lower fields, proso millet and milo were planted on the higher elevations. The Japanese millet matured well but the pro so millet didnH germanate and the milo was killed ty frost just as the pleads began to form. Drought and low water levels in the Illinois River left a fine food crop of Japanese millet high and dry. Its use by waterfowl was very low. However, this crop is expected to have heavy use during the 1965 spring migration when the river annually floods over into the fields. The milo will be plowed under. The 200 acres of woodlands at the Cameron Unit supported whitetail deer, wild turkey and botwhite quail. Some pheasants came onto the sand bluff from grain fields along the west boundary. II. WILDLIFE A* Mjtgratoiy Bir^sy !• Waterfowl a« Ducks Waterfowl use-days during 1964 totaled 6,414,346* A breakdown and comparison with 1963 is as follows: Jan-April May-August Sept.-December Total 1963 1,816,690 9,240 4,1^6,600 6,013,530 1964 4,785,303 92,740 1,536,303 6,414,346 Although the totals for the past two years are very close there is a significant difference during the early and late portions of each year. In December, 1963 a somewhat stable population of 15,000 mallards was recorded. On January 1, 1964 the population jumped to 165,000. The following table reflects a similar influx of mallards throughout the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys* Winter Build-UJD of Mallftrds Are^i December. 63 January. 64 Chautauqua Refuge 15,000 165,000 Lower 111. River Valley 260,000 473,000 Upper 111. River Valley 70,000 226,000 Central Mississippi Valley 200,000 , 431,000 Mr. Frank Bellrose of the Illinois Natural History Survey has observed this phenomenon somewhat regularly for several years but so far has been unable to explain it. Mr. Bellrosefs contacts throughout the Mississippi Flyway have not been able to detect an exodus from the south. Some reports however, have indicated that flights are coming from the north* Those reading this report, especially the circulating copy, might have observations on winter movements of waterfowl that will help explain or at least further document the origins of the birds involved. The early 1964 buildup in mallard populations helped offset the decrease in use-days during fall migrations. The lack of fall mallards populations has been attributed to: (1) lack of aquatic foods in Lake Chautauqua; (2) low corn yield on local farms; and (3) early fall plowing. Each of these attributes have been explained in the previous section. This decrease in use by mallards appeared to be a local condition. The graph on the following page illustrates the relationship of fall mallard peak populations at Chautauqua with those of the lower Illinois River Valley (from Peoria to the mouth of the Sangamon River) and Crane Lake, a local duck club 20 miles south of the refuge* A segment of the valley populations using Chautauqua is indicated to have been lost and never recovered during the low peak in 1961. The valley and Chautauqua populations had a direct relationship until that time. However, in 1964* even though the valley population was up, the peak numbers at Chautauqua reached an all-time low. This relationship seems to reflect a lack of mallard attractiveness in the vicinity of Chautauqua while conditions elsewhere in the valley were generally unchanged. Crane Lake was used in the graph to compare hunting club management to refuge management. The Crane Lake Club manages about BOO surface acres of water with a maximum depth of about 18 inches. Their pumps and control structures enables them to drawdown fast, plant millet and reflood without dependence on the IllinoisRiver level* In 1963 they planted solid millet during the drawdown and attracted nearly 200,000 mallards. The millet was such a sufficient food source that the ducks did very little flying, this causing a poor hunting situation. In 1964 no millet was planted contributing to a decrease in total mallards attracted, but creating better hunting. Since 1957 Crane lake on its 800 acres has attracted, on the average, 11.5^ of the lower Illinois valley population with a maximum of 30^ in 1963 and a low 4.5^ in 1961. During the same period on 3500 acres, Chautauqua has attracted, on the average, 15./»^ with a maximum of 24.B>t in 1958 and a minumum of 4.6^ in 1964. 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1952" 1964 8 Chautauqua Refuge could more conslstantly and efficiently attract fall mallard populations if its water control facilities were improved and further developed. Development should be directed towards optimal water level management by utilizing Quiver Creek water instead of depending on flood waters of the Illinois River. b« Qeese A lack of field feeding sources in the fall of 1964 also affected the goose populations. Canada geese peaked at 300 in December. Their numbers were 600 to 830 in the months January and February. Blue and snow geese peaked at 2500 in late October. In 1963 the peak numbers during the fall were 2100 and 40,000 respectively. c. Production. In March four pinioned Canada geese were released by Von Dane on lake Chautauqua. These four were later joined by three other released earlier. Of the seven, two mated, nested on Pumphouse Ditch and raised a brood of two. After the fall migration all were gone except three and we have been unable to tell which one remained. Wood duck populations were about 1500 all summer. From this population 75 broods were observed. We estimate this to be about 75^ of the total broods. Thus, 100 broods with an average of 6 young per brood would make our estimated production to be 600. Wood duck box use was about 65$« Mr. Crompton, employee of the Illinois Natural History Survey reported one wood duck box nest with a clutch of 32 eggs, all of which appeared to have hatched. Some mallard production occured with 12 broods being observed. A total of 15 broods was estimated with 8 young per brood for a total production of 120 young mallards. 2. Other Waterbirds. The great blue heron is the only permanent resident of this group and is often seen on Quiver Creek during the winter months. In summer it is abundant on lake Chautauqua. This year the peak population was about 200} a decrease of 100 from a year ago. The common egret peaked at 500 birds in 1964; about 200 more than in 1963. Even though snowy egrets are not abundant they are commonly seen during the summer. One dead snowy egret was found on the west dike; cause of death was not determined. Green herons were here all summer. One green heron along with two snwy egrete were caught in the w ood duck traps. All the wading birds were most often seen along the south and west dikes. The shallow north end is also a common haunt during the hot summer months. Only two species of grebes, pied-billed and homed, are regular visitors here. The pied-billed grebe was observed from April through December but seldom more than 1-5 birds at a time. The horned grebe was seen in the spring and fall. Two horned grebes observed in October appeared to be immatures because of their grey color. We are not suggest ing they were raised here; there is little doubt they were migrants. Double-crested cormorants were here for a short period in September and October. No more than five were seen at one time. 3o Shorebirds. There is no great variety of shorebirds at Chautauqua. Ring-billed gulls are the most abundant permanent resident with nuabers up to 1000 in the fall months of this year. The herring gull is also a permanent resident but his peak population was only 30 in March. The common tern is not so common as the gulls but some are seen each year from spring until late fall. Six were observed in March of this year. They were also seen during the summer months but no record was made of the number. A few species of the true shore birds are often seen along the shorelines where mudflats have been exposed. Most often seen of this group are killdeer, lesser yellowlegs and the spotted sandpiper. Occasionally greater yellow- legs are seen, particularly in the spring. This fall a flock of 50 short-billed dowitchers were observed in October. Only one observation of a conmon snipe was recorded. Other shorebirds observed during the year were willets in May and pectoral sandpipers in August. 4* Doves, Mourning dove populations are highest here in the late summer months with around 1,000 birds being the peak. Doves were observed this year in small flocks of 10 to 30 birds. Spring and fall populations are between 400 and 600. During January and December only occasional observations of one or two were made. i2 Most dove use is along the east side were grain fields are adjacent to the refuge. Hunting is moderate in these fields and thus the birds escape into the refuge. 5» Woodcock No observations this period. B* Upland Game Birds* Bobwhite quail is the only species of upland game birds of any significance at Chautauqua. Local residents have stated this has been the best quail year they have had for several years* The refuge staff was given permission to hunt on land adjacent to the headquarters area and It was easy to go out for an hour and flush five covies. Early in the fall it was common to see covies along refuge trails having 30 and 35 birds in them. Hunt ing on the land next to the refuge boundary caused the quail to spend a lot of time on the refuge. During snow cover periods corn was spread along refuge trails for supplemental feeding. Ring-necked pheasant observations were not as numerous as a year ago. No more then two birds were seen at one time and these observations were seldom. Off the refuge on Quiver Creek marsh areas pheasants were more plentiful and were hunted. Two pheasants were seen at the residence of the Cameron Unit. This was the first pheasant observation up there since we have owned it. The refuge operator general and clerk heard wild turkeys at the Cameron Unit several time but none were ever seen. C. Big Game Animals. White-tailed deer observations are few but tracks along the dikes and maintenance roads are plentiful. One antlered buck was seen on the entrance road, two does were seen at one time and several single doe were seen through the year. Tracks and browse sign indicate that several deer are using the Liverpool Lake area and pass frequently along the dike borrow ditches. No young were seen this year at Chautauqua. One doe with two fawns was seen several times at the Cameron Unit during timber clearing in the spring. D. Fur Animals. Predators. Rodents ano Other Mammals. 1. Fur Animals. Muskrats are the prominent fur species on Lake Chautauqua even though they are not harvested. Local trappers do not 11 want to trap on a 50-50 basis and refuse to trap after the lake freezes over. As a result, muskrats are plentiful. There is no indication the rat population is causing major damage. Their tunneling is evident along the dike berm during the summer drawdown. There were 63 muskrat houses counted in lotus beds in November. There was an ever increasing eat-out area around each house from early September until the lotus stems died and fell over. These openings benefited water fowl as did the houses which were used as loafing spots. Population within the 3500 acre Lake Chautauqua is estimated to be 315; about ten acres per rat. The rat houses are almost exclusively on the west side of the lake and seldom more than 200 yards from shore. This would cut their habitat down to about 300 acres, or one acre per rat. This is almost the same size population reported a year ago. There is ample beaver sign along the borrow ditches. A count in October totaled 9 beaver band dens from Quiver Creek to the radial gates on the northeast corner of the refuge, a distance of nine miles. Allowing 5 beaver per lodge would make our population 45 to 50. Beaver have been no problem on the refuge, however e. hunting club operator on Quiver Creek near the refuge has conslstantly had problems keeping his spillways on low level dikes open during water fowl hunting season. Why these creatures do not move 300 yards east and try to plug up our 3x3 culvert which diverts Quiver Creek into the lake is a mystery. Our only other fur species is mink which we hardly know is here except during wood duck trapping season and when we see his tracks in the snow. Once during wood duck trapping there was evidence that a mink at least contributed in the kill of three wood ducks. There was also evidence that raccoons had been there during the night. 2, Predators. The most destructive local predator is the raccoon. Wood duck nesting in natural cavities is almost non-existent and during banding in the early fall we not only have to set traps for the duck but also for the raccoon. Raccoons got into one trap and killed eleven wood ducks* Because of the Holt narrow boundaries of the refuge outside the lake, effective control is almost impossible. If we are to continue wood duck trapping we wil 1. have to d evelope a trap more raccoon- proof than the modified Ohio trap. 12 Red fox and striped skunk are present on the refuge but not enough to be problems. Feral house cats and stray dogs are a problem. 3. Rodents. The common rodents are fox squirrel, southern flying squirrel, woodchuck, white-footed mouse, house mouse, andplains pocket gopher. Other than the mice being a pest in the grain bin and gophers digging in the yard, rodents are no problems. There is an heavy population of fox squirrel which spills out into woods on private lands to afford good sport to squirrel hunters. 4* Other Mammals. Cottontail rabbits are very numerous. Eigfrt to twelve can always be seen in the headquarters area on summer evenings. On one five mile stretch of refuge trail 2? rabbits were counted while the manager checked the wood duck traps. Fewer are seen in the winter months. »• Hawks. Eagles. Owls, Crows, Ravens and Magpies 1. Hawks Hawks observed this period include marsh, sparrow. Cooper1s, broad-winged, and red-tailed. Red-tailed were the most abundant. 2. Eagles* Bald eagles usually here in November or December and stay until late March. Twelve wore here until April this year and twelve returned in Novatber. Golden eagles are here occasionally but none were observed this year. 3. Owls. Great horned owls were the only owls observed this year. Owls heard at night include barred, screech and short- eared . 4. Crows Crows are common throughout the year. Cro* migrations were observed October 15• F# Other Birds One pileated woodpecker was seen in November. For some reason this bird was removed from the station bird list. Five observations were reported in Sept.-Dec. NR, 1963. G. Fl^ Sport fishing success on Lake Chautauqua has been poor through out the year. Severe winter kills the past two years have seriously depleted the populations of black and white crappie, bluegill, yellovr bass and channel catfish, the major species. The water management program includes a summer drawdown to promote growth of waterfowl food plants. Reflooding in the fall is governed by the level of the Illinois River. The recent dry fall seasons have made reflooding impossible. The result has been going in to winter months with a dangerously low water level which has been amplified by the adverse affects of ice and snow cover. These winter kills have stimulated much criticism toward management of the refuge in the form of letters to congressmen. No specific action could be taken other than an ameliorated public relations program. Also, the diversion of Quiver Creek water has appeased many people as well as raising the water level to just over a foot higher than in December a year ago. At the end of the period there was no sign of any fish kill. The lack of kill is partly attributed to the increased level, but also to a mild November and December when the lake was free of an ice cover at least 50% of the time. Total fishermen days in 1964 were 672 during which 2543 fish were caught and reported at Boatyard # 1, A year ago there were 1345 fishermen reporting at the same boatyard that they caught 4,613 fish* During the last ten years a high of 31,642 fish were caught by 4^011 fishermen in I960. Crappie, bluegill and channel and bullhead catfish have been the major species caught in all years. H« Reptiles and Amphibians No outstanding observations this year. One inquiry was made regarding permission to comaercially trap turtles. Permission was granted but the permittee never appeared. I. Piaease None III* Refuge Development and Maintenance Ao Physical Development Ik 10 Activity 0812 (Service Building Conatructlon) Started construction of $45,000 service building in August. Building 95% completed December 31» Building has two offices, restroom, storage room, furnace room, two-stall garage with hydraulic hoist and air conditioning. Construction is cement block with brick veneer. 2, Activity 0170 (Soil and Moisture) A diversion ditch for Crow Creek at the Cameron Unit was constructed to allow free flow of creek water to Weis Lake. The ditch was 1/2 mile long, 30 feet wide at the bottom and 8 feet deep. The ditch is expected to eliminate flash flood ing and sheet erosion problems on the 100 acres of cleared fields. The ditch cost $1800 to a contractor, plus 2 man weeks of refuge labor. 3. Operations and Maintenance Cleared approximately three miles of fence line. Mulched cuts and fills on new entrance road. Constructed temporary office space in 3-stall garage. Replaced electrical wiring in residence and 3-stall garage. Re-sided Cameron Uhit residence with asbestos siding, painted outside trim and repainted upstairs room. Installed outside freeze-proof water faucet (which is froze up at this writing, 2/5/65). Replaced dry well system in front of residence.) ) Residence equipped Repaired drainage field in rear of residence. ) with two systems. Tested all water wells on refuge property. Repaired and repainted 15 picnic tables, repainted toilet, gate and fireplaces in picnic area. Repaired Quiver Creek dam with approximately 300/cubic yards of river bottom dirt hauled from Liverpool Lake Added approximately 100 cubic yards of fill to west spillway with dirt hauled from Liverpool Lake. Graveled and graded entrance road and other trails as needed Refuge personnel hauled 800 tons of No, 7 grarel for entrance road and dike surfacing. Mowed approximately 12 miles of dike and trail twice. Procured surplus truck-mounted Bantam dragline at Granite City Aray Depot installed boom and cables, replaced batteries, and modified ignition system* Overhauled D-7 starting motor completed other minor repairs. Purchased new IHC 606 farm tractor, one-half ton HD Dodge pickup, 7 horse Bachtold weed mower which doubles as radial gate raiser, battery charger, and 3-bushel seeder. Repaired $1000 damages to 1962 CMC dump truck that rolled over on the dike* B. Plantings. 1* Aquatic and Marsh Plants, Japanese millet planted on 40 acres at Chautauqua Refuge and 60 acres at Cameron Unit, Planted 12 acres of proso millet at Cameron Unit* 2* Trees and Shrub? 2000 red pine seedlings along both sides of entrance road for one-half mile. 3» Upland Herbaceous Plants None this period, 4o Cultivated and Cover Crops Five acres of milo at Cameron Uhit* c* Collections and Receipts 1. Seed and Propagules None this period, 2# Specimens None this period, D» Control of Vegetation None 2. Mechanical Cleared brush along nine miles of dike and dozed brush from sides of trail at Pete's corner to improve drivers visibility t« Placed Buryiin^; None this year F. Firsg None this year IVo Resource Management A. Gr^liM None B. Keying None C# Fur Harvest None this period, D, Timber Removal Two special use permits were issued this year. One permit allowed free salvage of pulp wood in windrows dozed up during timber clearing at the Cameron Itoit. The other permit, also at the Cameron Unit, was for cutting in selected areas Inaccessible to dozer operation to facilitate clearing. Under this permit $184,35 was collected for 36,871 BF of maple, elm and cottonwood at $5.00/1000 BF, E. Commercial Hs^UUL Commercial fishing is permitted on refuge waters from January 1 through September 30. LaKe Chautauqua yielded only 95,274 pounds of rough fish; a 48^ decreaae from 1963. Liverpool Lake yielded 111,410 pounds of fish which was a 61^ increase over the 1963 catch. The total catch for nine permit fishermen was 206,684 pounds; a 2.2^ decrease from last year. COMMERCIAL FISH CATCH IN POIITDS - CHATTTATJQUA NATIONAL VOLDLIFE REFUGE Janua ry - September, I96J4. PER}.? I TEE CARP BUFFALO DRUM BILLHEAD CATFISH BOWFIN ^RTLE TOTAL John Callear M 17,700 26,750 1,030 30 318 m III 17.706 26,750 17^ 315 Edward Kelly 16,879 31.3^ 656 156 699 m 1,110 51.0^. 6,280 13.361 156 1,282 Q25 22,001; 23.159 kk.723 992 1.621+ 1,110 73.0i|8 Sam Kelly — M 2.100 3.700 500 315 - 6,615 2,100 3.700 500 6,615 Gene tannery 500 — 650 2.050 2,850 160 ui 1.150 6,65U 2,200 3.350 160 m 1,150 7.50i; Charles A. High 100 50 10 50 32 267 79^ 27m -IS 39 376IB Frank Pace 5.1Q0 6,120 115 26 11.39; 5Tm 6,120 115 25 11.39: Deen Richardson 3.357 9#650 13.207 i4..993 12,099 17.092 3^2^ Gene Shafer -mm ls,iou ^37527 793 w 16 632 •I l.l4i;3 5,301; 18,897 Oral Stockman —S5F 5.133 17^5 37T^ 37955- Lake Chautauqua 26,606 65,601 1,017 155" 777 1.117 95,274 Liverpool Lake 38,055 65,723 l.l;71 2,288 2,802 25 ll;6 111,1+10 GRAND TOTAL 65,561 131.32U 5.579 25 17255 206,681; •1^ > 18 The decrease in Lake Chautauqua is attributed to: (l) a delayed drawdown, and (2) a poor and fluctuating market that caused some fishermen to seek more stable employment. The delayed drawdowm, from June 15 to July 15, also delayed the annual rough fish roundup which is enhanced by shallow water. Fishermen are pro hibited from beginning the roundup before July 15. Normally by this date the lake level has been dropping for a month. The mass catches from this method of fishing is a sort of Jackpot at the end of the season. Fishing roundup involves surrounding a school of buffalo by setting 100 yards of lead net on each of four sides, leaving the corners open, and setting a hoop net at each corner. After the fish have been boxed in, the fishermen enter the "corral" and herd the fish toward the traps by striking the water's surface with plungers, which are nothing more than funnels attached to long handles. The "corral" is usually moved daily. The commercial fish and turtle catch is tabulated by species on page 17. Turtle species include softshell and snappers. Fo Other Uses. 1. Boatyards. Three concession boatyards are operated under 3-year con tracts. The contracts expired December 31. All three con tracts will be renewed to the present operators. Boatyard No. 1 is most active during the spring and early summer. No. 2 has very little use due to heavy deposits of silt and shallow water in the north portion of Lake Chautauqua. The concessioner of No. 2 also owns and operates a fishing camp in Canada which he goes to and operates himself. The boatyard here is operated ty hired help on a commission basis. Profits are so marginal that the hired operator has little incentive to stay on the job or keep the area maintained. The new contract is being prepared to stipulate that the area must be cleaned up to the refuge manager's satisfaction ty June 1 or the contract will be voided. Boatyard No. 3 changed hands in August. The new operator has made a spectacular improve ment in appearance of the area and the conduct of business. No. 3 is located on the borrow ditch along the north dike. Fishing success is usually more stable and public use more constant throughout the season there than either of the other boatyards. 2. Cottages. There are 23 cottages remaining of the original 52 given lifetime leases to the original owners at the time the refuge M was established. This privilege cannot be transferred or sold. As the original owners grow old or become deceased the cottages are removed. One cottage presently is abandoned and will be removed early in 1965. 3. Fish Removed for Restocking. The Illinois Department of Conservation removed 8,445 black and white crappie, 728 bluegill, 274 yellow bass, 53 white bass, and 12 largemouth bass for restocking purposes. An additional 80 fish including the same species were removed for display at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. All fishing closes on Lake Chautauqua September 30. In the past the Illinois Conservation Department has been permitted to net and remove fish until freezeup even though their permit expires September 30. This year their permit was revised to permit removals until October 15. These early fall dates have been set to prevent disturbance to migrating waterfowl using the refuge. Credits are given the Bureau and Chautauqua Refuge for these removals in news releases and signs at the point of restocking. V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND APPLIED RESEARCH A. Banding. Wood duck trapping and banding was begun July 13* Thirteen modified Ohio traps were set along the south and west dikes. Shelled corn and wheat were used as bait. Success was generally poor with 35 being the greatest number caught any single day running the traps in both the morning and evening. A few mallards, black ducks, and blue-winged teal were caught along with the wood ducks. Total birds banded are as follows: Wood Ducks Mallards Black Ducks Blue-winged Teal Ad. M. 15 m m 4 Imm. M. 221 1 1 3 Ad. F. 6 3 - 7 Imm. F. 156 3 7 Unkn. 1 mSmm 1 399 7 1 22 Mourning dove banding efforts resulted in almost as many banded quails as doves. Only 13 doves were banded; 11 males and 2 females, all adults. There were 10 bobwhite quails banded from the dove traps. 20 B# Progress Reports. 1. Migration Study. This study was begun in I960 by Mr. Frank Bellrose of the Illinois Natural History Survey, who have a field laboratory station on refuge property. The study involves radar tracking of all migrating birds, particularly waterfowl, through mobile field units and cooperating weather station and airport units. Early in the study a radar unit was set up in the refuge tower. Due to the high elevation of the tower only those birds flying over Chautauqua were being picked up. Birds coming into or leaving Lake Chautauqua were oeing missed. In 1963 Mr. Bellrose moved the tower unit to a point south of Havana* No new information or progress has been made available to this station different than the report of a year ago. 2. Raccoon - Wood Duck Study* This study of raccoon predation on wood duck production is continuing through annual inspection of artificial wood duck nesting boxes* No conclusions are yet available from this study. A student, Mr. Wm. Shake, from Western Illinois University was helping Mr. Bellrose in the summer of 1964 and inspected the 155 boxes belonging to the refuge. Mr. Shake has promised to make this information available to the refuge but has not so far. VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS Ao Recreational Uses. 1. Fishing. Total sport fishing use of the refuge for the entire year was 18,617* The natural evolution of Lake Chautauqua from a deep, clear water and sand bottom lake to a shallow, turbid and silt bottom lake has seriously curtailed sport fishing. These more or less constant conditions along with unusually shallow water, prolonged ice and snow cover and poluted Illinois River flood waters have almost eliminated the fishing mecca that once existed at Chautauqua. Past fisherman-days have been as high as 40,000. 2. Hunting. An estimated 1,000 hunters used Chautauqua Refuge this year. 21 3. Miscellaneous. An Open House was conducted on the refuge October 18. During the day 2,169 people came in 567 cars from as far as 200 miles to visit the refuge. Many local people who had lived here since before the refuge had been established had never seen the entire area. The nine mile drive around the lake and informational leaflets handed out were well received and the refuge staff was certainly pleased with the public response* Total miscellaneous visits including bird clubs, schools, and cabin owners amounts to 5,532. B. Refuge Visitors. Date Name Affiliation Purpose Jan. 1 Bert Sperry Boatyard operator Concession contract Jan. 8 Robert Sharp R0., Mpls. Visit Jan. 13 William K. Sheridan Postmaster,Havana Office space Jan. U Frank Bellrose INKS, Havana Visit Jan. 14 Tud Crompton INKS, Havana Visit Jan. 20 E. Crosier Mark Twain Refuge Surplus jeep Jan. 22 Ray Lane SOS, Havana Visit Jan. 23 Don Hahn Havana Employment Jan. 28 G. Richardson Topeka, 111. Razing cottage Jan. 28 Joe Hopkins GMA, Springfield Visit Jan 30 E, Frank Corps of Eng. Job application Jan. 30 Richard Shore Havana Painting catwalk Feb. 4 Worth Smith Menard Electric Inspect wiring Feb. 5 Gene Lannery Dumfermline,111. Visit Feb. 8 Richard Koke Havana Temp, office const. Feb. 8 Delbert Daniel Havana Temp, office const. Feb. 10 Ralph Bruning Havana Temp, office const. 22 Date Name Affiliation Purpose Feb. 10 Ada Seling Havana Cottage owner Feb. 11 Havry Hickman Police Dept.,Havana Visit Feb. 13 Ralph Von Dane GMA, Peoria Visit Feb. 13 Richard Koke Havana Rewiring North garage Feb. 22 Norman Straw Ottawa, 111. Blasting Quiver Dam Feb. 25 Edwin Skaggs Mason City,111. Employment Feb. 25 Gary Zimmerman Mason City,111. Employment Feb. 26 Robert Pull Topeka Cottage No, 7 Feb. 26 Alvin Rubbert Topeka Cottage No. 7 Mar. 2 Mr. Murphy Canton Fur trapping Mar. 3 Leo Borgelt Pekin Times Winter kill Mar. 4 Harry Stiles RO., Mpls. Inspection Mar. 9 Lloyd Armstrong Pekin Times Winter kill Mar. 9 A.R. Donahue Pekin, 111. Winter kill Mar. 9 William Martin Rt. 2, Havana Winter kill Mar. 9 Kenneth Weyhrlch Rt. 2, Havana Winter kill Mar. 9 Melvin Bridgeman Rt. 2, Havana Winter kill Mar. 9 Elizabeth Buchanan Rt. 2, Havana Winter kill Mar. 15 Rudy Stinauer Dept.of Cons. Visit Mar. 16 Tud Crompton INKS, Havana Visit Mar. 16 Lawrence Miller GMA Visit Mar. 19 Ralph Von Dane GMA Pinioned geese Mar. 25 G. Lannery Dumf ermline Com. fishing Mar. 26 R. Howell Havana Cabinet Mar. 26 E. Daniels Havana Cabinet Mar. 30 N. Braendle Mason Co, Democrat Sport fishing 21 Date Name Affiliation Purpose Mar. 31 G. Mennel Div. of Forestry Visit Apr. 3 M. Bridgeman Topeka Courtesy Call Apr. 6 E. C. Phillips Havana Salvage gravel Apr. 7 D. Smith Menard Electric Meter pole Apr. 9 0. Gosnell State Game Agent Enforcement Apr. 22 L. Borgelt Pekin Daily Times Courtesy call Apr. 23 N. Shaw Ottawa Dam removal Apr. 23 R. Koke Havana Contractor Apr. 24 J. Hopkins GMA Dove banding Apr. 25 0. Gosnell State Warden Wood duck boxes Apr. 25 H. White Issac Walton League Visit Apr. 27 R* Williamson Havana Salvaged gravel Apr. 28 J. Needham Tax assessor Cottage #42 Apr. 29 Mrs. Evans Pekin Cottage #77 Apr. 30 A. Donahue Goofy Ridge Club Seeking info. Apr. 30 Bill Shake WIU, Macomb, 111. Wood duck cavaties May 6 A. Donahue Goofy Ridge Club Information May 7 Cpl. Lindeen 111. State Police Violation May 9 A. Pera Havana Sport fishing May 16 R. Lane SCS TV Programing May 18 H. Bell Dept. of Cons. Restocking fish May 19 r. Roat Havana New service bldg. May 20 J. Salyer R0., Mpls. Orientation May 20 H. Stiles R0., Mpls. Sportsmen's meeting May 22 B. Shake WIU, Macomb Wood duck nesting May 25 L. Plattner State warden Boatyard regu- lations .2k Date Name Affiliation Purpose May 25 Tud Crompton INKS., Havana Wood duck boxes May 26 S. Ulrich State Police Peace complaint May 29 Mr. Enstrom Chicago Waterfowl mgt. June 3 B. McHarry Havana Quiver Creek June 8 N. Braendle Mason Co. Democrat Editorial June 9 R. Schumavr R6S Dikes June 15 R. Lane SCS TV Program June 17 L. Borgelt Pekin Daily Times News info. June 21 A. Donahue Pekin Visit June 24 B. Shake WIU, Macomb Wood duck nesting July 9 M. Hackard Telephone Co. Courtesy call July 10 J. Strong Dist. State warden Courtesy call July 14 R. Wright RO., Mpls. New service bldg. July 14 D. Johnston RO., Mpls. New service bldg. July 21 C. Rollings RO., Mpls. S&M July 22 E. Westlake Topeka Purch. boatyard^ July 26 M, Zimmerman Mid State News Courtesy call July 29 Mr. Murphy Corps of Engr. Water mgt. Aug. 17 B. McHarry Havana Visit Aug. 19 Mr. Wahlin RO., Mpls. New service bldg. Aug. 22 Mr. Darland RO., Mpls. Water easement Aug. 22 Mr. Severson RO., Mpls. Water easement Aug. 22 Mr. Trandohl RO., Mpls. Water easement Sept. 2 0. Gosnell State warden Enforcement Sept. 7 R. Lane SCS, Havana Visit Sept. 11 0. Stockman Havana Com. fishing Sept. 16 W. Atwater Havana Courtesy call 2i Date Name Affiliation Purpose Sept. 21 B. McHarry Havana Quiver Creek Sept. 29 D. Wells Havana Courtesy call Oct. 5 H. Stiles RO., Mpls. Inspection Oct. 6 D. Johnston RO., Mpls. New serv. bldg. Oct. 8 J. McHarry Havana Waterfowl Oct. 9 L. Borgelt Pekin Times News info. Oct. 15 J. Hopkins GMA Visit Nov. 4 J. Hopkins GMA Enforcement Nov. 4 R. Von Dane GMA Enforcement Nov. 15 A. Oest Havana Courtesy call Nov. 27 A. Donahue Gooty Ridge Club Visit Dec. 2 R. Von Dane GMA Enforcement Dec. 3 J. Neubauer Chicago Courtesy call Dec. 15 R. Lux San Jose Visit Dec. 29 H. Kreiling Havana Surveying property Dec. 29 G. Cech Div. of Forestry Surplus property Dec. 29 M. Mills Pekin Visit Dec. 29 S. Bice U.S. Army Visit Dec. 30 E. Nichols Crab Orchard Refuge Visit C. Refuge Participation. 1. Tours. Other than the Open House tour discussed earlier, 691 people in 30 groups toured Chautauqua Refuge. These groups included church camps. Boy Scouts, bird clubs, area schools, college classes, and professional or scientific groups. A prepared talk and guided tour was given to each group. All permanent refuge personnel participated. 2. Meetings. Feb. 29 French Western Illinois University for founding meeting of Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society. 26 May 20 French Chautauqua-Goofy Ridge Sportsmen's Club hearing to which H. Stiles, R.O., was invited. Salyer was here on orientation tour and also attended the meeting. Aug. 15 Salyer Met with Board of Governors of Chautauqua- Goofy Ridge Sportsmen's Club. 3. Talks. Jan. 13 French Spoke to 5B members of Pekin Men's Club, Pekin, 111., and showed film "This Is The Mallard". Apr. 3 French Talked to 23 members Peoria Acadeny of Science, Peoria, 111. Apr. 20 French Discussed Chautauqua Refuge Sport Fishing at combined meeting of Havana Chamber of Commerce, City Council, Rotary Club and Optimist Club. May 4 French Showed film and slides to Pekin Sportsmen's Club. July 17 Salyer & Talked to Havana City Council res sport Watts fishing problems on Lake Chautauqua. Aug. 1 Salyer Talked to 60 members of Chautauqua-Goofy Ridge Sportsmen's Club re:refuge development plans. Sep.25 Salyer Talked to biology teachers at District Teacher's Meeting, Petersburg, 111. Nov.24 Salyer Talked and showed slides to 15 members Manito Rotary Club. D. Hunting. Approximately 600 acres are open to waterfowl hunters along the south and west dikes. Success was poor in 1964 due primarily to mild weather. Only about six days of the 40-day season had cloudy, windy and damp weather; conditions local hunters like for duck hunting. The low duck population and lack of movement of those present caused targets to be relatively scarce. There is no other hunting on the refuge. E. Violations. Several people were asked to leave restricted areas during times other than the waterfowl season. Other violations which resulted in prosecution are listed on the following page. s Name Addreas U&Mm Dleposit^ Richard E. Utt.Canton, 111* No hunting license $25.00 and $5.00 or duck stamp, F. Satoj Safety meeting have been conducted on a monthly schedule since July 1. Items discussed included station problems, safety bulle tin items and The Family Safety Magasine articles. This station has had no lost-time accidents for 4,444 days. Two refuge vehicld accidents occurred on the refuge this year; one involving a 1962 CMC dump truck and the other a collision of the above vehicle with the Studebaker sedan delivery. The first accident was in September when temporary employee D. Dietrich allowed the left rear wheel to slip over the edge of the dike roadway. He attempted to keep the truck moving forward and steer back on the road. The further he went to more the truck tilted on the dike slope until it finally rolled over on its top. The truck was carrying 3 cubic yards of dirt. There were no personal injuries. The other accident was in October when the Studebaker driven by the manager collided with the above truck driven by Dietrich again on a blind refuge trail comer. Again there were no personal injuries. Damages to the truck in the first accident amounted to almost $1,000. There were no significant additional damages incurred to the truck in the second accident Damages to the Studebaker were estimated to be $500 to $600. These repair costs exceeded the remaining expected life in the vehicle which consequently has been surveyed. III. OTHER ITSMS. A« Items of Interest. Feb. 2-8 French attended the Regional Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Feb. 10-17 French made orientation trip to Parker River Refuge, Massachusetts and to Region V Regional Office in Boston in relation to prospective transfer. Mar. 22-28 French attended Waterfowl Banding School at Patuxent, Maryland. 28 Dec. 7-9 Salyer attended Midwest Wildlife Conference at University of Indiana Campus, Bloomington, Indiana. Dec. 15-17 Salyer in Regional Office, Minneapolis, Minnesota, to discuss refuge development program and master planning. Refuge personnel made numerous trips to Granite City Amy Depot, Granite City, Illinois to screen surplus property. Refuge Operator General Wohlwend made several trips to surplus property centers in Chicago area. 2, Press Releases. During 1964 sixteen press releases were prepared and mailed to eleven area newspapers. 3. Radio and TV TWo 4-minute TV presentations were filmed July 21 by Lloyd Ummel, Fann Editor, WCIA-TV Channel 3, Champaign, Illinois. Mr. Ray Lane, SCS, Havana, made the arrangements. One film was on wood duck banding and the other was about water management for waterfowl. Salyer and Watts participated. These films were presented on WMBD-TV, Channel 31, Peoria, Illinois, August 19 and 26, respectively. 4o Goose Hits Car. On December 11, Refuge Manager Salyer was called to a rural home east of Havana to investigate a Canada goose - auto collision. The driver was returning from his night-shift job in Canton, Illinois at 400 AM in a dense fog. He reported seeing a goose near the car but thought he had missed it. Then a second goose came through the windshield and stuck him in the face inflicting minor bruises and cuts from flying glass. The goose was later identified by Dr. Harold Hanson, Illinois Natural History Survey as Brant a 'WOULD Candyisirg Sft&SSL* 5£ ftlC 5. Credit. ONE Mr. Watts is credited with writing sections la, IIG, IVE, and VIB & C and typing the entire report. The Refuge Manager wrote the balance of the report. Photographs. The photographs appended were taken by refuge personnel and were commercially processed. SIGNATURE PAGE Submitted by: (Soknature) jifcs Wo Salyer Date: Refuge Manager Februarv 8f 196^ Title Approved, Regional Office: Date: — Regional Refuge Supervisor < N Clerk Bill Watts constructing entrance road fence* Operator General Wohlwend and Clerk Watts setting comer postS( r Giant Canada goose (Branta candesis maxima) that hit a car on Illinois Rt. 78 near Little America; across the Illinois River from the refuge. Fbundation wall of new service building. Building site before construction of new service buildingi New service building 10% complete early in December. Building was 95% complete December 31» 80 acres of timber were cleared at the Cameron Unit in June and July- Crow Creek diversion ditch at Cameron Unit is I/2 mile long, 30 feet wide at bottom, and 8 feet deep. It cost $1800 in S&M funds. Illinois Conservation Department personnel shocking for fish to be displayed at Illinois State Fair* -.4 i A 25 pound buffalo taken during the shocking operation•* _ i -*• Repairing Quiver Creek dam with 300 cubic yards of fill. Repairing West Spillway with 100 cubic yards of fill. 1962 CMC dump truck wrecked on south dike. No personal injuries Collision at Pete's comer. No personal injuries Counting cars and visitors at Open House October l8o A part of the 567 cars that toured the refuge during the Open House Refuge visitors watching geese* A school tour group at footbridge across Quiver Creek