PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE PLUM ISLAND NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS 01950
(THACHER'S ISLAND REFUGE)
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1991
U.S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEW AND APPROVALS
PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Newburyport, Massachusetts
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1990
j- Z y - ? 2- fuge Manager Date Associate Manager Review Date
Regional Office/Approval Date INTRODUCTION
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeast corner of Massachusetts, 38 miles north of Boston on the Atlantic coast and 20 miles south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The refuge comprises almost all of the southern two-thirds of Plum Island, and extensive salt marshes between the island and the mainland to the west. The 80 acres at the southern tip of Plum Island are owned by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, Division of Forests and Parks. The two-acre headquarters/residence area is located at the densely inhabited northern tip of the island, next to an operational (but unstaffed) Coast Guard lighthouse.
The refuge portion of Plum Island is one of the few natural barrier island complexes remaining in New England. The 4,662 acres of Parker River Refuge are comprised of 2,994 acres of salt marsh, 1,229 acres of barrier beach/dune, 265 acres of freshwater pools, 88 acres of grasslands, and 86 acres of administrative lands. The refuge was established in 1942 as a migratory waterfowl management area. Two miles of man-made dikes impound three rainfall-dependent freshwater areas which create a diverse and intensively used habitat for numerous wildlife species.
Spring migration of waterfowl peaks in March with the fall migration peaking in October. The refuge supports a significant migration of shorebirds such as black-bellied dowitcher, sanderling, simipalmated plover, dunlin, and greater yellowlegs. Migratory birds that nest on the refuge include Canada geese, mallards, black ducks, gadwall, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, piping plovers, and least terns. Resident marsh and wading birds include great blue heron, snowy egret, and great egret. Small numbers of snowy owls winter on the refuge. The refuge also supports a healthy population of deer, rabbits, and red fox.
Since a beach closure was instituted during the nesting season for plovers, the number of refuge visitors has decreased from 400,000 to 250,000. Visitor activities include birdwatching, environmental education, surf fishing, hiking, beach use, clamming, hunting, and plum and cranberry picking. In order to lessen the human impacts on the resource, the refuge uses closed areas, permits, signing, law enforcement patrols, and limiting the number of vehicles allowed. From May through September, the visitor capacity is reached virtually every weekend, and most weekdays, and the entrance gate is closed until mid-afternoon. The refuge is used year-round and is especially well-known for its birding opportunities.
Thacher's Island NWR in Rockport, Massachusetts is an unstaffed satellite refuge administered by Parker River Refuge. INTRODUCTION - PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS i
A. HIGHLIGHTS 1
B. CLIMACTIC CONDITIONS 1
C. LAND ACQUISITION 2
1. Fee Title 2 2. Easements Nothing to Report 3. Other Nothing to Report
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan 2 2. Management Plan 3 3. Public Participation 3 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 3 5. Research and Investigations 4 6. Other Nothing to Report
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel 6 2. Youth Programs 8 3. Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4. Volunteer Program 9 5 .« Funding 10 6. Safety 11 7. Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8. Other 11
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General 12 2. Wetlands 12 3. Forests Nothing to Report 4. Croplands Nothing to Report 5. Grasslands 15 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing Nothing to Report 8. Haying 15 9. Fire Management 15 10. Pest Control 16 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas 16 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report . r G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity 16 2. Endangered and Threatened Species 17 3. Waterfowl 18 4. Marsh and Water Birds 19 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species 20 6. Raptors 20 7. Other Migratory Birds 21 8. Game Mammals 22 9. Marine Mammals 22 10. Other Resident Wildlife 22 11. Fishery Resources Nothing to Report 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections 23 15. Animal Control 2 3 16. Marking and Banding 23 17. Disease Prevention and Control 24
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General 24 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 25 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Foot, Trails 26 5. Interpretive Tour Routes 26 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 26 7. Other Interpretive Programs 26 8. Hunting 27 9. Fishing 28 10. Trapping Nothing to Report 11.; Wildlife Observation 29 12. Other Wildlife-Oriented Recreation 31 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking 31 15. Off-Road Vehicling 31 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 31 17. Law Enforcement 31 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction 3 5 2. Rehabilitation 35 3. Major Maintenance Nothing to Report 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 36 5. Communications Systems 37 6. Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 7. Other Nothing to Report J. OTHER ITEMS
Cooperative Programs 37 Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report Items of Interest 38 Credits 39
K. FEEDBACK 39 REFUGE HEADQUARTERS
MAIN GATE IS ONLY LEGAL ACCESS
BILL FORWARD FOOL
BOUNDARY HXIi ND- \ TO MEAN LOW TIDE
[X] Parking Lot ••MH Road for Public Access Dike ••o Boardwalk to Beach ooo ORV Access Trail (4WD) (Permit Required) Walking Trail Observation Tower IsM Photography Blind Refuge Boundary A. HIGHLIGHTS
An aerial survey indicated that the refuge deer population was close to the carrying capacity range, so it was not necessary to conduct a deer hunt in 1991.
The Tract #1100 hazardous waste site investigations went well. The extent of contamination was not as serious as originally thought.
A cooperative agreement with the Essex County Mosquito Control Project resulted in the successful completion of an open marsh water management/salt marsh restoration project on refuge.
Hurricane Bob brought approximately 4" of rain within a 24-hour period but did not cause any significant damage on the refuge.
Piping plover management program was a huge success (produced 2.6 chicks/pair), but extremely controversial.
A major coastal storm on October 30-31 battered the coast with high winds and 25-foot waves. Significant damage occurred to the refuge beach, foredunes, and two boardwalks. Two refuge employees were stranded on the island....temporarily.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The local weather situation for 1991 included warm temperatures, plenty of sun, and below normal precipitation and snowfall. The average temperature for the year was 48.9 degrees, 1.1 degrees above normal. The high temperature for the year was 96 degrees on July 20 and the low temperature was two degrees below zero on January 22.
January was the coldest month with an average temperature of 23.2 degrees and August was the warmest with 71 degrees. Overall, eight of the twelve months were warmer than normal. The four months that were below normal were January, July, September and November.
Total precipitation for the year was 42.66 inches, 3.34 inches below normal. August was the wettest month with 7.54 inches of precipitation, making this the second wettest August on record. Most of this precipitation was a result of Hurricane Bob which brought 3.98 inches of rain within a 24-hour period setting a record for August 19 for the year. September came in second with 6.26 inches of precipitation. The driest month was October with 1.83 inches, making this the third driest October on record. Snowfall for the year totaled 26.75 inches, 27.45 inches below normal. January was the snowiest month with 11.75 inches. The biggest snow storm brought 10 inches of snow on January 11-12. < 2
A major coastal storm on October 30-31 battered the coast with high winds and 25-foot waves. Foredunes along the entire refuge beach were severely eroded. The southern end of the island suffered the greatest impact with overwash nearly leveling the dunes and extending west of the refuge road to Stage Island tower. Large sections of boardwalks #2 and #7 were destroyed by overwash that extended as much as 500 feet inland.
Sev^re erosion at Camp Sea Haven from the October 30-31 storm which battered the coast with high winds and 25 foot waves. (R. Springfield 11/91)
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title
No land acquisition has occurred since 1985 and none is expected in the immediate future. The total refuge acreage is 4,662.
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan
The refuge Master Plan was approved in April, 1986. No significant changes have been made on the plan. 3
2. Management Plan
The following management plans were developed or revised in 1991:
Animal Control Plan (approved) Public Use Management Plan (approved) 1992 Shorebird Management Plan (submitted) 1991 Shorebird Management Plan (approved) 1991 Hunting Program (submitted) 1991 Prescribed Burn Program (approved) 1992 Prescribed Burn Program (approved)
3. Public Participation
During Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the MCP for the hazardous waste site at Tract #1100, four public information meetings were held. Although the meetings were informational in nature, requests from the neighbors of Tract #1100 were reviewed and whenever feasible, were implemented.
A public information meeting was held at PITA Hall on Plum Island to explain the beach closure for the nesting piping plover.
The Washington Office, held their first 2003 public meeting in Newburyport, MA. Refuge staff assisted by reserving a meeting site and advertising the meeting.
4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates
The underground fuel storage tank at refuge headquarters was over 2 5 years old and had developed a leakage problem in the filler pipe in 1989. The old tank was removed at that time and the refuge was forced to rely on a local stations for gas. A replacement fuel tank was finally installed in 1991. The new unit consists of double tank of 500 gallons each for gasoline and diesel. In keeping with current regulations governing underground storage tanks (UST), the new units employs state of the art sensing/alarm systems for both liquid and vapor leaks. The contract was awarded to C & S Construction of Plaistow, N.H. in the amount of $19,450. Work began on October 30th and the installation was complete and pumping on December 19th. The potential savings i.e. bulk purchase versus retail pump price is roughly $3,000 per year!
An Archeological survey, originally scheduled for FY '90, was rescheduled for FY "91 but was postponed a second time due to budget constraints. The survey has been rescheduled for FY '92.
An informal Section 7 consultation was completed in late fall on the proposed Shorebird Management Program for the refuge. The Regional Endangered Species Office recommended complete closure of the refuge beach to protect the piping plover. The Refuge also recommended a complete closure except for a 1/2 iftile section at the f 4 north and south ends of the beach to remain open. Ultimately the Regional Director issued a final determination - the entire beach would be closed starting April 1 and remain closed until the plover chicks fledged or if section(s) of the beach were unused by plovers after July 1. This was the first full closure implemented at the refuge, and perhaps the Region! Considerable vocal opposition was generated in response to this "unnecessary closure". An equal number of people appeared to have supported the closure and contacted the refuge and congressional representatives to register their support. Despite all the heat, the refuge staff held firm and Regional Office support was steadfast. The results for birds - the resource we strive to protect and manage - was excellent! The refuge hosted 5 successful pairs which fledged 13 chicks. This production of 2.6 chicks/pair exceeded the Recovery Plan objective of 2.0/pair. This is the first year the Refuge has met or exceeded plan objectives. Taking all that heat and verbal abuse was worth it.
The hazardous waste site investigations continued throughout the year and produced some welcomed relief from the earlier anxiety attacks by the press and local residents. The results to date indicate that the site does not pose an imminent hazard to the public health and welfare, nor any threat to the environment. The major contaminant is PCB's, in the soils to a depth of less than 9". Both ground water and air sampling shows the contamination to be isolated only in the near surface soils. The firm, SEA Consultants, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass., has done an excellent, albeit expensive, job in studying the problem and informing the public. Phase II of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan for Hazardous Wastes has been completed. Since the site has been found to be less of a threat than previously suspected, a waiver under the MCP has been granted by the State DEP. This allows for a much faster investigative process and reduces the reviews needed to proceed. SEA is now preparing Phase III, the cleanup options, as well as the time table and cost estimate. Current projections indicate cleanup by FY 95 if all goes well!
5. Research and Investigations
A two-year study was initiated on the role of wintering habitat in mallard-black duck interactions on three Massachusetts sites including the refuge. Data collection on the refuge was conducted from mid-December 1990 through mid-March 1991 by a research technician. The second year data collection period was initiated in mid-December 1991 by Carol Sanderson, the M.S. Candidate (Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) responsible for the project, and will continue into mid-March 1992.
On June 3, Glynnis Nakai, (FWS Cooperative Education M.S. Candidate, Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) initiated a two year' research study on 5 shorebirds. Field data was collected from June through September on both the refuge and Crane Beach in Ipswich. The objectives of the study are to: l)t monitor the numbers, species composition and seasonal phenology of habitat use by migratory shorebirds; 2) determine foraging patterns and activity budgets of migrant shorebirds in different beach habitats; 3) assess the relationship between human recreation and shorebird foraging ecology; and 4) develop recommendations for management of migrating shorebirds.
Glynnis Nakai, Graduate Cooperative Education Student from U-Mass, Amherst (Johnson 9/91) f 6
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel
1. John L. Fillio, Refuge Manager, GM-13 PFT, EOD 9/18/83 2. Patricia L. Martinkovic, Assistant Refuge Manager, GS-12 PFT, EOD 10/9/88 3. James P. Halpin, Assistant Refuge Manager, GS-9 PFT, EOD 2/11/90; Transferred to Great Bay NWR 11/3/91 4. Kimberly A.J. Halpin, Outdoor Recreation Planner, GS-11 PFT, EOD 2/25/90 5. Joann C. Healey, Wildlife Biologist, GS-12 PFT, EOD 2/10/91 6. Ross J. Lane, Refuge Officer, GS-7 PFT, EOD 11/22/87 7. Robert S. Porter, Refuge Officer, GS-5 Temporary, EOD 12/3/89 8. Robert A. Springfield, Refuge Officer, GS-5 Temporary, EOD 3/16/91 9. Donna L. Finlayson, GS-5, Temporary, EOD 3/24/91, terminated 9/22/91 10. Scott M. Luczak, GS-4, Temporary, EOD 4/7/91, terminated 9/8/91 11. Clifford E. Lundblad, Maintenance Worker, WG-8 PFT, EOD 8/30/87 12. Donald A. Lima, Maintenance Worker, WG-8 PFT, EOD 8/12/90 13. Linda M. Garcia, Office Assistant, GS-6 PFT, EOD 2/25/90 14. Martha L. Parmenter, Clerk-Typist, GS-4 PFT, EOD 8/26/90 15. Glynnis L. Nakai, Biological Science Student Trainee, GS-5, EOD 6/2/91 19. Stephen R. Cole, Park Ranger, GS-3 Temporary, EOD 5/6/90, resigned 10/06/91 20. Carol A. Crowell, Park Ranger, GS-3 Temporary, EOD 5/6/90 21.; Barbara A. Krukowski, Park Ranger, GS-3 Temporary, EOD 6/17/90, resigned 5/18/91 22. Jane C. Theriault, Park Ranger, GS-3, Temporary, EOD 9/23/90, resigned 6/29/91 23. Michael J. McDonough, Park Ranger, GS-3, Temporary, EOD 06/02/91 24. David M. Poore, Park Ranger, GS-3, Temporary, EOD 06/06/91 Back row (left to right): Springfield, Healey, Garcia, Fillio, Lane, Martinkovic, Lima. Front row (left to right): Halpin, Halpin, Parmenter, Lundblad
Youth Conservation Corps
1. Malcolm B. Eraser, Group Leader, GS-5 2. Aaron R. Tompkins, Youth Leader 3. Kari J. Bateman, Enrollee 4. Amanda C. Erekson, Enrollee 5. David J. Leary, Enrollee 6. Sarah L. Mack, Enrollee 7. Erik F. Tans, Enrollee
i
Back row (left to right)s Tompkins, Tdns, Leary Front row (left to right): Bateman, Mack, Erekson, Fraser (Springfield 7/91) 8
Officer Lane travelled to Monomoy NWR to participate in a controlled burn to remove an old cabin.
Personnel changes during the year were as follows:
* Biologist Joann Healey transferred to Parker River on 2/10/91 from the Regional Office where she held the position of Ascertainment Biologist.
* Assistant Refuge Manager James P. Halpin was promoted to Refuge Manager at Great Bay NWR in New Hampshire.
TABLE IS FIVE YEAR COMPARISON OF REFUGE STAFF
Permanent Total Full-Time Part-Time Temoorarv FTE's
FY 91 10 0 10 17.08 FY 90 10 0 11 15.42 FY 89 11 0 12 19.58 FY 88 10 0 10 17.92 FY 87 8 0 6 13 .92
2. Youth Programs
The,- YCC Crew left a lasting impression on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in the form of a new handicapped accessible boardwalk. This boardwalk was the major project of the six member crew led by Malcolm Eraser in his eighteenth season.
The program started with a random drawing of five crew members from sixty-one applicants. Aaron Tompkins returned from last year's crew to serve as the Youth Leader. An orientation for the youths and their parents occurred on the evening of May 28th.
The program started on June 24th with an orientation to the refuge and the Service. The following day, all enrollees participated in eight hours of first aid training. Early work projects included boardwalk repair (brushing and decking replacement), and trash pickup along the refuge road, in the parking areas, and around the Headguarters office area. Biological projects such as pre-season waterfowl banding, goose round-up and banding, and a turtle trapping program helped remind the crew of the underlying purpose for the refuge, as these projects provided a reprieve from the almost daily swinging of hammers. f 9
The Parker River YCC crew, under the leadership of Maintenance Worker Don Lima and the supervision of Crew Leader Eraser, built a 4501 boardwalk with a 400 sq. ft. viewing deck to specifications that allow handicap access. The six-foot wide boardwalk stretches from Parking Lot 1 to the ocean beach. The boardwalk affords all visitors, especially persons in wheelchairs or strollers the opportunity to view the ocean. All eight people involved with the construction of this project are proud of their callouses and the fruits of their labor. It took a day to sand away the initials carved in the wood but the sign listing the participants names was viewed as .a fair substitute. The enrollees worked in all but the hottest weather saving those days to wash the refuge vehicles or tour the environmental center at the neighboring nuclear power plant. At the end of the program, parents of the enrollees were given a tour of the refuge and of the work projects completed by the enrollees.
As in past years, the crew journeyed north to Rachel Carson NWR for an overnight spike camp. The primary work project on the trip was boundary posting. Acting Manager Houghten escorted the YCC crew to a nearby Maine island that had an impressive cormorant rookery and an Audubon Nature Center.
4. Volunteer Program
The volunteer program at Parker River Refuge continued to grow and improve throughout the year. In 1991, a total of 64 volunteers contributed over 2,300 hours. An additional 560 hours were contributed by Adopt-a-Beach volunteers, Harbor School students and employees from Omron Electronics on group projects. Although the majority of the volunteer hours were donated by plover wardens, volunteers were involved in several projects at the refuge.
Volunteers at the refuge conducted bird surveys, banded ducks and geese, conducted monthly trail inspections, completed a variety of maintenance projects, and worked on developing a wildlflower guide and slide program.
Volunteers were recognized twice in 1991 for their hard work. An appreciation luncheon for FY 90 volunteers was held on February 2 3rd with another lunch for FY 91 volunteers held on October. Approximately 40 people attended each event. The following volunteers reached award plateaus in FY 91; Sarah Webb - 750 hours; Bill Drew - 500 hours; Phyllis Drew - 2 50 hours; Donna Jacques, Ruth Parker, Joan Colburn and Barbara Cray - 100 hours each. Volunteer Jim Collins assists Refuge Officer Bob Springfield with pre-season waterfowl banding. (Johnson 9/91)
5. FUNDING
TABLE 2; FY 1991 FUNDING SUMMARY
Minimum Cost $ 385,211 NUS Supplies $ 1,000 Pest Plant Control $ 5,000 Equipment Maintenance $ 10,000 Vehicle Maintenance $ 2,500 Paint Subhdqtrs Building $ 5,000 Sign Maintenance $ 2,600 Comfort Station/Rehab. Interior $ 6,900 Plover/Tern Posting $ 500 Fire Equip. Maintenance $ 500 Trailer Purchase (Fire) $ 2,000 Radio Purchase (Fire) $ 1,000 ATV's (Fire) $ 4,000 Trailer Purchase (Fire) - ATV $ 1,000 Interpretive Exhibit $ 300 Wildlife Populations Mgmt. $ 500 Salt Marsh Restoration (OMWM) $ 18,000 Predator Control $ 2,000 Youth Conservation Corps $ 16,670 Contaminants (Tract #1100) $ 200,000 Temporary Gate Employees $ 15,000 Temporary LE Employees $ 25,000 Fuel Service Replacement $ 5,000 Notes: Contaminants actual cost = $535,000; Fuel Service Replacement = $19,450; Subheadquarters Painting = $3300 11
TABLE 3; FIVE YEAR FUNDING COMPARISON
1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
1261 $385,211 $339,109 $370,390 $478,600 1262 $ 98,000 $ 82,930 $143,000 $ 13,600 8610 $ 2,000 $ 2,389 $ 7,162 4960 $ 31,372 $ 31,850 53,528 YCC $ 16,670 $ 14,300 14,300
CONT.* v$200,000 $775,000 11,900 FIRE $ 9,500
TOTAL $742,753 $1,245,578 $574,080 $492,000 $495,300
Note: * Contaminant Project
6. Safety
The total number of hours worked since the last lost-time accident is 20,160. The last lost-time accident occurred on May 3, 1991 when a seasonal refuge officer fell off an ATV during a training session conducted by a Suzuki dealership on the safe operation of ATV1s. The individual was unable to return to her duties as a refuge officer, so she worked the remainder of her appointment as a gate attendant.
Several employees reported tick bites, but none of the bites resulted in Lyme Disease.
A refuge visitor on the beach reported heart attack symptoms and was rushed to the local hospital via an ambulance. The visitor was treated and released.
Safety meetings for refuge staff were held every month.
YCC Group Leader Eraser conducted a class in multi-media emergency first aid for YCC enrollees. The enrolees had an accident-free season.
8. Other
A Regional Office review of Entrance Fee collection/accounting procedures pointed up a few problems that were corrected. Currently the process of collecting and accounting for these funds has improved considerably.
A Washington Office review team visited the refuge in an effort to evaluate the Maintenance Management System (MMS) using Parker River NWR as a training site. 12
Assistant Refuge Manager Martinkovic served as chairman of a Regional Task Force that addressed the issue of retention of women in the refuge manager's series. The final Task Force Report was sent to each participant, each Refuge Manager in Region 5, each ARW within the Service, Region 5 Directorate, and the Service Director.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General
The Waterfowl Management Evaluation conducted in 1989 resulted in a number of recommendations for habitat management. In 1991, several of these recommendations were initiated.
2. Wetlands
Refuge management efforts continued to focus on the rehabilitation of the three fresh water impoundments. Water level, salinity, and pH readings were taken from all impoundments throughout the year. All three impoundments are totally dependent on precipitation for their source of fresh water, thus diminishing management capabilities. Eutrophication, silting of ditches, pest plant expansion, and general aging of the refuge impoundments have seriously impacted the habitat diversity and wildlife value of them, particularly the North and Bill Forward Pools. A salt marsh restoration/open marsh water management project was initiated north of subheadquarters.
Salt Marsh - The salt marsh consists of approximately 3,000 acres of spartina grasses interspersed with creeks, mudflats, and pannes. An extensive system of ditches throughout nearly all of the marsh was constructed many years ago to control mosquito populations and/or drain for salt marsh hay production. A few of the ditches have naturally filled in restoring some of the former salt pannes, particularly at the Salt Pannes Wildlife Observation Area between boardwalks #2 and #3. The marsh is part of the largest salt marsh system north of Long Island Sound. It is a valuable spawning and nursery area for many of the major marine food sources. Eight of the twelve fish species most important to local commercial and sport fisheries are dependent on these tidal areas. A diversity of shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, as well as other species are also dependent on these tidal wetlands, particularly the salt panne system. Management is primarily through protection of the salt marsh ecosystem for nesting, resting, and feeding waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, as well as other organisms in the biological community.
The refuge joined in a cooperative effort with the Essex County Mosquito Control Project (ECMCP) to implement a pilot "Open Marsh Water Management" (OMWM)/Salt Marsh Restoration project on the refuge. The ECMCP began excavation work on a four-acre site north 13 of subheadquarters on October 23 following several months of site monitoring. Unusually high tides from the October 30-31 coastal storm washed out some of the work including newly created nesting islands. The work was repaired and the project completed by mid- November. The project included standard OMWM techniques of panne construction, radial ditches, ditch plugs, and reservoirs/sumps and restoration work consisting of use of excess spoil to create nesting islands and to plug ditches which were draining the former salt panne system. The project will be expanded in future years to include additional refuge sites and funding cooperators.
ECMCP staff operates custom designed Smalley tractor for OMWM/Salt Marsh Restoration project. (Healey 11/91)
North Pool - This 100-acre impoundment is used by feeding and nesting waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh and wading birds, and other wildlife species. It has a water control structure, completed in 1988, which is a direct outlet to the saltwater estuary. The pool is dominated by extensive monotypic stands (50 acres) of two pest plant species, purple loosestrife and phragmites. These stands were treated with Rodeo in mid-August (refer to Pest Control). The remaining vegetation is dominated by extensive monotypic stands of cattail. These extensive stands are broken-up by a system of channels and ditches which were improved in 1990 with the "Cookie Cutter" to widen and deepen some of the existing channels and the Gemco ditcher to create a ditch on the eastern side of the pool. Unfortunately, a few of the widened channels have silted back in making them impassable even by canoe; however, most still remain open creating habitat diversity for the above listed wildlife species. Approximately 20% of the pool is open'water. 14
Bill Forward Pool - This 62-acre impoundment is separated from the North Pool by a small cross-dike containing a water control structure which allows the transfer of water between the two pools. The Forward Pool contains brackish waters and therefore, lacks common freshwater vegetation. Nearly the entire pool vegetation is dominated by an extensive monotypic stand of phragmites (20 acres) for much of the same reasons as North Pool. The Forward Pool is much shallower than North Pool and therefore more heavily used by shorebirds and wading birds; however, it is also used by feeding and nesting waterfowl. The pool does not retain water adequately; however, migrating shorebirds took advantage of low water levels in the summer which exposed mudflats for feeding. Bill Forward Pool also lacks the system of smaller channels and ditches off its main waterway, as in the North Pool. Approximately 50% of the pool is open water. Options for rehabilitation include pest plant control, dredging ditches and channels, and applying a seal along the borrow dike to enhance water conservation and water level management.
Stage Island Pool - This 100-acre impoundment has a large amount of edge interspersed with several islands and peninsulas, both shallow and deep water, creating the most diverse habitats of the freshwater units. Vegetation is much more diverse here than the other pools, probably as a result of pest plant control in 1987 and 1988. Purple loosestrife is not yet dominant; however, phragmites stands (45 acres) are expanding and threatening to overtake the pool. Despite this, Stage Island Pool has produced the most waterfowl of the three impoundments in recent years. However, due to its drawn down condition this year, production was minor.
Stage Island Pool is bordered by Sandy Point State Reservation. For years before Federal law mandated the use of steel shot, hunters shooting from the State property deposited high concentrations of lead shot in the top four inches of soil. In the past, the impoundment was drained in late summer to discourage geese from feeding in the area with a high concentration of lead shot.
In 1990, the pool was completely drained and a contractor then plowed the pool area that contained the lead shot. Using a JD 350 crawler tractor pulling a double bottom plow, the contractor was successful in turning the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Approximately 30% of the contaminated lead shot soil was plowed under in 1990. The pool remained drawn down until the project was completed on November 25, 1991 (by the same contractor) to 600 feet from the State boundary. Stop logs were reinserted in the water control structure and the pool allowed to refill by precipitation in early December. During the plowing, a 10* by 20' test plot was salted with steel shot and then plowed under. A core sample will be taken next year to measure the success of the plowing. The plowing from last year appears to have decreased the vigor of phragmites stands within the plowed area allowing other plants to compete, thereby increasing the diversity within these stands. 15
5. Grasslands r
In September and October, all the dikes and roadsides were mowed. Refuge staff also mowed the Stage Island, North Pool and Bill Forward Pool fields. For the first time in several years nearly all the phragmites which is located on the eastern edge of Bill Forward Pool was mowed. Nelson's Island was hayed under a cooperative agreement with a local farmer. Cross Farm Hill was not mowed this year.
8. Having
Hay was harvested on the refuge by two farmers. One farmer was issued a special use permit to cut seven acres of salt marsh hay at Pine Island. The other was issued a cooperative farming agreement to cut 18 acres of upland hay at Nelson's Island. The farmer again took only the best hay material from the center of Nelson's Island leaving the phragmites stands and poor quality hay at the perimeter. A change in the haying program is scheduled for FY '92.
9. Fire Management
A prescribed burn of the vegetation in the North Pool was conducted on March 1st. Six employees participated in the burn to reduce old vegetation and thatch in the impoundment. The fire was ignited at 10:30 a.m. and declared out at 16:30 that afternoon. Ignition was curtailed at 14:00 when humidity exceeded the burn prescription. This accounted for only 55% of the 100-acre impoundment being burned. Within the 50-acre burn, approximately 85% of the vegetation was removed. The burn was successful.
The burn was very clean over most of the impoundment. (Porter 3/91) 16
10. Pest Control ,
An aerial application of Rodeo was applied to approximately 50 acres of purple loosestrife and phragmites at the North Pool. The application was timed for August 14th during the peak of flowering. A cattail stand which was interspersed with loosestrife was also treated. Loosestrife exhibited a nearly 100% kill within 10 to 14 days of spraying. The effect on phragmites was not as evident with only some spotty yellowing a month after the application; however, the effects may not be evident until next spring. The treated areas will be prescribed burned in early 1992 and followed up with a repeat aerial Rodeo application in August, 1992.
Evidence of effects of aerial Rodeo application on purple loosestrife. (Springfield 8/91)
12. Wilderness and Special Areas
The refuge has two Natural Areas, including a 140-acre Research Natural Area and a 210-acre Public Use Natural Area. Both areas are located within the dune portion of the refuge.
G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity
North Pool was treated with an aerial application of Rodeo in an attempt to control purple loosestrife and phragmites. These pest plants have overtaken the impoundments with extensive monotypic stands decreasing habitat diversity. The application will be 17 repeated in 1992 and is also planned for Bill Forward and Stage Island Pools.
Stage Island Pool remained drawn down throughout the year until early December to allow completion of the plowing under of lead shot. This project should diminish the risk of lead poisoning to waterfowl. By next spring, the water level should be fully restored in time for use by breeding waterfowl.
An Open Marsh Water Management/Salt Marsh Restoration project was initiated on the refuge. A diversity of wading birds, shorebirds, and watertowl will benefit from the increased habitat diversity.
Fields were mown to maintain them as open areas for nesting and feeding waterfowl, as well as for a diversity of other wildlife species.
2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
This year proved to be a very successful year for the piping plover on the refuge. Although only five pairs nested successfully on the refuge compared to ten pairs in 1990, productivity nearly doubled from 1.4 chicks per pair in 1990 to 2.6 chicks per pair in 1991. A total of 13 chicks were fledged from the refuge, just one less than the 1990 season. For the first time, the entire refuge beach was closed to all public use on April 1st in an effort to prevent human disturbance of plover nesting, brooding, and feeding. This decision was based on a Section 7 consultation. Portions of the beach were reopened throughout the season, starting on July 1st and ending on August 7th with reopening of the entire beach. The decision was based on lack of plover activity or as chicks within those areas reached 35 days of age. Specifically, the first partial lifting of the closure occurred on July 1 with the reopening of three sections of unused beach totaling 2.3 miles for pedestrians and overnight walk-on surf fishing. The opening was expanded on July 24 with the reopening of a 2.7 mile section where 12 chicks from four pairs had reached 35 days old and included drive-on surf fishing access. This brought the amount of open beach to five miles. By August 7, the last remaining 1.4 mile section of the beach was reopened when the chick from the remaining nesting pair reached 35 days old.
Nest exclosures and predator control were employed in an effort to further improve nest success. The beach was heavily used by red fox and striped skunk. A total of eight piping plover nest attempts were recorded from six pairs. One nest was lost to overwash and two nests were predated prior to exclosure construction. One of the six pairs moved to Sandy Point State Reservation and renested following two unsuccessful attempts on the refuge. They are tallied in the Reservation statistics. Fox predation was suspected in the disappearance of the five chicks which did not fledge. 18
The October 30-31 coastal storm enhanced many of the existing blowouts and created extensive overwash areas at boardwalk #2 and the southern end of the refuge. These areas may serve as excellent plover habitat for the nesting season next year.
Least terns, a state-listed species of special concern, again had a very unsuccessful season. Twenty-eight pairs and nine nests in four colonies were counted on June 15th during the annual State census window. Although there is not an accurate estimate, there was considerably more nest attempts than this. Tracking of individual nests with numbered markers was not implemented until mid-June, ^thus nest data is sketchy for earlier in the season. There was a great deal of movement by the pairs as they relocated to new colonies as previous colonies failed. Nearly half of the nest attempts were lost to predation by fox and skunk and most of the remaining nests to overwash. Only one of the eight chicks observed fledged successfully. Fox predation was suspected in their disappearance. An experimental exclosure of electric fencing was erected in mid-July around three nests within the northernmost colony. However, the fencing was removed one week later prior to the beach reopening because of concerns for public safety. Two of the nests were predated by fox within three days of fence removal. The remaining nest hatched two chicks within three days of removal; however, the chicks disappeared within a few days. As portions of the beach were reopened, symbolic fencing was erected around tern colonies within them.
A common tern survey was conducted on June 3rd during the annual State census window. The common tern is a state-listed species of special concern. The area surveyed included Woodbridge Island (50 paijrs) , Plum Island River and associated creeks (0 pairs) , and Parker River (35 pairs). An independent survey conducted by the Crane's Beach biologist on June 10th recorded 150 pairs, 30 pairs, and 50 pairs, respectively. In addition, a nesting pair of Forster's Terns was observed within the Parker River common tern colony. This represents the first nesting record in Massachusetts and most likely in New England.
The refuge again participated in the Massachusetts annual midwinter bald eagle survey on January 11th. Only one eagle was observed off Deer Island. Several bald eagles and peregrine falcons were observed on the refuge during the spring and fall migrations.
3. Waterfowl
Waterfowl surveys were conducted weekly during migration and bi monthly at all other times. Consistency has been maintained since 1988 with volunteers Bill and Phyllis Drew, Skip Charette, Jack Murray and others. Problems previously discussed in the wetlands section contributes to low waterfowl use of the refuge impoundments. In addition, the drawn down condition of Stage Island Pool for most of the year diminished its' use. 19
Wintering waterfowl peaked in January, gradually declining until the spring migration brought additional birds north with a peak from late March to mid-April. Black ducks and Canada geese are the predominant wintering species; however, a diversity of diving and sea ducks also winter in the bays and offshore. The fall migration reached its peak in October with sightings of Canada geese, snow geese, mute swans, and a diversity of dabbling ducks including black duck, mallard, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, wigeon, and northern shoveler.
The refuge participated in the Atlantic Flyway migrant/resident Canada goose study. Surveys of neck collared Canada geese were conducted on the refuge during the designated observer periods.
Waterfowl productivity was down significantly from the previous two years. No broods were observed during the refuge brood count on the evening of June 27th. On a follow-up survey conducted on July 1st at North Pool and Stage Island Pool by canoe, two gadwall broods were observed. Based on unofficial surveys, outside of the actual brood counts, a total of two nesting species, six broods and 24 young were observed as follows: four gadwall broods with 19 young in North Pool, one gadwall brood with four young in Bill Forward Pool, and one mallard brood with four young in Stage Island Pool. Black ducks, and small numbers of blue-winged teal, green- winged teal, northern pintail, northern shoveler and wood ducks have nested on the refuge in the recent past. Low productivity at Stage Island Pool, which contributed half of the broods and young observed in 1989 and 1990, can readily be accounted for by the drawn down status of the pool during the nesting season. Possible contributing factors at the other pools include a high population of fox and corresponding predation of eggs and broods, dry spring and summer conditions resulting in lower water levels, and lower visibility of broods due to ditches and channels created in 1990 which were not visible from fixed survey points or accessible by canoe. Canada geese broods were not surveyed; however, by early May, broods of geese could be seen in the North and Bill Forward Pool fields.
Wood duck boxes from the 1990 nesting season were surveyed in March. There was no wood duck nesting activity recorded in any of the 16 boxes, several of which are located in unsuitable habitat. The program was reevaluated in the fall and reduced to 10 boxes. The program will again be evaluated next spring and additional boxes removed based on habitat conditions.
4. Marsh and Water Birds
Marsh and water birds are observed in the refuge pools and the salt marsh pannes. Typical summer residents include great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, glossy ibis, green-backed heron and black-crowned night heron. Nearly 200 snowy egrets were observed roosting in the Bill Forward Pool in September.* Noteworthy 20 observations included a tricolored heron observed throughout the summer and a sandhill crane. Several yellow-crowned night herons, which are at the northern limit of their range, were observed in the salt marshes throughout the summer.
5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
The refuge provides an important migratory stopover for a diversity of shorebird species. These shorebirds concentrate on the refuge beach and the numerous salt pannes of the spartina marsh. They also took advantage of the exposed mudflats and shallow water levels this year at Stage Island and Bill Forward Pools. The fall shorebird migration ranged from mid-July to early September with a diversity of 28 species observed. Predominant species included black-bellied plovers (185), semipalmated plovers (1,615), short- billed dowitchers (586), sanderlings (1,115), and semipalmated sandpipers (1,130). Notable sightings included individual sightings and small numbers of the following species: western sandpiper, buff-breasted sandpiper, marbled godwit, hudsonian godwit, Wilson's phalarope, dunlins, stilt sandpipers. Curlew sandpiper, American avocet, long-billed dowitchers, red knots, whimbrels, lesser golden-plovers and ruddy turnstones.
Great black-backed, herring, and ring-billed gulls continued to be the predominant gull species. Notable sightings included laughing gulls and Bonaparte's gulls. Least tern and common tern are the predominant tern species. Notable sightings included royal, gull- billed, Caspian, sandwich, and black terns.
6. Raptors i Winter visitors include snowy owls, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, and a great horned owl. Eight snowy owls were observed in December compared to two to three in previous years. Northern harriers and American kestrels are common year-round. Several merlins were observed during the spring and fall migrations.
Nesting sticks were placed on the osprey platforms at Cross Farm Hill and Nelson's Island through the cooperation of the Massachusetts Electric Company. The purpose of the sticks were to entice a nesting pair of osprey, which have recently begun expanding their range to the North Shore from the well established South Shore population. A pair expressed interest in the Cross Farm Hill platform throughout the spring and summer; however, there was no attempt to nest. This pair may have been from a failed nest in Ipswich. 21
i Massachusetts Electric Company placed nesting sticks on the osprey platform at Cross Farm Hill. (Healey 3/91)
7. Other Migratory Birds
The purple martin boxes received a fresh coat of paint before being put up this spring. The boxes were removed for the winter season in early October and checked for nesting use. There was a total of 73 purple martin nests and 18 house sparrow nests within nine boxes. The remaining 6 boxes were not used by purple martins either because of unsuitable locations, hawk activity in the area, or unknown reasons. Two boxes located in unsuitable habitat will be relocated next spring. Dead purple martin chicks (20) were found in several boxes for the second year in a row. The cause of death was unknown as the specimens were too decomposed to analyze.
A notable spring migrant included a prothonotary warbler. Other spring migrants included eastern meadowlarks which arrived in mid- March and bobolinks which again nested in the Cross Farm Hill, Stage Island, and Nelson's Island fields. Horned larks, which are observed throughout the year in small flocks, also nest on the refuge in limited numbers. Several small colonies of bank swallows 22 nested in eroded foredunes. From late July through August, several large waves of tree swallows staged for the fall migration. Notable fall sightings included black-throated blue warbler, black- billed cukoo, dickcissel, clay-colored sparrow, western kingbird, crossbill, pine siskin, northern shrike, and common snipe. Other notable fall sightings included a black guillemot resting on the beach, several northern gannets, pied-billed grebe and red-necked grebe. Several small flocks of snow buntings were again observed in the fall and winter. The Christmas Bird Count was conducted on December 21st with 61 species observed on Plum Island.
8. Game Mammals
The 1990/1991 winter aerial deer survey was flown on January 14th with a total of 26 white-tailed deer observed. Spotlight road counts were conducted from September through November with ten counts conducted, resulting in a doe:buck ratio of 1:.24 and a doeifawn ratio of 1:.6. The 1991/1992 winter aerial deer survey was conducted early this year on December 19th to take advantage of a snow storm. A total of 31 deer were observed. The survey will be repeated in January 1992 if snow conditions are favorable.
A public deer hunt was not conducted this year because the deer population was close to the estimated carrying capacity of 15-25 deer. Since implementation of an annual hunting program in 1987, the deer herd has been successfully culled from a high of a minimum wintering population of 130 during the 1986/1987 aerial winter survey to the present survey estimate of 31. A large buck was found dead in North Pool in November. A broken leg and bruising on one side of the body was apparently as a result of a collision with a car.
9. Marine Mammals
Several harbor seal pups used our beach in early summer to rest, later returning to the ocean at high tide. During the severe coastal storm in late October, six immature seals were found dead at the southern end of the refuge and were buried on site. A minke whale was also found dead but on the Sandy Point State Reservation. The head was taken for analysis by the State Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
10. Other Resident Wildlife
A predator population monitoring program was initiated with the establishment of 20 scent stations along the refuge road. The survey will be run annually to obtain an index of the red fox population. A total of ten stations were visited by fox, three by striped skunk, and two by raccoon. The fox and skunk population appears to be high. Tracks of both species were prevalent along the entire beach length. There were several reports of fox having no fear of humans, allowing people to get withih a few feet. f 23
The beaver lodge is still active with only a few animals. Signs of river otter activity were observed in North Pool on Deer Island and Bill Forward Pool.
14. Scientific Collections
A total of nine migratory bird species were transferred to two local universities.
15. Animal Control
From one to three mute swans were observed throughout May in North and Bill Forward Pools. A canoe search of both pools was conducted in an effort to locate the nest and shake the eggs to preclude expansion of the swan population on the refuge. The search confirmed that the birds were not nesting on the refuge. Two pairs nested in 1990 and produced five cygnets; however, two of the adults and all of the cygnets were euthanized.
In conjunction with plover/tern management, predator control was conducted in an effort to reduce mammalian predation via control of target individuals. From three to five box-type live traps were placed in known predator activity areas in the beach and dune habitat prior to and during nesting of plovers and terns. A total of 12 skunks and 2 Virginia opossum were trapped and euthanized. In addition, exclosures were placed around six plover nests to preclude predation. None of the nests were predated; however, at Sandy Point State Reservation a skunk entered an exclosure (2" by 4" wire mesh) and destroyed the nest. This is the first such incident since exclosures were implemented by the refuge on both the,- refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation.
16. Marking and Banding
The annual Goose Roundup was held on July 2nd in the North and Bill Forward Pools. Eighty-two geese were handled of which 44 geese were newly banded and 38 geese were recaptured of which one worn band was replaced. Banded geese consisted of 25 local birds and 2 0 adults; 3 3 females and 12 males. Twenty of the banded geese were neck collared as part of the Atlantic Flyway migrant/resident Canada goose study.
Pre-season banding was initiated in mid-August and continued into mid-September. Two walk-in traps were set at the North and Bill Forward Pools. This year's program was plagued by several circumstances. Stage Island Pool could not be used because it was drawn down to complete the plowing under of lead shot. Water levels were initially too low in Bill Forward Pool to use the traditional peninsula site, so the trap was set up at the southern end, which proved to be an unsuccessful site and relocated to the traditional site when the water level rose. Several days of trapping were lost due to Hurricane Bob. The electric fence at 24
North Pool malfunctioned once resulting in predation of 15 birds. Trapping success fell drastically in early September for the remaining of the trapping period; a phenomenon also experienced by the State biologists. The Bill Forward Pool trap was moved to a large salt panne west of Cross Farm Hill for the last week in an attempt to trap black ducks which are more prevalent in the salt pannes than impoundments; however, it was unsuccessful. Despite these problems, a total of 420 ducks were banded, including 298 mallards, 121 black ducks, and one black-mallard hybrid. The total number of ducks banded was similar to last year; however, diversity decreased from seven species to only two. Swim-in traps will be tried in the refuge impoundments and salt pannes next year to increase diversity and success.
There was no nightlighting conducted this year as the Stage Island Pool, which has the most suitable habitat, was drawn down and, therefore, inaccessible.
17. Disease Prevention and Control
In September, a Canada goose exhibiting lead poisoning symptoms was euthanized and sent to the Madison Health Lab which confirmed lead poisoning. Several other geese with similar symptoms died this fall. With the completion of the plowing under of lead shot at Stage Island Pool this fall, an off-refuge site is suspected.
The population of red fox appears to be high; thus, an outbreak of sarcoptic mange may be likely. The spread of the mid-Atlantic raccoon rabies outbreak is expected to reach Massachusetts sometime next year. i
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General
The downwards trend in the number of visits to the refuge continued in 1991. Although a considerable part of the decline can be attributed to the beach closure, visitation to the refuge was down every month from the five year average. News articles announcing the beach closure for use by the piping plover proclaimed the refuge would be closed until September causing many people to think the entire refuge was closed instead of the beach only. Also the re-opening of the beach received about l/10th the publicity the closure received. 25
TABLE 4: TOTAL VISITS TO THE REFUGE, 1987 - 1991
1987 370,300 1988 323,500 1989 327,100 1990 294,100 1991 250,043
Entrance fee collection showed a similar decline. Even though the gate was staffed for more hours in 1991, daily fees were down over $25,000.
TABLE 5: FEE COLLECTION, 1989 - 1991
Year Duck Stamos Dailv Fees Golden Eacrles
1989 7,065 $136,500.03 227
1990 4,743 $113,230.52 157
1991 4,000 $ 87,479.72 82
2. ; Outdoor Classrooms • Students
Use of the refuge by schools groups was down considerably from previous years. The exact number of visits is unknown since many groups making reservations failed to show. Since the beach closure was not announced until February, many school groups had scheduled visits thinking the refuge beach would be open. After the closure was announced, each group was contacted and offered several options.
Alternate beach and tidepool study areas off-refuge were suggested to each teacher, as well as opening closed areas on the refuge (i.e. brackish impoundments/salt marsh areas) for study. The refuge also offered to rent the local community building (at $40/day) to show a slide show on the piping plover and the refuge's role in its protection to each group. Despite these efforts, many teachers were not willing to change their established lesson plans and did not visit the refuge. 26
4. Interpretative Foot Trails
To prevent trespass .into the piping plover closure, the Dune Loop of the Hellcat Trail was closed to the general public in April. School groups and others with special needs were issued Special Use Permits during the beach closure in order to use the Dune Loop of the trail.
Use of the Marsh Loop of the Hellcat Trail increased with the beach closure. With less competition for parking, many more wildlife oriented visits were made to the refuge.
% 5. Interpretative Tour Routes
Although the refuge road runs the length of the island, no interpretative tour route has been established at the refuge.
6. Interpretative Exhibits/Demonstrations
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service "pop-up" exhibit was set up at the Topsfield Fair in September. Due to over-scheduling of exhibit space on the part of the organizers, the refuge exhibit was removed prior to the commencement of the fair.
7. Other Interpretative Procrrams j As a part of the outreach effort by the refuge to become more involved in the community, ORP Johnson presented numerous off-site programs during 1991. A slide program on the refuge was shown followed by numerous question/answer sessions. Following the programs, the groups had a better understanding of the refuge and its role in the community. The following list shows the groups contacted in 1991.
Date Group Location 1 1/16 Central Congregational Newburyport, MA 30 Church Men1s Club 2/12 Lions Club Amesbury, MA 100 2/28 First Congregational Newbury, MA 25 Church Women's Club 4/11 Seabrook Women's Club Seabrook, NH 40 5/13 Market St. Baptist Amesbury, MA 20 Church Women's Club 8/01 Rotary Club Amesbury, MA 35 8/14 Rotary Club Topsfield, MA 40 8/29 Rotary Club Ipswich, MA 40 11/14 Essex Co. Ornithological Peabody, MA 35 Club 11/19 Newburyport Garden Club Newburyport, MA 25 27
Refuge Officer Bob Springfield staffed a booth at the Boy Scout Jamboree in Amesbury, Massachusetts in October. Approximately 50 Scouts and families .stopped by for information.
8. Hunting
Waterfowl hunts continued on the western (mainland) portion of the refuge during the state seasons; however, following four years of deer hunts, no hunt was held in 1991. The deer hunt, held for biological rather than recreational purposes, was not necessary because the deer population was close to the refuge's carrying capacity. ^
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
In recent years the number of youth participating in the Youth Waterfowl Program has continually declined. As a result of considerable effort on the part of the Youth Waterfowl Program Committee, the number of youth participating in this year's hunt was up. A total of 11 kids participated in the 8-hour seminar and an all day hunt on the refuge. ORP Johnson participated in all planning meetings as the refuge representative.
Despite the re-opening of the clam flats, an early low tide and several clammers in the vicinity of some of the youth hunters, the kids enjoyed a good day in the field. The kids averaged almost 7 hours each in the blinds with a harvest of 7 Canada geese and 1 American black duck.
Waterfowl Hunt i As in past years, this year's waterfowl hunt for the coastal zone was split into two seasons. The seasons ran from October 21 through November 2 and again from November 23 - January 18, 1992. A "permit-only" goose season was allowed for an additional two weeks.
Waterfowl hunting is only permitted on the western or mainland portion of the refuge. One area is only accessible by boat while the other two are walk-in areas from refuge parking lots. Since daily bag information sheets are only available at these access points, other people may have hunted on the refuge without completing an informational sheet. Hunter visits and harvest levels are probably reported lower than they actually occurred.
A total of 207 visits were recorded with 697 activity hours. Species recorded by hunters as harvested or crippled are listed below. 28
TABLE 6: SPECIES HARVESTED DURING 1991 WATERFOWL HUNT SEASON
Species # Harvested # Crippled
Canada Goose 20 4 Snow Goose 1 0 Mallard 7 2 American Black Duck 48 7 Gadwall 1 0 Pintail 1 0 Green-winged Teal 7 0 Common Goldeneye 3 0 Bufflehead 2 1 White-winged Scoter 1 0 Ruddy Duck 1 0 Hooded Merganser 2 0 Common Merganser 3 0
9. Fishing
All surf fishing was suspended during the initial beach closure at the refuge. Walk-on fishing was permitted with the first re opening of the beach on July 1st. Drive-on fishing was permitted on July 24th.
Overall fishing was good this year with several bluefish blitzes occjjrring. A number of 50 and near 50 pound stripped bass were taken as well as numerous flounder.
As in the past, refuge permits were required for all night fishing and vehicular access to the refuge beach. The following table shows the number of surf fishing permits issued by year.
TABLE 7: SURF FISHING PERMITS, 1987 - 1991
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
24 hr. walk-on 627 417 268 213 138 24 hr. drive-on 613 681 380 254 166 72 hr. drive-on 51 63 57 44 36
TOTAL 1,291 1,161 705 511 340 f 29
-y^em rAJ*
One of many surf fishing visits made to the refuge (Johnson 9/91)
The number of clamming parking permits issued by the refuge increased in 1991. Refuge permits are only issued to holders of valid town permits. The following table shows the number issued by year.
TABLE 8: CLAMMING PERMITS ISSUED, 1989 - 1991
Year Commercial Recreational
1989 18 87 1990 21 84 1991 31 134
11. Wildlife Observation
The completion of a handicap accessible boardwalk at Parking Lot #1 increased the wildlife observation opportunities for all refuge visitors. Many individuals would had been unable to easily view the beach and ocean for years now have easy access. Mr. and Mrs. Clay Daly enjoy a view of the refuge beach (Johnson 9/91)
Bird watching continues to be a favorite pastime for many refuge visitors. Unusual sightings can bring hundreds of people to the refuge while many locals visit on a daily basis. Many birders could be found on the refuge beach prior to the beach closure trying to catch a glimpse of the piping plover. Later in the season a nesting plover at the nearby Sandy Point State Reservation made for easy viewing by serous and casual observations alike.
A total of 337 birding permits were issued in 1991. These permits allow access into specific areas for the purpose of birding. i
Another pair of birders in search of a "new" sighting (Johnson 8/91) 31
12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation
One Special Use Permit was issued to the Colonial Retrievers Field Trail Club to hold their annual field trail in Area C of the refuge in April.
14. Picnicking
Picnicking occurs in conjunction with other activities at the refuge. Although no formal picnic facilities are available on the refuge, many school groups and families bring a sack lunch to enjoy on the beach.
15. Off-Road Vehicling
The only ORV use at the refuge is in conjunction with the surf fishing program. See section H.9 for additional information.
16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation
Swimming and sunbathing continues to be popular activities at the refuge. These groups were among those most directly affected by the beach closure. While many were understanding, others were not so happy to be giving up "their" beach to a few birds.
17. Law Enforcement
The law enforcement program has traditionally centered around regulating public use, with enforcement of natural resource laws and regulations receiving 30-40 percent of the overall effort. The,* refuge law enforcement program has one full-time permanent officer, one full-time temporary officer, one full-time temporary biological technician with law enforcement authority and two full- time seasonal officers during the summer months. In addition, both the outdoor recreation planner and the assistant manager also have enforcement authority. 32
Officer Lane with the stations new vehicle - Chevy Blazer 4x4 (Garcia 12/91)
A total of 103 notices of violation were issued at Parker River this year. The violations were as follows:
Number Type of Violation Issued Collateral Collected $
Speeding 20 500 Operate motor vehicle 1 50 w/o registration Spot lighting 3 300 Operate motor vehicle 1 50 w/o license Motor Vehicle trespass 1 50 Possession loaded firearm 1 50 Entering closed area 15 750 Hunting w/o license 1 50 Illegal parking 50 750 Dog off leash 4 200 Disorderly conduct 1 100 Damaging plant life 1 100 Conditions of surfcasting 2 100 permit Clamming w/o permit 2 100 Littering 1 50
TOTALS 103 $3,400 33
In addition, the following state violations were issued by Officer Lane using his Massachusetts Environmental Police authority:
Number Type of Violation Issued Judgement Ordered Clamming during sewage $900 closure Operating motor vehicle after license revocation a) $150 & 2 days served House of Corrections b) $250
Two individuals who were originally stopped for motor vehicle violations were subsequently arrested for default warrants from local courts.
The most significant event of the year for law enforcement was the closing of the entire refuge beach for the piping plover from April to July. Officers devoted a large portion of their time to monitoring the boundaries of the closure. A majority of the people, while not necessarily agreeing with the closure, did not enter the closed portion of the beach. Approximately 250 people were given verbal warnings for entering the closure. Three individuals were given notices of violation when they did not heed the verbal warning.
The remaining portions of the refuge remained open, as did the State park at the end of the refuge access road. Visitors who only use the State Reservation do not have to pay the refuge entrance fee. Officers would monitor traffic along the road to prevent non- paying customers from using refuge facilities.
i
The installation of several new regulatory signs should greatly help the preventative Law Enforcement Program. (Lane 12/91) 34
Other incidents of interest are outlined below. In February, Officers found two, fifty-five gallon drums on the beach. It was determined, after testing by the State Department of Environmental Protection, that they contained sea water.
Two motor vehicles were broken into at the Hellcat Nature Trail parking lot at the end of March. A total of three hundred dollars was stolen along with an Irish passport. Working with the Newbury Police, officers developed two suspects but not enough evidence to make an arrest. The decision was made, in order to get the passport back so the individual could return to Ireland, to drop the case. ^ An hour later the passport and the cash was turned over to the town police.
In April, all our officers successfully completed the forty hour Law Enforcement refresher at Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR. Officer Lane travelled to Ninigret NWR to conduct firearms qualifications for their seasonal officers.
ORP Johnson worked undercover with Massachusetts State Officers in their attempt to catch a male flasher on the adjacent State beach during May. Unfortunately, no arrests were made.
On July 20th a white male was found dead on the beach near Camp Sea Haven by Bio Tech Springfield. State Police detectives were summoned to the scene and handled the case. The final report showed he had died of a massive heart attack. With the beach reopening in July, Officers spent the end of July and August keeping our visitors driving the speed limit, out of the dunes and in their swimsuits. i Once again in October, Refuge Officers, FWS Agents and State Officers teamed up for the opening of waterfowl season. There were numerous unsigned duck stamps and one case of shooting a cormorant with lead shot.
Three vehicles were broken into during December while parked on the refuge. Over three hundred dollars in cash was taken, along with a camera, police scanner and credit cards. It is frustrating to have this happen on the refuge, but even more frustrating is having people continuously leaving wallets, purses, cameras and objects of value in their vehicles in plain view while they walk the beach...despite a large sign at the refuge entrance warning visitors of this problem.
In addition, Officers participated in many other projects including: patching potholes, banding waterfowl, checking predator traps, erecting fencing, posting boundary signs and presenting an occasional information talk to students. 35
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction
The heat pump installation contract was completed during the month of January. The new heating system was installed in the carpentry shop building.
Split rail fencing was erected around Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3.
2. Rehabilitation
New partitions, made of recycled plastic, were installed in the restrooms at the Visitor Contact Station. The plastic partitions should prove less susceptible to the affects of salt spray than the older metal style. The floors were also painted prior to the opening in Spring. The well supplying water to the center was dug out and a new concrete top installed. Since the sand removal, the pump hasn't lost its prime during periods of high use as it did in the past.
The roadway between Parking Lot 7 and Sandy Point State Reservation was brushed, fill added to the shoulders, and split rail fence installed along it's 700' length. With the road side cleaned up and clearly defined as a "no parking" zone, problems with illegal parking have greatly diminished.
The vault toilets at the Hellcat Swamp Nature Trail area were pumped, patched, scrubbed and painted.
A washout on the road to the Goodwin camp on Stage Island was repaired and riprap set in place to lessen future storm damage.
The State road which connects the upper and lower parking lots at Sandy Point State Reservation was rehabbed by refuge staff at the State's request. The road was widened and crowned with fill taken from the sides. Two existing culverts were reset and a new one installed that would provide adequate drainage from the upper to lower road side. The vegetation that narrowed the road to one lane was cut back using the Motrim mower.
Throughout the spring and summer twenty-seven tons of "cold patch" asphalt was used to patch the refuge road.
The underground fuel storage tank at refuge headquarters was over 25 years old and had developed a leakage problem in the filler pipe in 1989. The old tank was removed at that time and the refuge was forced to rely on a local stations for gas. A replacement fuel tank was finally installed in 1991. The new unit consists of double tank of 500 gallons each for gasoline and diesel. In keeping with current regulations governing underground storage tanks (UST), the new units employs state of the* art sensing/alarm 36 systems for both liquid and vapor leaks. The contract was awarded to C & S Construction of Plaistow, N.H. in the amount of $19,450. Work began on October 30th and the installation was complete and pumping on December 19th. The potential savings i.e. bulk purchase versus retail pump price is roughly $3,000 per year!
* The new fuel storage tank is a real time and money saver! (Martinkovic 12/91)
4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement
The 2 00 gallon slip-on pumper unit was mounted on a new trailer purchased with fire funds.
Two Suzuki ATV's were purchased to provide access to remote sections of the refuge and the refuge beach. One of the ATVs has 4-wheel drive capability. The low ground pressure vehicles will have less impact on the beach and inner dune areas than other vehicles used in the past. 37
ATV1s proved very effective for beach travel. (Halpin 11/91)
* 5. Communications System
A 60-watt Radius model 208 radio was installed in the Entrance Station as a replacement for one of Marconi's finest. i A new Radius M-216 radio was purchased with fire funds and installed in the 1991 Chevrolet Blazer. This vehicle and the 1990 Dodge 4x4 pickup are the primary haulers of the fire trailer/pumper unit.
J. OTHER ITEMS
1. Cooperative Programs
A Cooperative Agreement was negotiated with the Essex County Mosquito Control Project to conduct open marsh water management on roughly four acres of refuge salt marsh just north of sub- headquarters. The cost of FY 91 work was $10,000.
The University of Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit requested assistance in conducting a study of mallard-black duck interactions on the refuge and the immediate area waters. The refuge supplied a vehicle as well as office space, etc. during 1991. 38
3. Items of Interest
Work progressed quite well at the Tract #1100 hazardous waste site. The firm of S.E.A. Consultants, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. completed the field work in preparation for the Phase II report. A waiver was also requested from the State Department of Environmental Management. This waiver was approved based on the low risk associated with the type of contaminants found at the site. A waiver allows for less review by the State DEP, thus speeding up the overall process considerably. The major contaminant at the site is PCB's - which are tightly bound up in the upper 9-18" of soil. No air or ground water contamination was found. The major risk is the ingestion or inhalation of PCB contaminated dust. This risk has been temporarily relieved by covering all PCB soils with impervious plastic tarps. Only three sites within the 12.3 acres have been found to contain high levels of PCB's. The tentative schedule is to complete Phase III - Remedial Action Plan, in calendar year 1992, and possibly initiate actual cleanup as well. We anticipate the cleanup to be done the end of FY 93.
The Parker River Refuge Access Committee has been very active in attempting to discredit the Refuge and the Service in managing the refuge. This "Committee" to date consists of a "former disgruntled employee" and one other person. Unfortunately, the gross distortions of fact offered to the press by this group have been, to some degree, accepted as true. Considerable staff time has been spent responding to requests for information, as well as providing draft responses for other levels of the Service. The year 1992 will most certainly be a very interesting year. i Refuge Staff continued representation as an ad hoc member of the Sandy Point Advisory Committee. Again, most unfortunately, most meetings consisted of bashing the Refuge by members (the two mentioned previously) of the PRRAC. The committee has since been reduced to a verbal encounter group with little, if any, productive results. With the State of Massachusetts suffering a severe economic decline, much worse than the nation as a whole, the cooperation offered by the Refuge has been much appreciated by the Division. 39
• < 4. Credits
Fillio Sections A, D, E.5, E.8, G, J, K Thacher Island
Martinkovic Sections C, E.6, J.4, Editing, Assembly
Halpin Sections E.2, E.3, F.9, I
Healey Sections B, D.5, F, G
Johnson Sections E.4, F.12, H
Garcia Section E.l
Parmenter Typing, Editing, Assembly
Lane H. 17
K. FEEDBACK
At recent project leaders meetings there seems to have appeared some mistrust of the Regional Office in how the RO treats the field. Let it suffice to say that having been in the FWS for 30 years now - the last 16 as a Project Leader - things are a lot better today than ever before. AMEN!
The MMS system is working, the R-5 IPW system is working, reporting has been reduced somewhat, funds are coming through for new vehicles and equipment... it may not be Utopia, but things are definitely better than they've ever been.
One suggestion - I think the Service could serve it1s new employees better by providing a more comprehensive employee orientation. Specifically, I wish I had a better understanding of retirement benefits and financial planning from the start. Now with only a few years to eligibility, there is little time to plan and save. Retirement may not be that easy for me, but perhaps the Service could provide some information that will make it easier for new folks.
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1991
THACHER'S ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Rockport, Massachusetts X jj ,33 5? 7J \ w SANDY BAY C-i $ Avery Ledge
so ss S3 N 3> Tweivefoot Rock 60
- 'e •^/ - 0 Lighthouse
^aP.i^ea^ ^ Straitsmouth / 'v Island
J5
9J s-t
sL-%rO': ^ 1^;' • '•<%•'-/V >-^ ... ,O* r .^-' • .//aL ^ : vf;* *• "v'-rs.'-t * v^=- ••I. *v.U#. '-',7 -/ A^'*\ 'l Core '•* f^^rimfnunit/ -^>'/ ~a?L^\' ' V ' - ,-=- V-~ -Roc^ort^ K.v.-i"*- >c- -/-/.'r)0/ vv>. ^n ^P°l!cktf7~ /> ,Ln- -vS tL i ^.-.•-A,*-r"' - ' /-^aygrour.cn?>. >L_/ o ,/'J1 *_ ".Fiat ^ 'X-' / • ^ -' - ^ /^I^N• •/'- : tn * • *-• J*•• >
-Ro#-^r. " J- $:S]\ * ' «" • -til 5^J - , v It {Zjr". /
v oi-4- rj ' / /•!Lands Endy'•.^.-#« n > ^fZ%Looioiiy ' Oak. Rock Thache Island f -- /• > -> :// • j * -•• •••[ .•-• p i-:7: \.'\ y: .•. -:€ •_: * jt/b' \z*20'i - b
o~ '-"-''Lands End
/r "i. * -Cape Hedge de
•—6 z^., i-j -11^" ' Mi,k . *. \ Island i'-'- 5_ ^ / -.. ^ MASS i. / "5-l ^
! ^ ^-«0 ' OJADRANGLE LOCATION SCALE 1:24000 o mile i20 1003 JCOO 300C Acoo 5000 6coo tocc r£- I KILCVETE" MAP 2 Thacher Island, MA. CONTOUR INTERVAL 10 FEET DATUM IF MuAIV F.: A - r'-'T- THACHER ISLAND
ROCKPORT MASSACHUSE1
tkMAMt* ?»«na r##t namm muunMmm •»*** r?** Wtt O fewwnw •
TViax.k^/' n The Thacher Island Association, under terms of a cooperative agreement with the Service and the U.S. Coast Guard, maintains a resident staff on the island year round. Minor maintenance is performed by this staff. Public tours of both the Service and Coast Guard portions of the island are also conducted by the Thacher Island Association. Wildlife use includes both Herring and Great Black-Backed Gulls as nesting species, with offshore use by Cormorants and Common Eider. The rehabilitation and restoration of the North Tower Lighthouse continued through 1991 with minor repairs of the lass light tower. It seems that with strong winds, some panes were consistently leaking and causing damage to the interior of the structure. A severe coastal storm occurred on October 31, 1991 causing some damage to other island facilities. Winds gusted to 84 mph, which did not abate until the following evening. The island lost electric power due to a rupture in the underwater cable. The small railroad trestle from the turntable to the whistlehouse was also damaged. Visits to the island have since been suspended until the damage can be repaired. Fortunately, both lighthouse towers were able to withstand the storm with little or no damage. Repairs to the steps and entrance ramp to the North Tower were postponed due to ^Lack of funds. Hellcat Swamp Wildlife Trail Guide Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Massachusetts Hellcat Swamp Nature Trail This two-mile-long nature trail is divided into loops so that 2 Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was estab visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife habitats at Parker lished in 1942 as a resting place for migrating River National Wildlife Refuge. The habitats reflect both waterfowl. Refuge personnel have modified the landscape natural processes and human activities at the Refuge. To to provide better habitat for waterfowl. The water control prevent damage to vegetation and dunes and to avoid structure in the middle of the dike allows Refuge staff to deer ticks, please stay on the boardwalk. To preserve raise and lower the water levels in the impoundment, dunes, no access to the ocean is permitted from this trail. thereby encouraging some plant species to grow while discouraging those species not usable by waterfowl. The observation tower path is to the left of the trailhead. The trail boardwalk is straight ahead. ^ The cattails nearby are being crowded out by two exotic plant species introduced from Europe and -< The freshwater marsh before you was created by the Asia. Purple loosestrife is the low shrub and phragmites the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide habitat for tall reedy plant with the tufted tops growing near the migratory birds. Habitat is the food, water, cover, and boardwalk. These plants do not provide the cover and shelter needed by animals to survive. National Wildlife food needed by birds. Fire, mechanical harvesters, cutting, Refuges are managed to promote wildlife diversity by and managing water levels are some of the methods used providing many different habitats for wide varieties of by Refuge staff to control nuisance plants and promote the wildlife. growth of cattails and other species favored by wildlife. ;.\r, — —w - iSb. Wildlife • Observation 16.1! * Blind • (0 • o • DC 17* M CD Freshwater • ^ib CO iicr 4: 3 18* Swamp • 14 TS .•*; DC • • 19'. 13 • J • • • • 11 • • 12 • • a A •20 1—~j| >T; j•; 7 8*-9 10 • • Dunes Atlantic Ocean Salt * 6* Water ^ 3 . Marsh =-zs=T-—s-^n-—-im 1 *.5 ?>•, 2*• • 1#. Dunes ^ • Freshwater • :iV; ^ • Marsh • «• i o •• Enter >•• • s.'^. _ Parking ^r^=——7*I Observationservat "Lot #4 I Tower ft %\K. ' o Many of the plants which you see along the trail 0 grew from seeds sown by birds. Songbirds feast on the fruit of blueberry, pin cherry, woodbine, raspberry, and honeysuckle; then pass the seeds on to the soil after digesting the pulp. Q The colorful "paint" spattered on this tree is a mat of small plants called lichens. Lichens are combinations of algae and fungi which are dependent on each other. The algae cannot live out of water without the protective coating of the fungus. The fungus, in turn, depends on the algae for food. Together they produce an Cattails Phragmites acid-like substance which can change rocks into soil, thus providing anchorage for other plants. A The path to the left leads to an observation blind. By -j ri Wind and shifting dune sands have partially buried approaching the blind quietly you may be able to see this black cherry. The gnarled growth pattern of the herons, rails, and ducks swimming or feeding in the marsh tree reflects the intensity of seasonally-strong winds at during spring, summer, and fall. The path to the right leads the Refuge. to stop number five and to the upland and dune portions of the trail. Slight differences in soil nutrients, acidity or ^ moisture are often indicated by the kinds of plants you see growing. Grasses tolerate drier sites and usually need soil low in acid. Such grassy clearings, where buds and leaves grow along the sunny edges, attract cottontail rabbits and other small mammals. /: This upland forest habitat is named for Ralph Goodno, a local educator who brought many classes to the Refuge over the years. He took an active interest in Speckled Alder developing environmental education materials for teachers and students so that all could better appreciate -j -t This 50-foot-high dune provides a panorama of the diversity of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. A A mainland, salt marsh, freshwater marsh, Hellcat Swamp, sand dunes, and Atlantic Ocean, all of which are •J Hellcat Swamp is especially known for its variety of linked together. As dunes form, they act as a barrier to bird life. Over 300 species of birds regularly visit the ocean storms and winds. Plants grow on the back sides of Refuge. Most of these species feed and rest in this dunes, stabilizing them. Foot traffic across the dunes seemingly-misplaced swamp which lies amidst the sand dunes. damages plant roots, leaving the dunes more vulnerable to wind and waves. Please help protect the dunes and salt marsh by staying on the boardwalk. -j o The dunes which parallel the beach protect the ^ estuary from pounding surf. Wind is a powerful and active force in shaping the dunes. The blowout (de pression) in front of you shows the effect of whirling winds that dig into areas which lack dune vegetation. Depending on the severity of the wind, this blowout may continue to grow larger unless pioneering species, like the false heather to your right, move in and stabilize the sand. Yellowthroat 1 o The Japanese black pines were planted in 1953 to 1 'y The Massachusetts Audubon Society helped pre- ^ help stabilize the dunes. Plans call for replacing them ' pare this memorial to Ludlow Griscom, an ornithol with native trees. White-tailed deer seek shelter from ogist who first reported the variety of bird life found on severe winter winds in the pine areas. Plum Island. The stone is of glacial origin and was moved to this location in 1965 to commemorate Griscom's efforts 1 A The freshwater swamp before you nestles in a to preserve the area. ^ pocket where roots can reach the freshwater table beneath the sand. A brushy mixture of bayberry, poison -j o The dominant plants in this swamp are serviceberry, ivy, spirea, blackberry, and woodbine surrounds the ® arrow wood, speckled alder, blueberry, and winter swamp. In the middle, speckled alder, black cherry, willow, berry. The majority of these plants provide natural food for and trembling aspens dominate. Salt spray has killed back birds and can be obtained from large nurseries for planting the tops of many of the alder bushes, but new growth is in your own yard. Wildlife can benefit from human-created springing up from a large and well-established root system. habitats, whether on a national wildlife refuge or in your own backyard. -| Q Look up to see the borings on the cedar tree in A ^ front of you. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers have chiseled into the tree to feed on the sap which flows just under the bark. Sapsuckers also eat insects, especially those attracted to the sweet sap. Poison luy •* p* Watch for ruffled-up depressions in the sand which ^ may contain a few feathers. The feathers are often from the ring-necked pheasant which took a dust bath to clean its feathers and rid its body of parasites. >1 /- Bayberry has adapted to the dry environment of the ^ dunes by developing waxy leaves. The leaf coating prevents the plant from losing too much moisture to the air. The fragrant berries are the source of the scent for Yellow-bellied bayberry candles. Birds, particularly yellow-rumped Sapsucker warblers and tree swallows, may be seen feeding on the berries during the summer months. orv Colorful flowers may be blooming along the road edge. Wild roses provide year-round color. In June, the fragrant roses bloom, and are later followed by red, pod-shaped fruits called "rose hips." Rose hips not only provide food for wildlife, but are also used by people in jellies and tea. You have reached the end of the nature trail. You can return to the parking lot by crossing the Refuge road and following the boardwalk. Bayberry Mission: As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public lands and natural and cultural re sources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wilcpfe, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historic places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under U.S. Administration. For further information contact: Refuge Manager Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Northern Boulevard, Plum Island Newburyport, MA 01950 Telephone (508) 465-5753 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RL-53550-4 October 1991 Birds of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Massachusetts Welcome to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. LOONS - GREBES The Refuge contains 4,662 acres of sandy beach Red-throated Loon and dunes, bogs, freshwater impoundments and Arctic Loon tidal marshes. Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe The following list, which conforms to the Sixth American Ornithological Union's Checklist, con Horned Grebe tains 303 species that have been recorded on or Red-necked Grebe seen from the Refuge during the past ten years. A SHEARWATERS - CORMORANTS separate list is included of 40 species that have Northern Fulmar been seen only three or four times in the past Greater Shearwater decade. This list was prepared in cooperation with Sooty Shearwater the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Brookline Manx Shearwater Bird Club, the Peabody Museum, and numerous Wilson's Storm-Petrel knowledgeable local birders. Leach's Storm-Petrel Northern Gannet Bird activity on the Refuge is highlighted by shore- bird migrations and flocks of swallows in late Great Cormorant summer and large flocks of waterfowl in the fall and Double-crested Cormorant early spring. BITTERNS - HERONS - IBIS American Bittern Least Bittern f Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Cattle Egret Green-backed Heron t Black-crowned Night-Heron t Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Most birds are migratory. The peak migration per Glossy Ibis iods at Parker River are usually March 1 -June 7; and SWANS - GEESE - DUCKS August 1-October 31. The birds' seasonal occur Tundra Swan rence and relative abundance are coded as follows: Mute Swan Greater White-fronted Goose SEASON Snow Goose s - Spring March 21 - June 20 Brant S - Summer June 21 - September 20 Canada Goose t F- Fall September 21 - December 20 Wood Duck f W-Winter December 21 - March 20 Green-winged Teal f American Black Duck f "}" These species nest on the refuge Mallard t Northern Pintail f Blue-winged Teal t a - abundant a species which is very numerous Northern Shoveler f c - common certain to be seen or heard in Gadwall t suitable habitat Eurasian Wigeon u • uncommon present, but not certain to be seen American Wigeon o - occasional seen only a few times during a season r - rare seen at intervals of two to five years Canvasback s S F W s S F W LARK - SWALLOWS - JAY - CROW Redhead r r r Horned Lark f u u u u 0 0 r Purple Martin t c c u u u u Tree Swallow t c a a r* r c 0 u c Northern Rough-winged Swallow t o o o King Eider . . . . r r r r Bank Swallow f c c u Harlequin Duck r r Cliff Swallow f u u u c u c Barn Swallow t c c c c r c u Blue Jay t c u c u u 0 c u American Crow t c c c c c 0 c c CHICKADEES - NUTHATCHES - WRENS u u c Black-capped Chickadee t u c c u 0 0 Boreal Chickadee r r u c c Tufted Titmouse r r r r u r u r Red-breasted Nuthatch u u u u Common Merganser r r r White-breasted Nuthatch u u u o Red-breasted Merganser. . c u c c Brown Creeper o o u o Ruddy Duck f r r u r House Wren f o o u VULTURE - HAWKS - FALCONS Winter Wren u o u Turkey Vulture r r Marsh Wren t c c u Osprey u 0 0 KINGLETS - THRUSHES - THRASHER Bald Eagle r r r Golden-crowned Kinglet u o c c u c c Ruby-crowned Kinglet c o c u u 0 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher u o o Eastern Bluebird r r t 0 0 0 0 0 0 Veery t u u u Red-shouldered Hawk r r Gray-cheeked Thrush o o o Broad-winged Hawk. . r r Swainson's Thrush u r u 0 0 0 0 Hermit Thrush |u u o u u c Wood Thrush u" o u Golden Eagle r r American Robin t c u c o c c c u Gray Catbird t a a a 0 u 0 Northern Mockingbird t u u u u 0 u 0 Brown Thrasher f c c c Gyrfalcon r r WAXWING - SHRIKES - STARLING GROUSE - PHEASANT Water Pipit u u Ring-necked Phej u u u u Cedar Waxwing t u u u Ruffed Grouse .. r r r r Northern Shrike o o o RAILS - COOT Loggerhead Shrike r r r Yellow Rail r European Starling f a a a a 0 0 0 VIREOS - WARBLERS 0 0 0 White-eyed Vireo o o o u u u Solitary Vireo .-u u u u u Yellow-throated Vireo o o u u u Warbling Vireo r 0 0 c 0 Philadelphia Vireo o o u PLOVERS - SANDPIPERS Red-eyed Vireo t c u c i Black-bellied Plover c a c o Blue-winged Warbler o o s S F W s S F W Golden-winged Warbler r r Lark Sparrow o o Tennessee Warbler u o u Lark Bunting r Orange-crowned Warbler r o Savannah Sparrow t c c c o Nashville Warbler ' u o u Sharp-tailed Sparrow f c c c Northern Parula u o u Seaside Sparrow f o o o o L Yellow Warbler t a a u Fox Sparrow u u o Chestnut-sided Warbler u o o Song Sparrow f a a a u Magnolia Warbler u o u Lincoln's Sparrow o o o Cape May Warbler o u u Swamp Sparrow t c c u o Black-throated Blue Warbler u o u White-throated Sparrow a o a u Yellow-rumped Warbler a o a u White-crowned Sparrow u o u Black-throated Green Warbler u o u Dark-eyed J unco c o c c Blackburnian Warbler u o u Lapland Longspur u o c u Yellow-throated Warbler r r r Snow Bunting u o c u Pine Warbler o o o o BLACKBIRDS - FINCHES Prairie Warbler u o u Bobolink f c c u Palm Warbler u c o Red-winged Blackbird t a a a o Bay-breasted Warbler u o u Eastern Meadowlark t u u u o Blackpoll Warbler c o a Yellow-headed Blackbird r r r Cerulean Warbler r Rusty Blackbird o o Black-and-white Warbler c o c Common Grackle t c c c o American Redstart t c u c Brown-headed Cowbitd t u u c Prothonotary Warbler r Orchard Oriole r Worm-eating Warbler o o Northern Oriole u o u Ovenbird u o u Pine Grosbeak * o o Northern Waterthrush u o u Purple Finch t c c u u Kentucky Warbler r House Finch f c c c u Connecticut Warbler o o Red Crossbill o o o u Mourning Warbler u u White-winged Crossbill o o o u Common Yellowthroat t c c c Common Redpoll o u Hooded Warbler o o o Pine Siskin o u u Wilson's Warbler u o u American Goldfinch f c c c u Canada Warbler u o u Evening Grosbeak r r r Yellow-breasted Chat o o o House Sparrow t u c u u TANAGERS - SPARROWS Summer Tanager r NOTES Scarlet Tanager u o u Northern Cardinal t u u u u Location Rose-breasted Grosbeak u o u Blue Grosbeak o o o Date. .Total. Indigo Bunting o o o Dickcissel o o Observers Rufous-sided Towhee t c c c o American Tree Sparrow u u c Weather _ .Wind. Chipping Sparrow u u u Clay-colored Sparrow o o Time Field Sparrow o o o Vesper Sparrow t o o o These additional 40 species have been recorded no more than three or four times in the last ten years. Eared Grebe Sooty Tern Western Grebe Black Guillemot Cory's Shearwater Atlantic Puffin American White Pelican Common Barn Owl White Ibis Chuck-will's-widow Fulvous Whistling Duck Black-backed Woodpecker Garganey Say's Phoebe Black Rail Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Sandhill Crane Fork-tailed Flycatcher Wilson's Plover Common Raven Black-necked Stilt Carolina Wren Spotted Redshank Sedge Wren Bar-tailed Godwit Sage Thrasher Long-tailed Jaeger Bohemian Waxwing Franklin's Gull Black-throated Gray Warbler Thayer's Gull Western Tanager Ross' Gull Black-headed Grosbeak Sabine's Gull Grasshopper Sparrow Ivory Gull Henslow's Sparrow Gull-billed Tern LeConte's Sparrow Please report any unusual sightings to: Refuge Manager Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Northern Boulevard, Plum Island Newburyport, MA 01950 Telephone (508) 465-5753 Take Pride in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RL-53550-2 October 1990 PARKE R •.J' •';• v-'•:.M-• (*••7< -':-•- • ' ^tlWrX/iji»#'•vr.V;- NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE • MASSACHUSETTS f VISITOR INFORMATION # PARKER RIVER Visitor hours are Vi hour before sunrise to Vi hour after sunset. To control public entry, an automatic NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE gate operates during times posted at the entrance. NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS The only legal entry into the refuge is through this gate. Reminder: On warm days, the refuge parking lots are often filled to capacity by 9 a.m. When this occurs, the main gate is closed until 3 p.m. This entry control limits visitor use and helps to protect refuge wildlife and habitat from overuse. REFUGE HEADQUARTERS Access to the beach is over boardwalks at each parking lot, except Lot #4. (This lot is reserved for visitors using the Hellcat Swamp Wildlife Trail.) You should remain on the boardwalks to avoid damaging the dune vegetation. Swimming is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards and undertows and tides are very strong. As you travel through the refuge you will encounter MAIN GATE IS ONLY regulatory signs such as speed limit and parking area LEGAL ACCESS signs. Two other signs you will also see are: Closed Area: Certain areas of the refuge AREA CLOSED are closed to visitors for management s-| purposes; entry beyond this sign is prohibited. PUBLIC Public Hunting Area: This sign marks HUNTING AREAf^l areas open to hunting only by permit during open seasons. PUBLIC USE ACTIVITIES Permitted: • Wildlife Observation • Photography • Beachcombing • Hiking on trails • Surf fishing • Plum and cranberry picking: one quart per person, from Tuesday after Labor Day to October 31 • Pets, on leashes 10 feet or less, from September 30 through April 30 on the ocean beach only. By Special Permit Only: • Clamming • Hunting • Night fishing and use of over-the-sand"surf fishing vehicles • Classroom or group visits Prohibited: • Entry other than through main gate • Firearms, except during hunting season, then cased, broken down, and in trunk • Alcoholic beverages (Town Regulation) • Littering • Launching/landing any watercraft • Parking in other than designated lots • Feeding wildlife • Removing any beached fishing gear pf] Parking Lot • Any disturbance to the dunes: digging, sliding, Road for Public Access or destroying vegetation • Horses. Dike ••• Boardwalk to Beach Remember: People and midlife use the road. ooo ORV Access Trail (4WD) Obey posted speed limits! (Permit Required) Walking Trail Observation Tower lSl Photography Blind Refuge Boundary REGULATIONS Regulations for National Wildlife Refuges are in the Code of Federal Regulations, Titles 50 and 43. State and local laws are also enforced by refuge, state, and local enforcement officers. Additional information is available at the gate (when staffed) or at the refuge headquarters. DIRECTIONS: Literature available includes: bird list, reptile/ Headquarters is at the North tip of amphibian/mammal list, Hellcat Swamp Wildlife Plum Island, 32 miles northeast of Trail Guide, and Sport Fishing Regulations. Infor Boston, and is best reached from mation on hunting programs and group visits for' the Route 113 exit of 1-95. Follow environmental education is available at refuge Route 1-A to signs indicating the headquarters (address on back cover). Refuge and Plum Island. INTRODUCTION HISTORY WILDLIFE HABITAT The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is Plum Island was discovered by Champlain in 1601 Located along major bird migration routes, over located on 4,662 acres of salt marsh, freshwater and first mapped by Captain John Smith in 1616. 300 species of birds use the refuge. Parker River's marsh, beaches and dunes in Essex County, Large heaps of shells called middens give evidence extensive salt marshes serve as important feeding Massachusetts. The refuge includes the souther^ of the past use of the island by coastal Massachusetts and resting areas for migratory birds. Peak concen two-thirds of Plum Island and is one of the few Indians, but they established no permanent settle trations of up to 25,000 ducks and 6,000 geese natural barrier beach-dune-saltmarsh complexes ments, probably due to the lack of fresh water. occur during fall and spring migrations. In addition, left on the Northeast coast. the refuge provides habitat for large flocks of warblers and shorebirds. During the 1630's the area became known as Plum Island, as early settlers took note of the profusion of The barrier beach, a fragile, environmentally unstable wild beach plums in the late summer. area, constantly changes with winds and tides. Residents of Ipswich, Rowley, and Sections of the refuge beach are protected by fences .-A* ' Newbury were al to provide nesting areas for least terns and piping lowed to graze plovers. Each year over 400,000 people visit the refuge to their livestock on enjoy its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife. In the island until Two miles of dikes create 265 acres of freshwater addition to birdwatching and environmental ed 1739, when the marsh in three major pools. Natural waterfowl foods ucation, visitor activities include surf fishing, practice was de found here attract a wide variety of water birds and hiking, clamming, plum and cranberry picking, and clared illegal due to other wildlife. Man-made struc hunting. depletion of the island's tures in the freshwater pools vegetation. Saltmarsh haying was an important encourage nesting by industry until the mid-1800's and circular "straddles," geese and ducks. used to keep mown hay above tidal waters, can still be seen in the marshes. In 1806, a road and bridge were built connecting the island with the mainland. By 1890, a horsecar line reached Plum Island from downtown Newburyport. Much of the natural vegetation disappeared as more and more cottages sprung up. In the early 1930's the Massachusetts Audubon Society acquired 1600 acres as a bird sanctuary. Parker River NWR was established in 1942 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired this area from the Audubon Society and an additional 3,050 acres from private landowners with funds Eighty acres of mowed grass pasture provide habitat from duck stamp sales. In 1985 an additional 12 for geese, deer, and rabbits. Canada geese with their acres was acquired on the mainland for a future young may be viewed at close range in these fields headquarters facility. during the late spring. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service CALENDAR OF EVENTS Parker River is one of more than 470 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is a January/February network of lands and waters managed specifically for the Snowy owls, rough-legged hawks, Northern harriers protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat and represents the present and frequently seen flying over marshes or most comprehensive wildlife management program in the world. Units of the system stretch across the United States roosting in trees at marsh edge; heavy storms may from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys and include small block refuge road for extended periods. islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The character of the refuges is as diverse as the nation itself. March/April Marshes thaw; northbound migrations of waterfowl, The Service also manages National Fish Hatcheries, and raptors and early shorebird and wading birds; court provides Federal leadership in habitat protection, fish and wildlife research, technical assistance and the conservation ship activity of waterfowl around April 1; service- and protection of migratory birds, certain marine mammals berry flowers in late April, and threatened and endangered species. May/June For further information please contact: Geese hatch and broods feed in roadside fields; warbler migration peaks in May; beach plums, false Refuge Manager Parker River National Wildlife Refuge heather, and honeysuckle flower; striped bass Northern Boulevard, Plum Island migration reaches refuge. Newburyport, MA 01950 (508) 465-5753 July/August t Ducks hatch and feed in pools; fox kits play near dens; mosquitoes and greenhead flies in strength, demanding personal protection; purple loosestrife flowers; concentrations of snowy egrets; large flocks of shorebirds and swallows seen in late August. * September/October Plum/cranberry picking (check regulations); water fowl migration underway; hunting permit applications available September 1; Youth Waterfowl Training Take Pride in Parker River Program ends late September; glasswort in salt National Wildlife Refuge marshes very colorful; peregrine falcons seen occasionally. November/December Migrating Canada and snow geese present; American black duck numbers peak; sea ducks rafting in large numbers offshore; snow buntings, homed larks, and Lapland longspurs seen in large flocks; seals sunning on Emerson's Rocks; marshes freeze. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RL-52550-1 July 1991 Sharing The Beach With Least Terns Description Nesting and Chick Rearing The least tern, as its name Least terns nest above the high tide line on sandy or stony beaches. suggests, is the smallest tern in They often share the beach with nesting piping plovers. Upon arrival, North America, a mere nine inches in body least terns go through an elaborate courtship display. The male presents length.* Superficially resembling a tiny gull, his mate with a fish, held tightly in his bill, and swings his head from it flies buoyantly on the summer breeze, with side to side. Once mated, the pair hollows out a shallow scrape in the long, pointed wings and a forked tail. sand, in which 2-3 eggs are laid and incubated for about 3 weeks. Both parents share the chores of incubation, brooding, and feeding chicks. The least tern is easy to distinguish from other terns. Its white forehead, which most other terns lack, contrasts sharply against a jet-black cap. The yellow bill and legs of least terns also set them apart from their larger cousins. The back and wings are a pearly gray, and the breast and underparts snowy white. Their high-pitched call, "chit-chit! chit-chit!" and a series of "chirree-chirree- chirree" notes are familiar summer sounds along many Atlantic Coast beaches. Distribution and Abundance along the Atlantic Coast The least tern nests from Maine to Virginia. After spending winter along the coast of Central and South America and the Caribbean, the terns return to our shores in May. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey fk- estimated a breeding population of 9,380 pairs of least terns along the Coast from Maine to Virginia in the mid-1980s. Perhaps another 15,000 pairs nested along the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Threats During the final decades of the 19th century, many tern species were When intruders or predators approach the nesting territory, the chicks hunted for their beautiful plumage and tail streamers, which were crouch motionless, while all adults take to the air. The terns attempt to fashioned into ladies' hats. Tern numbers plummeted. Passage of the drive the intruder away by divebombing and often defecating on them. Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 put an end to this senseless slaughter, But, being on the ground, nests and chicks are extremely vulnerable. allowing the terns and other bird species to recover. The flightless chicks have no way to escape predators. # r In their rebound, least terns have faced new threats. Human After about 3 weeks, the chicks fledge, and flock with their parents at disturbance, loss of coastal habitat, and an increase in mammalian the water's edge. Like the adults, they hover over the riptides and predators threaten their survival at many locations. While the least tern currents but still obtain most food from parents. They dive most population along the Atlantic Coast is stable and has never been added commonly for sand launch, a small silvery fish that travels in schools. to the Federal Endangered Species List, it is a species of concern in In September least terns gather in great flocks with other tern species, several States. Declining interior and West Coast populations were prior to their lengthy migration south. classified as endangered as early as 1970. ! Continuing Threats The least tern faces many obstacles on its nesting territory; • storm tides - extreme high tides can overwash nests and eggs. , • oil spills and other pollutants - may contaminate water and tern feeding areas • predation - brown rats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, great black- backed and herring gulls, great horned owls, black-crowned night herons, northern harriers, and American kestrels all eat tern eggs and chicks. • habitat loss - terns compete for space on the beach with humans and coastal developments; undisturbed sandy beaches are becoming scarce. • human disturbance - foot and vehicle traffic may crush nests and chicks; kite-flying near colonies flushes adults, which may interpret the kites as predators; • pets - loose dogs may kill chicks or flush adults off nests, exposing eggs and chicks to predation and the elements, house cats hunt in tern colonies; Protection Each nesting season, posts, signs, and snow fencing are erected on the beach around least tern colonies. Along with beach closures, this helps keep human disturbance to a minimum. Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Least Tern • Respect all areas fenced or posted to protect wildlife. • Do not approach or linger near least tern colonies. • Keep pets leashed, if pets are permitted on beaches. • Don't leave food or scraps on beaches. Garbage attracts predators. The least tern is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and by some State laws. For further information, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, One Gateway Center, Newton Corner, MA 02158, or your State natural resource agency. Illustrations by Paul J. Fusco and provided courtesy of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division. All rights retained. You Can Help Protect The PIPING PLOVER Description motionless on the sand while the parents attempt to attract the attention of the intruders to themselves, often by feigning a broken The piping plover is a small, stocky, sandy-colored bird wing. Surviving young fledge and are flying in about 30 days. resembling a sandpiper. The adult has yellow-orange legs, a black However, stormtides, predators, or intruding humans sometimes band Across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black ring around disrupt nests before the eggs hatch. When this happens, the plovers the base of its neck. Like other plovers, it runs in short starts and stops. often renest in the vicinity, and young hatched from these late nesting When still, the piping plover blends into the pale background of open, efforts may not be flying until late August. Plovers often gather in sandy habitat on outer beaches where it feeds and nests. The bird's groups on undisturbed beaches prior to their southward migration. name derives from its call notes, plaintive bell-like whistles which are By early September, both adult and young plovers will have departed often heard before the birds are seen. for their wintering areas. Distribution and Abundance along the Atlantic Coast Threats The piping plover breeds on coastal beaches from Newfound land and southeastern Quebec to North Carolina. These birds winter Several factors are contributing to the decline of the piping primarily on the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Florida, plover along the Atlantic Coast: although, some migrate to the Bahamas and West Indies. • Commercial, residential, and recreational development have Piping plovers were common along the Atlantic Coast during decreased the amount of coastal habitat available for piping much of the 19th century, but nearly disappeared due to excessive plovers to nest and feed. hunting for the millinery trade. Following passage of the Migra • Human disturbance often curtails breeding success. Foot and tory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, numbers recovered to a 20th century vehicular traffic may crush nests or young. Excessive disturbance peak which occurred during the 1940's. The current population may cause the parents to desert the nest, exposing eggs or chicks to decline is attributed to increased development the summer sun and predators. Interruption of feeding may and recreational uses of beaches since the stress juvenile birds during critical periods in their development. end of World War II. The most recent surveys • Pets, especially dogs, may harass the birds. place the Atlantic population at about 700 pairs. • Developments near beaches provide food that attracts increased numbers of predators such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Gulls, which have dramatically increased in numbers over the last Breeding and Feeding Habits 20 years, also prey on plover eggs and chicks. Piping plovers ^eturn to their breeding • Stormtides may inundate nests. grounds in late March or early April. Following establishment of nesting territories and courtship rituals, the pair forms a depression in the sand somewhere on Protection under the Endangered Species Act the high beach close to the dunes. The nest is sometimes lined with small stones or fragments of shell. The four eggs hatch The piping plover became a protected species under the in about 25 days, and the downy young are soon able to follow their Endangered Species Act on January 10, 1986. Along the Atlantic parents in foraging for the marine worms, crustaceans, and insects Coaskit is designated as threatened, which means that the popula which they pluck from the sand. Both the eggs and young are so well tion would continue to decline if not protected. The Endangered camouflaged that they are apt to go undetected unless stepped on. Species Act provides penalties for taking, harassing, or harming the When predators or other intruders come close, the young squat piping plover and affords some protection to its habitat. I Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Piping Plover • Respect all areas fenced or posted for protection of wildlife. • Do not approach or linger near piping plovers or their nests. • If pets are permitted on beaches used by plovers, keep your pets leashed. • Don't leave or bury trash or food scraps on beaches. Garbage attracts predators which may prey upon piping plover The piping plover is protected under the Endangered Species Act. For further information, contact the Office of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, One Gateway Center, Newton Corner, Massachusetts 02158, or contact your State Natural Resource Agency. r u.s. a FISH *WILDLIFE SERVICE Prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife m Service, Region 5.