DOCSLIB.ORG

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment National Elk Refuge

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment National Elk Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment National Elk Refuge Wyoming August 2014 Prepared by National Elk Refuge P.O. Box 510 Jackson, Wyoming 83001 307 / 733 9212 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6, Mountain-Prairie Region Division of Refuge Planning 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 300 Lakewood, Colorado 80228 303 / 236 8145 CITATION U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Comprehensive conservation plan—National Elk Refuge, Wyoming. Lakewood, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 287 p. Contents Summary .........................................................................................XI Abbreviations .....................................................................................XVII CHAPTER 1—Introduction.........................................................................1 1.1 Purpose and Need for the Plan. .3 The Decision to be Made...........................................................................3 1.2 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System..........................3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .......................................................................3 National Wildlife Refuge System .....................................................................4 1.3 National and Regional Mandates ................................................................5 1.4 Refuge Contributions to Regional and National Plans ..............................................5 Conserving the Future .............................................................................5 Partners in Flight.................................................................................6 North American Waterbird Conservation Plan ............................................................6 North American Waterfowl Management Plan ...........................................................6 Recovery Plans for Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species .........................................6 Wyoming State Wildlife Action Plan ..................................................................7 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan ........................................................7 Bison and Elk Management Plan .....................................................................8 Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee............................................................8 Responding to Accelerating Climate Change.............................................................8 1.5 Landscape-Scale Conservation ..................................................................9 Strategic Habitat Conservation ......................................................................9 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives .................................................................9 1.6 The Planning Process ..........................................................................9 Coordination with the Public .......................................................................11 State Coordination ..............................................................................11 Tribal Coordination ..............................................................................12 Teton County Coordination.........................................................................13 Results of Scoping ..............................................................................13 Selecting an Alternative ..........................................................................13 CHAPTER 2—The Refuge.........................................................................15 2.1 Establishment, Acquisition, and Management History .............................................15 Establishment ..................................................................................15 Acquisition History ..............................................................................15 Management History.............................................................................17 2.2 Purposes .....................................................................................21 2.3 Vision........................................................................................21 2.4 Goals ........................................................................................22 Habitat and Wildlife Management Goal ...............................................................22 Cultural Resources Goal ..........................................................................22 Visitor Services Goal .............................................................................22 Visitor and Employee Safety and Resource Protection Goal .................................................22 IV Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan—National Elk Refuge, Wyoming Administration Goal .............................................................................22 2.5 Special Values................................................................................22 Intact Ecosystem................................................................................22 High Scenic Quality ..............................................................................22 Undeveloped Habitat .............................................................................23 Quality Water Resources ..........................................................................23 Variety and Abundance of Wildlife ...................................................................23 Abundant Visitor Opportunities .....................................................................24 Rich Cultural History .............................................................................25 2.6 Planning Issues ...............................................................................26 Unknown Effects of Climate Change..................................................................26 Landscape-Scale Conservation Needs ................................................................26 Big Game Management Effects on Wildlife Habitat .......................................................26 Invasive Plants Replacing Native Habitat ..............................................................27 Flat Creek Enhancement ..........................................................................27 Conserving Wide-Ranging Wildlife...................................................................27 Managing Habitat for Migratory Birds ................................................................28 Wildlife Disease ................................................................................28 Insufficient Research, Inventory, and Monitoring .........................................................28 Human–Wildlife Conflicts .........................................................................29 Hunting Management ............................................................................29 Increasing Demand for Environmental Education and Interpretation ...........................................30 Operational Efficiency of the Jackson Hole and Greater ellowstoneY Visitor Center................................30 Management of Other Uses........................................................................30 Access .......................................................................................31 Public Outreach Opportunities ......................................................................32 Miller House Restoration..........................................................................32 Lack or Resources to Administer the Refuge ............................................................32 Stronger Programs Through Partnerships ..............................................................33 Refuge Management Effects on the Jackson Economy ....................................................33 Issues Outside the Scope of the CCP .................................................................33 CHAPTER 3—Refuge Resources and Description .................................................35 3.1 Alternatives Development......................................................................35 3.2 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study .......................................36 3.3 Elements Common to All Alternatives. .36 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................36 Invasive Species ................................................................................36 Bison and Elk Management Plan ....................................................................36 Wildlife Disease ................................................................................36 Access for Boating ..............................................................................36 Research .....................................................................................36 Refuge Uses ...................................................................................37 Landowner Coordination ..........................................................................37 Partnerships ...................................................................................37 3.4 Description of Alternatives .....................................................................37 3.5 Alternative A (Current Management)—No Action .................................................37 Climate Change ................................................................................37 Landscape-Scale Conservation......................................................................38
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Wild & Scenic River
    APPENDIX 2-E WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY EVALUATION BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST Background Under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, Congress declared that there are certain rivers in the nation that possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values that should be preserved in a free-flowing condition. These rivers and their environments should be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. During forest plan revision, a comprehensive evaluation of the forest‘s rivers is required to identify those that have potential to be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Forest planning must address rivers that meet one of these criteria: Are wholly or partially on National Forest System lands Were identified by Congress for further study Are in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI) Have been identified as a potential Wild and Scenic River by inventory conducted by the agency. The BTNF identified 31 river segments as potential Wild and Scenic Rivers during an inventory in 1991-1992; a number of additional eligible segments have been identified since and they have been added to the total list of __ river segments and __ miles in each of the following categories. In order to be considered eligible rivers must be essentially free flowing and have one or more outstandingly remarkable values. Rivers identified as eligible will be managed to maintain eligibility until suitability is determined. Rivers determined to be eligible were given a tentative classification as wild, scenic, or recreational according to their proximity to development and level of access.
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Species of Special Concern and Vascular Plant Flora of the National
    Plant Species of Special Concern and Vascular Plant Flora of the National Elk Refuge Prepared for the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Elk Refuge By Walter Fertig Wyoming Natural Diversity Database The Nature Conservancy 1604 Grand Avenue Laramie, WY 82070 February 28, 1998 Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance with this project: Jim Ozenberger, ecologist with the Jackson Ranger District of Bridger-Teton National Forest, for guiding me in his canoe on Flat Creek and for providing aerial photographs and lodging; Jennifer Whipple, Yellowstone National Park botanist, for field assistance and help with field identification of rare Carex species; Dr. David Cooper of Colorado State University, for sharing field information from his 1994 studies; Dr. Ron Hartman and Ernie Nelson of the Rocky Mountain Herbarium, for providing access to unmounted collections by Michele Potkin and others from the National Elk Refuge; Dr. Anton Reznicek of the University of Michigan, for confirming the identification of several problematic Carex specimens; Dr. Robert Dorn for confirming the identification of several vegetative Salix specimens; and lastly Bruce Smith and the staff of the National Elk Refuge for providing funding and logistical support and for allowing me free rein to roam the refuge for plants. 2 Table of Contents Page Introduction . 6 Study Area . 6 Methods . 8 Results . 10 Vascular Plant Flora of the National Elk Refuge . 10 Plant Species of Special Concern . 10 Species Summaries . 23 Aster borealis . 24 Astragalus terminalis . 26 Carex buxbaumii . 28 Carex parryana var. parryana . 30 Carex sartwellii . 32 Carex scirpoidea var. scirpiformis .
    [Show full text]
  • WYOMING Adventure Guide from YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK to WILD WEST EXPERIENCES
    WYOMING adventure guide FROM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO WILD WEST EXPERIENCES TravelWyoming.com/uk • VisitTheUsa.co.uk/state/wyoming • +1 307-777-7777 WIND RIVER COUNTRY South of Yellowstone National Park is Wind River Country, famous for rodeos, cowboys, dude ranches, social powwows and home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Indian tribes. You’ll find room to breathe in this playground to hike, rock climb, fish, mountain bike and see wildlife. Explore two mountain ranges and scenic byways. WindRiver.org CARBON COUNTY Go snowmobiling and cross-country skiing or explore scenic drives through mountains and prairies, keeping an eye out for foxes, coyotes, antelope and bald eagles. In Rawlins, take a guided tour of the Wyoming Frontier Prison and Museum, a popular Old West attraction. In the quiet town of Saratoga, soak in famous mineral hot springs. WyomingCarbonCounty.com CODY/YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY Visit the home of Buffalo Bill, an American icon, at the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. See wildlife including bears, wolves and bison. Discover the Wild West at rodeos and gunfight reenactments. Hike through the stunning Absaroka Mountains, ride a mountain bike on the “Twisted Sister” trail and go flyfishing in the Shoshone River. YellowstoneCountry.org THE WORT HOTEL A landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, The Wort Hotel represents the Western heritage of Jackson Hole and its downtown location makes it an easy walk to shops, galleries and restaurants. Awarded Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award and Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award. WortHotel.com welcome to Wyoming Lovell YELLOWSTONE Powell Sheridan BLACK TO YELLOW REGION REGION Cody Greybull Bu alo Gillette 90 90 Worland Newcastle 25 Travel Tips Thermopolis Jackson PARK TO PARK GETTING TO KNOW WYOMING REGION The rugged Rocky Mountains meet the vast Riverton Glenrock Lander High Plains (high-elevation prairie) in Casper Douglas SALT TO STONE Wyoming, which encompasses 253,348 REGION ROCKIES TO TETONS square kilometres in the western United 25 REGION States.
    [Show full text]
  • Paleontological Resources at Grand Teton National Park, Northwestern Wyoming Vincent L
    University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center Annual Report Volume 22 22nd Annual Report, 1998 Article 7 1-1-1998 Paleontological Resources at Grand Teton National Park, Northwestern Wyoming Vincent L. Santucci National Park Service William P. Wall Georgia College and State University Follow this and additional works at: http://repository.uwyo.edu/uwnpsrc_reports Recommended Citation Santucci, Vincent L. and Wall, William P. (1998) "Paleontological Resources at Grand Teton National Park, Northwestern Wyoming," University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center Annual Report: Vol. 22 , Article 7. Available at: http://repository.uwyo.edu/uwnpsrc_reports/vol22/iss1/7 This Grand Teton National Park Report is brought to you for free and open access by Wyoming Scholars Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center Annual Report by an authorized editor of Wyoming Scholars Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Santucci and Wall: Paleontological Resources at Grand Teton National Park, Northwest PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES AT GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, NORTHWESTERN WYOMING + VINCENT L. SANTUCCI+ NATIONAL PARK SERVICE KEMMERER + WY WILLIAM P. WALL+ DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY MILLEDGEVILLE + GA + ABSTRACT landscape, and though the last great ice masses melted 15 ,000 years ago, some re-established small Paleontological resources occur throughout glaciers still exist. the formations exposed in Grand Teton National Park. A comprehensive paleontological survey has This report provides a preliminary not been attempted previously at Grand Teton assessment of paleontological resources identified at National Park. Preliminary paleontologic resource Grand Teton National Park. data is given in this report in order to establish baseline data.
    [Show full text]
  • VITAL SIGNS 2016 This Report Is Made Possible Through Generous Support from Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton Association
    Science and Resource Management National Park Service Grand Teton National Park U.S. Department of the Interior & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Natural and Cultural Resources VITAL SIGNS 2016 This report is made possible through generous support from Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton Association. Science and Resource Managment Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway P.O. Drawer 170 Moose, WY 83012 www.nps.gov/grte 2 Vital Signs 2016 • Grand Teton National Park Acknowledgments To supplement the work done by Grand Teton National Park staff, the following organizations provided data and/or analysis that were used in preparing this report: • Biodiversity Research Institute • Craighead Beringia South • Colorado State University, Federal Land Manager Environmental Database • Grand Teton Fire Management Program • Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network • Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Monitoring Working Group • Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (U.S. Geological Survey–Biological Resources Division, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) • National Park Service Air Resources Division • National Park Service Northern Rockies Exotic Plant Management Team • Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative • Sky Aviation • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge • U.S. Forest Service, Bridger Teton National Forest • U.S. Geological Survey, Northern
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Bison and Elk Management Plan
    CONTENTS CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT PLANS Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................39 Criteria for Determining a Reasonable Range of Alternatives ................................................................39 Actions Independent of the Alternatives .....................................................................................................40 Elements Common to All Alternatives.........................................................................................................40 Structure of the Alternatives.........................................................................................................................41 Alternative 1: No Action..........................................................................................................................................42 Alternative 2: Minimal Management of Habitat and Populations, with Support for Migrations..................44 Alternative 3: Restore Habitat, Support Migration, and Phase Back Supplemental Feeding .....................46 Alternative 4: Adaptively Manage Habitat and Populations (Preferred Alternative)...................................48 Alternative 5: Restore Habitat, Improve Forage, and Continue Supplemental Feeding .............................50 Alternative 6: Restore Habitat, Adaptively Manage Populations, and Phase Out Supplemental Feeding 52 Alternative Comparison by Goal............................................................................................................................54
    [Show full text]
  • Uppermost Cretaceous and Tertiary Stratigraphy of Fossil Basin, Southwestern Wyoming
    Uppermost Cretaceous and Tertiary Stratigraphy of Fossil Basin, Southwestern Wyoming By STEVEN S. ORIEL and JOSHUA I. TRACEY, JR. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 635 New subdivisions of the J,ooo-Joot-thick continental Evanston, Wasatch, Green River, and Fowkes Formations facilitate understanding of sediment genesis and Jl7yoming thrust-belt tectonic events UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON 1970 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WALTER J. HICKEL, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY William T. Pecora, Director Library of Congress catalog-card No. 70-604646 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 65 cents (paper cover) CONTENTS Page Wasatch Formation-Continued Abstract __________________________________________ _ 1 Fossils and age-Continued· Page Introduction ______________________________________ _ 2 Tunp Member______________________________ 28 Purpose ______________________________________ _ 2 Origin--------~-------------------------------- 28 Earlier work_ .. __ - __ - ___________________ - _-- _- __ 2 Tectonic implications ____________ -_-------------- 29 Acknowledgments __ . ___________________________ _ 2 Green River Formation ___ .. _______ ------------------ 30 General relations ___ -- _________________________ _ 5 Name and usage __________________ -------------- 30 Evanston Formation _______________________________ _ 5 Definition __________________ -_-------------- 30 N arne and usage _______________________________ _ 5 Lithologic heterogeneity.
    [Show full text]
  • Eocene Green River Formation, Western United States
    Synoptic reconstruction of a major ancient lake system: Eocene Green River Formation, western United States M. Elliot Smith* Alan R. Carroll Brad S. Singer Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin, 1215 West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA ABSTRACT Members. Sediment accumulation patterns than being confi ned to a single episode of arid thus refl ect basin-center–focused accumula- climate. Evaporative terminal sinks were Numerous 40Ar/39Ar experiments on sani- tion rates when the basin was underfi lled, initially located in the Greater Green River dine and biotite from 22 ash beds and 3 and supply-limited accumulation when the and Piceance Creek Basins (51.3–48.9 Ma), volcaniclastic sand beds from the Greater basin was balanced fi lled to overfi lled. Sedi- then gradually migrated southward to the Green River, Piceance Creek, and Uinta ment accumulation in the Uinta Basin, at Uinta Basin (47.1–45.2 Ma). This history is Basins of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah Indian Canyon, Utah, was relatively con- likely related to progressive southward con- constrain ~8 m.y. of the Eocene Epoch. Mul- stant at ~150 mm/k.y. during deposition of struction of the Absaroka Volcanic Prov- tiple analyses were conducted per sample over 5 m.y. of both evaporative and fl uctuat- ince, which constituted a major topographic using laser fusion and incremental heating ing profundal facies, which likely refl ects the and thermal anomaly that contributed to a techniques to differentiate inheritance, 40Ar basin-margin position of the measured sec- regional north to south hydrologic gradient. loss, and 39Ar recoil.
    [Show full text]
  • Attachment J Assessment of Existing Paleontologic Data Along with Field Survey Results for the Jonah Field
    Attachment J Assessment of Existing Paleontologic Data Along with Field Survey Results for the Jonah Field June 12, 2007 ABSTRACT This is compilation of a technical analysis of existing paleontological data and a limited, selective paleontological field survey of the geologic bedrock formations that will be impacted on Federal lands by construction associated with energy development in the Jonah Field, Sublette County, Wyoming. The field survey was done on approximately 20% of the field, primarily where good bedrock was exposed or where there were existing, debris piles from recent construction. Some potentially rich areas were inaccessible due to biological restrictions. Heavily vegetated areas were not examined. All locality data are compiled in the separate confidential appendix D. Uinta Paleontological Associates Inc. was contracted to do this work through EnCana Oil & Gas Inc. In addition BP and Ultra Resources are partners in this project as they also have holdings in the Jonah Field. For this project, we reviewed a variety of geologic maps for the area (approximately 47 sections); none of maps have a scale better than 1:100,000. The Wyoming 1:500,000 geology map (Love and Christiansen, 1985) reveals two Eocene geologic formations with four members mapped within or near the Jonah Field (Wasatch – Alkali Creek and Main Body; Green River – Laney and Wilkins Peak members). In addition, Winterfeld’s 1997 paleontology report for the proposed Jonah Field II Project was reviewed carefully. After considerable review of the literature and museum data, it became obvious that the portion of the mapped Alkali Creek Member in the Jonah Field is probably misinterpreted.
    [Show full text]
  • Teton County Wildlife Crossings Master Plan
    Teton County Wildlife Crossings Master Plan by Marcel P. Huijser, PhD1 Corinna Riginos, PhD2 Matt Blank, PhD1 Rob Ament, MSc1 James S. Begley, MSc1 and Edward R. Jenne, BSc3 1Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University 2Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative 3E.R. Jenne Illustration FINAL REPORT Western Transportation Institute, College of Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 174250. Bozeman, MT 59717-4250 A report prepared for Teton County 320 S. King Street, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, USA June 23, 2018 Teton County Wildlife Crossings Master Plan Disclaimer and Acknowledgements DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) or Montana State University (MSU). This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors of this report would like to thank Teton County for funding this project. Special thanks are due to the following organizations and individuals who have provided data or other information. Their contributions have been critical to the project’s success. • Chris Colligan (Greater Yellowstone Coalition) • Alyson Courtemanch (Wyoming Game & Fish Department) • Keith Compton (WYDOT) • Gary Fralick (Wyoming Game & Fish Department) • Morgan Graham (Teton Conservation District) • Susan Johnson (Teton County) • Jon Mobeck (Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation)
    [Show full text]
  • Sensitive and Rare Plant Species Inventory in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Bridger-Teton National Forest
    Sensitive and Rare Plant Species Inventory in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Bridger-Teton National Forest Prepared for Bridger-Teton National Forest P.O. Box 1888 Jackson, WY 83001 by Bonnie Heidel Wyoming Natural Diversity Database University of Wyoming Dept 3381, 1000 E. University Avenue University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 21 February 2012 Cooperative Agreement No. 07-CS-11040300-019 ABSTRACT Three sensitive and two other Wyoming species of concern were inventoried in the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges at over 20 locations. The results provided a significant set of trend data for Payson’s milkvetch (Astragalus paysonii), expanded the known distribution of Robbin’s milkvetch (Astragalus robbinsii var. minor), and relocated and expanded the local distributions of three calciphilic species at select sites as a springboard for expanded surveys. Results to date are presented with the rest of species’ information for sensitive species program reference. This report is submitted as an interim report representing the format of a final report. Tentative priorities for 2012 work include new Payson’s milkvetch surveys in major recent wildfires, and expanded Rockcress draba (Draba globosa) surveys, both intended to fill key gaps in status information that contribute to maintenance of sensitive plant resources and information on the Forest. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All 2011 field surveys of Payson’s milkvetch (Astragalus paysonii) were conducted by Klara Varga. These and the rest of 2011 surveys built on the 2010 work of Hollis Marriott and the earlier work of she and Walter Fertig as lead botanists of Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. This project was initially coordinated by Faith Ryan (Bridger-Teton National Forest), with the current coordination and consultation of Gary Hanvey and Tyler Johnson.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 First Day General Session of the House Of
    FIRST DAY GENERAL SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FIFTY-NINTH STATE LEGISLATURE JANUARY 9, 2007 House Chamber At 12:00 p.m. the House Sergeant-at-Arms Darrell Moore, called the House to order. He introduced the following honored gests and their escorts. The Honorable Pat Arp, Deputy Secretary of State, escorted by Representatives Gentile and Quarberg. The honorable Max Maxfield, Secretary of State escorted by Representatives Diercks and Illoway. Secretary of State, Max Maxfield called the House to order and introduced Ian Cohee. He is the nephew of the Speaker Elect and is here to share his talent with us. Ian was born in Wyoming but is currently a resident of Ft. Collins, Colorado. He graduated in 2005 from Loveland High School, attended CSU for one year and is currently taking a break. Ian has played the bagpipes for eight years and never practices. He has played with the youth symphony from Ft. Collins and the Ft. Collins Pipe Band with his grandfather, Tom Sutton. He also plays electric base, standup base and guitar. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Ian Cohee, bagpiper extraordinaire. Secretary of state, Max Maxfield asked the body to join him in thanking Ian Cohee. Sergeant-of-Arms Darrell Moore announced the Honorable William Hill, Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court escorted by Representatives Brown and Bagby. The Central High School ROTC posted the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by the body. The prayer was given by Father Gary Ruzicka, St. Mary's Cathedral. Deputy Secretary of State Pat Arp called the roll of the elected House Members.
    [Show full text]