Northeast Region for the Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing 1 800/877 8339 Fiscal Year 2009 State of the Refuges U.S

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Hadley, MA 01035 413/253 8200 Federal Relay Service Northeast Region for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 Fiscal Year 2009 State of the Refuges U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov

March 2010

From the Chief Regional profile: 2009 Fiscal year 2009 was a year of change and opportunity for refuges in the Operations budget: $51,000,000 Northeast Region. After several years of downsizing and reorganizing, the Full-time staff: 357 budget situation has improved. Beginning in FY2008, national wildlife refuges Number of refuges: 71 nationwide have used congressionally allocated funding increases to stabilize Designated wilderness: 20,977 acres the baseline funding for staffed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Visitors: 5,934,000 FY2009 gave us a chance to begin to rebuild. Improvements are being made in Friends groups: 56 funding and staffing our wildlife inventory and monitoring efforts, our visitor Volunteer support: 222,911 hours services work, and our administrative staffs. Utilizing savings achieved through Number of volunteers: 5,695 downsizing in prior years and new funding provided in FY2009 and FY2010 (which began on October 1, 2009) we will fill 16 new field-based positions in the Northeast Region. Land Acquisition The Northeast Region collaborates with The accomplishments of our 71 Northeast Region refuges are many and great. In friends groups, private landowners, state the areas of land protection, science and management, welcoming visitors, and and local governments and conservation employing youth, Northeast Region refuges are leading the way nationally for advocates to strategically protect land the National Wildlife Refuge System. Our 72nd national wildlife refuge in the and water that provide wildlife habitat Northeast Region was approved in early 2009, and Cherry Valley will soon be an and meet the needs of the people who official refuge when the first tract of land is purchased. This community-based use those lands for recreation. In refuge planning effort is a model for a new way to plan resource protection in 2009, the Northeast Region received consultation with local citizens and governments. In 2009, we also benefitted from over $14 million from the Land and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, providing a big investment for Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) green infrastructure, youth employment and wildlife management. for land purchases made possible by strong support from the congressional The employees, friends, volunteers and partners have brought us through a delegation in northeast states. These difficult time. We have emerged stronger, with a renewed sense of purpose. We are funds and those from the Migratory moving from the traditions of past management efforts to a future of managing Bird Conservation Fund (MBCF) and refuges as an integral component of ecoregions that contribute to nationwide North American Wetland Conservation conservation of our federal trust resources. Act (NAWCA) made the acquisition of 4,796 acres possible throughout the Thank you to our employees, volunteers, friends, partners and the American region, with an additional 851 acres to be public for your support of Northeast Region refuges and the entire National purchased in the near future. Wildlife Refuge System. I look forward to building on our success in 2010.

Tony Umbagog NWR, Errol, NH The Trust for Public Land, the town of Errol and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) permanently protected 5,016 acres of former T.R. Dillon Logging Inc. lands in Errol, New Hampshire. Of the newly protected land, 3,177 acres have been added to the Umbagog NWR and 1,839 acres have been added to Errol’s town forest, the Thirteen-mile Woods Community Forest. These lands are critical for waterfowl, birds and aquatic species, including black duck, black-backed woodpeckers, 24 warbler varieties, American woodcock and brook Rendering of a nearly $10 million facility fully funded by ARRA trout. Linking Errol’s Thirteen-mile

USFWS Woods Community Forest and Umbagog All photos USFWS unless otherwise noted. Sunset at Monomoy Silvio O. Conte NFWR, Haddam, CT The Salmon River Division of the Silvio O. Conte NFWR was officially established on August 28, 2009, with the acquisition of its first parcel of land. The property includes 285 acres located National Wildlife Refuges on the Salmon River and Pine Brook in in the Northeast Region Haddam, Connecticut and was acquired from The Nature Conservancy and the town of Haddam for $1.75 million. The land links the ecologically rich Salmon Silvio O. Conte NF& WR Nulhegan Basin Division Cove with more than 6,000 acres of protected land to the north. This tract Silvio O. Conte NF& WR Pondicherry Division is considered one of the most important properties for conservation due to its location at the confluence of the tidal Pine

Silvio O. Conte Brook and the Salmon River. NF& WR Montshire Unit

Wapack Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Suffolk, VA Silvio O. Conte NF&WR Headquarters The Great Dismal Swamp NWR, in Silvio O. Conte NF& WR partnership with the Trust for Public Fort River Division Silvio O. Conte NF & WR Land, added 1,481 acres of mainly Pyquad Division

Silvio O. Conte forested wetland to the refuge with NF & WR Salmon River Division funding through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. These funds are Volunteers restoring tidal marsh on Barren Island, Blackwater, NWR Cherry Valley generated through the sale of federal duck stamps. The Great Dismal Swamp Much of our on-the-ground efforts about the future of coastal wetland NWR was established in 1974, and over are directed to wildlife related work. impoundment management in the face of the past 35 years the refuge has grown Managers, biologists, maintenance climate change. to protect more than 112,000 acres that professionals, volunteers, partners and are considered by many scientists to others work to evaluate the condition of The region is implementing the sea level be the heart of the original ecosystem. refuge habitat to ensure that migratory affecting marshes model (SLAMM) The new lands border the Pasquotank birds, fish and other wildlife find the to predict sea level rise in a changing River and offer federal protection for best conditions possible for their climate and identify at-risk coastal the headwaters of the drainage basin. survival. This work takes many forms, refuges. Through SLAMM-View, a Acquisition of this tract will provide from habitat assessment to population Web-based program that maps refuge an opportunity to restore and manage surveys for active management of lands habitats at various predicted sea levels, additional native forested wetland to improve productivity or eliminate we can better understand the potential communities and some areas of remnant invasive species. The threats that risk to our coastal habitats and inform marsh. Acquisition of this parcel will also individual species face often determine the American public of the risk posed provide important habitat for waterfowl, the intensity of management and survey to coastal refuges. The strength of this many other migratory bird species and efforts. Our work includes capturing tool is its ability to visually show the other wildlife. and banding migratory birds, gathering modeling of sea level rise predictions, data through observation, and outreach allowing people to see the impacts in NWR will create a 31,000-acre block of the remarkable diversity of bird life at The Stedman property is adjacent to Science and Management and education of the general public by a more intuitive way. Every staffed contiguous conservation and recreation Pondicherry in Jefferson and Whitefield, protected forest on both the northern in a Changing Climate refuge staff and cooperators. The most coastal refuge in the Northeast Region significant achievement among the conducted a SLAMM analysis in lands. Much of the property has been New Hampshire. Today, the area is and southern boundary and extends The National Wildlife Refuge System logged heavily, but the forest will documented to harbor a greater diversity to the salt marsh and open water of refuges of the Northeast Region was 2008 and 2009. The results will yield protects and restores habitat for key a combined progression of studies and invaluable forecasts that will inform our regenerate and habitats will be restored. of birds than any other similar-sized Pettaquamscutt Cove. Protection of wildlife species that are the responsibility The portion of the property being area in New Hampshire. The property this site serves to retain the value monitoring that will lay the foundation management and conservation decisions. of the federal government. Its mission for successful wildlife management in an By incorporating reliable science into acquired by the Service will be managed is primarily forested, and includes a of contiguous forests for species of is, “to administer a national network of primarily for wildlife conservation. The stream and several wetlands that flow migratory birds that depend on large era of changing climate. proactive management strategies, we lands and waters for the conservation, hope to engage the public in discussions property being acquired will expand the into Moorhen Marsh in the heart of the tracts of intact habitat for breeding. management, and where appropriate, community forest to be managed for wildlife refuge. A survey indicated 22 species of birds Climate on how we can adapt to climate-driven restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant All coastal refuge managers will likely environmental changes. sustainable timber harvesting, wildlife presumed to be nesting in the forested resources and their habitats within the habitat conservation and recreational John H. Chafee NWR at Pettaquamscutt portions. Several of these are identified be faced with difficult decisions relating United States for the benefit of present to management as climate change and In addition to the SLAMM analysis, the access. Both parcels will be forever off- Cove, Charlestown, RI as species of high conservation concern and future generations of Americans.” limits to development. The Rhode Island Department of for southern New England. This tract is sea level rise impact the coasts. For Northeast Region initiated a multi-refuge Environmental Management, the Service, expected to support numerous additional example, as sea level rises, management effort to assess the integrity of our tidal Each national wildlife refuge in the and maintenance of coastal wetland marshes. The project will produce a salt Silvio O. Conte NFWR, The Conservation Fund and The Nature species of high priority migratory Northeast Region performs wildlife- Jefferson, NH Conservancy worked together to protect birds during the breeding season and impoundments will become increasingly marsh integrity index of refuge tidal related work each year to meet the challenging and expensive. Coastal marshes, which will give the region a first The Service and The Nature two tracts in southern Rhode Island: the provide valuable migratory stopover mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Conservancy jointly protected 101.6 48-acre Camp Pastore property, located and wintering sites for numerous other refuge managers in the Northeast look at the plethora of biological metrics System and the individual purposes of Region are working together using that effect tidal marshes. It will also acres of valuable bird habitat in the in Charlestown along the northwestern species. each refuge. Pondicherry Division of the Silvio shore of Watchaug Pond, and 72 acres structured decision-making (SDM) provide the region its first rigorous look O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife of previously state-owned land known to develop a consistent standardized at the biological and chemical limiting Refuge. As early as 1889, bird watchers as the Stedman property that fronts on process to make informed decisions factors in our tidal marshes. Lastly, began making detailed observations of Pettaquamscutt Cove. this project will position us to prioritize At Mashpee NWR, Mashpee, MA, refuge restoration area. In 2009, the restoration At Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, restoration or management needs on staff, the Waquoit Bay Reserve Coastal team stocked the first captive-raised Oyster Bay, NY, the refuge hosted a coastal refuges. Training Program, Massachusetts juvenile mussels into the Ohio River series of workdays to remove water Department of Conservation and adjacent to the refuge. This project is a chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant Throughout the region, energy Recreation, and Mashpee Wampanoag collaboration between the Service, West that forms dense floating mats which conservation and installation of Tribe presented information and training Virginia Division of Natural Resources, displace native vegetation, block sunlight, alternative energy equipment is a major on the endangered New England Ohio Department of Natural Resources, interfere with oxygen content and focus of our climate change and carbon cottontail. Recent grants of more than and Ohio State University/Columbus Zoo impede recreational activities. One seed reduction efforts. $1 million are supporting efforts and the Mussel Conservation Center. can produce 300 new seeds in a single development of a conservation strategy year. Staff and volunteers from The Management at specific refuges to recover the New England cottontail. Nature Conservancy, Friends of Oyster At Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, Oceanville Bay, North Shore Land Alliance and New NJ, the refuge partnered with The At the Eastern Shore of Virginia York State Department of Environmental Conservation Fund’s Go Zero program to NWR, Cape Charles, VA, the refuge, Bog turtle Conservation removed 23,000 pounds, or restore nine acres of fragmented forest in collaboration with the Center for 60 cubic yards, of water chestnut from

At Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Suffolk, Engbretson/USFWS Eric and sequester carbon at the same time. Conservation Biology at the College of Mill Pond. Over 300 hours of volunteer VA, work continued to improve pine/ Brook trout Funded by the Go Zero program, trees William and Mary, joined the Regional pocosin habitat, part of the effort to time over four workdays were devoted to were planted at a density of 109 trees per Shrub/Scrub Research Project. This this project. recover the endangered red-cockaded of 85 cross drain culverts and 47 other acre in a random pattern. As the trees study is developing a protocol to assess woodpecker, a resident of the Dismal grow over the next 100 years, they will the status and changes of fall migrating structures that could potentially impede Aggressive invasive species control Swamp until the late 1960s. In fish passage. This information will be absorb more than 6,319 tons of carbon land birds using managed shrub habitats 2009, approximately 940 acres were was continued at John Heinz NWR, dioxide from the atmosphere. This on the refuge. The project was two- entered into a state-wide database Philadelphia, PA, during the summer of completed, which added another 1,860 maintained by the Gulf of Maine Coastal innovative program helps offset carbon pronged, with the initial work consisting acres of potential habitat. If all habitat 2009, including helicopter aerial spraying emissions while providing forested of vegetation assessments, fruit counts, Program Office. of Phragmites and purple loosestrife parameters and coordination with the Mussels habitat – a win-win solution for wildlife. bird surveys, foraging observations and state of Virginia are in place, the refuge to help restore wild rice and native mobbing, followed by the operation of At Umbagog NWR, Errol, NH, the Invasive species management vegetation for more productive wildlife could bring in five pairs of birds in 2011, refuge’s two Youth Conservation At Rachel Carson NWR, in Wells, ME, a passerine banding station. As a pilot the second population in Virginia. As humans have expanded their “range” wetland habitat. the refuge expanded the open area year, the study provided the groundwork Corps (YCC) crews worked with across the country, plants and animals along Seapoint Road to help recover for improvements to protocol and also fishery biologists from Maine and New have been introduced into habitats At Back Bay NWR, Virginia Beach, Throughout the Northeast Region, Hampshire to assess brook trout habitat the declining New England cottontail provided baseline data for the current refuge field stations worked on and with significant detrimental results. VA, refuge staff and partners combated rabbit. Once common throughout the shrub/scrub habitat prior to management and abundance on every small tributary For example, nutria, a South American 1,448 acres of Phragmites as part of off refuge land to help recover the of Lake Umbagog. This project gathered region, New England cottontail is now treatments. This work is part of a region- threatened piping plover. Rachel Carson, rodent introduced into the U.S. for use a Northeast/Southeast region, multi- an endangered species in Maine and wide adaptive management consultancy much needed baseline data for the refuge in the fur trade, has decimated marshes refuge, state and private landowner Parker River, Monomoy, Stewart B. and both states; there is concern that a candidate species for Endangered project that also involves Rachel Carson, McKinney, Rhode Island Complex, from Louisiana to Maryland. Phragmites, Phragmites control program effort. The Species Act protection. The rabbits Parker River, Great Meadows and brook trout populations may be affected or common reed, was introduced from collaborative project involves Mackay Long Island Complex, Edwin B. by changing climate need thick shrubland habitat for Trustom Pond NWRs. Forsythe, Cape May and Chincoteague Europe; this plant causes significant Island NWR, the Service’s Northeast survival. Older trees have shaded out changes to wetlands, reducing their value Region Fire Management Program, NWRs all played major roles in plover Ohio River Islands NWR, the understory, thinning the shrubs Endangered species management management. Refuge staff and partners as wildlife habitat. In order to assist Virginia Field Office and Partners for until there is no longer suitable rabbit At Great Swamp NWR, Basking Williamstown, WV, in collaboration with with the survival of native wildlife, land Fish and Wildlife Program; Virginia were responsible for efforts that led to the West Virginia Division of Natural habitat. The refuge is working with Ridge, NJ, management of habitats the fledging of plover chicks in 2009. Also managers work to eradicate or limit Department of Conservation and private, public and non-profit partners for the federally threatened bog turtle Resources and U.S. Army Corps of the spread of invasive species. In 2009, Recreation, False Cape State Park; in late 2009, the region made the decision Engineers, designed and built stone to establish core demonstration sites on continued in 2009. Refuge staff, interns, to fund several refuges with long-term refuge managers treated over 7,500 acres Virginia Department of Conservation public lands to create and showcase these volunteers and noted bog turtle experts dikes along the channel side and toe of of land in order to control the spread of and Recreation, Natural Heritage projects to support plover management Buckley Island. Constructed of limestone vital habitats. worked tirelessly to set back habitat for the next 10 years. invasive species. Some specific project Division; Virginia Department of succession and maintain suitable rock and placed offshore of the island examples follow. Game and Inland Fisheries; Virginia habitat, restore historic and potential in two to three feet of water, the dikes Geographic Information Network; Back Fish habitat evaluation and improvement serve as aquatic reef habitats and new habitat, and control the onslaught At Moosehorn NWR, Baring ME, At Montezuma NWR, Seneca Falls, NY, Bay Restoration Foundation; city of of invasive species. A radio telemetry bank protection structures, providing the refuge began a new alliance called Virginia Beach and private landowners. wetland management partner Ducks shallow water and wetlands protection study revealed the surprising usage by Unlimited designed and supervised MARSH (Montezuma Alliance for the Successfully reducing Phragmites in the turtles of several new areas for foraging, from boat wash and wave action. This Restoration of Species and Habitats) Back Bay watershed will both restore construction of a rock chute for the Trout partnership has stabilized and protected resting and hibernation. Visual surveys Brook impoundment at the Edmunds to restore, protect and enhance wildlife important habitat for tidal and emergent and trapping at one site yielded several over 12,700 feet of refuge shoreline habitat on the refuge by removing marsh wildlife and restore rare plant Unit. The 1965-era water control habitat. There is evidence of emergent new individuals, almost all juveniles. structure and dike blew out in May 2009 invasive and exotic plant species and species in the bay. The presence of juveniles is extremely wetland plants and bottomland hardwood reforesting some reclaimed sites with during heavy rains. The rock chute allows seedlings establishing themselves along important because they represent the water to flow over into a settling pond native trees and shrubs. The alliance is a At Presquile NWR, Hopewell, VA, future of the population and indicate the shorelines in areas where other collaboration between the Service, New habitat restoration was tackled by 15 and ease into the intermittent wetlands protection work was completed in 2006. that successful breeding, nesting and below, eliminating erosion and reducing York State Department of Environmental volunteers who planted 154 native trees hatchling survivorship is occurring. Since 2007, the refuge has been working Conservation and the Montezuma Audubon to stabilize the island’s shoreline, create staff time to monitor water levels. This with a variety of partners to implement This is likely the result of the proactive also helps to improve the water quality Center, with the help of volunteers from wildlife corridors and shade out invasive management and hard work that the a mussel and snail restoration project. local towns, nearby communities and grasses. Toyota provided a grant and of Hobart Stream, which is habitat for Teams have assessed habitat, collected refuge and partners have undertaken to brook trout and Atlantic salmon. universities. Volunteers cleared a mile-long staff to help with planting. The National ensure the survival of bog turtle at the and aggregated broodstock mussels stretch of the Seneca River and planted Audubon Society’s Virginia Important Great Swamp NWR and elsewhere in and snails for captive propagation, native trees such as swamp white oak, Bird Area Program and the Richmond Also at Moosehorn NWR, the refuge raised juvenile mussels for stocking, and Pamela Wells and www.oakleafs.com Wells Pamela New Jersey. sycamore and red maple in the floodplain. chapter of the Audubon Society provided hosted two Conservation Intern Program translocated adult mussels back to the New England cottontail (CIP) students who completed a survey volunteer recruitment and outreach. trees (communal roost trees used by 30 from the spill. In 2009, Maine Coastal Massachusetts. Monomoy NWR and opportunity to restore freshwater and or more bats). Mist-netting surveys also Islands NWR received $575,000 to fund a surrounding beaches host tens of tidal wetlands throughout the region, allowed researchers to examine bats for razorbill restoration program on Eastern thousands of shorebirds, representing in coordination with state and federal signs of white-nose syndrome (WNS). Of Brothers Island in Jonesport, Maine. more than 20 species, during fall and partners. By sharing our wetland the total 231 bats of all species netted, This funding will be used to attract spring migrations. management knowledge, we have 15 individuals from five different species nesting birds to the island to increase learned the tools necessary to overcome showed wing damage evidence linked the population. Maine is the only state At Block Island NWR, New Shoreham, challenges with invasive wetland plants, to WNS. Indiana bat captures were in the U.S. with breeding razorbills, and RI, volunteers operated a banding and manage wetlands within a developing down by 25 percent compared to 2008. recent surveys found that 85 percent of station for the sixth consecutive year, landscape. The capture of little brown bats, the the estimated 600 nesting pairs statewide documenting land birds on the island most common bat species on the refuge, nest on four refuge islands. during fall migration. Volunteers have At Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, MD, declined by an alarming 97 percent banded more than 6,188 birds from 99 restoration continued on 5.8 acres of Working with CIP students at Blackwater in 2009. Little brown bats have been In partnership with Maine Department species since 2004. tidal marsh on Barren Island, one of heavily impacted by WNS throughout of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the few remaining islands in Chesapeake Maryland Department of Natural the Northeast. By keeping a close watch refuge completed a coastwide survey of At Ninigret NWR, Charlestown, RI, Bay, which provides habitat for fish and Resources, Ducks Unlimited, Maryland on the effects of WNS on the refuge’s bat breeding gulls and cormorants. The survey a new songbird banding station was shellfish, waterfowl and nesting colonial Corporate Wetlands Partnership, the population, researchers will be able to documented 8,418 pairs of great black- operated using 18 nets, which were waterbirds. The island also serves as a MarvinMoriarty/USFWS National Aquarium, Coastal America, determine trends and better manage bat backed gulls on 200 islands, 20,697 pairs of open a total of 1,352 hours. More than protective storm buffer to the Hooper’s Bat affected by white-nose syndrome Washington College, Friends of Eastern populations afflicted by this mysterious herring gulls on 182 islands, and 9,409 pairs 2,810 birds of 53 different species Island community. This collaborative Neck, Chesapeake Bay Trust and many Bats and deadly disease. of double-crested cormorants on 80 islands. were captured, including 2,097 myrtle project involved the National Aquarium, others. The partnership developed an The spread of white-nose syndrome has The numbers represent a significant decline warblers, 274 gray catbirds, 119 tree the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, innovative design for a living shoreline decimated bat populations throughout Bird migration work since the last survey in 1996. swallows, 49 common yellowthroats and Maryland Conservation Corps, Friends to protect the isthmus and breakwaters; the eastern U.S. While most Northeast At Maine Coastal Islands NWR, 27 swamp sparrows. This surprising of Blackwater, National Oceanic and it included additional living components Region NWRs do not host the winter Milbridge, ME, a fall bird migration Increased management and monitoring number of birds exceeds those Atmospheric Administration, CIP to help reduce the high-energy wave hibernacula or caves where the disease study conducted on three refuge islands of Maine’s nesting islands resulted captured at more prominent stations students and community volunteers. action in the Hail Cove area. The project seems most prevalent, we do host resulted in more than 4,500 songbirds in the discovery of common murres in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Volunteers planted over 42,000 plugs of also included an oyster restoration maternity colonies and provide summer of 87 species captured, exceeding the attempting to nest on the refuge after This reveals the high number of birds marsh grass, and CIP students planted component in the cove. The celebration habitat for bats. Some examples of our numbers of birds captured at long- a 130-year absence. For the past 17 depending on the refuge for migration, 8,000 plants. More than 90 children from and planting of the living shoreline was expanding work with bats follow. running banding stations. Stations were years, the National Audubon Society and the importance of coastal shrublands schools in Anne Arundel, Montgomery completed in July 2009 and engaged local staffed at Petit Manan, Seal and Metinic and the Service have been cooperating to birds using the Atlantic flyway. and Talbot counties in Maryland helped school children to help plant the wetland At Maine Coastal Islands NWR, islands. Researchers estimate that more to re-establish a nesting colony by using by growing grasses at school and vegetation. The Hail Cove Restoration Milbridge, ME, the refuge initiated bat than one-half million songbirds could decoys and sounds. In past years, up to In 2009 at Missisquoi NWR, Swanton, bringing them to plant on-site. Partnership is being recognized with the monitoring on Petit Manan, Matinicus be using Metinic as a stopover on flight 140 murres have been visiting Matinicus VT, the success of nesting birds was 2009 Coastal America Partnership award Rock and Metinic islands, in support from the Canadian Maritimes to their Rock each breeding season. testimony to the refuge’s continued At Eastern Neck NWR, Rock Hall, for outstanding efforts to restore and of the Ocean Energy Task Force, wintering grounds. efforts to minimize human disturbance, MD, the refuge pursued the Hail Creek protect the coastal environment. to evaluate potential wind energy At Monomoy NWR, Chatham, MA, remove invasive species and manage restoration project which involved demonstration sites in the coastal waters A 2004 oil spill off the coast of Virginia refuge staff collaborated with the water levels in vital nesting habitats. protecting a 30-foot isthmus of land At Forsythe NWR, Oceanville, NJ, water of Maine. impacted more than 2,000 migrating Conserve Wildlife Foundation to Nesting bird successes include 121 pairs along the head of Hail Creek and a control structure #14 was repaired birds. After careful analysis, the Service capture red knots and other shorebirds of state-endangered black terns (the large submerged aquatic vegetation in partnership with Ducks Unlimited. At Parker River NWR, Newburyport, concluded that razorbills and Northern that use the refuge during migration. refuge is the only remaining nesting bed found in the creek. This creek The structure drains the northwest MA, the refuge contracted with the gannets were two migratory bird species The study investigated the health of habitat for this bird in the state), 30 provides significant habitat for large impoundment, which is important Biodiversity Research Institute to of greatest conservation need that likely migrating shorebirds using the refuge pairs of ospreys (more than one third of concentrations of wintering and migratory bird habitat. By restoring conduct migratory bat surveys on the suffered significant injuries and mortality and surrounding beaches in Chatham, the statewide nesting population), 345 migrating waterfowl as well as nursery the capability to control water levels in refuge and at Great Bay NWR. great blue herons (the largest rookery in habitat for fin and shellfish. Seventeen the impoundment, the refuge is better Vermont), and many other waterbirds. partners joined to develop an innovative positioned to manage the habitat. At Supawna Meadows NWR, Pennsville, Refuge staff conducted education and solution to threats to key wildlife NJ, a bat survey determined healthy outreach presentations to advise visitors resources. The partnership included the At Great Swamp NWR, Basking Ridge, bat colonies in existence at a locally of nesting area management issues. Service (NWRS and Ecological Services), NJ, another successful year of vernal significant old barn. A story of this effort In addition, the refuge worked with pool surveys was marked by exceptional and the partners involved appeared in volunteers to remove water chestnut numbers of state-endangered blue- Refuge Update. and manage water levels to encourage spotted salamander and wood frog egg growth of beneficial waterfowl forage masses. A total of 70 pools surveyed on Great Swamp NWR, Basking Ridge, and provide stable water levels crucial to the refuge yielded more than 2,000 blue- and Wallkill River NWR, Sussex, successful black tern nesting. spotted salamander and 1,100 wood frog NJ, completed a fifth successful year egg masses. Both species rely exclusively of federally endangered Indiana bat Wetland restoration and management on vernal pools for breeding. research. Mist-netting surveys were Wetland restoration and management conducted from May 15 to August 14 are very important duties of the NWRS At Montezuma NWR, Seneca Falls, at 12 sites on the refuge. A total of 26 in the Northeast Region. Many of the NY, the refuge began a multi-year Indiana bats (15 females and 11 males) wetlands in the Northeast have been project to restore 240 acres of wetland. were netted at six of the sites. Fourteen negatively impacted and restoration Restoration will remove muck in solid individuals (8 females and 6 males) efforts can be complicated by current stands of cattail, creating a series of were fitted with radio transmitters and development pressures. The disturbance interconnected potholes and small pools tracked to determine roosting sites. of soils in many wetlands typically allows for a mix of open water and emergent Bats with radios helped researchers to invasive plants to enter the system and marsh vegetation. The project is being identify 38 roost trees, three of which increases the challenge to restore these accomplished with help from Ducks were determined to be primary roost wild places. Many refuges have had the Unlimited. Red knot being banded Volunteers at Barren Island tidal marsh is the start of a refuge-wide effort to In addition to the funding received restore stream and wetland habitats for by the Service for these important native fish, mussels and migratory birds. efforts, the U.S. Geological Survey received complementary ARRA funding At Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Suffolk, for projects that will result in a new VA, staff continued a hydrology research laboratory facility, additional offices and project constructing a network of water new quarters for research personnel. research sites on the refuge. Data was transmitted hourly by satellite and Youth programs were expanded at posted on the U.S. Geological Survey and both Patuxent RR and at Chesapeake Virginia Water Science Center Web page. Marshlands NWR Complex. Field of wild rice at John Heinz NWR Water levels were measured, collected John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia, PA, and sampled from standing wetland Massachusetts completed a 12-acre, $850,000 Natural water for analysis of nutrients, major At Assabet River NWR, the Service is Resource Damage Assessment and ions and isotopes to assist in evaluating using previously allotted construction Restoration marsh restoration project nutrient sources. Preliminary analysis funding to build a visitor center that to connect newly created wildlife habitat of data has been conducted, including will meet the needs of the hundreds to the natural freshwater tidal flow of evaluation of water levels, modeling of New Visitor Center at Assabet River NWR of thousands of Americans who enjoy Darby Creek. Two new bridges were flow and evaluation of the water table. wildlife at the Eastern Massachusetts also installed. The area was hydro- Monitoring will continue in 2010. The two largest ARRA projects in the Maine NWR Complex. ARRA funding will allow seeded with native vegetation, and more Northeast Region are the construction At Rachel Carson NWR, three important the Service to complete the visitor center than 1,500 native trees were planted on At Canaan Valley NWR, Davis, WV, of a new nearly $10 million energy- projects are being constructed using project using approximately $800,000 for or near the refuge. State-endangered restoration work continued on the efficient administrative and visitor ARRA funding. The largest will provide fabrication and installation of interactive coastal plains leopard frogs, state- Central Appalachian Spruce Initiative, services facility for the Long Island $748,000 for the construction of a displays. Another $100,000 will be used to threatened red-bellied turtles and for which 130 volunteers planted 4,000 Volunteer planting a spruce at Canaan National Wildlife Refuge Complex, residential facility that will enhance install solar panels on this facility, which great egrets are using the new habitat native red spruce seedlings on 14 acres Valley NWR which comprises nine refuges within the the ability of the refuge to recruit and was designed with a geothermal heating on a regular basis. The restoration of historic forest shared between the metropolitan New York City area, and retain young students and professionals and cooling system. An additional partnership with Ecological Services and refuge and the Monongahela National $6 million in projects at the Patuxent who wish to do important wildlife $2 million will be used to link connections Forest. Volunteers from West Virginia The American Recovery and to a multi-town bicycle trail and improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Research Refuge in Maryland to conservation in this high-cost coastal University and Davis & Elkins College modernize facilities that will support area. Two other projects totaling $75,000 access for fishing, wildlife observation, Administration is planning an additional In February 2009, the American 56-acre, $3 million marsh restoration have been central participants in the world-class science for wildlife will enhance visitor facilities through trail and interpretation and education. effort, and the West Virginia Highlands Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) conservation. The region also received and observation platform construction to project located at the west end of the provided $280 million to the Service as refuge along the Darby Creek Trail. Conservancy supplied half the seedlings nearly $2 million for energy audits, accommodate the visitors to this popular Monomoy NWR received approximately free of charge. part of a nationwide effort to spur the energy efficiency improvements and coastal area. $1.4 million to save the culturally and economy. The Northeast Region received alternative energy facility construction at historically important Monomoy Light A new refuge partnership was formed $29 million for infrastructure repairs, with the Philadelphia Zoo to create James River NWR, Prince George, 31 national wildlife refuges in the region. Moosehorn NWR will receive $101,000 and Keeper’s House, which are listed VA, completed the first major forest construction projects, habitat restoration In addition to helping us better meet our for a water control structure replacement on the National Register of Historic vernal pool breeding habitat for state- and energy efficiency improvements on endangered coastal plains leopard frogs. management actions in its 20-year conservation mission region-wide, the project to enhance migratory bird and Places. The improvements will open history with the completion of the first national wildlife refuges. It also provides ARRA projects will create new jobs, save fish habitat. Opportunities for youth the lighthouse for public use activities Nocturnal anuran vocalization surveys funding that will double the number of were continued and expanded through phase of a large-scale, multi-phased pine existing jobs, spur economic activity and employment have increased at both adjacent to the refuge wilderness area. thinning project. Overstocked timber, opportunities for young adults to gain invest in the long-term economic growth refuges through expansion of the YCC Operation Frog Watch in partnership experience and employment through the with the Philadelphia Zoo and National with stagnated growth and extreme fire of local communities. and Student Conservation Association Additional youth employment danger, has been managed for healthy refuge YCC, the region’s unique CIP and (SCA) internships. opportunities have been provided at Wildlife Federation. A new population other career initiatives. of endangered leopard frogs was tree growth and increased wildlife Connecticut Silvio O. Conte NFWR and Great found through nocturnal surveys on an utilization More than $200,000 was allotted to Maryland Meadows and Parker River NWRs. additional site within the refuge repair the seawall on Outer Island, part Patuxent Research Refuge, just south of Stewart B. McKinney NWR, which of Baltimore, will receive more than New Hampshire Erie NWR, Guys Mills, PA, began a will help reopen this part of the island $6 million to modernize facilities. Umbagog NWR will receive more than pilot project to evaluate restoration to visitors. The region also allocated Planning has begun for construction of $66,000 for continuing protection and options on streams, wetlands, banks and funding to expand the refuge’s YCC a large, standard design office facility to enhancement of the great northern forest other ecosystems that may have been program in 2009. consolidate all Division of Migratory Bird by removing several camps and cabins affected by the multiple impoundments Management functions in one modern, acquired through land purchases. Over on streams in the Sugar Lake Division. Delaware energy-efficient facility. Archaeological time, visitors to the refuge will enjoy Water control structures were opened Nearly $250,000 has been provided to and historical documentation is capturing a restored area. Unbroken blocks of in the pilot project area to restore in- upgrade an existing trail at Bombay the rich wildlife conservation research wildlife habitat will be improved through stream aquatic communities and wetland Hook NWR, allowing access for all refuge history of the nation’s first refuge the project. habitats for priority bird species. Data visitors. Trail upgrade and maintenance established primarily to facilitate from the pilot project will be used to projects such as this will help the Service wildlife research. Several obsolete decide whether to expand the effort fulfill its mission to connect the American structures will be removed, including to other wetlands, or to modify the public with the natural world of our Stickle Laboratory, to make way for restoration project. The refuge will national wildlife refuges. new facilities or restoration of wildlife continue to collaborate with the Western habitat. A residence facility will be Pennsylvania Conservancy to identify Energy efficiency improvements will be replaced to provide for on-site quarters the streams and impoundments where made at the Prime Hook NWR office for refuge staff and researchers. Several management to restore native fish, building, where the existing HVAC units important security improvements will wildlife and habitats is desireable. This Erie wetlands, Erie NWR will be upgraded with $85,000 in ARRA be undertaken that would not have funding. occurred without ARRA investment. Umbagog NWR At Umbagog and Great Bay NWRs The $780,000 project will provide local At Back Bay NWR, a house is being the Conservation Internship Program evaluation period used to determine if a and Silvio O. Conte NFWR, additional employment, remove old infrastructure, rebuilt to serve as refuge offices. The use (CIP). The CIP is designed to recruit student should be a Service employee. YCC employment will connect teenagers restore grassland habitat and facilitate of ARRA funding will save the historic and employ 30 culturally and ethnically The Northeast Region has made a long- with nature and provide much needed public use of the refuge. home after years of decline while in diverse freshman and sophomore college term commitment to the SCEP program maintenance efforts and public use private ownership. The new facility will students for 12 weeks on refuges. and recently has increased the number improvements. A new YCC crew was funded in 2009 provide improved public service to the Building on the previous year’s successful of college-aged SCEP students. Out of at Iroquois NWR, providing increased people of Virginia’s largest city. ARRA partnership with SCA, the CIP grew to concern for having adequate entry-level New Jersey employment for high school-aged youth funding will improve energy conservation a $300,000 annual effort. These wildlife positions to place high-quality graduating On the Barnegat Division of the Edwin in western New York. at the visitor contact station through the conservation internships are designed SCEP students, the region established B. Forsythe NWR, more than $500,000 installation of photovoltaic panels. These to give students an overall experience of seven refuge trainee positions to provide will be used to remove the old state Pennsylvania construction projects will sustain small the role of conservation in the Service, employment opportunities for graduating game farm structures on the refuge. ARRA funding for region-wide local businesses. and to provide managers with the SCEP students. Each new refuge trainee Approximately 75 acres of wildlife energy efficiency projects will support opportunity to evaluate diverse students will be assigned to a mentoring refuge for habitat will be restored and opened improvements at John Heinz NWR Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR will YCC group at Eastern Shore of VA NWR for potential employment. This program a two-year period. to the public after the facilities are at Tinicum, updating the existing use $240,000 of ARRA funding to create has already produced promising future removed. A small company owned by geothermal heating and cooling system airlock foyers and replace the visitor Northeast Regional Youth Initiative employees for the Service. Students Welcoming the Public a local woman has been contracted for energy efficiency. Establishing a center heat pumps with energy-efficient The Northeast Region has broadened have worked on a variety of high- from Maine to Virginia to remove buildings, pens and other YCC crew at Erie NWR improved youth units. This is one of the oldest visitor development of youth programs by profile projects throughout the region, Nearly 6 million people visited a structures, providing important employment in western Pennsylvania. centers in the region and the upgrades expanding the YCC program, forming from seabird management in coastal Northeast Region national wildlife refuge employment opportunities locally. will reduce energy use. partnerships to attract youth from Maine to communications on wildfire in 2009. Some came for one of the more Rhode Island diverse populations, and developing a events in southern Virginia, to running than 200 special events that helped At Great Swamp NWR, approximately Approximately $250,000 will be used A water line replacement project from multi-year training program to increase visitor services programs in coastal celebrate conservation at one of the 71 $330,000 will be used to fabricate and to install photovoltaic solar arrays at the mainland to the headquarters at the pool of candidates for future Massachusetts. The collective experience refuges. While hunting and fishing have install exhibits at the new Helen C. both the Rhode Island NWR Complex’s Chincoteague NWR will improve the employment. has been of mutual benefit to the Service long been popular on national wildlife Fenske Visitor Center. This visitor Kettle Pond Visitor Center and Sachuest water supply for refuge operations, and students. refuges, visitors are increasingly enjoying facility is an adaptive use of an old farm Point NWR headquarters building and visitor services and emergency fire From 2005 to 2009, the Northeast wildlife observation, interpretation, that will provide orientation for the visitor contact station. Solar energy response on Assateague Island. Region increased funding in the YCC The Regional NWRS program continues environmental education and more than 600,000 annual visitors to this improvements will reduce energy usage Approximately $500,000 is devoted to this program from approximately $200,000 to evaluate its workforce, and in fiscal photography. Together, these represent urban refuge. Funding will also provide and greenhouse gas emissions, and project. to $700,000; $230,000 of this increase year 2009 began efforts to formalize the six priority wildlife-dependent public installation of solar panels for the provide opportunities for public education was through ARRA funding. ARRA an evaluation and training program uses of refuge lands noted in the National facility. An additional $150,000 of ARRA on alternative energy efforts. Expanded YCC programs at Great funding allowed the region to increase from high school to college level. The Wildlife Refuge System Improvement funds will improve habitat by removing Dismal Swamp, Chincoteague and Back the number of YCC enrollees from 70 to Northeast Region is outlining a path for Act of 1997. buildings and replacing a water control Vermont Bay NWRs provide job opportunities for more than 140 participants. Expanding students to progress into permanent structure and a bridge. Youth programs were expanded at local teenagers. the YCC program has allowed sharing employment with the Service or into Hunting both the Silvio O. Conte NFWR and experiences in wildlife management other conservation careers. This path In 2009 almost 70,000 visitors Energy efficiency improvements made Missisquoi NWR. West Virginia with youth from local communities at may start at the YCC level and progress participated in hunting activities on 35 at Edwin Forsythe NWR include a hot At Ohio River Islands NWR, planning more than 20 national wildlife refuges through the STEP and Student Career refuges in the Northeast Region. Hunting water solar heating system for the new Virginia is underway to repair storm damage from Maine to Virginia. Participating Experience Program (SCEP), which has has been part of the American culture for visitor contact station at the Brigantine Rappahannock River Valley NWR will to several islands in the river. Island youth have had the opportunity to learn been in existence for almost 20 years many years. Today, hunting is a form of Division. receive more than $370,000 for facility stabilization will prevent erosion and about conservation and the NWRS and and is designed to increase diversity in recreation that provides opportunities to improvements. Two residences will be improve fish and mussel habitat on this a variety of skills, including wildlife the workforce. This program is the final enjoy the outdoors. It is also used as an New York refurbished, providing safe and efficient unique unit of the National Wildlife identification, trail maintenance, habitat The construction of a new energy- quarters for employees, seasonal workers Refuge System. Additional solar energy management, developing a work ethic, efficient administrative and visitor and volunteers. Boat storage facilities will capacity will be installed at the refuge’s and teamwork. The hope is that some facility for the Long Island NWR be improved to extend the life of refuge new Energy Star-rated office and visitor of these young adults will choose a Complex would not have been possible equipment. center. Project costs at the refuge total conservation career, in part, due to their without an ARRA investment of nearly $221,000. YCC experience. $10 million. Design work moved rapidly ahead in 2009 in anticipation In addition to expanding the YCC of contract awards in March 2010, program, ARRA funding also provided with groundbreaking for the project the opportunity to share youth funding soon thereafter. The new facility will with other programs in 2009. The consolidate NWRS and Ecological Northeast Region divisions of Migratory Services field staff in one building, Birds, Fisheries, External Affairs and resulting in annual savings in energy Ecological Services received a total of costs and field station administration. $166,000 from ARRA funding to expand Visitors to the nine Long Island refuges their youth programs. These funds were will finally have a facility that provides used to increase the participation of SCA information, orientation, interpretation and Student Temporary Employment and environmental education. Program (STEP) students who worked on a variety of projects, including the Elsewhere in New York, and in production of outreach tools, care and partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the culture of fish, fish health surveys, Service will remove old runways and wildlife surveys, and threatened and taxiways at Shawangunk Grasslands endangered species surveys. NWR, a former military installation. In 2008, the Northeast Region started a Visitor center at Sachuest Point NWR new partnership effort with SCA called Connecticut warbler important wildlife management tool on Connecting People with Nature national wildlife refuges. Many refuges, National wildlife refuges provide a including Patuxent, Eastern Neck, wide range of opportunities for visitors, and Bombay Hook NWRs, offer youth engaging their curiosity, instilling hunting and special hunts for persons appreciation and inspiring them to take with disabilities. part in protecting our nation’s natural resources. Some examples follow. Fishing Fishing remains a favorite pastime of Maine Coastal Islands NWR, Rockport, many Americans. In 2009 nearly 540,000 ME and Friends of Maine Seabird visitors enjoyed fishing on refuges in Islands introduced 100 people to the the region. Fishing can help people refuge during the Third Annual Puffin appreciate the nation’s waterways and and Seabird Island Adventure. The understand the importance of protecting, refuge currently supports over 85 restoring and maintaining the health of percent of the Atlantic puffins and valuable fish and wildlife resources. Many razorbills breeding in the U.S. Razorbill with puffins refuges offer a Take Me Fishing Day, allowing new anglers the opportunity to At Parker River NWR, Newburyport, 1,000 visitors to the refuge in October. learn how to fish. For example, nearly 250 MA, refuge staff and Massachusetts Volunteers hosted a Birding for the Blind Cub Scout Pack 298 from Hardyston Canisius Ambassadors for Conservation Program at Iroquois NWR people participated in the Annual Take Audubon welcomed 2,500 visitors to Program for the visually impaired and planted 130 native trees and 40 shrubs their families. The 77th Annual Federal at Wallkill NWR, Sussex, Nj, using Me Fishing Day at Sachuest Point NWR, based birding exercises and then were the 4th Annual Merrimack River Eagle Great Swamp NWR, Basking Ridge, Duck Stamp Competition took place Challenge Cost Share funding for Middletown, RI tested, using conservation games, on Festival. NJ, started a Junior Refuge Manager at Patuxent; from 224 entries, judges streamside habitat restoration. Program funded by Challenge Cost what they learned. E.B. Forsythe NWR, Oceanville, The Eastern Massachusetts NWR selected Waldorf, Md, resident Robert Share Grant and matched by funds from Bealle’s painting of a wigeon as the At Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, MD, NJ, collaborated with the township the Friends of Great Swamp. At John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia, Complex, Sudbury, MA, attracted more of Galloway, the New Jersey State than 100 visitors to attend River Day and winner. volunteers, including 39 Cub Scouts PA, at least 400 volunteers supported and their parents, removed debris Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the annual Darby Creek clean-up. learn about efforts to keep the Blanding’s Iroquois NWR, Basom, NY, Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, MD, from horseshoe crab and diamondback Absecon Saltwater Sportsmen, More than 1,200 visitors attended the turtle off the Endangered Species List. completed another successful year 3,000 visitors celebrated the Ninth terrapin spawning areas. Cedarwater Bassmasters of South Jersey Cusano Environmental Education The turtles are state-listed, but studies of its partnership with the Canisius Annual Eagle Festival, the refuge’s 76th and Knights of Columbus to sponsor the Center for the annual Cradle of Birding suggest that the magnitude of threats Ambassadors for Conservation program. birthday, and the 106th anniversary of The Eastern Massachusetts NWR 7th Annual Hooked On Fishing-Not On Wildlife and Conservation Festival, may warrant federal protection and the Students from Canisius University in the National Wildlife Refuge System all biological team helped Junior Girl Scout Drugs free fishing derby for children. in partnership with the Delaware Service is currently completing a draft Buffalo were selected to participate on the same day. Blackwater also hosted Troop 77166 of Sudbury build new More than 200 children participated in County Riverfront Ramble. Hundreds status assessment. Great Meadows and in 2009 and developed an educational 1,000 visitors during their 14th annual tern traps to capture banded birds and this prevention program offered by the of students participated in the Micro Oxbow NWRs are the only sites in New program at the refuge for middle open house during National Wildlife retrieve information at Monomoy NWR, American Sportfishing Association’s Adventures Program, which illustrates England where more than 50 of these school students from western New Refuge Week in October. Chatham, Mass. Future Fisherman Foundation York. A total of 2,151 students from 27 the importance of micro world elements. animals have been documented and the The program was co-sponsored by the population at Great Meadows is now different schools, representing grades Nature Photography Volunteers, Friends and Partners Eastern Neck NWR, Rock Hall, MD, Union of Concerned Scientists, National known to be in decline. 2 through 12, traveled to the refuge and Photographs are take-home reminders Through the generosity of 5,695 hosted a Youth Fishing Derby with Wildlife Federation, National Audubon participated in educational programs of refuge experiences that can be shared volunteers, 222,911 hours were donated assistance from the Friends of Eastern from mid-May to mid-June. The Society and Clean Air Council. Also at Great Meadows NWR, Sudbury, Neck and the Maryland Department of MA, more than 150 people attended the for years to come. Wearing natural colors toward important biological, maintenance programs included a guided exploration and walking softly can bring big rewards and public outreach work on refuges, Natural Resources. Blackwater NWR, Cambridge, MD, annual Fishing and Riverfest where of forested wetlands, emergent marsh on national wildlife refuges – as many of such as combating invasive species, welcomed approximately 760 Dorchester biologists and volunteers removed water and upland woods. Along the way, the 1.5 million visitors enjoying nature banding and counting migratory birds, The Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio County 4th and 6th grade students to chestnut from the Sudbury River. The students were challenged with field- photography on our Northeast Region restoring habitat, welcoming the public O. Conte NFWR, Brunswick, VT, participate in educational programs in Massachusetts Division of Fisheries collaborated with the Northwoods and Wildlife, Carp Anglers Group, refuges experienced last year. and keeping refuges clean of trash and Environmental Education FY2009. debris. The hours from volunteers over Stewardship Center, the Island Pond and at Oxbow NWR Massachusetts Audubon and Wild and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to Scenic River Stewardship Council Scouts the year are equivalent to the work of 100 sponsor a free introduction to ice fishing provided additional education about this Northeast Region refuges hosted full-time employees. The 56 impressive invasive aquatic plant. numerous scouting projects enabling friends groups in the Northeast Region More than 20 local children and their young people to help the refuge, help help bring together refuge neighbors, families participated in the 8th Annual John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia, each other and learn about wildlife and Kid’s Fishing Day held at Rappahannock PA, initiated new youth conservation ecology. River Valley NWR, Warsaw, VA. programs through partnerships with the YMCA’s fishing camps, Police Refuge staff and the Friends of Environmental Education Athletic League, Boys & Girls Clubs of Moosehorn NWR, Baring, ME, hosted Environmental education programs Philadelphia, Big Brothers/Big Sisters the 47th Annual Moosehorn Boy Scout offered through many of our national and the first in-house refuge summer day Camporee, which was attended by Boy wildlife refuges enriched the lives of more camps featuring a nature photography Scouts, Cub Scouts and their families than 70,000 students and teachers in week and a fishing/birding week from Maine and New Brunswick, the Northeast Region in 2009. Learning Canada. The scouts groomed parts about wildlife in a classroom or seeing it Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, of a handicapped-accessible trail and on a podcast is very different from the MD,welcomed more than 1,000 visitors repaired erosion around informational thrill of experiencing it firsthand on a to celebrate the 106th anniversary of the kiosks. Refuge staff explained waterfowl national wildlife refuge. National Wildlife Refuge System. The banding and the use of the data, and annual Patuxent Wildlife Festival, co- demonstrated proper waterfowl handling Working with Boy Scouts at sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey and banding techniques. Moosehorn NWR and the Friends of Patuxent, attracted volunteers and nature lovers to promote gained cooperation in Outreach events in 2009 included two public awareness and appreciation of the avoiding sensitive bird University of Massachusetts Ranger wildlife resources of our refuges. Here nesting areas and the use Academy orientation sessions with 120 are some highlights. of a dock for securing the students participating, a law enforcement refuge boat. Another was career day event at Westfield College After years of deterioration, the with the Virginia Institute in Massachusetts with 200 students lighthouse on Egg Rock, part of the of Marine Sciences participating, and two career days Maine Coastal Islands NWR, Milbridge, (VIMS). Refuge staff at Unity College in Maine meeting ME, received repair and refurbishing stayed in VIMS housing 100 students and introducing them to from refuge staff, Bar Harbor businesses in Wachapreague and the Service mission and employment and community volunteers. The Bar used VIMS boat dock opportunities. Additionally, the region’s Harbor Whale Watch Company donated and facilities. In addition, refuge law enforcement officers a boat and skiff to transport volunteers having Service staff sponsored three SCEP students to and equipment, as well as a crew for stationed at Wachapreague attend a region 3 and 5 combined in- shingling. The owner of the Acadian Cat Point Creek, Eastern VA Rivers NWR was a good outreach tool service training. Nature Tour provided lunches and the to the community and owner of the Lulu Lobster Boat helped canoe and kayak launch pad and a fishing raised awareness among boaters that Ninety officers completed the combined recruit volunteers. pier on Mount Landing Creek. Keynote Cedar Island is a national wildlife refuge. law enforcement in-service over a two- speaker U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman The refuge’s first year of monitoring week period in March and April, at praised the refuge for conserving land birds on Cedar Island had positive Bay-breasted warbler which the region’s Officer of the Year and and investing in community support outcomes for wildlife, developing Refuge staff from Rappahannock River offer our officers unique challenges. In three officers of the Pennsylvania Game of the project. Partners attending the partnerships and reaching out to the local Valley NWR, Warsaw, VA, celebrated 2009, the zone officer in Vermont held Commission were recognized. event included the Raptor Conservancy community. Earth Day by visiting Rappahannock a combined agency orientation course, of Virginia, Virginia Herpetological Community College, planting trees for familiarizing Customs and Border Patrol All regional refuge law enforcement Society, Virginia Native Plants Society, Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Suffolk, reforestation projects and working with (CBP) agents along the border with the officers completed the eight-hour basic Wild Bunch Wildlife Rehabilitators, VA, continued its collaboration with the Tidewater Resource Conservation mission of the Service and improving our electronic control device, or taser, decoy carver Willard Bowen and the American University’s Department of and Development Council staff on an joint efforts. Additionally, funds were training in 2009 after the tool was Virginia Department of Game and Inland Anthropology to host the Great Dismal invasive plant species workshop used to upgrade mobile radios to improve approved for Service use. Fisheries. The Tappahannock - Essex Swamp Archaeology Field School on the communications between refuge officers Volunteer Fire Department provided refuge. The summer course represents a New Facilities on patrol near the border and CBP units Seven refuge law enforcement officers lunch. continuation of the Great Dismal Swamp Refuge visitors should know from the and dispatchers. and one OLE special agent were trained Egg Rock lighthouse, Maine Coastal Landscape Study, further developing the moment they arrive at our main visitor and equipped to access Criminal Justice Islands NWR Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA, understanding of colonialism, slavery facilities that they are at a national For the second consecutive year, the Information Systems, the FBI-managed developed several new partnerships. One, and development in the swamp, and wildlife refuge and are welcome. region’s special operations response National Crime Information Center, At Silvio O. Conte NFWR, NH, the with the owners of a private residence the effects on communities composed With that in mind, in 2009 the Service team (SORT) continued its role as the and the National Law Enforcement Friends of Pondicherry celebrated Earth on the northern portion of Cedar Island, primarily of African-Americans who fled completed several exciting new visitor emergency response security detail to the Telecommunications System. This Day by removing garbage and tires from slavery. facilities in the region. Visitors to these National Conservation Training Center initiative dramatically increases officer roadsides. new centers will be warmly greeted and (NCTC) in the event the site is used as safety, as it provides them real-time, have the opportunity to learn about the a fallback location by the Washington, instantaneous and 24-hour access to The 2009 BioBlitz, a 24-hour scientific wide range of activities available, spend D.C. office. In April, the team leadership vehicle and contact identification. It inventory of all organisms in a specified some time viewing exhibits and explore finalized support by NCTC management is hoped that in 2010 all officers in area, was co-sponsored by the Great the great outdoors on trails, boardwalks, for future coordination, logistic support the Northeast Region will have this Swamp Watershed Association, the observation platforms and other and team training. Additionally, the capability. Friends of Great Swamp NWR, Basking facilities. region’s SORT provided six officers Ridge, NJ and the refuge. More than in support of President Obama’s 60 experts, scientists and 400 visitors to Refuge Law Enforcement inauguration. the refuge documented 650 species of animals, fish and plants. The region’s 32 refuge law enforcement officers carry out laws to protect both More than 200 volunteers from E.B. the natural resources and public safety Forsythe NWR, Oceanville, NJ, co- on national wildlife refuges. While sponsored by Galloway Township’s Clean typically working with federal, state and Communities Program, cleaned up the local partner agencies, of note in 2009 refuge on Earth Day. was an increase in coordination with the Service’s own Office of Law Enforcement The Eastern Virginia Rivers NWR (OLE). Refuge officers supported OLE Complex, Warsaw, VA, expanded work in search warrants in New Jersey, to upgrade visitor facilities at the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, Hutchinson Tract, culminating in a grand assisted with case interviews, opening community event. Upgrades coordinated off-refuge trust resource law included wildlife observation trails, rest enforcement, and worked on waterfowl rooms, a pavilion, a butterfly garden, a hunting task force enforcement in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey.

Earth Day clean-up at Forsythe The Canadian border and the laws regarding entry, access and import issues Customs and Border Patrol Agents and Service Agents meet at Missisquoi NWR