WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND WAUBAY WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Waubay, South Dakota
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1997
U.S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
Waubay, South Dakota
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION -3-
A. HIGHLIGHTS -3-
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS -3-
D. PLANNING -4- 1. Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCPI -4- 2. Management Plan -4- 5. Research and Investigations -4- 6. Other -5-
E. ADMINISTRATION -5- 1. Personnel -5- 4. Volunteer Program -5- 5. Funding -5- 6. Safety -6- 8. Other -6-
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT -6- 2. Wetlands -6- 3. Forests -8- 4. Croplands . -8- 5. Grasslands -9- 10. Pest Control -9- 11. Water Rights -9- 12. Wilderness and Special Areas -9-
G. WILDLIFE -9- 1. Wildlife Diversity -9- 2. Endangered And/Or Threatened Species -10- 3. Waterfowl -10- 4. Marsh and Water Birds -10- 7. Other Migratory Birds -10- 8. Game Mammals -11- 10. Other Resident Wildlife -11- 11. Fisheries Resources -11- .15. Animal Control -11- 16. Marking and Banding -12-
H. PUBLIC USE -12- 1. General -12- 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students -12- 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers -13- 4. Interpretive foot trails .> -13- 5. Interpretive tour routes -13- 6. Interpretive exhibits/demonstrations -13- 8. Hunting ; -13- 9. Fishing -14- 14. Picnicking -14 17. Law Enforcement -14
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES -15 2. Rehabilitation -15 3. Major Maintenance -15 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement -15
J. OTHER ITEMS -15 1. Cooperative Programs -15 3. Items of Interest -15 4. Credits -16
ACRONYMS -17
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INTRODUCTION
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, located in northeastern South Dakota, was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The word "Waubay" is of Sioux Indian origin meaning "a nesting place for birds." Over 244 species of birds have been observed on the Refuge. All five species of grebes commonly found in the United States nest at Waubay.
Topography of the surrounding area is characterized by gently rolling hills with a higher density of wetland basins and large, shallow prairie lakes than found in adjacent physiographic regions within other parts of South Dakota. Refuge size is 4,740 acres including 2,146 acres of grasslands, 1,761 acres of wetlands, 665 acres of native forests, and 168 acres of cropland. The Refuge has 23 acres of administrative lands (roads, buildings, and parking lots).
A. HIGHLIGHTS
"How high's the water momma?"
Spring Lake equalizes with Waubay Lake. Section F.2.
Refuge headquarters access road raised another 3.3 feet. Section 1.3.
Blizzard of '97 (96-97)- one for the record books. Section B.
Headquarters office renovated. Section 1.2.
Steps taken to revamp refuge tower. Section 1.2.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Records of climatic conditions were maintained in cooperation with the National Weather Service to serve as documentation of annual climatic conditions for Waubay NWR and surrounding areas. Daily records maintained were maximum and minimum air temperatures, precipitation levels, and soil temperatures at 2, 4, 8, 40, and 72 inches. Soil temperature information is useful to farmers trying to optimize planting dates of various crops.
Annual precipitation was 21.01 inches, just three tenths of an inch higher than the 44-year average of 20.71 inches. Seven of the last eight years have had above average precipitation. The winter of 1996-1997 was one of the worst on record in terms of snowfall, low temperatures and wind. By the end of December 1996, there was two feet of snow on the ground and the last two weeks saw below zero temperatures every day. February was the only month we didn't have a blizzard, but January made up for it with three; including one where the entire state was closed down for four consecutive days. Twenty-two inches of snow fell in
-3- > • January, eight in February, seventeen in March and the final four fell in April during what may have been the worst of all the blizzards. A total of 80.2 inches of snow fell during the 1996-97 winter season. With snowbanks still present well into May, the effects of winter were hard to forget even with a relatively dry spring. Despite a wet July and August, smaller wetlands were actually beginning to Monthly Precipitation dry up this summer. Waubay NWR The year ended with only a couple of minor snowfalls and El 1997 wonderfully mild • 44 yr avg. temperatures. n Below zero temperatures were recorded on twenty- two days in January. February and March had extreme JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC temperatures of 40 and -230F and 50 and - Monthly and 44-year average monthly precipitation, Waubay 180F, respectively. NWR, 1997. Snow remained on the ground until April 21st and large lakes did not open up until April 27th. This summer finally broke our cooler than average streak and June through August had median temperatures about two degrees higher than 1996, while September and October were five degrees higher. A strong El Nino may have made its effects felt all the way out here as the end of the year closed quite mild with little snow and above normal temperatures. Compared to last year, the median temperature for November was ten degrees higher and was fifteen degrees higher for December. Waubay Lake froze up on November 16th, which is comparable to previous years.
D. PLANNING
1. Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)
A two-year effort to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the NWR and WMD began with a preplanning and introduction meeting at Tewaukon NWR. Development of this plan is a requirement for all National Wildlife Refuge System lands as stipulated in the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997.
2. Management Plan
Information was transferred to a SDSU student to produce a Refuge habitat cover map using GIS technology. Considerable time was spent researching GIS overlays available and how to make GPS work. The staff all learned a little more about the abilities of GPS when we received a land use map of the Refuge compliments of a SDSU graduate student.
5. Research and Investigations
A Special Use Permit was prepared for a researcher looking for rare shrews near Spring Lake. .
-4- > Refuge Staff; L to R (Back)- D. Okroi, T. Siekaniec, J. Lee, T. Wickstrom, R. Marks, and M. Dargatz. (Front)- E. Gruba, R. Dolney, L. Hubers, D. Leschisin, K. McWilliams, C. Mueller, R. Rasmussen, and J. Cherland. 7/97 LUH
Private Lands Biological Technician Christine Lousias showing off the new office furniture. 7/97 LUH 6. Other
A flood planning team from the Corps of Engineers, as well as representatives from South Dakota Water Rights, SD Department of Transportation, SD Game, Fish and Parks, and Leschisin toured critical areas of Waubay Lake at the request of the governor. The Corps developed a contingency plan for the cities of Webster and Waubay in the event water levels reached critical levels.
E. ADMINISTRATION I. Personnel
1 Connie L. Mueller, Refuge Manager, GS-11, PFT 2. Douglas A. Leschisin, Refuge Manager, GS-11, PFT 3. Jarrod B. Lee, Refuge Operations Specialist, GS-7, PFT 4. Dennis D. Okroi, Administrative Support Assistant, GS-7, PFT 5. Thomas Siekaniec, Maintenance Worker, WG-8, PFT, EOD 1/6/97 6. Laura D. Umbright Hubers, Wildlife Biologist, GS-9 PFT 7. Richard Dolney, Maintenance Worker, WG-6, PPT 8. Emil J. Gruba, Maintenance Worker, WG-6, PPT 9. Thomas L. Wickstrom, Biological Tech., GS-6, PFT 10. Christine Lousias, Biological Tech., GS-5, Term II. Michael W. Dargatz, Tractor Operator, WG-6, Term 12. Jean Cherland, Range Technician, GS-5, Temporary 13. Rebecca Rasmussen, Biological Aid, GS-3, Temporary 14. Kimberly McWilliams, Biological Aid, GS-3, Temporary 15. Roger Marks, Biological Aid, GS-3, Temporary
Tom Wickstrom was hired as a permanent employee, Biological Technician (Wildlife), GS-6/7. Tom recently received his 10-year pin, all earned from temporary appointments.
Thomas Siekaniec came on board as the new maintenance worker effective January 6th.
Mike Dargatz was selected for the Tractor Operator 4-year term position funded with flood money.
Three bio-techs, Rebecca Rasmussen, Kimberly McWilliams , and Roger Marks were hired using flood money. They worked on flood related projects such as repair of damaged signs and fences.
Thomas Siekaniec, Rebecca Rasmussen, Kimberly McWilliams , and Roger Marks received On-the-Spot Awards for their efforts on revamping the tower.
4. Volunteer Program
Nineteen volunteers contributed 39.5 days of their time. A girl scout troop made several bluebird nesting boxes. A college student made a GIS map of the Refuge using our Trimble system. Several volunteers worked on our Howl-o-ween project. Others helped with the Christmas Bird Count and passerine banding projects.
5. Funding
The Wetland Management District and Refuge are funded as a single unit, and operations of both are covered by one Annual Work Plan. Station flmcling in the 1990's (Mcmey in the msands)"
Fiscal O&M MMS Fire Salaries Year
97 371 27 7 370
96 363 100 30 358
95 361 41 2 386
94 369 145 7 360
93 371 131 5 350
92 380 123 9 313
91 419 _ 27 236
90 327 24 15 236
6. Safety
Monthly safety meetings were reinstated in September after a long absence. September Fire Extinguishers D. Leschisin October Hand Safety w/ video L. Hubers November Lifting Hazards w/ video C. Lousias December First Aid T. Wickstrom
Two accidents occurred during FY 97: T. Siekaniec injured his back and neck after a slip/fall due to icy conditions. T. Siekaniec injured his left hand while unloading 15" corrugated pipe from a trailer.
8. Other
Administrative leave was taken during all or part of seven days during January. There was so much loose snow on the ground that when the wind came up we had the "Blizzard of the Week". The week of January 27 was the first full week of work affer six weeks where at least one day was missed on account of weather.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
2. Wetlands
On April 14th, Spring Lake and Waubay Lake equalized at elevation 1798.30 m.s.l. for the first time since about 1897. The lake's rise has turned the Refuge into four wooded islands surrounded by an open expanse of water. Meandered Refuge Lakes (Hillebrand's, Spring, Swan Pond, Phragmites Pond) are now bays of Waubay Lake, a prospect not imaginable since Refuge establishment in 1935. Refuge lakes have completed the radical transformation which began with the lake's first major rise in 1993. Water elevations, mean sea level (msl), Refuge Lakes, 1990-1997 .
Date Waubay Hillebrand's Lake Spring Lake Comments Lake
11/90 1783.05 1783.40 1785.78
5/93 -1787 1784.35 -
5/11/94 1790.60 1788.50 1790.00
7/9/94 1791.13 - -
11/17/94 1790.51 1787.93 - Lakes frozen
4/7/95 1791.55 1791.55 - Hillebrands & Waubay Lakes joined
5/11/95 1792.86 1792.86 1790.44
7/20/95 1793.72 1793.72 1790.49
10/10/95 1794.08 1794.08 1790.58 Lakes frozen
6/4/96 1797.34 1797.34 1792.88
10/24/96 1796.84 1796.84 1792.46 Lakes frozen
4/16/97 1798.40 1798.40 1798.40 Spring and Waubay Lakes joined
7/21/97 1800.34 1800.34 1800.34 High water mark
11/14/97 1799.98 1799.98 1799.98 Lakes frozen
Rise in Water Levels Waubay Lake 1804 1802 1800 1798 _1796 £-1794 J 1792 •E 1790 1788 1786 1784 1782 1986 1990 1994 1995 1996 1997 Year 3. Forests
Many trees, especially green ash, cottonwoods, and bur oaks were flooded adjacent to expanded lakes. Many of these trees were 80-100 years old.
4. Croplands
A goose pasture was mowed on the south shore of Spring Lake to attract Canada geese inclined to graze on lush spring wheat fields on adjacent private land. Com was added as an additional attractant.
Refuge alfalfa field HA-1 was heavily impacted by alfalfa weevils, turning it brown and causing leaf drop. This field was not hayed for this reason.
All Refuge farming activities were accomplished force-account. General cropland objectives were to provide year round food for white-tailed deer and/or winter fare for other resident wildlife. Crop rotations have been utilized to develop soil fertility with few, if any, artificial fertilizers or pesticides. We've tried to include legumes, such as sweet clover or alfalfa, in rotations to build nitrogen levels and soil structure.
Crop units, Waubay NWR, 1997.
Unit Acres Crop
HA-3A 38 Alfalfa
HA-3B 9 Milk Vetch
HA-4A 18 Millet
HA-4B 18 " Winter Rye
HA-5 19 Alfalfa
HA-7 7 Alfalfa
HA-1 22 Alfalfa
HA-2 18 Alfalfa
HA-9 6 Alfalfa
HA-10 18 Fallow
Units HA-5, HA-7, and HA-9 are now situated on islands and traditionally have had heavy use by deer. However, since Waubay Lake has risen so much, it is impossible to get farm equipment into these fields. It is hoped the alfalfa stands will maintain themselves until we have equipment access again. A good crop of com was raised this year, primarily as a winter food source for deer, especially if this herd can not access private picked com fields during heavy snow years. The Canada milkvetch field, planted in 1996, showed promise this year and may prove to be a good seed field for this native forb. 5. Grasslands
About 1000 acres of uplands were lost to the rising waters of Waubay Lake. Much of this area was tall- grass prairie dominated by big bluestem, Indian grass, and numerous forbs. This unique and rare habitat type likely will never return, even when waters recede. Introduced invaders like Canada thistle, quackgrass, and smooth brome are likely to gain the upper hand in these areas once they dry out again.
10. Pest Control
Several Canada thistle stands were treated with 2,4-D ester. A com food plot was treated with glyphosate, Accent, and Beacon to control Canada thistle and annual weeds. A total of 128.5 acres were treated with chemicals, with about 135.5 pounds of active ingredients. Another 5 acres were mowed to control Canada thistle.
11. Water Rights
The court case, USA vs Day County, was dropped since the major contention, namely keeping Waubay Lake water out of Spring Lake, was a moot point. All the major Refuge lakes were now joined with Waubay Lake. In hindsight, Service efforts to keep water from Waubay Lake from entering first Hillebrand's Lake (1995) and then Spring Lake (1996) were futile. Flooding problems and water right controversies moved elsewhere in the watershed, off Service controlled lands. We fought the good fight, won the legal battles, but in the end Mother Nature prevailed.
12. Wilderness and Special Areas
The woodland north of Hillebrand's Lake is designated by the Society of American Foresters as a Research Natural Area because of its unique bur oakvlittle bluestem cover type. No special management took place this year.
G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity
Waubay NWR includes 4,650 acres of wetlands and upland habitat that provide nesting areas for one hundred and ten species of birds. Another one hundred and thirty species have been observed occasionally or during migrations. The Refuge also provides a home for forty species of mammals and eleven species of reptiles and amphibians.
The Spring Lake Overlook site and another location further north on the Refuge were surveyed for Dakota Skippers [Hesperia dacotae) this year. Dakota skippers were found at Spring Lake in 1996, but one survey in July did not relocate any. This site was burned in November of 1996 (wildfire) which may have negatively affected the habitat or overwintering larvae or just the fact that it was a small and isolated population may have doomed them. No Dakota skippers were observed at the other location either.
Numerous redbelly snakes were observed on the Refuge this year, unfortunately some didn't last long on the more highly trafficked Service (and visitor use) road. Some visitors (and staff) did not appreciate the very large garter snake that was living in the hedge near the door of the Visitor's Center. A nesting song sparrow probably didn't care for the neighbor either. The unusual sighting of a garter snake in December made staff run for the camera. It was pretty irritated (albeit slow moving) and completely out of place in the snow. Its tail had been nibbled on, although there was no sign of what may have disturbed it from its winter sleep. Because of the high waters of Waubay, Hillebrand's, Spring Lakes, point counts were discontinued 5/97 LUH
* ....as were mist netting surveys. However, we may be able to catch a wood duck or two. 5/97 LUH 2. Endangered And/Or Threatened Species
Both immature and adult bald eagles are seen more often during spring, fall, and winter. Eagles are most often observed in flight, but some will take time to roost and hunt on the Refuge. A number were seen following the spring migration in March, as were a couple more seen in November and December.
3. Waterfowl
The first groups of Canada geese were seen the first week of March, but the major wave of migrating geese and ducks did not occur until mid-March- when it seems everything shows up at once. Ice-out didn't occur on Refuge lakes until late April, so most migrants passed by on their headlong rush to more northern locations. Pair numbers and duck production were again quite good in this region due to the excellent wetland conditions.
Ten hardy mallards were counted on the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), as well as a first ever great blue heron hanging out at an open creek near the local fish hatchery. For more information on the CBC see section G.7.
No waterfowl nesting surveys were conducted on the Refuge in 1997. High water has nearly inundated the island in Dahling Slough. If these water levels last much longer, wave action and erosion will destroy this nesting island. Waterfowl use of the Refuge was severely limited by the lack of small ponds and emergent cover.
Fifteen wood duck nesting boxes located on the Refuge were surveyed in July. Thirteen boxes are currently on trees that are in water and the other two are still on land. Roughly half of each were used for a total of 8 or 53% utilization with a success rate of 75%.
4. Marsh and Water Birds
The first record of a great blue heron during the CBC was made this year. It was observed hanging around an open creek that is adjacent to Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. See section G.7. for more information. Belted kingfishers were seen more often this year both on and off the Refuge. Dead trees standing in water make ideal fishing perches for these diving birds.
7. Other Migratory Birds
The Refuge bluebird trail once consisted of 107 nest boxes placed along 7.5 miles of gravel roads and dirt trails. This trail was designed in 1983 as a volunteer cooperative project by Kenneth Husmann. Unfortunately, high water levels have put many of the boxes in or under water. An accurate assessment of which boxes are left and used next year will be attempted if time allows. A girl scout group volunteered their efforts this fall to build a dozen new boxes which will be placed on the Refuge (on much higher ground) next spring.
Mist netting and point counts were discontinued as most of the study site is under water.
Twelve people took part in the 29th annual Waubay CBC on December 23rd. Observed were 1,555 individual birds of 26 species. The 29 year average is 22 species and 831 individuals. A great blue heron sighting resulted in the first ever record of this species during the CBC. Seven snowy owls were seen in the count circle which is the highest number ever seen of this rarely observed northern owl. Snowy owls have been seen during only four other CBC's. The most abundant species seen were 846 snow buntings followed by 282 house sparrows. The only species that has been counted on every CBC is the downy woodpecker. Only one ring-necked pheasant was seen, compared to the record high of 452 in 1992.
-10- > 8. Game Mammals •
Deep snows and brutal winds during the winter of'96-'97 forced large deer herds to congregate, mostly at farmer's easy-to get-at hay and feed caches. Numerous depredation complaints were fielded by SDGFP personnel and we assisted with a couple of depredation hunts. About 150 deer have been observed in the Refuge cornfield, keeping at least some of these deer out of trouble. Numerous carcasses were observed this spring in West Woods. It was confirmed through direct observation dogs contributed to at least some of the demise of these weather stressed animals.
Spotlight counts to survey white-tailed deer populations were not conducted this year as high water levels have reduced access to many Refuge trails making anything but aerial counts difficult to conduct.
10. Other Resident Wildlife
Muskrat populations are declining in wetlands with reduced cattail stands and increasing in wetlands previously too dry for muskrats. Overall, the number of muskrat houses observed on Refuge ponds have decreased from previous year highs. Beaver activity was evident on the north side of Spring Lake. Numerous trees, once high and dry, are now in the water making them perfect targets for the busy critters.
Numbers of red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk, the three major waterfowl nest predators in this area, remain high.
Pheasant numbers on the Refuge have not yet bounced back, mostly due to another wet, cool spring and a brutal winter with deep snows and vicious winds . After an all time high of 452 birds counted in 1992 during the Christmas Bird Count (which includes the area immediately surrounding the Refuge) only one pheasant was observed this year.
A number of sharp-tailed grouse were observed on the Refuge in January and February, but a search of the surrounding area for leks in April was unsuccessful. No other sightings (on the Refuge) were mentioned for sharptails the remainder of the year.
No sightings were made of any of the feral turkeys previously inhabiting the Refuge. The past winter and flooded conditions probably did them in.
11. Fisheries Resources
As flood water from Waubay Lake spilled into Hillebrand Lake, numerous fish came with it including undesirable carp. Northern pike, perch, and walleye are also part of Refuge waters now. Previously, neither Hillebrand Lake nor Spring Lake has supported a fishery except for a few minnow species. An effort was made to protect Spring Lake from Waubay Lake waters, but those efforts were undermined when an illegally placed culvert washed out.
Ice fishing was allowed on the Refuge for the first time in its history (see also section H.9.). A number of fisherman have been taking advantage of the new waters with moderate success reported. With Waubay Lake nearing 18,000 acres, it is like looking for a needle in a haystack to find that fishing hot spot.
15. Animal Control
No mammals were trapped on the Refuge this year. 16. Marking and Banding
A demonstration banding session was conducted for the EECSD workshop held in conjunction with NESODAK. A total of 41 new captures and 7 recaptures of 16 species resulted from one six-hour practice session and 2 two-hour educational sessions. The new location produced one new species that hadn't been banded before, a chipping sparrow, and two birds, a hairy wood pecker and American goldfinch that had both been banded in 1995 at the Centerwoods MAPS location. See section H.3. for more information.
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General
Refuge staff gave a handful of general presentations throughout the year including;
• "amphibia trivia" to 12 kids from the Sisseton Boys & Girls Club. • information on Refuge management to biologists attending the Midwest Deer and Turkey Conference at NE-SO-DAK. • information to an Eagle Scout fulfilling a merit badge requirement of talking to a conservation professional.
The Refuge held its second annual Howl-O-Ween Party in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week on October 15. A full moon and good weather helped make for a great evening. About 75 people attended the event. The evening started with a presentation by Bramble Park Zoo staff from Watertown, SD. They brought a hedgehog, a hognose snake, a ball python, a giant cockroach, a praying mantis, and an eastern screech-owl for display . Following the animal presentation, staff guided the group towards the "bat cave" to play bat games and learn their habits. The Bat Conservation International sent posters for us to hand out. From there, we led guests through the makeshift spook trail. It had some surprises that stopped people in there tracks. The spook trail ended with a bonfire, cookies, cider, and storytelling.
Six girl scouts and chaperones came to the Refuge to build bluebird houses. The plan is for them to come back in the spring of '98 to help place the houses on the Refuge to replace the ones lost due to flooding.
NESODAK hosted the annual Day County Crop Walk. It is a fund raiser to help feed the hungry. The walk starts at NESODAK and makes the three mile trek to the Refuge. Our Visitor Center is open for the event and staff is available to answer questions. We also provide refreshments for the walkers to help energize them for the three mile return trip. One hundred and twenty-five walkers raised $3760.29. One quarter of the funds went to Day and Marshall County recipients.
2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students
The NRCS utilized Refuge facilities for their annual Conservation Camp. Thirty kids and five counselors attended programs including plant identification, soil typing, and archeology. Refuge staff presented the wildlife program. It was a review of the importance of wildlife management, particularly the aspects of carrying capacity . The second part of the presentation focused on the ways to utilize harvested products. Demonstrations on how to make cordage, arrow fletchings with goose feathers, things to do with a tanned hide, and taste tests of cattail roots and pine nuts kept the group riveted.
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> The maintenance and summer crew replaced the tower steps and landings with new, pressure-treated wood and painted the "John Doe was here"-filled observation deck. 9/97 LUH 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers
The EECSD held their workshop at the Refuge which was hosted by NESODAK. EECSD is a nonprofit organization of educators and resource agency personnel who are interested in fostering the advancement of environmental education in South Dakota. Fifty-one educators participated in the event. About twenty educators signed up for the banding demonstration. Although teachers will not be able to actually band birds for their students, it is hoped that this hands-on activity sparked their knowledge and desire to educate about the perils birds face. Birds can be found at any schoolyard, and activities and lessons were provided they could use with this resource in place of banding. Refuge personnel also conducted a plant identification course and a seminar describing the USFWS private lands program with a demonstration on damn building. Twelve teachers enjoyed a choppy afternoon canoe tour of the Refuge.
4. Interpretive foot trails
New weatherproofed signs were installed on the headquarter loop hiking trail. The contents were updated and the lettering provides for easier reading. In conjunction, every step and landing on the 100 foot observation tower was replaced.
5. Interpretive tour routes
All of the Refuge interpretive tour routes are under water.
6. Interpretive exhibits/demonstrations
Doug Staller, Outdoor Recreation Planner from the Bismarck, ND office, conducted a formal Public Use Minimum Requirement review. The plan entails improvements both in the outdoor educational areas and in the Visitor Center. The ideas are great. As budget allows, the plan will be implemented. A variation of the former "touch and feel" table has already been evolved. The Touchable Teaching Tubs take up less space and are more interactive.
8. Hunting
A lot of good deer habitat was flooded by the expansion of Waubay Lake which impacted the amount of deer and deer hunting this Refuge could support. Only twelve of 50 Refuge Archery tags were sold to hunters. Refuge firearm (muzzle loader & rifle) tags went better; 66 of the 96 available tags were sold. In past years, Refuge tags were hot items, but flooding problems have scared off many. Some hunters took advantage of the State's offer to refund money for Refuge tags because of the flooding problems.
We allowed hunters to use non-motorized boats to access islands, but few took advantage of this, despite numerous inquiries. West Woods Island could be waded to, but very few hunters pulled on their waders. The best hunting seemed to be on islands, but most hunters were unwilling to undertake the long walk. Ice was unsafe for most of the first muzzle loader season, but good for the following two seasons.
All licenses were issued by the State as part of special refuge drawings. One exception was the late-season archery season, where any bowhunter with an unfilled state or refuge permit could hunt the refuge. Very few hunters take advantage of this hunt, because of the late season cold temperatures. Overall hunt goals were to harvest as many deer as possible to minimize damage to vegetation, yet provide a safe, quality hunt. Refuge deer harvest was known to be 65 animals for the firearm hunts and 4 for the archery, for a total harvest of 69 deer. Prior to flooding in 1995, harvest was around 100 deer. Waubay NWR Deer Hunts, 1997.
Type Dates Sold Hunter Success % Total Harvest Licenses
Archery 9/21-11/13 12 33% 4
Muzzle loader 11/14-11/18 27 50% 14
Muzzle loader 11/19-11/23 27 67% 18
Firearms 11/24-12/6 43 77% 33
Archery* 12/7-12/31 Unknown Unknown Unknown
TOTALS 109 69
*The second archery season numbers are unknown, because the refuge is open to all residents with unfilled state archery tags, as well as refuge tags.
9. Fishing
For the first time in Refuge history, fishing was allowed during the winter ice-fishing season. Prior to 1996, no fisheries existed on Refuge lakes, but the expansion of Waubay Lake changed this fact quickly. Access was limited to foot travel only, which limited most fisherman to the immediate vicinity of the entrance road. Success was good, with catches of 5-13 pound northern pike common. At times, up to 40 fisherman utilized this resource. No vehicle travel was allowed on Refuge lakes out of concern for disturbance to the wintering deer herd.
14. Picnicking
Picnicking is allowed on the refuge within the designated picnic area. Utilization is declining due to the rising water. The area is about half-as-large with the sidewalk and parking area completely inundated.
17. Law Enforcement
Violation notices were issued to two fisherman testing the (closed) waters of Hillebrand's Lake. However, buoys placed on Waubay Lake to mark the west Refuge boundary kept most boaters out of the Refuge.
A group of neighborhood kids were interviewed and explained the possible consequences of littering, vandalism, and lighting fires.
Several archery hunters complained about snowmobile trespass while attempting to deer hunt. A snowmachine was borrowed from Sand Lake to help alleviate the problem. With the lack of snow, Waubay Lake was one of only a few suitable places to ride, but some managed to find their way onto the Refuge.
-14- Okroi enjoying his new "seat" and office furniture, but still no window! 7/97 LUH
The Refuge dozer/backhoe was utilized to dig a trench for a new power line to the fuel tanks. 5/97 LUH I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
2. Rehabilitation
Major rehabilitation was completed in the office with new paint and carpet. The staff experienced major upheaval having to move every object in this office a couple of times to finish the job. New up-to-date ergonomic office furniture was installed to complete this rehabilitation.
The picnic area outhouse had to be moved to higher ground once again, due to the rising Hillebrand's (now Waubay) Lake. The picnic area is considerably smaller.
The Refuge tower steps and landings were all replaced over summer by the summer crew. The lookout was also sanded and re-painted to cover up the graffiti.
One heat pump burned out in the office/visitor center. It was repaired with work done on both furnace systems (the heat pump and backup propane). Automatic thermostats were installed, hopefully bringing the "thermostat wars" to an end.
A new power line was put in place to provide electricity to our fuel pumps.
3. Major Maintenance
The bid package for raising our entrance road another 3.3 feet was whisked through Engineering and COS and put on the street for contractors. An elevation of 1805 msl was decided upon based on similar elevations for Highway 12 through Rush Lake and the Grenville road. It was hoped that this elevation would be safe from further lake rises since it seemed likely that some political decision would be made to clear Waubay Lake's outlet and move water into the Bitter Lake system. This construction project was completed one day prior to the first major snowstorm in November. Our entrance road was raised 4-feet in 1996, and another 3.3-feet this year. Special flood money appropriated by Congress bailed the station out for both projects.
4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement
A John Deere 672-CH road grader and Caterpillar 436C front-end loader/backhoe were purchased this year with flood money.
J. OTHER ITEMS
1. Cooperative Programs
An agreement was worked out with the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe land manager for a common boundary fence. High water necessitates deviation from the surveyed property line.
3. Items of Interest
Ethics training was completed by the staff.
Five staff members re-certified for adult, child, and infant CPR.
Leschisin attended a Congressional Outreach training session in Rapid City with other South Dakota Service personnel and Congressional aids.
-15- A field trip to the EROS (Earth Resources Observation System) Data Center in Sioux Falls, SD gave us new ideas and a better sense of the maps available for our use.
Siekaniec attended the maintenance workshop held at Madison WMD.
All staff got an introductory course on Arcview for future use at the station.
Lousias and Lee attended the Society for Range Management meeting in Rapid City making new contacts and increasing their knowledge of range management and its effects.
Wickstrom and Lousias attended the Riparian Workshop via satellite in Brookings.
Mueller completed the home study Credit Card training.
Leschisin attended Fire Behavior Course S-290 in Devils Lake, ND.
Rubers attended a training session on Environmental Education methods in Denver.
Lee and Rubers attended Regulatory IV Interagency Wetland Identification and Delineation Training held in Huron.
Wickstrom attended the Marshall County Range Day.
Lousias attended the SD Association of Conservation Districts meeting held in Webster.
Lee, Leschisin, and Mueller all attended a session on mapping wetland easements as outlined in the recent Johansen court case in North Dakota.
Lee, Lousias, and Cherland completed S130/190 training in Ft. Totten, ND on June 1st.
Mueller attended a weed/beneficial insect tour/training at LaCreek NWR in conjunction with the state Bio- Control meeting.
Dargatz, Lousias, Siekaniec, and Umbright attended the Tom Roster non-toxic shot workshop at LaCreek NWR.
Cherland, Marks, and Rasmussen completed ATV training at Sand Lake NWR.
Two sessions on Global Positioning System (GPS) training were held on site this month to teach the staff how to use the Trimble system we have on station. The second session was put on by the company that sold us the unit (Precision Engineering).
4. Credits
Section A, compiling, editing: Lee; Sections B, G: Rubers; Sections C, HI-7, HI0-16, HI8-19; Lousias; Sections D, E, F, H8-9, HI7,1, J: Leschisin.
-16- ACRONYMS
ATY -All-Terrain Vehicle CBC -Christmas Bird Count CCP -Comprehensive Conservation Plan COS -Contracting & General Services CPR -Cardio Pulmonary Respiration EECSD -Environmental Education Connection of South Dakota EOD -Entered On Duty EROS -Earth Resources Observation System FY -Fiscal Year CIS -Geographic Information System GPS -Global Position System GS -Government Scale HA -Habitat Area MAPS -Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship MMS -Maintenance Management System msl -mean sea level ND -North Dakota NESODAK -Northeastern South Dakota (Glacial Lakes Outdoor School) NRCS -Natural Resources Conservation Service NWR -National Wildlife Refuge O&M -Operation & Maintenance PET -Permanent Full Time SD -South Dakota SDGFP -South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks SDSU -South Dakota State University SWST -Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe USA -United States of America USFWS -United States Fish & Wildlife Service WG -Wage Grade WMD -Wetland Management District
-17- i Waubay Wetland Management District
Waubay, South Dakota
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1997 INTRODUCTION -3-
C. LAND ACQUISITION -3- 1. Fee Title -3- 2. Easements -3-
D. PLANNING -6- 1. Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCPI -6- 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates -7- 5. Research and Investigations -7-
E. ADMINISTRATION -7- 7a. Partners for Wildlife -7-
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT -12- 2. Wetlands -12- 4. Croplands -12- 5. Grasslands -13- 7. Grazing -13- 8. Flaying -14- 9. Fire management -15- 10. Pest Control -15- 11. Water Rights -IS IS. WPA Easement Monitoring -16-
G. WILDLIFE -17- 1. Wildlife Diversity -17- 2. Endangered And/Or Threatened Species -17- 3. Waterfowl -17- 4. Marsh and Water Birds -19- 5. Shorebirds. Gulls. Terns and Allied Species -20- 6. Raptors -20- 7. Other Migratory Birds -20- 8. Game Mammals -21- 10. Other Resident Wildlife -21- 11. Fisheries Resources -21- 15. Animal Control -22- 17. Disease Prevention and Control -22-
H. PUBLIC USE -22- 1. General -22- 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations -22- 8. Hunting -22- 9. Fishing -22- 10. Trapping -23- 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation -23- 17. Law Enforcement . . . J -23-
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES -23- 1. New Construction -. -23- 2. Rehabilitation -23-
J. OTHER ITEMS -24- 3. Items of Interest -24- > 4. Credits
ACRONYMS INTRODUCTION
Waubay Wetland Management District (WMD), administered from Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, manages Service owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's) and several types of habitat protection easements on privately owned land in six northeastern South Dakota counties. Service interests include 352 federal WPA's of 39,437 acres, Easements for Waterfowl Management Rights protecting 98,082 wet acres, Easements for Waterfowl Habitat Protection of 73,293 grassland acres, and Conservation Easements protecting 9663 acres of habitat. Management of WPA's emphasizes maintenance of quality waterfowl nesting cover and open water areas for brood habitat. Wetland, grassland, and conservation easements are monitored annually to ensure that landowners follow terms outlined in each contract. Land use in the WMD is a mix of small grain farming and livestock operations. Livestock operations are predominately beef cow/calf herds, but there are some dairy cattle farms.
Three distinct physiographic regions dominate the WMD, each with unique habitat properties. TheCotaaw des Prairies, a series of north to south parallel terminal moraines rising 800 feet or more in elevation above adjacent lowlands, covers nearly 80 percent of the WMD. Numerous glacial lakes and smaller wetland basins dot the Coteau. To the east and west of the Coteau lays the Minnesota River and James River Lowlands, respectively. These lowland areas contain flat, fertile, agricultural land that is more intensively cropped than the hilly Coteau region.
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title
No fee title tracts were acquired in 1997.
2. Easements
Wetland Easements On August 1, 1958 Congress authorized the Wetland Easement Program in an attempt to thwart wetland destruction on private land. The easement stipulates a landowner cannot drain, bum, level, or fill a wetland covered by the easement. Monies used for the purchase of an easement right is financed by receipts from the sale of Duck Stamps.
Table 1. Cumulative Wetland Easement Lands in the Waubay WMD. COUNTY NUMBER OF TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL PERCENT EASEMENTS ACRES WET COST LAND BASE* ACRES OF WET ACRES
CLARK 524 161,255.50 31,185 $1,518,180 5%
CODINGTON 158 43,917.54 8,100 $449,270 1.8%
DAY 481 131,714.60 25,422 $1,373,216 3.6%
GRANT 133 37,853.80 5,372 $307,612 1.2%
MARSHALL 332 93,712.51 18,266 $1,020,045 3.4%
ROBERTS 356 97,439.47 16,123 • $940,450 2.2%
TOTAL 1,984 565,893.42 104,468 $5,608,773 3% * Clark County : 619,578 ac., Codington County: 442,240 ac.. Day County: 698,195 ac.. Grant County: 439,680 ac., Marshall County: 542,784 ac., Roberts County: 730,240. In 1997, thirteen wetland easements covering 699 wet acres were purchased for $ 69,305 (Table 2 ).
Table 2. Wetland Easement Acquisition Program, 1997. County # Accepted Wet Acres Cost
Clark 7 364 $28,805
Codington 0 0 $0
Day 2 117 $13,500
Grant 0 0 $0
Marshall 2 195 $23,500
Roberts 2 23 $3,500
TOTAL 13 699 $69,305
Grassland Easements Water quality and water quantity have become the challenge of the 21st century. In an effort to protect the resource in an ecosystem approach, the Service has designed the Grassland Easement. Grassland Easements enhance water quality and conservation by protecting uplands in perpetuity.
The Service has been acquiring grassland easements in the WMD since 1990. Protected grasslands control erosion, supply forage, help recharge water tables, and provide essential wildlife habitat. Prime targets for coverage has been Conservation Reserve Program lands, waterbank, native prairie, and other land with a farming history. Grassland easements prohibit cropping and permit haying only after July 15 to allow the majority of waterfowl to finish their nesting season; grazing use is not restricted in any fashion.
Table 3. Cumulative Grassland Easement Lands in the Waubay NWR District. COUNTY NUMBER OF TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL PERCENT EASEMENTS ACRES WET COST LAND BASE* ACRES TOTAL ACRES
CLARK 29 10,928.31 2,077 $578,870 1.8%
CODINGTON 10 3,186.46 479 $128,225 0.7%
DAY 41 13,067.71 2,388 $702,875 1.9%
GRANT 13 6,725.58 708 $256,390 1.5%
MARSHALL 89 33,059.39 6,296 $1,620,625 6.1%
ROBERTS 54 22,176.82 3,254 $832,996 3%
TOTAL 236 89,144.27 15,202 $4,119,981 2.6% * Clark County ; 619,578 ac., Codington County: 442,240 ac., Day County: 698,195 ac.. Grant County: 439,680 ac., Marshall County: 542,784 ac., Roberts County: 730,240. In 1997, thirteen grassland contracts were signed to protect 4,660 acres including 1,055 wet acres and 3,605 upland acres for the price of $217,790 (Table 4).
Table 4. Grassland Easement Acquisition Program, 1997. County Contracts Wet Acres Upland Acres Total Acres Cost
Clark 4 419 1,068 1,487 $70,600
Codington 0 0 0 0 $0
Day 4 67 440 507 $33,600
Grant 0 0 0 0 $0
Marshall 4 213 1,070 1,283 $51,340
Roberts 1 356 1,027 1,383 $62,250
Totals 13 1,055 3,605 4,660 $217,790
Conservation Easements
The Service acquires easement interests on inventory lands from Farm Services Agency (FSA, formerly known as FmHA) foreclosures deemed important to/for fish, wildlife, wetlands, and/or environmental resources. These interests are administered as part of the NWR system. The Service recommends appropriate protection for essentially all wetlands with existing values or restoration opportunities. Service recommendations are limited to either conservation easement proposals or requests for land transfer. No land transfers have taken place in the WMD. The basic idea was to protect or restore wetlands and their associated vegetation buffer zones with one of several types of land use restriction easements. Grazing, haying, and cropping were potential land uses that may be eliminated or restricted by easements. Conservation developments included wetland restoration and protection, vegetation protection and re- establishment, and fence establishment. Several generations, with growing pains, of conservation easements have evolved since program inception.
A new headache developed with Conservation easements. On April 4, 1996 the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (FAIR Act) became law as part of implementation of the 1995 Farm Bill. Part of the FAIR Act notice FC-37 reads: "Wetland Conservation Easements will not be placed on areas considered to be cropland..."
South Dakota FSA decided to use Webster's dictionary definition of farm which states: "1. Land cultivated for agricultural production. 2a. Land devoted to the raising and breeding of domestic animals. 2b. An area of water devoted to the raising and breeding of a particular kind of aquatic animal..."
In essence, this broad interpretation relinquishes any justification (in the eyes of FSA) for easements being placed on not only cropland, but also pastures or haylands. That doesn't leave much else. The Service is still recommending easements, as we did prior to the new law.
The Service has informed the FSA office that we will not be managers of these properties if sold without sufficient easement restrictions. To date, there are eleven properties that have been ear marked for dispute. Total acres on disputed properties come to 5075.4 potential easement acres. There are two properties that will be managed by the FSA totaling 15.1 easement acres. Table 5 reflects properties managed by Waubay WMD, with a Conservation Easement, and is considered a "closed case" complete with Quit Claim Deed
Table 5. Conservation Easements managed by Waubay WMD, 1997. Easement Type (Acre s) Wetland
County A1 A B1 B C E Number Acres
Clark 0.0 16.0 27.5 370.4 2.7 296.1 59 90.6
Codington 0.0 0.0 52.5 277.5 17.0 0.0 29 79.4
Day 0.0 0.0 212.5 788.5 78.6 0.0 131 352.9
Grant 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0
Marshall 0.0 0.0 447.5 152.5 17.0 0.0 134 97.3
Roberts 1.6 0.0 66.5 354.0 240.4 1,684.0 210 602.9
Totals 1.6 16.0 806.5 1,942.9 355.7 1,980.1 563 1223.1
Table 6 reflects total protected lands regulated by Waubay WMD. Total protected acres (237,961) in Waubay WMD comprises 6.9% of the districts land base acres (3,472,717).
Table 6. Cumulative acres of fee title, wetland, grassland, and conservation easements. County WPAA Wetland * Grassland** Conservation^ Total
Clark 5,979 31,185 10,928 713 48,805
Codington 6,300 8,100 3,186 347 17,933
Day 5,876 25,422 13,068 1,080 45,446
Grant 5,378 5,372 6,726 0 17,476
Marshall 10 ,686 18,266 33,059 617 62,628
Roberts 5,026 16,123 22,177 2,347 45,673
TOTALS 39,245 104,468 89,144 5,103 237,961 * reflects wetland acres ••reflects upland and wetland acres Areflects total acres AAreflects easement acres
D. PLANNING
1. Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)
The station embarked on the two-year CCP odyssey by attending a start-up meeting at Tewaukon NWR. All Refuge System units are required to formulate a CCP under the terms of the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act. Waubay WMD will serve as a prototype for WMDs across the nation.
-6- 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates
Private consultants toured several potential dam sites for possible impacts on archeological resources. No significant resources were discovered and the projects proceeded as planned.
On all private land projects that disturbed soil the following mandates were met; Section 7 Evaluation for Endangered and Threatened Species, Consultation with the State Historical Preservation Office, 404 permits, and State Water Rights Location Notices.
5. Research and Investigations
Paul Mayer, University of Minnesota, completed his study, Using indicators of community structure and ecosystem function to assess the biological integrity and recovery of restored prairie wetlands. Mayer used diatom species assemblages, the relationship between diatom production and diatom community structure, and community respiratiombiomass ratios to assess ecological integrity and recovery of restored wetlands.
E. ADMINISTRATION
7a. Partners for Wildlife
Since 1988, the Partners for Wildlife Program (PFW) has restored and created wetlands on private lands. No monies have been spent for "bonus" ($10/acre or minimum of $50/wetland) or land use (rental rates) since FY95. Instead wetlands have been restored in conjunction with wet and grass easements or with rotational gracing systems. Wildlife Extension Agreements (WEA) and Conservation Extension Agreements (CEA) covered a 10 year period. Local contractors were hired for the construction of earthen (end to end) ditch plugs.
A total of 45 wetlands covering 91.6 wet acres were restored under WEA's in 1997. The total cost was $10,985 ($244 per wetland, $120 per wet acre). Four wetlands were not completed since the WEAs were not signed until after freeze up. Some additional monies (not shown) were used to repair plugs and add fill (end to end) to plugs for wetlands now covered by wet easements.
Table 7. Partners for Wildlife wetland restorations, Waubay Wetland Management District, 1997. County No. Contracts No. Wetlands Acres Cost ($)
Day 4 11 20.5 6300
Clark 2 5 13.0 •
Codington 1 10 22.9 2835
Marshall 3 19 35.2 1850
Totals 10 45 91.6 10,985 * Construction not completed.
For the second year PFW worked creating wetlands from the Wetlands Creation /Restoration Grant awarded from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1996. Monies from private landowners, Conservation Districts (usually State Commission Grants) Ducks Unlimited, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), James River Watershed, and Citizens for Big Stone Lake were used to match FEMA monies to create wetlands by constructing embankments. All Conservation Districts in the WMD participated in the program. Total monies available for each District varied depending on non-federal
-7-
> matching monies secured (shown below). In-kind services were also used for matching funds. In Marshall County, a $250 per acre - $1000 minimum land use credit was also used as matching funds. This FEMA project is to take place over a three year period. Table 8 indicates the FEMA funding available to each County Conservation District.
Table 8. Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant monies available to each Conservation District for wetland creation/ restoration projects. This is actual cash to build ponds. COUNTY FEMA DU DISTRICT L.OWNER OTHER TOTAL
Clark 10,000 1,455 0 3,818 0 15,273
Codington 13,000 1,600 500 5,144 333 20,577
Day 20,000 1,600 0 8,000 2,400 32,000
Grant 63,000 1,600 5,500 24,382 3,000 97,482
Marshall 282,000 2,000 22,000 36,111 26,000 368,111
TOTAL 388,000 8,255 28,000 77,455 31,733 533,433
PFW staff designed, engineered, surveyed, and staked embankment ponds. A retired NRCS Technician was hired by the Marshall County Conservation District using Technical Services money ($23K), paid by FEMA. The State Historical Society was contacted for "Hot Archeological Sites". Section 7 Evaluations (Endangered/Threatened Species) and Location Notices (Water Rights) were also processed by PFW personnel.
PFW also teamed up with the Little Minnesota River (Big Stone Lake) and Upper Sioux River (Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake) Watershed Projects to build ponds in Roberts and Codington Counties. In Roberts County, the FEMA grant paid ten percent for three embankment ponds (8.3 ac). The landowner paid twenty-five percent and NRCS 65% of the pipe materials (trickle tube) and construction costs. In Codington County, North American Wetlands Conservation Fund monies were used to build one wetland (1.1 ac). Another pond was scheduled, however SHIPO determined the site as archeologically significant. This pond will not be built. NAWCA paid 65 percent, Lake Kampeska 10 percent and the landowner paid 25 percent of the construction costs.
Table 9. Partners for Wildlife wetland creations, Waubay WMD, 1997. County No. Contracts No. Wetlands Acres Cost ($)
Clark 2 2 15.0 8,894
Codington 5 5 9.5 18,537
Day 3 3 7.5 13,977
Grant 5 7 9.3 18,658
Roberts 13 13 55.8 95,405
Marshall 31 35 91.9 146,227
Totals 59 65 189.0 310,698 PFW again teamed up with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts to complete conservation practices on private lands. We were somewhat flexible as some of the monies were not totally the Service's. Conservation projects included wetland creation and rotational grazing systems. Flood and North American Wetlands Conservation Fund monies were obligated through the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts (SDACD). Matching funds ($10K+) were secured from two of the six County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Codington, and Marshall). These monies were in the form of State Commission grants. All of the Districts matching monies were associated with watershed projects (Lake Kampeska, Pelican Lake, Crow Creek, and Marshall Co. Hydrological Unit [Lakes]). In-kind services were also considered as matching dollars. Ducks Unlimited as always, was a major contributor.
Table 10. Partners for Wildlife wetland restorations and creations, Waubay WMD, 1988-1997. County Contracts Restored Restored Created Created Cost ($) Wetlands Acres Wetlands Acres
Day 113 341 1223.7 13 39.1 198,310
Clark 16 19 113.3 5 53.6 34,886
Codington 49 78 371.2 29 51.8 100,897
Grant 45 22 61.9 43 94.1 122,722
Roberts 92 149 433.4 59 194.0 287,281
Marshall 221 455 2167.7 104 407.1 494,383
Totals 536 1064 4,371.2 254 839.7 1,249,329
To date, 1,064 wetlands have been restored and 254 created, covering 5,210.9 acres at a cost of $1,249,329 or $240 per wet acre.
Conservation Districts compiled lists of interested parties. FWS did the bulk of the embankment design. To qualify for embankment funding, the final product must provide a fair amount of shallow water. One- hundred percent funding was provided for those cooperators willing to fence off the entire embankment and limit use to wildlife for a 10 year period.
Three WEA's, covering 129.9 acres, converted cropland to grassland. Big bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, green needlegrass, and slender and intermediate wheatgrass, alfalfa, and other tame species were established on these sites. Cost of these projects was $4452.00 of which DU paid for $1375 and the Service $1702. Landowners were responsible for seed bed preparation, sowing, and weed control.
Assistance for rotational grazing systems has been offered to ranchers since 1991. Goals of the program are to improve overall range condition, as well as provide better upland nesting cover. Financial assistance for cross and exterior fence and water developments was provided by Ducks Unlimited Inc., North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Game, Fish and Parks, Lake Kampeska Project, Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFWS and landowners. Ranchers are responsible for installing fences. This year, thirteen grazing systems were set up for ranchers. Cattle will rotate over 5,624.0 acres at a total cost of $71,694 or $12.75 per acre (Table 11). Partners for Wildlife
Grazing Systems 1997
Partners
[] Ducks Unlimited SD Assoc Constervation Districts [Tj Marshall Conservation District H FWS H SD Game. Fish and Parks [] Landowners ^ Pelican Lake Project
Figure 1. Partners for Wildlife grazing program partners and % funding contributions, 1997.
Table 11. Partners for Wildlife rotational grazing systems, Waubay WMD, 1997. ^ rACf alorx inr»1n-fXr* -wmi&r A/=»-\7^1 nmmo
County Contracts Acres Cost ($)
Clark* 2 670.0 13,423
Codington 3 1585.0 16065
Day 2 606.0 5,915
Roberts 1 415.0 3,347
Marshall* 5 2,348.0 32,944
Totals 13 5,624.0 71,694
Table 12. Partners for Wildlife rotational grazing systems, Waubay WMD, 1991-1997. County Contracts Acres Cost ($)
Clark 3 1090.0 23,846
Codington 5 2113.0 24,362
Day 6 3779.7 45,751
Grant 3 1574.0 14,913
Roberts 5 3020.0 23,907
Marshall 32 18,086.7 199,415
Totals 54 29,662.4 332,194
Fifty-four rotational grazing systems (29,662.4 acres) have been implemented at a cost of $332,194 $11.20 per upland acre since 1991.
-10- The Service also functioned as a consulting agency to the NRCS on "minimal effect" determinations where activities of private landowners may impact wetlands. Most years determinations involved livestock dugout excavation in or near wetlands, but other activities that may impact wetlands were included in the process (Table 13). This year temporary drainage was a big issue, as high water inundated many state, county, and township roads. In some instances high water threatened buildings and well sights.
Table 13. Minimal effects consultations, Waubay WMD, 1997.
Type of Action Approved Denied
Repair gully erosion 1 0
Dugout construction 5 0
Consult for swampbuster 0 1
Grasses waterway 1 0
Check for compliance 0 3
Lower wetland for road 17 6
Animal waste system 2 1
Restored wetland 0 1 agreement
Wildlife dams 60 0
TOTALS 86 12
District Personnel helped out NRCS (Day and Marshall Counties) for the re-authorization of CRP sign up. Approximately 490 man hours were spent ranking CRP intentions. Day County had a total of 59,202.9 acres on 659 contracts and Marshall County had 35,566.9 acres on 439 contracts accepted into CRP. NRCS also asked for assistance with the fall sign up; however, with the construction season coming to a close, this was not possible.
PFW was also a consultant to NRCS for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). This year PFW reviewed land eligibility and management plans. Twenty -one intentions were accepted at the field level in Codington, Day, and Roberts Counties. Landowners had a choice of either a 30 year or perpetual easement. Those choosing the 30 year easement were paid 75% of the land value. Only farmed (restorable) wetlands and uplands are eligible for the program. We have yet been informed if these offers were accepted at the state and national levels. Table 14. Wetland Reserve Program Intentions. Waubay WMD, 1997.
County Intentions 30 year Perpetual Total acres easement acres easement acres offered
Codington 1 0.0 80 80.0
Day 3 240.0 240.0 480.0
Roberts 17 556.6 574.2 1,254.2
TOTALS 21 796.6 894.2 1,814.2
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 2. Wetlands
The Ringer WPA water-control structure was replaced with a half-round riser after several years of problems with a plugged water intake tube. For the past several years, silt would plug the intake tube, forcing water over the earthen emergency spillway. Ducks Unlimited Inc. funded the original structure and redesigned and funded the new structure.
The Overland-Korth WPA Ducks Unlimited dike structure was surveyed for repair work after the trickle tube blew out. The tube was added a year after the structure was built in 1989. The dike has vegetated well and considering the high water run-off has held up well. However, another high run-off event could cut the dike.
4. Croplands
All farming on the WMD was accomplished through cooperative agreements with private farmers. General objectives for these croplands were to provide food for resident wildlife, mostly pheasants. In 1997, there were 18 acres on 2 WPA's farmed by cooperators. In both cases we traded hay in exchange for planting the crop.
Table 12. Cooperative Farming Permits, Waubay WMD, 1997.
WPA County Acres Crop Service Share %
Bruflat Codington 4 Com 100%
Kriech Day 14 Com 100%
TOTAL ACRES 2 units 18
Cooperative farming has been de-emphasized in recent years for several reasons. The primary benefactors are resident wildlife, species low on our list of priorities. In many cases, finding good cooperators has been a problem, since the federal land receives the poorest care and is usually the last to be seeded. Trends in this region are toward bigger farms and farm equipment, few farmers want to mess with a small food plot. On units where we've been producing more Canada thistles and other weeds instead of crops, it's an easy decision to discontinue cropping and seed these plots to grass. It's a fact, food plots are popular with neighbors and sportsmen, but usually only if someone else takes on the responsibility.
-12- 5. Grasslands
The Canada milkvetch seed field at Keintz WPA (Marshall County) froze out over winter. Canada milkvetch is a tall, native, late-maturing legume, with excellent potential as a late-cut forage and wildlife cover. This field was established in 1992 as part of a native grass/legume mix. In 1995, this field was swathed and combined for the seed. It is thought the vetch did not have enough time to replenish itself after the late cut prior to winter and froze out. However, seed from this field made its way across the Dakotas, with promising results. Another field was established on Peterson Memorial WPA in 1994, but weed problems (thistle and wormwood) have reduced the value of this site. A ten-acre field was seeded on Waubay NWR with the hope of establishing another seed field.
Six acres of DNC was seeded on a site disturbed by road construction on Nicolay WPA.
7. Grazing
Cattle grazing has been the most common management technique used to improve and enhance upland nesting cover on WPA's in recent years. Four WPAs (Lake Emma, Overland-Korth, Ringer, and Rolstad) were bid out at a flat rate to interested parties. The other units were charged at the standard grazing fee rate for 1997 of $8.33 per AUM, and permittees were compensated for activities necessary to accomplish the graze such as boundary fence maintenance and erection of electric fences. A total of 2338 acres on 17 WPA's were grazed this year (Table 13).
-13- Table 13. Grazing permits, Waubay WMD, 1997.
WPA County Grazing Dates Acres AUM Net Receipts
Stangland Day 5/15-5/30 65 55.1 $267
Zenk Day 6/07-7/15 38 31.3 $167
Kriech Day 6/16-7/02 22 24.2 $180 Giedd Clark 5/22-6/08 67 65.3 $523
Overland-Korth Codington 6/01-6/26 115 115.8 $0
Warner Lake Codington 7/01-7/15 62 20.2 $42
Ringer Marshall 6/01-8/02 325 156 $3167
Jensen Marshall 6/26-8/23 190 162.6 $1060
LaMee Marshall 5/01-8/11 300 264.1 $2200
Lake Emma Marshall 6/01-7/31 344 175 $2550
Syverson Marshall 5/15-7/29 40 39.6 $181
Stink Slough Marshall 5/30-6/21 53 56.9 $439
Rolstad Marshall 6/01-7/03 280 250 $2050
Berger Grant 6/16-6/27 44 36.7 $76
Berwald Roberts 6/02-9/12 216 181 $588
Loberg Roberts 5/27-7/12 117 142.9 $1047
Kutter Roberts 5/26-8/01 60 69 $149
TOTALS 17 Units 2338 $14,686
8. HayitiR
WPA grasslands sometimes are managed by haying to reduce litter accumulation, stimulate new grass growth, and/or control weeds (i.e., Canada thistle, see section F.10). Generally, hay cutting is permitted after July 15 to reduce losses of ground nesting birds. All permittees were required to mow with a sickle bar mower and rake with either a side delivery or dump rake to remove as much litter as possible. A total of 201 acres was hayed on 7 WPA's with Special Use Permits (SUP) or as a share agreement on food plots written with Cooperative Farming Agreements (CFA).
Few hay requests are received except during drought years. Most producers are unwilling to harvest hay after July 15 or risk their equipment on grasslands covered with pocket gopher mounds.
-14- Table 14. Hay permits, Waubay WMD, 1997.
WPA County Acres Permit Type
Kriech Day 43 CFA
Bruflat Codington 10 CFA
Herker Clark 20 SUP
Neal-Barton Clark 18 SUP
Loehrer Grant 25 SUP
Hinman Marshall 50 SUP
Hellevang Marshall 5 SUP
TOTALS 7 Units 201
9. Fire management
Bum plans were written for Broz, Kastner North, and Kastner South in Roberts County.
10. Pest Control
The insectory on Olson WPA exploded with leafy spurge eating flea beetles (/Iphthona lacertosa and A. czwalinae) this year. Approximately 1/4 million insects were collected from this site for distribution to 19 county weed districts, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and all Wetland Management Districts in South Dakota. We also collected insects from Abraham Lake WPA for releases on another Abraham Lake WPA site and Bahr WPA.
Flea beetles do most of their damage in the larval stage, eating spurge roots. Larval root feeding kills the plant outright, or at least weakens it for disease or other environmental factors to finish it off. The original Olson and Abraham Lake release sites are 90% spurge free with a distinct "bomb blast" effect where the beetles have moved outward from the original release site. Even the county weed guys, most die-hard chemical advocates, were impressed by what they saw. We have high hopes that some day, soon, spurge will be a minor irritant in this region.
Chemicals used for weed control included 2,4-D Ester, Banvil, and Tordon. WMD-wide, 1,339 acres were treated with 801 pounds of active chemical ingredients.
About 38 acres of Canada thistle infested sites were mowed to keep this weed from going to seed.
11. Water Rights
A Special Use Permit was issued to a landowner to allow pumping of water onto Kutter-Bredvig WPA. His only access during severe weather is under water and the adjoining townships can't agree on a fair cost share.
A Special Use Permit on L. Johnson WPA allowed a landowner to fence.off a portion of the WPA to allow an access lane to his pasture. Normal access has been cut off by high water. A ditch plug on Kriech WPA broke, flooding two farmsteads and drowning several calves. This plug was installed by the township to keep water off a township road.
The list of people seeking relief from water is lengthy. One Roberts County landowner expressed sympathies for Timothy McVeigh during a meeting where he was requesting to permanently lower a WPA co-owned wetland. In contrast, a Day County resident was very happy to get a T relief when the road is 6' under water (the T should help a septic tank problem and the road is a lost cause). A Grant County landowner was pleased to be allowed to temporarily lower a wetland that has been backing water into his basement for over a year. Temporary easement permits were provided for Hart Township in Roberts County, the Clark County Highway Department, and the South Dakota State Highway Department (Day County site). Grant County Highway Department took another approach and began digging a 15' ditch to partially drain a co-owned WPA wetland. The most emotional request came from a widow in her 80's whose home hadn't had water problems in the last 60 years. She is now up to four sump pumps and still has a wet basement. Her "house boat" is nearly surrounded by water so the temporary lowering she has requested may not solve the problem, but we are working with her so that she can try to find a solution.
The Roberts County Commissioners referred a landowner to us because his neighbor was draining onto his property. Mueller met with the Commissioners and again tried to impress on them that it is out of our jurisdiction and they are the Board of Resolution. In contrast, Grant County Commissioners began the process of developing the guidelines they will use as the Drainage Board.
Codington Co. Highway Superintendent Rick Small, GFP personnel, and Leschisin met near Hanson WPA about a proposed road re-routing project that may impact this unit. The adjacent state land has much more potential impacts.
13. WPA Easement Monitoring
At long last two easement violation cases were closed in September in Grant County. One of them has been open for four years, but wet conditions prohibited complete compliance.
Mueller completed the first blanket wetland easement mapping for the District. A tile was placed in a wetland and before pushing the case on for prosecution, we made sure we purchased the rights to that basin.
Fall easement flights were limited to one day due to winters untimely arrival. First flights of one third of the District showed not much activity.
The Steiner wetland easement case was closed after the drainage tile was dug up or disabled. This case was complicated because high water levels were impacting a farm site.
The eastern portion (off Coteau) of the district was flown for easement checks. The Coteau hills were not flown due to snow cover. About 1/3 remains until the spring thaw arrives.
Grassland easement flights turned up no violations for early haying. Two potential cropping violations remain to be checked.
Lee, Leschisin, and Mueller attended a session on mapping wetland easements as outlined in the recent Johansen court case in North Dakota.
Ground checks from last fall's easement flights were completed. Only one ditching violation was found, but it was the year for bums (12 violations).
A site visit was made to Roberts Co. 234x to explain restoration terms associated with a drain tile violation.
-16- G. WILDLIFE
1. Wildlife Diversity
Two Waterfowl Production Areas, Warner Lake and Bursvold (both in Codington County) were surveyed for Dakota Skipper butterflies this year. Sites were chosen based on the presence of native grasses, particularly little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) which is considered a favorite food plant of larval stages. Dakota skippers were not found at either site. Both sites were heavily invaded by brome with some better native areas in spots. Butterfly activity was slow with only Poweshiek skipperling, tawny-edged skipper, Dakota long dash, common wood nymph, and monarch observed at Warner Lake. Fewer species were observed at Bursvold. Various sites will continue to be surveyed as time permits. By conducting these surveys we can only hope to increase our knowledge base of these more minute components of the prairie ecosystem.
2. Endangered And/Or Threatened Species
Bald eagles are seen intermittently in the WMD. They are most often observed in March, during spring migration, but have also been sighted in fall and winter months. Half a dozen were observed in March in and around the Refuge and District, while three were seen in November and December.
3. Waterfowl
The first sightings of Canada geese occurred on March Td, but migration didn't kick in until mid- to late March. By the end of March they were seen staking out any structures still left above water. Ice out didn't occur on large bodies of water until April 27th this year. Drifted snow piled up in shelterbelts could still be seen in May. This, combined with another cool, wet spring, probably caused many late nests and re-nesting attempts. The first Canada goose goslings weren't observed until May 20h, five days later than last year and fifteen later than 1995. About a hundred Canada geese were already seen flocking up at the end of May indicating many unsuccessful breeders. A mallard was found on a nest August 51 - which later hatched successfully. With a month and a half to two months needed to fledge, this mom was cutting it awfully close.
The first tundra swans were observed on October l(?h not far from the Refuge in Day County. About a hundred more were seen flying south a week later. More of these giant birds spend their fall further west near Sand Lake and the James River, but some hunters can still find success in this area, once you figure out where the birds are. Although duck hunting was excellent in this location, snow geese were generally scarcer.
Canada Geese
A complete count of northeastern South Dakota's giant Canada goose pairs was not made this year as overlapping wetlands and high water levels make it difficult for SD Game, Fish & Park personnel to compare with previous years data. The estimated population of 87,800 for all of South Dakota is a record high and 78% above the 10-year mean.
Canada goose restoration efforts have been so successful that depredation complaints and resulting crop damage has increased dramatically the last few years. An early season goose hunt was again used this year to specifically reduce populations of local birds. The season lasted from September 6h - 15th and occurred only in the eastern counties of the state where restoration has been most successful. The need for future seasons will be based on spring breeding pair surveys. Scene typical of most places in the WMD especially of, but not limited to, large permanent type basins. 7/97 LUH Waterfowl Breeding Pair Surveys
Data from the annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl is used to detect annual changes in waterfowl use. The sampling is part of a larger study conducted by the HAPET office in Bismarck, North Dakota. This year 202 wetland basins were surveyed on 22 four-square-mile plots. Sampling units and wetland acreage remains somewhat consistent within the WMD, each year. The first count was conducted between May f - 15th, and the second between May 20h and June 5th. Wetland conditions were again excellent this year as can be seen in Figure 2.
WETLAND CONDITIONS
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
• ROUND 1 * ROUND 2 Figure 2. Pond conditions of Four-square mile plots, Waubay WMD, 1987-1997.
The most common species are blue-winged teal, mallard, and gadwall which comprise 69% of total pairs surveyed (Table 15). Total pairs tallied for 1997 were 10% higher than the 1987-1996 mean. Mallard pairs were the highest ever observed and up by more than 50% over the long term average. Declines were seen in pintail, shoveler, green-winged teal, and wood ducks. Shoveler pairs were the lowest observed in eleven years. Redhead and ruddy ducks also exhibited losses from the long term. Canada goose pairs were 18% lower when considering all years, but up two thirds from the 1992-1996 average, when methods changed for recording pairs.
Increased and sustained water levels have kept even temporary wetlands wet throughout the year, resulting in changes in vegetation and makeup of these ponds. Duck species such as pintails and shovelers that show large decreases in this area, exhibit corresponding increases at Sand Fake and Tewaukon WMD's according to HAPET data. These areas have more temporary wetlands and river floodplains that become increasingly productive in wet years. Waubay's predominance of semipermanent and permanent waters is much more important during dry years when water is the limiting factor for breeding waterfowl.
-18- Table 15. Waterfowl pairs observed, 10-year mean and % change from mean, Four-square mile survey, Waubay WMD, 1997.
% change 1997 '87-'96 Ave. from Avg. DABBLERS Blue-winged teal 295 261.1 13% Mallard 231 143.7 61% Gadwall 110 95.4 15% Pintail 12 20 -40% Shoveler 9 40.6 -78% Widgeon 9 7.5 20% Green-winged teal 7 8.1 -14% Wood duck 5 8.9 •44% DIVERS Redhead 73 88.5 -! 8% Ruddy 52 77.6 -3 3 % L. Scaup 13 6.4 103% Canvasback 46 26.9 71% Ringnecked duck 41 33.6 22% GEESE Canada goose 19 23.1 -18%* TOTAL 922 841.1 10% *method for counting C. Goose pairs changed in 1992; change from ''92- 96 mean is +67%
Waterfowl Nesting Surveys
Waterfowl nest searching activities were conducted at only one site in the District (Cottonwood Lake, Marshall Co.). It is an eight acre peninsula with a predator fence cutoff on private property covered by a Wildlife Extension Agreement. A prescribed bum was conducted in 1994 to rejuvenate deteriorated nesting cover and encourage native grasses. Monitoring of the vegetation suggests little improvement has been made. No nests were found this year. Nest densities have continued to decline from the high of .63 nests/acre in 1992. The waterfowl use and nest success at this site do not warrant continued time and effort spent here.
4. Marsh and Water Birds
The first pelican was sighted on April 3rd - just before our last nasty snowstorm. Hope it had enough sense to turn around before the storm hit. A great egret was seen the 7 April - just after the storm - ponds were still frozen so it probably didn't stay long. White pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and several species of grebes were commonly seen during the summer throughout the WMD. Although red-necked grebes were seen on the Refuge in April, with most of the emergent vegetation gone, they did not stay to nest this year. Red-necked grebes have been observed in other locations in the District but it is unknown if they are nesting.
Five of six known South Dakota white pelican rookeries were located in the WMD. However, high water has inundated previous rookery islands on South Waubay, Bitter, Piyas, Drywood, and Grass Lakes. The Grass Lake birds shifted their colony to a nearby peninsula which has now turned into an island. Approximately eight hundred adults and four hundred nests were counted this year at this location. The
-19- Bitter Lake colony also shifted locations and included more than 2,000 pelicans plus hundreds of cormorants and gulls using the site. At Drywood Lake, the pelicans were using an island, but in 1996 moved to a peninsula along the shoreline. Pelicans did not use this site at all in 1997.
Belted kingfishers were observed a number of times this year in a couple different locations. One pair was suspected of having a nest in Codington Co. but a later visit could not confirm it.
5. Shorebirds. Gulls. Terns and Allied Species
Various species of shorebirds, gulls, and terns were regularly seen along shorelines of larger lakes. The best time to observe large numbers of shorebirds in the WMD is during the spring and fall migrations. However, high water levels have reduced mud flats resulting in fewer shorebird sightings and the disappearance of some birds such as avocets.
6. Raptors
Common raptors found throughout the WMD include great homed owl, long and short eared owl, screech owl, American kestrel, northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and Swainson's hawk. Other less common species include bald eagle, golden eagle, goshawk, fermginous hawk, broad-winged hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp- shinned hawk, prairie falcon, and barred and snowy owls.
It was an unusual year for raptor sightings. A boreal owl was spotted at a staff member's home after one of the January blizzards. This unassuming bird hung out for two days then disappeared. During most of the summer very few northern harriers were seen though these are normally quite common in this area. A lack of marshes with vegetation may be limiting their nesting sites. An atypical number of raptors were observed migrating this fall. Starting in mid-August many red-tailed, Swainson's, and broadwinged hawks, harriers, kestrels, and others were spotted which continued throughout September and October. Finally, on the Christmas Bird Count seven snowy owls were observed - a record high for that species and quite unusual.
7. Other Migratory Birds
Refuge personnel participate in two mourning dove surveys. Call-count surveys are conducted annually by state and federal biologists to monitor populations with the resulting infomiation on status and trends used to set annual hunting regulations. The 20 mile surveys, with stops at 1-mile intervals, are located in Day and Marshall counties. High water has prevented access to most of the Day Co. route so only the Marshall Co. route has been run since 1995. Dove numbers recovered somewhat from 1996 but are still 17% below the seventeen year average. (Figure 3). Dove numbers took a nosedive in 1992 and have not yet recovered during this wetter than average period. MOURNING DOVE SURVEY Waubay WMD, Marshall County
200
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997
•HEARD ^ SEEN
Figure 3. Numbers of doves heard and seen on survey route, Marshall Co., 1980-1997.
8. Game Mammals
Heavy snows, cold temperatures, and bitter winds made life difficult for deer (and cattle) causing many depredation complaints as herds gathered after the hunting season, attacking hay and feed stores and irritating already stressed farmers. Numerous depredation hunts were instituted by Game, Fish & Parks to reduce losses to landowners and starvation losses of deer. Although some carcasses were seen in spring, it is believed most deer fared pretty well and had a good reproductive year. The 1997 hunting season opened with milder weather and much less snow on the ground. Hunting was much more enjoyable this season even if success wasn't guaranteed.
10. Other Resident Wildlife
Muskrat populations are still high though cattail cover has disappeared from many wetlands. Some muskrats have been observed on ponds with marginal habitat and virtually no emergents. Carrying capacity has probably been reached and populations will probably soon reflect that. Populations of red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk, the three major waterfowl nest predators in this area, remain high. Coyote populations appear stable in the region.
Although ring-necked pheasants appeared plentiful throughout the rest of the state, the northeast populations were still scattered and sparse after a couple of hard winters and wet springs. Hunting pressure was reduced as hunters took to other more productive areas of the state.
11. Fisheries Resources
Deeper water levels have opened new areas and improved others in terms of fish spawning habitat and have caused an explosion in fisheries in this area. Fishing was good to excellent in various lakes including Grass/Dry and Waubay, and access soon became a problem. A new access area and primitive boat ramp were developed on Springer WPA (Codington Co.) to provide access to Grass Lake. SD Game, Fish & Parks refurbished a primitive boat ramp on Waubay and often 75-100 vehicles could be seen in the parking
-21- lot and along the road. ^ Ice fishing has also been excellent this year with numerous shacks and parties seen on Grass, Waubay, and other lakes throughout the winter.
15. Animal Control
See Refuge Narrative for goose depredation.
Blackbird depredation did not seem to be a problem this year. A majority of cattails have been wiped out by continued high water levels in wetlands. With less available nesting and roosting sites, large flocks of blackbirds never formed, resulting in fewer complaints.
17. Disease Prevention and Control
The annual botulism outbreaks at Bitter Lake (Day Co.) and other area lakes did not occur this year despite everyone's expectations. Mud Lake (SD-MN state line) monitoring was handed back to Morris WMD (MN) as per our agreement.
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General
The Private Lands program is an on-going "white hat" program for the Service. Throughout the year numerous newspaper articles and personal information presentations touted the Partner's For Wildlife program.
The new Wonderful Traveling Wetland Trunk and Educator's Guide was put together in preparation for schools this fall. The trunk is designed for easy preparations of presentations on wetlands and wetland values for students in the fourth to eight grade. Activities included in the trunk are puzzles, puppet shows, videos, and assorted games. The puppet show was tested true with three staff members trying it out on a group of fourth graders in Webster, SD.
Over 39,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas are used for hunting, trapping, fishing, bird watching, wildlife observation, hiking, photography, and other uses.
6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
The first annual Northern Prairie Water Festival was held at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. The festival educates students on all aspects of water and how it shapes our lives. Subjects from basic properties and the creatures that live in or on the water, to human needs, uses, and conservation are addressed in a hands-on atmosphere. Four hundred and fifty students participated in this one day extravaganza.
8. Hunting
All WPA's are open to public hunting. Critters most sought after included waterfowl, pheasants, partridge, and white-tailed deer.
9. Fishing
Fisheries on area WPAs used to be marginal at a few sites, prior to recent high water years. However, the expansion of many semi-permanent sloughs into lakes created new fisheries for northern pike and yellow perch, especially. The Fort Lakes in Marshall County, Antelope Lake in Day County, Grass Lake in
-22- Codington were a few examples of exciting new fisheries where none existed before. Lousias volunteered one day to assist Saratoga National Fish Hatchery staff spawn lake trout. The days efforts yielded 2 million eggs.
10. Trapping
All WPA's are open to public trapping in conjunction with State regulations. Red fox, raccoon, mink, and muskrats are the main target species.
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks Animal Control Section was issued a Special Use Permit to fly over WPA's adjacent to private lands to control "nuisance" coyote. A total of 50 'yotes were gunned down in the district between January and March.
12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation
Twelve people participated in the 29th Annual Christmas Bird Count on December 23rd. NESODAK Bible Camp was kind and provided birding enthusiasts with a noontime lunch of hot soup and sandwiches plus all those goodies of the holidays. This year 26 species and 1555 individual birds were counted. Seven snowy owls were observed (all time high) and a great blue heron (first timer) was observed near the open creek at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. Refer to G.7
17. Law Enforcement
A Ringer WPA neighbor was issued a violation notice for cutting a lock and tampering with a water-control structure, despite several verbal warnings and a written warning not to do so or risk a fine. The U.S. Magistrate convicted him of destruction of government property and fined him $100, plus restitution for the lock.
Trespass grazing problems at Duetsch, Meyer Lake, Meyer-Jensen, and Pointed Roe WPAs were resolved with calls to owners of wandering cattle and horses. Apparently, winter damage to common boundary fences caused more trouble than usual.
Permission to cross Ackerson WPA to access farm fields was rescinded after equipment travel wandered from the trail and the unit was used as a parking lot.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction
New fences were constructed by force account on the following WPA's; Gerber (Marshall #221) 0.25 mile, Schlekewy (Marshall #108) 0.25 mile, and Berger (Grant #73) 0.25 mile with new parking lot.
2. Rehabilitation
Two fencing projects were covered by MMS and bid to private contractors: Abraham Lake WPA (Marshall #255) 2 miles and Warner Lake WPA (Codington #110) 2.4 miles. Refuge personnel repaired .5 mile of fence on the Buss WPA (Marshall # 227).
The water control structure at Ringer WPA was replaced with a half round riser. The long intake tube was already half-full of silt when it was removed only months after having been cleared.
-23- J. OTHER ITEMS
3. Items of Interest
In March a Department of Defense team talked with the staff to evaluate Service operations as part of the efficiency in government program.
RD Morgenwick and ARD Terry Grosz made a station visit in May. Later the same month, ARD Skip Ladd paid a visit during a tour of the state.
Mueller attended a briefing on GAP, a project that will identify vegetative habitats using Landsat photos and Nature Conservancy vegetation groupings.
4. Credits
Lee - compile, edit, and review Leschisin - D, F, H.8, 9 & 17 Lousias - C, E.7, H.l-7, 10-16, & 18-19 Mueller - E, I, J Umbright - G Wickstrom - E.7a Credits for photos are designated individually.
-24- ACRONYMS
ATV -All-Terrain Vehicle CBC -Christmas Bird Count CCP -Comprehensive Conservation Plan CEA -Conservation Extension Agreement CPA -Cooperative Farming Agreement COS -Contracting & General Services CPR -Cardio Pulmonary Respiration CRP -Conservation Reserve Program DNC -Dense Nesting Cover DU -Ducks Unlimited EECSD -Environmental Education Connection of South Dakota EOD -Entered On Duty EROS -Earth Resources Observation System FAIR -Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act FEMA -Federal Emergency Management Agency FmHA -Farmers Home Administration FSA -Farm Service Agency FY -Fiscal Year GFP -Game, Fish & Parks GIS -Geographic Information System GPS -Global Position System GS -Government Scale HA -Habitat Area HAPET -Habitat And Population Evaluation Team MAPS -Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship MMS -Maintenance Management System msl -mean sea level NAWCA -North American Wetlands Conservation Act ND -North Dakota NESODAK -Northeastern South Dakota (Glacial Lakes Outdoor School) NRCS -Natural Resources Conservation Service NWR -National Wildlife Refuge O&M -Operation & Maintenance PEW -Partners for Wildlife PET -Permanent Full Time SD -South Dakota SDACD -South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts SDGFP -South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks SDSU -South Dakota State University SHIPO -State Historical Preservation Office SWST -Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe USA -United States of America USFWS -United States Fish & Wildlife Service WEA -Wildlife Extension Agreement WG -Wage Grade WMD -Wetland Management District WPA -Waterfowl Production Area WRP -Wetland Reserve Program
-25-