RUBY LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Ruby Valley, Nevada

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1982

U. S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service RUBY LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Ruby Valley, Nevada

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1982

U. S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title Nothing to report 2. Easements Nothing to report 3. Other Nothing to report

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan 3 2. Management Plan 3 3. Public Participation 4 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates Nothing to report 5. Research and Investigations 4

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel 7 2. Youth Programs 8 3. Other Manpower Programs Nothing to report 4. Volunteer Program 8 5. Funding. 9 6. Safety 10 7. Technical Assistance 11 8. Other Items Nothing to report

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General Nothing to report 2. Wetlands 12 3. Forests Nothing to report 4. Croplands Nothing to report 5. Grasslands 14 6. Other Habitats Nothing to report 7. Grazing 18 8. Haying 23 9. Fire Management 23 10. Pest Control 26 11. Water Rights Nothing to report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas 29 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to report G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity 30 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 30 3. Waterfowl 30 4. Marsh and Water Birds 35 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 37 6. Raptors 37 7. Other Migratory Birds 38 8. Game Mammals 38 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 40 11. Fisheries Resources 40 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to report 14. Scientific Collections 40 15. Animal Control 41 16. Marking and Banding 42 17. Disease Prevention and Control 42

N. PUBLIC USE

1. General 43 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students .43 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to,report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to report 7. Other Interpretive Programs 44 8. Hunting 44 9. Fishing 45 10. Trapping 47 11. Wildlife Observation 48 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreaton Nothing to report 13. Camping . Nothing to report 14. Picnicking Nothing to report 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to report 17. Law Enforcement • 50 18. Cooperationg Associations Nothing to report 19. Concessions Nothing to report I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction 51 2. Rehabilitation 53 3. Major Maintenance 57 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 57 5. Communications Systems Nothing to report 6. Energy Conservation 60 7. Other Nothing to report

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs 61 2. Items of Interest Nothing to report 3. Credits 61

K. FEEDBACK McQueary Marsh Bouffard Cameron Johnson

1. Forrest W. Cameron Refuge Manager GS-11/5 EOD 06/03/79 2. Stephen H. Bouffard Biologist GS-9/4 EOD 06/27/77 3. David N. Johnson Assistant Manager GS-9/1 EOD 01/01/80 4. Thomas M. Bowser Mai ntenance-Mechani c WG-9/1 EOD 12/03/78 LW0P 02/20/82 5. Monica S. McQueary Secretary (PPT) GS-5/4 Reappointed 03/07/82 6. Suzanne D. Haskins Clerk Typist (TPT) GS-3/1 EOD 12-30-80 Resg 01/09/82 7. Howland L. Marsh Carpenter (Temp) WG-9/1 EOD 10/17/82 8. Ronald C. Cole Biological Aid (Temp) GS-5/1 EOD 03/21/82 Term 09/30/82 9. Kenneth A. Dzinbal Biological Tech (Temp) GS-5/1 EOD 02/05/82 10. Linda A. Bailey Volunteer EOD 09/07/82 Resg 12/17/82 11. Marlee Frazier YACC-Biologist EOD 03/10/81 Term 03/26/82 12. Marguerite Gould YACC-Biologist EOD 09/09/81 Term 03/26/82 Volunteer EOD 05/10/82 Resg 05/28/82 13. Perry Koontz YACC-Biologist EOD 01/12/81 Term 03/26/82

Review and Approval A f tL h u Submitted by Date gional Office Review Date A. HIGHLIGHTS

Precipitation was well above normal in 1982 (section B). Fire management plan and South Sump Strategy Paper both completed in 1982 (section D2). Drying cycle of drawdown completed for water Unit 10 (section F2). Monitoring program initiated for Habitat Management Plan (section F5). Grassland unit II used as a relief area for unit I after controversy (section F7). Prescribed burning program initiated (section F9). Confirmed sighting of peregrine falcon during Christmas Bird Count (section G2). Radio transmitters placed on 15 black-crowned night herons to monitor pesticide contamination problems (section G4). Fishing limits reduced for bass to encourage recovery of fisheries (section Gil, H9}. Hunting area boundaries changed to decrease harvest of canvas- backs and redheads while increasing upland species (section H8) New fence!ine completed along northwest boundary (section 12). Quarters 8 rehabilitated (section 12). Koehring dragline transferred to Lahontan NFH in exchange for a Bay City dragline from Stillwater NWR (section 14). 2

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Temperatures were somewhat cooler than normal all year. The marsh opened about mid-March which was about normal and froze by mid-November, about 1 week earlier than normal.

Precipitation for 1982 was well above normal even without the addition of April data. The refuge copy of the April data was misplaced while the copies sent to the National Weather Service were lost in the mail. The precipitation in September was unusually high. The snowpack during the 81-82 winter in the mountains was above normal and the snowfall on the valley floor was also above normal. The snow persisted longer than normal and windy conditions caused severe drifting. In January and February the roads were often impassable even with 4-wheel drive and chains. The deep snow severely affected wildlife, but provided a good water supply for the summer. The snowpack for the 1982-83 winter looks like it may be above average also. We may have a good water year in 1983.

Table 1. Comparision of 1982 weather conditions, with, average conditions at Ruby Lake NWR.

Temp 0 F Days Days Precip. (inches) Avg. min. Avg. max. 1 30° F - 0° F Month 82 normala 82 normal3 82 normal3 82 normala 82 normal3

Jan 1.32 1.24 12.2 14.8 36.6 39.9 29 29 5 5 Feb 1.03 1.23 18.7 18.9 41.9 43.2 22 26 2 2 Mar 2.93 1.07 24.8 22.7 46.6 48.2 26 27 0 1 Aprb 1.16 29.9 56.8 20 0 May 0.85 1.30 36.6 37.8 67.1 67.4 7 7 0 0 Jun 0.41 1.00 42.8 44.5 75.3 76.7 0 0 0 0 Jul 0.87 0.54 50.6 51.6 78.7 87.3 0 0 0 0 Aug 0.49 0.66 52.1 49.3 79.7 85.5 0 0 0 0 Sep 4.98 0.48 32.4 39.9 63.8 77.0 5 5 0 0 Oct 1.52 0.69 32.1 30.7 57.8 65.6 16 19 0 0 Nov 1.36 1.22 23.1 22.3 46.2 49.8 28 25 0 1 Dec 0.91 1.59 15.8 14.9 39.4 40.5 30 29 3 4 Totalb 16,67 12,23 164 188 10 13 a. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1978 Climate of Ruby Lake, Nevada. NOAA. 4pp. Based on data from 1951-73. b. April data lost. Totals for 1982 exclude April data. 3

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan

Refuge Manager Cameron continued to serve on the Region One Master Plan Evaluation Team. Evaluation efforts concentrated on the evaluation of the finalized Grays Lake Master Plan. The team assessed the Plan's value as a management tool by reviewing the final document in early July and then by evaluating it again while at Grays Lake with refuge staff on 14 and 15 July. The final report was completed in December. General impressions of the team were that this pilot project was very expensive, that Grays Lake was probably not a good station choice, and that full scale Master Planning had a place on more complex refuges. Refuges could profit from Master Plans but plans could be simplified as needed to sometimes contain only approved objectives and basic guidance. Then the refuge could continue directly into implementable management plans. Please read the final evaluation if you get a chance.

2. Management Plans

a. Fire Management Plan

After the Prescribed Burning Workshop at Malheur NWR in November 1981, we all began dreading the planning requirements necessary prior to implementing a prescribed buring program. Biologist Bouffard sorted through some very hazy directions to come up with the final Fire Management Plan and the more specific Annual Burning Plan. It was reviewed by BIFC and the Regional Office and finally approved in April 1982. This may be the first plan in the Region to be approved in the new Refuge Manual format. The supplemental Annual Burning Plan has proven to be a useful field document in the spring and fall burns in 1982.

b. Strategy Paper - Drawdown of the South Sump

This strategy paper was a joint Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)/ Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) effort at drafting a formal plan for drawdown of the 7,000 acre South Sump. Since the South Sump is the only refuge area open to boating and since that area also hosts the majority of our 75,000 annual fishing visits, the action would not be without controversy. However, wildlife would benefit from the, increased availability of nutrients in the area.

Principal author of the paper was refuge manager Cameron. The product was completed for signature of Cameron and NDOW Region II Supervisor Barngrover by late April. Further review and clarification by NDOW Director Molini and FWS Area Manager Mehrhoff ensued and final approval was obtained from Molini and Regional Director Myshak in October 1982. 4

Implementation of the provisions contained in the Strategy Paper is quite another matter. Recreational impact and funding for research documentation of drawdown effects are real stumbling blocks in today's political and budgetary climate.

3. Public Participation

After several years of discussing impacts of the refuge hunting program on canvasback and redhead ducks, a decision was made during the April coordiantion meeting with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to change the hunt zone. The refuge hunting zone since its beginning had concentrated the kill in a traditional fall concentration area for the primary species we are mandated to manage. Many late canvasback and redhead broods were still flightless on opening day and their early season mortality made a very low quality hunt.

After working with NDOW and mapping the traditional fall concentration areas we knew where we did not want to allow hunting. Then in the annual FWS/NDOW meeting in Reno on 18 May and tn a series of four public meetings, we asked for suggestions for alternate hunt areas. Six alternatives were developed and the area from Brown Dike south to the county line and the springhead areas in White Pine County was chosen. No dike hunting was to be allowed and an area was closed around the Main Boat Landing for public safety. Support of the alternative was universal and nearly unanimous.

5. Research and Investigations

a. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Breeding Biology and Productivity of Canvasbacks and "Redheads at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge (14570-01)

This project was conducted by the refuge biologist. Nests were located and nest success was monitored. Clutch and brood size were determined. Ducklings were weighed and tagged in the nest for growth studies. Summer and fall banding was done to measure growth rates. Nest success was 61% for canvasbacks and 55% for redheads; both were lower than normal. Clutch size of unparasitized canvasbacks and redheads was 6.9 and 8.3 respectively; both were lower than normal. Canvasback ducklings grew slower at Ruby Lake than in other areas. Progress reports are available upon request.

b. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Pesticide Monitoring in Wading Birds (14570-02)

This, project was conducted by Dr. Charles Henny of the Pacific Northwest Field Station of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center with the help of refuge staff. It is part of a pesticide monitoring program in wading birds in Washington, Oregon and Nevada. The study involves egg collection for pesticide analysis and banding to determine the wintering area of Weighing a duckling just before web- tagging it for growth studies. RLC 6/80 black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets and white-faced ibis. Fifteen black-crowned night herons were radio equipped in 1982. Wintering areas in Mexico will be searched from aircraft for the radio equipped birds. (See section G4). c. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Breeding Biology and Productivity of Largemouth Bass (14570-03) *

This project was conducted by Michael Green of NDOW. The objectives of this study are to identify factors limiting bass production and growth and to develop an improved fisheries plan. d. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Reconstruction of Past Environments in Rubv Valley (14570-04)

This project was conducted by Bob Thompson, a graduate student from Arizona State University. He is trying to reconstruct the climate and environment of Ruby Valley since the end of the last ice age 20,000 years ago by studying pollen and other fossils in core samples of peat from the marsh and the high, alpine lakes in the Ruby Mountains. No field work was done on this project in 1982. The major activities were data evaluation and writing. e. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Feeding Ecology of Canvasbacks and Redheads at Ruby Lake NWR (14570-05P " * "

This study was conducted by James Noyes, a graduate student of Oregon State University. Funding was provided by the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center through the Oregon Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. The objective of this study was to determine the 6

major food items used and to monitor body condition of canvasbacks and redheads during the breeding season. No field work was done in 1982. Major activities were data evaluation and writing. f. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Feeding Ecology of Bass and Trout at Ruby Lake NWR (14570-06)

This study was conducted by Richard Carmichael, a graduate student from Oregon State University. Funding was the same as in 14570- 05. The objective of this study was to determine the major food items used by the fish and to determine the dietary overlap with canvasbacks and redheads. No field work was done in 1982 on this project. Major activities were data evaluation and writing. g. Ruby Lake NR 82 - Distribution and Abundance of Major Invertebrates and Plants at Ruby Lake NUR '(14570-071—

This project was conducted by Ken Dzinbal of Oregon State University. Funding was the same as in 14570-05 except that Dzinbal was paid through the refuge budget. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and abundance of the major invertebrates and plants used for food and cover by diving ducks and fish. Field work in 1982 consisted of vegetative mapping and sampling. 7

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Budget and various hiring freezes allowed few frills in the 1982 program.

Permanent Temporary Other Volunteer Full-Time Part-Time FY 82 4 (1 CS) 1 4 3 YACC 2 FY 81 4 (2 CS) 0 4 5 YACC 0 FY 80 4 (2 CS) 1 3 3 OSU & 0 3 YACC FY 79 4 (1 CS) 1 4 8 YACC 0 FY 78 4 (1 CS) 1 3 13 YACC 0

Temporary clerk-typist Suzanne Haskins resigned effective 9 January 1982 when her husband transferred with NDOW from Gallagher Hatchery to a fisheries position in Las Vegas. Her duties were assumed by Monica McQueary who had resigned 30 May 1981, after working five years. Her PPT appointment was effective 7 March 1982.

Maintenance Mechanic Bowser entered the year using annual and sick leave pending a decision from OWCP regarding a claimed disability from tendonitis in his shoulders. All leave expired and he went into non-pay status 20 February 1982. To date no decision has been received from OWCP and his position has not been refilled. He did however, complete 5 years civil service employment in August while in LWOP status and has now also filed for disability retirement from FWS. Because of a tight budget. Bowser's position was not advertised until October 1982. He did vacate refuge quarters in late August to enroll in a job training program in Phoenix, Arizona. His position was filled by a temporary hire of carpenter Howl and Marsh on 17 October 1982.

Assistant manager Johnson was promoted from GS-7 to GS-9 effective 13 June 1982. His career seasonal appointment was also converted to permanent full time on that date.

The decision to abolish the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) program terminated our three enrollees on 26 March and left the Oregon State University (OSU) research effort short of manpower. On 2 May researcher Ken Dzinbal was hired through the refuge budget to help alleviate some of the funding crunch being felt in the OSU research effort. Ken's employment is planned to extend through 30 June 1983.

Official notice dated 15 December informed Refuge Manager Cameron of his selection for a staff refuge manager position in Portland effective 6 February 1983. So this will be my last narrative report for awhile.

Temporary bio-aid Ron Cole proved to be a very useful commodity during his appointment. Ron's diversity of ability allowed him to complete tasks ranging from repair of equipment to biological data analysis. 8

2. Youth Programs

Three YACC enrollees were carried into 1982 and all worked until the abolishion date of 26 March. Marlee Frazier and Perry Koontz were assigned to the OSU research effort. Frazier assisted masters can­ didate Richard Carmichael in his fishery research, analyzing stomach samples while Koontz excelled in sorting vegetation and invertebrates in bottom samples collected by OSU research assistant Ken Dzinbal to determine marsh productivity. Both Koontz and Frazier are students at OSU and were a vauable part of the research. Marguerite Gould was our other enrol lee. She worked at the refuge and during 1982 her winter duties included adequate amounts of shovelling snow, but her greatest value was as interim clerk. The expertise provided by all three enrol lees was missed for the remainder of the year when budget and manpower limitation provided no chance of replacements.

4. Volunteer Programs

With the loss of YACC this station looked closely at the volunteer program and decided to use it on two occasions. Ex-YACC enrol lee Gould was appointed as a volunteer for two weeks in May during a critical nest searching period. Then Linda Bailey was appointed from 7 September until 17 December. Linda was a fast learner and had excellent capability. She worked at office duties, as a carpen­ ters aid, at budget formulation, fencing, and at all biological duties available at that time of the year. Her volunteer period was directed at exposing her to a wide range of activities of refuge management to allow her to assess her career goals.

Volunteer Bailey attacked the unenviable task of cataloging the entire refuge slide collection. Her confident smile is evidence of the quality of her work In this and all her assigned duties. DNJ 11/82 9

This staff likes the volunteer program as it now exists with a minimum of paper work. We provide housing. The most important element for having a successful program here is completing and living by a well thought out agreement for volunteer service. Both the volun­ teer and the refuge must agree to and be honest about their respon­ sibilities.

5. Funding

The following table shows funding levels for the past five years. Tab! e 2. Funding levels for the past five years at Ruby Lake NWR. Operational 2821 Grand FY CM 0&M CM 0&M Other Total 1994 BLHP Total 83 15.0 121.9 16.6 2.0a 155.5 1 ? 30.0 Unknown^ 82 123.0 17.0 2.0a 142.0 5.5 147.5 81 3.3 115.6 8.2 17.6 144.7 4.6 117.8 267.1 80 10.0 101.4 13.0 11.7 136.1 582.0 718.1 79 9.0 116.4 12.1 16.5 15.0^ 169.0 130.1 299.1 b. 5300 reverted P R funds. c. Unknown means late appropriations have not allowed final project funding.

Funds for FY-82 were only adequate because normal salary for our maintenance position could be used to replace a vehicle. Maintenance mechanic Bowser being in non-pay status from 20 February freed those funds. The result however, was that few maintenance tasks were com­ pleted and those that were completed were usually the result of other staff members volunteering many extra hours.

For FY-83 the station is faced with moving costs for a maintenance person and the refuge manager which will probably bankrupt us. Special one-time funding is really helpful this year and a generous allotment of 1994 money may circumvent starvation. This is definitely a no frills year. Any major equipment breakdowns cannot be repaired and replacement of portions of our aging fleet is unthinkable. The regional decision to forego or delay major vehicle and equipment replacement on refuges during BLHP continues to plague this station.

As planned, biological programs took precedent over maintenance in FY-82, but that cannot be done two years in a row. Money must go back into buildings, vehicles, dike structures, and equipment main­ tenance. Volunteer help is being solicited since it now seems un­ likely that we can hire a temporary biological aid for research duties such as nest searching, banding, night-lighting and monitoring of the grazing system. Continued stagnation of funding and escalation of costs and duties can only mean that some duties will not be accom- plished. 10

With salaries alone accounting for 77% of base funding and other routine costs totalling 17% there is not much discretionary funding. For its accomplishments, this station's budget is a real bargain for the FWS. Our base funding must be re-evaluated.

6. Safety

Consecutive lost time accident free days has reached the 9,861 mark.

Refuge personnel responded to a heart attack victim at the Star Tungsten Mine in March. The victim, a man in his SO's had called Gallagher Hatchery and asked for help. Bob Owen, his wife Linda and Mike Green responded to the call. Cameron and Johnson, who were in the area, helped administer oxygen (welding oxygen) and with the aid of Linda Owen who is a registered nurse, transported the victim to an ambulance. Deep snow conditions prevented the ambulance from coming over Harrison Pass and it had to be met at Paul Smith's ranch. The man survived his ordeal and decided that the isolation and snowed-in conditions were too much, so he moved to California.

On Sunday May 9, an accident involving a single vehicle with 3 passengers occurred north of Bressman Cabin. Apparently, the driver who was partially intoxicated, got caught in the loose gravel along the edge of the road and rolled the Ford Escort over the shoulder of the road and through the newly constructed fence. One lady suffered internal injuries and a damaged leg. Hank St. Clair of Gallagher Hatchery was the first person on the scene, and after requesting an air ambulance, helped administer first aid. However, as it turned out, the lady could not be transported in the helicopter because of her splint and stretcher. She was later trans­ ported in a vehicle ambulance to Elko. The driver was cited by Elko County Sheriff's Department and was booked into jail for DDI. Needless to say, our fencing contractor who had just completed that section of fence the previous day was a little upset when he learned that they had no insurance.

On October 7, biologist Bouffard and volunteer Bailey were making a routine trip to town for supplies when they were flagged down near Jiggs. Apparently an elderly man had suffered a cardiac arrest and had driven off the road. Bouffard helped administer CPR until the ambulance arrived from Elko, but the man was pronounced dead on arrival at Elko General Hospital.

Safety meetings were held as scheduled and pertained to topics such as equipment safety, CPR, first aid, fire fighting and chimney main­ tenance. Not quite a scene from "Mary Poppins," but none the less, our chimneys need cleaning too. Here, Cameron prepares for another scrubbing before dark sets in. DNJ 12/82

7. Technical Assistance

Manager Cameron served as the FWS representative on the Elko County Coordinated Resource Management Planning Committee (CRMP). This committee attempts to resolve conflicts among land users (livestock, recreation, and wildlife) on public and private lands and to improve current management practices on these lands. Assistant manager Johnson also serves on the CRMP committee as a representative of the Nevada Chapter of The Wildlife Society. F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

2. Wetlands

Even with above normal snowpack in the mountains, water levels in the marsh units were lower than normal until late summer because of the drought in 1981. The heavy run-off in 1982 finally caught up with the water deficit from the previous summer around August and September. From late fall through the end of 1982, water levels were slightly above normal. Snowpack for the 1982-83 winter looks pretty good at this point so we should have all the water we need in 1983.

Several minor modifications were made in the Refuge Water Manage­ ment Plan in 1982. The drawdown schedule was changed so Unit 14 instead of Unit 21 follows Unit 10 on the schedule. This change was made after consulting with NDOW. Both Units 10 and 21 are open to fishing from float tubes. If Unit 21 was drawn down before the fish in Unit 10 were able to recover, fishing oppor­ tunities from float tubes would be eliminated for about 2 years. The new rotation allows float tube fishermen some fishing every year. The North Sump will be removed from scheduled drawdowns since it dries naturally nearly every year. The spring water level of the South Sump will be raised to 5965.0 if sufficient water is available.

Water Management in 1982 followed the Water Management Plan. Unit 10 was dry for the second year and was refilled during late November. Large numbers of ducks and geese were attracted to the unit and several bald eagles were seen there also. The effects of the drawdown were monitored through photo points and vegetation sampling. This monitoring will continue for several more years. We continued to improve our control of spring flows to improve our irrigation system. This will be discussed in Section F5. Picture of Unit 10 prtor to drawdown. Note abundance of floating pondweed CPotamogeton natans). a later successional stage species and a poor waterfowl food plant, SHE 8/80.

Picture of same area in Unit 10 during the second summer of the drawdown. SHE 8/82 14

5. Grasslands

The Habitat Management Plan was approved on March 1 by Regional Director Myshak.. The plan which was already being used as a guide was officially enacted on 15 April when the 1982 grazing season began.

When properly used, livestock have been shown to benefit wildlife. This cow was observed directly benefitting about 10 turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). DNJ 7/81

The primary instruments of habitat management for 1982 included livestock grazing, controlled burning and increased irrigation efforts. The grazing program was a great improvement over previous years. Residual cover is present in pastures which have not had it in more than 10 years. Irrigation efforts were intensified to increase production of desirable plant species where new irrigation facilities allow for improved water distribution. These efforts are summarized as follows.

a. Flynn Spring (Behind Shanty Town)

Water flow from Flynn Spring was diverted into the upper ditch on 29 April, when above average snow packs provided a heavy run-off. Four staff days of labor were required to clean out and re-activate the old ditch. Water from this ditch was used 15

to irrigate portions of the Cow Camp DNC, the south end of pasture I-F and pasture I-GH. A new ditch was also made to divert water below Shanty Town into the northern portions of pasture I-GH.

b. Cave Creek (Refuge headquarters)

A new valve was mounted on the discharge end of the pipeline which leaves the cave and surfaces below headquarters. A collection area was constructed with a backhoe and new level contour ditches were cut in pasture V-D to provide better water control on the new seed­ ing. The supply ditch running south out of Cave Creek was also cleaned.

These new level contour ditches were cut using a road grader. The Improved water distribution has increased production of legumes planted there in April for goose browse. DNJ 4/82 c. South Canopy Ponds (Hatchery)

The ditch leaving the south canopy pond which is used to irrigate pastures I-E and I-F was reconstructed. See section 12. d. Gravel Pit Pond

Water was diverted south out of the exclosure into pasture I-F for the first time in 1982. Geese and ibis were observed using this newly flooded area. 16

e. North County Line Spring (Spring #'s 58, 59)

This spring provided good water flow into pasture I-M until August when a leak developed in the dam. Repair of the leak will be nec­ essary in 1983 to reestablish irrigation potential, and increase pool size and depth.

f. Big Dam (Spring #'5 74, 75, 76)

These springs were not used for irrigation in 1982 because of the low height of the dam in relation to the ditch. The dam will need to be raised in 1983 to divert water without washing it out.

Other springs with irrigation potential include Banana Pond, Brush Pile Pond, and Spring #'5 101, 102, 103, 108, 113, and 114. These were all used during the summer to irrigate native grasslands.

Controlled burning was also used to rejuvenate old growth DNC areas, provide feeding areas for cranes and geese and to improve distribu­ tion on grazing livestock.

Many physical improvements were also completed which will benefit the habitat management program. This includes construction of a new fence, water gaps, and alterations of fence to accomodate pronghorn and'deer crossing. See section I-H2.

Repair of interior fences by permittees was completed and provided proper fencing for meeting the rotation schedules.

These scouts of Troop 52 were led by Kirk Dingmamwho volunteered to plant willows in Unit V-D as a part of his Eagle scout require­ ments. DNJ 4/82 Unit V-D was completed as proposed in the Habitat Management Plan and described in the 1981 narrative report.

The seeding was rated as very successful and has had goose use all throughout the fall. The willows, chokecherry, currants, and aspen which were planted by the Scouts of Troop 52 had about 20% survival overall. The planting method involved soaking stems of the shrub species in a rooting hormone and putting the cutting in the ground where the growth moisture was sufficient.

The windmill in Pature II-A was destroyed when high winds caused the fan to hit a ravens nest. Repair was necessary for proper livestock distribution and to provide water for pronghorns and sage grouse. DNJ 9/82

A monitoring program was initated this year as outlined in the HMP. This program will provide a systematic documentation of changes in habitat and the response by wildlife. A revised method of the Robel method using permanent photo plots, Robe! transects, wildlife observation transects, and utilization transects will allow refuge personnel to keep close watch on the resource for future management decisions with minimal staff time and training. These Honda 3-wheel ATC vehicles have proved invaluable as a quick, dependable method of getting around. They have been used for monitoring, fence repair and nest searching. FWC 5/82

7. Grazing

Four special use permits were issued for grazing in 1982, a decrease of 1 since last year. An estimated 16,313 acres of upland were grazed by livestock to harvest 4,540 AUM's of forage using a seasonal/rest rotation system as outlined in the Habitat Management Plan. This is summarized in the following table. 21

The Increased vigor of this wildrye (Elymus cinereus) shows how seasonal/ rest rotation can be used to improve range condition. DNJ 7/81

Major changes took place in the 1982 grazing program to comply with the Habitat Management Plan. Permittees were informed prior to the . grazing season that rotation dates, levels of harvest, maintenance needs and ownership requirements would be enforced beginning in 1982. This is the first time traditional permittees have been required to follow an approved management plan and considering the magnitude of change, compliance was very good. However, the following incidents warranted action:

--Many of the special conditions associated with the Special Use Permit issued to Fort Ruby Ranch for grazing on Unit IV have not been met in past years. This includes lack of fence maintenance, improper grazing levels, questionable ownership and improper branding. Beginning in April 1981, it was stressed that no 1982 Special Use Permit would be issued to Fort Ruby Ranch unless fences were maintained and the other special conditions were met. Fences were repaired in June. However, on 10 May, the herd to be used in this unit was placed under quarantine for Bruce!osis Type 2 by the State Veterinarian office. The herd was not allowed to enter the refuge. Public

_ 19

Table 3. Summary of 1982 livestock grazing program at Ruby Lake NWR.

AUM1s AUM's Actual Seasons Pasture Removed Recommended Difference Utilization of Use Remarks

I-A 51.94 180 -128.06 30% E Needs Adjustment

— Not grazed I-B — - I-C 37.03 68 - 30.97 80% E Hay Meadow I-D 113.22 298 -184.78 50% L Not hayed I-E 145.68 302 -156.32 45% L Not hayed I-F 171.68 65 +106.68 70% E Used too late

I-G-H 0 0 0 0 - Rested I-I 325.34 178 +147.34 80% L Too heavy I-J 240.93 224 + 16.93 60% M Slightly heavy

I-K 0 0 0 0 - Rested I-L 229.64 170 + 59.64 45% M Looks good I-M 440.89 390 + 50.89 45% M Good treatment I-N 485.00 556 - 71. 35% E Good regrowth 1-0 516.50 645 -128.50 35% L Light use 2757.85 3076 -318.15

II-A 0 0 0 0 - Rested II-B 142.35 117 + 25.35 60% Heavily used II-C 240.00 100 +140.00 85% Very heavy II-D 523.26 390 +133.26 60% Very heavy II-E 0 0 0 0 n Permanent rest II-F 0 0 0" 0 Rested II-G 0 0 0 0 L Rested 905.61 607 +298.61 20 AUM's AUM's Actual Seasons Pasture Removed Recommended Difference Utllization of Use Remarks

III-A 0 0 0 0 - Rest

III-B 0 0 0 0 - Rest irr-c 319.13 360 - 40.87 30% E Late green-up III-D 348.40 324 + 24.40 40% M Good Distributio III-E 126.03 132 + 4.03 35% L Very close III-F 0 0 0 0 0 Rest 793.56 806 - 12.44 i ro CO CO IV-A 236.19 260 h-* 50% L Very close

IV-B 0 0 0 0 - Rest

IV-C 0 0 0 0 - Rest

V-A 69 120 - 51 70% E-M Horse AUM's

V-B 0 0 0 0 - Rest V-C 14 ' 80 - 66 35% L Not scheduled

V-D 0 0 0 0 - Rest

V-E 0 0 0 0 - Rest 83 120 - 37 22

meetings were held by the Federal and State officials to inform local people of the problem and to minimize anxiety. Fort Ruby Ranch was unable to acquire an unquarantined herd in time to meet the conditions of the Special Use Permit and requested non-use. This was granted. In order to maintain the proper rotation of the grazing schedule, it was decided to solicit a new permittee for the 1982 grazing season on Unit IV. A call for bids was published in the Ruby Valley News on 12 October and bids were accepted until 22 October. The high bid went to the Blue Jay Ranch in south Ruby Valley for $4.10/AUM. A SUP was issued for 260 AUM's and the schedule was maintained.

-Unit II was used as a relief area to provide rest to Unit I. This unit had not been grazed since 1972 and much of it was in need of treatment. Fences were in poor condition and late water distribution was a problem due to low levels in the North Sump. A Special Use Permit issued to the Duval Ranching Company for 607 AUM's was abused when 905.61 AUM's were removed. Fence repair is about 90% complete and a windmill has been repaired. Permittees have had one year now to learn how the grazing system is supposed to work and have been warned that future violations of the SUP will not be tolerated. Damage to the vegetation resource was minimal because of the extended period of time since it was last grazed.

-The decision, recommended by Pete Carter of the Area Office, to use Unit II as a relief area for Unit I became somewhat of a heated issue in late 1981 and early 1982. Steve Wright of the 7H Ranch felt his ranch should be issued the grazing permit since the grazing was associated with the 7H Ranch before he acquired it. The Nevada Cattlemen's Association became involved and the issue became political when the Area Office, Regional Office, Senator Laxalt, Director Jantzen and Assistant Secretary Arnett were re­ quested to respond to the issue. However, all responses supported the decision as outlined in the Habitat Management Plan. A final attempt was made to change the decision when the issue was presen­ ted in front of the Elko County Coordinated Resource Management Planning Committee (CRMP). A request was made by the 7H Ranch to include Forest Service, BLM, private and refuge lands in a coordinated resource management plan under the assumption that all parties would benefit. A response was made to this issue when Cameron and Johnson presented an informative slide show and talk to the CRMP group on 18 February. This meeting was followed by another sub-committee meeting at the refuge headquarters. The sub-committee led by Irving Hackett looked at the problem on the ground and reported back to the CRMP committee. The final recom­ mendation by the CRMP committee was in support of the refuge's decision to accomodate existing permittees in lieu of taking on a new one and complicating the issue. However, it was also requested by the CRMP committee that a report be given to the committee in 4 years (1986) to show how well the program is working and provide information about compatibility of including the 7H Ranch in a coordinated management plan at that time. 23

8. Haying

The haying program for 1982 was nonexistent. The Duval Ranching Company has traditionally hayed about 72 acres per year. A bi-annual rotation system was developed in 1980 allowing use of Pastures I-C and F one year and I-D and E the next. This provides feeding areas for wildlife without loss of vigor to the meadows. However, during 1982, late summer rains caused ranchers in the valley to fall behind schedule. As a result. Unit I-D and I-E were not hayed as scheduled. Grazing in December, using a heavy stocking rate and short duration method, was employed as an alternate treatment method to remove old growth. If too much matting of old growth is present in the spring, burning will be used.

An area of Unit II-G which was hayed in 1981 showed improved vigor and increased wildlife use in 1982. Cranes and geese used it as a brooding area during spring and summer.

9. Fire Management

The Fire Management Plan was completed in late winter by Bouffard and Johnson. See section D-2a. Bouffard also completed the Annual Burn Plans for FY-82 and 83.

One wildfire occurred on the Refuge on 13 July. It was a lightning strike on an island in the marsh. No suppression action was taken as the site was inaccessible to equipment. The site was visited by

\

View of the wildfire on the South Sump in 1982. SHE 7/82 24

boat the next day. Approximately 1 acre of wet meadow and hardstem bulrush was burned. Two active ruddy duck nests were burned and 3 other diving duck (canvasback or redhead) nests had hatched prior to the fire. The burn was photographed and will be monitored over the next few years to study the effects of summer burns on this type of habitat.

One of the ruddy duck nests burned in this wildfire. SHB 7/82

The fire season was quite wet and the Ruby Valley Volunteer Fire Department fire truck No. 3 (all refuge employees are members of the Ruby Valley Volunteer Fire Department, RVVFD) did not respond to any other wildfires. The RVVFD responded to two chimney fires and quickly extinguished them without major damage to the structure. A summary of prescribed burning for 1982 is shown in Table 4. Figure 1 shows the location of all prescribed burns in 1982.

Area I-F was not burned because it was used for late spring grazing until it was too late to burn. Area II-F was a low priority area and time was not available to make the burn. The burn on Area VI-A1 jumped the firelines and burned several acres outside the prescription. This escape caused no damage and the area burned had been scheduled for burning in 1985. The reason for the escape was strong gusty winds. On Areas III-D and IV-A, only part of each unit was burned. 25

Temporary biological aid Ron Cole is igniting a portion of the prescribed burn in Grazing Unit IV-A. The fire was lit under the fence to minimize fence damage and was allowed to burn into the marsh (right side of the pic­ ture) and back into the fireline (out of sight on the left side of the picture) DNJ 5/82

Aerial view of a prescribed burn in Unit VI-A1. This unit is ungrazed and was burned to remove decadent, matted litter, rejuvenate the grasses and to provide goose browse. DNJ 4/82 26

Table 4. Summary of prescribed burning at Ruby Lake NWR in CY 1982.

Date Burned Unit Planned Burned and remarks

I-A 16 16 4-21-82 I-F 61 0 Not burned I-I 25 20 4-15-82 II-F 99 0 Rescheduled for 1983 III-B 50 0 Rescheduled for fall 1983 III-D 55 36 4-26-82 IV-A, 1, 2, 3 60 30 5-13-82 V-E-l 28 25 11-12-82 VI-A-1, 2, 3 27 31 4-15, 21-82

Total 421 158

The problem was vehicle access; the ground was too wet to hold pumper trucks and most of the line building and control was by hand.

Refuge suppression capabilities increased considerably in 1982 with the acquisition of 2 slip-in pumper units. One unit was a new purchase with special fire suppression funds and the other was an old U. S. Forest Service pumper obtained in trade from Sheldon NWR. In addition, we ordered a new lh ton pickup, 4x4, with dual rear wheels to carry the new pumper. RVVFD truck No. 3 (1,000 gallon capacity) is also available from the Nevada Division of Forestry for use on prescribed burns.

Detailed monitoring is done on all prescribed burns: weather conditions, fire behavior and fire effects on the vegetation are recorded. Before and after photographs are taken of each burn and each burn unit is also monitored in accordance with the Habitat Management Plan.

10. Pest Control

Efforts were taken in the spring to control white top (Cardaria draba). Selective spraying of round-up was done using a hand sprayer on about 20 patches along the dikes and roads. Total acreage sprayed was less than 2. The plant appears to be increasing and small con­ centrated patches have been discovered in many new areas. Irving Hackett, a cooperative extension agent in Elko, has expressed concern that this pest is already out of control in most of Elko county. Ob­ servations this spring will determine if our program is successful enough to persue any further. Fig. 1. Location of prescribed planned burn for CY 82 at Ruby Lake NWR. Location of wildlife is also shown.

T. 26 N. T.25N.

29

A new pest plant was discovered this year in Unit I-B across from headquarters. The exotic Russian knapweed (Centaurea respens) had established a small area of about 1/10 of an acre but appeared to be very vigorous. The plant was burned using a propane weed burner on 5 August to reduce vigor and stimulate regrowth. This was followed 60 days later with an application of Banvel using a hand sprayer. The treatment appears to have been successful with about 90% control. This will be followed up in 1983 and elimination appears very possible.

An effort was made again this year to control a small concentration of Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) at the east end of Brown Dike. David Butler and Cliff Gardner of Dawley Creek Ranch assisted refuge personnel in chopping out the thorny plants using hand shovels. This plant also appears to be extending its range. Evaluation of the control program in 1983 will determine the future course of action.

11. Water Rights

During 1982, the state water engineer Pete Marros made the decision that water adjudication proceedings would begin in Ruby Valley in 1983. This has the potential of effecting a couple of springs at Ruby Lake including Flynn spring where Shanty Town residents have filed for domestic water rights. This could affect the water avail­ able for irrigation of grassland units I-GH and I-F.

12. Wilderness and Special Areas

Ruby Lake NWR has 2 special designations. It has been designated as a Research Natural Area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and is listed as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. Both designations give recog­ nition of the uniqueness of Ruby Lake NWR and the need to protect it from habitat deterioration. 30

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Our Habitat Management Plan emphasizes species diversity. Management practices on different units emphasize a wide variety of species such as sandhill cranes, sage grouse, long-billed curlews, pronghorn, etc.

2. Endangered and Threatened Species

The first confirmed peregrine falcon sighting on the Refuge since 1976 occurred during the Christmas Bird Count on 18 December. Johnson observed a falcon, which he suspected of being a peregrine, 2 days before the count, but was unable to obtain a positive identification. Cameron confirmed the identification during the count with a 5 minute observation of the perched bird at close range using a spotting scope. Bouffard observed the bird the following day.

During 1981 a falcon was observed flying several times in the same area as the 1982 sightings. It was suspected of being a peregrine but could not be positively seperated from the prairie falcon which are common on the refuge.

One to 2 adult bald eagles used the refuge during January and February. One adult and 1 immature were seen on the refuge during December.

3. Waterfowl

Ruby Lake NWR is primarily a production area. It is used only by moderate numbers of migrating waterfowl. Winter populations are usually less than 1,000 birds because of the lack of open water. Waterfowl breeding populations and production was down from 1981. No cause for this decline was apparent but lower water levels during the spring may have attracted and held fewer nesting birds. a. ;Swans

Trumpeter swans were introduced to Ruby Lake NWR in the 1940's and 50's from Red Rock Lakes NWR. They were not native to this area. The population has stabilized at 40-50 birds. Breeding occurs at Ruby Lake NWR and Franklin Lake, a private marsh of approximately 8600 acres, north of the Refuge and is suspected in other locations in NE Nevada. The lack of other suitable habitat in this region precludes the expansion of this population. For the most part the birds are non-migratory and most winter at Ruby Lake NWR. There is some dispersal in the spring; most of the flock returns to the refuge by November. In severe winters some do move out to other locations. Wintering trumpeter swans seen at Fish Springs NWR in Utah are probably from this flock. Other factors limiting the population size at Ruby Lake NWR are human disturbance on breeding territories in the South Sump and Fig. 2. Probable trumpeter swan territories in 1982.

T.26N. T.25N. 32

Table 5. Waterfowl production and use days at Ruby Lake NWR. Trumpeter swan production from Franklin Lake is also included.

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 Trumpeter Swans Production3: Franklin L. 0 11 0 0 0 Production3: Ruby L. 2 2 11 7 2 Total Productionb: 2 13 15 7 2 Use Days: Ruby L. 5,153 6,402 8,207 9,830 8,243 Canada Geese Production 220 185 425 410 270 Use Days 37,170 32,053 81,687 72,755 73,600 Ducksc Production 7,865 8,511 7,619 11,630 6,557 Use Days 1,356,853 1,063,286 1,509,334 2,490,373 1,690,927 Coots Production 4,500 2,800 6,700 6,460 8,400 Use Days 1,261,295 1,169,100 1,993,950 1,669,950 1,681,700 a. Birds fledged. b. Production totals may exceed the sum of the production at Ruby and Franklin Lakes because of breeding outside Ruby Valley. c. Also includes a small number of whistling swans.

Table 6. Summary of canvas,back breeding populations, production and productivity at Ruby Lake NWR.

Breeding Pairs Production Young/ Year

Canvasback

1978 305 1230 4.0 1979 458 2200 4.8 1980 531 1680 3.2 1981 1050 3500 3.3 1982 475 1550" 3.3

Redhead

1978 298 1699 5.4 1979 420 2115 5.0 1980 621 2010 3.2 1081 521 1600 3.1 1982 350 985 2.8 33

possibly submergent vegetation quality. Waterweed (Anacharis) a preferred food item, is absent at Ruby Lake NWR. Cygnet survival is low; this has been observed in other western pop­ ulations. This could be a result of food quality, extensive inbreeding, parasitism, or other unknown factors.

Production was very low in 1982 (Table 5). No cygnets were produced on Franklin Lake. Low spring water levels there probably sup­ pressed breeding efforts. At Ruby Lake only 2 young were known to have fledged. The number of pairs breeding declined and terri­ tory boundaries were shifted around (see Figure 2 for 1982 swan territories).

Few whistling swans (<100) were seen during the fall migration. One dead adult whistling swan was found during January 1982 and 1 dead trumpeter swan was found during the fall in 1982. No cause of death was determined; the trumpeter had been eaten by a predator but the whistler was intact and emaciated. b. Geese

Goose breeding pairs and production declined from 1981 (Table 5}. Management dictated by our Habitat Management Plan is providing more browsing areas in more scattered areas and is benefitting the goose population. Predation on goslings by feral cats near the Gallagher Fish Hatchery was noted (see Section F10). As soon as the young fledge and the adults regrow the flight feathers the geese leave the refuge for grain and hayfields in north Ruby Valley or along the Humboldt River. Few geese are present on the refuge until late November. From then through spring 100-300 are present on the refuge. c. Ducks

Duck breeding populations, use days and production declined from 1981 (Table 5). Canvasback and redhead production also declined (Table 6). The reduction in breeding population sizes may have been due to lower spring water levels in all units. Low water levels were especially noticeable in the North Sump and Franklin Lake. Breeding populations in these 2 areas were only a fraction of normal. Many birds may have continued to migrate north because of these low water levels. Spring water levels were very high in 1981 and should be high again in spring 1983. If breeding popula­ tions increase strongly in 1983 it will support the belief that breeding populations are influenced by spring water levels.

Productivity studies of canvasbacks and redheads were conducted again in 1982 (see Section D5). Some searching was done for dabbling duck nests as part of the Habitat Management Plan mon-- itoring. The effort was insufficient to obtain the data we wanted because of a lack of time and people needed for the survey. Further emphasis will be placed on upland nest searches in 1983. Preliminary data suggest that cinnamon teal and N. shovelers prefer short grass (8-12 inches) while pintails and mallards may be nesting overwater 34

Newly hatched redhead (left) and canvas- back (right) ducklings found during our nest surveys. This is an example of nest parasitism, where female redheads lay eggs in other duck's nests, a common behavior among redheads. Both ducklings hatched in a canvasback nest. TTF 6/81

in hardstem bulrush. Brush, rabbitbrush, greasewood and rose, may be important nest sites if it occurs near water. A recent publi­ cation (Cornely, J. W., C. L. Forster, M. A. Stern, and R. S. Johnstone, 1981. Additional record of ring-necked duck nesting at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon. Murrelet 62:55-56) pointed out that ring-necked-ducks nest as far south as Malheur NWR. We have good evidence that they nest at Ruby Lake NWR as well. Every year we catch a small number of ring-necks while night!ighting. These include mostly eclipse and molting AHY males, but also some unmolted and molting females and some HY birds. d. Coots

Coot breeding populations, use days and production increased from 1981 (Table 5). Large flocks of coots used the refuge during the fall migration. One 80 acre pond contained about 10,000 coots for several weeks in October. 35

4. Marsh and Water Birds

The Ruby Valley populations of colonial nesting birds declined in 1982 (Table 7). No colonial nesters were known to breed at Franklin Lake in 1982 because of low spring water levels. Breeding populations of some species increased at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982, probably a result of displacement from Franklin Lake (Table 5). This rookery has been used for over 10 years; no reason for its move was found. Breeding population estimates were sent to the Colonial Bird Register via the Regional Office.

Cooperation from the NDOW personnel at Gallagher Fish Hatchery has been excellent. In the past, large numbers of black-crowned night herons have drowned in their raceways. The raceways were screened, but the herons were finding small holes and getting into the raceways but could not get out and drowned. NDOW personnel have plugged most of the holes and placed floats in the raceways for resting platforms if they get into a raceway. The raceways are checked every evening and morning for herons. The herons are dried and banded before release. Mortality to black-crowned night herons from drowning in raceways has been drastically reduced because of their efforts.

Dr. Charles Henny of the Pacific Northwest Field Station of the Patux- ent Wildlife Research Center has been monitoring colonial nesting species for pesticide levels in the eggs. Most of his work has been

Releasing a radio-equipped black-crowned night heron. This is a second year (SY) bird that doesn't have its adult plumage yet. Back-mounted transmitters were used. Chuck Henny is on the left; Pete Rawlins, an NDOW biologist is on the right. DNJ 6/82 36

Table 7. Estimated number of breeding pairs of colonial nesting species on or near Ruby Lake NWR. All nests are in hardstem bulrush except Halleck (willows) and the Doughnut Colony (phragmites).

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 RUBY LAKE NWR Unit 14 WFI 150 50 25 15 20 BCNH 35 15 25 5 20 SE 50 0 35 5 10 GBH 0 0 0 0 10 South Sump #1 WFI nd 150 10 150 125 BCNH 35 30 20 15 25 SI nd 30 0 0 50 GBH nd 4 0 0 10 South Sump #2 GBH 18 35 35 35 0 FRANKLIN Lake Doughnut Colony WFI 90 120 95 0 0 SE nd 100 75 150 0 BCNH 15 0 North Colonies BCNH nd nd 15 70 0 SE nd nd 12 30 0 GBH nd nd 0 4 0 CE nd nd 0 1 0 WFI nd nd 0 4 0 HALLECK

BCNH nd nd 125 150 nd SE nd nd 300 70 nd GBH nd • nd 15 10 nd CE nd nd 2 4 nd

WFI = White-faced ibis BCNH = Black-crowned night heron SE = Snowy egret GBH = Great blue heron CE = Common egret nd = no data available 37

done with black-crowned night herons. He has shown that the pesti­ cides are not being obtained on the breeding grounds and concludes that they are being acquired on the wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America. Pesticide levels of the eggs have been decreas­ ing over the past few years. We have been banding large numbers of young black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets and white-faced ibis in hopes that band returns will help pinpoint their wintering areas. One night heron was recovered in Ferris, California in January and another in Sonora, Mexico in May; an egret was recovered in Sinaloa, Mexico in February and an ibis was recovered in Sinaloa, Mexico in March 1981, but the recovery was reported in 1982. Henny also placed radio transmitters on 15 night herons at Gallagher Fish Hatchery with assistance from NDOW and refuge personnel. The object was to search probable wintering areas by air for these birds. In late December 1982 or early January 1983 he found two radio equipped birds in the Sal ton Sea area.

Other species of this group that nest on the refuge include pied- billed and eared grebes, American bittern, sora rail, Virginia rail and greater sandhill cranes. No western grebes nested in Ruby Valley in 1982.

Sandhill crane reproduction was good to fair, but not as high as last year. We found a dead crane chick (7-10 days old) shortly after it died. The Fish and Wildlife National Health Laboratory was not able to determine the cause of death of the chick. Crane breeding pair use and production on the Refuge needs better monitoring. We plan to increase our census efforts on cranes in 1983.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and A11ied Species

Willet, long-billed curlew, American avocet, black-necked stilt, spotted sandpiper, Forster's and black terns nested on the Refuge. Ring-billed and occassionally California gulls were seen on the Refuge, but none nested. Greater yell owlegs, long-billed dowitchers, common snipe, and several species of peeps, all fall migrants, were fewer in numbers in 1982. High fall water levels eliminated much flat feeding areas.

6. Raptors

Golden eagles, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, marsh hawks and great-horned, long-eared and screech owls used the refuge year round. Of these only the marsh hawks and long-eared owls nest on the Refuge. Short-eared owl and kestrel also nested on the Refuge but wintered elsewhere. About 20 rough-legged hawks winter on the Refuge. One dark phase (<10% of all rough-legs) rough-leg has been observed using the same series of power poles for perching since the winter of 1976-77, suggesting that all the sightings are the same bird. Bald eagles and 1 peregrine used the Refuge during the winter (see Section G2). 38

We handled 10 raptors in our raptor rehabilitation program in 1982; these included 4 great horned owls, 2 golden eagles, 2 kestrels, 1 ferruginous hawk and 1 barn owl. Both eagles, both kestrels, 2 great horned owls and the ferruginous hawk were released. Only 1 golden eagle was known to have survived more than a couple weeks. We are trying to get out of the program because of the time it takes to do the job properly. We do not have access to veterinary assistance so any birds (unless they are endangered species) with severe injuries are immediately euthanized.

7. Other Migratory Birds

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the Refuge. Unusual observations for 1982 included a first year male hooded oriole, rose- breasted grosbeak and band-tailed pigeon. The oriole was a new addi­ tion to the bird list and was well out of its normal range. The Refuge provided regular bird observation reports to American Birds, ran 1 breeding bird survey for the Migratory Bird Habitat and Research Laboratory and ran a Christmas Bird Count. , The CBC was quite success­ ful (Table 8). We documented our first peregrine falcon in 6 years and should have a good shot at the continental high count total for blue grouse. We have been trying for the record every year since we started. The blue grouse are there; it is just a matter of finding them and having snow conditions that allow us easy access into upper elevations.

8. Game Mammals

The winter of 1981-82 was very severe, with long periods of deep snow. Heavy mortality of mule deer, which winter on the west edge of the Refuge, was noted. At least a dozen deer died after being entangled in the new west boundary fence even though the fence was built to deer specifications. Bone marrow checks of these deer showed severe fat depletion. One deer was found by a refuge employee in early spring that was too weak to jump or crawl under the fence. The deer ran about 100 yards from the employee and dropped dead. All through Ruby Valley, ranchers had deer depredation problems in their hay stacks.

Pronghorn use of the refuge has continued to increase especially on the north end. Herds of 10-15 were frequently seen. The windmill on the north end was repaired so more water was available to pronghorn and other wildlife. One pronghorn was seen on the south east side of the refuge; this is the first observation of pronghorn in that area that anyone can remember. The Ruby-Butte Valley pronghorn herd is increasing and this accounts for most of the increased sightings. Good habitat and water availability also contributed to this increase.

Coyote, bobcat, and mountain lion are found on the Refuge; of the 3, coyote is the most abundant. Table 8. Summary of birds seen on the 1982 Christmas Bird Count at Ruby Lake NWR.

Pied-billed grebe 3 Mountain chickadee 18 Great blue heron 42 Plain titmouse 1 Whistling swan 13 Dipper * Trumpeter swan 19 Long-billed marsh wren 5 Canada goose 73 Am. Robin 1 Mallard 284 N. Shrike 1 Gadwal1 36 Starling 17 Pintail 77 W. meadowlark 1 Green-winged teal 44 House finch 20 Cinnamon teal 7 Dark-eyed junco 11 Am. Wigeon 20 Tree sparrow 6 Redhead 3 Song sparrow 21 Ring-neck duck 6 Canvasback 9 Lesser scaup 11 Total Species 52 Common goldeneye 17 Total Individuals 1049 Barrow^ goldeneye 6 Buffiehead 31 *Seen during count Ruddy duck 11 week, but not on the Common merganser 2 count day. Goshawk * a=adult Swainson's hawk 1 i=immature Red-tailed hawk • 2 Rough-legged hawk 13 Golden eagle 5a, 2i Bald eagle la. li Marsh hawk 15 Peregrine falcon 1 Prairie falcon 2 Blue grouse 19 Chukar 21 Sora * Virginia rail 1 American coot 72 Common snipe 1 Ring-billed gull * Great-horned owl 7 Belted kingfisher 2 Common flicker 2 Downy woodpecker 3 Scrub jay 1 Black-billed magpie 31 Common raven 18 Pinjon jay 11 10. Other Resident Wildlife

The severe weather and deep snow caused severe mortality to chukar, gray partridge and sage grouse. Black-tailed jack rabbits were at a population peak. This peak coupled with deep snows forced rabbits by the thousands to feed on haystacks. Ranchers killed thousands of rabbits to protect their hay. Raptors found easy pickings and abundant carrion. Birds as small as sharp-shinned hawks were seen feeding on rabbit carrion. By fall of 1982 rabbit populations had declined drastically.

11. Fisheries Resources

Fisheries resources at Ruby Lake NWR are managed by NDOW. We try to provide a quality fishing experience with little interference with other Refuge programs and little monetary input from the Refuge. Michael Green, the NDOW fisheries biologist who has been studying the fisheries for several years (see Section D5), has written a fisheries management plan to meet these guidelines. His work has shown a general overharvest of bass and a depletion of breeding size bass in the dike units. His efforts and data were responsible for the adoption of more restrictive regulations which will commence in 1983. The limit on bass was reduced from 20 bass per day, year around to 5 per day from 1 January through 14 June and 15 per day from 15 June through 31 December. Trout limits remain unchanged at 5 per day. The refuge staff appreciate and support Michael Green and other NDOW personnel for their work in getting these unpopular changes adopted by the Nevada Wildlife Commission. Some fishermen will probably complain but the fisheries resource should benefit.

12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking

The trout on Ruby Lake NWR are not self-supporting and must be stocked annually. Numbers of trout stocked have been reduced and the plantings are now scattered in time and location to prevent put and take situations. Fish plantings for 1982 are summarized in Table 9 on the following page.

14. Scientific Collections

Dr. Charles Henny of the Pacific Northwest Field Station of the Patux- ent Wildlife Research Center collected 15 black-crowned night heron eggs for pesticide analysis in 1982 (see Section D5 and G4). The Refuge collected about a dozen bird specimens and 1 canvasback and 1 redhead nest in 1982. All specimens were birds found dead or which died in our care. The two nests were taken just after hatching and are destined for a display at the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko. 41

Table 9. Summary of trout planting at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982.

Area Species Amount Planted

Unit 12 Fall spawn rainbow 50 lbs. Unit 14 Fall spawn rainbow 50 lbs. Unit 20 Fall spawn rainbow 50 lbs. Unit 21 Fall spawn rainbow 500 lbs. North Sump Brown 660 lbs. (,CCC Dike) East Sump Fall spawn rainbow 100 lbs. Gravel Pit Pond Brown 50 lbs. Banana Pond Brown 75 lbs. South Sump Fall spawn rainbow 500 lbs. Spring spawn rainbow 2000 lbs. Collection Ditch Fall spawn rainbow 500 lbs. Brook 3500 lbs.

15. Animal Control

An animal pest which was not considered a problem before 1982 was addressed this year. Feral house cats have become established around Gallagher Fish Hatchery and are able to survive the severe winters by catching fish from the ponds. The problem was brought to our attention when hatchery manager Jim French observed a cat stalking goslings in pasture I-C, which helped explain why brood size decreased during the first month after hatching.

Hatchery personnel helped reduce these pests by destroying dens and young resulting in the elimination of 12 animals. In December, a leg hold trapline was set by refuge and hatchery personnel to remove adult animals. A total of 14 cats were removed with 17 trap days of effort. Examination showed that 11 of 14 animals were female. At the time this narrative was written, only one cat is known to be left and should be eliminated this winter.

No depredation complaints were received in 1981 by neighboring ranchers. Muskrats were controlled by trapping which is discussed in section H10 of this report. 16. Marking and Banding

Table 10 is a summary of banding and marking done at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982. No color marking was done in 1982. The web-tagging of day old canvasback, redhead and ruddy duck ducklings was part of a growth study (see Section D5). The banding of canvasbacks and redheads was also part of the Refuge research program (see Section D5). Most ducks were captured by nightlighting. The number captured declined from last year because there were fewer ducks available for capture and we got rained out 10 of 14 nights during the September dark conditons. We normally worked only from the last through the first quarter phase of the moon. We tried spring bait trapping for diving ducks in March and April and caught about 100 redheads and only 3 canvasbacks. Banding of wading birds was discussed in Section G4. TablelQ. Summary of marking and banding at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982. WATERFOWL . . . + . Banded Web-tagged Canvasback 556 165 Redhead 140 96 Ruddy Duck 54 2 Cinnamon teal 6 Pintail 6 N. shoveler 4 Ring-necked duck 4 Mallard 2 Lesser scaup 1 Total 783 263 WADING BIRDS White-faced ibis 126 Black-crowned night heron 81 Snowy egret 3 Total 210 OTHER American coot 4 Grand Total 997 263 Species Banded 13

17. Disease Prevention and Control

No disease problem occurred at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982. Plans for 1983 call for updating our Refuge Disease Plan. 43

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

In spite of the fact that 1982 was abnormally cold, windy and wet, public use increased about 6% over last year's level. Many of the additional 4,911 fishing visits are attributed to early season fisher- persons who are taking advantage of the motor!ess boating season from June 15 thru July 31. An additional 321 hunting visits were also recorded. The overall increase of 4,330 visits over the 1981 level indicates a slight decrease in non-consumptive visits. This is understandable when current economic conditions are considered.

Table U. Number of visits to Ruby Lake NWR from 1977-82.

Year Fishing Waterskiing Hunting Observation Other Total 1977 45,885 3,720 510 769 496 51,380 1978 41,515 180 377 966 72 43,510 1979 51,419 10 364 1,236 348 53,377 1980 57,698 0 1,590 4,772 341 64,401 1981 64,733 0 704 6,304 402 72,143 1982 69,644 0 1,025 5,685 119 76,473

2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

University of Montana Range and Wildlife students were hosted again by Ruby Lake NWR in one 2-day seminar on 20-21 March. The senior class was led by Associate Professor of Range Management Don Bedunah. Johnson and Bouffard gave presentations on habitat management techniques, monitoring methods, habitat types and wildlife needs. The seminar also included a trip to Gallagher Hatchery and UX Livestock Company where Eloise McQueary presented information on Nevada ranching and livestock production. The seminar has become an annual informal education program and should be used in the future as a means of promoting understanding between the academic world, ranching communities and Fish and Wildlife personnel.

Teachers and students from the Ruby Valley school were provided with two separate days of environmental education. Johnson and Gould gave an indoor presentation on 18 March at the school to initiate National Wildlife Week. May provided desirable weather for an outdoor nature walk by Johnson. 44

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Cameron gave a series of 4 presentations to Elko County Game Boards, the Elko Sportsmen's groups, the White Pine County Game Board, and the White Pine Sportsmen's association. This series was designed to inform the public and promote support for proposed changes in the waterfowl hunting program.

Bouffard served as guest speaker at a seminar presented by the Univer­ sity of Nevada-Reno. The seminar on 15 April entitled "Research at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge" provided information about the research programs here since 1978.

Bouffard also presented a paper on 30 March at the 47th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Portland, Oregon. "Wildlife Values vs. Human Recreation - Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge" was the title of the paper which discussed boating issues on the refuge.

While making a personal visit to Kentucky, Bouffard was requested to lecture at Murray State University where he provided students some exposure to Nevada, the Fish and Wildlife Service and Ruby Lake Refuge.

8. Hunting

Only waterfowl hunting is allowed at Ruby Lake NWR. There are no quotas on the number of hunters, or permanent blinds and hunters are allowed to hunt where they like as long as they remain in the hunting zone. Hunter densities are relatively low and the hunt quality is high.

Over the past few years we have noted large harvests of local canvasbacks and redheads. At times as much as 10% of the opening weekend take of these 2 species were still flightless. We decided that something needed to be done about this situation. In late winter we began discussions of this problem with the NDOW personnel from Region II. After discussing various zone changes we (FWS and NDOW) decided to try to change the hunting zone from all marsh areas south of the county line where about 90% of the canvasbacks and redheads occurred,to that portion of the South Sump north of the county line and the west edge of the marsh south of the county line. Acreage of the hunting zone increased from about 4,300 to 4,400 acres of marsh. This decision was made at the annual FWS-ND0W coordination meeting in May. Because of the controversial nature of some past Refuge regulation changes there was concern on how the proposed hunting zone change would be accepted by local sportsmen. We wanted them to endorse this change before it was made rather than ram it down their unwilling throats. In May and June we made presentations at the County Game Boards and sportsmen's clubs in Elko and White Pine Counties and received overwhelming endorsement at all meetings. The change of hunting zones was adopted in July for the fall 1982 season. 45

The change was very successful. The harvest of canvasbacks and redheads was down (see Table while the number of hunter visits and overall harvest increased. We increased our patrolling efforts to stop hunters who were not aware of the changes before they were in violation. As a result, violations for hunting outside the new zone were low and only 1 citation was made for this offense. Hunter acceptance of the new zone was good, although a few hunters were some­ what chargined on opening day when they were forced to hunt unfamiliar areas and did not do so well. Overall success rate was down from last year since many hunters were forced into unfamiliar areas. Also, many deer hunters who had already filled their tag showed low skill levels at duck hunting since blaze orange coats and hats, poor cover and no decoys normally promotes decreased success rates. Probably the most significant cause of decline of success rates was the lack of large numbers of easy to shoot canvasbacks and redheads in the hunting zone. The composition of the bag of these 2 species dropped sharply.

Table 12. Composition in percent of the bag of selected duck species at Ruby Lake NWR in 1981 and 82. 1981 1982 Canvasback 14 8 Redhead 17 5 Mai lard 15 22 Gadwal1 8 30 Total 54% 65%

9. Fishing

Angling pressure increased again in 1982 with an additional 4,911 fishing visits being recorded over the 1981 level of 64,733. Fishing pressure has reached a harvest level that is beginning to noticeably impact the bass fisheries. A short growth period and low quality forage base causes bass to grow very slowly at Ruby Lake. It currently takes bass about 5 years to reach 10 inches in length. This is the minimum size necesary for successful reproduction.

Another problem is the increased level of harvest in the north dike units before June 15 when boating is permitted in the South Sump. It is during this spring period that bass are trying to reproduce and the "guard males" are very vulnerable to anglers. Documentation and analysis of this problem by NDOW fisheries biologist Michael Green provided enough insight that corrective action could be taken. A change in bass limits and fishing dates was made by NDOW which will go into effect January 1, 1983. These changes are as follows: January 1 thru June 14 - reduction from 20 bass limit to 5 bass limit. June 15 thru December 31 - reduction from 20 bass limit to 15 bass 1imit. Discarded monofilament fishing line continues to pose a threat to wild­ life. This gosling died a tragic death when it became entangled because of someone's thoughtless actions. DNJ 6/82

A "voluntary" size limit has also been placed on bass anglers, requesting that fish smaller than 10 inches be released.

The logic behind these changes is to promote increased reproduction by decreasing angling pressure during the reproductive period and allowing more fish to reach the 10 inch size where reproduction is possible.

10. Trapping

Muskrat trapping is permitted on the refuge as a method of control and is not intended to be a recreational program. Quotas are based upon a fall census which includes assessment of damage to dikes and water facilities. Table 13 . Muskrat population estimates at Ruby Lake NWR in 1978-1982.

Year Estimate Source Density/Acre

1978 20,000 Trappers 1.67 1979 32,000 Staff/trappers 2.67 1980 55,000 F. Cameron, J. Sullivan 3.33 S. Anderson 1981 50,000 D. Ashman, S. Eaton, 5.42 S. Anderson 1982 32,000 S. Bouffard, staff 2.67

Table 14. Muskrat harvest data for Ruby Lake NWR 1972-73 season thru 1981-82.

Season Quota Harvest # Units 25% of Sales

72-73 3,000 1,715 3 None collected 73-74 4,000 1,200 3 None collected 74-75 3,000 800 3 None collected 75-76 3,000 2,605 3 None collected 76-77 3,000 3,404 3 $1,724.85 77-78 3,000 2,531 4 $2,767.61 78-79 3,000 2,768 3 $2,553.92 79-80 4,000 2,536 4 $3,240.19 80-81 5,000 4,513 3 $7,811.93 81-82 5,000 5,068 5 $1,307.14*

* Low fur prices have caused most trappers to hold onto furs trapped during the 81-82 season. This presents a problem when billing is set at 25% of sale value with no time limit placed on the SUP.

As a matter of record, the following persons have not sold their rats and owe 25% of the sale price when the sale is made: Name # muskrats taken 1. Sherman Anderson 300 2. Todd Anderson 701 3. Scott Anderson 1403 4. Verl Jarvie 480 50

17. Law Enforcement

Two major enforcement efforts were completed in 1982. During the August 1 opening weekend of outboard motor use a joint NDOW/FWS effort was launched. Six state wardens and two refuge officers took part in what is becoming an annual event. Compliance with use areas, motor size, personal floatation devices, limits, licenses and registration was checked. Five citations and 2 warnings were issued, mostly for inade­ quate floatation devices.

The other effort was by four members of the refuge staff on opening weekend of waterfowl season. Since hunt areas were changed drastically (see Section H8) in 1982, close monitoring of public use habits was scheduled. Opening weekend arrived with balmy, bluebird weather and very few birds in the hunt area. Also, the new hunt area is not in a good fall fishing area, so few people hunted incidental to their fishing trip. All of this led to only about 30 waterfowl hunters using 4,400 acres with very poor success. The enforcement contacts were used most successfully to further explain the new hunting regulations and to suggest hunting areas and techniques that could benefit our novice waterfowl hunting populace. These contacts made early in the season paid off later when very few illegal incidents were noted or reported. During the entire season only one citation was issued for improper hunt­ ing.

The staff believes that consistency in the Fishing and Boating brochure over the past four years, the publishing of the refuge's first Hunting brochure this year, and hundreds of public contacts through sportsmen's clubs, county game boards and individual contacts is finally paying off in fewer enforcement crises at Ruby Lake.

Table 15. Listed are citations and formal warnings issued by refuge staff at Ruby Lake NWR in 1982. Date Citation Number Fine Comment Officer 12-18-81 27.93 1 50.00 Boat storage Cameron & Johnson 05-25-82 27.32 1 50.00 Use of boat Cameron & Johnson 05-25-82 27.32 1 Warning Use of boat Cameron & Johnson 06-30-82 27.32 1 50.00 ~ Use of boat Cameron 06-30-82 27.32 1 Pending Use of boat Johnson 08-01-82 27.32 1 50.00 Inadequate PFD Johnson 11-23-82 27.21 1 50.00 Hunting in Cameron closed area 51

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

In June two water development projects were completed. In a cooper­ ative effort with U. S. Forest Service (USPS) and Duval Ranching Com­ pany, cattle watering tanks were installed in the Jog-In-The-Fence area and between the hatchery and refuge headquarters. At Jog-In-The- Fence a water gap has existed for many years so cattle on a very dry USFS allotment could come down to water at a series of springs along the refuge boundary fence. A jog was made in the original boundary fence to allow this cattle access. To better protect this series of springs the jog was moved and made smaller so that cattle can now water in only one spring while four were protected inside a non-grazed area of the refuge. The USFS permittee Don Duval, who is also a refuge permittee purchased two corregated metal pipe (CMP) spring boxes which were installed with an overflow pipe. Cameron cleared and levelled the site with the TD-14, Johnson used the backhoe to install pipes and spring boxes and Duval hauled gravel to pack around the springhead so that trampling would not degrade the spring. The project took one long day. New fencing was installed as a part of the carryover BLHP boundary fence project.

Between the hatchery and refuge headquarters the county road was fenced on both sides in 1982 for public safety to keep cattle off the right- of-way. This also kept USFS permitted cattle from watering at a tradi­ tional refuge water source. Black plastic pipe was submerged in a refuge irrigation ditch and ran through a culvert in the county road to a new tank. Curt Aarstad, U.S. ForestService provided materials. Cameron levelled the site to allow gravity flow of water to the tank site.

The tank site a half mile south of refuge headquarters had to be excavated about 6' before Curt Aarstad, left, and rancher Don Duval could place the new water tank. DNJ 6/82 52

Aarstad, Johnson, Duval and Cameron provided labor. The project took lh days.

The intake for the gravity flow water!ine to the tank is at the second power pole shown north of the job site. Here Cameron and Aarstad are plumbing the tank so that it has constant inflow and outflow from underground to keep the tank site dry. " DMJ 6/82

walk-thru gates constructed by Ken Greene as part of the fencing contract completed in May. DNJ 7/82 On August 4, Cameron used the TD-18 to provide access to the inter­ mittent Twenty-Year Spring on USPS land. This allowed USPS personnel to use their horizontal drill in hopes of developing a better water source and alleviating watering pressure along the county road at Jog- In-The-Fence. The week-long drilling operation was not successful in developing a reliable water source.

2. Rehabilitation

The 1981 boundary fence contract #14-16-0001-81159 to Ken Greene of Carojo Ranche Enterprises, Silver Lake, Oregon was completed on 25 May. The 4-wire fence was made using rock cribs and steel post stretch panels so that no wood posts were used in the 12.2 mile effort. Final cost was $12,331.85 with the refuge providing all materials. The con­ struction went slower than other fence contracts we have had recently, but the quality of Greene's construction is superior to anything else now existing on the refuge. We were very happy with his work.

In conjunction with the west boundary fence construction and because two new refuge homes were added north of the headquarters site, a purchase order for $3,500 was issued to Elko County Highway Department to furnish and install a 24-foot cattleguard. This was a BLHP project from FY-81 but was not completed until April 1982.

Installation of a new 241 cattleguard and refencfng a lane between the hatchery and refuge headquarters allowed removal of 3 old 161 cattleguards and straightening of two very dan­ gerous curves in the road in front of the office. The refuge salvaged the old cattleguards and traded three 8' sections to Sheldon NWR for a fire pumper unit. FWC 4/82 Another holdover BLHP fencing project issued to John Krenka was com­ pleted in April. He changed 5.50 miles of northeast boundary fence to pronghorn specifications with a barbless bottom wire and relocated all other wires to 18"-6"-8,,-8" spacing. Total cost was $880,

Ted Cook was issued a purchase order for $153.00 to repair the windmill in Unit II-A. A new fan costing $345.77, sucker rod, and about a hundred bolts were installed in this vital water source. Unit II-A is not a grazed unit so most water use here is by wildlife, especially a growing herd of pronghorn.

In September Ted Cook hauled about 400 yards of fill to rebuild and riprap the dike north of the double structure at the end of the Collection Ditch. Muskrats had caused serious erosion and leakage into Unit 21. The purchase order was for $765.00.

Henry Krenka installed three new water control structures and clean­ ed the delivery ditch going south and east from the South Canopy Ponds at Gallagher Hatchery. A larger and longer culvert was also placed under the Brown Dike road. Upgrading the irrigation ditch will allow better flooding and drying control of meadows I-E and I-F between the hatchery and Cow Camp. Cost of labor was $800. Culvert and structures were purchased for the project with FY-81 BLHP funds.

When past maintenance-mechanic Bowser vacated Q-17 in late August several major repairs were needed before a new maintenance person could occupy the house. For $650.00 Ted Cook completed replacement of the sewer system and leveling of the back yard and leach field area. The basement drain was run out to a pit rather than into the septic tank system. Inside the house, plaster was to be removed from exterior walls so the house could be better insulated and the totally

This is a "before" photo of the Q-17 bathroom. All the necessities were there but it had none of the comforts that a family would look for in a home. And putting the seat down did not help. DNJ 9/82 This dike between water Unit 21 and the Collection Ditch was. riddled with muskrat holes causinq wash-outs and poor water control. FWC 10/82

A purchase order was written to Ted Cook to repair the damaged dike and to haul 400 yds. of fill material. It was rebuilt in 1982. (See section 12). LAB 10/82 48

A dry summer and fall in 1981 followed by severe winter weather caused muskrat trappers some grief. Couple that with declining fur prices and it will help explain the decreased effort put forth in 1982 by muskrat trappers. The 1981-82 population estimate indicated a very high population but much of that population was lost in the severe winter weather.

The refuge has been divided into 5 trapping units to allow closer monitoring of where muskrats are harvested. Following is the first year of that data.

Table 14. Muskrat harvest by Unit at Ruby Lake NWR in 1981-82. 1981_82 — Unit Quota/Actual 1 1UUU 700 2 1000 803 3 1500 1403 4 1500 800 5 1500 1361 Total 6500 5068

Slim Saxton has traditionally been granted first choice of units be­ cause of his "grandfather rights" given to him by the Regional Office many years ago. However, little interest has been displayed by the permittee during the past several years. It was recommended that this clause be withdrawn and that all applicants be drawn in a lottery system without preference. No preference was given to Mr. Saxton in 1982, and no trapping application was received from him.

11. Wildlife Observation

A slight decline in the number of wildlife observation visits was record­ ed in 1982. Poor weather conditions and economic stress might explain this decrease in non-consumptive use of wildlife. However, it is assumed that many people who visit the refuge as anglers or hunters are also enjoying the benefits of wildlife for observation purposes. A more precise method of censusing public use would be necessary before this type of use could be documented. Carpenter Howl and Marsh got to the root of the bathroom Inadequacy, , .

and began knocking walls out to solve the problem. DNJ 9/82 Inadequate bathroom was to be enlarged and redesigned. A purchase order was issued to Howl and Marsh for $1960. to complete this. The more Marsh worked on the house the more major deficiencies he found. Finally we hired Hal as a temporary carpenter to complete the entire task during one construction effort in the absence of a permanent maintenance person. Plaster was removed from most interior and ex­ terior walls except around kitchen cabinets and the firepalce. To save critical dining area space the freestanding wood stove was modi­ fied by Cameron to become a fireplace insert. Insulation was added to be 3k" in walls. A layer of 1/8" reflective aluminum coated board was placed over the insulation and then all walls were sheetrocked. One window was replaced so that all are now thermopane. New caulking and casings were put around doors and windows to stop air leaks. Very un­ safe wiring was all brought up to code which meant rewiring several circuits and adding outlets. The range hood was wired in permanently. The bathroom was completely redone with all new fixtures, sacrificing some space in the adjacent bedroom. Basement plumbing and laundry trays were all replumbed. Most light fixtures were replaced. A large closet was built in the master bedroom. All woodwork was stained and lacquered, doors were painted and walls and ceilings on the main floor were painted. New linoleum was installed in the new bathroom and a purchase order to Home Furnishings of Elko was issued for $1164.00 to furnish and install carpeting on the ground floor except bathroom and kitchen. Other work was done almost entirely by Marsh and volunteer Bailey. Costs besides the three purchase orders totalled about $6407. With the scheduled completion of a back yard and pole fence in spring 1983» this 1941 home should be trouble free and energy efficient for many years to come.

Paul Swackhamer made the 4-stan garage match other refuge buildings by adding red cedar siding and re­ placing and painting trim. FWC 7/82 57

The $1644.00 worth of red cedar siding purchased for the 4-stan garage in 1981 was installed by Paul Swackhamer in June. Two coats of P. A. R. clear stain was applied, several trim boards were replaced and all trim was painted two coats. This cured an age old painting problem and made the building match others remodelled under BLHP-81 construction. Total cost for labor was $1536.00.

3. Major Maintenance

Included in the $650.00 purchase order for Ted Cook to work on Q-17 sewer system was the removal of 3 buried fuel tanks under the old fuel service island behind the offices. The concrete pad was removed and the fuel tank for the office furnance was relocated closer to the bank to eventually make the site into a parking area.

Wells Rural Electric Company (WREC) was paid to complete burial of the power line to the office. It now goes underground through the parking area where Ted Cook removed the fuel tanks. Johnson did the trenching for the line, WREC supplied and installed the line, junction box and conduit for $1100.00 and Cameron and Johnson leveled the site in the aftermath. The old oil storage building will be salvaged for lumber as soon as our October request for disposal is approved.

With reactivation of portions of grazing Unit II and implementation of the newly approved Habitat Management Plan many old fences needed major repair. Boundary fence repairs were done by refuge staff. Major interior fence repairs or realignments were done by the staff and grazing permittee. Routine interior fence maintenance is done by permittees. All materials are furnished by FWS. The fence, 1.6 miles, on the south side of II-C and II-D was relocated to high ground as was the 0.1 mile fence west from the north end of the Collection Ditch. Repair from minor to major rebuilding was done to 4.0 miles of fence on the west side of Unit II-D. A gate and fence extensions were placed at the ends of the new cattleguard in Unit V-C at the Collection Ditch. The exclosure fence around the DNC in Unit I-A was all rebuilt with three steel posts added between each pair of existing posts in this suspension fence. Because of extreme cattle pressure on the north side of Unit I-M that fence underwent major repairs on three occasions in 1982. Permittee Anderson was forced to complete major fence repair. Two miles of his interior fence received major repair in June 1982.

The diesel mechanics class at Northern Nevada Community College visited for a week in February to service and repair the TD-14 and Adams Grader. The clutch and all six tires on the newly acquired Adams Grader were replaced. The grader and TD-18 were used by Johnson and Cameron after- hours to widen and modify the shooting range for safer use and for use by four rather than two people. 58

Before - French and St. Clair, NDOW, use the two-lane refuge shooting range for the firearms qualification in a cooperative shoot out in March, 1982. DNJ 3/82

After - The range was rebuilt in May to be wider and safer with a higher protective bank at the west end and a protective burm along the south side. FWC 1/83 59

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

All equipment was utilized during the year but not to the normal extent since no permanent maintenance person worked here all year. In January, because of severe drifting and long road closures, an agreement was made with Elko County Highway Department for them to use, maintain, and repair our TD-I8 to keep the valley road open since available county equipment was not up to the task. The refuge also kept the dump road open with the TD-14.

The Koehring dragline was transferred to Lahontan NFH in exchange for a Bay City that Stillwater NWR received from the U. S. Marine Corps, Barstow, California. The Bay City had only 460 hours on it.

This little used Bay City dragline was received in September and put to use in November cleaning supply ditches. It's only apparent problems were clutches, drums and tracks sticking and rusted from non-use. DNJ 11/82

In January 1981 the 1980 Kawasaki KLT 200 3-wheel cycle fell thru the ice during a survey and had perpetual problems since that time. In May 1982 we traded it for a 1982 Honda ATC 200 at Jeff's Cycle Shack in Elko. With front and rear racks and a $600. trade the new Honda cost $933.45. Both our ATC's are now Honda and we are very pleased with their economy and performance. They are used mainly in fence repair, grassland monitoring, nest searches, pair counts, and public contacts. A 1% ton 4x4 pickup was ordered in May to be used as a service truck and in hauling a 200 gallon fire pumper unit for prescribed burning. A new pumper unit was purchased from year end fire funds and received in late November.

The new 200 gallon pumper unit is still in its crate ready to assume some of the duties of the similar Pacific Pumper in the dump truck. FWC 1/83

6. Energy Conservation

Energy conservation projects mostly related to Q-17 this fall when walls were reinsulated, thermopane windows were installed, carpeting was installed, windows and door casings were sealed and caulked and weather stripping was replaced. See section 1-2. In addition, new insulated thermopane storm doors were installed on Q-100, Q-101 and the west door of Q-8. During the year all quarters water heaters were wrapped with thermal blankets provided by Wells Rural Electic Company and thermostats were set back as recommended. J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

Coordination and cooperation between the N90W and Ruby Lake NWR is very high, perhaps at an all time high. A monthly coordination meeting is held with NDOW Region II personnel and an annual FWS-NDOW coordination meeting is held each spring.

NDOW maintains a trout hatchery on Ruby Lake NWR. The hatchery was started in the late 30's by the Elko County Game Board and was taken over by NDOW in the 1940's.

Refuge personnel are also involved with the following cooperative programs: weather observers for NWS, Colonial Bird Registry, Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, Mid-Winter Eagle Counts and are regular reporters to American Birds.

3. Credits

Forrest W. Cameron: D-l thru 4, E-l thru 5, H-17, 1-1 thru 7, K. David N. Johnson: A, E-6, F-5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, G-15, H-l thru 6, 9 thru 12, 16. Stephen H. Bouffard: B, D-5, E-7, F-l, 2, 12, G-l thru 11, 16, 17, H-8, J-l, K. Monica S. McQueary: Typing. uLu La hi

K. FEEDBACK

Once we realize that the times are tough for the whole country and refuges are not, and should not be exempt, there are not too many things to complain about. But I do want to offer a few suggestions.

1) With tight budgets there is still an emphasis on defense spending so military surplus equipment is still a viable option for our vehicle and equipment replacement. Late in the tenure of Area Offices in this region there was some attempt at encouraging stations to screen for needed property. I think that thrust should now be emphasized and funded at the regional level. Military surplus still has a lot to offer. I suggest that field station needs be identified by region and then a competent person, preferably a field maintenance person, be assigned time and travel money to carry out the screening and freezing process. When good property is identified the transporta­ tion costs should be arranged regardless of the individual station's ability to pay. Considering the replacement cost of vehicles and equipment, such screening and transportation costs are insignificant on a regional scale, if competent people are screening for needed merchandise on a regionwide basis. An excellent case in point is the group of draglines frozen by Stillwater NWR maintenance people in 1982. That effort paid great dividends.

2) I see an immediate need to have regional consistency in completing and implementing grazing rate surveys on all refuges at least in this region. We need to answer some tough questions through the Washington level. AUM rates will roughly double in most instances. Is there backing for such an increase? Are all increases arrived at in a manner that is consistent and defensible throughout the region? Is all Refuge Manual guidance interpreted the same way by field stations or is some clarification needed? A rate survey takes time, causes uneasiness with permittees, costs a lot of money if contracted as in Malheur's case, and is not done the saine way on any two stations, even if they are in the same complex. I think it is time to get together so that there is consistency and (in the words of a friend) "so we can all answer our Congressional's in the same way." Rate surveys are not an issue to be afraid of but we had better put more thought into them and have more to gain than revenue.

3) Regarding quarters maintenance and use of 1994 funds: I will spare you the dissertation and simply say that we need a more thoroughly thought out policy in this region and that basing project funding simply on Energy Audit Reports is not the long term answer. Please refer to my memos of 11/24/82 and 12/20/82, subject: Energy Projects and Energy Surveys, respectively. 63

4) I am refreshed by the amount of concern displayed for specific refuge problems so far by the new regional staff and more importantly, the field level involvement that has taken place recently by the Washington staff in Refuges. We have been asked our opinions and asked for responses to specific requests from congressional committees. This is most heartening and may help avoid some terrible misunderstanding that has surrounded this and other stations.

5) The Bird Banding Lab (BBL) has a new computer which allows them to process records faster and more efficiently; for that we are glad. Recovery reports are now received on printouts rather than cards. It may be more efficient for them but it is not for us. We had all our recovery cards filed numerically by species. Reviewing recoveries for a group of bands was easy - - go to the right species and look for the numbers. Now we must check every recovery 1isted on every printout back to the banding date. Perhaps things will be easier when the new RMIS is on line, but because of our poor quality phone service, we will never be able to hook into the BBL or anyone else's computer. Thus, we are stuck with manual review of our band recoveries and we would like the option to receive our recoveries on cards rather than printouts.