Rk Twain National Wildlife Refuge

MARK TWAIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ANNADA DISTRICT

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge Annada, Missouri

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1990

U.s. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MARK TWAIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ANNADA DISTRICT Annada. Missouri

AHHUAL HARRATIUE REPORT Calendar Year 1990

~efUge Manager

3,;{/ /:;rr u~~ Date

Refuge Superuisor Reuiew Date

Regional Office Approual Date INTRODUCTION

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, located in Pike County, Missouri, one mile east of Annada, is situated within the Mississippi River floodplain adjacent to Pool No. 25. The refuge has 12 manageable moist soil units totaling 1,362 surface acres, 237 acres of green tree reservoirs, 4 semi-permanent water bodies totaling 72 acres, 750 acres of recently tilled cropland and 1,330 acres of other lands including forests, brush, grass and water. Total acreage is 3,751. A levee around the perimeter of the refuge provides protection from the Mississippi River floodwaters in most years.

The refuge was purchased fee title in 1964 with funds from the sale of migratory waterfowl stamps. The refuge, named after Congressman Clarence Cannon, was established with the primary objective of providing a feeding and resting area for waterfowl during migration. Recent emphasis has elevated the importance of management of moist soils to provide for the needs of waterfowl and other wildlife while de-emphasizing the cropland management program. 5 2 3 1

Personnel

1. N. Ross Adaros J Refuge ManagerJ GS-11J PFT J EOn 1/23/84

2. Diane M. ~aniaJ Assistant Refuge Manayer J GS-9 J PFT J Eon 3/25/90 3. Carolyn A. Watts J Office Assistant J GS-5 J PPT J Eon 4/19/81 4. John n. Allan J Maintenance Mechanic J WG-9, PFT, Eon 2/20/67 s. Christopher R. McSpaddenJ Maintenance Mechanic Trainee J WG-5 J PFT J EOD 5/8/89 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT (continued)

9. F ire Management ..•...... •...•...... •.•...•.•..... 8 10. Pest Control .....•.•....•..•••...... •.....•...•...... 9 11. Water Rights ...... •...... •...... •.•...... Nothing To Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas ...... • Nothing To Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring .....• _ .•. ~ ..•...•.•..•.... Nothing To Report 14. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements ...... •...... •...... 9 15. Private Lands ...... ••..•...... •...... •.•..•.... 9-11 16 . other Easements ...... •...... Nothing To Report

G. WILDLIFE ...... 11-14

1. Wildlife Diversity ...... •...... •..... Nothing To Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species ...... l1 3. Waterfowl ...... ••...... •...... 11-12 4 . Marsh and Water Birds ....•.•...... •...... •...... 12 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species ...... •...•...... 12-14 6. Raptors ...... •.....•...... 14 7. other Migratory Birds ...... •...•..•...... •.... Nothing To Report 8. Game Mammals ...... •....•...... •...... •. 14 9 . Mar ine Mammals ...... •...... Nothing To Report 10. other Resident Wildlife .•...... ••...... •...... 14 11. Fisheries Resources ...... •...... •...... 14 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking ...... •.. Nothing To Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal .•..••...•.....•...... •. Nothing To Report 14. Scientific Collections ..•...••...... Nothing To Report 15. Animal Control ...... 14 16. Marking and Banding ...... •...•....•...... •.•..... Nothing To Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control ...... Nothing To Report

H. PUBLIC USE ...... 15-17

1. General ..•...... •..•...... •...... •... 15 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students ..•...... Nothing to Report 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 ...... •...... • 15 7 . Other Interpretive Programs ..•...•••...... •...... _ ..... 16 8. Hunting ...... •...... •. Nothing To Report 9. Fishing ...... Nothing To Report 10. Trapping ...•...... •.•..•...... Nothing To Report 11. Wildlife Observation ....." ...... •...... 16 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation ...... 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 ...... •...... •...... •...•.•...... •.. 17 18. Cooperating Associations ...... Nothing To Report H. PUBLIC USE (continued)

19. Concessions .•...•...•••..•...... •...... • Nothing To Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES ...... 17-20

1. New Construction ...... •...•...... •...... Nothing To Report 2. Rehabilitation ...... ••...... •...... 17 -18 3. Major Maintenance ..•...... •...... •...... •...... 19 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement ...... •...... •...... 19 5. Communications Systems .•...... •...... •...... 19 6. Computer Systems •...... •.•...... 19-20 7 . Energy Conservation •...... •••...... •••...... • 20 8. other ...... •...... •...... Nothing To Report

J. OTHER ITEMS ...... •...... 20

1. Cooperative Programs ....•.....•.•.•...... Nothing To Report 2. Other Economic Uses ...... •...... • Nothing To Report 3. Items of Interest .....•...•.•....•....•....•...... Nothing To Report 4. Credits ...... •.•...... •...... •..••.....•.•.•.....•.• 20

K. FEEDBACK ...... •.... Nothing To Report

L. INFORMATION PACKET ...... Inside Back Cover 1

A. HIGHLIGHTS

After two of the driest years in refuge history, 1990 brought much needed precipitation. The year's total was 8.1 inches above the average annual rainfall (Section B).

Office Assistant Watts received a $500 award for her suggestion of the year (Section E.l.).

Maintenance Mechanic Allan received an $800 Special Achievement Award for his outstanding efforts restoring wetlands (Sections E.1 and E.8.).

The refuge staff received a Special Act Service Award for completing the year without an accident (Section E. 6.).

Diane Kania transferred from Swan Lake Refuge to serve as Assistant Manager beginning March 25 (Section E. 1.).

Two wetlands on private lands were restored through refuge efforts (Section E. 8.).

Flood damage supplemental monies were used to rehabilitate 3,000 feet of road (Section I. 2.).

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

After two of the driest years in refuge history, 1990 brought much needed precipitation. The year's total was 8.1 inches over the average. Spring was a very wet season which allowed high river levels to flow into the refuge, filling the moist soil units and resulting in excellent habitat conditions . It was impossible to dewater the green tree reservoirs, croplands, and construction sites until July. Precipitation for the remainder of the year was normal and by September, the moist soil units were dry and pumping was required to prepare the units for early migrants.

The nearly 13 inches of rain in May and June replenished water in District wetlands; however, the excessive moisture caused flooding along the Mississippi River, drowning crops that were planted in early May and delaying planting on other areas until late July. The river crested at five feet above flood stage on June 25. Because of flooding no crops were planted on Gregory Landing; crops on Bear Creek were planted but lost in the flood; and part of the crops on Long Island were planted as planned but lost in the flood. Milo and beans were aerial seeded in the silt as waters receded from Long Island in late July with minimal success.

Temperatures were normal throughout the year. A high of 102°F was recorded in July and a low of -1°F was recorded in December. This was the first year in the last few years where temperatures did not fall well below zero for weeks at a time. However, the year ended with snow and ice storms, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. 2

Climatic conditions are summarized in Figures 1 and 2, pages 3 and 4.

C. LAND ACQUISITION

4. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements

Refuge staff inspected seven properties in 1990 and recommended two easements, one in Lewis County (Logsdon) and one in Franklin County (Kommer) . With these two properties, the total number of easement proposals is 20 and the total number of fee title proposals is 3.

Eight easements were posted in 1990.

Letters were sent out to each landowner of the easements, offering to meet with them to discuss the easement boundaries and conditions. Out of 10 landowners, refuge staff held productive meetings with 6 landowners. The others indicated no interest in meeting refuge staff.

Letters were also sent out to each FmHA County Supervisor, requesting the date of their contaminant inspection on the easement properties and whether anything was found. The response was excellent, with every County Supervisor responding.

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan

The Safety Plan, Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, and a second addendum to the Fire Management plan were written and sent in for approval in 1990. All three plans are still pending approval.

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Diane Kania transferred from Swan Lake Refuge to serve as Assistant Manager of the Annada District effective March 25.

Assistant Manager Bolander transferred to Fergus Falls Wetland Management District in Minnesota effective February 5.

Office Assistant Watts received a $500 award for her suggestion to limit testing for Lyme disease to one time per year after the tick season. Her suggestion was selected as the suggestion of the year in Region 3 for which she received a Service belt buckle, a coffee mug and a key chain.

Office Assistant watts spent three days in November and December assisting the Brussels District with clerical and administrative work. INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS .•...... •...... •...... 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS .••...... « ••••••••••••• 1

C. LAND ACQUI SITION ...... •...... 2

1. Fee Title ...... ••...... •...... •...•...... Nothing To Report

2. Easements .... « •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Nothing To Report 3 . Other ...... •.•....•...••.. Nothing To Report 4. Farmers Home Administration Conservation

Easements ...... « ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2

D . PLANNING ...... « ••••••••••••••• 2

1. Master Plan ..•...••...... •...... •...••...... •..... Nothing To Report 2 . Managmen t Plan ...... •....•...••...... 2 3. Public Participation ...... •...... Nothing To Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and CUi tutal Mandates ...... •....••...... Nothing To Report 5. Research and Investigations .....•...... •....• Nothing To Report 6. Other ...... •...... •.....•...... Nothing To Report

E. ADMINISTRATION ...... •...... 2-7

1. Personnel ..•...... •...... •...... •...... 2 - 5 2 . You th Programs ...••...... •...... ••.. 5 3. Other Manpower Programs (Job Corps) .....•...... Nothing To Report 4. Volunteer Program ...... •...... •...... Nothing To Report 5. Funding ...... •.....•.....•.•...... •.....••....•....•...... 5-7 6. Safety ...... •...... •...... 7 7. Technical Assistance ...... •...... Nothing To Report 8. Other (Maintenance Action Team) ...•....•...... •....••..... 7

F. HABITAT MANAGMENT •...... 7-11

1. General ...... Nothing To Report 2. Wetlands ...... •...... •...... ••...... •.. 7-8 3. Forests .....•...... •...... •...... Nothing To Report 4 . Crop lands ...... ••...•...... •...•...... 8 5. Grasslands .....•....•...•...... •...... Nothing To Report 6. Other Habitats ••...... •...... Nothing To Report 7 . Grazing ...... •...... Nothing To Report 8. Hay ing ...... •....•...... Nothing To Report F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT (continued)

9. Fire Management ...... 8 10. Pest Control ...... •...... •...... 9 11. Water Rights ...... Nothing To Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas ...... Nothing To Report 13. WPA Easement Monitoring ...... •...•...... •...... • Nothing To Report 14. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements ...... •...... 9 15. Private Lands ...... •...... 9-11 16. Other Easements ...... Nothing To Report

G. WILDLIFE ...... 11-14

1. Wildlife Diversity ...... •...... Nothing To Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species ...... 11 3. Waterfowl ..•...... •. 11-12 4. Marsh and Water Birds ...... 12 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species ...... 12-14 6. Raptors ...... 14 7. Other Migratory Birds ...... •...... •.... Nothing To Report 8. Game Mammals ...... 14 9. Marine Mammals ...... Nothing To Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife ...... •...... •...•...... 14 11 . Fisher ies Resources ...... •...... 14 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking ...... Nothing To Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal .....•..•...... Nothing To Report 14. Scientific Collections ...... •...... Nothing To Report 15. Animal Control ...... 14 16. Marking and Banding ...... •...... •...... Nothing To Report 17. Disease Prevention and COntrol ...... Nothing To Report

H. PUBLIC USE ...... 15-17

1. General ...... •...... •...... •... 15 2. OUtdoor Classrooms - Students ...... Nothing to Report 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 ...... 15 7. Other Interpretive Programs ...•....•...... •... 16 8. Hunting ...... Nothing To Report 9 . Fishing ...... •...... Nothing To Report 10. Trapping ...... Nothing To Report 11. Wildlife Observation ....•...... 16 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation ...... 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 ...... 17 18. Cooperating Associations ...... Nothing To Report H. PUBLIC USE (continued)

19. Concessions .•...•...... ••...••...•...••...•..... Nothing To Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES ..•....•...•...... 17-20

1. New Construction ...••...•...... •••...... Nothing To Report 2. Rehabilitation .•...... •...... •...... 17-18 3. Major Maintenance ...... •...... •...••..•...... •.. 19 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement ..•...... •.•.....•...... 19 5. Communications Systems ....•...... •.....•..•....•...•...... 19 6. Computer Systems ....•...... •...... •...•...... 19-20 7. Energy Conservation .•..•....•...... ••••••...•...... •...•. 20 8 . Other .•...... •....•.•...... Nothing To Report

J. OTHER ITEMS ...•...•...... •...•..•... 20

1. Cooperative Programs ...... •.•...... •. Nothing To Report 2. Other Economic Uses ....•...... ••...•..•...•• Nothing To Report 3. Items of Interest •...•...... •....•...... Nothing To Report 4. Credits ...... •....•..•..••••...•...... •...•.•....••.•••...... 20

K. FEEDBACK ..•...... •• Nothing To Report

L. INFORMATION PACKET •...... Inside Back Cover 1

A. HIGHLIGHTS

After two of the driest years in refuge history, 1990 brought much needed precipitation. The year's total was 8.1 inches above the average annual rainfall (Section B).

Office Assistant Watts received a $500 award for her suggestion of the year (Section E.1.).

Maintenance Mechanic Allan received an $800 Special Achievement Award for his outstanding efforts restoring wetlands (Sections E.1 and E.8.).

The refuge staff received a Special Act Service Award for completing the year without an accident (Section E. 6.).

Diane Kania transferred from Swan Lake Refuge to serve as Assistant Manager beginning March 25 (Section E. 1.).

Two wetlands on private lands were restored through refuge efforts (Section E. 8.).

Flood damage supplemental monies were used to rehabilitate 3,000 feet of road (Section I. 2.).

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

After two of the driest years in refuge history, 1990 brought much needed precipitation. The year's total was 8.1 inches over the average. Spring was a very wet season which allowed high river levels to flow into the refuge, filling the moist soil units and resulting in excellent habitat conditions. It was impossible to dewater the green tree reservoirs, croplands, and construction sites until July. Precipitation for the remainder of the year was normal and by September, the moist soil units were dry and pumping was required to prepare the units for early migrants.

The nearly 13 inches of rain in May and June replenished water in District wetlands; however, the excessive moisture caused flooding along the

Mississippi River I drowning crops that were planted in early May and delaying planting on other areas until late July. The river crested at five feet above flood stage on June 25. Because of flooding no crops were planted on Gregory Landing; crops on Bear Creek were planted but lost in the flood; and part of the crops on Long Island were planted as planned but lost in the flood. Milo and beans were aerial seeded in the silt as waters receded from Long Island in late July with minimal success.

Temperatures were normal throughout the year. A high of 102C>F was recorded in July and a low of -1°F was recorded in December. This was the first year in the last few years where temperatures did not fall well below zero for weeks at a time. However, the year ended with snow and ice storms, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. 2

Climatic conditions are summarized in Figures 1 and 2, pages 3 and 4.

C. LAND ACQUISITION

4. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements

Refuge staff inspected seven properties in 1990 and recommended two easements, one in Lewis County (Logsdon) and one in Franklin County (Kommer). With these two properties, the total number of easement proposals is 20 and the total number of fee title proposals is 3.

Eight easements were posted in 1990.

Letters were sent out to each landowner of the easements, offering to meet with them to discuss the easement boundaries and conditions. out of 10 landowners, refuge staff held productive meetings with 6 landowners. The others indicated no interest in meeting refuge staff.

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan

The Safety Plan, Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, and a second addendum to the Fire Management Plan were written and sent in for approval in 1990. All three plans are still pending approval.

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Diane Kania transferred from Swan Lake Refuge to serve as Assistant Manager of the Annada District effective March 25.

Assistant Manager Bolander transferred to Fergus Falls Wetland Management District in Minnesota effective February 5.

Office Assistant Watts spent three days in November and December assisting the Brussels District with clerical and administrative work. ~ ~~~~~~~------.

9T I at 1998PRECIPITATHlH aJi1PARED T11AtJEMGE PRECIPITATIOH 71

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Maintenance Mechanic Allan received an $800 Special Achievement Award for his outstanding efforts in restoring wetlands in Michigan with the staff of ottawa Refuge and his work on the McCracken wetland i~ the Annada District. John worked a total of eight weeks on dozers and backhoes in swel ter ing heat and high humidity. The restoration survey teams had difficulty staying ahead of John and his dozer.

Maintenance Mechanic Allan attended a workshop at Upper Klamath Refuge to become certified as an instructor on operation of draglines.

Maintenance Mechanic Helper McSpadden completed a week of basic fire management training in Jackson, Wyoming.

Assistant Manager Kania spent three weeks at the Basic Refuge Academy ln Blair, Nebraska.

Assistant Manager Kania completed range officer training at Marana, Arizona and is now authorized to qualify Service officers with their firearms.

Manager Adams attended a workshop on restoration of bottomland hardwoods at Mingo Refuge.

2. Youth Programs

The Annada District had no youth program in 1990.

5. Fu nding

Refuge funding for fiscal year 1990 i s shown in Figure 3, page 6.

A summary of refuge funding over the past five years follows:

FY o & M Special Maintenance Funds l120 8260 1 520 9120

1990 $133,774 $55,024 (1262) $4000 $2036 $7200 $ 6,000 MAT $16,000 Flex Funds

1989 $185,300 $4,994 Quincy LE and $1000 $1898 computer

1988 $139,500 $1,100,000 Flood Damage $178 $34 00 $ 200 Supplemental $ 37,500 ARMMS $ 14,285 Contaminants

1987 $138,000 $ 37,000 Small ARMMS $2500 $ 250,000 Large ARMMS

1986 $132,100 $ 7,000 Small ARMMS $1649 $7500 Figure 3 6 Cot';1 '-r.:::I .-~ ~ r.:;:: 0 ~rei ...... ,..... ::I IX) - +.) i:'.... . ~ ~ .- --L'1..) I'd ~ ::... -I'":= ... ~ $ • .-I ....~ ... ~""J rt:I ''f'''''t ~ ~ ~ .. , .-I:...... -I ro'i,_ ~..... 0 " ~ , ~ -<:r. ~ . I ""'..,. ...-I ( ':;) N N N \.Co •..0 ...-I ...-I ''\J ...... ~ ....-! 0""1

t.:P ~ <:D ("o..J - ...-I Cl "I"""i ::::J LP- '0 en cr.. 0:::::;- ~ ...... 1:;"1 :>- U-

.... , 7

The regional office funded the purchase of a Polaris Trail Boss ATV at a cost of $2,593 and the Quincy office purchased a 17-foot jon boat, a 40 horse power outboard and trailer for $4,726.

A change order to the levee rehabilitation project added $11,275 to rehabilitate existing roads and ditches.

6. Safety

Refuge staff completed another year without an accident for which they received a Special Act Service award.

Safety Officer Kania conducted a safety and health inspection in July. No major safety problems were noted.

Regional Safety Officer Jerry Mohl conducted a safety and health inspection in November during the operations inspection. A few minor safety problems were noted and corrected.

Maintenance Mechanic Allan certified operators in the safe and effective use of Service equipment from the National Fisheries Research Lab, Neosho Fish Hatchery, Muscatatuck Refuge, Crab Orchard Refuge, Mingo Refuge, Mark Twain Refuge, and Mingo Job Corps Center. In addition, Allan presented an equipment safety program to the staff of the Soil Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center in Elsberry.

Safety meetings were held each month, covering the following topics: safe winter driving, defensive driving, railroad crossings, appliance safety, use of fire extinguishers, alcoholism, diabetes, personality types, and use of hearing protection.

Refuge staff attended a boater safety course and a ATV training course in 1990.

All refuge staff participated in Lyme disease tests; and maintenance staff participated in hearing tests in 1990.

8. other (Maintenance Action Team)

Maintenance Mechanics Allan and McSpadden began the Maintenance Action Team project of developing moist soil unit #8 on Clarence Cannon Refuge.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

2. Wetlands

The refuge currently has twelve manageable moist soil units totalling 1,362 acres, three green tree reservoirs totalling 237 acres, and four semi-permanent water bodies totalling 72 acres.

Water is supplied to the managed units via a ditch system, Crissafulli pump, and a stationary 20,000 gallon per minute pump that pulls water from 8

Bryants Creek. Timely precipitation and/or high river levels can greatly affect operations by lowering pumping requirements, but are not dependable sources of water when water is needed.

The water control structure was installed in moist soil unit #9 and work was begun to create moist soil unit #8.

The 13 inches of rain that fell in the spring of 1990 allowed high river levels to flow into the refuge, resulting in the best moist soil unit habitat conditions in two years. The units and green tree reservoirs remained near optimum levels until June. In September and November, pumping was required to bring water to optimum levels for foraging waterfowl during the fall migration. The pump was operated for 456 hours, using 1,609 gallons of diesel fuel.

Moist soil units #1, #4, and #6 were drawn down in July and portions of moist soil units #2, #4, #6, and #7 were mowed to control cocklebur and cottonwoods, and to create openings for waterfowl.

Moist soil unit #5 offered excellent habitat for waterfowl throughout 1990. During spring and fall migration, a variety of ducks used the area. The marsh smartweed produced a good seed crop for the ducks and the 23- acre portion of the unit that was planted to wheat was used heavily by geese in the fall.

4. Croplands

The cooperative farmer planted 174 acres of corn, 270 acres of beans and 113 acres of wheat overseeded with clover. Crops were reasonably good considering the wetness and lateness of spring.

One corn field was adversely affected by seep water when the river was above flood stage and yielded little corn; however, the rest of the corn averaged 120 bushels and beans averaged 35 bushels per acre.

All of the wheat and 60 acres of corn was left in the field for waterfowl as the refuge share of the crop. The wheat provided excellent green browse for numerous geese and much of the corn was consumed by waterfowl before being shredded by refuge personnel in January.

A 60-acre wheat field with an excellent stand of red clover was mowed in August and had excellent regrowth of the clover and considerable sprouting of wheat. However, goose use of the field was light.

The 1991 plans call for planting crops in moist soil units #6 and #7 to set back succession. Total acres in crop production will be around 700. Moist soil unit #8 is partially developed and will remove 200 acres of cropland from continuous cultivation.

9. Fire Management

No prescribed burning was accomplished on Cannon in 1990. 9

10. Pest Control

Of the 12,800 acres in the Annada District, 1,844 acres were planted to row crops in 1990 by cooperative farmers. The croplands were treated with the following chemicals for control of grasses and broadleaf weeds.

Chemical Acres Total Pounds Crop Used Treated AI Applied

Soybeans Basagran 338 235

Soybeans Classic 160 3.3

Soybeans Sutan 71 238

Soybeans 2,4-D 497 59 , Soybeans Poast 264 102

Soybeans Blazer 404 206

Corn Banvel 434 86

Corn Treflan 5E 38 38

Corn Roundup 192 96

Corn Eradicane 99 594

14. Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements

Eight project worksheets were sent in for FY 1991 Farm Bill monies for bottomland hardwood restoration projects on easements in Marion, Lewis, Pike, Montgomery, and Clark counties.

15. Private Lands

Maintenance Mechanic John Allan spent six weeks during the summer of 1990 with the staff of ottawa National Wildlife Refuge restoring wetlands in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This is the third year that John has contributed his skilled use of dozers and backhoes in restoring wetlands.

Two wetland restorations on private land were completed in 1990. In June, a four-acre wetland was created on Mr. David Menke's property in Franklin County, Missouri. The refuge contracted the construction of a 1,000-foot low level dike in a bottomland field adjacent to Big Berger Creek, with placement of a spillway and water control structure for a cost of $2,000. The Soil Conservation Service also built a two-acre wetland adjacent to the Fish and Wildlife Service project.

A ten-acre wetland was created on Mr. Larry McCracken's property in Marion County, Missouri in August. This project was constructed with a Challenge 10

Grant where the landowner paid for the pipe, water control structure, and the fuel and transportation of the dozer. Fish and Wildlife Service matched the funds by supplying the dozer and operator. The property was enrolled in the lO-year Conservation Reserve Program.

Refuge and SCS staff working with Mr. Larry McCracken installing the water control structure for restoring a wetland on CRP ground. (Anduss)

Assistant Manager Kania presenting wetland restoration cap to Mr. Larry McCracken. (Anduss) 11

In addition, project worksheets for FY 1991 Farm Bill monies were submitted in 1990 for five additional wetland projects.

G. WILDLIFE

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Bald eagles frequent the refuge during the winter months, leaving every spring and not returning until the following fall. However, this year two to three bald eagles were commonly seen hanging around throughout the summer. Total use days for the year were 1,510. Bald eagle use days have steadily increased over the past five years. A peak of 42 eagles occurred in January.

When freeze-up occurs on the refuge, the bald eagles move to open water on the Mississippi River. A favorite spot is below Lock and Dam 24 at Clarksville, Missouri, eight miles north of the refuge. At year's end, 230 bald eagles were observed in this area.

The eagle nest in the Goose Pasture green tree reservoir was less active in 1990 and has not been successful to date. By the fall of 1990, when the birds returned, the nest had decreased in size considerably and there had not been any attention given it. state endangered and threatened species occurring on the refuge include the yellow-headed blackbird, king rail, northern harrier, little blue heron, black-crowned night heron, Mississippi kite, and snowy egret. The northern harrier is especially common, with 515 total use days for the year. Little blue herons were also common during the summer of 1990, reaching a peak of 60.

3. Waterfowl

Large numbers and a variety of waterfowl use the refuge during spring and fall migrations. None of the waterfowl winter on the refuge and only the breeding ducks stay through the summer. Waterfowl production in 1990 was as follows: 127 wood ducks, 39 mallards, 31 hooded mergansers, and 10 blue-winged teal.

Waterfowl numbers peaked at 35,000 ducks and 12,000 geese during spring migration and 26,000 ducks and 35,000 geese during fall migration. The geese during fall migration consisted mostly of snow geese. All waterfowl had departed by year's end when freeze-up occurred on the refuge. 12

Snow geese on Cannon. (Mattson)

Waterfowl use days are summarized in Figure 4, page 13. The waterfowl use days in 1990 doubled from 1989's figures. The much needed rainfall which resulted in excellent habitat conditions was largely responsible for the dramatic increase in waterfowl numbers. Previous to 1990 waterfowl numbers were down since Mother nature did not cooperative and refuge funds could not support the extra pumping which was required to bring water levels to optimum levels. As long as the precipitation is there which produces the necessary wetland conditions for waterfmvl, waterfowl numbers should remain high on the refuge.

4. Marsh and Water Birds

The refuge supports a variety of marsh and water birds, including the American bittern, great blue heron, little blue heron, green-backed heron, great egret, cattle egret, king rail, and pied-billed grebe. The great blue heron is the most common resident within this group, observed throughout the year except during freeze-up.

Marsh bird use days in 1990 were 7,000 with a peak number of 300. Use days over the past several years have been much lower due to the drought.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species

The most common birds within this group that inhabit the refuge include dowitchers, gulls, killdeer, sandpipers, terns, woodcock, and yellowlegs.

This group recorded 4,000 use days, with a peak number of 300 in 1990. F/(~Lr't L/ AJ'\,\L T)~D r: I (:0 IJ f(l..::

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z:: I I I , <:!:Io Cl:) ct> ~ 0 0 $ ~ ~ - ~ - <:;:0. c:o C'- ....0 L.i) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 14 Fifteen Hudsonian godwits were observed on moist soil unit #5 on May 11.

6. Raptors

Common raptors on the refuge include the bald eagle, northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and barred owl. Raptor use days in 1990 were 3,000 with a peak of 120.

8. Game Mammals

The deer population on Cannon has increased over the past several years which causes concern. The estimated population of 250 is acceptable at present. The situation will be monitored closely and should the population approach the point where overbrowsing and substantial competition with waterfowl for available crops is a problem, a hunt may be necessary.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

The muskrat and beaver populations, estimated at 500 and 25 respectively, have increased to a level where they are interfering with refuge operations in some cases. Beaver have plugged water control st~ctures ?nd ditches and cut stop logs; and muskrat have damaged dikes. The muskrats open dense vegetation in refuge wetlands and make the areas more attractive to waterfowl and eagles.

Big Pond in 1990 contained 85 muskrat houses.

11. Fisheries Resources

Tom Nash, Contaminants Biologist from the Ecological Services Field Office in Columbia, Missouri, collected fish on Cannon to be analyzed for dioxin residues as part of a state-wide study_ The results of the analysis have not been completed yet.

15. Animal Control

A trapping permit to control the beaver and muskrat populations was not issued in 1990. In previous years, trapping was successful in removing animals causing problems. 15

stop logs cut by beaver trying to assist with water management. (Adams)

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

Public use is limited to driving, hiking, photography, and berry, nut, and mushroom picking. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not permitted on the refuge. The refuge does not have an interpretive tour route, interpretive foot trails, camping, or picnicking.

Visitation in 1990 was estimated at 2,000 people. Most of the visitation consists of people driving through the refuge in the evenings and on the weekends when the off ice and visitor center is closed. In addition, visitation is high in January when the local town of Clarksville, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation, hosts their annual Eagle Day event .

6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations

The refuge visitor center was visited by about 500 people in 1990. Although it is small, the center contains a variety of interesting features, including interpretive panels, a video program offering four different presentations, a touch table, a leaflet dispenser, a slide program containing slides of 65 refuge birds and animals, and a spotting J scope that looks out onto the refuge. Comments from the station operations inspection suggested that the first impressions by visitors 16 leave -them "cold." A request for assistance from the Regional Action Team to evaluate the visitor center and recommend improvements to make the center more appealing was processed through channels.

A bulletin board outside of the headquarters door contains information on the refuge, including refuge regulations and a graph with a narrative, explaining the current bird and wildlife species inhabiting the refuge.

In addition, an observation deck, which was built voluntarily by a local carpentry class in 1987, is just outside the headquarters/visitor center. This deck contains interpretive panels and a leaflet dispenser.

7. other Interpretive Programs

Manager Adams, Assistant Manager Kania, and Office Assistant Watts all presented programs throughout the year to various groups. The groups ran the gamut from a group of Head Start children to retired teachers to the Farm Bureau to the Garden Club to the Pike County Country Couples to the PEa group (a secret acronym of the group, which consisted of senior ladies) .

11. Wildlife Observation

Most public use on the refuge was observation of waterfowl and eagles in refuge wetlands and croplands.

Snow geese in moist soil unit near refuge headquarters provide good opportunity for waterfowl observation. (Allan) 17

17. Law Enforcement

Maintenance Mechanics Allan and McSpadden constructed a four station firing range near refuge headquarters. Assistant Manager Kania was certified as a range officer thus providing the opportunity to qualify refuge officers and agents at Annada. Kania requalified officers from Squaw Creek, Mingo, Swan Lake, Chautauqua, and Mark Twain refuges plus Special Agent Leapley.

Refuge officers Adams and Kania attended the annual law enforcement refresher in Des Moines, Iowa, in March. In addition, both officers requalified with the handguns during the fall requalifications and practiced regularly throughout the year.

Manager Adams worked law enforcement with Manager Meyers on the Brussels District after closure of one of their units in October. No problems were encountered.

With the recent private lands responsibilities and the addition of the Gregory Landing Division to the District, Officers Adams and Kania have been unable to devote enough time to law enforcement efforts to m~intain an effective enforcement program. It is recommended that a full-time refuge officer be added to the Annada District to work enforcement of the Mark Twain Refuge.

I. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

2. Rehabilitation

Three water control structures were placed and 3,300 feet of flood damaged road was rebuilt and raised by Interface Construction who had the levee rehabilitation contract. This contract was amended to include the road work and water control structures at a cost of $94,224.

The gravel and fabric contract for the road was let to Rand B Quarry of Elsberry for $14,197. Completion of this project along with some force account work on adjacent dikes will allow management of 200 acres of cropland as moist soil units. 18

Contractor placing water control structure as part of the road rehabilitation. (Adams)

Gravel contractor back-spreading gravel over fabric on road rehabilitation job. (Adams) 19

3. Major Maintenance

At the start of the pumping season, the east engine blew an oil line. The automatic shutdown system failed and the engine was badly damaged. Inasmuch as the east pump was the only pump capable of pumping into the refuge, the west engine was moved to the east pump to enable flooding of the moist soil units before the waterfowl migration was in full swing. The damaged engine will not be repaired.

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

The refuge received delivery of a new 4X4 Dodge pickup truck to replace the Chevrolet Luv. This was the first new vehicle the District has purchased in 10 years.

Division 2 purchased a Polaris ATV for the District to replace the Honda 3 wheeler.

Division 2 ordered a 2 1/2 ton Ford dump-stake truck to replace the 1965 Ford presently used by the District. This new truck will greatly enhance our ability to move equipment from Division to Division on the Mar~ Twain as needed to accomplish various projects with refuge equipment. .

The refuge purchased a 19-foot Husky Lowe boat with a 40 horse power Evinrude outboard motor to replace the Monarc boat with a 40 horse Mercury. The new boat will provide much more dependable transportation on the river for law enforcement and work projects.

The old D-4 dozer was transferred to Chautauqua Refuge. The engine went out of their dozer and they were going to try to make one useable dozer out of the two.

The Huber Warco grader was transferred to the State of Missouri. It had major engine problems.

The maintenance staff painted the Polar Kab boat and the Bush Hog mower.

The refuge purchased a fire pumper and trailer for use in fire management on the District.

5. communications Systems

The refuge purchased a Panafax UF-250 machine which is a neat little gadget that even the refuge manager can use. This and the electronic mail over the computer has greatly enhanced our ability to respond to requests for information with minimal turn around time.

The Division of Contracting arranged with the telecommunication companies to install FTS 2000 at District Headquarters.

6. Computer Systems

The refuge received a new Epson LX-810 dot matrix printer to use with the Dell computer. This printer was purchased for $182, which is a relatively 20 low cost addition to our computer systems.

In April, the refuge donated the "old" WordPerfect 4.2 version to a local school district. By participating in the WordPerfect Corporation IS donation program, we eliminated a program we were no longer using and the school's computer classes benefitted from another software program.

Also purchased this year was another WordPerfect 5.1 version for the Dell computer and a Multiplan 4.2 version upgrade.

7. Energy Conservation

Much less diesel fuel was used in 1990 for pumping water into the moist soil units than in previous years. Over 2,000 gallons less was used in 1990 than in 1989, which was a drought year. This energy efficiency was a direct result of timely rainfalls in 1990.

Energy conservation measures used at this station include recycling aluminum cans, recycling white paper, and recycling scrap culverts.

J. OTHER ITEMS

4. Credits

Office Assistant Watts wrote Section 1.6, typed and assembled the report, and developed the pie graph in Section E.5.

Managers Adams and Kania wrote Sections B.; E.1 and 6; and H.6 and 17.

Kania wrote Sections C.4; 0.2; E.2; F.2, 9, 14, and 15; G.2,3,4,5,8,10,11 and 15; H.1 and 7; and 1.7.

Adams wrote Sections A.; E.5; F.4 and 10; H.11; 1.2,3,4 and 5; and J.