MATAGORDA ISLAND UNIT ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Matagorda Island, Texas
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1988
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish & Wildlife Service
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MATAGORDA ISLAND UNIT, ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Matagorda Island, Texas
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1988
Refuge Manager Date ?roject Leader Date Matagorda Island Unit Aransas NWR
Refuge ^Su^i
INTRODUCTION
On November 30/ 1988 the final tract of private land on Matagorda Island officially transferred from the Texas Nature Conservancy
The northern portion of the island was formally an Air Force installation. On November 20/ 1971 the Air Force and USFWS signed a Memorandum of Understanding/ allowing Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Under the agreement between the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the USFWS/ Texas Parks and Wildlife Department The history of the southern portion is a little different, but nonetheless, just as much controversy ensued over management authority. The Wynne Ranch on the southern 1/3 of the island was the last privately owned tract on Matagorda. The 11,502 acre ranch was purchased by TNC in 1986 for eventual transfer to the USFWS. The total purchase price, 13 million dollars, would be paid in three installments. On December 8, 1986 the Nature Conservancy signed an agreement with Toddie Wynne, Jr. for purchase of 11,502 acres and improvements. TNC also signed a purchase agreement with USFWS for the sale of the ranch's southernmost 2330.36 acres to the United States of America for 3 million dollars. On December 9, 1986 the tract became part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The second installment, 5 million dollars, was approved by President Reagan on December 22, 1987, adding another 3657 acres to the refuge. Final purchase of the remaining 5515 acres on November 30, 1988 completed the purchase. The 11,502 acre tract is managed as Matagorda Island Unit A little about the island without any political forethought in mind: Matagorda Island is a 55,395 acre island, one of seven large barrier islands located off the Texas coast. Located in Calhoun county, approximately 9 miles southwest of Port O'Connor and 48 miles southeast of Victoria, Matagorda extends 38 miles in leng^K and varies between ^ to 4 miles in width. Matagorda is between 7-15 feet above mean sea level and is bounded on the southeast by the Gulf of Mexico and to the northwest by Espiritu, Santo, San Antonio, and Mesquite Bays. Cedar Bayou separates Matagorda Island from its southern neighbor, San Jose Island. Matagorda's location in the southern portion of the Central Flyway adds to its importance as a wintering area for thousands of migrating birds, especially waterfowl. The island's wetlands serve as resting, feeding, and breeding sites for many species of shore and wading birds. The uplands provide habitat for several raptor species and grassland wildlife species, including caracara, white-tailed hawk, sandhill crane, quail, white-tailed deer, coyote, and badger. The purchase of the lower 11,502 acres of Matagorda Island provides and protects critical coastal parairie and wetland habitats for hundreds of plant and wildlife species. Most notables include the endangered whooping crane, brown pelican, peregrine falcon, and thousands of wintering waterfowl, migrating and breeding shore and wading birds, and 4 endangered species of sea turtles. Aerial view of refuge headquarters. Left of center: Hangar, maintenance shops, & stables. Center: Former servant's quarters, ranchhouse, pilot house, & generator building. Right of center: Clubhouse & Manager's residence. JC PAGE INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS A. HIGHLIGHTS 1 B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1 C. LAND ACQUISITION 3 1. Fee Title 3 2. Easements 3 3. Other NTR D. PLANNING 5 1. Master Plan NTR 2. Management Plan NTR 3. Public Participation 5 4. Compliance with Environmental Resource Mandates 7 5. Research and Investigations 7 6. Other 8 E. ADMINISTRATION 10 1. Personnel 10 2. Youth Programs 11 3. Other Staffing Programs 11 4. Volunteer Program 12 5. Funding 12 6. Safety 12 7. Technical Assistance 15 8. Other Items .....15 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 15 1. General ..15 2. Wetlands 17 3. Forests NTR 4. Croplands NTR 5. Grasslands 20 6. Other Habitats...... 21 7. Grazing 25 8. Haying NTR 9. Fire Management. 27 HABITAT MANAGEMENT (Cont.) 10. Pest Control NTH 11. Water Rights NTR 12. Wilderness and Special Areas .27 13. WPA Easement Monitoring NTR G. WILDLIFE 29 1. Wildlife Diversity.... 29 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species ...29 3. Waterfowl 36 4. Marsh and Water Birds 36 5. Shorebirds^ Gulls# Terns# and Allied Species 41 6. Raptors 45 7. Other Migratory Birds 48 8. Game Mammals. 48 9. Marine Mammals 48 10. Other Resident Wildlife 51 11. Fisheries Resources 51 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking NTR 13. Surplus Animal Disposal NTR 14. Scientific Collections 51 15. Animal Control NTR 16. Marking and Banding NTR 17. Disease Prevention and Control NTR H. PUBLIC USE 53 1. General 53 2. Outdoor Classrooms-Students. NTR 3. Outdoor Classrooms-Teachers NTR 4. Interpretive Foot Trails ....NTR 5. Interpretive Tour Routes NTR 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations..... NTR 7. Other Interpretive Programs 55 8. Hunting 57 9. Fishing 58 10. Trapping NTR 11. Wildlife Observation NTR 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 58 13. Camping 58 14. Picnicking NTR 15. Off-Road Vehicling. 59 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation NTR 17. Law Enforcement 59 18. Cooperating Associations .NTR 19. Concessions NTR ii I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 62 1. New Construct ion NTR 2. Rehabilitation ....62 3. Major Maintenance NTR 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement.... 63 5. Communication Systems .65 6. Computer Systems NTR 7. Energy Conservation 65 8. Other 65 J. OTHER ITEMS 66 1. Cooperative Programs 66 2. Other Economic Uses. NTR 3. Items of Interest 69 4. Credits .,..70 K. FEEDBACK 72 Magazine Article i i i A. HIGHLIGHTS Final parcel of private land purchased by FWS. The entire island is now under federal and state ownership (Introduction & C.1). Several private environmental organizations meet on Matagorda Island to observe and discuss the state and federal management programs on the island (0.3). Meetings galore on the island...read the report. Hurricane Gilbert decides to spare the island (B). Refuge Manager marries volunteer on the island B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Matagorda's climate is classified as humid subtropical. The Gulf of Mexico and its associated warm, moist air masses dictate the maritime climatic conditions. Summer daytime temperatures are lower than inland areas while the reverse holds true during the winter months. Winds are prevalent from the southeast and south-southeast. Strong northerly winds transport colder air masses during the autumn and winter months. Southeasterly winds during the autumn and winter often shroud the island and neighboring bays with thick fog. The weather system of the year for south Texas arrived in September# but Hurricane Gilbert's rage never came to pass on Matagorda. Thank goodness. The refuge did receive 2 inches of rain (one inch reported on the north side)# high winds# and some flooding on the bayside. The tidal surge from the Gulf made it to the foredune region and stopped. Matagorda Island suffered right along with the rest of the country this year. Lack of rainfall was just as evident on the island as it was on the mainland. The refuge rainfall totalled less than 17 inches; the norm is 37 inches. By year's end many of the refuge's ponds and sloughs were to the point of being completely dry. A short synopsis of 1988's island weather island follows: January proved how fickle the weather can be out here. Temperatures ranged from a low of 300F on the 8th to a high of 720F on the 17th. The island received 2 inches of rain with 1 inch occurring on the 1st. February's early days brought cold# rainy# and windy weather; nothing new for the island in winter. The high for this month was 820F on the 29th while the low# 440F# occurred on the 5th. Precipitation totalled 1.45 inches. Thick fog was a common sight in the early mornings. March experienced a combination of warming and cooling trends# dictated by the direction from whence the wind blew. With southerly winds# the island was enveloped by fog every morning. High temperature for the month was SB^F; the lowest SO^F. The refuge got small amounts of rain on the 2nd and 29th. Hurricane Gilbert let us know who was boss, but fortunately, he decided to spare the island major damage. The refuge's beach access became littered with Gulf debris and the bayside levees needed some touch up work after the storm's passing. Worst storms, political- wise, hit the island. JC Rain was a rare comodity on Matagorda in 1987. The island suffered along with the rest of Texas. This storm provided a little relief. JC 2 Temperatures remained in the 70-80°F range during April. Except for one rainstorm on the 29th/ no precipitation fell. The dry conditions continued into May. May's high was 90°F on the 24th; the low 66°F on the 12th. Thunderstorms hit the island on the 11th and 21st/ bringing .40 and .60 inches of precipitation. Looking at June was like looking at May: temperatures in the 905 and little rain. A rainstorm on the 3rd did bring 1.75 inches of precipitation. Daytime high for June was 94°F/ reached several days; the daytime low, 860F on the 4th. Daytime high's remained in the high 90s for July. Temperatures reached into the lOOs for 3 days in July. One inch of precipitation fell on the 9th/ 3.5 on the 20th/ and .5 on the 22nd. The only measurable precipitation in August occurred on the 18th with .5 inches topping our rain gauge. Besides that, August was hot. Other than Hurricane Gilbert/ the island's weather in September was typical: high humidity and somewhat lower temperatures. Daytime highs ranged from the high-80s to the mid-90s. On the evening of the 29th/ a rain storm moved in and dumped 1.5 inches of rain. October's weather remained in the mild to slightly hot category. Daytime temperatures ranged in the raid to high 80s. The season's first major cold front arrived on the 31st. This northeasterly brought wind gust up to the 30-40raph range and dumped .85 inches of rain. November's weather remained mild: Daytime temperatures stayed in the 70-80 range; the high was 96°F on the 9th. A cold front on the 16th caused temperatures to dip into the 60s. December temperatures ranged from 52°F on the 16th to 84°F on the 26th. C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title On November 30 at 11:30am/ the last parcel owned by TNC was officially deeded over to USFWS. This last block completed the acquisition process/ bringing the entire 11.502.1 acre Wynne Ranch into the National Wildlife Refuge System. PL Giezentanner/ RM Clark/ Claude Lard (Realty W/L Biologist)/ & Ed Ganderlaria 2. Easements With complete acquisition of the Wynne property by USFWS/ the total acreage under federal ownership on Matagorda Island is 30/502 acres. The island's northern 19/000 acres of uplands were declared excess by the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and were transferred to the Department of Interior to be managed under the NWRS. From 1975-1982 the issue of federal versus state management of public lands on Matagorda Island was tossed back and forth among state, federal, private, and media groups. 3 A spectacular lightning storm off the coast of Matagorda Island. JC Ed Ganderlaria# RO Chief of Realty Management# signs the last document transferring the last private owned tract of land on Matagorda Island to the USFWS. Looking on are Jim Clark# Refuge Manager and Claude Lard# Wildlife Biologist-Realty. BG 4 The issue was finally resolved by the signing on December 8# 1982 of a MOA between the Department of Interior and the State of Texas for the managment of the Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area (MISPWMA), a unit of the NWRS. The USFWS and Texas General Land Office (GLO) exchanged easements for the 19#000 acres of federal lands and 24/893 acres of state wetlands and Gulf lands. The entire package was susequently turned over to TPWD for management pursuant to the terms of a 5-year "Matagorda Island Conceptual Plan." The state's annual operation plan must be approved by both USFWS and Texas GLO. TPWD is required to adopt and implement the management principles# goals# and objectives set forth in the NWRS Manual in managing all publicly owned lands within the MISPWMA. While the MISPWMA is technically managed within the broad framework of the NWRS manual# the area is managed like no other refuge in the system. It is primarily a wildlife management (hunting) area. The State Park portion has few visitor facilities or services and no interpretive or education programs. The state of Texas is actively seeking total management of the island by arresting management authority of the Wynne Property from USFWS. The issue has yet to be resolved at the time of this report. Several key Congressmen# foremost of which is Mass. Rep. Silvio Conti have really gone to bat for the USFWS and so far# Texas' efforts have been unsuccessful. D. PLANNING 3. Public Participation From May 14-15 representatives from seven state environmental organizations met with personnel from USFWS# Texas Parks & Wildlife Department# and the General Land Office to discuss the upcoming renewal of the island's 5-year management plan. In attendance were: USFWS; Zone Supervisor Bill Hawthorne# PL Giezentanner# RM Clark# BT Karges; TPWD; Don Frells# Dennis Brown# Ron Gallagher# Jim Birmingham# and David Mabei; General Land Office; Hal Irby. The environmental contingency included: Sierra Club; Ken Kramer# Brandt Mannchen, Scott Royder; Wildlife Society; Cliff Ladd; Texas Committee on Natural Resources; Janice Bezanson; Texas Nature Conservancy: Jeff Weigel; Texas Organization for Endangered Species; Susan Rust; National Audubon Society: Dede Arraentrout; and Friends of Matagorda Island# Inc.; Linda Hetsel. The group spent the first day getting briefed by state personnel about the management program on the north side. After a tour of the north side# the group headed down to the south side and spent the night(environmental group and Hal Irby). RM Clark met with the group that night to discuss the USFWS's objectives for managing the south side. The next morning RM Clark and BT Karges took the group on a tour of the south side. 5 Several private conservation organizations kept a watchful eye on the management of Matagorda Island. Here a group representing the Sierra Club# Wildlife Society# and Audubon Society# to name a few# observe the state's grazing program on the island's northside. JC Scenes like this became commonplace on the refuge. Congressional Aide Tim Shea gets ready to depart from a fact-finding trip as a group of Nature Conservancy clientel arrive for a weekend sojurn on the refuge. JC 6 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates The International Treaty for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (HARPOD# a treaty signed by several nations, including the United States, will substantially curtail dumping of plastics into international waters, including the Gulf of Mexico, Debris on Matagorda Island's beaches is horrendous at times. Fifty-five gallon drums, pressurized cylinders, hardhats, bottles, etc. liter the island's entire beachfront. Maybe the beaches along the Texas coast will now become less hazardous and more attractive to man, fowl, and beast. 5. Research and Investigations "A Survey of Beach Invertebrates at Matagorda Island, Texas." A team of Texas A&M researchers under the auspices of Dr. Mary Wickstera collected beach invertebrate samples along a belt transect' on the refuge's gulf shoreline. The study's objective was to compare sandy beach biota at Matagorda with Padre Island National Seashore. The comparisons will determine whether or not conditions previously ( reported at Padre Island are indicative of undisturbed beaches. The results will help develop recommendations for beach traffic regulation and restoration of eroded areas along Texas beaches. The site on Matagorda was sampled quarterly beginning in November 1987 and ending October 1988. Dr. Wickstem also collected samples of marine life from Mesquite Bay to correlate changes in faunal distribution and composition since the Cedar Bayou cut was reopened. This study was a cooperative venture supported in part by the Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M, and the refuge. The final report was completed in November. The report compared the faunas of the area seasonally and quantitatively. Though Mesquite Bay has a greater population, up to and over 12,000 individuals per square meter as compared to 7000 on the beach, greater species diversity occurred outside the Bay. Seasonal changes were more apparent on the beach; the Bay varied irregularly, perhaps due to tidal exposure and salinity. The report concluded the major changes in the Bay were not due to the opening of Cedar Bayou (though salinities increased), but instead to the flooding in July 1987. In both areas (Matagorda Island and Padre Island beach) polychaete worms and amphipods were among the most common species. The upper beach was largely populated by rove beetles and flies; the lower, wetter portions of the beach were populated by coquina clams, polychaetes, and amphipods. This certainly explains the abundance and diversity of foraging fishes, crabs, and birds using the coastline. The report states that the populations on the beach are character is itic of an area with little human disturbance. Most of the species found in the Bay were widespread and common in other bays in central Texas. 7 MINWR NR 86 "Documenting Habitat Changes in Absence of Grazing on MINWR." To monitor response of upland vegetation in the absence of grazing/ the refuge established several photo points throughout the refuge. Robel pole readings and plant clippings were also taken to document annual changes in the plant communities. Photos and Robel readings are made quarterly with clippings collected once during and after the growing season. See H.7. 8. Other Items During the acquisition phase/ portions of the Wynne Ranch still owned by TNC were managed as an addition to Matagorda Island Unit/ Aransas NWR under a lease agreement with TNC. The lease permitted USFWS to protect/ post/ and manage these parcels as a unit of the NWRS. TNC retained access and use of these parcels for hunting/ fishing/ birdwatching/ etc. No economic activities such as grazing or mineral development were permitted during the acquistion phase. On April 27 an island-wide tour was made by USFWS and TPWD personnel. Objectives of the visit were to observe TPWD's operation of the north side/ review and recommend revisions to the upcoming 5 year plan/ inspect and discuss future management options for the new acquisition on the south side. Representing USFWS: R-2 RD Mike Spear/ Acting ARD Les Beaty/ Refuge Supervisor Bill Hawthorne/ PL Giezentanner/ and RM Clark. TPWD personnel included: Executive Director Charles Travis/ Parks Director Bill Dolman/ Director of Wildlife Field Operations Bobby Alexander/ Area Manager Dennis Brown/ M.I. State Park Superintendent Ron Gallagher/ Game Wardens Wayne Harrington and Jim Birmingham/ and Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Bob Armstrong. The group toured the entire island, from the J-Hook on the northern tip to Cedar Bayou at the island's southend. Topics of discussion ranged from grazing management and prescribed burning options to public use opportunities. On May 5 John Hurapke, Executive Director of Land Stewardship for the Nature Conservancy, visited the refuge. Mr. Hurapke was escorted by Texas Nature Conservancy Acting Director Jeff Weigel, Assistant Land Steward Anne Schnapf, Attorney Dan MacNamara, and Texas Natural Heritage Program Zoologist Andy Price. The group spent the night and the next day, the group was taken on a tour of the entire island by RM Clark. During the evening RM Clark met with Mr. Hurapke to discuss future use of the clubhouse facilities. Mr. Humpke expressed his interest as well as the Conservancy's interest in managing the clubhouse in the future. RM Clark prepared an article about Matagorda Island birdlife for Texas Nature Conservancy's magazine. Horizons (Appendix). On May 25 Acting ARD Columbus Brown flew to the island for a quick visit. Also present were WO Realty personnel Ron Fowler and Dick Moore. Mr. Fowler and Mr. Moore stayed on the island to meet with R-2 Realty personnel Tom Smith, Claude Lard, Bruce Olrastead, and Jim Neal about the Land Acquisition Priority System. PL Giezentanner also attended the meetings. The fellas left early Friday (27th) morning. 8 Regional Director Mike Spear (center with cup) discusses present and future management of the island with personnel from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Facing Mike is Bob Armstrong* TPWD Commissioner. JC Norman Von Heuvel* Barge Operator* also provided assistance in a variety of work projects. Norm*s salary was split between the refuge and Nature Conservancy. Both refuge and Conservancy personnel live and work on the island. JC. 9 From July 26-29 Zone Supervisor B. Hawthorne/ R-2 Realty personnel T. Smith and C. Lard# PL Giezentanner, RM Clark# and TNC representative C. Cook met on MI to discuss the USFWS/TNC Agreement. Bill, Brent# and Jim also met to discuss refuge programs. From July 29-31 several TNC Board of Directors met on MI to discuss the TNC/USFWS Agreement and to inspect the facilities. RM Clark took the group on a tour of the refuge and facilities. Jim also met with the group Sunday afternoon to discuss the Agreement. TNC representatives were; Ed Fjordbak# Micheaux Nash# Robert Thornton# Grey Hill# and Jack Williamson. The Regional Directorate met on Matagorda Island from November 28 - December 1. In attendance were RD Spear# DRD Earnest# and ARDs Mazzoni# Sraylie# Langley# Fjetland# Abeyta# Young# & Cross. PL Giezentanner also attended the meetings to cook and tend bar. From November 1-3 Chuck Nash# TPWD Commissioner Chairman# Chuck Coojc of the Nature Conservancy# and Jimmy Wynne# grandson of the former owner of the Wynne Ranch# visited the refuge. From November 10-12 Frank Boren# President of the Nature Conservancy (National Chapter)# David Braun# TNC Director, and other Nature Conservancy guests visited the refuge. RM Clark took Mr. Boren and his guests on a tour of the refuge and also provided birding assistance throughout their stay. Mr. Braun came back out to the island for a visit from the 25th-27th. E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel BT Karge's position was converted to PFT on September 25# 1988. Personnel Refuge Staff 123 10 1. Jim Clark# Refuge Manager# GS-11# PFT 3. Chad Karges# Biological Technician# GS-5# PFT 2. Mickey Harris# Maintenance Worker# WG-8# PFT Nature Conservancy Staff 4. Joyce Richards# Clubhouse Manager 5. Joe Richards# Groundskeeper 6. Norman Von Heuvel# Barge Operator Volunteers 1. Jamie Rappaport (last name Clark after December 30th) 2. Charles Clark 3. William "Boots" Stridel 4. Bernard Shady 5. Dr. Wayne McAlister 5. Martha McAlister 2. Youth Prooraras The refuge does not have a YCC program# but the Aransas YCC group visited the island for a few days and assisted in some work projects. Both enrollees came over in July and helped BT Karges conduct photo points and Robel pole readings. 3. Other Staffing Programs An interesting situation exists at MID. The Texas Nature Conservancy maintains the clubhouse facilities at the ranch for entertaining clientele# guests# etc. The Conservancy hired a husband-wife team# Joe & Joyce Richards# to serve as groundskeeper and clubhouse manager for the facilities. An agreement was made between the DSFWS and the Conservancy to have RM Clark serve as "J&J's" onsite supervisor. RM Clark oversees their daily activities and assists in resolving conflicts concerning work schedules# vehicle use# visitors# etc. So far# so good. We are blessed with a rather cooperative working relationship between all the island staff. Considering the different backgrounds and personalities of the staff# the situation on the island could have beeen rather difficult. The Conservancy also hired Norman Von Heuvel as barge operator. Norman also provides assistance in procuring supplies# repairing equipment# and maintaining Conservancy vehicles. Joe# Joyce# and Norman were all previous employees of Wynne Ranch. The refuge hired Norman as a 30 day temporary in October to help us complete some E&F projects. With Mickey out the whole month, Norman's assistance was very helpful. A local 4 H-Group adopted the lower mile of Matagorda for their Adopt A Beach Project. See H. 7. 11 The refuge hosted two volunteer work-weekends for the Texas Nature Conservancy. From August 5-7 three volunteers and one TNC representative cleaned lawn furniture/ washed porches# and washed mildew off the walls of the clubhouse. Seven volunteers and one TNC representative worked August 12-14. This grouped repaired fenceline# washed hundreds of windows# cleaned and oiled shutters. As a reward for good work# RM Clark took the groups on a tour of the island. This type of activity is predicted to be a very popular event in the future. Gives us a chance to get some extra work completed and gives those willing to do the work# a chance to see this jewel of a refuge. 4. Volunteer Program Jamie Rappaport# Administrator for the Dept. of Army's Fish & Wildlife Program., volunteered on several occasions. Jamie assisted in conducting beach and marsh surveys# typing reports# and serving as a goodwill ambassador for the refuge. Jamie did such a good job for the refuge# she even volunteered to marry RM Clark (See J.2>. Aransas Volunteer Jim Wells spent a few days in October on the island helping BT Karges take Robel Pole readings and photo points. Volunteer Bernard Shady reported to the island on November 16. After spending a week on the island# he pulled a back muscle and left the island. Barny decided to spend the rest of his time at Aransas. We appreciated his willingness to help us over here. Dr. Wayne McAlister and his wife Martha visited the island on numerous occasions. We certainly appreciate these two troraping through the grasslands and marshes# collecting plants# observing wildlife activity# etc. Wayne plans to map the vegetational communities on the southside for us next year. Wayne is Lead Biology Professor at Victoria College in Victoria# Texas. 5. Funding The management of MID is a subactivity 6. Safety The island staff inventoried safety equipment available on the island and subsequent procurements of safety equipment were made. The staff also inspected the compound for existing and potential safety hazards. Many of the facilities on the refuge are outdated# "gerry- rigged"# etc. Add in the everyday possibility of running into the island's rattlesnake population and well# you get the idea. Safety is emphasized quite a bit. Extreme care is taken to avoid heat stress and exhaustion during the hot summer months. 12 All vehicles were equipped with first aid kits, flashlights, and fire extinguishers. A first aid station was established and equipped at the clubhouse. The refuge's Mon Arch boat was furnished with FFDs, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit. Smoke detectors were installed throughout the clubhouse, pilot house, ranch house, and the manager's residence. No lost-time accidents or injuries occurred this year. The opportunities are here, but we watch out for each other. Another safety precaution taken seriously is knowing the whereabouts of everyone, even during nonworking hours. All visitors are briefed on safety precautions and location of first aid supplies. All visitors must report to the Refuge Manager their estimated time of arrival and departure and planned activities. MW Harris and BT Karges placed reflectors on the pilings in Mesquite Bay. In case of an emergency we may have to boat over to the mainland at night; these reflectors will certainly make our navigation easier. RM Clark, MW Harris, and Clubhouse Mgr. Richards attended a first aid training course at Aransas on June 6. The course was held in conjunction with YCC training. RM Clark prepared a hurricane evacuation plan for the refuge. An inspection was made of the propane valves and hookups at each facility. Twenty-seven safety problems were found with above ground hookups, valves, etc. New materials were procured and we replaced the old valves. As soon as the above ground problems are corrected, the propane lines will be tested for below ground leaks. One visitor to the refuge received a "stinging" welcome to the island on the August 27. While surf fishing, the individual stepped a little too close to a sting ray. The visitor was brought to the clubhouse where RM Clark and a few other concerned citizens applied first aid. Luckily, the ray left his mark only, no barb or sheath. Vol. Wells received a jab from a stingray on October 14. To make matters worst, John failed to tell anyone where he was going and after the ray introduced himself, John was forced to walk or rather, limp back to the headquarters...about 2 miles from where he was injured. Once John arrived, exhausted and dehydrated, RM Clark immediately applied first aid and had John drink several glasses of water. Lucky for John that the barb did not breakoff and become imbedded into the wound. John was transported back to the mainland that afternoon and spent the next few days recuperating. For those of you unfamiliar with treating sting ray jabs, do not even attempt to pull the barb or sheath out of the wound. Wash the wound in sea water, then place the wound in hot water, as hot as the individual can stand it. Removal of the barb or sheath requires medical expertise, so plan on transporting the victim to the hospital. A tetanus shot is also recommended. 13 Hurricane Gilbert kept everyone on the island watching and waiting. Finally on September 14th/ the refuge began evacuation procedures. The barge was dispatched the same day to move equipment and personal possessions to the mainland. The barge left the island the next morning and refuge staff drove the packed vehicles to Aransas NWR to wait out the storm. All refuge personnel left with the barge. We also brought over some vehicles for the TPWD personnel on the north side. After the storm's passing, the barge was brought back over to the island on the September 20 and all the gear was unloaded, unpacked, and put back in their respective positions. I would like to personally commend BT Karges and MW Harris for their untiring efforts in preparing and implementing evacuation procedures for the refuge. Both Chad and Mickey went the extra mile to secure equipment and facilities, pack and load personal possessions, and ensure that the other island staff were evacuated safely. In addition to taking care of their own possessions, Chad and Mickey packed my valuables (I was on annual leave in Virginia and recovering from foot surgery) and ensured that TNC staff secured TNC property. For Chad, the packing exercise ran way into the night. After the storm's passing, Mickey took it upon himself to boat over to the island and stay there to prevent vandalism. Mickey boated over on the weekend and stayed until RM Clark and BT Karges returned. Special recognition also goes to Norman Von Heuvel, TNC barge operator, who also went the extra mile to ensure a safe evacuation. Norman offered assistance to Chad and Mickey in securing equipment for removal off the island. Though the hurricane passed us by, we received invaluable training and experience in evacuation procedures which will help us expedite future moves off the island during times of natural unrest... Type IV PFDs were purchased and installed in the refuge boat fleet. On October 1 RM Clark took a rather nasty spill off his bicycle. An emergency medical team boated over from the mainland to provide assistance while a Coast Guard helicopter landed within an hour of the accident and transported Jim to Corpus Christi. The EMTs initially diagnosed Jim's injuries as a compound fracture of the left elbow and a head concussion. However, once at the hospital, x-rays showed no broken bones or concussion. Jim was treated and released that night. PL Giezentanner and son drove down to Corpus to transport the victim back. Jim spent the weekend and the next week at Brent's house, recovering from his injuries. Office Assistant Louise Frasier and daughter Debbie purchased a third wheel for Jim's bike in hopes of helping him keep his balance. Louise also provided step by step instructions on how to properly ride a bicycle. 14 On October 19 an elderly fisherman was found at the boatdock. The fella had attempted to boat to Cedar Bayou# got lost# and decided to spend the night at the boathouse. We brought him up to the headquarters# gave him a meal and a bed for the night. The next morning he was on his merry way to the Bayou. 7. Technical Assistance With the Nature Conservancy hosting several forays to the island# the refuge staff assisted in setting up a variety of field trips# recommending logistical arrangements# and conducting refuge tours. 8. Other Items The refuge staff is responsible for maintaining liason and monitoring activities of the TPWD personnel on the north side of the island. Many trips were made up north to inspect activities# discuss items of mutual interest# and to maintain a espirit de corps. The refuge also maintains a bunkhouse and generator building on the north side. Tim Shea# Congressional Aide to Rep. Conte# flew over to the refuge on January 8 to take a quick tour of the refuge. Mr. Shea was on a fact finding mission. PL Giezentanner accompanied Mr. Shea on the flight to the island. RM Clark provided a fast tour of the refuge and facilities. F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General Matagorda Island is typical of Gulf coastal barrier islands. From the Gulf Coast across the island to San Antonio Bay# the major physiognomic features are: beach# foredunes# dune ridge# barrier flats (grasslands)# and bayside marshes and tidal flats. Unlike many Gulf coastal barrier islands# Matagorda is characterized by a series of beach ridges and swales incorporated into the barrier flats. Matagorda is in the accretion stage# so each ridge represents the position of a previous shoreline formed during the island's earlier development. From the dune ridges into the barrier flats are many natural depressions and ponds. The salinity regime in these interior wetlands varies from fresh to saline. Some ponds on the island were excavated by the ranch for livestock watering. The refuge has 41 livestock ponds# 15 natural ponds (swales)# and 6 artesian wells. The general vegetation on Matagorda Island is representative of Gulf coastal barrier islands. The foredunes are sparsely vegetated with morning glory# beach tea# and sea oats. The dune ridge is vegetated with marsh hay cordgrass# beach evening primrose# beach croton# sea oats# Gulf dune and brownseed paspalura. The barrier flats contain a variety of floral communities# all within the grassland community complex. Gulf cordgrass forms the climax over much of the island's interior with seacoast bluestem occurring on the more lowland sites. 15 Matagorda's coastline provides wintering habitat for Peregrine falcons and a variety of shorebirds# including the endangered Piping Plover. Debris from the Gulf constantly finds its way to the island's beach. JC An extensive levee system surrounds several wetlands on the refuge (southside). Placement of culverts throughout the levee permits tidal exchange. JC 16 Paspalums and bluestems also form extensive stands in the barrier flats region. Some of the barrier flats were converted to coastal berrauda grass to increase livestock forage. Bayside wetland communities are comprised of smooth cordgrass/ shoregrass/ saltgrass, coastal dropseed# saltwort# and glasswort. Woody species on the island are limited to scattered groves of mesguite# baccharis# salt cedar# McCartney rose# and an occassional yucca. Prickly pear cactus is common throughout the island. No habitat management occurred on MIU this year. Cattle grazing occurs on the north side and TPWD uses prescribed burning to maintain grassland communities on the widlife management area. A fire management plan is being developed prior to initiating prescribed burning on MIU. R-2 Pilot Winship and Coastal Biologist Neaville completed an aerial infrared photography project for the island. The finished product reached our eager hands in March. These photos are a blessing for habitat management planning. Despite the rain from Gilbert# water levels in the livestock ponds stayed below normal. With high tides resulting from Hurrican Gilbert# wetlands within the levee system became full# causing flooding and some undercutting along sections of the levees. The tidal surge from Gilbert did little damage to the beach except to flatten the foredune region and cover the beach access road with sand and debris. MW Harris and BT Karges had no trouble clearing the road. Salt spray from Gilbert caused mesguite# wild indigo# huisache# and yankeeweed to partially or completely turn brown. Even the shrubs on the bayside were affected by salt burn. Dr. Wayne and Martha McAlister came over to the island on the September 21 to do a little more exploring of the refuge. They also used our infra-red aerial photographs to conduct some ground truthing for us. 2. Wetlands MIU has 41 freshwater ponds which were excavated for livestock watering. These wetlands provide habitat for the American alligator and a variety of wading birds and waterfowl. No water level maniuplation occurs on these ponds. The refuge has 15 natural ponds located between the dune ridge and barrier flats with a few along the bayside. No water level manipulation occurs on the tidal wetlands# either on MIU or on the state-owned tidal wetlands. Potential does exist for salt-marsh enhancement on MIU to benefit whooping cranes# waterfowl# shore and wading birds# and marine organisms. 17 Wading birds congregating at an inland wetland. Notice the turkey in the background. JC Wildfire site located just north of Cedar Bayou. The site burned in October# treating about 3 acres. JC 18 The previous owners/ managing for optimum livestock use/ constructed dikes across many of the bayside tidal wetlands bordering the ranch. The intent for all practical purposes was to dry up the low lying tidal guts/ create a freshwater environment/ and increase livestock forage . A lawsuit by the Texas General Land Office The wetlands inside a major portion of the levee system are within the MIU. Two levees are present: one outer levee system bordering Mesguite Bay and an inner levee. The levee system did not help in providing extra livestock forage for the ranch as anticipated/ but wildlife benefitted after culverts were placed along the system/ allowing tidal exchange. The levee system protects many wetlands from airboat disturbance during the waterfowl hunting season. The placement of culverts along the levee permits tidal exchange/ allowing finfish and shellfish to enter and exit nursery and spawning grounds. Finfish found inside the levee include mullet/ flounder/ redfish/ and several forage species. Shellfish include shrimp and blue crab. Southeasterly winds push water outside the levee/ exposing mudflats/ attracting tremendous numbers of shorebirds. With northerly winds prevailing/ the water is pushed back inside the levee with hordes of wading birds converging along the culverts and wetlands to feed on the marine life moving inside. Waterfowl use the wetlands especially during the northerlies. Whooping Cranes are using the wetlands inside both levees. Crane use of these wetlands is anticipated to increase as the population expands. These wetlands are one of the three prime expansion use areas for whooping cranes. With adjacent state-owned marshes receiving heavy/ uncontrolled hunting pressure and increased air boat traffic/ these leveed wetlands become more critical for the cranes. The levee system provides the refuge access for patrolling and conducting wildlife surveys. The system also provides a safe and controlled way for the visiting public to see wildlife. With all these advantages, we plan to maintain the levee system. The refuge initiated a monitoring program to measure salinity/ tidal flow patterns/ water depth/ and wildlife use of the wetlands inside the levee system. Location/ size/ placement/ and condition of the culverts were mapped. We are now determining where additional culverts will enhance tidal exchange/ especially for those wetlands within the inner levee system. In some sections of the inner levee/ only one culvert provides tidal exchange; in others/ the culvert was damaged or destroyed resulting in very little tidal exchange. On the outer levee bordering Mesquite Bay/ some large breaks are present. 19 Though the breaks are allowing adequate tidal exchange/ they are large enough to allow unrestricted airboat activity inside the levee. Placement of new culverts inside these breaks will continue allowing adequate water exchange and at the same time prevent airboats from entering. Any work on the outer levee will require cooperation from the state. BT Karges established 25 sampling stations to measure salinity on wetlands outside the levee# inside the outer levee# and inside the inner levee. Chad also measured salinity on the livestock and natural ponds. As a comparison with seawater# which is about 35ppt# here's a breakdown on the summer salinities: Gulf of Mexico: 33-41 ppt Mesguite Bay: 27-45 ppt Outer Levee: 36-46 ppt Inner Levee; 40-86 ppt Ponds: 00-09 ppt This year's drought increased salinity levels throughout the island's wetlands. As expected# salinity is higher for those wetlands within the inner levee where tidal exchange decreases# thus concentrating salinity. We just started our monitoring program# so by next year we will have a better picture on how best to manage these wetlands to provide quality wildlife habitat. 5. Grasslands TPWD uses prescribed burning to manage grasslands on the island's north side. Grazing is also permitted on the north side (See H.7). The Wynne property was grazed during private ownership# but after acquisition of the ranch by TNC# cattle were removed in April 1987. Use of prescribed burning on MIU will be a prime habitat management tool. Prescribed burning on the north side attracts a variety of wildlife including sandhill cranes# Canada geese# shorebirds# raptors# and white-tailed deer. The refuge is developing a fire management plan and a prescribed burn plan. Dr. David Diamond# Community Ecologist for the Texas Natural Heritage Program# TPWD# was invited to spend a few days exploring the refuge. Dave came over on July 29 and spent considerable time with RM Clark hiking and observing the refuge's plant communities. Dave spent some time on the northside# meeting with other TPWD personnel# observing their habitat management program# and reviewing the state's vegetation monitoring program. Dr. Diamond prepared a trip report conveying his thoughts about the refuge's management objectives. In essence# Dr. Diamond supports the concepts that MIU will encompass. In Dr. Diamond's view, the grasslands on Matagorda Island do not need to be grazed; such communities on barrier islands evolved without grazing. Other processes such as fire# drought# salt spray# and storms dictated distribution and compost it ion of the island's plant communities. 20 Additionally/ the sandy and saline soils restrict what can survive out here. Four of the seven major North American grasslands evolved without grazing by large herbivores# barrier islands being one of those four. Dr. Diamond recognizes that Matagorda Island provides an opportunity to manage a relatively entact and remote ecosystem. A full year of vegetation monitoring on the refuge is complete. Forty- two photo-point/Robe1 pole sites were surveyed on a quarterly basis. Plant clippings were also collected at randomly picked sites representing each of the five refuge habitat types (dunes# interdunes# uplands# lowlands# marsh). All but the marsh type changed in vertical density. The overall trend showed an increase in grasses, primarily Paspalum sp.# while a decrease occurred in pioneer species such as partridge pea# croton# and broomweed. Primary species in the interdune and upland sites are now paspaluras# bluesteras# and cordgrass. Seventy-one percent of the upland sites and 100 percent of the interdune sites displayed vertical density reduction due to the, decrease of pioneer species. An increase in vertical density occurred in 75 percent of the dune sites. The stablized dune areas continue to be comprised of sea oats and paspalum; few weedy species occurred in this area anyway. The lowland region showed both increases and decreases in vertical density; species such as coffee senna declined while mistflower showed an increase. The lowlands still continue to be comprised of paspalum# cordgrass# and coastal berrauda grass. Marsh areas showed little or no change. This was expected. Dominant species in the marsh sites include cordgrass# saltgrass# shoregrass# glasswort# and saltwort. BT Karges also established survey sites within mesguite# groundsel# and spiny aster communities. Individual plants within each community are becoming larger# but there is no evidence of the communities increasing. Mesguite communities are confined to soil types formed by emergent tidal delta or washover deposits on the bayside. Groundsel is not restricted to any particular type. Spiny aster is restricted to a few low depressions. At this time we can conclude these three communities pose no threat in "overrunning" the island. 6. Other Habitats Matagorda Island has 3#325 acres of Gulf beach shoreline. On MISPWMA# these state lands extend from mean high tide to 1000 feet offshore. The Matagorda Island Cooperative Management Agreement places these lands under additional protection of refuge regulations. No active management of the shoreline occurs except for enforcing trespass regulations# patrolling for hazardous materials and illegal drugs# and conducting widlife surveys. Separating Matagorda Island from San Jose Island is Cedar Bayou# a natural tidal passage about 3 miles long and 200 feet wide. When open# the Bayou provides a water exchange point between the Gulf of Mexico and the San Antonio Bay system. Cedar Bayou also provides a free-flowing waterway for marine life such as post larval and juvenile shrimp# blue crab# and several finfish species to migrate to nursery grounds within San Antonio and Mesguite Bays. These marine organisms are prime food resources for many species of estuarine wildlife# including the whooping crane. 21 A look at effects of grazing on a barrier island: To the fk^ht of the fence where grazing occurred/ sunflowers and other early successional species thrived. The side depicts how the dune ridge community appears without artificial disturbance. CK IH The same area a year later with no cattle grazing on either side. The area to the right of the fenceline is converting back to a sea oats/paspulum community. CK 22 During the cattle grazing days/ large areas of the barrier flats community were composed of silver-leaf sunflower# partridge pea# and other pioneering forb species. CK Without grazing# the barrier flats community is reverting back to typical barrier island scenario. Here# senecio and yankeeweed predominates. This community will eventually convert to a barrier island grassland. CK 23 This a typical barrier flat scene with bluestems/ paspaluras, and a little croton# sunflower# partridge pea# and coffee sena thrown in for good measure. This scene was photographed about 5 months after the cattle were removed. CK The same scene the following growing season. Grasses predominate with pioneering species such as croton and partridge pea not as prevalent. CK 24 Cedar Bayou has a long history of closures and reopenings. The Bayou was first dredged in 1939 and remained opened until a drought in 1955 caused a closure. Dredging occurred again in 1956 and 1959. In 1979 TPWD closed the channel to prevent the Mexican Ixtoc I oil spill from entering the San Antonio Bay system. High tides caused by Hurricane Allen in 1980 reopened the channel# but sand deposition closed the cut in 1985. In January 1985 local citizens formed a task force# "Save Cedar Bayou# Inc.#" to raise funds to reopen Cedar Bayou. Expenses to dredge and remove 300#000 cubic yards of sand was estimated at $465#000. Private donations to the cause amounted to $105#000 while the remaining $365#000 came from Wallop-Breaux funds (through TPWD with assistance by USFWS-Federal Aid). The dredging operation started in summer 1987 and the cut was reopened on September 19# 1987. Since Cedar Bayou is a natural fish passage# a 1940 state law prohibits all boating activity within 2800 feet from the mouth. Designated camping is permitted on the refuge side while ATV use is strictly prohibited. Most public use at Cedar Bayou occurs during the summer weekends with daily numbers ranging anywhere from 6 to 60 visitors. Most public use activity is fishing. Some camping occurs on Matagorda# but most campers prefer pitching their tents on the San Jose side. Public use drops dramatically by November. The only access to Cedar Bayou is by boat. As expected# the cut is moving in a southerly direction. The refuge side is accreting land at the mouth# but is losing ground at the channel's entrance. The cut attracts a variety of shore and wading birds. Brown and white pelicans# double-crested cormorants# American avocets# sanderlings# ruddy turnstones# semipalmated# snowy# piping# and black-bellied plovers# dunlins# willets# long-billed curlews# Caspian# royal# and Forester's terns# and great blue herons frequent the site# especially during low tide when the mouth of the cut becomes a huge exposed sandflat. Not only are birds attracted to the cut# but the U.S. Customs Service notified the refuge that the channel is now used as an exchange point for drug trafficing. On the refuge side Customs agents found a flare pole used to signal offshore boats. Once the "coast" is clear# the runners signal the boat in the Gulf via the flare tube. Most drug activity occurs at night during the winter when recreational fishing at the Bayou is practically nonexistent. 7. Grazing Cattle grazing on Matagorda Island is presently permitted on MISPWMA. Prior to acqusition by TNC# the Wynne Ranch was managed and operated as a cattle ranch (Star Brand). All livestock were removed by April 22, 1987. 25 An aerial view of Cedar Bayou in March 1988. Matagorda Island is the to the right of the cut# San Jose Island to the left. JC A view of Cedar Bayou after Hurricane Gilbert passed through in September. A tidal delta formed just inside the cut and the inlet continues to decrease in size. JC 26 Photo points were established to monitor response of the upland vegetation following removal of cattle from the Wynne Ranch Grazing on MISPWHA is conducted under one permit. The grazing permittee/ a previous landowner on the island prior to the Air Force ownership/ grazes cattle on 9/924 acres within a two pasture setup. The grazing plan allows 583 animal units. RM Clark attended a pre-grazing permit meeting at Port O'Connor on May 25. Joe Hawes/ the present grazing permittee/ and several relatives met with USFWS/ TPWD/ and GLO personnel about grazing program. Representing USFWS were Zone Supervisor Bill Hawthorne and PL Giezentanner; for TPWD: Bobby Alexander, Don Frells, Dennis Brown; and GLO: Hal Irby. Also in attendance was State Senator Ken Armbrister. Mr. Hawes brought a few relatives and a friend who videotaped the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the permit requirements with Mr. Hawes and to clear up any questions about the grazing program. Mr. Hawes permit was renewed for 1988/ however, he was informed that the island's grazing program will be evaluated during the upcoming MISPWMA 5 year plan revision. There is a possibility that the cattle may be removed or at least a new grazing method may be instituted. The grazing permittee's cattle were tested by animal health officials in 1988. Six cattle were branded "suspect" with Bang's disease < Brucellosis). MIU received ghosts from the past after Gilbert passed through in September. Cattle from the north moved down the beach to avoid the onslaught of mosquitos and by the September 26, 25 had taken up residence at Pasture 5. On the 28th/ these bovines arrived at the refuge headquarters. RM Clark and BT Karges were able to confine 17 within a holding pasture. The grazing leasee was notified and by the 29th/ the cattle were removed. 9. Fire Management The refuge had its first wildfire on October 31st; the site wasn't discovered until November 15. A major thunderstorm hit the island that day and from all appearances, a single lightning bolt got the blaze going. The fire treated about 3 acres. Sandhill cranes, mourning doves, and white-tailed deer are using the area. The area is recovering very rapidly. BT Karges established a photo point on the site. 12. Wilderness and Special Areas In 1984 the 5-year management plan for MISPWMA established two conservation areas; a 2100 acre site encompassing a two mile managed beach and the lighthouse interpretive area, and an 1800 acre site between the old Wynne grazing lease and the existing grazing permittee's lease. The objectives of these areas are to restore the island's natural communities to conditions prior to colonial settlement and provide a baseline to evaluate management actions on other areas. 27 State's attempt to control Coastal Bermuda Grass by continually disking the area. However# Coastal Bermuda thrives in disturbed sites# including disked areas. Two other non-native species in this photo are McCartney Rose and cattle. JC •4^ Though simple in structure# the island exemplifies diversity and abundance in its wildlife resources. Here# a variety of shore and wading birds converge on a tidal wetland in late August to partake in some culinary delights. JC 28 G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity The island's combination of coastline/ barrier flats# and tidal marshlands provides the medium for a tremendous abundance and diversity of wildlife. 2. Endangered and Threatened Species Twenty state and/or federally listed endangered and threatened species use Matagorda Island during some time of their life cycle. Whooping Crane Use of Matagorda Island by wintering whooping cranes is well-known end documented. See Aransas NWR 1988 ANR for a discussion on crane use of the island. A few notes from our ground surveys; Whooper activity on the island occurs primarily between Twin Lakes south to Shell Reef Bayou. Crane activity on the MIU occurs primarily between Little Brundrett Lake north to Cottonwood Bayou. During the acquisition phase# TNC agreed not to permit hunting along Shell Reef and Cottonwood Bayous. Waterfowl hunting and airboating still occur within state marshes bordering the refuge. Wetlands which are hunted during the waterfowl season are not frequented by the cranes. During breaks in the season or at the end of the season# cranes will start using those wetlands again. Increasing use of airboats by waterfowl hunters on the island's wetlands are not only disturbing cranes# but providing undo stress to the island's wintering waterfowl population. Appears that with increase in airboat traffic# the waterfowl can't find a nice# secluded wetland to rest. Discussions are underway to remedy this problem. One whooping crane pair was observed inside the state wetlands where intensive waterfowl hunting occurred. No hunting was occurring at the time. The pair was seen by RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport on February 19. This is the first time this year that cranes were seen in these marshes. The island's whooping cranes were headed north by mid-April. BT Karges conducted his last whooper survey on April 13. He located 22 cranes. That was the last time we saw them on the island. The first island whooping cranes to arrive during the 1988 fall were seen by Pilot Winship and Bio. Neaville on October 26; two pairs at Shell Reef Bayou. An aerial survey on the 27th by Winship and Bio. Stehn found three pairs between Panther Point and Shell Reef Bayou. An aerial survey of Matagorda Island by Bio, Stehn on November 29 revealed the presence of 25 whooping cranes (includes two chicks). Prime use activity for the cranes is still between the Twin Lakes area on the island's north side to just north of Pump Three on the south side. On November 22 RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport observed one crane family on Roost Lake# 1% miles south of the refuge headquarters. 29 Three aerial surveys for whooping cranes were made by Bio. Stehn in December. On the 5th Tom counted 26 (2 chicks)/ on the 13th 25 C2 chicks) were seen/ and on the 27th Tom observed 27 <2 chicks). All the cranes were located from Cedar Point south to the Pump 3 area. Peregrine Falcon The peregrine frequents the island's coastline during the autumn migration. Pergrines are seen throughout the winter. While conducting a beach survey on November 5 BT Karges was able to get close enough to a peregrine falcon to read the numbers on the bands around the bird's legs (The numbers; Left leg: Aluminum band # 36-21989; Right leg; Black band # Y604). The falcon/ dining on a mourning dove/ was rather oblivious to Chad. Brown Pelican Brown pelicans/ an everyday sight during the summer months on Matagorda/ feed and rest along the island's coastline and the shallows bordering the bayside marshes. Rarely are they seen within the bayside marshes. The new cut at Cedar Bayou has certainly caught the pelican's fancy. Up to 50 can be seen at Cedar Bayou during the summer months. Brown pelican surveys were conducted five times in July. The low count was 20 on the 17th; the high/ 132 (82 at Cedar Bayou) on the 28th. The other counts were 73 (52 at Cedar Bayou) on the Ist, 71 on the 23rd/ and 87 on 31st. On August 28 BT Karges counted 60 brown pelicans along the beach. About half were at Cedar Bayou. Beach surveys by BT Karges on October 9th/ 15th/ and 30th found 96/ 101/ and 87 brown pelicans/ respectively. Panther Point is a favorite resting area for the pelicans; up to 75 can be seen there. On Dec. 5 RM Clark counted 85 brown pelicans along the island's southern 14 miles of coastline. BT Karges counted 47 on Dec. 10 and only 4 on Dec. 17 along the lower 9 miles. Piping Plover Matagorda's beachfront and bayside marshes provide important wintering habitat for this bird. Surveys conducted along the beach and bayside document plover numbers and habitat used by these diminutive birds. Following are some of our observations; Piping Plovers were not seen very often in January. RM Clark counted 8 on a 10 mile stretch of beach on the 8th. On the 14th RM Clark counted 14; most feeding on the sand flats at Cedar Bayou. 30 On January 22 RM Clark counted 22 Piping Plovers feeding at Cedar Bayou during low tide. Along with the pipings were 3 snowy plovers# 147 sanderlings# 23 dunlins# 11 black-bellied plovers# and 150 American avocets. Janice Nicholls# graduate student at Auburn University# spent two days in March surveying the island's coastline for piping plovers. Janice is conducting a survey of piping plover wintering habitat along the Gulf coast for USFWS. A survey of the north side beaches on the March 1 tallied no piping plovers. Her survey of the south side on the 2nd resulted in 46 piping plovers# all at Cedar Bayou. Janice also observed 23 snowy# 3 Wilson's# and 2 semi-palmated plovers at the same location. The new cut provides a feeding site for these shorebirds. Janice also observed piping plovers roosting within the foredunes at the Bayou. Janice sent a copy of her final report to the refuge. Her findings; The survey found 1508 piping plovers along the Gulf Coast: the highest percentage of wintering piping plovers occurred in Texas <834 birds# 55.5% of total). The Gulf Coast population represented 56% of the estimated Interior Plains population and 34% of the total breeding population. Over 63% of piping plover sightings in Texas were on barrier islands# with the highest concentrations occurring along sandflats adjacent to inlets# such as Cedar Bayou. The 46 piping plovers Janice counted on Matagorda represented 5.4% of the Texas sightings. By using a site ranking system# Matagorda rated as excellent piping plover wintering habitat. Janice also found 146 piping plovers on San Jose Island. A few nonbreeding piping plovers as well as other nonbreeding shorebirds remain on Matagorda during the summer. Wintering piping plovers start appearing in August. On August 6 BT Karges counted 6 piping plovers on the beach. Chad also saw 3 piping plovers near the maintenance shop on September 8 and on the 11th# he counted 40 piping plovers on the beach. TPWD Biologists surveyed the bayside marshes on the northside in October for piping plovers and came up with 65. On October 10th RM Clark counted 35 piping plovers# 1 snowy plover# and 1 seraipalmated plover on the beach from the access road to Cedar Bayou# about 4.5 miles. A beach survey on the 28th by RM Clark found 95 piping plovers# 107 snowy plovers# 10 semipalmated plovers# 1 red knot and 8 oystercatchers. The survey covered the lower 9 miles of the island, from Pasture 6 to Cedar Bayou. Jim also saw hundreds of sanderlings and willets# 3 peregrine falcons# and a few long-billed curlews. TPWD Bio. Dave Mabei visited the refuge on November 17. Dave is surveying the bayside marshes for piping plovers and he met with RM Clark to discuss the refuge's plover surveys. Jim and Dave toured the bayside marshes on the side south. On one marsh within the levee system# the guys saw 4 piping plovers. 31 A beach survey on the November 23 by RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport found only 4 piping plovers on the island's lower 9 miles of coastline. As can be seen from the above docuraentation^ piping plover numbers vary, sometimes daily. Periods of low tide and mild temperatures usually means the plovers will be on the beachfront, while strong northerly winds, cold temperatures and heavy rains will move the birds away from the beach and into the bayside marshes. In severe winter weather, the birds may move farther south along the Texas coast. RM Clark attended the Piping Plover Great Lakes/Northern Great Plains Recovery Team meeting at Port Aransas, Texas, January 27. Jim also gave a presentation of piping plover activity on MIG. On the 28th, the recovery team toured the refuge to observed plover habitat. RM Clark served as tour leader. The team recognized the importance of the island as critical wintering habitat for the plover. TPWD personnel from the northside attended the refuge tour to gain a better understanding and awareness of not only piping plover ecology, but barrier island ecology as well. Eskimo Curlew TPWD personnel Dennis Brown and Bobby Alexander sighted three curlew like birds at the MIU boundary fence on April 10. They watched the birds for a while and decided the birds were not long-billed curlews. Though not positive about the identification, Dennis was rather certain the birds were Eskimo curlews. RM Clark was notified by Dennis about the sightings. On the 15th, while leading a birding tour in the area, Clark observed the three birds at the same location. Long-billed curlews were definitely ruled out. A few looks were made before the birds flushed. Early the next morning <17th) Clark went back up to the site to get a better observation. This time six birds fed along the roadside. Later in the day Clark was able to see the birds again. The thickness of the bill and strong facial markings suggested the birds were whimbrels. If Eskimo curlews are to be seen along the Texas Coast, Matagorda Island is probably one of the prime spots to see them. Sea Turtles Beach surveys are conducted twice a month along the lower 9 miles to record sea turtle strandings. The refuge is participating in the National Marine Fishery Services Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. This survey assesses turtle strandings before, during, and following implementation of regulations requiring use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on shrimp trawlers. The island's central location off the Texas Coast, its extensive shoreline and proximity to a high brown shrimp production area makes Matagorda Island a key element of this program. Sea turtles occurring off the Texas coast include Kemp's ridley, Atlantic hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and green. Observations of sea turtles for 1988 follows: 32 Members of the Great Plains Piping Plover Recovery Team tour the refuge to observe plover wintering habitat. JC. A stranded Loggerhead Turtle. No live sea turtles were found on the refuge in 1988. One live Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle was seen on the state-managed portion of Matagorda. In most cases, turtles become entrapped in shrimper's nets and either drown or are dismembered. JC 33 Eleven dead sea turtles were found on MIU in 1988: January : I Loggerhead (head and flippers cut off) April : 1 Loggerhead/ 2 Kemp*s Ridley/ 3 unknown May : I Loggerhead (right rear flipper severed) June : 1 Loggerhead/ 1 Green November; 1 Green TPWD personnel found 8 loggerhead and 6 Kemp's Ridley sea turtles on the northside. Island total: 25. Little doubt exists about the reasons for the strandings and mutilations: The turtles become entrapped in shrimper's nets and either drown or are dismembered to free them from the nets. Considerable interest about the turtle strandings on the island resulted in some organizations asking for more information. RM Clark was interviewed by Linda Mariness/ Regional Director for the Center, for Environmental Education/ and Jim Fissot/ Wildlife Specialist for National Audubon Society/ about the strandings. TPWD personnel found a live/ tagged (# NNy-612) Kemp's ridley sea turtle on the northside on June 20. The turtle was released back into the Gulf. This was probably one of the turtles released through the Headstart Program. In August TPWD and National Marine Fisheries personnel found three turtle crawls on the J-Hook/ located on the north side. No eggs were found/ but the news is still exciting nevertheless. All icrator The refuge estimates that at least 20 adult alligators live on the south side; TPWD estimates 9 gators for the MISPWMA. BT Karges charted movements of the refuge's alligator population. Chad identified 18 adult alligators of at least 3 feet in length. The largest gator is estimated at 11'5''. Twelve gators are using more than one pond in their daily routines/ while 6 are sticking to one impoundment. No more than 3 ponds are used by any individual. Distance between the ponds is usually less than J-i mile/ but a few gators move as far as 3 miles to reach a certain pond. Chad suspects one gator moves between Matagorda and San Jose Island via Cedar Bayou. Some production occurs on the refuge. In 1987 one female hatched 18 young in a 5'x6' watering hole. By June 1988 only 7 young remain in that wetland. A nest in Pasture 4 produced at least 10 young in 1988. 34 An island gator nest. CK This female hatched 19 young. She was rather protective of her youngsters. JC 35 State Listed Species Several species listed as threatened and endangered by the state/ but not by USFWS occur on Matagorda Island: reddish egret# wood stork# white-faced ibis# white-tailed hawk# and horned lizard. All of these species can be seen on the island with some regularity. Other state listed T&E species that may occur on Matagorda during migration include American swallow-tailed kite and sooty tern. 3. Waterfowl Matagorda's bayside marshes provide excellent habitat for thousands of wintering waterfowl. R-2 Pilot Winship and Coastal Bio. Neaville flew monthly aerial surveys to census the island's wintering waterfowl. Prime wintering species include gadwall# pintail# green-winged teal# wigeon, shoveler# and redhead. Also found in lesser numbers are lesser scaup# ruddy ducks# bufflehead, and common goldeneye. Ring-, necked ducks# canvasbacks# red-breasted and hooded mergansers usually number less than a hundred during the counts. Mottled ducks occur on the island throughout the year. A small population breeds on the island and during the fall and winter# mottled duck numbers increase. The refuge initiated a mottled duck breeding and brood production survey in 1988. A 19 mile transect along the levee system was surveyed weekly to determine optimal nesting period and estimate indicated breeding pairs. The refuge's livestock ponds and freshwater wetlands within the gulf dune community were surveyed every two weeks. The highest number of ducks observed were on the saltraarsh and tidal flats along the levee. Livestock ponds were second in observations followed by the freshwater wetlands within the dune-ridge community. Duck numbers ranged from 56-145 along the levee system# 45- 184 on the livestock ponds# and 6-29 on the dune wetlands. The only brood seen was on June 15. Our best estimate is that the refuge's resident mottled duck population is about 250. Wintering waterfowl surveys conducted by Pil. Winship and Bio. Neaville in 1988 estimated the island's wintering duck population at 40,649 in January# 47,045 in February# and 13,256 in March. The 1988 fall counts estimated 2058 in September# 27,435 in October# 34,795 in November# and 66,444 in December. The table on the following page shows the estimated wintering population for selected species on Matagorda since 1987. 4. Marsh and Water Birds Matagorda is a prime feeding and resting site for marsh and wading birds. The levee system on MID provides another attraction to this group; The exposed mud flats during low tide and drying periods serve as additional feeding sites. Matagorda serves as wintering habitat for the sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes start arriving on Matagorda in mid-September and by mid-March the cranes head back north. In 1988 the first sandhill cranes appeared on September 11th. 36 MATAGORDA ISLAND WATERFOWL SURVEY RESULTS SPECIES GADWL PINTL GWTEL BWTEL WIDGN SHOVL REDHED DATE 1986 Oct 33 1754 225 1345 1058 112 2797 Nov 3655 8109 5653 45 3099 1914 73499 Dec 105 150 405 50 152 305 5285 1987 Jan 895 8976 5781 74 414 985 6915 Feb 1231 74 613 240 607 924 13332 Mar 1100 0 786 669 449 1021 0 Oct 27A8 2241 1013 63 7007 99 2030 Nov 3887 5294 990 35 4324 481 5456 Dec 9443 19117 850 46 10008 122 18344 1988 Jan 9027 7515 3840 21 3050 1651 12619 Feb 3208 9139 1733 69 1578 503 28882 Mar 2780 871 3045 661 893 1765 115 Oct 827 2324 174 15 920 80 22895 Nov 183 6269 490 4 1905 202 25190 Dec 285 21009 110 0 545 33 43774 37 MATAGORDA ISLAND WATERFOWL SURVEY RESULTS SPECIES RGNC LSSC BUFF RUDY MOTTLD UNID DCK DATE 1986 Oct 0 0 0 0 83 176 Nov 0 214 96 15 80 1314 Dec 45 35 109 15 55 47 1987 Jan 136 568 150 14 138 454 Feb 4058 9774 147 93 121 390 Mar 6949 92 374 95 191 Oct 0 0 0 0 210 87 Nov 0 527 185 240 298 1069 Dec 12 285 266 645 463 1406 1988 Jan 14 1194 90 60 193 863 Feb 0 614 216 155 212 690 Mar 0 1125 143 800 273 661 Oct 0 0 0 0 54 146 Nov 0 18 15 0 283 231 Dec 0 144 38 2 427 46 38 The Horned Toad is a rare site in most of Texas now, but on the island this lizard is very common. This species is listed on the state's T&E species list. JC I The Reddish Egret is also on the state's T&E list. This gorgeous bird is very common on the island. JC 39 Over 30#OOO Redheads winter along the island's bayside wetlands between Pringle Lake and Cedar Point. JC Several thousand dabbler species# such as Pintail# Widgeon# Gadwall# Shoveler# and Green-winged Teal winter on Matagorda Island. JC 40 Two major roosting sites for the refuge's sandhill cranes were located in 1988. We are now aware of three major sandhill crane roosting areas for the refuge. The first# Roost Lake# is located just south of the headquarters. This roost is a tidal lake bordered by a levee. Over 100 cranes have been counted flying to Roost Lake in the evening. On November 21 RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport counted 110 sandhills flying to Roost Lake. This particular flock spends the day feeding and resting behind the Refuge Manager's residence. The second roost site is located north of the headquarters# near Pump 2. Approximately 30 cranes use this site. The third site is located east of headquarters at the head of Stilt Flats. Up to 200 cranes use this area. A few crane flocks# numbering no more than 6 in each group# are roosting in Pastures 5 & 6. These cranes do not use a central roosting site# preferring instead to roost throughout the bayside wetlands. For the three major roosting sites# the locations are tied directly to the proximity of the crane's diurnal activity sites. White pelicans occur on Matagorda throughout the year# but the fall brings hundreds to the island. Up to 100 in one flock can be observed gliding over the marshes and barrier flats. Several flocks can be seen at Cedar Bayou# feeding on the culinary delights brought from the Gulf. Pied-billed grebes winter on Matagorda Island. We have counted several hundred inside the levee system# especially on Little and Big Brundrett Lakes. Eared grebes winter offshore. Double-crested cormorants fly to the island by the thousands during the fall and winter# resting along the island's shoreline before going out into the Gulf to feed. Matagorda plays host to all wading bird species found in Texas# including great blue# little blue# tri-colored# green-backed, black- crowned and yellow-crowned night herons# great# snowy# cattle# and reddish egrets# roseate spoonbill# woodstork# white-faced and white ibis. Very little nesting occurs on Matagorda# instead the birds use the smaller islands on the bayside to rear their young. Matagorda serves as a foraging and resting area. Seasonal occurrence and abundance varies with each species. Between June and September up to 200 wood storks summer along the bayside wetlands on MIU. These birds are post-breeders and young of the year that migrate from their nesting grounds in central and southern Mexico to summer on Matagorda. 5. Shorebirds# Gulls# Terns# and Allied Species Matagorda is a shorebird delight with every plant community playing host to at least one representative of this group. The bayside marshes# tidal flats# and the Gulf coast beachfront provide outstanding resting and refueling stops for many resident and migrant shorebird species. 41 •T m im The island plays host to 16 species of wading birds. The island is important to these birds as a feeding and resting site. Most nesting occurs on the smaller islands off the island's bayside. Here, hordes of Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, and Great Egrets feed on fish and shrimp migrating through the refuge's levee system. JC Over 170 post-breeding and immature Wood Storks summer on the refuge. This bird is also on the state's T&E species list. JC 42 Year-round shorebird residents include snowy# Wilson's# and black- bellied plover# killdeer# long-billed curlew# willet# American oystercatcher# and American avocet. A few nonbreeding sanderlings frequent the beach during the summer. Black-necked stilts and an occasional American avocet nest throughout the tidal flats during summer. The spring migration of shorebirds is spectacular. Thousands upon thousands of plovers# phalaropes# and "peeps" converge on the mudflats and shoreline of Matagorda# gathering that one more morsel of caloric sustenance before departing toward their artic breeding haunts. On March 8 RM Clark and BT Karges estimated at least 10#000 shorebirds resting and feeding on Shorebird Marsh. This massive grouping included long-billed dowitchers# pectoral sandpipers# dunlins# western sandpipers# snowy, piping# and black-bellied plovers. Other shorebird species occurring in lesser numbers during the spring migration include marbled godwit# white-ruraped and baird's sandpiper. The fall shorebird migration becomes obvious in mid-July when flock's of long-billed dowitchers# dunlins# greater and lesser yellowlegs are seen feeding along the tidal flats. Sander lings start congregating along the Gulf coast. In August other sandpipers stop on the island for some R and R: least# western# and pectoral sandpipers# marbled godwits# and American avocets. Except for the pectoral sandpiper# the others are seen throughout fall and early winter. Other shorebirds seen on the south side include red knot# buff-breasted and stilt sandpiper. Piping plovers are seen frequently along the beach during fall and winter (See G.2). In the tern family# Forster's terns takes the lead during the fall and winter months. Summer residents include Forster's# least# gull- billed# sandwich# and black tern. Sandwich terns occur in lesser numbers during the winter while the other three move south. Year- round tern species are the royal and Caspian. The laughing gull is the most common gull species with the ring-billed and herring gulls common during the winter. Franklin's and Bonaparte's gulls are also seen on the island during the winter. Black skimmers are common during summer and early fall. Over 200 skimmers use an exposed mudflat along Shorebird Marsh as a resting site. A group of black skimmers has continually attempted to nest on the J- Hook area on the island's northside, but little effort has been made by TPWD to protect the colony from disturbance at this popular day use and camping area. The first flock of fall migrant shorebirds was seen July 4# a group of 20 long-billed dowitchers. Flocks of long-billed curlews started reappearing in early July. Other shorebirds began congregating on the bayside marshes by mid-July. On July 27 RM Clark estimated a thousand shorebirds feeding on Shorebird Marsh. Seraipalmated plovers# lesser yellowlegs# long-billed dowitchers# and western sandpipers were the primary species feeding on the tidal flats. On July 31 RM Clark observed several hundred least sandpipers feeding along the bayside marshes. A flock of 200 black terns were also resting on a mudflat at Shorebird Marsh. 43 Just a typical scene from the island: a burst of color from a flock of Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks flying to a favorite feeding spot. JC Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets nest on the island. The Avocet also winters on Matagorda while the Stilt migrates in September to warmer weather. JC 44 The annual shorebird migration became very obvious in August; every available raudflat teems with hundreds of long-billed dowitchers and western sandpipers. Other notables in lesser numbers included long- billed curlews, semi-palmated, snowy, Wilson's, piping, and black- bellied plovers, pectoral and least sandpipers, and an occasional marbled godwit. While driving the levees on August 3, RM Clark saw thousands of shorebirds congregating and feeding at Shorebird Marsh. On one mudflat, Jim counted over 50 black skimmers, 200+ black terns, 10 piping plovers; the remaining sections of the marsh was alive with a variety of shorebird species. Add the hundreds of wading birds to the scene and you have quite a beautiful sight. On August 14 RM Clark found a snowy plover nest which had two newly hatched young and one unhatched egg. The nest was located on the levee between Shorebird Marsh and Plover Flats. Dr. Wayne McAlister and his wife, Martha, visited the refuge from August 9-11. They attempted to see what little critters our shorebirds are taking from the mudflats. During a trip up north they saw black skimmers, piping plovers, avocets, and least terns frequenting the J-Hook. Dr. McAlister expressed concern about the dogs which are allowed to run loose on the Hook. In fact, the black skimmer nesting colony on the Hook failed to hatch any young again this year. The J-Hook is a popular area for fishing and sunbathing. Flooding of the bayside wetlands after Hurricane Gilbert in September moved the shorebird concentrations away from the island. By October, the water level receded, exposing mudflats and attracting the shorebirds back to the island's bayside marshes. 6. Raptors Resident raptor species include the turkey and black vulture, black- shouldered kite, white-tailed and red-tailed hawk ( including Harlan's), and the crested caracara. Barn owls are year-long residents, residing in the refuge's boathouse, maintenance buildings, and hangar. Three barn owl broods were successfully reared on MID in 1988. Peregrine falcons migrate along the island's coastline with a few overwintering (See G.2). Other wintering raptors include northern harrier, merlin, and American kestrel. Female and immature northern harriers appear in early September with adult males arriving in November. An occasional harrier or two will spend the summer on the island. Ospreys were sighted several times during early fall and spring. Wintering short-eared owls arrive in late December while burrowing owls show up in October. Great horned owls were seen on several occasions during the fall. On July 7 Roll in Baker and his wife visited the refuge to collect barn owl pellets for a food habits study they were conducting. By collecting owl pellets along the Texas Coast, Mr. Baker also planned to plot distributions of small mammals along the Texas Coast. Mr. 45 Black Skimmers fly to the refuge daily in search of food. Several hundred also rest along the exposed shorelines on the bayside wetlands in summer. JC A flock of Western Sandpipers take a collective snooze before disembarking on their fall journey south. Matagorda Island serves as an important staging and wintering area for thousands of shorebirds. JC 46 Black-shouldered Kites are year-round residents of the island. JC These young Barn Owls used the refuge's boathouse as home. JC 47 Baker determined the species consumed by the island owls were (number of skulls from the sample are in parenthesis): Hispid cotton rat (268)# fulvous harvest mouse (24)/ marsh rice rat (21)/ least shrew (1), and house mouse (1). 7. Other Migratory Birds Magnificient frigatebirds occur along Matagorda Island throughout the summer. These birds start arriving in May and are often observed resting along the pilings in Mesquite Bay or just soaring along the the island's coastline. On July 29 over 100 frigatebirds soaring over the beach north of the refuge headquarters were observed by RM Clark and a group of wetland ecology students. Common loons were seen in the fall during our boat trips across Mesquite Bay. RM Clark saw one common loon on the Intercostal Waterway on July 8. The spring migration of passerines over Matagorda in 1988 was spectacular. The first migrants started arriving in March and the progression did not subside until late May. Waves upon waves of hummingbirds# thrushes# orioles# buntings and grosbeaks filled just about every shrub. Twenty-eight warbler species were recorded for the refuge in April and May. By completion of this report the refuge bird list totalled 245 species (Island total: 289). RM Clark completed the data forms for the Texas Breeding Bird Atlas. RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport surveyed the island portion of the Aransas Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 28. Sixty-two species and 1587 individuals were counted. 8. Game Mammals The only game mammal on Matagorda is the white-tailed deer. The past grazing practices and predator control program on the southside provided excellent conditions for deer production. BT Karges conducted a roadside deer survey on September 8-9. Covering 25 miles# the survey counted 207 deer; 64 bucks# 120 does# and 28 fawns. The total number is probably not indicative of our population; high vegetation impeded visibility# however# the ratios of buck/does (1:1.9) and does/fawns (1:.23) are representative. 9. Marine Wildlife Bottle-nosed dolphins are often seen feeding adjacent to the boathouse and pier during the summer. On January 28 BT Karges discovered a beached bottle-nosed dolphin. Further inspection by Chad and RM Clark revealed mysterious holes on the dolphin's right side. The holes look like entry and exit holes from a bullet. Photos were taken and the required forms were completed. TPWD personnel found 3 bottlenose dolphins and 2 spinner dolphins stranded on Matagorda Island in 1988. 48 An exhausted Scarlet Tanager takes a rest on Matagorda before moving northward to its summer breeding grounds. Matagorda serves as an important resting and feeding area for thousands of songbirds migrating across the Gulf of Mexcio during spring and fall. JC The Common Nighthawk is one of the few bird species nesting on Matagorda. Less than 40 species nest on the island. JC 49 A young "islander" Common Nighthawk. CK One family camping at Cedar Bayou claimed they saw a small whale swim into the channel and start feeding on the small fish going through the cut. They estimated the whale's length at about 20 feet. The whale stayed inside the channel for about 20 minutes and even swam to within 10 feet of the family's small sailboat. During a late night patrol on July 8 RM Clark observed thousands of fiddler crabs congregating along the road leading to the boathouse. The following morning hundreds of terns/ gulls/ herons, and rails feasted along the roadside. On November 5 BT Karges not only discovered a dead green sea turtle on the beach, but he also found a pygmy sperm whale! The National Marine Fisheries Serivce was notified. On the 7th a NMFS biologist collected the head and confirmed our identification. The whale's head was taken to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Office in Galveston. Skull measurements will help determine the species. The whale measured 7^ feet. Though not extremely rare, the species is not one of the most common mammals to wash ashore. 10. Other Resident Wildlife Two flocks of introduced turkey occur on the southside. Turkey roosts and feeders were placed in the Pastures during the ranch's working days. By year's end the flocks were still seen in Pastures 5 & 6. Past ranching practices were very conducive to quail. Additonally, the ranch provided quail shelters and feeders. Other mammalian species on the island include coyote, badger, raccoon, feral pig, and black-tailed jackrabbit. 11. Fishery Resources Fishery resources along Matagorda Island are truly amazing. The bayside marshes provide excellent nursery grounds for blue crab, brown shrimp, redfish, mullet, and flounder. Oyster beds abound throughout the bayside. 14. Scientific Collection As part of a study on the distribution and abundance of beach fauna on Matagorda, Texas ASM researchers collected beach invertebrates on the refuge Dr. Wayne and Martha McAlister spent May 18-22 hiking the refuge. The McAlisters, authors of the Guidebook to Aransas NWR, are very interested in collecting natural history information about the island. Wayne and Martha spent every waking moment exploring every nook and cranny of the island's south side. No board was left unturned nor plant or insect unidentified. We plan to have them back over to the island to help us with our habitat mapping and to lead some natural history field trips. We can only wish that all refuges could have such dedicated, knowledgeable, and interesting "volunteers" to help add to our biological store of information. 51 This Bottle-nosed Dolphin fell victim to an irrate shrimper. Note the entry and exit bullet holes. The dolphin was most likely entrapped in the shrimper's net. JC A rare sight; A Pymgy Sperm Whale that washed ashore. JC 52 H.PUBLIC USE 1. General The northside of the island/ Matagorda Island State Park & Wildlife Management Area# is open to public visitation. Transportation to the island is not provided by the state; either private boats or charters are used. Once on the island# TPWD occasionally provides shuttle service for those requesting to go to the beach. No scheduled shuttle service is provided except for individuals wishing to hunt. TPWD estimated 19/811 day-use visitors to the northside in 1988. Overnight campers totalled 2/106 and beach-shuttle service was provided for 2/386 visitors. The majority of nonconsumptive users see the island by virtue of the Annual Matagorda Island Adventure (See H. 7). What we can gather is that Parks personnel count all recreational boats along the island's shoreline and multiply that number by 3.4/' whether or not anyone actually docks at the island. The state may also be counting people stopping by the office on the mainland. The southside of the island is closed to the general public except for overnight camping and day-use at Cedar Bayou and official guests of the USFWS and TNC. Listed are some of the guests visiting MIU in 1988: Date Name Af f iliat ion January 8 Tim Shea Congressional Aide to Rep. Silvio Conte 8-10 Andy Sansom plus 12 State Dow Chemical & TNC Senators and State Officials funct ion 24 George Perry Executive Director Bat Conservation Internat ional 28 Piping Plover Recovery Team (8) USFWS 30-31 Charles Schnabel Congressional Aide to Rep. Charles Wilson February 16 Bob Armstrong plus 11 news media TPWD Commissioner representatives March 21-23 Bob Davis Texas State Govt. 31-2Apr. Amy Donovan Smithsonian Books 53 31-1Apr Peg Kobring Minn. Nature Conservancy Director April 27 Mike Spear Regional Director Dick Travis TPWD Exec. Dir. May 5-6 John Humpke Nature Conservancy# Washington Office 14-15 Bill Hawthorne R-2 Associate Manager Jeff Weigel TNC Ken Kramer/ Brandt Mannchen, Sierra Club Scott Royder Cliff Ladd Wildlife Society Janice Bezanson TX. Comm. Nat. Res. Susan Rust TX. 0. End. Species Dede Armentrout N. Audubon Society Linda Hetsel Friends of MI# Inc. Don Frells/ Dennis Brown# TPWD Ron Gallagher# Jim Birmingham David Mabei 25 Columbus Brown Acting ARD, R-2 25-27 Tom Smith# Claude Lard# Jim Neal R-2 Realty Bruce Olmstead Dick Moore# Ron Fowler DSFWS-Realty, WO 30-1 June Chuck Cook Nature Conservancy Tim Hubbard N. C. -Miss. 5. Ala. Fred Annand N.C.- North Carolina George Fenwick N.C.-Virginia June 1-2 Ray Miller# Nathan Kvinge KHOU-TV, Houston 28 Claude Lard R-2 Realty 29-1 July Dr. David Diamond TPWD July 26-29 Tom Smith# Claude Lard R-2 Realty Bill Hawthorne R-2 Assoc. Mgr. Chuck Cook Nature Conservancy August 7-8 Chuck Nash TPWD Commissioner 54 November 1-4 Chuck Nash TPWD Commissioner Jimmy Wynne Grandson of former landowner Chuck Cook Nature Conservancy 28-1 Dec. Mike Spear Regional Director Russel Earnest DRD-R-2 Joe Mazzoni# Tom Smylie# Pat R-2 ARDs Langley# Conrad Fjetland, Roger Abeyta# Jim Young# & George Cross Registered Guests to the refuge for 1988 totalled 563. Ray Miller# producer and host of the Houston's KHOU TV show "Eyes of Texas"# visited the refuge from June 1-2. Ray spent the two days filming wildlife and interviewing RM Clark and Helen Balleu of the Texas Nature Conservancy. Ray produced the program# "Texas Wonders#" which showed six of Ray's favorite wild areas in Texas; one of those being Matagorda Island. The program aired July 4. Chuck Cook# Nature Conservancy's Southern Land Protection Director# met with RM Clark from August 27-28 to develop a public use plan for the USFWS/TNC Agreement. On November 21 Rich Tillman# Marine Extension Agent# met with RM Clark on Matagorda Island to discuss the use of the refuge for the 1989 Texas ASM Marine Awareness Youth Camp. The refuge has offered its assistance to the camp and to help with some of the environmental awareness training for both students and teachers. The camp has been held on the north side in the past# but received little support or encouragement from the state personnel.. 7. Other Interpretive Programs RM Clark made a point to greet all visitors to the south side. Many after-hours and weekends were spent taking refuge guests around the refuge. The annual Matagorda Island Adventure on the north side brought 360 hardy souls to the island in April. Historical and Archaeological tours on the 9th and 10th attracted 200 island visitors. The nature tours on the 16th and 17th brought over 160 diehards. The weather for the second weekend was wet, but that did not dampen the spirits of the island guests. RM Clark led 5 advanced birding tours on the 16th and 17th. With the spring migration and subsequent fallouts# the birding was outstanding. The adventure is sponsored by the Friends of Matagorda Island# Inc.# a nonprofit organization promoting the importance of keeping the island for what it is: a unique and relatively undeveloped barrier island. The adventure was established to provide an opportunity for people to see the island and become aware of its fragile beauty and tememdous natural and historical values. For many people, this is the only means of seeing the island. TPWD assists reluctantly with the program. 55 Refuge Manager Clark is interviewed by Ray Miller of KHOU-TV/ Houston. Ray was filming a show about the natural wonders of Texas. Matagorda Island was one of the five areas showcased on the show. H. Balleu. i MATAGORDA ISLAND UNIT ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Refuge Regulations Apply Camping Permitted This Side of Cedar Bayou Firearms and Motorized Vehicles Prohibited pect the rattlesnake s right to privacy-Don t camp in the Dunes • care in using this area will help assure its continued availability. Pack out what you pack in. Take Pride in America The Aransas County 4-H Club adopted the lower two miles of Matagorda Island as their Texas Beach Cleanup project. The group collected 50 bags of trash during this trip. JC 56 The Aransas County 4-H Club adopted the southern beach of Matagorda Island as part of their beach clean up project. The club made their first beach clean-up on the 23rd. Rich Tillman/ Aransas County Marine Extension Agent/ along with 7 other adults brought over 16 youngsters to not only pick up litter/ but to categorize it. The group spent about three hours picking up 52 bags of trash. RM Clark and BT Karges met the group at Cedar Bayou. After serving the thirsty kids some lemonade/ Jim and Chad helped the group load the bags on the trucks. The kids went with Jim and Chad to unload the trash at the refuge's landfill/ and while at the ranch/ the kids visited Jaws/ our 11^ foot alligator. A good time was had by all; another good example of Take Pride in America. The group will be planning to do more beach cleanups in the future. Cedar Bayou visitation in 1988 was approximately 900. The Bayou is open for fishing/ beachcombing/ and camping. Most activity centers around day-use activity/ primarily fishing. Transportation to the Bayou is provided by the individual, although some air charters now' provide scheduled flights to the cut during the summer. The planes are not allowed to land on Matagorda, but San Jose Island on the other side of the cut is open for such activity. Boy Scout Troop 116, all 3 of them, visited the refuge on June 30. RM Clark took the troop on a tour of the ranch and MW Harris drove the group to the beach for some exploring. On July 29 a Texas ASM graduate wetland ecology class visited the refuge. Two of the most noteworthy students in the class were Ron Bisbee (Brazoria NWR) and Jack Crabtree (San Bernard). The class was taken on a tour of the refuge by RM Clark and BT Karges. While visiting, the instructor. Dr. Jim Webb, was gracious enough to measure salinity values for some of the wetlands within the levee system. The group spent the night and visited the northside the following morning. The class, along with BT Karges, toured the various plant communities on the island and also compared the nongrazing sites to grazed sites. From visual observations, the group did not see any major changes occurring between the grazed areas and those sites where cattle were removed (conservation area). The group did conclude that grazing was promoting some dune erosion and they also felt a proper burning program would be effective in any future shrub control. 8. Hunting Public hunting on the island's uplands is permitted on the north side only. Unrestricted waterfowl hunting within the state's navigable waters along the bayside marshes is open to the general public. Exclusive of the state owned wetlands, no public hunting is allowed on the south side. Upland hunting on the north side includes deer (permit only), quail, dove, and waterfowl. Transportation to the island is not provided by TPWD; however, once on the island, TPWD personnel provides transportation to duck blinds and deer stands. Hunts are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis except for deer hunting which is by permit. 57 Harvest totals for the northside in 1988 were: Species Harvest Quail 436 Waterfowl 190 Dove 619 Deer 38 The number of hunters on the northside in 1988 totalled 315 <1.5% of supposed 1988 island visitation). Hunting on the south end was rather unusual from the USFWS standpoint. An agreement in the lease between USFWS and TNC allowed TNC and their guests to hunt on land still owned in fee by TNC. TNC also reserved hunting rights from November 30# 1988 to February 28# 1989 on the land already transferred to USFWS. Refuge staff provided hunting recommendations. Very little hunting occurred on the refuge in 1988. Instead# the TNC guests were taken to state hunting areas adjacent to the island. Local guides were used to take the groups to selected hunting and fishing spots. TNC guests harvested 49 deer on MIU (TNC land) in 1988. RM Clark and BT Karges assisted in the Aransas archery and firearm deer hunts. The guys operated the check station and conducted patrols. 9. Fishing Fishing is nothing short of outstanding in the waters surrounding Matagorda Island. Prime finfish species are redfish# speckled trout# and flounder. Blue and stone crabs# shrimp# and oysters occur offshore. On the island's northside# the Army Hole is the prime fishing spot# while Cedar Bayou on the island's southern tip provides excellent fishing opportunities. 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Beachcombing is permitted at Cedar Bayou and Matagorda Island State Park. Most of this activity is incidental to fishing. 13. Camping Overnight camping is permitted at Cedar Bayou. No facilities or potable water are available. Though some individuals brave the elements and insects# very little camping occurs at the Bayou. At Matagorda Island State Park on the north side# camping sites are available. TPWD parks personnel reported 2# 106 people camped overnight at the state park in 1988. 58 15. Off-Road Vehiclinq Airboat activity occurs during the hunting season along the island's bayside marshes. Most of this activity is by local guides taking their clients to duckblinds on the bayside wetlands. ORV activity is not permitted on the entire island. 17. Law Enforcement No major law enforcement problems were encountered by the refuge this year. Five state game wardens assigned to Matagorda stay on the island on a round-robin schedule, rotating every 2 or three days. The state game warden contingency on the north side made a few patrols along the Bayou. State game wardens from Rockport also boat over on occasion to check on the fishing and camping acitivities at Cedar Bayou. Frequent patrols by refuge staff were made to Cedar Bayou, especially after the channel was opened. The refuge staff was notified about drug trafficing operations occurring along Cedar Bayou. U.S. Customs is investigating the situation (See F.6.). During a visit on March 2, RM Clark and MW Harris found no state personnel on the northside between 10:30ara - 12:30pm. While Clark and Harris were checking on the bunkhouse, a twin-engined plane landed. To be on the careful side, Jim and Mickey stayed in the bunkhouse until the occupants got out of the plane. Turns out the visitors were on the north side to check on a gas well site, but no one was around to meet them. About 30 minutes later their escort (not a state employee) arrived. BT Karges made a trip up to the north side later in the afternoon and one state game warden had arrived. On March 25 RM Clark went up north to investigate a complaint about a prescribed burn operation that damaged the cemetery adjacent to the lighthouse. RM Clark inspected the cemetery and saw no major damage to the site. One headstone was slightly scorched on the backside. Prior to departing RM Clark met Park Managers Gallagher and Vincent to discuss the situation. Mr. Gallagher said he would ensure that the burnt headstone was cleaned. The site was subsequently cleaned up and refenced. RM Clark attended the annual law enforcement refresher at Marana, Arizona from the April 4th-8th. MW Harris attended the second session from the 18th-23rd. On June 7 an Array helicopter (UH-60 Blackhawk) landed on the airstrip on the northside. The pilot. Major James R. Mitcham, was flying over the island and noticed the abandoned airfield and buildings, thinking this would be a great spot for holding an anti-terrorist exercise. So the Major landed and inquired about using the area. Not satisfied with the response he got from one of the TPWD personnel. Major Mitcham said he would fly back the next morning at 11 am to talk to someone in 59 charge. The Regional Office and the state wildlife office were notified of the impending return visit. Low and behold/ the Major returned the next morning/ but this time he was met by the park superintendent and a state game warden. The Major was notified of the federal and state violations he was committing by landing an unauthorized aircraft on a National Wildlife Refuge/ a state park/ and a state wildlife management area. Major Mitcham got back into his aircraft and took off for destinations unknown. On June 19 a private plane landed on the beach at Cedar Bayou. RM Clark and BT Karges met with the pilot and explained that the southern portion of the island was a National Wildlife Refuge and such landings are not permitted. The pilot had landed on the beach many times in the past. The plane took off shortly thereafter/ made a circle/ and proceeded to land just south of the Bayou on San Jose Island. Within a few hours of that landing/ another plane landed on the airstrip at the refuge headquarters. RM Clark just happened to be taking a break from watching the NBA finals that Sunday afternoon/ when he saw the, plane taxiing. Jim grabbed the nearest vehicle and went up to meet the plane. The pilot supposedly thought he had landed in Rockport. Refuge and state personnel found 8 bales of marijuana washed upon the beach in 1988. Three of the bales were retrieved in one day by state game wardens. The bales were wrapped in plastic and sealed with tape that was preprinted with several individuals* names and addresses. The wrappings were sent to U.S. Customs. On instruction by Customs, the bales were broken and scattered by the surf. During the summer months a U.S. Navy training aircraft made several low approaches (below 50 feet) over the refuge runway. Complaints were filed via phone conversation with Lt. Cmdr. French, Chief Air Operations Officer at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. After the plane made another low approach on July 7, both PL Giezentanner and RM Clark called Lt. Cmdr. French about the incident. On July 12 Lt. Cmdr. French called to inform us the culprit was found. This particular pilot missed the orientation briefing given to pilots prior to conducting flights over the coast. All Naval pilots are required to maintain an altitude of 3000 feet over the refuge. On August 3, a UH-60 Blackhawk Army helicopter made an unauthorized landing on the refuge. The helicopter continually flew low level circling maneuvers around the headquarters area during the morning. Both RM Clark and MW Harris watched the copter's antics, which included several rapid descents below the Army's required 1200 foot altitude limit. At noon the copter seemingly decided to call it a day and head south. Within a few minutes, however, the copter returned and landed in Pasture 6, north of the headquarters. RM Clark and MW Harris quickly made a drive up to the site and discussed the situation with the pilot. RM Clark informed the pilot (LTC) of the violations he and his crew were committing and directed the pilot to take his copter somewhere else. The LTC maintained that he had permission to land the craft anywhere he wanted. In addition to reiterating the federal violations of unauthorized landing, RM Clark mentioned the below 1200 foot level descents his craft made. The LTC and his crew got back into the copter and headed back south. The copter was 60 Once the fish start moving through the cut. Cedar Bayou becomes a very popular fishing spot. Recreationists from as far as San Antonio visit the Bayou in hopes of landing a Redfish, Speckled Trout, or Flounder. JC The pilot of this Army helicopter decided to stop on the island's northside for a visit before going on to the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. The fella wanted his group to do some anti-terrorist training on the island and decided to take matters into his own hands...He was sent on his merry 61 stationed out of the Corpus Christi Army Depot and the LTC was TDY from somewhere back east. Through PL Giezentanner's investigation we learned the copter had permission to land on Mustang Island which is two islands south of Matagorda. On October 28 at 11:30pm, Clubhouse Manager Richards heard a plane make a very low approach over the headquarters area. Joyce looked outside and saw the plane flying below 50 feeti The plane made two circles around the compound and left. The next morning we learned from Aransas ORP Maxwell that U.S. Customs was tailing a drug-running plane and they flew over the refuge to see if the suspects had landed on our runway (they didn*t). I. Equipment and Facilities From January to November, TNC maintained all facilities on the property including those facilities leased by USFWS. A lease fee ($3000/month) was paid by USFWS to TNC for use of these facilities from January through November. An additonal $430/month was paid to TNC for support, maintenance, and operation of the barge from January through December. Fuel costs (diesel, propane, gasoline ) were cost- shared between USFWS and TNC on a 75:25 basis. TNC sent two building inspectors to the refuge in March to conduct a detailed assessment of the facilities. These guys spent two days photographing inside, outside, through, and around every building on the complex. Lots of work will be required to bring this place up to a safe and efficient standard. Major problem areas are the plumbing and sewer systems, an old two-wired electrical system, questionable heating system, and lack of adequate insulation. A local plumber came over to the refuge on August 3 to inspect the refuge's plumbing and gas line systems. Major problems found: gas leaks under the clubhouse and ranchhouse. The plumber confirmed many situations already identified by the two previous inspectors brought by TNC. However, this guy furnished an itemized list of materials needed to correct the problems. Later in the month, TNC sent two more plumbers over to inspect the clubhouse facility. Again, the gas leak under the clubhouse and the faltering plumbing system were identified as the priorities for repair. 2. Rehabilitation TNC started rehabing the clubhouse's gas, sewer, and plumbing system. A local contractor along with 6 workers started the work on September 26. The contractors completed the clubhouse repairs in late October. While the group was here, we had them replace gas lines and install new regulators at the ranchhouse. Hurricane Gilbert caused little damage to our beachfront and luckily, no damage to refuge facilities or equipment. However, Gilbert did express his wrath on the bayside levee system. BT Karges spent several days regrading the levee road, plugging breaks, and smoothing areas where the storm water flooded over the levee. To improve access 62 to the beach# Chad also prepared a shell bed surface at the entrance of the beach access road. 4. Eauipment and Rehabilitation The salt water and constant wind wreaks havoc with all equipment on the island. The island's vehicle fleet is comprised of other refuges' "hand-me-downs". A vehicle sent out here with 50#000 miles registered on its odometer is considered new to us. Island life is indeed cruel to man and machine. "New" island vehicles brought over in 1988 included a 1985 Jeep Cherokee from the Phoenix ES Office and a 1983 CMC 4x4 from Brazoria NWR. Fuel# equipment# and such are brought over by a barge which was donated to TNC by the previous owners. The barge is large (100'x30') and by no means efficient. The vessel needs a major overhaul# but so far# it has served us well. TNC also has responsibility for maintaining a Chevy Suburban and an old van. A major E&F project for the refuge is removal of junk piles# fencelines# and cleanup of the mess left by the former landowners. Several massive junk piles distributed around the refuge are not only eyesores# but safety and health hazards. The refuge started a massive cleanup effort by removing 41 barrels of spent oil off the island. The barrels had been left in a pile adjacent to a marsh and the salt air wasted little time corroding the barrels. On June 24# the refuge staff along with Aransas MW Cortez loaded the barrels on a lowboy and transported the material via the barge to Aransas. Once at Aransas# a local "spent oil" dealer took the barrels. MW Harris started contacting local salvage dealers to see if they would be interested in removing the junk piles. Two dealers inspected the debris with one agreeing to remove the junk in winter 1989. Since the junk actually belongs to TNC# RM Clark received permission from Acting TNC Director Weigel to get rid of the stuff. BT Karges and MW Von Heuvel started the long process of fence removal by tearing down the fenceline along the beach. With no cattle on the refuge and the corroded and rotted condition of the wire and posts# the fenceline is nothing more than an eyesore and distraction to this barrier island. While in the cleanup, fixup mood# BT Karges# MWs Harris and Von Huvel also removed cattle guards, windmills# rubbing posts# and mineral block shelters; patched holes in the road; and completed a major cleanup of the maintenance shops# hangar# and generator building. Our new generator decided to stop generating power at exactly 3:09ara on November 26. RM Clark and BT Karges attempted to fix the problem# but had no success. The generator was running# but no power was being generated. The generator was shut off and the old standby generator turned on. At daybreak# RM Clark boated over to Aransas and with the help of PL Giezentanner# a repairman was scheduled to boat 63 The refuge barge returning to the island after Hurricane Gilbert passed. Miss Matagorda provides the means for transporting fuel/ equipment/ and supplies to the refuge. JC over the next day. Turns out the problem was the excitor(?) which had one wire corroded. The company that installed the generator last year forgot to hook up some heaters that keep moisture off the unit. The repairman returned on December 1 to install the repaired excitor. At the same time the voltage regulator went haywire, but fortunately the generator man had a spare. All this happened 5 days before the warranty expired. BT Karges dozed the mesquite off Yucca Forest Levee# providing another access route for visitors to use for observing the island's wildlife. This particular levee will also be a great hiking trail. 5. Communications System Communication to and from the refuge is by Motorola radios. Base stations are located in the Manager's residence and at the clubhouse. Radio units are also installed in the refuge's motor fleet. The refuge received an assortment of radios from Witchita NWR. We were able to get several handheld# pack# and vehicle units. TNC installed a marine band radio system in the clubhouse. This radio is used to contact St.Charles Bay Marina# where most of the TNC visitors meet before departing for the island. TNC also provided 4 handheld units and an additional base unit. A cellular phone system was purchased for the refuge. The system started arriving by year's end. We plan to install the phone in 1989. 6. Energy Conservation The island operation requires quite a bit of fuel to keep the electricity on (diesel)# the heaters going (propane)# and the vehicles and boats running (gasoline). All fuel is brought over by the barge and all USFWS and TNC staff are transported to the island via the refuge's twin-engined Mon Archs (23' & 21'). The refuge has turned off electricity to several of the buildings that are no longer needed or used. Several refrigerator units have been unplugged. Steps are taken to conserve as much energy as deemed possible. 7. Other Below is a list of the funds expended for island fuel# salaries# and equipment for 1988. The fuel costs are cost-shared between USFWS & TNC (75/25) (Total fuel costs in parentheses); Fuel: Propane: $5,269 ($7,025) Gasoline (island and Aransas boat dock); $2,761 ($3,682) Diesel; $6,262 ($8,349) Total Fuel Costs; $14,292 ($19,055) 65 Other costs for operating the refuge in 1988: Salaries (with benefits): $ 86,785 TNC Lease: $3000/raonth, Jan.-Nov.: $ 33,000 Barge Lease: $430/month, Jan.-Dec.: $ 5,160 Oil for Generator and Boats: $ 2,555 Building Rehab: $ 9,300 Pneumatic Tire Changer: $ 1,355 Boat Trailer; $ 3,084 Mobile Telephone: $ 4,587 Boat Repairs: $ 900 Grand Total: $161,018 The refuge's major link to the mainland and back is a 23 foot/ cabined# twin-engined ( 115 hp outboards) Mon Arch boat. The refuge also has access to another Mon Arch with twin 80hp outboards/ but no cabin. Both boats saw lots of action this year. MW Harris' commute to the island is by one of these vessels. We still maintain a bunkhouse/ generator room/ and water tank on the north side. On June 28 Claude Lard (Realty W/L Biologist) came over for a visit. RM Clark and Claude drove up to the northside to check on some of the old Air Force buildings and to locate some old gravesites. Claude was also taken on a tour of the southside, including Cedar Bayou and the bayside marshes. Always a pleasure to have Claude over here. On November 29 Seagun Marina informed TNC that the barge would no longer be allowed docking space. The marina informed TNC the barge would have to be removed by the 30th. The barge was brought over to the island for the meantime. TNC and this particular marina are in the midst of some legal problems concerning a crewboat that Mr. Wynne donated to TNC who in turn leased it to the marina. A 300 foot barge became stranded on the beach on December 20. The barge broke loose from its tug while being towed to the West Coast. The barge company attempted several tricks to get the barge back into the water, but were having very little luck. RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport appeared on the scene on Dec. 22 and provided much needed assistance. Jim and Jamie used the suburban to help the fellas drag a tow line onto the beach. By pulling over 800 feet of line onto shore, Jim and Jamie saved the barge folks better than a day's worth of misery. By nightfall, the barge was towed back into the Gulf. Just another day on the island folks! J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs J.C. Smith of J.C. Smith and Associates (tower consultants), and Larry Whitworth, Arco, helicoptered to Matagorda Island on May 5 to inspect the rocket launching pad on the island's southside. Arco was interested in using the concrete pad as a base for installing a 60 foot micowave tower to serve as a communication link between the 66 BT Karges grading the levee system located on the refuge's bayside. JC A 300 foot barge that became stranded on the refuge coastline. For comparison's sake, the refuge barge is 100 feet long. JC 67 mainland and offshore drilling rigs. Prior to flying over to Matagorda# they met with Aransas ARM Schwindt about the proposal. Once on the island they were met by RM Clark. The gentlemen were briefed on the project's probable conflicts with the refuge objectives. On 19 May Bill Feath# Arco# met with PL Giezentanner, ARM Schwindt# RM Clark# and Bio. Stehn about Arco's desire to use the pad. Mr. Feath was informed of the incompatibility of the request with the refuge's objectives for the southside. A matter of 20 federally and state endangered and threatened species occurring on the island was also mentioned. They decided to look elswhere for a more suitable site. With two full-time refuge personnel on the island now# we have a better opportunity to monitor state management activities on the north side. Additionally# the state knows we are here too. TPWD monitors and reports activities pertaining to oil and gas exploration# grazing# and other management activities on the north side to the USFWS. Our involvement with the northside program and their compliance with refuge regulations and objectives will increase each day we are out here. We see a more involved effort on our part to ensure the federal lands are managed within refuge goals and objectives. All oil and gas operations are on the north end of the island. Geo. Southern Energy Corp. operates wells on the federal lands# while Hughes Oil conducts oil and gas operations on state lands. The following companies have rights of way or well sites on Matagorda Island: -Florida Gas Transmission Company and Southern Natural Gas operate a 24-inch pipeline across the island to carry production from the Gulf. -Northern Natural Gas company has a permit to operate and maintain a 30-inch natural gas pipeline across the island and a permit to construct an additional 30" line. -Corpus Christi Oil and Gas company operates and maintains an 11" pipeline across the island. -Geo Southern Energy Corp. operates three gas well sites on the island# while Hughes has two wells. -NRG Exploration# Inc. has a permit to construct and operate a 4" gas pipeline on the island to serve the above mentioned gas wells. The pipeline runs to the Matagorda Island Offshore Pipeline System Sun Exploration and Production Company of Corpus Chris it applied for a permit to drill a well# construct a road and ring levee# and place three 24-inch culverts near Power Lake. The permit also asked for 1007 cubic yards of fill material for the ring levee and 3480 cubic yards for the road. The area is within the critical habitat of the whooping crane and use of this site by cranes for the past 5 years is well documented. The permit was reviewed and denied by Ecological Services and the C0E. 68 The refuge participates in the National Marine Fishery Services Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (See G.2>. 2. Items of Interest RM Clark attended the Wintering Waterfowl Workshop at Clute/ Texas, February 8-11. RM Clark attended the South Texas Zone Meeting at Austin, Texas, March 15-16. BT Karges attended the Mottled Duck Workshop at Clute, Texas, April 26- 27. RM Clark attended the Annual Project Leaders Meeting at Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 7-12. As happened last year, several interesting meetings occurred on the island in 1988. HereTs a few of them: On 29 January the refuge received word that U.S. Representative Charles Wilson and his aide, Charles Schnabel, would fly to Matagorda the next day. The intent of the visit as told to us was to allow Rep. Wilson an opportunity to hunt quail on TNC property. The guests were scheduled to arrive sometime the next morning. By 5pm the next day, Mr. Schnabel sans Rep. Wilson arrived. A Mr. Joe Simpson, however, did accompany Mr. Schnabel. Mr. Wilson had a change of plans due to some pressing work in DC. The two gentleman were escorted to the southside by a TPWD Game Warden; they had boated over to the island from the northside. Both individuals stayed at the clubhouse that night. After some more quail hunting on Sunday and a tour of the southside, the fellas went back up to the northside and boated back to the mainland. The whole deal was very ill-planned; needlessly impeding and altering plans for both refuge and TNC personnel that weekend. We all kept smiling nevertheless. An interesting side note: TNC was informed about the trip at the last minute by Andy Sansom, former TNC State Director and presently, TPWD's Director of Land Acquisition. On Friday we were told that the Congressman and his aide were enroute to Texas, but once Mr. Schnabel arrived here, he stated the Congressman decided to stay in DC... On February 16 the refuge got an unexpected and unannounced visit by TPWD Commissioner Bob Armstrong and 8 representatives from the news media. The group had initially planned to look at cranes on the north side, but on the spur of the moment, Mr. Armstrong decided to bring the group down to the southside for a spell. RM Clark was the only refuge staffer on the island at the time and he just happened to be in the area when the motorcade reached the ranch. Keep smiling.... Clubhouse visitors for August included one noteworthy guest: TPWD Commissioner Chuck Nash. Mr. Nash brought his family for a little R&R on August 7-8. 69 Larry Parant* a writer for the Nature Conservancy Magazine# visited the refuge from November 7-9. Larry is doing an article on Matagorda Island for the magazine's spring issue. RM Clark took Larry on a tour of the island and spent a few evenings talking about the natural history of Matagorda Island. RM Clark and Vol. Jamie Rappaport became engaged to be married in October. Jamie is the Fish and Wildlife Administrator for the Department of Army in Washington# DC. Jamie has been a volunteer for the refuge since July 1987. On December 30 at 12:30pm with flocks of sandhill cranes flying overhead# RM Clark and Vol. Rappaport exchanged wedding vows in front of the clubhouse. Rev. Mack Williams from Aransas NWR performed the ceremony while Refuge and Nature Conservancy personnel and witnessed the event. The happy couple will reside on the island 3. Credits This report was prepared and typed by RM Clark. BT Karges tabulated harvest data# public use figures# and provided major input into all sections. Appreciation is extended to Aransas ARM Schwindt for providing facts and figures on equipment purchases# fuel costs# etc. The island staff extends a big heartfelt appreciation to all the Aransas folks who helped us over here: Brent# Ken# Tom# Louise# Mike# Barry# Ed# Frank# Juan# Mack (especially the wedding)# Melvin# and Adella. From helping us with maintenance work to assisting in barge operations to taking phone messages# we thank you very much. The report was typed and printed via RM Clark's personal Leading Edge pc. 70 Refuge Manager Jim and Volunteer Jamie exchange wedding vows on the island. The other person at their feet is Sophie# Island Dog. Master of Ceremonies is Rev. Mack Williams# an Aransas NWR employee. Just another day on the island...Who knows what will happen next out here?i BG. FEEDBACK The Fish & Wildlife Service's acquisition of Matagorda Island signifies a resounding victory in the world's struggle to maintain biodiversity. Biodiversity. It's the new catch phrase and the concept will be with us for a very long time. If not, then we are in trouble...Big time. To many, biodiversity conjures up variety in wildlife species, but that's not exactly the full picture. Biodiversity not only means maintaining a diverse asserableage of wildlife and plant species, but ensuring as many representatives of the world's ecosystems remain protected. Biodiversity means saving the rayraid plant communities comprising each individual ecosystem; no matter how simple the system may be, protect and allow the system to proceed under its own terms. The key here folks, is having a diverse assortment of ecosystems. That's where Matagorda fits in...We have added to the world's storehouse of ecosystems; we have enhanced the world's biodiversity. Matagorda Island displays a variety of resource values, the tangible and the not so tangible. The island envelopes the very essence of what this system is suppose to be: A Coastal Barrier Island. The island must be recognized for that...It is nothing more, nothing less. Attempts to alter it one way or the other is a definite misdirection on our part. To look at the island in the professional sense and even the romantic sense, one must understand ecology and be able to grasp how natural systems perform under their own volition. As professionals, we are often taught early in our career to manage land; little did we realize management also means allowing certain situations to proceed without our intrusion. Many systems survive and perpetuate without us instituting the cookbook management schemes we learned in school. For many ecosystems, all they ask from us is protection from society's vanity in trying to improve the land. Sadly enough, this includes biologists* attempts to make the land "better". During the course of the past few years many debates, discussions, and thoughts were directed at having the island appear big enough to accomodate everyone's option at how to best manage the island for the "benefit of wildlife". "We'll set aside this part of the island for this purpose and over here we'll use this technique. The island is big enough to try it all." In situations elswhere that procedure may be appropriate; fragmentation of our wildlands even necessitates such management. The island, however, is not big enough to accomodate different management programs stemming from different ideas. We have to recognize the island as a whole, a relatively complete system, entact and working. All the processes shaping this system are in place. That's certainly not something found on many refuges in the lower 48 anymore. The island is fragmented, but only because of differing opinions on how to "manage" the island for the benefit of wildlife. That word "wildlife" means different things to many people, including professional "wildlifers". For Matagorda, wildlife means all species native to the island. And there is only one way to manage the island: by using an ecosystem concept. We cannot manage this place like any other real estate in Texas, in the southwest, or in the United States for that matter. 72 Matagorda is unique and for the CJSFWS/ the island provides an opportunity to manage the island with natural diversity and natural processes at play# sustaining a system indicative of coastal barrier island ecosystems. The island needs our protection and reassurance that its way of forming beaches/ creating dune ridges and barrier flats# and sustaining bayside marshes are allowed to proceed without us impeding upon such actions. It seems easy to do# but allowing such processes to occur without our "plow and disk" mentality will take some getting use to...but it must happen. As a Gulf coastal barrier island# Matagorda's habitat components evolved differently# even from those 6 miles across the bay on the mainland. The habitats look similiar# but there are slight subtlies# little nuances distinguishing the island's from those across the bay. Unfortunately# the island has been seen as just another grassland and thus# has been managed as such. We know or should know better now... The island is very simple in structure# but yet# it yields a complexity of plant communities within each simple phsyiographic region. The beach# the primary dune ridge and barrier flats# and the bayside marshes comprise those regions. That's it; nothing else# folks. But look close and you'll recognize different worlds within each. Diversity is not always apparent either# but when considering diversity on a spatial and temporal scale# the island's resource values are phenomenal. Considering temporal diversity# look at what each season brings to Matagorda; Waterfowl# raptors# sandhill and whooping cranes in the winter# shorebirds and passerines in the spring and fall# and wading birds throughout the year. On a spatial scale# the variety of habitats in each physiograhic region provides something for each one these groups: from the shorebirds frequenting the coastline# to the raptors hovering over the barrier flats# to the wading birds feeding in the bayside marshes. It's all provided. Very few coastal barrier islands exist in such a natural and relatively undisturbed state as Matagorda. Make no mistake# Matagorda has been disturbed through the years. Fortunately# Matagorda# like most barrier islands# heals fast from the wounds inflicted upon it. The system is dynamic and forgiving up to a certain point. Globally speaking# we pulled a major accomplishment by protecting this system. Just as important as saving tropical rainforests in Brazil or saving wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, we have added another piece to the missing parts of the world's puzzle. For all intents and purposes# Matagorda's past management was in good faith. However# resource management, like the advancement of computer systems# has undergone tremeradous changes in developing and using better techniques to accomplish goals. We as professionals show just as much reluctance to accept new techniques and philosophies in resource management as much as we were afraid to sit in front of a computer for the first time. Fortunately# we now garner a much better understanding of basic ecology. We are not discovering new found concepts# we're just accepting what has always been in front of our eyes: the old forest for the trees adage. Techniques used in the past may not be needed now or worst yet# may be counter to the very systems we are mandated to protect and enhance. 73 For Matagorda Island, resource management techniques must pass three criteria: they must be compatibile with the natural system, they must compliment the natural system and its processes, and they must emulate those natural processes. Any technique used must be compatible with the system. Techniques used must not impede or interrupt the natural processes. Any technique used should ensure the island's integrity and character are not compromised. Goes without saying these techniques be compatible in the sense they are practical in expenditures, personnel time and effort, and maintenance. That leads into ensuring the technique doesn't hinder, but instead, compliments the island. An example: permitting natural landscape esthetics to remain entact. Artificial structures, such as fences, stocktanks, and roosting platforms have no place out here. Not only do they distract from the island's beautiful landscape vistas, but they provide no useful purpose to the island's wildlife resources. Of all refuges in the system, this particular one doesn't require a fenceline. We're not trying to keep anything in or out; it's an island for heaven's sake. The last criteria, emulation, is critical. Only those techniques emulating natural processes should be considered. Maintenance of the island's grassland communities results from tropical storms, wildfires, drought, salinity concentrations, and edaphic arrangements. Grazing to manage barrier island grasslands does not emulate a natural process; Wild ungulates never utilized these ecosystems. For the most part, Matagorda's grassland communities are maintained and dictated by fire. With the exception of major flooding and drought, fire is the process keeping the island grasslands alive and diverse. The effects from the flame differ greatly from effects stemming from ungulate mastication. Fire compliments the island; no fences to maintain or spend money on, no logistical nightmares or excessive moving of bodies from one "pasture" to another (no more pastures on the island). We can't emulate tropical storms or drought, but we can use fire effectively and cheaply to assist the island. Ah, fire...so simple, but yet so effective; so compatible and yet so easy to use. Fire meets the three criteria test and the results are tremendous: Rapid fertilization of the soil, regeneration of native grasslands, maintenance of fuel loadings, and last but not least, attractive for a variety of wildlife. The results from any management technique used must equal those gained from the natural proceese they intend to emulate. Nothing else is acceptable. The island survives without our insistence for using techniques contradicting the very values the island bestows on us. We just have to admit that at times, the best management is no management. Everything, and I mean everything on Matagorda responds to three variables; salinity, sand, and wind. The island's unique features are a result of these three factors. Its physiography, simplistic appearance, complex arrangement of plant communities, and diverse and abundant wildlife resouces are a direct result of these variables. 74 These variables dictate whether or not a species adapts and survives or a community perpetuates on the island. If the species cannot tolerate the extremes the island throws at it, then that species doesn't deserve to be out here. The unrelentless heat and drought of island summers permits fewer than 40 species of birds to nest successfully on Matagorda. Thus/ the summer season on the barrier flats is simple at this time of the year. Seasonal simplicity is part of the overall scheme of this system. No maneuvers on our part to increase diversity during this time are necessary# and we as professionals should not take that as a slap in the face. Unfortunately# some have and will continue to think that way# but why major surgery if there's no disease? Take another look during the rest of the year and those same uplands that appeared lifeless# springs to life with diversity and abundance. What the island lacks in diversity and abundance in the summer# it makes up for during autumn# winter and spring....the energy flow is tremendous during this nine-month span. At times the energy flow may last only a few days or weeks# however# the island served its purpose. Thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds (millions?)# and songbirds use the island as a way station; refueling and resting before continuing their migratory sojurn to the north in spring or south in the winter. If natural diversity fails to strike a chord in your senses# consider this: 26 waterfowl species# 34 shorebird species# and over 100 songbird species use the island during this time. Add the 16 wading bird species on Matatgorda# multiply all those numbers by the thousands# and and you can see where the importance of the island lies. Not in maintaining simple, weedy fields for the benefit of Colinus or Odocoileus# but allowing grasslands and marshes to persist for the other 340 plus amphibians# reptiles# birds and mammals using Matagorda Island. Managing Matagorda as an ecosystem will alter the abundance of certain species, but they will still be represented out here at the levels which the island allows them to survive; as it was before our misguided attempts to plant and stock exotics to improve this "biological desert." To see the diversity and abundance# one has to see the whole island. No one part is any more important than the other. The marshes on the bayside are nonexistent if the barrier flats are not present; the survival of the marsh depends upon protecting the barrier flats (uplands). In essence# the most important section of Matagorda that needs full- fledged protection is the barrier flats region. This is where the condos# hotels# and golf courses will go. The Fish and Wildlife Service made a very smart move in purchasing and protecting the upland portions of Matagorda. Other state and federal laws and policies will protect the marshes# but outright purchase of the uplands was vital to protect the entire island ecosystem. Selected species have been emphasized in past island wildlife management programs. A few come to mind: White-tailed deer, turkey (a definite non- native)# and bobwhite survived because of past ranching practices# stocking# and artificial management of the island through disking# food plot planting# placement of feeders# and planting of exotic plants. Is that what we really want to see out here? Isn't Texas managed enough for these kinds of species? The island is no place to manage trophy bucks; maybe the rest of Texas# but not a Coastal Barrier Island. 75 These three critters, like the other 300 plus wildlife species, should play by the island's rules; nothing more, nothing less. They will not become endangered because past management practices are discontinued. They will become less conspicuous and fall into their proper role as minor components of this vast system. Those species surviving out here deserve a little credit and freedom to live, reproduce, and die within the guidelines the island offers, not what we offer. We are not incumbent to manage those species not indigenous to the island, whether they be Ben Franklin's choice of the national symbol or some special strain of Louisiana white-tailed deer that someone wants to release. That type of management has gone by the way of the slide rule. Natural diversity folks, that's the story. The whooping crane and the other federally listed endangered species dependent upon the island are here not because of what we manage, but instead, what we protect. If the whooper or any other endangered species should need assistance, it will be provided. But whatever technique is used will meet the three criteria test. For now the crane needs room to breathe, and Matagorda provides that. Matagorda Island offers the Fish & Wildlife Service a golden opportunity to manage and protect an entire ecosystem. Everything we as the Service do out here must consider the ecosystem. Even managing for the protection and enhancement of the whooping crane and other endangered species on Matagorda boils down to maintaining the natural diversity of the island's biotic communities. The opportunities for us to manage a refuge which encompasses an entire system, much less having a refuge that exemplifies the tremendous diversity and abundance of wildlife resources as found on Matagorda, are very rare indeed. Acquisition of the final tract of Matagorda Island just added another slice of biodiversity to the world. The island's protection not only provides for future generations to enjoy this wonder, but it also adds to the general health of our present global existence. The spot Matagorda represents on a world map may be small, but it is significant. Coastal barrier islands are as much endangered as the endangered species so dependent on them. The true value of Matagorda lies within the interactions between and the completness of its natural communities supporting the hundreds of plant and animal species so dependent upon them. Few opportunities remain to protect a complete system. Matagorda provides that opportunity. Look at those photographs one more time. Put the pieces together and see what emerges...Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge, a crown jewel that consumes all your senses... 76 Matagorda Island symbolizes many things Matagorda Island: Mottled ducks nest in the thick Gulf cord- her visitors. This coastal barrier island is grass stands. Neighbors include the clapper .ie pearl on a long necklace of restless sand A Bird's Eye View rail, willet. sedge wren, and seaside sparrow. ribbons bordering the Atlantic and Gulf Quail, killdeer. black-shouldered kites, by Jim Clark Coasts. The Island's wildlife resources are white-tailed hawks, caracaras, vermillion and phenomenal; its protection is imperative. scissor-tailed flycatchers prefer the yuccas, Refuge for numerous endangered species, mesquite. and grasslands of the interior. wintering habitat for waterfowl and shore- Magnificent frigatebirds and brown peli birds, and bayside nursery grounds for count cans soar effortlessly along the coastline, less marine life forms, the Island's assem while laughing gulls search the beach for an blage of wildlife conveys the wonders of this easy dinner. Cedar Bayou's shallow waters gem. The best illustration is with the Island's become an aerial bombing range for terns. birdlife. The annual progression of avian de Royal. Caspian, sandwich, gull-billed, least, lights moving across the beaches, dunes, and black terns vie for the channel's bounty. grasslands, and marshes is outstanding. Black skimmers and American oystercatchers Matagorda spring means renewal. Flocks add color and gracefulness. of wintering waterfowl, males in brightly col In mid-August shorebirds reappear. The ored breeding plumage, start their journey fall migration begins in earnest in September north to favored breeding grounds. By mid- with belted kingfishers, northern flickers, April the whooping crane, our nation's sym brown thashers. and groove-billed anis rest bol for endangered species, departs for Wood ing on the Island: Throughout autumn, flocks Buffalo National Park in Canada's Northwest of blue- and green-winged teals, pintails, Territories. Once again, the great white birds gadvvalls, wigeons, and shovelers converge have beaten the odds for one more year of on the wetlands. The surrounding bays fill The graceful black-shouldered kite nests on survival. with redheads, lesser scaups, common Matagorda Island. Other birds leaving include the northern goldeneyes, buffleheads. and ruddy ducks. harrier, kestrel, merlin, short-eared and winged. Nashville, northern parula. chestnut- Freshwater ponds attract canvasbacks. ring- burrowing owl. Meanwhile, a whole new sided, magnolia, black-throated green, necked ducks, and hooded mergansers. White contingent of migrants begins arriving. yellow-throated, palm, bay-breasted, black- pelicans, pied-billed grebes, and coots com By late March shorebirds flood the bayside poll. black and white, prothonotary. worm- plete the order. Many of these will "chill- marshes. Having traversed the Gulf, these eating, ovenbird. mourning, hooded, and out" on Matagorda fpr the winter. peeps rest and refuel along exposed mudflats American redstart, to name a few. These efore taking off for their arctic summer friends depart quickly, but the Island never •omes. Greater and lesser yellowlegs. mar slows down. bled godwits. western, least, Baird's, and During the summer, bayside marshes pro pectoral sandpipers, dunlins, and long-billed vide feeding and resting sites for every wad dowitchers continually search for one more ing bird species of the Gulf Coast, including morsel. great blue herons, great egrets, little blue and The Island's coastline becomes busy with tricolored herons, and reddish egrets. White black-bellied, semipalmated, snowy, piping, and white-faced ibis, roseate spoonbills, and and Wilson's plovers, sanderlings. and ruddy wood storks also frequent the marshes. turnstones, flirting with the onrushing tide. The royal tern is only one of seven tern species The interior grasslands attract upland sand frequenting Matagorda Island. pipers, whimbrels, and long-billed curlews. This shorebird spectacle would satisfy most A Wild Time The Island's coastline is haunted once "avian" interests, but more is yet to appear. again by the peregrine falcon. Every san- April means color, as every shrub becomes on Matagorda Island derling and plover continually looks over a living Christmas tree; the orange and black Enjoy three extraordinary days of bird- its shoulder, lest it become the falcon's of the northern oriole, brilliant reds and ing. beachcombing, and fishing when you next meal. ebony of scarlet tanagers, rainbow splashings become a "Conservator of Matagorda". By late October all look skyward for the of painted buntings, and the blues from "Conservators" contributions are $1,000 first whooping crane. Its unforgettable trum grosbeaks and indigo buntings. Yellow-billed per person and tax-deductible up to the peting causes shivers. Miraculously, this cuckoos, orchard orioles, summer tanagers. limits prescribed by the law. embodiment of a wilderness creature clings and rose-breasted grosbeaks also decorate The best of Texas Gulf Coast cuisine on. surviving and winning the battle against the shrubs. and accommodations in the exquisite extinction. The bright red flowering coral bean attracts Wynne Lodge (previously owned by the The Island hosts a diversity of birdlife: ruby-throated and black-chinned humming late Toddie Lee Wynne, Jr., Dallas mil over 222 species have been recorded on the birds, while the grasslands are alive with lionaire) on the Island are included. Island's south side since May, 1987. More are flocks of singing dickcissels, bobolinks, lark For details and reservations, please certain to be seen. The Island is much more buntings, and lark sparrows. write to "Conservators of Matagorda", than birds, but that's another story. Seeing, With strong northerly winds blowing Texas Nature Conservancy, P. O. Box feeling, tasting, and hearing Matagorda Is across Matagorda, "fallouts" of weary mi 1440, San Antonio. TX 78295-1440; or land will forever enrich one's mind and soul. grants are certain. Flycatchers of every vari- call 512-224-8774. Just ask me. ty, catbirds, thrashers, and the complete 1988 Trip Dates .irush contingency, including robin, veery, October 14-16 Jim Clark is the Refuge Manager at Mata wood, gray-cheeked, and Swainson's, sud October 28-30 gorda Island National Wildlife Refuge. Clark denly appear. And the warblers . . . November 11-13 and his staff have provided the Conservancy Warbler fallouts are simply amazing. This December 2-4 with much needed management assistance spring 27 species were observed: blue- with the Island. Horizons Summer '88 5