STEWART B. MCKINNEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE
UNITS SALT MEADOW CHIMON ISLAND SHEFFIELD ISLAND FALKNER ISLAND MILFORD POINT GOOSE ISLAND Westbrook. Connecticut
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1992
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEW AND APPROVALS
STEWART B. MCKINNEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Westbrook, Connecticut
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1992
L Ftefuge Manager Date /
Project Leader Date
ssociate Manager' Date
Regional OffdJ2e^Af)proval Date STEWART B. MCKINNEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Westbrook, Connecticut
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1992
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM INTRODUCTION The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established by an Act of Congress on October 22, 1984. Originally designated by Congress as the Connecticut Coastal NWR, the Refuge was renamed in 1987 to honor the late Congressman Stewart B. McKinney, who was instrumental in its establishment. The purposes of the Stewart B. McKinney Refuge are to enhance the populations of herons, egrets, terns and other shore and wading birds on the Refuge; to encourage natural diversity of fish and wildlife species on the Refuge? to provide for the conservation and management of all fish and wildlife within the Refuge? to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States respecting fish and wildlife; and to provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and fish and wildlife-oriented recreation. The legislation designated four separate land units (Chimon, Sheffield and Falkner Islands, and Milford Point) for initial acquisition of about 150 acres of important tern, piping plover and other colonial nesting bird habitat. Acquisition of these four Refuge lands began in 1985, and by October, 1987 all units (except a 7.1-acre parcel of Sheffield Island) had been secured by purchase or transfer. On October 19, 1990, legislation was approved adding approximately 1000 acres to the Stewart B. McKinney NWR. This legislation also directed Salt Meadow NWR in Westbrook, Connecticut, established in 1971 by private donation, to be managed as a unit of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR.
SALT MEADOW: Salt Meadow NWR was established to protect feeding, nesting and resting habitat for migratory birds, to encourage natural diversity of fish and wildlife species and to provide environmental education opportunities for the public. It contains 191 acres of salt marsh, forest, grassland, and shrubland habitats. The Refuge provides a study area for local school and nature groups? approximately 2.5 miles of foot trails afford access for wildlife observation. Salt Meadow now serves as the main headquarters and visitor center for the Stewart B. McKinney NWR. The Refuge entrance and trailhead are located off Old Clinton Road in Westbrook. Take Exit 64 off of Interstate 95; travel a short distance south to a blinking red light and turn left onto Old Clinton Road. The entrance is approximately one mile down on the right. CHIMON ISLAND:
Located about 1.5 miles off the coast of Norwalk, in Long Island Sound, this 70-acre tract is habitat for the largest nesting colony of herons, egrets and ibis in the State. Barrier beach, rocky coast, grasslands and shrublands comprise the habitat profile of this island. A total of 125 species of birds, including 40 that nest there, 65 species of wildflowers, several mammals, and two species of snakes have been recorded on the Island. Adjacent waters provide important wintering habitat for waterfowl.
SHEFFIELD ISLAND: Located one mile west of Chimon Island, this 67-acre tract has habitat characteristics similar to Chimon. The island presently supports a small nesting population of herring and great black- backed gulls and has the potential to support breeding osprey and colonial nesting waterbirds. The surrounding waters serve as wintering habitat for Atlantic brant, black ducks and other waterfowl. On March 22, 1991, an additional 3.6 acres of Sheffield Island was acquired by the Service.
FALKNER ISLAND: This five-acre island, three miles off the coast of Guilford, provides sandy beach, shrubland, rocky coast and grassland habitats for breeding and migratory birds. It supports the third largest northeastern nesting population of roseate terns, a species listed as Federally Endangered in 1987, and approximately 80 percent of the nesting common terns in Connecticut.
MILFORD POINT: This seven-acre barrier sand spit at the mouth of the Housatonic River is one of the few protected historic nesting areas in Connecticut for the Federally Threatened piping plover. The sand spit protects the State's 850-acre Wheeler Marsh Waterfowl Management Area from the tides and storms of Long Island Sound. The low tide mudflats and Spartina marshes around the spit are a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. GOOSE ISLAND: This seven-acre island was transferred to the Service by donation from Saugatuck Valley Audubon Society on July 17,1991. The island, located in the Town of Westport, approximately one-half mile southeast of Chimon Island, is comprised of gravel beach and brushy upland which provide habitat for gulls and American oystercatchers. Future expansion of the Refuge proposes to include Shea and Grassy Islands, offshore the City of Norwalk; the Great Meadows estuarine system in the Town of Stratford; Menunketesuck Island just south of Salt Meadow Unit off the coast of Westbrook; and an additional 190 acres of salt marsh and adjacent upland at Salt Meadow.
Page TABLE OF CONTENTS A. HIGHLIGHTS 1 B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1 C. LAND ACQUISITION 2 1. Fee Title Nothing to report (NTR) 2. Easements 2 3. Other 3 D. PLANNING 6 1. Master Plan NTR 2. Management Plan NTR 3. Public Participation NTR 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates NTR 5. Research and Investigations .... 6 6. Other NTR E. ADMINISTRATION 12
1. Personnel 12 2. Youth Programs NTR 3. Other Manpower Programs 13 4. Volunteer Program 13 5. Funding 16 6. Safety 17 7. Technical Assistance 18 8. Other 18 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 19
1. General 19 2. Wetlands 19 3. Forests NTR 4. Croplands NTR 5. Grasslands 22 6. Other Habitats 22 7. Grazing NTR 8. Haying NTR 9. Fire Management NTR 10. Pest Control NTR 11. Water Rights NTR 12. Wilderness and Special Areas . . . NTR n Page F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT (Cont'd.)
13 WPA Easement Monitoring NTR G. WILDLIFE . 23
Wildlife Diversity 23 Endangered and/or Threatened Species.. 23 Waterfowl 27 Marsh and Water Birds 28 Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 31 6 Raptors 33 7 Other Migratory Birds 33 8 Game Mammals 34 9 Marine Mammals 34 10 Other- Resident Wildlife 34 11 Fisheries Resources NTR 12 Wildlife Propagation and Stocking . NTR 13 Surplus Animal Disposal NTR 14 Scientific Collections NTR 15 Animal Control NTR 16 Marking and Banding 35 17 Disease Prevention and Control . . NTR H. PUBLIC USE 36 1 General 36 2 Outdoor Classrooms - Students . . . NTR 3 Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers . . . NTR 4 Interpretive Foot Trails 37 5 Interpretive Tour Routes 37 6 Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations .. 37 7 Other Interpretive Programs .... 38 8 Hunting NTR 9 Fishing 39 10 Trapping NTR 11 Wildlife Observation 40 12 Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation. NTR 13 Camping NTR 14 Picnicking NTR 15 Off-Road Vehicling NTR 16 Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation .. 40 17 Law Enforcement 40 18 Cooperating Associations NTR 19 Concessions NTR
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 41 New Construction 41 < iii Page
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES fCont'd.)
2. Rehabilitation 42 3. Major Maintenance 47 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement.. 47 5. Communications Systems 50 6. Computer Systems NTR 7. Energy Conservation NTR 8. Other 50 J. OTHER ITEMS 51 1. Cooperative Programs NTR 2. Other Economic Uses NTR 3. Items of Interest NTR 4. Credits 51
K. FEEDBACK NTR L. INFORMATION PACKET (inside back cover) A. HIGHLIGHTS 1. In August, Refuge Staff moved into the new Stewart B. McKinney Refuge Headquarters,, following the restoration of the Manor House into an office and visitor center (1.2). 2. Two Cooperative Agreements with Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Department Of Health were signed this year to restore coastal wetlands in the State (F.2). 3. Over 150 volunteers participated in a cleanup of Sheffield Island on April 4 (E.4). 4. Over 600 people turned out on September 13 for an open house held on Falkner Island (H.7).
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS The following climatic information was obtained from the Sikorsky Memorial Airport weather station in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This station is located approximately equidistant from McKinney's farthest land units to the east and west, providing conditions experienced at all McKinney Refuge units. The average temperature for 1992 was 50.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Average temperatures were below normal and precipitation was above normal for the summer and fall seasons (Tables 1 and 2). Winter Storm "Beth", which occurred on December 11 and 12, and the ensuing abnormally high tides which continued through December 13, caused severe alteration of the east embankment of Falkner Island. In the area of the lighthouse, the base of the slope was washed away, the slope itself eroded into an abrupt drop-off, and the top of the slope is now concave. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported that several of the State's major piping plover nesting beaches have either shrunk or have grown due to the extreme high tides of this powerful "Nor'easter". The 150-foot boundary fence installed in April on the Refuge's Milford Point Unit, was completely wiped out by the storm. A preliminary survey of this Unit's habitat indicated that the tides distributed sand over a larger than normal area, covering much of the vegetation. If no major storms occur before the spring of 1993, the area for potential piping plover nesting sites will be greatly expanded. f 2
Table 1. Coastal Connecticut temperature data (0F) , 1992. Month Avg. Depart. Mean Mean Extremes Max. Min. Max. Min January 31.8 +3.3 39.7 24.6 56 9 February 33.4 +3.4 41.2 26.4 54 10 March 36.6 -1.3 45.2 29.0 58 15 April 46.8 -1.4 54.1 38.7 74 31 May 58.3 +0.7 67.1 48.9 89 38 June 66.8 + 0.1 75.8 58.9 83 49 July 70.8 -1.6 76.6 63.5 90 57 August 69.5 -1.8 78.4 62.3 89 53 September 64.1 -0.2 72.4 57.5 83 43 October 51.1 -2.8 65.9 42.9 74 33 November 43.4 -0.5 50.8 38.6 67 23 December - 35.0 +2.1 42.9 29.0 56 15 AVERAGE 50.6 0.0 59.2 33.3
Table 2. Coastal Connecticut precipitation data, 1992.
Month Total Depart. Snowfall in Inches from norm. Inches
January 2.24 -1.46 2.3 February 1.98 -1.32 2.2 March 3.67 -0.71 8.2 April 2.21 -1.88 0.0 May 2.35 -1.38 0.0 June 6.57 +3.45 0.0 July 3.84 +0.37 0.0 August 7.18 +3.15 0.0 September 6.15 +2.35 0.0 October 2.09 -1.67 0.0 November 5.79 + 1.58 0.0 December 5.42 + 1.16 2.5
AVERAGE 49.48 + 3.63 15.2
C. LAND ACQUISITION
2. Easements The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service) Farmers Home Administration Program assesses the ecological value, particularly for wildlife, of property obtained by defairlted farm loans. f 3
Through this program, the Refuge obtained life easements on two properties in Windham County, Connecticut. A 10-acre parcel in Killingly contains a.one acre pond, surrounded by a mature hardwood forest and "plantation" of mature conifers. The parcel in Sterling is a 16 acre red maple swamp. The diversity of habitats in both parcels provide important life components for migratory waterfowl and neotropical songbirds. Other than habitat preservation, no active management was conducted on either parcel in 1992. In March, Refuge Manager Paul Casey, Project Leader Charlie Hebert and Supervising Realty Specialist Axel Larson, met with the Norwalk Seaport Association and Ms. Lovejoy, a representative from Congressman Shay's office, to discuss acquisition of an easement designed to prevent further development of the lighthouse property on Sheffield Island. The Seaport Association was very interested in the easement, however, no funding was available in 1992. 3. Other The expansion of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) authorized in October 1990 included Shea, Grassy and Goose Islands, located approximately one mile offshore of the City of Norwalk; the Great Meadows estuarine system, located in the Town of Stratford; Menunketesuck Island just offshore of the Town of Westbrook; and an additional 190 acres of salt marsh and adjacent upland at Salt Meadow. In 1991, the Service and the Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) initiated negotiations with Stratford Development Company (SDC), the largest owner of the Great Meadows Marsh. This area has been identified in the Atlantic Coast Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, supports the most productive piping plover nesting area in Connecticut, and contains the largest unditched tidal high marsh in the State. This marsh is threatened by a development proposal which is in the permitting process. Throughout 1992, Paul Casey, Charlie Hebert, Axel Larson and TNC met with SDC, owners of approximately 500 acres of the Great Meadows Marsh. The Service's acquisition priorities of the SDC property were discussed strictly on a biological basis. The SDC, working with the Service's priorities, attempted to align them with their interests in developing the property. After several meetings, a final breakdown of the SDC property into five sub- parcels was agreed upon and initial land appraisals were discussed. A mutually agreed upon appraisal company was selected in May and appraisal results were developed by August. Meetings continued throughout the summer and fall to develop options for purchase of the property. Negotiating difficulties continued to arise over the Federal Government's inability to commit to a set funding schedule or fixed funding amounts. During the first week in December, following months of negotiations, a 4 series of four rolling purchase options were prepared in draft form. These options are expected to be signed in early January of 1993, paving the way for the purchase of the four parcels and establishment of the Great Meadows Marsh as a Unit of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR. Concurrently with the SDC negotiations, Paul initiated negotiations with the Town of Stratford to acquire Long Beach, a one mile long stretch of barrier beach which separates the Great Meadows Marsh from Long Island Sound. This site, also within the McKinney acquisition boundary, provides habitat for Connecticut's largest concentration of nesting piping plovers, a Federally Threatened species, with 13 pairs nesting in 1992. Stratford Town Manager, Mark Barnhart, favoring the transfer of Long Beach to the Service, presented a land transfer proposal to the Stratford Town Council during their April meeting. The Council, under Town regulation, requested comment from the Town Planning and Zoning Commission, who subsequently requested comment from the Town Harbor and Conservation Commissions.
Paul presented the Service's acquisition proposal and answered questions for the Harbor Commission at their May 13 meeting. The development-oriented Harbor Commission scrutinized the Service's management objectives and their possible negative impacts to coastal-related development. Fortunately, the Harbor Commission voted in favor of the land transfer to the Service. The Conservation Commission unanimously voted in favor of the land transfer during their May business meeting.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, the most powerful commission associated with this transaction, reviewed the Harbor and Conservation Commissions' recommendations at their June business meeting. Paul attended the next three Planning Commission meetings to answer questions associated with the Service's acquisition procedures, management objectives, and environmental education program. During the Town Council's November meeting, the Planning Commission recommended to the Council that the land be transferred to the Service under three specific conditions. These conditions were that;
1) no development be permitted on Long Beach; 2) the Town retain emergency access across the Beach; and 3) if the Service were to ever excess the property, ownership rights would revert back to the Town.
The Town Council, having reviewed all requested comments, directed the Town Manager to enter into negotiations with the Service to sell the Town-owned property located within the Refuge acquisition boundary. Preliminary negotiations between the Town of Stratford and the Service began in December and are expected to be completed by the end of 1993. < 5
On April 21, Paul participated in a boat tour of the Great Meadows Marsh for State Senator Christopher Dodd and Representative Rosa Delouro. Paul provided background information on the McKinney Refuge, Service interest in the Marsh system, and the biological value of the Marsh. Representatives present included The Long Island Soundkeeper Fund, TNC, the Connecticut Audubon Society, the National Audubon Society, The Connecticut Fund for the Environment and The Connecticut Conservation Association.
Senator Dodd and Representative Delouro both expressed support for the preservation of the Great Meadows Marsh. PFC 1992
Located at the mouth of the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, eight-acre Ram Island provides nesting habitat for several species of wading and shorebirds including black-crowned night heron, great and snowy egret, American oystercatcher and double-crested cormorant. This island was included in the original 1984 House Bill (H.R. 5464) to establish the Connecticut Coastal NWR, however, the owners, John and Ann Ragsdale, were apparently unaware of the proposal until it appeared in the Congressional Record. Perceiving this action as a threat to their ownership and continued presence on the island, the Ragsdales requested that the Connecticut House and Senate delete Ram Island from the Bill. Their request was granted. In November 1992, and TNC representative Carolie Evans, visited the island with the Ragsdales to discuss the Service's philosophy on < 6 wildlife conservation and land acquisition. Finding their conservation goals to be consistent with those of Paul and Carolie, the Ragsdales expressed, in a November letter to the Refuge, their interest in including the undeveloped portion of the island into the Stewart B. McKinney Refuge. The Refuge will be working to acquire this valuable habitat in 1993.
D. PLANNING 5. Research and Investigations The Falkner Island Tern Project (FITP) - Initiated in 1978 by Fred Sibley, a vertebrate preparator at Yale University's Peabody Museum, and, then PhD candidate, Jeff Spendelow, this ongoing research project studies the ecology and population dynamics of roseate and common terns nesting on Falkner Island. Jeff, now a research scientist at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC), has conducted the field investigations at the island for the past 14 years and has been the project's Director since 1981. The Refuge assumed responsibility for all island activities in 1985. Recognizing that expertise and financial support were available from the PWRC, a Research Branch of the Service, and from State and private conservation groups, the Refuge entered into a Cooperative Agreement with Little Harbor Laboratory, the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and the Connecticut DEP to continue the tern colony studies. These groups continue to support the FITP with funds, equipment, and personnel. From 1987-1991, FITP research on the roseate tern was conducted as part of a cooperative regional study of this species under the direction of the PWRC. The objectives of the Falkner Island Management Plan were to study and identify:
1) habitat use by all adult roseate terns? 2) habitat use of modified nesting sites; 3) adult survivorship and the nature of population recruitment; and 4) the reproductive success of the roseate tern population. Investigations of common tern nesting have been conducted simultaneously with the roseate tern study during the May through August field season.
In 1989, the northeastern breeding population of the roseate tern was declared endangered and a Northeastern Roseate Tern Recovery Plan was written and approved. While in the process of developing a new long-range cooperative research study of roseate terns in support of the plan, Jeff Spendelow has proposed a two-year program (1992-93) to bridge the gap between termination of the original < 7
PWRC work and the approval of a new study. The proposal has four main objectives: 1) to continue banding chicks to determine a) the natal colony of new breeding adults from the 1987-91 chick cohorts and b) if growth parameters from the earlier study can be used to predict postfledgling-to-first breeding survival and the age of recruitment of known-origin, known-age birds; 2) to band chicks with a standard Service band on one leg, and a new field-readable, uniquely-identifiable, four-character band on the other to determine the actual readability of the new band for future study of postbreeding dispersal; 3) to continue to measure (by weighing) the growth of chicks to better evaluate adult productivity; and 4) to experiment further with new nest box designs to increase chick survival. Research now being funded by the PWRC involves modeling regional movements and recruitment rates in declining metapopulations with long term data sets. Jeff has submitted a pre-project approval form to the Patuxent Research Branch Chief proposing to use the roseate tern as a model species for this study. Results of the 1992 study are documented in Section G.2. Chimon Island Heron Project - In 1986, the Stewart B. McKinney Refuge entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) and the Connecticut DEP to inventory and monitor the gulls, herons, egrets and ibises nesting on Chimon Island. That agreement continued to permit the CAS to conduct the wading bird inventory they began in 1981 and provided the Refuge with valuable information about the species' composition and estimated nesting pairs of the colony. However, in 1987, the need for a planned, systematic approach to understanding the colony and the impact of natural and man-induced stresses to the herons was recognized. This resulted in the development of a habitat management plan which established the techniques and guidelines to systematically inventory and measure nesting habitat parameters and productivity of the wading bird colony, and quantifiably describe the vegetation on the island. In 1988 and 1989, two seasonal research assistants, employed by the CAS, implemented the plan. The Chimon Island Report - 1988 and its recommendations guided the study in 1989. An additional study was undertaken in 1989 to determine the locations of critical heron feeding sites in the area surrounding Chimon Island. Due to the expansion of the colony to nearby Grassy Island, an inventory of that island's resources also became a priority. Only the inventory portion of the study was continued during the 1990-92 field seasons by Refuge Staff. The results of the 1992 inventory can be found in Section G.4. 8
Faulkner's Light Brigade - In January 1991, the Guilford Preservation Alliance formed a special ten-member committee named the Faulkner's Light Brigade (FLB). This nonprofit group is dedicated to preservation on Falkner Island, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The Brigade's main concern is the historic lighthouse which is being threatened by bank erosion. The group wants to increase public awareness and interest in the lighthouse and sees itself as an advisor to the Service and U.S. Coast Guard. In 1991, a Summit Conference was held on Falkner Island to initiate a partnership with other federal, state and local groups that have an interest in the island (see Stewart B. McKinney Refuge Annual Narrative Report 1991). These groups include: The Faulkner's Light Brigade U.S. Coast Guard Falkner Island Tern Project Little Harbor Laboratory Bayberry Creek Marina Madison Marine Patrol Connecticut Historical Commission Faulkner's Island Research Project Greg Donahue, an authority on bluff stabilization in the Northeast, was hired as a consultant by the FLB to assess the island's erosion control needs and to develop a proposal and cost estimate for island stabilization. In 1992, Paul Casey maintained a close working relationship with the Brigade. The FLB notified Paul about the pre-project proposal for erosion control and reported all preliminary work activities conducted in 1992. Paul explained that before the project could proceed, an Environmental Assessment would have to be completed and the pre-project proposal reviewed by Service engineers. On May 13, Paul, Greg Donahue and Joel Helander, Light Brigade Chairman, assessed the progress of erosion on Falkner Island and discussed how Greg's proposed erosion control plan might create better tern nesting habitat. Paul again stressed that any alteration of the natural state of the island must be sensitive to the tern habitat. Greg felt that his proposed construction would be compatible with the objectives of the Refuge. Later that day, the three met with the other members of the Brigade at which time Greg presented his two-phased construction proposal: Phase I: the construction of a rock revetment that would protect the toe of the bluff from wave attack damage and provide a foundation for the second phase;
Phase II; a terracing and planting project to protect the bluff face. Because the island must be closed during the tern breeding season, the whole process would take two to three years to complete. It < 9 became evident that getting the materials and machinery to the island without threatening the island's habitat would be very costly. Paul suggested to the group that if a grass roots approach was taken to initiate project funding, it might result in additional funding through matching Service challenge grants.
Greg Donahue submitted his proposal to the Regional Office (RO) Engineering Department in May for review. William Petrik, Regional Engineer, noted that a detailed critique of the design and engineering advice could not be provided without additional site- specific information, ie. soil gradation, tidal ranges, wind and tide directions and bathymetry. This information, with the exception of the bathymetric data, was obtained from the Army Corps of Engineer's, Falkner Island Light Station. July 1991 report and submitted to the RO in December. The Brigade has volunteered to obtain the remaining bathymetric information and present it to the Service at the close of the year. Falkner Island Biogeoaraphical Survey - The Faulkner's Island Research Project (FIRP) is a volunteer group formed to determine and map topographical, geological and vegetative characteristics on Falkner Island. Their work on the island has included topographic and geological surveying and mapping, an analysis of erosion rates, groundwater observations and a vegetation analysis. In 1990, the Refuge received a proposal from Project Leader George T. Gdovin, Guilford Town engineer, to create a topographic base map (1" =20') of Falkner Island incorporating all man-made and natural features. This survey would enable the Refuge to plot accurately, the exact locations of tern nests, rates of erosion and vegetation changes. The base map was completed in 1991. The FIRP has determined that approximately six inches of the island's east embankment are lost each year. Their continuing research on Falkner Island will assist the Faulkner's Light Brigade in designing a means of slope stabilization for the island. In 1992, serious health problems of key FIRP personnel and inclement weather interfered with the program's plan for 1992. Cold, wet conditions of spring and early summer delayed the terns' migration and nesting, and hindered the researchers' accessibility to the island prior to the birds' arrival. Consequently, most of the work was accomplished after the birds' late departure from the island in late August. Work accomplished on the island in 1992 included: 1) a more detailed cross-sectional survey of the slope near the lighthouse? 2) an erosion survey to quantify the grand mass loss of the whole island; 3) collection of preliminary soil profile data and soil samples; 4) a preliminary vegetation location survey? and 5) an inspection and measurement of erosion occurring as a 10
result of heavy rains in summer and Winter Storm "Beth" in December. A comparative analysis of pre- and post-storm data will provide valuable information on quantitative losses of mass and local erosional trends. The results of the analysis will be submitted to the Refuge in early 1993. Mumford Cove Wetland Restoration - In 1989, the Service, Connecticut DEP, and Department of Health signed a Cooperative Agreement to begin the restoration of Mumford Cove, a 35-acre tidal wetland in Groton, Connecticut. Prior to this, the site had been filled with dredge spoil and became a dense monoculture of Phragmites. Phragmites, considered an undesirable species, outcompetes more valuable wetland plants, resulting in a decrease of vegetative diversity and subsequent reduction in the wetland*s value for wildlife. In 1991, the Service entered into a research contract with Connecticut College to study the vegetative changes of the Mumford Cove Wetland Restoration Project, including an inventory of plant species present, wildlife use, and marsh elevations. A report identifying vegetative response to marsh elevation and wildlife use was presented to the Service in July 1992. The 1991 Baseline Study of the Mumford Cove Tidal Marsh Restoration Site conducted by Connecticut College, identified that during the second growing season, the low marsh area appeared to be a solid stand of saltmarsh cordgrass. The intermediate elevations of the low marsh were dominated by Phragmites and the water-filled depressions covered by algal mats. The lower and wetter areas were dominated by glasswort and black grass, which grew along the ditches. The fresh/brackish ponds were fringed with narrow-leaf cattail. In the areas of high marsh, the higher and drier elevations were dominated by fall panicum, with the lower and wetter areas containing predominately soft stem bullrush and narrow-leaf cattail. Although Phragmites continued to dominate the intermediate elevations of both the high and low marsh, the stands were not as dense or as tall as prior to the restoration. Vegetation on the islands varied, from mainly Phragmites to mixed grasses.
The wildlife observed consisted mainly of birds, snails, crabs and fish. Wading and shorebirds, including snowy egrets, lesser yellowlegs, willets and sandpipers, utilized the open areas and tidal ponds. The fresh/brackish ponds were frequented by black ducks and mallards. A pair of ospreys nested at the site, but the chicks reportedly were taken by owls. Other birds, including gulls, swallows, sparrows and Northern harriers, were also observed using the area. The channels and ditches were used by mud snails, fiddler crabs and on occasions, schools of mummichog. 11
After three years, the overall results of the restoration have been better than expected, Saltmarsh cordgrass, glasswort, narrow-leaf cattail, and other valuable wetland plant species, have recolonized the marsh and ponds, re-establishing themselves as the dominant species in most areas. Archeoloaical Research Investigation - Salt Meadow - In accordance with the Archeological Resource Protection Act, all proposed excavation sites must be surveyed for archeological resources. The Service, in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office, reviews all survey results and authorizes excavation providing there is no significant impact to historical or archeological resources. In August, John Wilson and Richard Kanaski, Regional Archaeologists, screened material from 50 centimeter square test pits placed within the proposed maintenance complex, visitor parking lot and wildlife planting areas. Because the historic 1930's material found in the area of the proposed maintenance complex was interpreted as trash scatter, and the topography and soil conditions there indicate that the probability of locating prehistoric materials is low, excavation for the building's foundation will proceed in January 1993. In the area of the proposed parking lot, kiosk and wildlife plantings, a fieldstone foundation and three to four previously unknown outbuildings were uncovered. To avoid impacting these structures, the ground surface in the parking lot will have to be raised rather than cut, and the proposed sites for the kiosk and some of the plantings will have to be relocated.
Archaeologists hard at work? AMK 1992 12
E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel The Stewart B. McKinney NWR is operated as a satellite Refuge of the Ninigret NWR. Management decisions for the McKinney Refuge are developed and implemented under the guidance of Charles E. Hebert (GS-485-12/2), Project Leader for the Rhode Island and Connecticut Refuges. All administrative and procurement activities for the McKinney Refuge are completed or reviewed by Deborah A. Tranter (GS-303- 6/4) , Office Assistant for the Rhode Island and Connecticut Refuges. The Stewart B. McKinney Refuge has two full-time, permanent and one full-time, temporary employees stationed in Connecticut: Paul F. Casey, Refuge Manager GS-485-11/2 Donald A. Lima, Engineering Equipment Operator WG-5716-8/5 Ann M. Kilpatrick, Biological Science Technician GS-404-5/1
Refuge Staff (left to right): Don Lima, Ann Kilpatrick and Paul Casey. 13
3. Other Manpower Programs Five full-time research assistants, funded by the Falkner Island Tern Project, were stationed at Falkner Island in 1992 to assist Patuxent Research Center Biologist Jeff Spendelow with tern research. In addition. Little Harbor Laboratory provided a mooring off Falkner Island, a small boat ("return") with motor, a radio for the Refuge boat, countless hours of assistance in water and boat safety training, and the use of a freezer, refrigerator, telephone, water and guest rooms at the Lab. Mainland docking for the Refuge boats was provided at Bayberry Creek Marina by Tammy and Bill Green. All parties of the Cooperative Agreement participated in setting up the field unit in the spring and disassembling the project in August. Additional financial support was provided by the Fulton Foundation, Menunkatuck Audubon Society Bird-a-thon and Raffle, David Williams Foundation, and several other donors. In 1992, volunteers for the Faulkner's Island Research Project dedicated over 160 hours to assist in mapping, surveying and documenting topographic and vegetative changes on Falkner Island.
The Wildlife Response Network Team, a group of oil spill response volunteers led by the Long Island Soundkeeper Fund and Connecticut Audubon Society, held a workshop on February 22 to initiate committee formation and establish a method of communication in the event of an oil spill. Paul Casey, Connecticut DEP Biologists Julie Victoria and Jenny Dickson, and New York Department of Environmental Conservation Biologist Julie Harjung, were the day's guest speakers. A workbook on oiled bird rehabilitation, published by Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc., was provided for everyone in attendance. It will be used to help train the volunteers in operations control, medical care, cleaning procedures, and rehabilitation and release.
4. Volunteer Program On April 4, the Refuge, Norwalk Seaport Association, The Long Island Soundkeeper Fund, Clean Sound, Norwalk Clean and Green and the Connecticut Audubon Society, sponsored a cleanup on Sheffield Island. Approximately 150 volunteers turned out for the event and collected enough trash and debris to fill two 30 yard dumpsters. The garbage was hauled off the island by an amphibious landing craft (LARC) operated by Norwalk Marine Contractors. Despite hours of hard work, the volunteers were only able to collect about one- third of the garbage on the island. 14
Sheffield Island cleanup participants. Unknown volunteer 1992
A 15-person work crew made up of Refuge Staff, the Falkner Island Tern Project team. Little Harbor Laboratory members and volunteers from The Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, prepared for the 1992 field season on Falkner Island on April 25 and 26. Activities included setting out the mooring for the Service boats, repairing and setting up the observation blinds, repainting the survey grid system and placing artificial nesting structures around the island. Community service volunteer, Fred Allen, completed over 100 hours of service working on various maintenance projects at Salt Meadow. Fred constructed eight bird houses which were erected at Salt Meadow, cleaned four truckloads of debris from the storage barn, cleared trails and opened areas overgrown by invading vegetation.
Volunteer, Mike Biroscak, began assisting the Refuge this August by conducting bird surveys at Great Meadows Marsh and Long Beach in Stratford. 15
Fred Allen applies the finishing touches. AMK 1992
Due to the tropical storm which occurred on September 26, the volunteer work day to rehabilitate the generator building on Falkner Island, had to be postponed. The event will be rescheduled for the fall of 1993. On December 5 and 6, six volunteers from Westbrook High School stripped the tack barn roof and cleared brush around buildings and stonewalls at Salt Meadow. 16
Westbrook students assist the Refuge. DAL 1992
5. Funding
There are three basic funding sources expended at the McKinney Refuge, Basic Refuge Operations (Table 3), Wetland Restoration Funding (Table 3) , and Construction Funding (Table 4). Major improvements to the Refuge's basic funding included the addition of a permanent, full-time maintenance position and an increase in project funding.
Table 3. Basic operations and wetland restoration fundings for Stewart B. McKinney Refuge, 1988-92. Activities 1261 & 1262
FY 88 FY 89 FY 90 FY 91 FY92 90,833 115,116 82,658 111,825 143,374
Wetland Restoration Funding
1990 1991 1992 60,000 50,000 30,000 17
In 1989, Congress appropriated $630,000 for the construction of an on-site Refuge Manager's residence, restoration of the Manor House into an office/visitor center and construction of a maintenance complex. By the close of 1992, the residence and office/visitors center were completed. The breakdown of expenditures by year are found in Table 4. Table 4. Construction expenditures for Stewart B. McKinney Refuge, 1991-92. Remaining in 1991 1992 account 281,183 145,636 203,181 6. Safety
Safety is an important and vital part of the McKinney Refuge operations. The biological and law enforcement work conducted on the Refuge's Island Units present an element of danger to research team members and Refuge Staff. Continual travel offshore by boat and camping on these islands for several days at a time throughout the field season, demands attention to Refuge safety measures. All Refuge and Falkner Island Tern Project Staff were required to complete a boating safety course before operating the Refuge boats. Little Harbor Laboratory Director Sally Richards, and Fred Richards, both members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, provided an eight hour, "hands-on" boat and water safety course on June 25 at Bayberry Creek Marina. Their expertise in boat handling, navigation and seamanship, map reading and knots and lines, was of great assistance.
Sally and Fred Richards, friends of the Refuge, provide practical "hands-on" boating instruction. AMK 1992 < 18
Pete Suich, RO Safety Manager, conducted a safety inspection at the new Government Quarters, Manor House construction site and Salt Meadow grounds on April 22, and at Falkner Island on the 23rd. All safety problems within the Refuge's budgetary limits were corrected in 1992. On May 29, Ann Kilpatrick was trained by Ninigret Maintenance Mechanic Charlie Smith in operation of the Bolens tractor used for mowing activities on the Refuge. Charlie provided a thorough review of equipment mechanics, maintenance, safety and operation. All Refuge Staff were certified by the American Red Cross in Adult CPR and First Aid during a course held at Ninigret Refuge on November 3. Safety meetings for this station are held in conjunction with regular McKinney Staff meetings. There were no lost time accidents in FY-92.
7. Technical Assistance On December 21, a 295-foot barge loaded with No. 2 home heating oil, grounded on rocks off of Avery Point in Groton, Connecticut. Most of the spill was contained by booms deployed soon after the grounding. Unfortunately, severe weather conditions over the next few days prevented complete containment, allowing a light sheen of oil to come ashore on Fishers Island, New York, Niantic Bay and areas along the coast of Groton. A total of 27,000 gallons of oil had spilled into Long Island Sound before the Coast Guard could contain the spill. Oil Spill Field Response Coordinator, Paul Casey, was called on December 22 to address possible threats to migratory birds. Working closely with the State of Connecticut, scare devices were deployed to prevent birds from entering the spill area. Three birds were found dead and others were taken to rehabilitators. The unusual mild weather possibly dispersed rafts of scaup that typically frequent this area during the winter months, preventing a more serious impact to migratory birds. The damage assessment is being initiated by the States of Connecticut and New York, the Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 8. Other Paul Casey and Don Lima attended a Wetland Restoration Techniques Workshop held at Montezuma NWR in Seneca Falls, New York from March 31 to April 2. Paul attended Law Enforcement Refresher Training at Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, April 6-10. 19
Paul attended Small Purchase Authority Training in Boston from April 26 to May 1. Warrant Authority in Connecticut has greatly facilitated Refuge operations at McKinney. Paul and Office Assistant Deb Tranter • (RI) participated in a government credit card orientation held at the RO on May 20. A government Visa card was issued to Paul at McKinney Refuge, one of six test sites chosen in Region 5 for use of the card. This new procurement process greatly facilitated purchases and reduced purchase costs at Connecticut and Rhode Island Refuges in 1992.
Paul and Don attended hydraulic excavator training at Montezuma NWR, December 1 and 2.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General Barrier beach, rocky coast, grasslands, and shrublands comprise the habitat profile of Chimon, Sheffield and Goose Islands. Falkner Island, once a Coast Guard lighthouse facility, now provides sandy beach, a small shrubland area, rocky coast, and grasslands for many wildlife species. These areas are used by terns for nesting grounds, and by many species of passerines for resting during migration.
Sandy beach, grasslands, and mudflats on the barrier sand spit at Milford Point provide habitat for thousands of wading birds and waterfowl. Salt Meadow Refuge comprises about 130 acres of mature forest, 34 acres of salt marsh, and 20 acres of shrub and grassland. The primary goal of habitat management on this Refuge concerns maintaining existing grasslands and mature forest stands.
2. Wetlands
Approximately half of the Nation's wetlands have been destroyed since colonial times. Despite laws and regulations, wetland alteration continues at an alarming rate. The Service developed a Private Lands Initiative Program to restore drained or altered wetlands to stem the decline in the quality and quantity of wetlands. This is a necessary effort, as millions of water- associated birds and other wildlife depend on wetlands for survival. Furthermore, 35 percent of all rare and endangered animal species and more than one-third of all threatened and endangered plant species are wetland-dependent.
The Service entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the Connecticut DEP and Department of Health Services (DOH) to restore 20 drained and altered wetlands for the benefit of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. The objective of this Agreement is to restore coastal wetlands previously altered and/or degraded by man's activities. The Service identifies and prioritizes the projects designed to restore the hydrology of the site to a condition similar to that of its original state. Restoration may consist of building ditch plugs or earthen berms, improving water flow, soil excavation and removal or replacement of drainage pipes. The restoration was accomplished by the use of specialized equipment from the DOH, and staff from both the DOH and DEP. The cooperative effort accounted for the restoration of 53 acres of tidal wetlands this year. The purchase of an amphibious excavator in early 1993 will allow the Service to take a more active role in the restoration projects, and will help to increase the amount of restored acreage in Connecticut in future years.
On April 24, Paul Casey and Ann Kilpatrick met with Ron Rozsa and Tom Oulette from the Connecticut DEP, Long Island Sound Program and Paul Capotosto from the Connecticut DOH, Mosquito Control Division, to discuss wetland restoration site evaluation, prioritization and project funding in the State. Much of the meeting focused on the proposed restoration of 30 acres of tidal wetlands at Fletchers Creek, Silver Sands State Park in Milford. Restoration would include the removal of fill from approximately 15 acres of wetland, re-establishment of tidal creeks, the creation of wildlife ponds and construction of an inlet to connect the wetland to Long Island Sound. The successful completion of this project, slated to begin in spring 1993, would restore important habitat for migratory shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, re-establish nutrient flow to productive offshore finfish and shellfish habitat, and accomplish several priority objectives under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. On May 13, Paul and Ann met with Paul Capotosto to field inspect potential wetland restoration sites and to observe the progress of DOH restoration activities being conducted in Clinton, Guilford and Westbrook. The DOH continued to show great interest in assisting the Service with its coastal wetland restoration.
On June 18, the Refuge hosted a tour of three Connecticut coastal restoration sites for Long Island Refuge Staff to demonstrate how they might begin to restore some of their tidal wetlands in New York. On July 16, McKinney Refuge hosted a tour of restored coastal wetlands in Connecticut for Regional Director Ronald Lambertson and Service personnel Libby Herland, Jim Munson, Mike Bartlett and David Houghton. The group was accompanied by Paul Capotosto and Ron Rozsa who provided information on the history of wetland restoration in Connecticut. The trip included visits to: 21
1) Mumford Cove in Groton (Section D.5); 2) Hammock River in Clinton, a site restored by the State 10 years ago? 3) Cat Island in Milford, and other coastal wetlands restored in 1991 and 1992 under the Serviced Cooperative Agreement with the State; and 4) Silver Sands State Park in Milford, site of the proposed multi-agency Fletcher Creek wetland restoration and environmental education project. All RO personnel appeared enthusiastic about Connecticut's coastal restoration program by the end of the tour.
Don Lima spent eight weeks traveling as a member of the Regional Force Account Construction Team. In May, Don operated the "cookie cutter" in Main Pool at Montezuma NWR where channels were cleared and purple loosestrife was chopped to create open water areas in the marsh. As luck would have it, the piece of equipment broke down. While waiting for parts, Don and Maintenance Mechanic Steve Flanders stabilized the dike at the Benning Moist Soil Unit, a shallow water impoundment created for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, by discing, mulching, seeding and fertilizing. Don was also detailed to St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, New York in June and August under the Private Lands Initiative, a program designed to restore wetlands previously channeled, tiled or ditched on private property. Don identified and surveyed sites, and 22 operated heavy equipment to assist in the construction or repair of 17 earthen dikes and spillways. Don also traveled to Great Swamp NWR in October to assist in constructing a pole building to be used for equipment storage. 5. Grasslands Presently, the brushy fields at Salt Meadow are mowed on a regular basis to maintain an early successional stage and to provide open areas used by many species of wildlife. The cropland fields once present on Chimon Island, are now overgrown with a monoculture of Eurasian bittersweet which has little to no wildlife value. The use of the LARC allowed a tractor and Bush Hog mower attachment to be transported to the island to assist in field reclamation. In 1992, three "fields" were mowed to help diversify the island^ habitat and enhance its attractiveness to resident and migratory wildlife. A future management goal of the Refuge is to enhance biological diversity on Salt Meadow and Chimon Island Units by developing a plan to restore the fields to true grasslands. A combination of techniques including plowing, discing, planting and prescribed burning will be used. 6. Other Habitats Active nesting habitat management has been conducted at Falkner Island as part of the Patuxent Research Center study plan for roseate terns. Artificial nesting structures, ie., tires and nest boxes, have been installed around the island using a systematic, statistical approach. Several different types of nest boxes have been designed over the years to test their effectiveness in increasing chick survival. Data from this study should yield valuable information on the feasibility and value of artificial nesting habitat for endangered roseate terns on the island. In 1992, 100 Im-x-lm squares were marked off on the gravelly area at the north end of the island, and each received a half-buried tire. A new box was designed which had the same outside dimensions as the boxes used in 1991 (18" long x 8" wide x 6" high in front, and slanted roof), but had an opening on the side rather than in the front. Nest box designs have evolved to provide better protection for the young roseate terns from predatory gulls and competing adult roseate terns. The idea is to keep the young from wandering from their nest site by providing a more secure hiding place inside the box. A total of 120 boxes, 60 each of the old and new design, were set out in a systematic pattern and productivity of the birds using these artificial sites was measured and compared (See Section G.2 for results). 23
Systematic arrangement of "side door" and "front door" nest boxes. AMK 1992
G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity
To enhance habitat and species diversity, the fields on Chimon Island, Falkner Island and at Salt Meadow are mowed to maintain different successional stages. 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Roseate Tern - On December 2, 1987, the roseate tern was officially listed as an Endangered Species. The North American breeding population of roseate terns is limited to four main nesting colonies, of which Falkner Island is the third largest (approximately 175 pair). On March 10, Paul Casey and Falkner Island Tern Project (FITP) Director Jeff Spendelow, attended the annual Roseate Tern Recovery Team meeting in Westborough, Massachusetts. The meeting focused on the overall productivity for the entire roseate tern population and determined that no changes to the Recovery Plan were required. Specific discussion focused on the FITP. The Recovery Team confirmed their support for the continued roseate tern research at Falkner Island at its current level. The long range population 24 parameters Jeff is attempting to determine are considered extremely important to the overall recovery effort. Besides the artificial nesting habitat management described above (F.6), population data, including: nesting pairs, hatching and fledgling success, chick growth rates, population recruitment from other colonies and adult survivorship, are collected for roseate terns at Falkner Island.
"Everything I'll ever need to know in life, I learned in kindergarten." AMK 1992
Table 5 shows the breeding success of the roseate tern on Falkner Island from 1981-92. Both species of terns began their breeding seasons 10 to 14 days later than usual in 1992 perhaps due to the cold, wet weather experienced this spring. The overall roseate tern productivity of 0.79 chicks per pair, was the lowest since 1989. All major roseate tern colony sites recorded a decline in nesting pairs in 1992, including Falkner Island which experienced an almost one-third reduction from the previous year. Researchers, although not certain what may have caused this decline (mortality 25 on the wintering grounds, general weather conditions, etc.)/ are hopeful that the population will rebound in 1993 as in the past and eliminate any cause for concern.
Table 5. Breeding success of roseate terns on Falkner Island, 1981- 1992. Nesting Chicks Productivity Year Pairs Fledaed fChicks/Pair)
1981 185 241 1.30 1982 135 154 1.14 1983 140 205 1.46 1984 241 259 1.08 1985 273 292 1.07 1986 185 209 1.13 1987 165 161 0.97 1988 190 206 1.08 1989 165 136 0.82 1990 170 142 0.84 1991 180 158 0.88 1992 130 103 0.79
Of the 103 chicks believed to have fledged in 1992, 80 (78%) were from modified sites, ie. , artificial nesting structures, and 23 (22%) were from natural sites. Sixty-eight (62%) of the nests in modified sites were successful and 20 (77%) of the nests in natural sites were successful. This is the first time that pairs nesting in natural sites had a higher rate of success than pairs using modified sites. As in previous years, chicks from nests in tires generally tended to use their tires as hiding places until they fledged, while chicks from natural sites usually left these sites about five days after hatching for new hiding places. There appeared to be no nesting preference by the adults for the "side door" boxes versus the "front door" boxes, but the chicks from nests in the "side door" boxes seemed to remain "at home" longer. If future testing of this new box design proves to be as effective as the tires in increasing chick survival, tires, which make set-up very labor intensive, will no longer be used.
FITP Cooperators met on November 17 to discuss the upcoming 1993 field season. Jeff Spendelow planned to continue his research with assistance from six assistants and Refuge staff. It was determined that an Implementation Plan (activity time schedule, responsibilities of individual cooperators, etc.) would be written each year to guide the group in accomplishing the various financial, logistical and research tasks associated with the project. 26
Piping Plover - The 1986 listing of the piping plover as a Threatened Species - in the northeast has had significant implications to Refuge management of the Milford Point Unit. Milford Point has been a historic nesting area for the Threatened piping plover, with records showing as many as five nesting pair. However, piping plovers have not nested at this site since 1983. Severe alteration of the habitat by deposition of cobbly dredge spoil from Housatonic River channel projects prior to acquisition, has degraded the quality of the nesting habitat. Presently, a woven wire fence, extending into the intertidal zone, far below the "mean-high-tide" line, is maintained across the only access to the Refuge to discourage unauthorized public entry and prevent loose dogs and cats from entering the Refuge. A gate is placed in the fence below the Refuge boundary to provide access for birdwatching and fishing during the off-season. The Refuge has requested funding to improve the habitat and enhance the attractiveness of the area to nesting plovers and terns. In April, Ann Kilpatrick and Don Lima assisted the Connecticut DEP in erecting a predator fence for piping plovers on their property located just east of the Milford Point Unit.
Adult piping plover. Paul J. Fusco, CT DEP, Wildlife Division 1992
Associated with the Great Meadows Marsh, proposed for Service acquisition, is Long Beach. This mile long parcel consists of beach, sand dune, sandflat and tidal wetland habitats. The 27 extensive sandflat habitat and associated vegetation found here are extremely rare in Connecticut and provide critical nesting and feeding habitat for the piping plover and State threatened least tern. In 1992, 13 pairs of piping plovers fledged 18 young, making Long Beach the most productive site in the State for this species (Connecticut DEP). Although 100 pairs of least terns nested at this site, no young fledged, apparently due to predation. Black- crowned night herons appeared to have done the most damage, preying on both chicks and eggs, but rats and housecats may have also been responsible for the low productivity. Presently, the Connecticut DEP, Wildlife Division, protects Long Beach for the plovers and terns. In April, Ann and Don assisted the State in erecting protective fencing at this site to discourage public disturbance. The Refuge is in the process of negotiating with the Town of Stratford for acquisition of this valuable habitat. 3. Waterfowl On March 4, Ann Kilpatrick assisted BioTech Jennifer Casey at Trustom Pond Refuge in inspecting wood duck boxes for wildlife use and removing old nesting material in preparation for the coming nesting season. Black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, Atlantic brant, and red- breasted mergansers were commonly observed in the waters around Chimon, Sheffield and Falkner Island Units. Two family groups of Canada geese with six to eight young each, were observed on Chimon Island this year. Subsequent sightings indicated that few young actually survived to fledgling stage. Two other Canada goose nests were found on the island; one was predated and the other appeared to have produced one young. One pair of mallards and three pairs of American black ducks nested on Falkner Island in 1992. At least two pairs of mallards produced young in the marsh at Salt Meadow in 1992. Other waterfowl species commonly observed included red-breasted merganser, American black duck and green-winged teal. During the spring and fall migration, thousands of waterfowl utilize the extensive marsh habitat associated with the Milford Point Unit including green-winged teals, common goldeneyes, American widgeons, Northern pintails, American black ducks and gadwalls. < 28
This mallard pair and 10 young were observed feeding in a shallow pool in the marsh at Salt Meadow. AMK 1992
4. Marsh and Water Birds Chimon Island has provided nesting habitat for eight species of colonial wading birds, predominantly black-crowned night-herons and great egrets. As indicated in Table 6, the number of nesting herons at Chimon Island has varied greatly from year-to-year. At an October 1987 workshop for Chimon Island, wading bird biologists McCrimmon and Parsons indicated that large variances in nesting pairs of herons is not uncommon. This may demonstrate the birds* mobility between nesting colonies or a large percent of non nesting birds in certain years. The sharp decline in number of species and total nesting pairs over the past three years has been a great concern to the Refuge. 29
Table 6. Number of wading bird nests at Chimon Island, 1986-1992.
Soecies •86 •87 •88 •89 •90 •91 •92 Black-Crowned Night Heron 100 643 1040 875 200 100 61 Yellow-Crowned Night Heron 2 2 1 3 1 0 0 Snowy Egret 80 194 169 52 14 0 0 Great Egret 38 35 30 87 28 25 57
Cattle Egret 10 9 1 2 0 0 0 Glossy Ibis 11 7 8 1 2 0 0 Green-Backed Heron 4 1 3 2 3 0 0 Little Blue Heron 6 12 8 3 0 0 0
A habitat management plan for Chimon Island is being drafted based on the data collected during the 1988-89 study. The objective will be to increase the available wading bird nesting habitat and discourage vegetative succession from diminishing the quality and quantity of existing nesting habitat on the island. In addition, Refuge Staff will investigate what role predation might be playing in the nesting success of the colony. With the recent 1992 listing of the snowy and great egret as State Threatened, and black- crowned night heron listed as a Species of Special Concern, understanding the dynamics of this colony is of critical importance. The Refuge plans to work closely with the Connecticut DEP to secure the stability of this important wading bird colony.
Grassy Island, immediately adjacent to Chimon Island, is within the McKinney Refuge acquisition boundary and is currently owned by the City of Norwalk. The small wading bird colony, which started three years ago on the island, has greatly increased in size (Table 7). The Refuge will look to protect this habitat in the coming years. 30
Table 7. Number of wading bird nests at Grassy Island, 1989 and 1992 Colonial Waterbird Survey. Species 1989 1992 Black-Crowned Night Heron 80 250 Snowy Egret 25 125
Great Egret 1 1 Cattle Egret 2 1 Glossy Ibis 14 1 Green-Backed Heron 1 1 Little Blue Heron 2 3
Mixed colony of snowy egrets, glossy ibis, little blue herons and black-crowned night herons on Grassy Island. AMK 1992
Great blue herons are year-round residents of the Salt Meadow marsh. During late summer, snowy egrets and great egrets can be observed feeding in the marsh. In late April of this year, 25 glossy ibis were observed feeding in the marsh4 grass and on the 31 mudflats of the Menunketesuck River.
4 5. Shorebirds. Gulls, Terns and Allied Species The steep banks and rocky shoreline of Falkner Island are habitat for nearly 80 percent of the nesting common terns in Connecticut. About 4000 nests are found on the island each summer. In conjunction with the roseate tern study, Falkner Island Tern Project (FITP) researchers collect data on the location of every nest, egg laying and hatching success, and fledgling survival of the common terns. In 1992, the number of common tern pairs and productivity declined (Table 8).
Table 8. Falkner Island common tern population data, 1983-1992. Year Active Nests Chicks fl)
1983 * 3060 1984 2999 2402 1985 3708 3198 1986 3636 2970 1987 3629 4196 1988 3880 4146 1989 4497 3628 1990 4413 3772 1991 5081 4336 1992 3682 3253
(1) Chicks banded and not found dead later. * Nest data not available for 1983
In May, three pairs of common terns were observed exhibiting courtship behavior on Sheffield Island; however, they did not attempt to nest there.
During a June 8 trip to Goose Island, just west of Falkner Island, FITP researchers recorded six active great black-backed gull nests. One young gull was observed but not banded.
On June 11 and 12, Ann Kilpatrick assisted the Connecticut Audubon Society and Connecticut DEP in conducting the Colonial Waterbird Survey off the coasts of Branford and Norwalk. On the 13th and 14th, Ann and volunteer Howard Kilpatrick completed the survey by censusing the remaining islands in the Norwalk chain including Crow, Rett's, Sheffield and Shay. Nesting colonies of double- crested cormorants, herring and great black-backed gulls, common terns, herons and egrets were recorded during the survey. 32
Herring and great black-backed gulls nest throughout the Norwalk Islands area. During the Colonial Waterbird Survey, approximately 130 gull nests were counted on Goose Island, Norwalk, and almost 300 nests on Grassy Island; productivity appeared to be high at both of these sites. Although over 800 gull nests were recorded on Chimon and Sheffield Islands combined this year, only two to three were observed to successfully fledge young. The Refuge will monitor these sites more closely next season to determine the cause of this lack of productivity. In 1991, researchers on Falkner Island observed a few gulls predating chicks within the roseate tern colony. In response to this, the Refuge requested a depredation permit in 1992 to control problem gulls on the island. One herring gull was taken in 1992. Several pairs of American oystercatchers were observed in the Norwalk Islands area this year. A pair of oystercatchers made two nesting attempts on Chimon Island, but both nests were predated. An oystercatcher nest with three eggs was found on Sheffield Island, however no young were ever observed. The nest, laid close to the hide tide mark, may have been washed away by a higher than normal tide which occurred in June.
A pair of oystercatchers nested on Goose Island in Norwalk, and produced at least one young. Paul J. Fusco, CT DEP, Wildlife Division 1992 33
This summer, a greater number of red-throated loons were observed in the waters surrounding Falkner Island than in previous years.
During summer and fall at Salt Meadow, killdeer, greater yellowlegs, semi-palmated sandpipers, short-billed dowitchers and willets often feed on the mudflats at low tide. On occasion, common terns and least terns are observed feeding in the Menunketesuck River during the spring and summer. Several species of migrant shorebirds use the mudflats and marsh habitat associated with the Milford Point Unit for feeding and resting, including yellowlegs, black-bellied plovers, dunlins, dowitchers, ruddy turnstones and least sandpipers. Jim Zingo, FITP Research Assistant, published a note on an American oystercatcher egg adopted by a pair of common terns in 1991 on Falkner Island in Connecticut Warbler (12:146-149). Jim's note on the first documented record of bridled tern in Connecticut, which he observed on Falkner Island in June and August 1992, and Jeff Spendelow's roseate and common tern species accounts for the Breeding Bird Atlas, should be published in early 1993. At the 1992 Colonial Waterbird Society meeting, Jeff and Ian Nisbet gave a joint paper comparing loss of colorbands from adult and young terns. 6. Raptors Once again, a pair of osprey returned to Salt Meadow in early April and attempted to nest on the platform. Observations of the pair at and around the nest site (aerial flights and calling, carrying sticks and fish to the nest, crouching in the nest) indicated that they were successful in breeding and laying eggs; however, as in previous years, no young were ever observed. Closer inspection of the nesting structure later in the year indicated that raccoons may have been the culprit. However, another potential predator observed at Salt Meadow, is the great-horned owl, a species known to take young osprey. Before the osprey return in 1993, the Refuge will rehabilitate the nesting platform and replace the predator guard. Other raptor species observed on the Refuge included Northern harrier, turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, American kestrel, and snowy owl. Two great-horned owl fledglings were observed in April on Chimon Island. 7. Other Migratory Birds
Large numbers of passerines use the Norwalk Islands during migration and nesting seasons. Common species ob'served include the 34 common yellowthroat, yellow-rumped warbler. Northern waterthrush, yellow warbler, black and white warbler and Northern oriole. In late March, Refuge Staff observed several woodcock peenting and displaying in the newly mowed fields on Chimon Island, and flushed a woodcock from a woodland seepage area at Salt Meadow. Many species of passerines use the wooded areas of Salt Meadow Refuge. Species of interest observed in 1992 included magnolia warbler, veery, great-crested flycatcher, American redstart, golden-crowned kinglet, hermit thrush and cedar waxwing. Eastern bluebirds are often seen in the open fields and around the buildings at Salt Meadow throughout the year. This year, one pair of bluebirds attempted to nest in one of the nest boxes located in the old field habitat, but were evicted by house wrens. Spring migrants observed on Falkner included palm warbler, yellow- rumped warbler, blue-grey gnatcatcher and rufous-sided towhee.
8. Game Mammals White-tailed deer were observed on both Chimon Island and Salt Meadow Units in 1992. 9. Marine Mammals Falkner and Goose Islands in Guilford are used by harbor seals during the winter months. Twelve harbor seals were observed on Goose Island on April 23. 10. Other Resident Wildlife
The presence of fox, deer and at least one ring-necked pheasant was evident from tracks observed in the snow this winter at Salt Meadow. Before the Service's ownership, Falkner Island was an active, staffed lighthouse station. As history relates to us, a lightkeeper, upon vacating the island, set several of the families' pet European hares free. Without any predators, the hares multiplied and became the dominant mammalian species on the island. The rabbits' prolific breeding capacity, burrowing nature and appetite have contributed to the continuing erosion problem on the island. This winter, the rabbits fell prey to a visiting snowy owl, which dined only on the choicest parts. The owl, and possibly a disease, has seriously reduced the rabbit population, as evident by the small number of rabbits observed during the summer. 35
16. Marking and Banding Banding programs, authorized by Cooperative Agreements and Special Use Permits, are conducted on Falkner Island. Falkner Island Tern Project (FITP) researchers, under the direction of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center biologist Jeff Spendelow, trap and band roseate and common tern chicks and adults for populations data described in Sections G.2 and G.5. The new field-readable bands tested this year at all the colonies were found to be ineffective in helping to identify individual birds; only 50 percent of the bands could be read at distances greater than 20 meters. Biologists banded spring and fall neotropical migrants at Falkner Island on 2 3 days this year, capturing 245 individuals of 32 species. Warblers (193 individuals of 11 species) accounted for 79 percent of all migrants captured, and common yellowthroats (105 in spring, 4 in fall), northern waterthrushes (30 in fall), and yellow warblers (4 in spring, 17 in fall) were the most commonly caught species. Other interesting captures included the project's first house finch, second each of belted kingfisher, downy woodpecker, and Eastern kingbird, and their third and fourth cedar waxwings, since the FITP began in 1978.
Magnolia warbler banded on Falkner Island. AMK 1992 36
Biologists also made three trips to Goose Island, and banded a total of 174 young double-crested cormorants. Approximately 185 active nests were found. In June, Refuge Staff assisted the Connecticut DEP in neck collaring and leg banding Canada geese as part of the Atlantic Flyway migration study, designed to assess movements and survival rates of migrant and resident Canada geese. McKinney Staff also assisted Ninigret Refuge and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in their summer goose round-up at Trustom Pond.
H. PUBLIC USE
1. General Three of the Refuge units (all except Salt Meadow) are posted in the spring to discourage unauthorized entry during the nesting season. Preventing access to the Refuge nesting areas is compounded by the problems of scarcity of publicly accessible shoreline, beach areas, and traditional use of the Refuge by fishermen, boaters, hunters and campers. Refuge Staff and project researchers are stationed at Falkner and Chimon Islands throughout the nesting season to deter visitors from entering the nesting colonies. Because of the nature of the Refuge, i.e., four of the six units are offshore, their relative small size (three units less than 10 acres each), and their significance as nesting areas for concentrations of endangered and rare species, promoting public use programs at the Refuge has focused on the Salt Meadow unit only. New regulatory signs were purchased this year to assist in promoting and managing public use on all Refuge units.
During restoration of the Manor House (March - August), the northern portion of Salt Meadow was closed to the public for safety purposes. All trails south of the building remained open.
An estimated 4,000 visits occurred at Salt Meadow Refuge in 1992. Facilities consist of a parking area and about 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Public use included nature study and observation, trail walking, photography, and picnicking.
On June 5, Paul Casey walked the grounds at Salt Meadow with members of the Old Saybrook Garden Club. Paul provided the group with background on the Refuge's wildlife and habitat resources and described how Esther Lape and Elizabeth Read had transformed the Salt Meadow property into a country estate with well-kept gardens, ornamental trees and shrubs, and trails. The group appeared enthusiastic about volunteering their time and talent in the future 37 to help reestablish the flower gardens and restore the aesthetic qualities once present. 4. Interpretive Foot Trails To assist in accomplishing the objectives of the Salt Meadow Public Use Plan completed in 1991, interpretive signs were purchased in 1992 to construct a self-guided trail walk. This project, slated for completion in 1993, also calls for the construction of two observation platforms which will overlook the salt marsh. 5. Interpretive Tour Routes The Norwalk Islands (including Chimon and Sheffield Island) are the focal point of the Saugatuck Audubon Society's field trips and guided tours onboard the Conservator, their small tour boat. The boat operates on weekends and on special requests in the summer and carries passengers on a two to four hour guided tour of the islands. The boat passes near the wading bird colony on Chimon Island, but landing is restricted to the beach area maintained by the Town of Norwalk, (see H.16) under a special use permit from the Service. On March 10, Ann Kilpatrick attended an introductory Watchable Wildlife meeting hosted by the Connecticut DEP. The meeting was attended by DEP Wildlife Division personnel and a representative from The Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Watchable Wildlife, a program initiated by the Defenders of Wildlife in 1988, is a partnership between state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses formed to aid in the protection and enhancement of wildlife-associated recreation and education opportunities for the public. It is hoped that this goal will be accomplished through the production of a series of wildlife viewing guides which are being developed on a state-by-state basis. Jim Cole, National Viewing Guide Coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service, presented the Watchable Wildlife concept to the group and provided suggestions on how to get the program off the ground. The group's discussion focused on the State's financial difficulties and the importance of gaining corporate support to initiate the project. All in attendance expressed their enthusiasm and support for developing a viewing guide for Connecticut. 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
To assist the Refuge in its continuing effort to promote public use and environmental awareness on the Refuge, interpretive signs were purchased this year for all Refuge Units. In addition, the Refuge will be working closely with the Connecticut DEP and the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) in future years to provide opportunities for the public to learn about wildlife and habitat conservation. With assistance from the DEP, the Refuge will develop demonstration areas on the grounds of the new office and 38 visitor's center to display landscaping techniques used to attract different species of-wildlife. In addition, the Refuge hopes to form a cooperative partnership with the CAS and DEP to educate the public about protecting valuable coastal habitats through interpretation at the Milford Point Unit. 7. Other Interpretive Programs On March 29, Paul Casey operated a booth at the Westbrook Economic Development Fair, providing many interested residents with information on current Refuge activities, land acquisition proposals and the construction of the new office and visitors center at Salt Meadow. On April 21, Paul provided a slide presentation on the McKinney Refuge to a Norwalk based group, Save Our Wetlands. Approximately 25 people attended. On May 27 at Bayberry Creek Marina, Paul met with 25 students from the Jackie Robinson Middle School from New Haven. These students are members of The Natural Guard, a national, experiential, environmental organization formed to encourage school-age (K-12) youth to become more informed about environmental issues in their communities. Students are given full access to environmental programs and projects which provide them with the tools, knowledge and guidance to help their communities address various environmental concerns from energy conservation to wildlife habitat enhancement. During their salt marsh ecology field trip, Paul helped teach students about the ecological relationships of the marsh and how man has impacted this ecosystem. In addition, Paul offered students an opportunity to learn about his work on the Refuge and the nature of career opportunities associated with the Service.
On September 13, Refuge Staff, in cooperation with the Faulkner's Light Brigade (FLB) and the Coast Guard, hosted an open house on Falkner Island. Paul handed out Refuge brochures and answered questions about the ongoing research conducted on the island. The Coast Guard allowed visitors to tour the historic lighthouse as the FLB explained the erosion problem threatening the structural integrity of the lighthouse. The day was a great success, and all visitors look forward to the next open house. 39
Over 600 visitors flocked to Falkner Island for the open house day. Sally Richards 1992
On June 27, Paul operated a booth for Stratford Day, an event designed to promote public awareness of Town-related issues and activities. In addition to providing informational brochures on the Service and the McKinney Refuge, Paul presented a display highlighting the wildlife resource values of the Great Meadows Marsh system and the Service's interest in acquiring the property.
The Faulkner's Light Brigade operated a booth at the Guilford Fair held September 17-20, to generate public interest in their efforts to protect the lighthouse on Falkner Island. McKinney Refuge provided the group with Refuge brochures and information on the tern research conducted on the island. 9. Fishing
Milford Point has historically been a popular salt water fishing area for the non-boating public. The fencing of the Refuge threatened that use, and was not a popular decision with local fishermen. The fence was constructed with a small gate below the mean-high-tide to permit fishing access.
Fin and shell fishing in the Norwalk Island's area, although highly regulated, is popular among local residents during the spring, summer and fall. 40
11. Wildlife Observation At the mouth of the Housatonic River, next to the 800 acre State- owned Wheeler Waterfowl Management Area, Milford Point has been described by the Connecticut Audubon Society as "the best birding area in Connecticut." The Soartina marsh, tidal mudflat and shoreline dunes are a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. The likely sighting of less common species like the piping plover, snowy owl or black skimmer, attracts large numbers of birders to the area throughout the year. To accommodate the birders, the Refuge built a viewing platform to overlook Milford Point and the marsh. This has been a successful compromise since the area is fenced throughout the plover breeding season. 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation A few people took advantage of the brief period of snow cover in March by cross-country skiing on the trails at Salt Meadow. Each year, the Refuge issues the Town of Norwalk a Special Use Permit which authorizes their use of a 500 foot beach area on the western shore of Chimon Island. The area is isolated from the heron colony and poses no threat to the birds. During the summer, 30 to 40 boats may be moored at the Chimon beach on weekends and holidays while occupants enjoy the shoreline for sunbathing and picnics. The Town of Norwalk Marine Police and Recreation Department patrol and maintain the area, so the Permit is beneficial to the Refuge. 17. Law Enforcement In early October, three Guilford youths gained access into the generator building on Falkner Island by breaking a window. They broke into the researchers' equipment trunks, and burned shelves, tables, and other wooden debris in a make-shift fireplace. They also gained access to the lighthouse by cutting a padlocked door and breaking a window. The Guilford Fire Department responded to calls of a fire on the island. Once the officials reached the island, the youths' names, addresses, and phone numbers were taken and they were told to leave the island. Paul Casey and the Coast Guard were notified by the Guilford Fire Chief. The Service has chosen not to pursue the issue in light of the minimal amount of damage done to the building. Because the island is only occupied during the summer months and during sporadic visits made by the McKinney Staff during the remainder of the year, effectively enforcing Refuge regulations on the island is impossible.
The major scope of law enforcement for the Refuge is educating users of the restrictions imposed on the areas now under Refuge jurisdiction. High visibility, posting and signing areas, and media announcements inform the public of RefUge restrictions. 41
These efforts seem to have paid off with few violations occurring this year. Refuge personnel continued to observe dogs off the leash at Salt Meadow, and despite the presence of the Staff and on-site Refuge Manager, the regulation continued to be ignored. In 1993, the Refuge will no longer allow pets at Salt Meadow.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction In May, Paul Casey and Don Lima met with Leigh Whiteside, Civil Engineer, to discuss preliminary proposals for the construction of a new maintenance complex at Salt Meadow. In December, Paul, Don and Charlie Hebert met with Don Frickie, Regional Associate Manager, Paul Saulnier, Civil Engineer, and Leigh Whiteside to finalize maintenance complex plans. For safety purposes, Don Lima constructed an eight-foot high fence to separate the future visitor center and public use area from the proposed maintenance complex area at Salt Meadow.
Newly-erected fence at Salt Meadow. AMK 1992.
Refuge Staff constructed a IS'x 25' deck for the Government Quarters (a high priority management tool!). 42
In September, Paul and Don assisted in constructing and wiring the new office space for Ecological Services at Ninigret Refuge. The construction created three new offices and a GIS work area for the Southern New England - New York Bight Coastal and Estuary Program. In December, Paul announced the closing of Salt Meadow Refuge from January 1 to May 1, 1993, during construction of the new visitor parking lots. 2. Rehabilitation Refuge Staff began clearing trails and reclaiming fields on Chimon Island on March 18. As luck would have it, the only significant storm of the season occurred that evening, dropping six inches of snow on the island. Needless to say, plans to clear the vegetation along the survey transects within the wading bird nesting area were put on hold. The staff returned to the island on the 26th to complete the work. During their weekend trips to Chimon Island this summer. Refuge Staff and volunteers began renovating the inside of the living quarters by stripping and painting the walls and constructing a countertop for the kitchen area. They also began constructing a secure storage closet which will provide a place to store the more valuable items used on the island.
Refuge Staff, with assistance from Ninigret Staff and volunteers, accomplished several maintenance projects on Falkner Island in 1992: a split-rail fence was erected on the east edge of island to provide a safety barrier from the eroding embankment; the leaky roof of the generator building was stripped and re-shingled? the old wooden boardwalk on top of the island was torn up and removed, debris lying around the top of the island was collected and piled for removal, and a large area of grass was mowed around the generator building and lighthouse to maintain a lower ground cover. 43
(above) The new split-rail fence on Falkner Island provides an extra measure of safety for island visitors; (below) re-shingling the generator building. AMK 1992 44 In 1989, Congress approved $630,000 to build a Government Quarters for the Stewart B. McKinney Refuge (completed in 1991), rehabilitate the existing historical stone Manor House for use as an office/visitor center, and construct a maintenance complex for the Refuge at Salt Meadow. Construction and rehabilitation of these buildings continued in 1992. In the fall of 1991, the Regional Engineering Office, Refuge Staff and consultants completed the plans for the renovation of the historic Manor House to be converted into an office and visitor center for the Refuge. All the final design work was completed by Preservation Partnership, Inc., a Massachusetts consulting firm and the contract was awarded to Peloquin Builders from Westerly, Rhode Island. Paul Casey, Charlie Hebert, Civil Engineer Paul Saulnier and Contracting Officer Ann Marie Bowker held a pre-construction meeting with Peloquin prior to the commencement of construction. Construction began on March 9 and was completed by mid-July. The Manor House is on the National Historic Register, therefore, all repairs to the exterior had to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
The floor in the center one-third of the building was removed and new carrying beams and piers were installed. The building's main carrying beam had broken in two; it seems the previous owners liked solid floors - concrete was poured between the floor joists on each
Installation of new carrying beams. AMK 1992 45
Walls were framed, sheetrocked, and painted for two handicapped restrooms, kitchenette, and receptionist area. New oak flooring was installed in two-thirds of the first floor. The remaining one- third, the conference room, remained as original as possible with only some minor cosmetic work, ie. , painting and floor refinishing. Thirty eight of the 42 windows and all eight doors of the building were restored. The garage doors were removed, restored, and reinstalled. The floor was raised to create the visitor center and to allow handicap accessibility to all portions of the first floor. A new oak stairway was built to gain access to the second floor. The two large rooms remained in their historical state. The only modifications were insulation between the rafters and tongue and groove pine to match the original ceiling. New decking and beadboard ceilings were replaced on the balconies. The wrought iron railings were sandblasted, restored, and painted. Insulation was added for energy efficiency and the tongue and groove was closely matched to the original ceiling. The building has all new electrical, plumbing, forced-hot water heating, and central air conditioning systems. All venting was kept to the back section of roof to maintain the historical appeal of the building. To complete the renovation, a Merlin 410 Telephone system and an alarm/fire system were installed.
New Refuge Manager's office. AMK 1993 46
Two months after occupying the building, a leak was discovered in the visitor center display room. It seems the contractor found a heating pipe with a finish nail. The water-stained section of floor was replaced, and the entire floor was sanded and polyurathaned. The accepted bid for the renovation, including three change orders was $138,318; architectural and engineering costs were $22,241, bringing the total cost of the renovation to $160,559.
Manor House before (above) and after restoration (below). AMK 1992 47
3. Manor Maintenance Don constructed the framing for the six 4,x 8' Refuge entrance signs, purchased and received in 1991, for four of the McKinney Refuge Units. Refuge Staff erected two signs on Sheffield Island and one on Falkner Island in 1992.
Stewart B. McK.nney National Wildlife Refuge FALKNER ISLAND UNTT
Sign manual? What sign manual? AMK 1992
Refuge Staff assisted Ninigret Refuge on several occasions this year. Don assisted in mowing the trails and parking area and erecting fencing around the piping plover nesting area at Trustom Pond in the spring and summer. Refuge Staff assisted Ninigret in removing the fence and cleaning the beach at the end of the plover nesting season, and helped inventory and reorganize their shop and storage areas. 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement
Refuge Staff cleared trails and reclaimed fields on Chimon Island using the new Bush Hog mower; it proved to be a very efficient means of clearing the island's thick vegetation. This work would not have been completed if not for the amphibious landing craft (LARC) that transported the equipment to the island. In past years, equipment and supplies were hauled to the islands using boats, making the trip long and work on the island difficult. The LARC, which has not been used in the past, provided the Refuge with a more safe and efficient means of transporting heavier equipment to the island, greatly enhancing work productivity: 48
\
Refuge Staff unloads equipment from the LARC. AMK 1992
In June, a gas refrigerator and stove were transported to Falkner Island by Berkshire Petroleum and installed in the island^ living quarters. The addition of these appliances greatly improved the living facilities for the Falkner Island Tern Project Research Team and Refuge Staff while on the island.
For safety purposes, a new 15 horsepower Evinrude outboard motor was purchased as a kicker motor for the 23' Sea Ox engine. In July, Don Lima utilized the JD2555 tractor with backhoe and bush hog attachments to accomplish various maintenance projects at Salt Meadow. The bush hog was used to clear a lawn and yard area for the new government quarters, and to clear vegetation behind the Manor House in preparation for the installation of a new septic line and concrete pad for a LP tank. The backhoe was used to dig up the old clay septic pipes, which had collapsed and plugged the line, and backfill the new four inch PVC septic line running from the Manor House to the septic tank. The tractor was also used to clear brush along the proposed maintenance road in preparation for the archeological survey, and to spread topsoil for the quarter's lawn. A JD350 and operator, Ed "Buzz" Spencer, were donated by the Department of Health, Mosquito Control Division for a day, to assist Don in spreading and grading the topsoil. Buzz's skill and experience were of great assistance in completing the project. 49
A 650 laser level was purchased from Spectra Physics for wetland restoration projects in Connecticut and other Refuge activities. On May 28, Jim Gillette from Superior Products trained Refuge staff on the use of level. In August, a direct reading linker rod was purchased to replace the standard grade rod, which has made surveying less difficult. McKinney Refuge maintains two Chevy pick-up trucks and three boats (201 and 23* Sea Ox, 16* Boston Whaler) to assist in conducting daily Refuge activities. A RAM 50 pickup truck was obtained from Quonset Point DRMO in Davisville, Rhode Island for use in Connecticut. The pickup proved to be an important addition to the McKinney fleet during the summer while Paul and Don were traveling with the other two pickups. A JD770 utility tractor was purchased along with front end loader, york rake, grading box, and flail mower attachments. This tractor has proven to be an all around versatile piece of equipment. This tractor's small size allows for great flexibility in maintaining hiking trails, mowing around the office and Refuge grounds, and in transporting the piece of equipment to and from the islands.
The new JD770. The equipment fleet is born! AMK 1992
Two rail-mount tool boxes and a 100 gallon fuel tank with pump were purchased to assist with Wetland Restoration Force Account work and various Refuge maintenance projects. With the anticipated arrival 50 of the new amphibious excavator in March 1993, the tool boxes and fuel tank will greatly assist in fueling and repairing on-site equipment. 5. Communication Systems The Refuge maintains access to the State of Connecticut radio system which is essentially the only system available for law enforcement and emergency assistance. Other Fish and Wildlife units are too distant for consistent contact. All boats used are equipped with marine frequency radios. A base station was set up at the Falkner Island during the field season. Island residents communicated with Little Harbor Laboratory every day as a safety procedure.
The McKinney Refuge was linked to the new FTS 2000 Merlin System on November 12. This direct-dial system has eliminated the need to dial an additional 22 digits for each long distance phone call made. A second cellular mobile telephone purchased in June complimented the communication capabilities of Refuge operations. The telephone has an attached battery pack and mobile antenna that allows us to use it on the islands and boats increasing our operational efficiency and safety. 8. Other The Stewart B. McKinney NWR is operated as a satellite refuge of the Ninigret NWR. A temporary office was operated out of the Refuge Manager's home in Connecticut in 1990 until the General Services Administration located permanent space in the Town of Westbrook in October 1991. This site served as the Refuge office while the Manor House at Salt Meadow was being restored. Refuge staff moved into the new Refuge headquarters in August 1992. The address is:
Stewart B. McKinney NWR P.O. Box 1030 Westbrook, CT 06498 Tel. # (203) 399-2513 Fax # (203) 399-2515 51
J. OTHER ITEMS
4. Credits This narrative was completed by McKinney Refuge Staff, Paul Casey, Ann Kilpatrick and Don Lima. Data for Climatic Conditions section was provided by David Miller, Department of Natural Resources, University of Connecticut.
FITP Director, Jeff Spendelow, provided all Falkner Island research data and narrative. This narrative was reviewed by Charlie Hebert, Project Leader, and Deb Tranter, Office Assistant.
McKinney Refuge... always in the fog. AMK 1992 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Stewart B. McKinney is one of more than 470 refuges in Stewart the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of lands and waters managed specifi cally for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat and B. represents the most comprehensive wildlife management program in the world. Units of the system stretch across the United States from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys and include small islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The character of the refuges is as diverse as the nation itself. McKinney
The Service also manages National Fish Hatcheries,and provides Federal leadership in habitat protection, fish and National wildlife research, technical assistance and the conservation and protection of migratory birds, certain marine mammals and threatened and endangered species. Wildlife For further information please contact: Refuge Refuge Manager Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1030 Westbrook, CT 06498 Telephone: (203) 399-2513
or
Refuge Manager Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex P.O. Box 307 Charlestown, RI02813 Telephone: (401) 364-9124
Cover and piping plover illustrations © Julie Zickefoose
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Connecticut U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
RL-53546-1 March 1992 Introduction Units of Stewart B. McKinney Refuge Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge consists of four separate units along the Connecticut Milford Point coast: Sheffield, Chimon, and Falkner Islands, and Located at the mouth of the Housatonic River in Milford, this Milford Point, a barrier peninsula. Originally desig 22-acre barrier peninsula consists primarily of dredge fill, sandy nated by Congress as Connecticut Coastal National^ beaches, and dunes. Once slated for development, Milford Point Wildlife Refuge in 1984, this 152-acre Refuge was shelters the salt marshes of the adjacent 865-acre Wheeler State Wildlife renamed in 1987 to honor the late U.S. Congressman Management Area from the tides and storms of Long Island Sound. It is Stewart B. McKinney, who was instrumental in its also one of the few nesting areas of the least tern and the endangered piping establishment. Formation of the Refuge was sup plover. Historically, these once-common birds nested on many miles of ported by many public and private organizations and undisturbed sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast. Greatly increased is considered one of the most significant conservation Piping human use of these areas since the end of World War II has led to a drastic achievements in Connecticut history. Plover reduction in piping plover and least tern populations. To protect these birds the nesting area at Milford Point is seasonally closed to public access Stewart B. McKinney Refuge is a unit of each year. Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex, head quartered in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Other areas managed from this office include Salt Meadow Refuge in Westbrook, Connecticut, and five refuges in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island refuges are Sheffield Island Ninigret Refuge, Charlestown; Trustom Pond Located 1.5 miles off the coast of Norwalk, this 57-acre FALKNER ISLAND Refuge, South Kingstown; Sachuest Point Refuge, unit includes woodland, shrubland, sandy beach, and rocky Middletown; Pettaquamscutt Cove Refuge, Narra- shore habitats. Sheffield Island supports a variety of bird gansett; and Block Island Refuge, Block Island. A species and has considerable nesting potential for osprey, brochure entitled National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode herons, and other migratory birds. To protect these birds, Falkner Island Island is available from the Ninigret Refuge Complex Sheffield Island is seasonally closed to public access Originally established in 1802 as a U.S. Coast Office. each year. Guard Light Station, this 5 -acre unit is located 3 miles off the coast of Guilford. Today, the grassy upland and rocky shore habitats of Falkner Island Why a Refuge? support thousands of nesting pairs of the common tern and the endangered roseate tern. In an area of dense and expanding human population and development, Stewart B. McKinney Since World War II, human development, Refuge has special significance and value to migra recreation activity, and competition with expanding tory birds and other wildlife. Located along the gull populations have greatly decreased the number Atlantic Flyway, McKinney Refuge provides^ X/ Chimon Island of tern nesting sites on the East coast, resulting in a important resting, feeding, and significant decline in tern populations. On Falkner nesting habitat for many species of Lying 1 mile east of Sheffield Island, this 68-acre unit is similar in habitat composition and supports a diversity of wildlife. More than 135 species of birds and several species of mammals and reptiles have Island, nesting shelters made of boards, boxes, and wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, Little CHIMON ISLAND tires are used to help increase roseate tern produc and terns, including the endangered Blue Heron been observed on the Island. Chimon also harbors one of the largest wading bird colonies in the North tion. Common terns use the protected open areas. roseate tern. Adjacent waters serve east. This intermixed rookery of glossy ibis, herons, and egrets first established itself on Sheffield Island SHEFFIELD ISLAND To minimize human disturbance to these nesting as wintering habitat for brant, in 1961 with 28 nesting pairs. The colony later moved to Chimon Island and increased dramatically to more than 1,000 pairs. To protect these nesting birds, most of Chimon Island is seasonally closed to public birds, Falkner Island is seasonally closed to public scoters, American black duck, and : Black-crmmed access each year. other waterfowl. Night-Heron access each year. For Your Information Falkner Island Intertidal Zone Chimon Island Refuge units are open from This unit is Chimon Island is Intertidal Zone one-half hour before sunrise seasonally open Upland seasonally open to to one-half hour after sunset. to visitors each visitors each year and Please note that all units are year and is only is only accessible by seasonally closed to public accessible by boat. A 3-acre beach on
access to protect nesting birds. Common Tern boat. No trails or the Island, operated Contact the Refuge Manager other facilities 0 400 800 1200 1600 Feet by the Town of Upland Norwalk during for current dates. are available. Refuge Boundary the summer season, may • Rest room facilities are not available af any of be visited all year. No 0 400 800 1200 1600 Feet the Refuge units. trails or other facilities are Refuge Boundary Milford Point available. • Wildlife observation and photography are Bordering on salt marsh, mud flat, river, and encouraged. ocean habitats, Milford Point is considered one of the best birdwatching areas in Connecticut. Located Sheffield Island • Surf fishing is permitted from Refuge seashores at the end of Smith's Point Road in Milford, this unit The Refuge portion of Sheffield Island is season under applicable State and Federal regulations. is seasonally open to visitors each year. During the ally open to visitors each year and is only accessible remainder of the year, access is only permitted to a by boat. No trails or other facilities are available. • Bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, kite flying, wildlife observation platform outside the plover/ Part of Sheffield Island is privately-owned, and not and camping are inconsistent with wildlife tern nesting area. Parking is available at the Milford open to the public. PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE management objectives and thus are not Point Bird Observatory and Coastal Education PROPERTY. permitted. Dogs and other pets, motor vehicles, Center. The road west of the Bird Observatory is firearms, and fires of all types pose special privately-owned. Access to Milford Point is thus via hazards and are also not allowed. All Refuge the shoreline below mean high water. In addition to features are protected. Disturbing wildlife and an observation platform, facilities include a .4 mile picking wildflowers and other plants are trail. prohibited.
• Biting flies and ticks are common during the warmer months. The tiny deer tick can transmit LYME DISEASE, a serious infection of people and pets. As a precaution, check yourself carefully for the presence of ticks.
• Information on lodging, transportation, and other recreation opportunities may be obtained from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development, Tourism Division, 865 Brook REFUGE CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS Street, Rock Hill, CT 06067. ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
400 800 1200 1600 Feet PLEASE CONTACT THE REFUGE MANAGER PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT. Refuge Boundary