LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Kenmare, North Dakota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1934

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM \

REVIEW AND APPROVALS »

LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Kenmare, North Dakota

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1984

Refuge Supervisor Review Date

Regional Office Approval Date INTRODUCTION

The 26,747 acre Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge lies in northwestern North Dakota, 23 miles,south of the Canadian border and 70 miles east of the Montana line. It was established in 1935 by Executive Order 7171 as a " . . . refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wild­ life . . within Burke and Mountrail Counties on the Missouri du Coteau (a geological feature created by a terminal moraine deposited about 10,000 years ago by the Wisconsin glacier). The refuge topography is rolling to steep hills covered with native (70%) and tame (30%) grasslands, small patches of aspen (about 1% of the refuge), and numerous wetlands. This is the largest block of native grassland under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ownership in the pothole region of Minnesota, Montana, and North and South Dakota. The hills are most frequently covered with western snowberry, needle-and-thread, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama, plains muhly, small-flower aster, northern bedstraw, goldenrod, wild licorice, meadow anemone, white sage and others. Some of the native resident fauna include sharp-tailed grouse, whitetail deer, beaver, coyote, and whitetail jackrabbit. The native migratory fauna include waterfowl (mallard, wigeon, gadwall, blue-winged teal, giant Canada goose and others), shorebirds (upland plover, marbled godwit, avocet, piping plover, and others), passerines (clay-colored sparrow, Sprague's pipit, sharp-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, marsh hawk, short-eared owl, and others). The grassland and associated wildlife are enhanced and/or maintained by land use management practices such as idle, prescribed burning, grazing and others.

Public use facilities on the refuge include a self-guided auto route, a hiking trail and a photo blind on a sharp-tailed grouse dancing ground. Binding, photography, hunting for grouse, Hungarian partridge and deer are the main public use activities. In 1975, the 5577 acre Lostwood Wilderness Area was established by P.L. 93-632, 12, Section L (d) (12).

On 1 July 1973, Lostwood NWR, staffed with a resident manager and one maintenance man, was placed under the administration of the Des Lacs Complex, headquartered at Des Lacs NWR in Kenmare, North Dakota. LEGEND it Refuge Headquarters | | Area A Q Contact Station nArea b ^ Tower m Gates | | Area C | Missile Site III)I Wilderness Boundary - — —Auto Route 4^0 Lakes and larger wetlands • • • • Hiking Trail Sod Trails Trails LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE P.O. BOX 578 KENMARE, NORTH DAKOTA 58746 REFUGE REGULATIONS GENERAL PERMITTED: Hiking on designated trails—June 1 to September 14. The wilderness area is open to hiking, snowshoeing.and skiing year-round. For your safety you must register at Refuge Headquarters. Auto Route—May 1 to September 14 Specific information and a map of designated routes is posted at the contact station. PROHIBITED: Camping, snowmobiles, and fires. All motorized vehicles are prohibited except on designated roads.

HUNTING Hunting is governed by State and Federal regulations. Only those species listed below are legal game. UPLAND BIRDS Area A: Closed to all hunting—headquarters area. Area B: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge during state season. EXCEPTION: Closed during gun deer season. Area C: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge only AFTER the close of gun deer season. DEER Area B and C: Open to gun deer hunting during state season. First three days: You must possess a SPECIAL REFUGE PERMIT, state unit permit (III A-,), gun deer license stamp, and deer tag. Remainder of season: Special refuge permit not required. All other permits and licenses required. Area B and C: Bow and Arrow Hunting Open to deer from beginning of state season to September 30. Reopens with the state season after the deer gun season. Retrieving Deer: Only persons who are properly licensed as above may assist in retrieving deer from the refuge. If you have filled your deer tag, you may not carry a firearm while retrieving. All persons involved in retrieving deer must wear flourescent orange clothing as required by State law for big-game hunting. A view of Lostwood's coteau prairie in fall colors KAS Oct. 1983 INTRODUCTION Page TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title Nothing to Report 2. Easements Nothing to Report 3. Other Nothing to Report

D. PLANNING

Master Plan Nothing to Report Management Plan 3 Public Participation Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates Nothing to Report Research and Investigations Nothing to Report Other Nothing to Report

E. ADMINISTRATION

Personnel 9 Youth Programs * * * 12 Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report Volunteer-cm v* ProgramD r-i v* r* m Funding 13 Safety ...... 14- Technical Assistance Other 16

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General 17 2. Wetlands 19 3. Forests Noth'ing to Report 4. Croplands ~ 20 5. Grasslands 20 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing 21 8. Haying 21 9. Fire Management 22 33 10. Pest Control , . ^ n 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas * * * * 13. WPA Easement Monitoring * Nothing to Report G. WILDLIFE Page 1. Wildlife Diversity 33 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 34 3. Waterfowl . 34 4. Marsh and Water Birds 40 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 40 6. Raptors 41 7. Other Migratory Birds . . . 42 8. Game Mammals 42 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife 42 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15. Animal Control 49 16. Marking and Banding Nothing to Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

N. PUBLIC USE

1. General 49 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs 49 8. Hunting 49 9. Fishing Nothing to Report 10. Trapping Nothing to Report 11. Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking Nothing to Report 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation .... Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement 50 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19. Concessions Nothing to Report

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction 50 2. Rehabilitation 50 3. Major Maintenance Nothing to Report 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement .* * * * ^ 5. Communications Systems . Nothing to Report 6. Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7. Energy Conservation s Nothing to Report 8. Other 51 J. OTHER ITEMS Page 1. Cooperative Programs • * * ^ 2. Other Economic Uses - • Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 52 4. Credits 53

K. FEEDBACK

L. INFORMATION PACKET (inside back cover)

v Page 1

A. HIGHLIGHTS

In 1984, there was snow in 9 of the 12 months. One severe snowstorm on 27 April adversely affected several wildlife species. May through Sept­ ember had below normal precipitation, and by August, class I, III and IV wetlands were dry (pages 2 and 3).

Mallard and pintail pair counts continue to drop, while other duck species remain normal. Waterfowl hatching success is back up to the 1980-81 levels (pages 36 and 37).

There were several non-game species censuses completed in 1984 (pages 43 & 45).

National Geographic Society completed their book entitled "Wildlands for Wildlife" by Noel Grove. Lostwood NWR is discussed in the book (page 16).

The Lostwood Wilderness Plan has been reworked for submission to Denver (page 3).

John Stewart received a Special Achievement Award (page 53).

The coal bin was remodelled (page 51).

An emergency hay program was completed (page 21).

Two grassland tours were given to the general public. One was by bus and the other by horseback (page 49).

A presentation was given to the North Dakota State University about the prescribed burning program on Lostwood NWR (page 16). Page 2

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The 1983-84 winter (November through April) was relatively mild following the December-January blast of cold. Total precipitation was actually above normal but when and how it fell did not ease the spring-summer drought conditions. Rain totalled only 4.33 inches from May through August, 5.60 inches below normal. This is the third year in a row that the precipitation average was below normal during the growing season. Local residents express the dryness as similar to the dirty thirties. It became so dry in late July and August that all planned summer burns were cancelled.

Strong winds accompanied the growing season's dryness. Duck pair counts begun on 14 May could not be started again until the 18th due to 30 to 40 mph winds for 3h days. The other unusual weather occurrence was the 27 April snowstorm (photo #5). (Table #1 presents the 1984 temperature and precipitation records).

Table 1. 1984 Weather Recrods & 45 Year Average Precipitation

Temperatures* Precipitation Mo. Max. Ave. Max. Min. Ave. Min. Rain-Melt 45 Yr. Ave.

Jan 45 23 -25 4 0.81* 0.43 Feb 53 36 -12 15 0.20* 0.52 Mar 58 32 -12 15 0.81* 0.58 Apr 68 54 19 32 5.74* 1.32 May 92 62 20 35 0.36 2.04 Jun 90 75 39 49 1.70 3.55 Jul 102 86 40 52 1.29 2.29 Aug 99 86 36 53 0.98 2.05 Sep 86 60 22 35 2.54 1.90 Oct 76 50 - 1 29 4.10 0.91 Nov 58 31 -19 11 0.74* 0.51 Dec 40 17 -18 - 5 0.21* 0.50

TOTALS 19.48 16.60

*Records from the Des Lacs NWR weather station Page 3

On 27 April 1984 a North Dakota blizzard hit and lasted 1^ days. Prior to the storm, plant growth was just starting; mallards, pintails and Canada geese were initiating nests; and grouse were dancing extensively. Needless to say, most activities came to a sudden haltl The farthest you can see in this photo is only 50 yards. KAS 27 Apr 84

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan

Two sections of the Lostwood Wilderness Plan were rewritten. One section involved the leafy spurge control program and the other restoration of old cropland to native grassland species.

5. Research and Investigation a. Project 924: Effects of land management practices on upland habitats and wildlife populations in the glaciated prairie region

Work Unit 924.02: "The effects of rest rotation grazing and prescribed burning on the mixed grass prairie community and wild­ life population in the glaciated prairie region".

Details of the study were explained in the 1981 narrative.

Study field treatments completed to date are: 3 fields grazed at 1 ac/AUM 1 May to 15 June (1982-84); 3 fields burned in mid-June (1982 and 1984); 3 fields burned in late July - early August (1982) and grazed at 1 ac/AUM Page 4

1 May to 15 June (1983); and 3 fields idle (1980-84).

The 1984 hatching success for waterfowl, sharp^tailed grouse and other upland nesters is presented in Table 2. In 1984, the lack of residual cover was not a deterrent to ducks if there was good adjacent water. In field #14, a class III-IV wetland had good water conditions but the upland had very little residual cover due to the 1982 summer burn, 1983 spring crowd grazing, and 3 dry growing seasons (1982-84). There were 47 duck nests in field #14 (more duck nests than any of the other fields) with a 60.5 percent apparent success (36.6 percent Mayfield success).

Table 2. Number and Success of Upland Nesting Species on Research Fields in 1984 Ducks All Species Apparent Apparent Treatment Field # # Nests Success # Nests Success

Control 4 30 66.7 32 68.8 10 8 37.5 10 44.4 11 19 50.0 23 55.0 Ave. 19 51.4 22 56.1

Mid-June Burn* 1 15 33.3 17 42.9 2 16 60.0 22 61.9 8 19 53.3 23 42.1 Ave. 17 48.9 21 49.0

Summer Burn Spring Graze 7 37 44.4 39 44.7 12 15 86.7 15 86.7 14 47 60.5 56 58.0 Ave. 33 63.9 37 63.1

Spring Graze** 3 20 44.0 23 52.2 5 16 57.1 18 62.5 9 ' 14 58.9 18 60.0 Ave. 17 53.3 20 58.2

*These fields were burned in mid-June 1984 (see-page 24) **These fields were grazed in 1984

An interesting phenomenon about nest survival in mid-June burns was found on 3 fields burned in 1982 and 1984. The amount of unburned area in the 3 fields was 7^% in 1982 and 20% in 1984. The percent of nests that sur­ vived the burn was 57% in 1982 and 95% in 1984. The number of nests and apparent success for nests terminated before the burn, active at the time of the burn, and initiated after the burn in 1982 and 1984 combined were 88 nests and 36.4%, 63 nests and 36.5%, and 19 nests and 42% respectively. The fate of the 63 nests active at the time of the burn was 23 hatched, 15 destroyed (predators), 5 abandoned, and 20 destroyed by the fire (19 in 1982 and 1 in 1984). Conclusions can only be drawn at the end of the Page 5 study when the fields have all had their treatments and comparisons made to the controls and other factors such as available water, type of predators present, etc. The above figures are mentioned only as an interesting phenomenon. (Data was complied by Arnold Kruse, NPWRC).

A seismograph company wanted to bisect several research fields during the nesting and plant growing seasons. This was denied because destruction of active nests and damage to plants on vegetation transects were inevitable.

Grazing was to begin 1 May on 3 research fields but the 27 April snowstorm postponed cattle turn-in until the 7th to allow enough snow to melt on uplands and to dig out fences KAS 7 May 84 b. Project 901: Factors influencing productivity of upland nesting ducks in the glaciated prairie region.

Amendments to work unit 901.2: Spatial relationships between coyotes and red fox on the northern plains.

Map 2, provided by Alan B. Sargeant of NPWRC, summarizes locations of all active red fox and coyote dens found during systematic mid-June aerial searches of the 121 mi2 Lostwood Study Area during 1980-84. The small numbers on the map refer to the number of years a particular den was used if it was used more than once. In some instances, two or even three circles represent dens of a family that were found during the same year.

Alan Sargeant expressed in a 11 December 1984 memo, "The map clearly shows that few foxes denned on the refuge during the 5 year period but Lostwood Study Area (121 mi2)

1980-84

H Lostwood NWR

O Fox Den • Coyote Den

• Farm

"O OJ CO cr> Page 7

that it was used by coyotes. The three fox dens found on the east side of the refuge were all from the same year, which was also one of the two years when no coyote den was found on that side of the refuge. I am sur­ prised that throughout the period we found only one coyote den in the northern portion of the refuge. Ground conditions for finding dens in that portion were quite good. That area, however, is in close proximity to where the most intensive ADC coyote control activities were being con­ ducted. It is also interesting to note how many of the fox dens were near roads and farms".

c. Raptor and Corvid Study

Robert K. Murphy, a 1983-84 summer refuge biologist, designed a study in 1983 entitled: "Aspects of the Nesting Ecology of Raptors and Corvids on Lostwood NWR, Northwestern North Dakota". He has collected data in 1983 and 1984. In 1984, he found 16 red-tailed hawk nests, 5 Swainson's hawk nests, 2 long-eared owl nests, one Cooper's hawk nest, 11 crow nests and 2-7 black-billed magpie nests on the refuge (map 3 shows territory locations). He will be collecting data for one more year and completing a summary in 1985-86. /Ymp ^3 Page 8

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Territories of nOr+Kem harriers ^re omi+fed. Onlj ^ucce^sfo

cj rcjaf horne^d ou I Territories are. shotuo. Page 9

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

PES LACS NWR COMPLEX STAFF

1. Delano A. Pierce, Project Leader GS-12 PET 2. Theodore W. Gutzke, Asst. Project Leader, EOD 7-8-84 GS-11 < PET 3. Muriel M. Hansen, Refuge Asst. GS-6 PET 4. Doris E. Huwe, Clerk-Typist GS-4 PPT

L0STW00D NWR STAFF

Karen Smith John Stewart FK Dec 1984

1. Karen A. Smith, Refuge Manager GS-9 PET 2. John Stewart, Maintenance Worker WG-8 PET 3. Robert K. Murphy, Biological Technician GS-5 TEMP Robert Murphy, Summer Biologist, was a definite asset to many refuge programs KAS Sept 1983 Page 11

Personnel actions for the Complex are summarized by the month.

January: GS-ll Assistant Project Leader, Rollie Krieger, officially resigned (H.Q. Office).

February: GS-6 Biological Technician, Scott Busching, officially resigned (Crosby WMD).

March: Rick Poetter transferred from the Back Bay Refuge to the GS-7 Assistant Manager's position (Lake Ilo).

David Gillund was hired as a Biological Technician GS-5 on a 180 day appointment (Crosby WMD).

April: Biological Technician GS-5 Robert Murphy was hired on a NTE 180 day appointment in cooperation with NPWRC. They paid half his salary and the refuge paid the other half (Lostwood NWR).

May: Jon Dietz was hired as a Biological Aide GS-4 on a NTE 180 day appoint­ ment (Des Lacs Refuge).

Larry Kittilson was hired as a Biological Aide GS-3 on a NTE 180 day appointment (Lake Ilo Refuge).

June: No personnel action this month. All permanent positions received audits by Fred Vallier and Joe Young from the Denver Personnel Office.

July: Tedd Gutzke received a transfer and a promotion from the J. Clark Salyer Refuge to the Assistant Project Leader GS-ll position (Complex H.Q.).

August: Clerk Typist, Doris Huwe, was promoted to Clerk Typist GS-4. Also, her tour of duty was increased from 24 hours to 32 hours per week (Complex H.Q.).

Biological Aide GS-4 Jon Dietz's temporary appointment was terminated (Des Lacs Refuge).

September: Biological Technician GS-5 Robert Murphy's and Biological Aide GS-3 Larry Kittilson's temporary appointments were terminated (Lostwood Refuge and Lake Ilo Refuge).

October: Biological Technician GS-5 David Gillund was converted to a WG-2 on a TAPER appointment (Crosby WMD). Page 1 2

November: Assistant Manager GS-9 Steve Knode received a transfer and promotion to the Charles Russell Game Refuge (Des Lacs).

December: Assistant Manager Frank Kartch was promoted to Refuge Manager GS-9 (Lostwood WMD).

At the close of the year, we had still not received official results of the June audit. There are still several serious grade level 'inequities in the Complex and we are disappointed at this delay. Various freezes, bulges, ceilings and ordinary run-of-the-mill inertia are preventing decisions regarding where grade levels should be.

2. Youth Programs

Six local youths were hired for eight weeks under the YCC program. Bonnie Mazur was hired as the Group Leader.

Projects included removing old fences on Nelsen and Bryant WPA's, con­ structing fence on the Lostwood Refuge, painting the exterior of the headquarters building and accomplishing several other projects on Lost- wood and Des Lacs Refuges and the Lostwood WMD.

One problem with the YCC is a logistical one. Although there are a lot of projects for them, it often becomes inefficient to take on projects that require less than the full YCC crew because another refuge employee must be released to drive and/or supervise enrollees.

Because of the inexperience of the enrollees, and because they are no longer "free" (station budgets must support the program), YCC may become a marginal program. If we were given the opportunity to choose (we aren't) between receiving several more thousand dollars for regular summer help and receiving a YCC crew, we would probably choose the former at this station. Page 13

YCC Crew of 1984 KAS July 1984

1. Kip Helmers 2. Denise Thompson 3. Donny Ackerman 4. Vicki Nelson 5. Lori Jensen

4. Volunteer Program

Refuge wives constituted our main source for volunteers. Jenny Knode at Des Lacs and Debbie Poetter at Lake 11o both are official volunteers. They both helped in picking up supplies and doing various "gofor" jobs at their respective refuges.

Jon Dietz became a full time student volunteer in March. Jon worked for us 40+ hours per week for eight weeks between mid-March and mid-May. He was reinstated to a paid Biological Aide position in May. This was the same position he had held during the summer of 1983.

5. Funding

Funding and budgeting figures are for the Complex. Field stations do not have individual allocations. Salaries and wages went up, the cost of goods and services went up, demands for outputs are increasing, the budget for next year is down.

We started out the year with $528,000 in 1260 funds but $5,000 was sub­ tracted to go into the YCC fund. This was held pending our becoming committed to the program at which time it was reallocated along with $5,000 matching funds.

Funding is almost adequate for custodial management but little or no Page 14 overall progress can be made towards significant increase in habitat improvement. Much of the land that once could produce ducks well if we simply left it alone now has too many negative pressures on it to function as good duck habitat without lots of improvement.

Table 3. Operational Funding Pes Lacs Complex

0 & M Expenses FY Funding Sale

1985 510,000* 13 1984 523,000** ' 10 1983 355,000 9.5 1982 315,000 9.0 1981 310,000 6.0

^Includes $56,000 ARMM's funding **Includes $64,000 ARMM's funding

Unit 8 Spillway Replacement and Unit 7 Bypass Ditch projects were allocated $10,200 in design costs and $129,900 in construction funding during the year.

About $136,000 was more or less allocated for construction of an office/ shop building at Lake Ilo. This amount was a combination of reallocating some Audubon Refuge funds and carrying over some FY82 Des Lacs funds. Somewhere in the midst of reprogramming, congressional committee approval some fine points in congressional directives and perhaps other phenomena that perhaps did or did not occur in perhaps or perhaps not the proper ways, the money may or may not still be available, if perhaps it ever was We can still use the money if anyone ever finds it.

6. Safety

No lost time accidents occurred on the Des Lacs Complex in 1984 and no injuries occurred that required medical attention.

All fire extinguishers were checked in November and recharged where necessary.

New smoke detectors were installed in the Des Lacs residence Q-4 and Lake Ilo residence Q-l.

Felch, Fuller, Huwe, Kartch and Knode attended a Defensive Driving Course given by GSA at the J. Clark Salyer NWR during January.

Felch, Fuller, Gins, Vaage, Smith and Stewart were recertified as pesti­ cide applicators in February.

A 34 hour course of orientation and introduction to fire fighting was completed by Gins, Poetter and Smith in April. CD ft3 O-

Table 3. Staffing-Des Lacs Complex

Des Lacs Lostwood Lostwood Crosby Lake Ilo H.Q. Staff Complex FY Refuge Refuge WMD WMD Refuge Total FTE Perm. Temp. Perm. Temp. Peri Temp. m. Penm. Temp. Pe rm. Temp. Perm. Temo. Pprm Tpmn Yr. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. F.T. P.T. 84 2 1 1 2 0 1* 2 0 0 2** 0 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 12 2 4 13.7

83 2 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 12 2 4 12.5

82 2 1 1 1 2 0 - - - 1 1 1 1 0 0 3 1 0 8 5 2 13.3

81 2 1 4 1 2 1 - - - 1 1 1 1 0 3 1 0 8 6 6 —

80 2 1 1 1 2 1 - - - 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 1 0 8 5 6 —

* 50% Lostwood Refuge - 50% NPWRC ** One Taper appointment Page 16

7. Technical Assistance

A book entitled, "Wildlands for Wildlife", by Noel Grove, National Geogra­ phic Society, was published in 1984. Lostwood NWR is discussed in the book. In 1983, Noel Grove visited Lostwood to gather information about the refuge and later wrote the narration, which was an outstanding job. The narration, photo captions and photographs were sent to Lostwood throughout the summer of 1984 to ensure accuracy. Minor corrections were made and various photograph subjects were identified by Jim Piehl, Robert Murphy and Karen Smith.

Colorado Division of Wildlife called on 11 July 1984 regarding the success of reducing Symphoricarpos with fire. Verbal information was provided but nothing in writing.

A Mountrail County historical publication is being developed by citizens in Mountrail County. Information about Lostwood NWR (that portion in Mountrail County) was requested. A one page article was provided.

Carl Fanning, Extension Specialist, Plant Science, North Dakota State University, visited Lostwood on 10 October 1984 and was interested in how fungus on Canada thistle and other plants was affected by fire. He seemed interested enough to initiate some new approaches to plant research at the university. He also encouraged Manager Smith to publish the information we have on the burn areas, as well as give a tour among various profess­ ionals. He said he would assist with the tour by contacting professionals he thought would be interested in attending. Recent feedback from Mr. Fanning's fall visit indicates he is definitely sincere about a tour this summer.

A presentation on the prescribed burning program was given to graduate students and professors at North Dakota State University on 18 September 1984. There were about 40 people present including two professors and 1 graduate student from Moorhead State University. Many questions were asked with discussion continuing for over an hour after the presentation.

One article was written for submission to the Restoration and Management Notes publication about prescribed burning native grassland to reduce western snowberry. Also, a brief note was submitted to the same publica­ tion about what affects burning has to Canada thistle in native grassland.

8. Other

A plan entitled, "A Plan for Acquiring Waterfowl Habitat in North Dakota" was developed by U.S. FWS personnel Mike McEnroe, William Berg, A1 Sapa, Karen Smith, 2 North Dakota Game & Fish employees and chaired by John Foster, Refuge Manager Arrowwood NWR. The plan was submitted on schedule. Page 17

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

An orchid, Habenarie viridis, was discovered on Lostwood (refer to Map 4 and photo below). The dry prairie is an unusual site for delicate, moisture loving orchids. This location is the only place it has been found on the refuge.

This perennial orchid, 6 to 12 inches tall, was found under aspen trees adjacent to a subirrigated area with wi11ows KAS June 1984 (f\K? 4 Page 18

REFUGE HEADQUARTERS

CONTACT STATION

Di?cmo Locfi

hUO

IDCM-ICWS

STATE HWY #50 To Coulee

LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BURKE & MOUNTRAIL COUNTIES, NORTH DAKOTA

2 MILES

LEGEND • Refuge Headquarters | 1 Area A O Contact Station ^ Tower O Area B a Gates [ 1 Area C | Missile Site 11111 Wilderness Boundary — — —Auto Route Lakes and larger wetlands Hiking Trail Sod Trails Trails LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE P.O. BOX 578 KENMARE, NORTH DAKOTA 58746 REFUGE REGULATIONS GENERAL PERMITTED: Hiking on designated trails—June 1 to September 14. The wilderness area is open to hiking, snowshoeing.and skiing year-round. For your safety you must register at Refuge Headquarters. Auto Route—May 1 to September 14 Specific information and a map of designated routes is posted at the contact station. PROHIBITED: Camping, snowmobiles, and fires. All motorized vehicles are prohibited except on designated roads.

HUNTING Hunting is governed by State and Federal regulations. Only those species listed below are legal game. UPLAND BIRDS Area A: Closed to all hunting—headquarters area. Area B: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge during state season. EXCEPTION: Closed during gun deer season. Area C: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge only AFTER the close of gun deer season. DEER Area B and C: Open to gun deer hunting during state season. First three days: You must possess a SPECIAL REFUGE PERMIT, state unit permit (III ), gun deer license stamp, and deer tag. Remainder of season: Special refuge permit not required. All other permits and licenses required. Area B and C: Bow and Arrow Hunting Open to deer from beginning of state season to September 30. Reopens with the state season after the deer gun season. Retrieving Deer: Only persons who are properly licensed as above may assist in retrieving deer from the refuge. If you have filled your deer tag, you may not carry a firearm while retrieving. All persons involved in retrieving deer must wear flourescent orange clothing as required by State law for big-game hunting. Page 19

2. Wetlands a. Runoff

Spring runoff occurred twice in 1984, once in early April and again after the 27 April snowstorm. Unfortunately, both runoffs were minimal for filling wetlands since temperatures were only in the AO's. Most of the moisture soaked into the ground.

Spring runoff is affected by various factors such as whether the ground is frozen, how low temperatures get at night, how high the temperatures reach during the day, the amount of wind, etc. Another factor is how much litter there is on the uplands. Heavy amounts of litter prevents water from rapidly leaving the uplands. This gives time for the water to soak into the ground, evaporate into the at­ mosphere, be absorbed by the dry litter, etc. This spring, I noticed more wetlands had more water on burned areas than on idle areas. Perhaps periodical removal of upland litter is also helpful to wetlands. b. Wetland Water Levels

The approximate percent of wetlands in mid-May with water were class I, 6%; class III, 86%; class IV, 97%; and class V, 100%. The average amount of water in each basin, excluding basins with no water, was: class I, 12%; class III, 48%; class IV, 49% and class V, 62%. (These figures are based on wetlands checked during duck pair counts on 17 quarter sections).

Water in all wetlands dropped rapidly from the mid-May duck pair counts. This was monitored by water depth gauges that were installed on 13 May in 13 wetlands. Readings were taken on 13 May, 12 July, 6 August and 20 October. Six class III wetlands dropped 73% from May to July and 100% by August. Four class TV wetlands dropped 60% from May to July, 85% by August, and 91% by October. Three class V wetlands dropped 15% from May to July, 36% by August, and 48% by October. Most wetlands, except class V, were dry by October and remained that way.

This fall had enough moisture in September, October and November to soak the parched soils which permitted the ground to freeze. This should allow a good runoff in the spring of '85 if conditions are right. The quantity of snowfall already in the 1984-85 winter pro­ duces hope for a good runoff.

Prairie wetlands need to experience the wet to dry cycles either seasonally and/or over several years to maintain their high fertility for high production of waterfowl and other water dependent wildlife. During high water years, wetlands on the entire refuge produce 45,000 ducks or more, while in drier years less than half that number are produced. It may appear that the dry years are bad for ducks, but, in reality, it helps to make the high water years much more productive. In dry years, shallow wetlands dry up, exposing the wetland bottom to the air. This permits the bottom to interact with Page 20

large quantities of oxygen that decompose dead plant and animal material. When it refills, the oxygen rich water produces excellent conditions for aquatic insects, the main protein source for laying hens and growing ducklings. Without the dry cycle, the dead plant material in the wetland would take the oxygen it needed for decom­ position from the water, depleting the water of oxygen and killing the aquatic insects. These conditions also create circumstances prime for duck disease outbreaks.

c. General Information

In 1984, April and May were cold and may have prevented good aquatic invertebrate production. This would adversely affect survival of early broods of mallards, pintails and canvasbacks. Later in the spring and summer, wetlands went dry. Obviously, this too adversely affected brood survival. It was not a good production year. A Fisher Accumet Portable pH Meter was purchased in 1984 to monitor water quality in class III-A wetlands on the refuge. Information from the meter will be used as baseline data for determining affects of fossil fuel development on fresh water wetlands. The meter was defective when received and by the time it was repaired, it was too late to begin monitoring. Monitoring will begin in 1985.

4. Croplands

One of the two fields seeded to native grasses in the spring of 1983 was prescribed burned on 19 April 1984 to remove the litter, predominantly annuals and sweet clover, and to determine how many native seedlings had survived. Brome, quack grass and alfalfa eventually dominated the site. It was determined hopeless to attempt to maintain the native seeding, consequently the area was broken out again. Numerous reasons responsible for failing include: 1. During the cultivation years, equipment was sometimes not available when the fields needed cultivating. 2. No chemical was used, such as Round-up, to assist in killing exotic grasses. 3. The seeding was into oat stubble with extensive amounts of straw on the ground which prevented good seed-soil contact. 4. An old Nesbit drill was used that did not stay in the ground. (A Truax drill was used in the district that same year with better results). 5. Chemical spraying for annuals was applied too late. The chemical used was old or inactive, and ended up being a fertilizer to sweet clover.

5. Grassland

A prescribed burning program and limited rotation grazing is being used to meet wildlife and wildland objectives. The wildland objective that re­ quires recreating and preserving native prairie conditions stated that it " . . .will require controlled burning to retard the growth of tame grasses and woody plants". Fire, in the history of grassland, was an extremely important component to maintain healthy native grasses and forbs with its associated fauna. Fire was virtually eliminated from this grassland with the advance of homesteads in the early 1900'$. Since that time, brush species, especially western snowberry (Symphoricarpus occidental is) have Page 21 expanded extensively over the refuge, shading out native grasses and forbs. Introduced grasses, such as quackgrass (Agropyron repens), smooth brome (Bromus inermus), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) have invaded into native grassland. Fire has been returned to this area to reduce the frequency of snowberry, discourage introduced grasses, and encourage native grasses and forbs.

After an area that has excessive amounts of introduced grasses has been prescribed burned, early spring grazing with cattle has been used. Intro­ duced grasses typically germinate earlier in the spring than do native cool season grasses. Cattle graze on these species until the natives begin to grow (typically late May to early June) and gradually switch to the natives. Cattle are removed as they begin to graze on the natives. The management goal is to create conditions that permit the natives to easily compete with the earlier germinating introduced grasses.

A prescribed burning program, referred to as renovation prescribed burning, has been used on Lostwood since 1978. In general, each area receiving the renovation will be prescribed burned every other year either in mid-June or late July to early August for three burns. The timing of the burn is critical and has been shown to be the most important factor in harming snowberry. Once renovation has been completed, and the native vegetation is spreading into the brush stands and introduced species are slowly re­ ducing, maintenance prescribed burning plus a possible spring or fall grazing to discourage introduced grasses on a ten to twenty year cycle may be needed to prevent Lostwood from returning to its present condition.

Details on the effects of renovation prescribed burning and cattle grazing on vegetation and wildlife is being evaluated in Research Project 923 that began in 1980 (consult the 1981 Lostwood narrative for details). Effects of maintenance prescribed burning and cattle grazing to vegetation and wildlife is also being evaluated in this research project, but the research fields are located in central North Dakota. Results from this study will be used to develop a plan for the entire refuge in order to meet the wild­ life and wild!and objectives.

7. Grazing

Three research fields (Project 924) were grazed a 1 ac/AUM from 7 May to 23 June 1984, which is one week later than normal due to the. 27 April snow­ storm. This is the last year these fields will be treated.

Neal Biwer, landowner adjacent to the refuge, had trespass cattle and horses grazing the refuge at various times in the summer and fall. He was sent a letter warning him of future consequences if that type of trespass continued.

8. Haying

The 1984 growing season was ecceptionally dry. The average amount of pre­ cipitation from May through August is 9.93 inches, whereas in 1984, it was 4.33 inches. Emergency haying programs are initiated predomantly as a public relation effort as well as helping local cattle owners acquire Page 22

additional hay. Biologically, areas are hayed only if it will not be detrimental, such as wetlands with accumulated emergent litter. Since this was the third dry spring and summer, hay was definitely needed by local livestock owners. Consequently, 5 haying permits were released; three in wetland basins, one on a 1984 prescribed burn area (it was not burned due to the drought), and one on an area planned for haying. There were approximately 180 acres hayed. All permittees but one were apprecia­ tive. The one exception is a local game poacher who felt he had not gotten enough (he did not hay all he could have). Maybe in recourse he purposely left 6 bales within 3 feet of the west boundary fence to create a "snowbridge" (winds would force snow up and over the bales, creating a snow drift over the fence). This would allow him snowmobile access into the wilderness area and the west side of the refuge. He was requested to remove the bales, which he did begrudgingly.

There was one other problem associated with haying permittees. The indivi­ dual who hayed portions of a 1984 burn area was told to cut only the top half of the standing vegetation. He cut all he could get, leaving nothing that would carry a fire (by July it became too dry to burn anyway).

9. Fire Management

a. Refuge Prescribed Burning Goals The goals of the refuge burning program are to reduce western snowberry, increase native grasses and forbs and acquire experience and knowledge on how to conduct safe and successful burns. This knowledge will be used for the eventual prescribed burning of the Lostwood wilderness and for the future burning program on all portions of the refuge. A comprehensive prescribed burning program for the refuge will be developed when enough data becomes available (research project 924).

The refuge has been involved in a prescribed burning program since 1978. There are three burn phases in this program. The first phase, called renovation burns, is designed to have the greatest adverse effect upon snowberry as known possible. Most burn areas on the refuge are in this phase. This involves burning an area every other year until three burns are completed. The second phase, called renovation- maintenance burns, is designed to begin two years after the last renovation burn. This is conducted during months that fires most frequently occurred historically. This phase involves two burns with two years of rest between each burn. The third phase, called mainten­ ance burns, is designed to burn in frequencies of years and months fires historically occurred/ This last phase will be part of the refuge management for perpetuity.

People usually envision a grassland fire producing complete blackness. On Lostwood, fire usually creates a mosaic pattern of burned and un- burned areas (see Map 5). In addition, some areas burn one time but not the next, some burn every time, and some do not burn at all. This is due to many reasons; rolling topography that cause winds to fluct­ uate creating burned and unburned areas; wetlands that cause fire to go around the wetland edge usually producing an unburned area on the leeward side; tree groves that cause a mini-climatic change (higher relative humidity, lower temperatures and less wind) which fire cannot LOSTWOOD FIELD * 8

M- v- 3 O

• BURNED UPLAND & 1

| UNBURNED UPLAND cA

[n BURNED WETLAND 0 o, ijii UNBURNED WETLAND O 7C> c m >? • v jgl BURNED ASPEN ? m il UNBURNED ASPEN D

to —> fD ^ 1X3 ~0 CO O^. Page 24 enter. Snowberry patches that, after being burned once, do not burn again because of the lush green sprouts unless grasses gradually en­ croach. The end result of these variables is a vast array of habitat diversities and habitat edges very conducive to wildlife diversity and abundance. b. 1984 Burns

There were seven prescribed burns planned in 1984 totalling 2332 acres Four of the seven were completed totalling 445 acres. Those not com­ pleted included one burn on reseeded natives, determined not necessary and summer burns that could not be ignited due to dry conditions.

On 16 April the 59 acre Pasture Burn area received its second burn. This small area is being burned early in the spring to compare it to the mid-June burns for reducing snowberry.

Three research fields received their second burn in 1984. Field #8 on 19 June and unburned portions on 25 June, and fields #1 and 2 on 25 June.

Field B, a 1983 reseeded native grass area, was burned on 19 April 1984. This area is discussed in the Cropland section, page 20.

Thompson Lake Burn area (920 acres) and North Elbow Lake Burn area (885 acres) were unburned because of the dry conditions. Little if any moisture occurred in the humus and soils by mid-July. Burning under these conditions can be detrimental to vegetation.

Pasque flowers bloomed profusely on burn areas prior to the 27 April blizzard KAS 19 Apr 1984 Page c. Vegetative and Avian Responses to Various Refuge Burns

The height and density on three burn areas as shown in Table 3,

Table 3. Robe! Height and Density Readings on Three Burns

Year Annual Burned Height Density Precipi tation

Headquarter Burn

1978 14.96 1979 X 5.12 0.51 8.72 1980 4.22 0.44 15.59 1981 X 6.53 0.60 15.34 1982 3.75 0.27 19.56 1983 X 4.60 0.82 12.19 1984 3.46 0.41 19.48

Teal Slough Burn

1979 8.79 1980 5.26 2.03 15.59 1981 X 15.34 1982 3.82 0.25 19.56 1983 X 5.40 1.00 12.19 1984 3.10 0.04 19.48

North Dead Dog Slough Burn

1978 14.96 1979 X 6.02 1.11 8.72 1980 15.59 1981 15.34 1982 X* 4.72 0.57 19.56 1983 X 4.82 1.00 12.19 1984 3.50 0.56 19.48

*Less than a quarter of the area burned

The small avian census results on two burns are shown in Table 4. Page 25

Table 4. Avian Census Results on Two Burn Areas

True Grassland Species All Other Species

Year . # of Indi- # of # of Indi- Burned # of Spp. viduals Species viduals

Teal Slough Burn

1979 7 25 24 180 1980 7 37 23 179 1981 * X 6 26 31 292 1982 7 39 37 202 1983** X 7 30 35 203 1984 8 24*** 32 • 143***

North Dead Dog Slough Burn

1979 X 4 45 23 176 1980 7 27 22 158 1981 10 50 30 211 1982 x - - - - 1983 X 7 25 26 128 1984 4 30*** 23 64***

*Census conducted before the burn i**Census conducted after the burn -•***There was only one observer in 1984 which may have affected the number of individuals observed. The census was also conducted 2 weeks later than the previous censuses. Observers: Gammells (Ann and Robert) completed the census from 1979 to 1981; Broerman in 1982; Gammell (Robert), Murphy and Smith in 1983; and Smith in 1984. Page 27

The sedge wren is sought after by birders who visit Lostwood but is not commonly found KAS June 1984

The LeConte's sparrow is also sought after by birders but not commonly heard or seen. Hopefully, as grassland conditions improve both the sedge wren and LeConte's sparrow will increase KAS June 1984 Page 28

Iverson Slough Burn area (12 acres) has completed the renovation burn phase; three burns and three complete growing seasons. Photos below show visual changes from June 1980 to September 1984.

Note the snowberry to the left of the small white rock and the snowberry to the right around the steel post, and compare to next photo. (This area received its first burn in June 1978) KAS 20 June 1980 Page 29

This area has received two additional June burns (1980 and 1982) since previous photo was taken. Note the reduced canopy cover­ age of snowberry at the two reference points mentioned above. Also note the stand of needle-and-thread and blue grama. (The area beyond both bodies of water has been burned three times. KAS 7 Sept 1984

Table 5 presents changes in brush on the Iverson Slough Burn areas. All readings were completed prior to the June burns. Unfortunately, no average brush height was taken from 1978 to 1982. In 1983 and 1984 the average brush height was 7.56 and 8.13 inches respectively. The average height prior to the 1978 burn was probably about 20 inches.

' Table 5. Results from 16 Brush Plots on Iverson Slough Burn

Year Max. Height % Canopy # of Green

1978* 2688 47.19 11.06 1979 UNK 27.19 15.56 1980* 18.72 28.75 13.36 1981 12.13 23.13 19.00 1982* 12.63 27.88 14.50 1983 11.25 24.38 18.00 1984 12.38 20.94 16.19

Referring to Table 5, the percent canopy and maximum height is decreasing. The loss of brush canopy is being replaced by grasses and forbs as shown in photos. However, the number of green stems has increased significantly. If this area is left idle at this stage for numerous years, brush would take over once again. If treatments are continued, such as the renovation maintenance burns (refer to page 22), (a Canadian study by Anderson and Page 30

Bailey, 1979, has shown significant decreases with numerous burns) the number of green stems may decrease. Graphically, figure 1 shows that the number of green stems probably peaked in 1981 and may be on the decrease. Vegetation changes are very gradual and these changes take years to observe. After completion of the renovation-maintenance burns, a clearer picture of what will happen to the number of green stems should be revealed.

+->O) in E O) s- cn

o =«= 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

78 79 80 81 82 83 84 Year

Fig. 1. Graphing the number of green stems each year on the Iverson Slough burn

Iverson Lake Burn area, 245 acres, has had 3 renovation burns (1 June 1979, 10 August 1981, and 8 August 1983). It is going into its second rest year before the renovation-maintenance burns begin. The following photos show some visual changes.

& Page 31

This photo was taken one year after the area received its first burn (no photos were taken prior to the first burn). Note the amount of snowberry, Juneberry and hawthorn brush areas. KAS 4 June 1980

After 3 renovation burns, grass species are more apparent KAS 7 Sept 1984 Page 32

Teal Slough Burn area, 1220 acres, has had 2 renovation burns (11 June 1981 and 28 July 1983). Following photos show visual changes.

The foreground is snowberry with no grass understory but brome invasion is occurring. The background beyond the wetland is snowberry with and without grass understory but no brome invasion. KAS - Aug 1979

After 2 burns the brush area in the foreground is predominantly brome. Native grasses and forbs are gradually spreading into the brush area in the background. The upland, on the distant horizon, has never been burned KAS 7 Sept 1984 Page 33

10. Pest Control

An intensive effort was begun in 1979 to control and possibly eradicate leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) from the refuge by spraying Picloram (Tordon) in June-July and September-October of each year. In 1984, about 10 acres remain of the original 13 acres but a good portion of that are areas with only 4 to 10 plants remaining. In 1985, Picloram pellets will be used on locations with very few plants or where only seedlings appear every year or so. Fortunately or unfortunately, 5 new spurge locations were found in 1984, totalling about 3 acres, (4 locations in the wilder­ ness and one along Highway #8). Four areas were very small but the fifth area was 3 acres. After the June spraying, 2 of the new locations had no spurge in September; the remaining areas, including the 3 acre area, were dramatically reduced.

Denver R0 personnel, in an October 1984 inspection, recommended all boom spraying be done from within an enclosed cab, preferably an air condition­ ed cab.

12. Wilderness and Special Areas

The entire wilderness boundary was posted with wilderness signs.

Two miles of the west wilderness boundary right-of-way was cleared of trees and brush and rotary mowed in preparation for the 1985 wilderness burn.

The oil drilling rig, referred to in the 1983 narrative, found no oil. The hole was sealed off and the land reshaped to its original contour.

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

Two of the four wildlife objectives for Lostwood Refuge in the 1971 Master Plan are: (1) provide protection and conditions that will perpetuate all native species on the refuge and (2) reintroduce select species of wildlife. The ultimate aim of the prescribed burning program is to return an abund­ ance of native grasses and forbs with young growth of western snowberry scattered in small patches comprising 20-30% of the topography, (Map 5 shows the mosaic patterns of burned and unburned areas). This should create diverse habitat that will be attractive to true grassland species, native animal species and other wildlife.

According to the master plan, four species of birds considered rare with potential for re-establishment on Lostwood are northern greater prairie chicken, greater sandhill crane, trumpeter swan and western burrowing owl. The only current effort for meeting this objective is to reduce snowberry and increase native grasses and forbs. The western burrowing owl may return on its own once grassland is re-established since they naturally reproduce on scattered locations in northwestern North Dakota. All other species may be reintroduced if vegetation conditions meet the species needs. Page 34

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Bald and golden eagles are observed during spring and fall migrations. One to five balds are most often observed when fall migrant waterfowl populations peak. Goldens are observed infrequently in fall and early winter. In the spring, eagles are typically observed only at high altitudes flying north.

The seventh Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey was completed on 6 January 1983. No eagles were observed.

3. Waterfowl

The third wildlife objective in the 1972 Master Plan is "Provide for max­ imum natural production of ducks and Canada geese within biological and economical limitations". Since the wetlands all occur naturally and maintain fertility through wet to dry climatic cycles, the only way to "maximize" natural production is upland habitat and predator species management. Mallard, gadwall, wigeon and pintails are attracted to nest­ ing in heavy stands of snowberry. However, heavy stands of snowberry, in quantities present, reduces significantly "Native animal species" and also does not meet wildlife objectives #2. The prescribed burning and grazing program evaluated by the research project of Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center will guide management to reach a compromise that will obtain maximum natural production of ducks and Canada geese ..." and "Recreate and preserve native prairie". a. Ducks

Duck production is determined by walking seventeen quarter sections for pair counts and nine of the seventeen are counted twice for brood surveys. Brood counts are completed with the use of at least two people and one trained dog (broods take off on upland and would not be observed without the aid of trained dogs). In 1984, two pair counts were completed instead of previous year's one. Two pair counts, one conducted early to catch early nesting mallards, pintails and canvasbacks, should provide better data for these species.

A summary of pairs and production from 1979 to 1984 is presented in Table 7. Page 35

I \

This was taken one day after the 27 April blizzard. Dn 2 May while out checking the refuge by horseback (roads were blocked by snowdrifts), no lone drake mallards were observed. Before the storm, lone drakes were observed. Geese remained paired after the snowstorm but many gave up territories and left the area. KAS 28 Apr 1984 Table 6. Breeding Duck Pairs and Production - 1979 to 1984

1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 Species Prs. Pro. Prs. Pro. Prs. Pro. Prs. Pro. Prs. Pro. Prs. Pro.

Mai 1ard 2240 8780 2690 3110 2810 3387 1860 3711 1630 2883 1280 3152 Gadwall 1430 8586 1700 5462 2020 1923 1520 4410 900 3214 1600 2458 Wigeon 860 5805 1090 3815 1060 1081 450 1920 590 2138 940 2558 Green wgd. teal 70 652 200 308 40 62 130 100 140 147 80 280 Blue wgd. teal 3240 14,823 1890 6683 1280 2008 1690 3889 2630 5222 1950 3785 Shoveler 640 922 560 202 680 286 590 2620 740 977 740 666 Pintail 480 2688 400 1208 420 252 770 878 310 1042 200 400 Redhead 70 420 90 0 50 150 200 96 90 70 100 60 Cnvsbck 90 302 90 77 0 0 40 0 10 100 90 163 L. Scaup 1430 1430 1340 5427 1630 1434 1470 515 1330 2652 1200 864 Ruddy 350 350 0 0 100 0 220 0 250 140 480 0 C, teal 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 R. neck duck 10 0 30 0 W. Duck 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Buffi e head 70 0

10,902 44,758 10,050 26,292 10,090 10,583 8,940 18,139 8,630 18,585 8,760 14,386

Duck production continues to decrease, which correlates with the water conditions. Note from Table 7 that duck pair numbers fluctuate up and down each year with no definite pattern except for mallards and pintails, which are steadily decreasing. Page 37

Table 7. Breeding Duck Pairs: 3 Year Average During Wet Years Compared to 3 Dry Years

Average Species 1979-81 1982 1983 1984

Mallard 2580 1860 1630 1280 Pintail 433 770 310 200 Gadwal1 1717 1520 900 1600 Wigeon 1003 450 590 940 Green wgd. teal 103 130 140 80 Blue wgd. teal 2137 1690 2630 1950 Shoveler 627 590 740 740 Redhead 70 200 90 100 Canvasback 60 40 10 90 Scaup 1467 1470 1330 1200

The decreases in mallard and pintail pairs cannot be due to decreas­ ing hatching success because in 1983 and 1984 apparent hatching success for the mallard was 51% and 59% respectively; and for pin­ tails it was 44% and 55% respectively. (Refer to pages 4 and 5 for other information on hatching success).

The maximum number of ducks that used School Section Lake from the end of September to mid_october was 3,000 to 5,000, about half of the 1983 count.

There is one section of Und (Section 16 T159N R91W) in the middle of the refuge that has mineral rights owned by the State of North Dakota. There was an inquiry in 1982 for oil exploration access to this section. This section has about 250 acres of open water and 300 acres of native grassland involved in research project #924, and 140 acres of idle native grassland. To evaluate effects of oil development, if it should take place, base data is needed on the 140 acres of idle grassland. It was determined to monitor nesting attempts and success for two or three years to see if it is similar to research control fields on other acres of the refuge. If there is a definite relationship, nest monitoring will cease on the idle grassland in Section 16. Should oil development occur, we can moni­ tor changes not only with two or three years of base data on the entire upland in Section 16 (excludes about ten acres), but also have areas for comparisons on research control fields elsewhere on the refuge. Results from nest dragging the idle grassland on Section 16 field (120 acres), control field #4 (a 104 acre field 1/3 mile from Section 16) and control field #10 (a 71.69 acre field that abuts the extreme southern tip of Section 16 field) are shown in Table 8. This is the last year we will be nesting dragging Section 16 field. If any oil development begins, we will use an average from control fields #4 and #10 for comparing to Section 16 field. The average Mayfield success for control field 4 and 10 in 1983 and 84 are 35.95 and 43.4% respectively. Page 38

Table 8. Waterfowl Nesting Density and Mayfield Success on Field #16 and Research Control Fields (4 & 10)

Field #16 Field #4 Field #10 Year #Nests/AC % Success #Nests/AC % Success #Nests/AC % Success

1983 0.250 25.5 0.260 31.3 0.153 42.4 1984 0.169 23.2 0.289 48.1 0.112 29.9 b. Geese

Giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) are being monitored from a pair survey conducted on 75 randomly selected 40-acre refuge plots. The number of pairs estimated in 1984 is 54, down by 108 pairs from 1983. The 27 April snowstorm hit as Canada geese were into laying and early incubation. Some nests were abandoned and/or destroyed because of the storm. By the time the count could be conducted, nesting pairs that survived the storm were well into incubation. They are very secretive, at this time, and are hard to find. There were also some late nesters that started over two or more weeks after the storm which was after the survey. These two situations probably resulted in the 1984 count being slightly below what was actually present, however, it will still be below the 162 pairs found in 1983.

A pair of Canada geese that survived the snowstorm. The structure was well below the hilltop that surrounds the small wetland, providing the goose some protection. Pairs using structures located in more open terrain did not save their clutch KAS 2 May 1984 Page 39

One Canada goose decided to use an old red-tailed hawk nest but the nest fell out of the tree during the snowstorm KAS Apr 1984

Goose structures were checked on 2 May by horseback because snowdrifts blocked refuge trails prohibiting vehicle use. There were 3 struct­ ures (W34F, W34D, and U05C) with a "very secretive" behaving goose on each and gander nearby, usually as obscure as he could make himself. The remaining structures (W27A, W27C, W27D, W34A, W34C, W34H, U10B, and U28C) had no pairs on 2 May. Structure U28C had a pair before the storm but none on the day of the count. About 2 weeks later, a pair was observed using the structure, assumed to be fenesters.

Snow goose numbers never reached the 1983 figure of 24,000. On 27 October all lakes froze (Thompson Lake had 3 holes kept open by mallards and maximas). The greatest number of snow geese observed in 1984 on the refuge was about 5,000 which occurred just before freeze up. c. Swans

Just before freeze up, about 100 tundra swans were roosting on Thomp­ son Lake. After the 27 October freeze up, the number of birds tapered off rapidly. A week later all were gone. Page 40

4. Marsh and Water Birds

A colonial nesting bird census was completed in 1984 and again no nesters. A report was submitted to the Colonial Bird Register on 10 July 1984. There were 47 double-crested cormorants roosting on two dead cottonwood trees on Elbow Lake during the census. Black-crowned night herons are infrequently observed in singles or groups of 2 or 3 birds. Single American bitterns are also infrequently observed.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

The first census for shorebirds, gulls and terns was completed in 1984 by walking the shoreline of Thompson Lake, School Section Lake, Upper Lostwood Lake, Rock Slough, Knudson Slough, Iverson Slough, Bulrush Slough, Lower Lostwood Lake and complex, Tower Slough, and Elbow Lake. Lower Lostwood Lake, except for the southern tip and the northern shore­ line, will be excluded from the census because of poor shoreline habitat. However, the wetland complexes just north will remain included. Table 9 shows the 1984 findings. In addition, 28 willets and 2 pairs of marbled godwits were observed on Thompson Lake. There were also 600 Wilson's phalaropes and 4 willets observed on the wetlands north of Lower Lostwood Lake.

Table 9. Individual Number of Shorebirds & Gulls, 1984 Census

Lssr. Spttd. Am. Pip­ Rng. Frnk- Yllw. Sand­ Avo- ing Cal. Blld. 1in Wetlands Legs piper cet Plover Gull Gull Gull

School Sect. Lake 0 4 3* 0 0 0 0 Upper Lostwood 0 29 19** 5** 0 0 0 Thompson Lake - 50 4 0 0 115 14 12 Iverson Slough 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 Lower Compl ex 3 0 20 15**** 4 0 0 Elbow Lake 0 0 0 0 1 12 . 3

includes one broody pair **includes 7 pairs very territorial ***includes 2 pairs on territory (one pair had 3 chicks) ****includes 7 pairs on territory (one pair had chicks) Page 41

A species that is being considered "threatened" is the piping plover. This bird, found along an east bay of Upper Lostwood Lake, acted territorial. Thirty feet beyond this bird was a pair of piping plovers with 3 chicks. Refer to Map 3 where piping plovers were found in 1984 KAS UNK

6. Raptors

Nine randomly selected sections of the refuge (20% of the refuge) were surveyed for stick nesting raptors and corvids in 1982, 83 and 84. A summer employee, Robert Murphy, surveyed the entire refuge (on his own time) for these species (see page 7). Comparisons of the expanded nine section survey and the actual occupied territories for 1982-84 are shown in table 10.

Table 10. Stick Nesting Raptors and Corvids, 1982-84 Actual # Occu- 9 Sections Projected* pied Territories Species 1982 1983 1984 1982 1983 1984 1982 1983 1984

R.T. Hawk 5 5 4 20 20 16 22 20 Lng. eared owl 5 0 1 20 0 4 - 0 2 Sw. Hawk 2 1 1 8 4 4 - 5 6 Gr.hrnd owl 1 0 0 4 0 0 - 0 UNK Cprs. hawk 1 0 1 1 0 1 - 0 1 Ferr. hawk 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Am. crow 4 2 2 16 10 8 - 14 9 Bl. bid magpie 0 1 1 0 5 4 - 5 5 *projected for the entire refuge Page 42

More red-tailed hawk young were produced per active nest (nests in which eggs were laid) in 1984 (1.67 young/active nest) than in 1983 (1.35 young/ active nest). However, since only 9 of 20 occupied territories were active in 1984, fewer young were produced on the refuge (N=15 young) than in 1983 (N=23 young) when 17 of 22 occupied territories were active. The higher proportion of non-active nests in 1984 may be attributed to the 26-27 April blizzard which occurred at a vulnerable point in red- tailed hawk nesting chronology (late courtship/early incubation). Occupied, non-active territories were abandoned or weakly defended by single adults following the blizzard. Furthermore, 1984 appeared to be a "better" prey year (LNWR files) relative to 1983 and red-tailed hawks at Lostwood presumably should have produced more young in 1984 than in 1983. This idea is strengthened by the fact that Swainson's hawks at Lostwood were more successful in 1984 (N=10 young produced, 5 active nests) than in 1983 (N=l young produced, 1 active nest). Swainson's hawks would not have been affected by the 26-27 April blizzard since their nesting chronology follows that of the red-tail by 2-3 weeks.

There were four marsh hawks and no short-eared owl nests found on 1200 acres nest dragged by NPWRC in 1984. This year again reflects the low vole population, but the vole population has increased in 1984 as shown on page 45. Maybe 1985 will have higher numbers of marsh hawks and short-eared owls.

7. Other Migratory Birds

Passerine transects were completed on two burn areas. The information is found on pages 20 and 21.

8. Game Mammals

Six adult and six fawn deer were known killed by vehicles in 1984 along the stretch of State Highway #8 adjacent to the refuge. The winter of 1983-84 was mild, probably reducing the number of encounters between deer and vehicles. Monitoring road kills will continue. If deer kills are significant, the refuge will try to "persuade" the highway department to install reflectors where needed. Whitetail deer winter use of areas burned (especially on areas burned^ in "the growing season) has been distinct. Local people also have noticed the winter deer use of these areas.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

a. Sharp-tailed Grouse

Sharp-tailed grouse had an easy 1983-84 winter and a good spring- summer nesting season. Nests hatched between 11 June and 30 July with a 60% apparent hatching success (nest data obtained from Project #924). Table 11 shows the lek count information. It is apparent that the 1983 hatch must also have been a good one. Map 6 shows 1984 lek locations. Page 43

Table 11. Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Counts (1979-1984)

Ave. No. Males Year No. of Leks No. of Males Per Lek

1979 32 325 10.16 1980 37 644 17.41 1981 40 764 19.10 1982 38 435 11.45 1983 37 528 14.27 1984 34 686 20.18

Lek count data is available from 1961 to 1965 for the entire refuge. It was done through guidelines established by M. C. Hammond and Leo M. Kirsch. Counts were completed predominantly by Ned Peabody, Refuge Manager 1962-65 (Don White, assisted by Hammond, did the 1961 count). Comparing this data to lek counts from 1980 to 1984, there has been a 16% increase in males on the entire refuge. A big question is, has any particular management practice contributed to this increase? There has been three upland management techniques applied; grazing, idle and prescribed burning. From the data analyzed so far, grazed areas have had little change, idle areas (50 years) have had a de­ crease, and prescribed burn areas have had a significant increase. In 1982, there was 3,875 acres that had received at least one burn. Using lek counts from 1980 to 1984 and comparing them to 1961 to 1965, there has been a 55% increase in males on burn areas. (Thorough analysis of the grazed and idle areas has not been completed. When analysis is completed, it will be discussed in the 1985 narrative.)

A study in Montana entitled "Response of Sharp-tail Breeding Popula­ tions to Annual Changes in Residual Grassland Cover" by Robert L. Brown, Montana Department of Fish and Game, 1963-65, explains that new leks are composed predominantly of yearling males while old leks are predominantly adults. Brown states, "On areas of little residual cover cocks may outnumber hens by as much as 4 to 1. However, hens may outnumber cocks by 3 to 1 on newly established grounds in heavy standing herbage with good shrub interspersion. It begins to appear that sharp-tailed females are more sensitive to environmental adversity and thus their long induced, fire adapted mobility now serves them well to avoid competition with males in winter and more quickly occupy recovering segments of grazed, disciimax rangelands". The prescribed burning on Lostwood has reduced woody species and increased the herbage cover making it more attractive to sharp-tails. The in­ crease on burn areas, based on Brown's study, has most likely contributed to an increase in yearling males on old and new leks (4 new leks), and also an increase in females using the burned areas for foraging and nesting, subsequently attracting more yearling males. b. Other Species

The first recording of a "wild" turkey occurred on Lostwood this year. Three gobblers and 2 hens were observed courting on the refuge. Later, one hen was found on a nest. Some reproduction somewhere Page 44

REFUGE HEADQUARTERS

"CONTACT STATION

SHARP-imec (Sisou-ss- Leks

IW LEK lOCft-TIOKiS

OWS1 LEKS -XV, AT TAoO&O

STATE HWY #50 To Coulee

LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BURKE & MOUNTRAIL COUNTIES, NORTH DAKOTA

2 MILES

LEGEND it Refuge Headquarters | 1 Area A Q Contact Station ? Tower IHI Area B •i Gates PI Area C | Missile Site 11111 Wilderness Boundary

— — ..Auto Route ^ Lakes and larger wetlands ....H|kinB Tra|| Sod Trails Trails LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE # P.f>. BOX 578 KENMARf, NORTH DAKOTA 58746 REFUGE REGULATIONS

GENERAL # 4 # * PERMITTED: Hiking on designated trails—June 1 to September 14. The wilderness area is open to hiking, snowshoeing.and skiing year-round. For your safety you must register at Refuge Headquarters. Auto Route—May 1 to Sept^piber 14 Specific information and a map of designated routes is posted at the contact station. PROHIBITED; Camping, snowmobiles, and^res. All motorized vehicles are prohibited except on designated roads. 41

HUNTING • * * Hunting is governed by State and Federal regulations. Only those^pecies listed below are legal game.

UPLAND BIRDS # Area A: Closed to all hunting—headquarters area. Area B: X)pen to sharp-tailed grouse^and Hungarian partridge during state season. EXCEPTION; Closed during gun deer season. Area C: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge only AFTER the close of gun deer season. DEER Area B and C: Open to gun c^sr hunting during st^te season. First three days: You must possess a SPECIAL REFUGE PERMIT, state unit permit (III AT), gun deer license stamp, and deer tag. Remainder of season: Special refuge permit not required. All other permits and licenses required. ^ Area B and C: Bow and Arrow Hunting ^ Open to deer from beginning of state season to September 30. Reopens with the state season after the deer gun season. • Retrieving Deer: Only persons who are properly licensed as above may assist in retrieving deer from the refuge. If ygu have filled youPdeer tag, you may not carry a firearm while retrieving. All persons involved in retrieving deer must wear flourescent orange clothing as required by State law for big-game hunting. % Page 45 occurred because poults were observed just off the west refuge boundary.

The first refuge recording of a "wild" turkey was in 1984. The birds probably came from a release by a local farmer within 2 miles southwest of the refuge. Winter survival is questionable KAS 30 May 1984 The first jackrabbit census was completed in 1984. The census is to monitor jackrabbit populations to determine if the prescribed burn­ ing program will affect the population. It appears that jackrabbits may increase on burn areas but it needs to be monitored. Jack- rabbits are a good source of food for coyotes. If the jackrabbit pupulation increases sufficiently enough, this alternate food source may reduce coyote predation of nesting waterfowl. Three surveys were run on the 18.9 miles of refuge trains!. On the 11 May, 7 jacks were observed between 2230 and 2400 hours (5 on burn areas); 19 May, 3 jacks between 0100-0230 hours (all on burn areas); and-23 May, 3 jacks between 0400-0500 hours (2 on burn areas). In summary, there were 13 jackrabbits on 56.7 miles - 10 jacks on 13.5 miles of burn areas and 3 on 43.2 miles of unburned areas. Beaver populations appeared to reduce significantly during the dry years from 1982-84. Recording beaver colony locations began in 1984, and are shown on Map 7. (According to the literature, there is no known way to estimate the number of beaver per colony). Beaver are a good source of food for coyotes. When colonies are numerous and distributed throughout the refuge, this may or may not affect coyotes' feeding habitats that may or may not affect waterfowl hatching success and brood survival. j^oLO/O /\cno£ SeAOen CoLortBts /^f

Page 46

LEGEND • Refuge Headquarters I I Area A Q Contact Station Tower Fl Area B m Gates n Area C | Missile Site 11111 Wilderness Boundary

— — _Auto Route

HLakes and 'ar9er wetlands „. , H|king Tra|| Sod Trails Trails LOSTWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE P.O. BOX 578 KENMARE, NORTH DAKOTA 58746 4 REFUGE REGULATIONS GENERAL PERMITTED: Hiking on designated trails—June 1 to September 14. The wilderness area is open to hiking, snowshoeing,and skiing year-round. For your safety you must register at Refuge Headquarters. Auto Route—May 1 to September 14 SpecifiAnformation and a map of designated routes is posted at the contact station. PROHIBITED: Camping, snowmobiles, and fires. All motorized vehicles are prohibited except on de^nated roads.

HUNTING Hunting is governed by State and Federal regulations. Only those species listed b^bw ale legal game. UPLAND BIRDS Area A: Closed to all hunting—headquarters area. Area B: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge during state season. EXCEPTION: Closed dufag gun deer season. Area C: Open to sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge only AFTER the close of gun deer season. DEER Area B and C: Open to gun deer hunting during state season. First three days: You must possess a SPECIAL REFUGE PERMIT, state unit permit (III A^, gun deer license stamp, and deer tag. Remainder of season: Special refuge permit not required. All other permits and licenses required. Area B and C: Bow and Arrow Hunting Open to deer from beginning of state season to September 30. Reopens with the state season after the deer gun season. • Retrieving Deer: Only persons who are properly licensed as above may assist in retrieving deer from the refuge. If you have fil^d your deer tag, you may not carry a firearm while retrieving. All persons involved in retrieving deer must wear flourescent orange clothing as required by State law for big-game hunting. Page 47

Beaver disperse to numerous areas of the refuge in high water years where aspen groves are plentiful. From about 1979 to 1982, beaver cut most of the large aspen trees in this grove. The first immediate reaction after beaver have "clear cut" the area is that the tree grove has been lost. But in most instances, aspen resprout profusely creating a "new" young, healthy stand of rapidly growing trees. The young saplings also provide some excellent winter deer food. KAS June 1984

One food item preferred by canids and raptors is mice. In order to moni­ tor this population along with reptiles and amphibians (reptiles and amphibians are J

Table 13 shows the species and numbers caught.

. up—gfi

Drift fences were installed to monitor small rodents, amphi­ bians, and reptiles KAS June 1984

Table 13. Drift Fence Captures During 256 15-m Fence-Nights June, 1984 Species No. Captured Microtus spp. (voles) 46 Zapus spp. (jumping mice) 22 Peromuscus spp. (deer mice) 12 ; Cricetid unk 4 Sorex cinereus (masked shrew 15 Blarma brevicauda (short-tailed shrew) 1 Passerculus sandwichensis (Savannah sparrow) 1 Ambystoma tigrinum (tiger salamander) 5 Pseudacns mgrito (chorus frog) 9 Thamnophis radix (plains garter snake) 1 Total 116 0.46 captures/drift fence night

The Microtus population is on the increase. In 1983, 600 snap-trap Page 49 nights caught zero Microtus; in 1984 the same number of snap-trap nights in the same locations caught 29 Microtus.

15. Animal Control Animal Damage Control and/or private hunters removed some coyotes from around the refuge but how many is unknown.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

A guided foot tour was given to a boy scout group from Powers Lake, North Dakota on 16 April 1984.

A guided tour was given to three college students and professor from Fort Berthold Community College on 17 April 1984.

A guided tour was given to a Tioga High School biology class on 10 October 1984.

Two "Grassland Tours" were given on 28 July 1984 to view burn and unburned areas of the refuge. A school bus was rented for the 2^ hour morning tour which included nine people. In the early evening, a horseback tour was given with ten riders present for the 3 hour period. The bus tour was appreciated by those who attended but the horseback tour was well received and all encouraged us to repeat it again next year.

Signs were installed on two redwood boundary signs directing the public to refuge headquarters.

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Lostwood's "kiosk" structure had minor repair work completed in 1984. A routed map of Lostwood was also completed and placed in the structure. Some visitors are driving by the kiosk because they do not "see" it. A large mallard carving was initiated in 1983-84 winter to be mounted across from the kiosk to draw public attention. However, winter time ran out and it was not completed. Hopefully, it will be completed in the 1984-85 winter. .

Two great horned owls were mounted for display in the office.

Several news articles were released regarding Lostwood: - grouse dancing ground blind - "grassland tour" - 2 releases on haying portions of the refuge - Vi Solt's release about public opportunities on refuges

8. Hunting

There were approximately 52 grouse hunters on the weekend opener that took at least 48 birds (most hunted on Saturday). There were several birds taken after the opener but it is unknown how many. Page 50

The gun deer season probably had one of the highest hunter successes in the refuge's history. There were about 150 of the 300 hunters with special refuge permits present on Friday and Saturday. There were at least 60 deer (32 bucks, 15 does, 9 fawns) taken on those two days. On Sunday, open to anyone with a state permit, there were approximately 78 hunters. Nine deer (8 bucks and 1 doe) were known taken. The season lasted from 9 November (noon) to 24 November (sunset). Only the opening weekend was worked by the manager but several more deer were known taken. Considering this and that not all deer taken were observed, it is esti­ mated that about 100 deer were taken during the state deer gun season. There are three possibilities for the high hunter success. First, the winter of 1983-84 was very mild with most fawns surviving, providing numberous yearling bucks. Second, there was an excellent 1984 fawn crop (twins were common and some triplets were observed. The third possibility was that the early winter pushed deer into their winter concentration areas earlier than normal (information from hunters off the refuge report­ ed very few deer observed).

There is a hunter accident potential along Highway #8 where the highway abuts Thompson Lake and goose hunters gather to boundary shoot. Hunters, usually less than 12, line the % mile boundary fence where they shoot at geese over and on top of the highway. Semi trucks hauling crude oil travel at a rapid pace along this highway. It is legal to hunt along and across a state highway. It is unknown what to do with the situation except hope no one gets hurt or killed.

17. Law Enforcement

The manager attended law enforcement training in Bismarck from 1-6 April 1984.

There were 14 grouse, 14 waterfowl and 38 deer enforcement hours complet­ ed beyond the 40 hour work week. No citations were written.

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

A gantry was built for removing and supporting the slip-in water unit. This frees a vehicle for more use than just holding a water unit.

2. Rehabilitation

The refuge shop stairs were remodelled because the original stairs installed were too steep.

The office furnace room has an exterior vent that is wide open to good olc North Dakota winters. Winds push snow and cold through the vent. An outdoor vent was made and installed so that the opening is towards the ground. Page 51

The coal hopper's bottom was remodelled to prevent coal from freezing to the sides of the bin wall. The maintenance staff from Lostwood and Des Lacs did a superb job.

Four and one half miles, of boundary fence were rewired and new stretch panels installed. Six and one half were planned but not enough time or staff was available to complete the entire distance.

Lostwood's one maintenance personnel spent a minimum of 80 hours on Complex projects during the main field season (May-September). This adversely affects Lostwood's operation. However, Lostwood received - assistance in October from Complex staff to complete boundary fencing and the coal bin.

The Kentucky bluegrass lawn around the residence was killed. Blue grama will be planted in the spring of 1985. This species should involve less maintenance than a Kentucky bluegrass lawn.

Fill was placed around the resident's house to create a slope away from the dwelling so that water would not drain into the basement. So far so good, but it has been a dry year.

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

Equipment repair for Lostwood included: - fire truck - D 6 cat - slip-in water unit pump - native grass drill repair and remodel - rotary mower repair

Equipment repair for the Complex completed and/or assisted by Lostwood's maintenance staff included: - transport bed remodelling - D 7 cat - blade remodelling for Des Lacs - Native grass drill repair and remodel for Crosby WMD - cultivator repair.

8. Other .

There was a metal gate installed on the west Elbow Lake boundary entrance. A pipe gate was installed on the public use route at refuge headquarters. Another pipe gate was installed on the Iverson road to prevent people from driving to Thompson Lake and flushing snow geese.

There were 2000 yards of gravel (from a Des Lacs contract) stockpiled on the southwest corner of Thompson Lake, The site is an old gravel site.

A shrub shelterbelt was planted south of the new shop. It has taken a lot of care, especially considering the exceptional dry yearand the intense pressure the seedlings received from deer. Next spring will reveal how many have survived. Page 52

The old gravel site that was used to bury rubbish from old buildings removed in 1982 and 1983 was reshaped to its original contour in the summer and fall of 1983. All angle iron from the old building was sal­ vaged, a value of at least $500. Also all wood was saved that was usable. It was seeded to natives (with the remodelled drill) in April. A beauti­ ful catch has emerged on subsoils.

Lostwood refuge's maintenance staff helps with prescribed burns on Lost- wood WMD and the maintenance staff from Lostwood WMD helps the refuge with prescribed burns.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

"Green Surveys" are completed about two times each month from May through October. This was requested by Wildlife Biologist, Bismarck, because the Service has committed our assistance to the State Disaster Emergency Services in providing a "percentage of green"!!!

North Dakota State Health Department and Lostwood NWR cooperate on the Ambient Air Quality program. They provide equipment and analysis, and we, the staff hours for installation of filters. The same state depart­ ment also requested staff assistance for radiation monitoring. This is done once a month.

On 9 October 1984 at 0300 hours the manager was called out to assist with a fire in a local neighbor's hay bales which was started by vandals. The fire would have burned about 400 large, round bales, and had potential to spread into the refuge. Fortunately, the relative humidity was extremely high, temperatures low and little or no winds. A total of 5 bales were lost.

Installation of a new boundary gate at the missile site was not completed by refuge staff - ran out of time.

3. Items of Interest

The Lostwood manager assisted in gathering information on an oil pipeline break in the Beaver Marsh drainage in Crosby WMD on 17 April 1984.

Training, meetings and conferences attended were: - Pesticide training - Stewart in Stanley Smith in Mi not (training was not complete) - Fire training - 24-25 April 1984, Smith. One training portion of the session was given by Smith - Forest Service - 28-29 June 1984, Smith. Oil development. - Prairie Conference - 30 July - 2 August 1984, Smith. The conference was attended at expense of the participant but on government time - Project Leaders' Meeting - 28-29 August 1984, Smith and Murphy. Page 53

The refuge manager assisted in writing the ecology portion of the "A Plan for Acquiring Waterfowl Habitat in North Dakota". Most of the work was done after hours.

John Stewart received a Special Achievement Award of $250 for designing an efficient way of removing old steel fence posts.

3. Credits

Del Pierce wrote sections El, E5, and E6. All other sections were com­ pleted by Karen Smith, Refuge Manager, Lostwood NWR. Editing was done by Tedd Gutzke and Del Pierce, typing and assembling by Molly Hansen and Doris Huwe. K. FEEDBACK

I am very pleased with the professional, unified uniform the Service has committed itself to. When Service personnel are together in uniform, we are uniform (except for the phasing out of the old (1984) "tail end uniforms" into the new 1985).

Karen A. Smith K. FEEDBACK

Who's in Charge Here, Anyway?

At a recent (December, 1984) staff meeting I asked the 10 persons present, "Who is in charge of the National Wildlife Refuge System?"

There were a variety of responses including Arnett, McCallister, Reffalt, The Secretary of the Interior, and a few "I don't knows".

During most of the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System, there would have been few field employees who couldn't answer this question. It was clear cut. The refuge chief was well known and was in charge. He and his staff communicated policies and established goals. Things may not have always gone well but at least refuge managers knew that the Chief of Refuges was, indeed, the chief.

Under the present system, the Chief of Refuges apparently has only a little part in determining refuge direction. The Director and Regional Directors receive guidance from several program directors. They must consolidate, extrapolate and evaluate these guidances in order to articu­ late directions for refuges. They must do all of these while doing the same things for a number of other branches.

It's too cumbersome. Programs become entangled. The refuge system and some of the other systems end up dragging each other down.

The National Wildlife Refuge System needs to make a clean break from the mass of programs along with the inyriad of program deputies, assistants, chiefs, ad infinitum, associated with these programs. It would be good for the refuge system as well as many of the other sister agencies if we had clean, direct lines of management.

Delano A. Pierce S S F W S S F W BIRDS THAT ARE RARELY SEEN ON THE REFUGES AND OUT OF THEIR NORMAL RANGE: .•American Robin (Robin) .•Orchard Oriole o o . Hermit Thrush .• Northern Oriole (Baltimore & Bullock's) .... u u . Swainson's Thrush . Rusty Blackbird u Green Heron Black-necked Stilt . Gray-cheeked Thrush .. . _• Brewer's Blackbird u u White Ibis Barn Owl _• Veery .• Common Grackle c c Fulvous Whistling Duck Barred Owl .• Brown-headed Cowbird c c _• Eastern Bluebird Oldsquaw Whip-poor-will . Mountain Bluebird . Western Tanager Harlequin Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatcher . Townsend's Solitaire ... . Scarlet Tanager r r Surf Scoter Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet u _• Rose-breasted Grosbeak o r Common Scoter Northern Parula Ruby-crowned Kinglet u . Black-headed Grosbeak r Red-shouldered Hawk Townsend's Warbler . Indigo Bunting r r u Bobwhite Hooded Warbler u 0 .• Lazuli Bunting o o American Woodcock Lesser Goldfinch .• Dickcissel r r Henslow's Sparrow Bohemian Waxwing u u u Whimbrel . Evening Grosbeak r /. :. i ( \ \ T- • Cedar Waxwing c c c r Knot . Purple Finch u \\ H Northern Shrike o . Pine Grosbeak Acknowledgments: To Dr. and Mrs. R.T. Gammell for their • Loggerhead Shrike u u . Hoary Redpoll contribution in compiling this birdlist. _ Common Redpoll c • Starling u u u .• Pine Siskin c r .•Yellow-throated Vireo. SOURIS LOOP _• American Goldfinch c c . Solitary Vireo . Red Crossbill r r .• Red-eyed Vireo BIRDS . White-winged Crossbill _• Philadelphia Vireo ... . _• Rufous-sided Towhee u c .•Warbling Vireo _• Lark Bunting c a _• Black-and-white-Warbler _• Savannah Sparrow c a NORTH DAKOTA . Tennessee Warbler _• Grasshopper Sparrow u c Further information about the refuges or certain . Orange-crowned Warbler _• Baird's Sparrow u c species can be obtained from: . Nashville Warbler _• Le Conte's Sparrow u c .• Yellow Warbler _• Sharp-tailed Sparrow u c Des Lacs Refuge . Magnolia Warbler _• Vesper Sparrow u u Kenmare, North Dakota 58746 . Cape May Warbler _• Lark Sparrow o o . Black-throated Blue Warbler _ Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored, Oregon . Yellow-Rumped Warbler & White-winged) a (Myrtle & Audubon's) _ Tree Sparrow a _ Black-throated Green Warbler -•Chipping Sparrow c u J. Clark Salyer Refuge . Blackburnian Warbler o o _• Clay-colored Sparrow a a Upham, North Dakota 58789 _ Chestnut-sided Warbler a, o _• Field Sparrow o o _ Bay-breasted Warbler _ Harris' Sparrow c Upper Souris Refuge . Blackpoll Warbler _ White-crowned Sparrow c Foxholm, North Dakota 58738 _ Palm Warbler _ White-throated Sparrow a _• Ovenbird _ Fox Sparrow u Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge _• Northern Waterthrush _ Lincoln's Sparrow c RR 2 _ Connecticut Warbler _ Swamp Sparrow o _ Mourning Warbler _• Song Sparrow c c Kenmare, North Dakota 58746 _ MacGillivray's Warbler _• McCown's Longspur r r UNITED STATES -•Common Yellowthroat (Yellowthroat) _ Lapland Longspur a DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR -•Yellow-breasted Chat _ Smith's Longspur o FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE _ Wilson's Warbler -•Chestnut-Collared Longspur c c _ Canada Warbler _ Snow Bunting c ^OF'^ _• American Redstart

-• House Sparrow

.•Bobolink .• Western Meadowlark .. . .•Yellow-headed Blackbird .• Red-winged Blackbird .. . RF-Region 6 1979 GPO 849 - 947 SOURIS LOOP BIRDS S S F W S S F W S S F The "Souris Loop" National Wildlife Refuges were . Greater Prairie Chicken (1) established in 1935. They are Des Lacs (18,881 acres), .•Little Blue Heron u u .• Screech Owl o o o .• Cattle Egret u u _• Sharp-tailed Grouse c c c c .•Great Horned Owl u u u Lostwood (26,747 acres), J. Clark Salyer (58,695 acres), . Great Egret (Common) .... _• Ring-necked Pheasant u u u u . Snowy Owl o o and Upper Souris (32,092 acres). Wetlands consist of . Snowy Egret -•Gray Partridge c c c c .• Burrowing Owl o o o restored marshes on Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, and _• Black-crowned Night Heron _ Whooping Crane r r _• Long-eared Owl o o o Upper Souris and potholes in the rolling hills on .•American Bittern _ Sandhill Crane (2) a r a _• Short-eared Owl u u o _ Least Bittern _ Boreal Owl Lostwood. Other important wildlife habitats are _• Virginia Rail u c u . White-faced Ibis _ Saw-whet Owl o o o remnants of the original short-grass prairie, lowland .•Sora u c u Whistling Swan u c -• Common Nighthawk o o o meadow, wooded sandhills, river bottoms, and _• American Coot c c a • Canada Goose c u c . Semipalmated Plover u u _ Chimney Swift r coulees. White-fronted Goose c c _• Piping Plover o o o _• Ruby-throated Hummingbird o o o Snow Goose (Snow & Blue) a a While the waterfowl concentrations of spring, summer, _• Killdeer c c c Ross' Goose r -• Belted Kingfisher o o o . American Golden Plover u r and fall are spectacular, bird observers are generally • Mallard a c a . Black-bellied Plover u u -•Common Flicker (Yellow & Red Shafted) ... c c c most interested in the five species of grebes, white ' Black Duck r r r . Ruddy Turnstone r r _• Red-headed Woodpecker r o r pelicans, certain hawks, grouse, cranes, shorebirds. •Gadwall a c a .• Common Snipe o o o _• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker o o o • Pintail a c a Franklin's gulls, burrowing owls, Sprague's pipits, lark . Long-billed Curlew r _• Hqiry Woodpecker o o o •Green-winged Teal u u u buntings, longspurs, and sparrows—including Baird's _• Upland Sandpiper (Plover) u c u _• Downy Woodpecker u u u •Blue-winged Teal a c a -• Spotted Sandpiper u c u _• Eastern Kingbird a c c and Le Conte's. About 140 species are known to nest on Cinnamon Teal r r . Solitary Sandpiper u u _• Western Kingbird a c c these refuges. European Wigeon (European Widgeon) . . . r r .•Willef u u c _• Great Crested Flycatcher r o o • American Wigeon (Am. Widgeon) c u c . Greater Yellowlegs u c _• Eastern Phoebe r o o • Northern Shoveler (Shoveler) c u c . Lesser Yellowlegs c u c _• Say's Phoebe o o o CHECKLIST • Wood Duck u u u . Pectoral Sandpiper c c c _ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher r r o Souris Loop National Wildlife Refuges • Redhead c u c . White-rumped Sandpiper r r _• Willow Flycatcher c c a • Ring-necked Duck u 0 u This list contains 290 species (23 are accidental species) . Baird's Sandpiper u u _• Least Flycatcher c c a •Canvasback c u c . Least Sandpiper c c a _• Eastern Wood Pewee r o o recorded on the refuges since 1935. Greater Scaup r _ Dunlin r _ Western Wood Pewee r • Lesser Scaup c u c . Short-billed Dowitcher r r _ Olive-sided Flycatcher o u Common Goldeneye u u Species nesting on the refuge are indicated by a (•). . Long-billed Dowitcher u u c Bufflehead u o u _• Horned Lark a c a c . Stilt Sandpiper o u The relative abundance of each species at each • White-winged Scoter r r k . Semipalmated Sandpiper a a a _ Violet-green Swallow r season is coded as follows: • Ruddy Duck - c c c . Western Sandpiper r r -•Tree Swallow c c a • Hooded Merganser . . f. 0 o 0 S—March-May F —September-November . Buff-breasted Sandpiper r _• Bank Swallow c c a Common Merganser c u .• Marbled Godwit u u c _• Rough-winged Swallow o o o S—June-August W—December-February Red-breasted Merganser u u . Hudsonian Godwit r r _• Barn Swallow c c a Turkey Vulture r . Sanderling r _• Cliff Swallow a a a _• Purple Martin c c c a—abundant common species, very numerous Goshawk .•American Avocet c c c c—common certain fo be seen in suitable habitat • Sharp-shinned Hawk . .• Wilson's Phalarope c c c _• Blue Jay o o o " u—uncommon present, but not certain to be seen • Cooper's Hawk . Northern Phalarope a a _• Black-billed Magpie u u u o—occasional* seen only a few times during a season • Red-tailed Hawk .. . . - Herring Gull r r _ Raven -• Common Crow c u c r—rare seen at intervals of 2 to 5 years Broad-winged Hawk . -• California Gull ... .• u r u • Swainson's Hawk . . , .• Ring-billed Gull c c c _• Black-capped Chickadee c c c c Rough-legged Hawk . .• Franklin's Gull c c c S S F W — -•White-breasted Nuthatch o o o • Ferruginous Hawk . Bonaparte's Gull r r _ Red-breasted Nuthatch u c Common Loon r Golden Eagle o o -• Forster's Tern c c c _ Brown Creeper u u r • Red-necked Grebe o Bald Eagle o .•Common Tern u u u _• House Wren c c c • Horned Grebe u • Marsh Hawk c •• Black Tern a c c _• Long-billed Marsh Wren c c c • Eared Grebe c Osprey r .• Rock Dove o o o o _• Short-billed Marsh Wren c c u • Western Grebe c .• Mourning Dove c c a _• Rock Wren r r r • Pied-billed Grebe c . Gyrfalcon . Prairie Falcon . Yellow-billed Cuckoo r _ Mockingbird r r r White Pelican . Peregrine Falcon .• Black-billed Cuckoo o o o _• Gray Catbird (Catbird) u u u • Double-crested Cormorant . Merlin (Pigeon Hawk) (1) Last observed in 1956 _• Brown Thrasher u u u .•American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) -• Great Blue Heron (2) Nesting recorded at J. Clark Salyer in 1973 -•Sage Thrasher r r r ADMINSTRATION The Refuge is administered as a part of the Des Lacs Complex with Prior to settlement. North Dakota's native the main office located one mile west of Kenmare, North Dakota. The grasslands thrived under constant disturbances Lostwood Headquarters, which administers the Lostwood Refuge, is located 12 miles west of Kenmare on Ward County road No. 2 and 4 such as drought, flood, fire, and massive herds miles south on Highway No. 8. Inquiries for information should be of bison. The prairie was predominantly com­ addressed to the Refuge Manager, Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, RR No. 2, Kenmare, North Dakota 58746. posed of native grasses, forbs, and snowberry, a brush species occupying 1 to 3% of the prairie. By the 1970s, snowberry composed 50 to 80% of the prairie, and exotic grasses such as BURKE CO. BD. 16 Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome had LOSTWOOD NATIONAL invaded the native grassland. WILDLIFE REFUGE The area today remains subject to drought, All illustrations by Karen Smith. flood and wind as it did in the past. Cattle have replaced bison under carefully controlled conditions. Why then, does the less desirable REFUGE EXPERIENCE THE ESSENCE OF HEADQUARTER brush continue to spread? Fire and concen­ TOWER trations of grazing animals are missing. As a Unique wetland environments are found over management tool, fire, is preferred over grazing every hill on the Lostwood National Wildlife because fire reduces snowberry, eliminates Refuge. DEAD DOG exotic grasses and stimulates native grasses and Vehicle and hiking trails provide access for the ELBOW LAKE LAKE forbs. Grazing alone does not accomplish these SCHOOL SECTION visitor during portions of the spring, summer LAKE objectives. and fall. The wilderness area offers hiking i Prairie wetlands are managed by nature. It is during "rertain months, as well as snowshoeing r as important for prairie wetlands to go dry as it and cross-country skiing. Extreme caution must is for them to be filled with water. During be used in winter because subzero temperatures droughts, the bottom of wetlands are exposed to and strong winds have no mercy. the elements, permitting decomposition of STATE HIGHWAY NO.50 Regulations concerning wildlife recreational TO POWERS LAKE organic material. Without the dry cycle, oxygen opportunities and hunting programs are in the water would be used to decompose the available at Refuge Headquarters located off LOCATION MAP BURKE COUNTY organic material. The oxygen depleted wetland CANADA MOUNTRAIL COUNTY State Highway No. 8. NORTH DAKOTA | | would no longer support aquatic invertebrates, BOWBELLS -UGE f WEBpSTWOOD •LAKE the prime food for ducks and shorebirds. So the Drawing of North Dakota grasses. .v dry cycle maintains the high productivity of the m: prairie wetlands.

Controlled burning photo by Ken Higgins. USFWS photo.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Department of the Interior ^TTH/

WILO^ RF-6-62572-1 September, 1979

* GPO 1979-680-985 RERJGEOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE thTLfsettTd AS ^ ice melt«i hills with numerous:!^ ^"'T known today as the 'Mru^oS"^ ^lr„Ts «rik,5rR?oto^

SZz&S&x 'X£ evolved into hiehlv nmrl' f j ai? wet^nds producing millions of birds eve^yea^'?™5 elk, prairie chicken fvi ^ y ' Blson' system of more than 390 Wildlife RXgef'™' bear, and wolf were alsoabunint^' ^

Wilson's Phalarope, photo by Karen Smith. Darr No„h

-I ^ ^'us; SerwlS 8r0UnEdncf0r birds and ,£Sy" 1S."0""™"« Drawing of a pair otCanvasbadc ducks. As man "tamed" the amp r-

WeSCm SSSsf h^" FEATHERS AND FUR

Drawing of a pair of Pintail ducks. CTcroa^^into tl^telS j dependent wildlife lost habiS and Water' natural1655 mana8™ sidelines the use d n^S^s" natural or controlled fire to ] canvasback are also present Oth Land ^'CE T9 MANTLHS OF GRASS LosM^tioZlmdlZRefue'6 preserve native prairie is fully recogS climb I steeTtopoemr' to Wished on SeptemberTlg5^sTre£ a^i^|1^Vad^ '^^hc^fertile 'wedanS^

Avocet. USFWS photo. "glacial drift" ahead of if. ^ 0f materiaL Photo of Lostwood potholes by Allen Aufforth. USFWS photo. beyond the escarpment. depos,ted it just 7^p^r4£i'hg^'«™|» sroundl*CD'lrtSf"pritua,sonnum«rous dancing became concentrated ""on ^thZice ^rft' Z acted as an insulator fo bU • f surEace and •« *

kVhitetail deer mimic rat u. j

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