FT. NIOBRARA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Valentine, Nebraska

Annual Narrative Report

Calendar Year 1995 REVIEW AND APPROVALS

FORT NIOBRARA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Valentine, Nebraska

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1995

Refuge Manager Date Refuge Supervisor Review Date

Regional Office Approval Date INTRODUCTION

Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles east of Valentine, Nebraska, in Cherry County. The refuge consists of19,130 acres ofbigh and rolling prairie traversed by the Niobrara River. It is managed as part of a complex with Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

The Ft. Niobrara NWR was created by Executive Order in 1912 as the "Niobrara Reservation" - a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. rt was enlarged by Executive Orders of 19121 1920, and 1936 and the name was changed to Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge by Presidential Proclamation in 1940.

The area which comprises the refuge was once a military post, but was abandoned in I 912 and portions of the post were placed under the jurisdiction ofthe Federal Bureau of Biological Survey. During the 1930's, additional lands were acquired.

One of the original goals of the refuge was to preserve and protect the bison which at that Hme were in danger of extinction. A native species, elk, was introduced in 1913, and protection was given to other prairie species; in 1936, Texas longhorns were brought here. Emphasis now is in the maintenance of bison and elk herds representative of the vast herds that once roamed the plains. The longhorn herd is maintained as one of two government herds which serve to protect basic breeding stock of a historically important animal.

The refuge is also managed to perpetuate native birds and animals, and to provide man with a place to observe and enjoy the many varied benefits of wildlife and wildlands.

The Niobrara River divides tbe refuge into well defined units. The valley within the refuge is narrow with steep slopes. It varies in width from one-fifth to approximately one-balf rnile. The valley is bordered by narrow strips of tableland at elevations ranging from 2,300 M.S.L. at river bed to 2,700 M.S.L. atthe highest point.

The portion of the refuge lying north of the river is high benchland capped by sandy soil. This is amid-grass area in a relatively high range condition best suited to grazing. Six. deep canyons divide the tableland diagonally from northwest to southeast. Five of these canyons carry spring water to the river continually. The canyon walls, rising an average of 200 feet, are well covered with interior ponderosa pine and mixed hardwoods. This area contains approximately 4,500 acres, mcluding a 200-acre ponderosa pine natural area.

The portion south ofthe river is an elevated rolling plain approximately 100 feet above the valley floor. This section is comprised of loose sandy soil not suited for dry-land farming. Deep water percolation into sands promotes an extension of tall grasses common to the true prairie into tJ1is precipitation zone. A small strip adjacent to the river is covered with mixed hardwoods, primarily bur oak. This area contains the headquarter's site, corrals and slaughterhouse, roads, picnic and scenic areas, exhibition pasture, and miscellaneous tracts.

The climate of the area is one of considerable variation. The winters are cold with prevailing winds from the northwest. TJ,e summers are quite warm with prevailing winds from the south. Low humidity, high temperatures, and moderate to strong summer winds cause a rapid loss of soil moisture by evapo­ transpiration.

Winter storms, though not frequent, can be severe when accompanied by high winds. Snowfall averages approximately 22 inches with annual precipitation of around 18 inches. The mean annual temperature is 46.9 degrees with recorded extremes of-38 degrees to I 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The average frost-free period of the area is about 150 days. TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ...... 2

C. LAND ACQUISITION ...... 3 2. Easements ...... 3

D . PLANNING ...... 4 2. Management Plan ...... 4 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates ...... 8 5. Research and Investigation ...... 8

6. Other ...... 10

E. ADMINISTRATION ...... I 0 1. Personnel ...... 10 2. Youth Programs ...... 11 4. Vo)unteers ...... 12 5. Funding...... 12 6. Safety ...... 12 7. Technical Assistance ...... 14 8. ~ ...... 16 a. Meetings ...... 16 . . ' b. Tra ining ...... 17

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT ...... 17 1. General ...... 17 2. Wetlands ...... 18 3. Forests ...... 18 5. Grasslands ...... 19 7. Grazing ...... 19 8. Haying ...... 20 9. Fire Management ...... 20 10. Pest Control ...... 22 12. W ilderness and Special Areas ...... • .... 23 13. WPA Easement Monitoring ...... • ...... 24

G. WILDLIFE ...... 25 1. Wildlife Diversity ...... 25 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species ...... 25 a. Bald Eagle ...... 25 b. Peregrine Fa.Jeon ...... 26 c. Whooping Crane ...... 26 3. Waterfowl ...... 26 a. Ducks ...... 26 b. Ge.ese ...... 26 C. Trumpeter Swan ...... 27 4. Marsh and Water Birds ...... 27 a. Sandhill Cranes ...... 27 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species ...... 27 6. Raptors ...... 27 7. Other Migratory Birds ...... 28 8. Game Mammals ...... 29 a. Elk ...... 29 b. Deer ...... 30 c. Pronghorn Antelope ...... 30 10. Other Resident Wj]d!jfe ...... 30 a. .Bis.on ...... 30 b. Texas Longhorn Cattle ...... 34 c. Merriam's Turkey ...... 37 d. Sharp-Tailed Grouse and Greater Northern Prairie Chicken ..... 37 e. Ring-Necked Pheasant ...... 38 f. Bobwhite Ouai I ...... 38 h. River Otter ...... 3 8 1. Bobcat ...... 3 8 J. Brown Bat ...... 38 It. Fisheries Resources ...... 38 13. Surplus Animal Disposal ...... 38 a. Bison ...... 38 b. Texas Longhorn Cattle ...... 39 16. Marking and Bandin~ ...... 39 l 7. Disease Prevention and Control ...... 40

H. PUBLIC USE ...... , ...... 40 1. General ...... 40 2. Environmental Education - Students ...... 42 4. Interpretive Foot Trails ...... 43 5. Interpretive Tour Routes ...... 43 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations ...... 43 7. Other Interpretive Programs ...... 43 8. Hunting ...... 44 9. Fishing ...... 44 11. Wildlife Observation ...... 44 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation ...... 44 t 4. Picnicking ...... 45 17. Law Enforcement ...... 45 18. Cooperating Associations ...... • . . . 46

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES ...... 47 2. Rehabilitation ...... 47 a. Buildings ...... 47 b. Residences ...... • . . . 48 c. Structures and Facilities ...... 48 3. Major Maintenance ...... 48 c. Structures and Facilities ...... 48 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement ...... 49 a ...... 49 c. Replacement ...... • ...... 50 5. Communication System ...... 50 6. Computer Systems ...... 51 7. Ener(izy Conservation ...... 51 8. Other ...... 51

J. OTHER [TEMS ...... 52 A. HIGHLIGHTS

• 2

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Temperatures for the first qua1ter of 1995, averaged 31.3 °F. The high temperatures ranged from 61 °F in Jant1ary, 76°F in February, and 81 °F in March. January had the low temperature of-14°F, while February and March both had a low of -8°F. The greatest snowfall for the quarter was in March with 5 .5 inches of snow on March 26th. January had only .02 inches of snow and February had 2 inches. March again had the highest amount of precipitation - 1.32 inches, while January had only .02 inches and February had .55 inches.

The Hackberry Weather Station reported only 0.01 inches of precipitatfon in January, 0.48 inches of precipitation in February, and no report for March.

The second quarter started out nicely with temperatures in the mid-SO's to the high 60's, but quickly deteriorated to cold, wet, and snowy weather. April's monthly average temperah.lre was 40.3°F, the high was 71 °F and the low was 14°f. Two snow storms during April accumulated a total of30.4 inches of snow. May had a wanner monthly average temperature of 56.8°F, a high of 86°F on the 15th, and a low of33°F on the 11th and 18th. May had no snow but precipitation for the month was 5.76 inches, a +2.60 inch departure from normal. June had an average monthly temperature of 66.7°F, a high .of97°F on the 16th, and a low of 40°F on the 10th, 11th, and 30th. Total precipitation for June was 3.86 inches, a +.93 inch departure from normal.

The Hackberry Weather Station reported 4.63 inches of precipitation for the month of April and a measurement of nearly 30 inches of snow cover during the period of April 9-18. May was recorded as having received 6.28 inches of precipitation. During June 4.09 inches of precipitation was recorded. At this point the total precip.itation for 1995 was 17.43 inches - extremely wet.

July and August had triple digit temperatures from 5 to 7 days out of each month. July's high temperature was 109°F on July 12th and the low was 45°F on July 1st. July's total precipitation was 1.90 inches. August's high temperature was 106°F on the 8th and the low temperature was 44°F on the 19th. Total precipitation for August was .78 inches. September had lower temperatures, with a high of 99°F on the 3rd and a low of23°F on the 22nd. September's total precipitation was 2.99 inches, which was a + 1.46 inch departure from normal.

The Hackberry Weather Station reported that July had 9 days of measurable precipitation and the greatest amount was 2.10 inches received on July 31. July was the first month of the year where evaporation bad exceeded precipitation. August had 7 days of measurable precipitation and 5 days of traces. August 5th had the greatest amount of precipitation - 1.07 inches. September had 1.93 inches of precipitation recorded. There were 7 days of measurable precipitation recorded and 3 days of traces. The greatest amount was 0.59 inches received on September 30.

During October, 3.38 inches of precipitation was recorded at the Hackberry Weather Station with measurable precipitation being recorded on 8 days. The greatest amount was 2.42 inches received on October 5. The maximum temperature recorded was 85°F on October 12 and the minimum temperature was 20°F on October 24. November's precipitation recorded at the Hackberry Weather Station was 0.30 3 inches, with measurable precipitatio_n being recorded on 3 days and a trace recorded on 1 day. November had a high temperature of 67°F on the 18th and a minimum temperature of 0°F on the 3rd. Due to government shut-downs/furlough's during the month of December the precipitation and temperatures were not recorded at the Hackberry Weather Station, plus the elimination of the local Climatological Data Office here in Valentine, we no longer received the Monthly Summaries of the Local Climatological Data until three to six months after the fact.

C. LAND ACQUISITION

2. Easements Information on easements not yet filed is found in this sectfon. For information on easements where filing is complete see section F-13. Information on the Tower WMA and easement are found in the Tower WMA narrative.

An easement has not yet been filed on the Haskel Fm.HA easement. FmHA is sellingthe land back to the original owner under a lease back/buy back program. Our easement is part of the lease agreement with the buyer. The easement will be filed in 1998. The easement has about 364 acres which have an easement with haying and grazing restrictions and 100 acres with no restrictions.

The Haskel FmHA easement was visited during the year and plans were made with the landowner for fencing of the easement. Materials were ordered and a requisition prepared for the labor. Tue contract was let for fencing the easement. Unfortunately portions of the area to be fenced were under water and some of the monuments could not be easily located. After muck looking the comers were found, materials hauled, and it looked as if we might get the fence up. The contractor, however, did not complete any work on the fencing of the easement before freeze up. He was sent an extension and hopefully will get the work done in the spring of 1996.

The Larsen easement in Knox Cow1ty was not visited this year. FmHA is selling the land back to the original owner under a lease back/buy back program. The terms of our easement are included in the lease. The easement will be recorded in 1998. The 280 acre easement bas not been surveyed or posted.

The 180 acres of land in the Johnson FmHA easement was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service in fee title during the year. The transfer had been held up by designation of the farmstead buildings as historical. FmHA paid forrecordation of the farmstead. Basically the buildings were photographed, measured, and described. The work was done by a contractor. Supposedly now that this process has been completed we can sell or destroy the buildings.

One oft he Wetland Reserve Program properties that we reviewed in 1995 was signed up. The 85 acre parcel has excellent wetlands in an abandoned center pivot field that was chocked full of waterfowl when we visited it. Gene Mack, from the Sandhills program, did the evaluations of WRP intentions in 199 5.

Asst. Manager Lindvall attended the Wetland Reserve Program meeting in N. Platte on May 16. Significant changes are that it is now an all NRCS program, there will be a possibility of 30 year easements, and the upland/wetland ratio can now go to 50/50. 4

D. PLANNING

2. Management Plan Considerable time was spent researching and preparing the report required by the FY95 Platte­ Kansas Rivers Ecosystem Work Activity Guidance which directed the Refuge Manager to ''review purposes of refuge to determine if current management reflects those purposes. Specifically address the priority currently accorded to longhorn and bison in management of refuge grasslands in light of the primary purpose of the refuge for preserving and restoring native birds."

Research of various pertinent documents, files, and reports was limited to those found on Fort Niobrara and copies of documents obtained from the National Archives several years ago. Information found indicated that additional pertinent documents existed, however. a comprehensive search at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. was not possible due to lack ofadequate resources (financial, manpower). The following samples of excerpts were used by the refuge manager to provjde proof/substantiate that the purposes of Fort Niobrara do include management of bison and Texas longhorns:

"Purposes ofNationaJ Wildlife Refuge System Lands'' dated 2/24/93 lists the following purposes for Fort Niobrara NWR:

11 - ...as a prese.rve and breeding ground for native birds." Executive Order 1461, dated Jan. 11, 1912. - 11 •••for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources ... " 16U.S.C. 742f(a)(4) "... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, i11 performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms ofany restrictive or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude ... " 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(l) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)

-Excerpts from letter of J. W. Gilbert to Dr. T. S. Palmer, Bureau of Biological Survey dated November 21, 191 2:

-"It is indeed pleasant to realize that my animals, to which I have given so much time and attention and which have been so great a source of satisfaction and enjoyment in the years that are gone, have at last been placed in the care of your department of the Government and will be preserved for the benefit of future generations. I would rather have them there than anywhere else in the world."

-Excerpt from letter ofH. W. Henshaw, Chief, Biological Survey dated December 3, 1912:

-" ... .I have followed with much interest the progress ofth e negotiations for the transfer of your herd of buffalo, elk and deer to the Niobrara Reservation, and appreciate fully your public spirited offer which has made it possible for the State of Nebraska to have a national game preserve ... "

-Excerpt from letter ofH. W. Henshaw, Chief, Biological Survey to Hon. J. W. Gilbert dated February 4, 1913: 5

-"On behalf of the Biological Survey of this Department I desire to express my sincere appreciation of the public spirited act by which you have made it possible to insure for Nebraska a game preserve worthy of the State and of its people. No National Game Refuge has ever been started under fairer auspices than N iobrara. We believe the sections included in the preserve to be admirably adapted to the preservation and increase of large game, as well as small feathered game, and are confident that the elk, bison and deer you have so generously donated will increase and multiply and prove the nucleus of a large herd which will Jong serve as a reminder of the wild game which formerly abounded in the hills and on the prairies ofNebraska."

-Excerpt from Fort Niobrara NWR History File:

-Approximately 555 acres within existing boundaries were acquired under specific appropriation from Congress in 1931-32 "for creation of a new big game pasture".

-Excerpt from Fort Niobrara NWR Annual Report dated 1936:

-Stanley P. Young, Chiefof the Division, and Messrs. Crouch, Day and Laythe visited the refuge in 1935. Gabrielson, Chief of the Bureau and Mr. Laythe visited the refuge in April 1936. Geno A. Amundson, U.S. Game Management Agent at Fort Niobrara, attended a "conference of game management agents at Wichita Refuge" in April 1936. Also in attendance were Washington Office personnel. One month after the meeting, 6 Texas longhorns were delivered to Fort Niobrara by Mr. Earl Drummond, Wichita Refuge. Gabrielson and Laythe made a return visit to the refuge in Jw1e 1936. (A visit by the Chief of the Bureau a month before and again a month after can only be related to the receipt of the Texas longhorns.)

-Excerpts from the document entitled "Fort Niobrara Game Preserve, Nebraska, United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Biological Survey" Division of Wildlife Refuges, Washington, D.C. dated April 1938:

-It (Fort Niobrara NWR) is maintained primarily for the perpetuation ofbison , or buffalo, and other species of North American big-game, but it is also a bird refuge.

-Establishment. Early in 1912, J. W. Gilbert, owner of a private game park at Friend, Nebr., offered his buffalo, elk, and deer to the Federal Government for preservation on a national reservation, with the understanding that they would remain in Nebraska. The acceptance of this offer was delayed through lack of a suitable range in the State. On November 14, 1912, however, an Executive order was issued enlarging the Fort Niobrara Game Preserve (then known as the Niobrara Reservation) by adding thereto the area formerly used as the parade grounds and as headquarters for the old military post. This made the total area ofthe preserve about 14,200 acres. Mr. Gilbert's offer was then formally accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture, and arrangements were made to transfer the animals to Fort Niobrara.

-Texas Longhorns. In May 1936, 6 Texas longhorns were transferred from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Okla., to the Fort Niobrara Preserve, and in the following spring each of the four 3-year-old heifers gave birth to a sturdy calf. Although the Texas longhorn cannot be classed as 6 a game animal, the species, now rapidly disappearing, is of much interest, because it is so closely associated with the early history of the West. It is, therefore, desirable that its perpetuation be assured.

-Excerpts from document entitled ''National Wildlife Refuge System, Refuge Manual, Population Management, Fenced Animal Management, 7 RM 5.1,'' state the following:

-Scope. By special acts of Congress and by special designation, four refuges were established for the preservation and propagation of remnant herds of nationally and/or historically significant animals. The provisions of this chapter relate to the management of animal species now present on the refuges listed below where these species have historically occurred and where reintroduction has been authorized:

-Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska: bison, Rocky Mountain Elk, Texas longhorn cattle.

-Policy. The Service will maintain remnant herds of nationally and/or historically significant animals on those refuges established for that purpose, to ensure their continued existence in numbers sufficient to perpetuate the associated cultural, scientific, and aesthetic values.

-Objectives. To maintain representative herds ofnationally and/or historically significant animals under reasonably natural conditions to: *-A. Assure a nucleus breeding population of the species; *-B. Provide appropriate viewing opportunities for public enjoyment; *-C. Support that level of scientific study feasible within the scope of managing a representative herd.

-Authority. Specific. Establishment and related legislation implies the authority for maintenance and management of nationally and/or historically significant animals.

-(3) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska. This refuge was created by Executive Order 1461 on January 11, 1912, as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. The reserve was known as Niobrara Reservation. The reservation was enlarged by Executive Orders 1642 dated November 1912, 3256 dated March 1920, and 7301 dated February 1936. Presidential Proclamation 2416, dated July 25, 1940~ changed the name to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Bison and elk were reintroduced to the reservation in 1913 and longhorns in 1936.

In reference to past and current management priority accorded to the fenced animal program, the refuge manager believes internal and public documents consistently maintain that the primary purpose of the refuge, since 1913, has been to manage for bison, elk and longhorn (1936) and in several documents said that other wildlife, including birds, were secondary to this primary purpose. Also, the "preponderance of evidence would indicate that it would be contrary to Service poJicy not to manage for bison, elk and longhorns on Fort NiobraraNWR as directed by national policy which has been stepped down to refuge goals and objectives." The U. S. Government by its actions changed the primary purpose of the refuge in 1912 or 1913 and if formal documentation to justify that change was not in writing, it was because it was not needed and the authority to 7 change the purpose existe~ and was utilized.

Refuge management priorities and decisions have been and continue to be guided by legislation, policy, and the needs of the bison, elk, and Texas longhorns. Fenced animals require much more time and attention, than "free roaming" wildlife. Fenced anim als can not escape the confines of their enclosures to seek their life requirements. The employees of the refuge must plan, monitor, develop, manage and provide for their needs in a much more intensive manner (daily) than for animals that can use and leave the refuge to seek the necessities of life. Managing for the safety and health of fenced animals and staff who work with them must guide all decisions. These various factors affecting fenced animal management demand time and priority.

In addressing the native bird concern and whether floral and fauna! diversity are being appropriately managed to meet refuge and ecosystem goals, the Refuge Manager cited the recently completed ''A Biological Survey of Fort Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges" (section D.5) which states, " ...ot1r time and data suggested t11at native Sandhills habitats and vertebrate fauna are generally in good health and being appropriately maintained for posterity on the refuges." In specific reference to birds this same section states " ... in general the avifauna is intact and healthy."

Management recommendations ended the report and included the following:

1. Develop a study/advisory team, consisting of FWS bison and longhorn managers, organized to develop standards of evaluation for the refuge herds and to provide recommendations on future management of these herds. A responsibility of the team would be to seek input from experts in the field of bison and longhorn management. This would not only improve species management and pool the information ofthe best minds on the subject but would also insure a standard and unified Service response on bison and longhorn issues.

2. Set a high priority for research monies on the refuges responsible for managing fenced animals. Their management concerns and challenges are unique.

3. Utilizing input/results from recommendations 1 and 2, rewrite the Fort Niobrara Operation Statement and Fenced Animal Plan.

4 .. Return to the refuges revenues generated by the bison, elk and Texas longhorn programs to support these programs.

5. A very important management challenge on Fort Niobrara is the genetic programs of these "megafauna'' and balancing these programs with the flora and other fauna of the refuge. Increased communication and coordination with Wichita NWR resulted in an exchange of longhorns (bloodlines) in 1994 which presented Fort Niobrara with the flexibility to make incremental reductions in the herd. Other tools, like artificial insemination, would also provide additional flexibility in the longhorn program. These changes can be made while insuring that the goals and objectives of the species are maintained. Realizing recommendations 1, 2 and 4 would greatly enhance management of all refuge species. 8

4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates

Several maps exist relating current and historic structures at Ft. Niobrara; a significant amount of work was spent consolidating and copying various sources of infonnation into a developed, usable form. Likewise, a significant amount of time was spent planning various projects to impact only already disturbed utility corridors through the Historic area.

Completed maps and information were forwarded early in the year to Regional Archaeologist Lewis for review of the F1N power distribution system rehab project and possible impacts on the Ft. Niobrara (military) historic site. Cultural (archaeological) clearance was received in April from the State Historical Preservation Officer for completion of the FTN Headquarters electrical rehab project.

Clearance was also received from Regional Archaeologist to initiate repair ofFTN pond 1-Twhich washed out earlier this year. Repair was done cooperatively with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Nebraska Public Power contacted the Refuge early in the year regarding a concern over some of the equipment remaining in the old Cornell Powerplant and the potential for contamination of the Niobrara River by oils contained in old switch canisters in the building; NPPD, at minimal cost, provided personnel and equipment to draw samples of oil for PCB testing; fill tested contaminated, but below EPA "Hazardous" levels, requiring Certified, but NOT EPA-RESTRICTED disposal. NPPD willingly contracted at-cost disposa I of all oil involved. NPPD also put the station in contact with several other agencies which may take the switches themselves.

5. Research and Investigation

Trudy Ecoffey, Candidate for Master of Science at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, began preliminary work on a bison research project to be conducted on Fort Niobrara and the Niobrara Valley Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) in 1996 and 1997. Manage Huber and Wildlife Biologist McPeak met with Dr. Al Steuter and Trudy Ecoffey to discuss research needs and cooperative ventures. Information on Fort Niobrara's herd and grazing program was provided.

Extent oflnbreeding Among Bison At The Genetic Level

Fort Niobrara has yet to receive any results from this research project conducted in 1993 by Karen Chambers, PhD candidate at Pennsylvania State University. Planning and coordination was completed by the Regional Office.

Manaeement Implications Of Genetic Variability Among And Within Populations Of American Bison

Julie Schneider, candidate for Master of Science in Biology at Humboldt State University, coIJected blood samples from surplus bison calves on September 22. This is the second and final year of blood coJlection from 14 public bison herds. She is using genetic analysis to demonstrate 9

how certain management practices (herd structure, size, history, culling._ etc.) have increased or decreased genetic variability of a population.

Dr. Jim Derr at Texas A & M is collaborating on this project as well as proposing to utilize the bison blood samples to examine the history of genetic variation over evolutionary time.

Presence of American Burying Beetle on Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Jon Bedick, University ofNebraska State Museum, attempted to capture arnerican burying beetle via pitfall trap lines on Fort Niobrara August 8-11, 1995 as part of comprehensive study to determine location of american burying beetle populations and habitat requirements in Nebraska. No beetles were found on Fort Niobrara during the limited survey period.

A Biological Survey of Fort Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges

A biological survey of the vertebrates of Fort Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges was conducted 1991-92 by the National Ecology Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The final report of work conducted was received in March, I 995 and includes discussion of floral and fauna) change in the Sandhills since 1850; historical distribution of fishes; and historical distribution, fauna I changes, and current status of amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. Management concerns and suggestions for further study were also summarized.

According to the original study proposal, the project was to provide Fort Niobrara and Valentine refuges with the infom1ation necessary to manage for "faunal integrity" ; i.e., managing for species that were part of a naturally evolved ecosystem rather than for invading species (either natives or exotics) in an altered landscape. Specific objectives of the study were to: (1) summarize vegetation and landscape alterations occurring since about I 850; (2) determine what vertebrates historically inhabited the areas of the refuges; (3) conduct biological surveys to confirm current presence or absence ofvertebrates , excluding fishes; and (4) identify changes that may have caused extirpation or invasion of species and provide management recommendations.

Research found no crises requiring immediate attention or change. Recommendations/suggestions for further study identified potential long-term problems that could be influenced with acquisition of new data and development of new management plans. Specific ideas for studjes of upland Sandhills, wet meadows, ponds and lakes, and woody habitats to determine how they can be maintained, enhanced, or managed to help preserve biological diversity were provided. Recommendations relative to Fort Niobrara included monitoring of several high-priority avian species that are experiencing declines regionally and for which researchers had specific habitat concerns; and experimental studies of grazing by elk, bison, and longhorns and re-evaluation of management objectives for those species and where they graze on the refuge. 10

6. Other The Public Roads Inventory was completed during February to best of our ability with "a lick and a promise" - with 129 pages of input sheets hand generated, as we were unable to use computer disk as sent out due to a lack of software and computer capabilities.

The Handicapped Accessibility Report was completed during March - including our "best guesses" for EMPLOYEE accommodations. It was rather tough to develop valid estimates when the original Self Evaluation for Public Programs alone took several weeks, but review of potential Staff needs for facilities including 44 buildings, historic structures, etc, had to be done iJ1 days.

E. ADMINISTRATION

I. Personnel

Larry Vaughn retired officiaJly on January 3, 1995. His retirement party was held in Valentine on January 21 and was attended by over 100 people. Larry was roasted, toasted, and received a Texas longhorn rack (donated by Dick Robbins, Jr.¾of the Anchor D Ranch, Belvidere, KS), a painting of Pony Lake by local artist Betty Kime, and a decorative blue-winged teal decoy carved and painted by Lloyd Lindvall.

SF-52's were submitted to Pe.rsonnel in January for recruitment for seasonal/tenn/pennanentRange Aid/Technician positions for the fire program.

The refuge struggles daily to compensate for the numerous staffing changes that have occurred on this complex in the last few months and the cumulative effect of a continuing reduction in personnel that has occurred in recent years. Most recently Larry Vaughn retired and the Fisheries Office moved three positions to Pierre, South Dakota. Fisheries personnel not only assisted this station with the fisheries program but were intricately involved in providing staff assistance with other refuge programs during critical periods of need (probably as much as .6 FTE's annually). The Fisheries Office also provided some "fair share'' dollars for utilities and administrative costs as well as an additional phone line, all ofwhich were lost when they moved their office. In the past few years the refuge lost 2 pennanen.t refuge FTE's, the Fisheries Office, 1.5 temporary fire FTE's, $50,000 of fire money used for refuge administration, and the ability to plan refuge work assignments or projects with the assistance of the current fire (3.5) FTE's due to their frequent involvement in Regional functions or campaign fires outside the state. Larry's responsibilities along with all of the other changes listed had to be absorbed by the remaining staff, who were already over extended by additions of collateral duty assignments that have become permanent assignments.

Range Technicians Willfam (BiJl) Waln and Richard (Rich) Sterry were converted to Term Appointments effective April 2, 1995. Their position titles were also changed to Supervisory Range Technicians. TI1ese Term Appointments aJlow them to elect health and life insurance and to have retirement coverage under PERS, plus they are eligible for with-in-grade increases. Effective October 29, 1995 both Supervisory Range Technicians Waln and Ste.rry were placed in a non-pay status, not to exceed April 1, 1996. 11

Roger S. Foster was again selected for a Range Technician position under an Excepted AppointmentNTE 180 days, and he reported for duty on April 3, 1995. Roger's main duties were working on the MMS corral project. Roger's appointment was tenninated effective October 13, 1995 due to lack of funds.

Gordon A. Suhr was selected for the position of Range Technician under an Excepted Appointment NTE 180 days. Gordon is a rancher and resident of Valentine, NE. He reported to work on April 10th and this is his first tour with the complex. Gordon's appointment was terminated effective October 13, 1995 due to lack of funds.

Charley L. Brown reported to work as a Range Technician under an Excepted Appointment NTE I 80 days, effective April 20th. This is Charley's second year with the complex. Charley's tour of duty was changed from full-time to intermittent effective September 16th due to lack of work. Charley's appointment was terminated effective December 17, 1995 due to lack of work.

The final Range Technician selectee, John A. Mitzel, reported for duty on May 15th. Andy (as he prefers to be called) has been attending Montana State University at Bozeman, Montana where he has been taking range science, plant science, and land resource management type courses. Andy resigned effective August 12, 1995 to return to the Montana State University and continue his education.

Volw1teers, YCC, and fire fighters were all tried as possible sources of staffing the visitor center on weekends, but to no avail. The center was closed over the Memorial Day weekend and remained closed on weekends and holidays the entire summer season.

Fire Management Officer John S. Segar was selected for a GS-11 position with the National Park Service and effective October 15, 1995, he was transferred to the Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida. John will be missed as his talents were not only in fire management but also in computer technicalities.

2. Youth Programs

1995 marked the nineteenth year ofYCC in the Complex. The program has gone from a beginning of20 youth and 5 staff in 1976 to a peak of35 enrolles and 7 staff in 1981

YCC Form 4's and Job Hazard Analyses were cleared with the Regional Office in February for the 1995 season.

A total of 6 applications were received for the 3 YCC positions available here at the complex. Selection was may by random drawing, resulting in one girl and two boys selected. These three individuals reported to work on June 5th and worked through July 28th. The various projects they worked on included the handicapped accessibility project at Watts Lake, Valentine NWR; grounds maintenance, painting, public use facilities upkeep, etc., on both refuges. A major portion of the season was spent on the assembly of an overlook deck providing Handicapped Accessibility at Fort Falls. The two male YCC enroUee appointments were terminated on July 28th. The female YCC enrollee had her appointment extended an additional week and then her appointment was terminated on August 4. 12

4. Volunteers

Royce and Justin Huber volunteered five hours each feeding the Texas longhorns on January 14, 15, 16, 21, and 22 (weekends & holidays). Annie Kime volunteered a total ofS-3/4 hours during the month of January; researching Pony Lake history, designing material inventory and bid sheet forms, drying out a fisherman that fell through the ice on Pelican Lake, and giving out fishing information to the public.

The Huber family volunteered 11 hours in March, completing weekend chores related to the fenced animal plan.

5. Funding

Two proposals for watchable wildlife and two for environmental education funds were prepared and submitted in January. All included partners.

FY95 fire budget was completed based on Regional allotment in January. FMO Segar assisted the Regional Office with t he fire management budget for the Region.

Completed response to 1995 WAG concerning management of bison and longhorns on Ft. Niobrara refuge in May.

Tablel Funding Status, Ft Niobrara-Valentine NWR Complex Fiscal Year Q&M ~ F lex Sales _Y£C_ Farm Bill 1995 399,000 128,000 145,000 51,000 4,800 -0- 1994 373,500 202,600 126,000 50,800 4,800 5,000 1993 290,000 172,000 57,800 60,000 7,200 -0- 1992 312,000 168,000 197,000 60,000 7,000 5,000 1991 480,800 71,000 55,000 9,300 1,100 1990 478,000 64,000 65,000 13,500 1,100

6. Safety

The Big Beaver Creek Bridge in Unit 1 was closed and barricaded due to unsafe conditions. The bridge has been in deteriorating condition for some time; several planks and a major portion of one sill have now rotted out and become unusable. The closure is not a major impact, as there is a creek crossing immediately adjacent to the bridge usable for fencing and fire suppression as long as the creek banks are not covered with ice.

The January Safety Meeting was held on January 9, 1995 and began at 1300 hours. The Chairperson was Supervisory ROS James Sellers and his topic was "Lifting and Back Safety''. A video titled "Back Care" was shown. Highlights were: When lifting IO pounds, it is equivalent to 100 pounds of pressure on your back; ifwhatever you are carrying begins to fall, let it ~ don't try to stop it from falling; a back support can be used, but they are not designed to make your back stronger, only to let you know if you are moving the wrong way, so you can make adjustments and prevent back injuries. Correct lifting procedure: Bend your knees, hold item close to body, get 13

good grip, and stand up straight.

February's safety meeting was held on February 6th at 1:00 p.m. The chairperson was Maintenance Worker Glen Beman. The topic was "Search and Rescue". A group discussion was held on how and what should be done to help in a search and rescue situation. Main concern was the easy availability and gathering of needed rescue equipment such as first aid kits, ropes, boats, communications, etc. The round table discussion ended with a decision to ensure that a moisture/animal proof box (such as rubbermaid) containing blankets, first aid kit, rope, etc., be anchored in some fashion to the rescue boats, so when an emergency situation occurred, one wouldn't have to run to several locations in order to gather up the needed rescue equipment before responding to the search/rescue effort.

In February test results were received for lead in water from all domestic water systems in the Complex; the maximum EPA limit for "no action required'' is 15 ug/L; all sites tested were within approved levels ranging from Oto 7.

The staff/safety meeting for March was held on the 13th. The chairperson was Royce Huber and the topic was "AIDS". Before the "AIDS" topic was introduced a video sent by the Regional Office on Endangered Species was viewed. Afterwards the "AIDS" video was viewed and then everyone worked on the AIDS workbook for approximately 30 minutes. All personnel on this station completed the AIDS workbook by the 31st of March.

In March the Fort NiobraraNWR Big Beaver Creek bridge was closed due to deterioration ofdeck and sill; the bridge has not been open to public vehicles. Service or fire suppression vehicles will have access to a nearby ford for creek crossing.

FMO John Segar chaired the April safety meeting, which was held on April 3rd. His topic was Physical Fitness/Fire Positions. A brief description of the physical requirements of fire fighter positions was given, as well as, definitions of the acronym of"LACES" (Lookout, Awareness, Communications, Escape Route, Safety Zone). Open discussion followed.

At 1300 hours on May 1, 1995 the safety meeting began. It was chaired by Admin Office Assistant Ayers, and the topic was "Car Care and Car Safety''. A video was shown the fast part of which had to do with Basic Car Care. The second part of the video dealt with Safety and Automotive First Aid. There was also a discussion about the checklist for possible causes as to why a vehicle won't start.

To go along with this safety meeting, we received a CCMail message from Marsha on "Buck Up America! Week". Good Timing!! Marsha. So everyone BUCKLE UP for safety.

May's wet weather forced the closure of several refuge roads on Valentine refuge. These closures were coordinated with the public, and state and congressional staff. Road closures continued during the month of June due to the very wet conditions ofthe roads. Only the west end of Pelican and the Hackberry boat ramp were open in June to traffic.

At 1300 hours on June 12, 195 the safety meeting was chaired by Supervisory ROS Sellers and the topic was ''Welding Safety". The program presented targeted all staff, from those who weld 14

most of the time to those individuals who may be in an area where welding is being done. A film was shown, pertaining to acetylene welding. Safety tips were given that applied to everyone, even those just in an area where welding occurred.

The monthly safety meeting was held on July 10. Two films, one on canoe safety and on general safety, were shown. Safety regulations for boating safety were reviewed. Study packets were handed out and an exam will be given in August to complete the required state boating course.

August's safety meeting was chaired by Supervisory Range Technician Bill Waln and his safety topic was "Review of Fire Rules and Regulations - Safety Firse'. Handouts were given out and a lengthy discussion followed.

September's safety meeting was chaired by Office Automation Clerk Thornton, and the topic was "Winter Safety''. A video was shown entitled "Snowbound". The film stressed that one should not drive any type vehicle in snowy weather without appropriate tires and/or chains and should the vehicle become stuck or wrecked, one should remain with the vehicle. Another item stressed was "dressing appropriately" - ensure that you have such items as snow boots, heavy coats, gloves., hats, etc.

October's safety meeting was chaired by Wildlife Biologist Kathy McPeak. Tbe topic was a review of the big game roundups and the surplus sales. All staff present had input as to what went well and what could or should be changed to make these activities safe and less stressful on the employees.

November's and December's safety meetings were canceled due to majority of personnel being on leave and the government being shut down for several weeks at a time.

7. Technical Assistance

Information on using grazing for grassland management was provided to Mark Feru1y of Nebraska Games and Parks in January.

February: Wildlife Biologist McDaniel provided a basic dBase structure for recording nest data and relevant publications to the U.S. Forest Service.

Wildlife Biologist McDaniel was requested by Kevin Church to serve on the Nebraska Game and Parks game bird committee.

March: ROS Lindvall met with other members of the big game strategic planning group for Nebraska on February 28 and March 1. The group with members from Game and Parks, University of Nebraska. Forest Service, and private interest is charged with writing long range plans for management of deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, and turkey. Draft plans were prepared to go out for public comment.

Wildlife Biologist's McDaniel and McPeak spent March 21-23 at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal touring the area and gathering information for feasibility determinations ofreintroducing bison and sharp-tailed grouse to the area. Reports are being drafted. 15

Wildlife Biologist Len McDaniel has been asked to be a member of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission game bird committee and Refuge Manager Royce Huber has been asked to become a member of a similar planning group for the Sandhill Lakes.

April: A draft report re: reintroduction of prairie grouse on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal was completed and submitted by Wildlife Biologist McDaniel.

April 17th, Wildlife Biologist McPeak completed and mailed the feasibility report of bison reintroduction to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Wildlife Biologist McDaniel made tentative arrangements with Joe Gabig, Waterfowl Specialist, Nebraska Game & Parks, for his expertise with statistical analysis of several Valentine NWR data sets.

Ft. Niobrara NWR was visited by Jean d'Hoffschmidt, primarily to study Bison handling facilities. Mr. d'Hoffschmidt has imported and manages a commercial breeding herd of American Bison in Belgium. His long term target is a breeding herd ofapproximately 400 animals, requiring facilities possibly as extensive as Ft. Niobrara's.

Guidance on big game fencing and cattle guards was provided to Walnut Creek NWR.

May: Wildlife Biologist McDaniel established temporary radio communication, during a power outage, for a neighbor (Jeri Beyea) during a medical emergency.

June: Wildlife Biologist McDaniel provided technical assistance to G. Schenbeck (USFS) re: prairie grouse & grazing; C. Elliott (RO) re: Sandhills wetlands; Dr. Riley (WMI) re: grazing public lands; exotic bird breeder re: nesting activity; CM&PS-TWS program committee; and J. Kobriger (ND G&P) re: Prairie Grouse Technical Council.

Assistant Refuge Manager Lindvall reviewed the recreation and wildlife section of the Cherry County Soil Survey forNRCS.

The draft ofthe Big Game Management Strategic Plan for Nebraska GaIDe and Parks was reviewed by Assistant Refuge Manager Lindvall.

Recommendations and guidance on Bison handling facilities was provided to two private entities, who are currently developing commercial Bison meat operations.

July: Biologist McDaniel provided technical assistance to: FWE-Grand Island (B. Esmoil and B. Chapman) re: contaminant sampling on Valentine NWR; Technical Session fortbe CM&PS·TWS Annual Meeting; J. Farrar, Nebraska Game & Parks Nebraskaland Magazine; J. Gabig, Nebraska Game & Parks - duck production and surveys in Sandhills.

August: Biologist McDaniel provided technical assistance to: CM&PS-TWS and the Prairie Grouse Technical Council Meetings, Graduate Student Hughes - Kansas State University, and Greg Schenbeck, Wildlife Biologist - Nebraska National Forest. 16

The draft management alternatives and effects for the Niobrara Wild and Scenic River were reviewed at the request of the National Park Service. All alternatives are very similar and stress local control.

September: Wildlife Biologist McDaniel provided flowering development phenology records re: native brush to the USDA-Nebraska National Forest, Chadron, NE.

October: Wildlife Biologist McDaniel provided technical assistance to Doug Sargeant, USFS­ Nebraska National Forest, re: grassland habitat management.

Technical assistance was provided by Wildlife Biologist McDaniel to Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NG&PC), re: an orante box turtle research proposal by Nebraska Game & Parks Commissfon.

The co-op agi:eement between Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Nebraska Purple Loostrife Awareness Committee for funding the printing of a leaflet on purple loostrife identification, distribution, and control in Nebraska was completed.

November: As part of the planning team, Assistant Manager Lindvall commented on the finaJ draft of the Nebraska Game and Parks Big Game Management Strategic Plan. The plan covers deer, antelope, big horn sheep, turkey, elk, moose, and mountain lion management.

Wildlife Biologist McDaniel discussed grassland management with B. Berens, Crescent Lake NWR.

8. Other

a. Meetings

In January major issues and time schedules were negotiated with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in preparation for the Annual Coordination Meeting. Agendas were formalized and individuals notified of the February 8, I 995 meeting in Lincoln. NE. Same effort went into the Annual Congressional Staff meeting that followed on February 9, 1995.

Project Leader Huber moderated the Annual Nebraska State Coordination Meeting held in Lincoln, NE on February 8, 1995. Mr. Huber had also coordinated the Annual Nebraska Congressional Coordination Meeting with Bob McCue held on February 9, in Lincoln.

Refuge Manager Huber and Wildlife Biologist McPeak met with the State and District Conservationists for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on March 29. The NRCS will review and update the range condition survey for Fort Niobrara NWR documenting and explaining any changes from the previous survey. Grassland management recommendations relative to the fenced animal program will be provided. 17

Wildlife Biologist McDaniel attended the CM&PS-TWS (Conservation of Biodiversity of Native Grasslands) and the Prairie Grouse Technical Council Meetings while on leave status in August.

Wildlife Biologist McDaniel during the month of August spent time preparing for the vegetation monitoring demonstration for the Biological Workshop in North Dakota.

Len McDaniel, Rich Sterry, and Mark Lindvall attended the Central Mountains and Plains Section of the Wildlife Society meeting and the Symposium on Preserving Biodiversity on Native Rangelands sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service in August. Len was elected to the board of diTectors of CMPS and Mark was elected presideht of the Nebraska Chapter ofTWS. Len was also honored as Wildlife Professional of the Year by CMPS.

b. Training S211/214 Engines/Water Handling training was completed by the on-board seasonal firefighters and several permanent staff on April l 2-13.

S 130/190 training for AD fire fighters was completed during April 19-23.

Office Automation Clerk T110mton and Ad.min Office Assistant Ayers attended the Fire Fighter Time Keepers training course given by Anne Marie LaRosa and Pat Johnson, May 23 & 24, in Denver, CO.

S290 Intermediate Fire Behavior training was completed the week of May 22 through 26 in Valentine, NE.

Fire and maintenance staff completed S212 Chain saw training, June 28-29.

Range Technician Waln attended the Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation training held in Denver, CO- June 5-9. Fire Management Officer (FMO) Segar instructed this training.

Admin Office Assistant Ayers attended RDE training in Denver on July 24-27 and the SF- 52 System on July 25.

Mark Lindvall, Len McDaniel, Rich Sterry, and Casey McPeak passed the Nebraska Boating Safety Class and are now certified.

In September, Wildlife Biologist McDaniel attended the Biological Workshop in North Dakota and also presented the demonstration on vegetation monitoring via Robel or VOR pole.

F. HABITATMANAGEMENT

1. General

Fort Niobrara and the surrounding area is recognized by ecologists for its biogeographic 18

significance due to the co-occurrence of 6 major vegetation types. Distributional limits of vegetation types along the Niobrara River include Rocky Mountain coniferous forest (eastern limit), northern boreaJ forest (southern limit), eastern deciduous forest (western limit), tall grass prairie (western limit). The area north of the Niobrara river valley is classified as mixed-grass prairie and to the south is mixed-grass (sandhills) prairie. The highly variable climate of this area along with diverse refuge habitats and objectives provide for management challenges and opportunities.

Climatic conditions were varied and extreme this year causing difficult growing conditions. Vegetative growth of some grasses was noted in February due to above average temperatures, March was "normal", and then in April, any plants growing were set-back due to multiple spring blizzards. Wild fruit production in 1995 was limited to rose hip, wild grape and currents with no choke cherry, sand cherry or plum produced.

Information on Fort Niobrara plant communities was provided the National park Service in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy's Great Plains Ecology Survey.

2. Wetlands

Approximately 275 acres of the refuge are classified as wetlands which includes 9 miles of the Niobrara river and adjacent riparian habitat, numerous intennittent streams and ponds. The ponds, formed by damming feeder streams of the Niobrara river, were maintained at full capacity throughout most of the year and were used a-s fenced animal watering facilities or fish rearing. Some of the ponds that were used for fish rearing were drawn down for aquatic vegetation management.

Clearance was received from Regional Archaeologist to initiate repair ofFTN pond 1-T which washed out earlier this year. Repair will be done cooperatively with Nebraska Game and Parks commission.

3. Forests

Most of the estimated 1,108 acres of woody habitat found on Fort Niobrara varies due to the differential exposure produced by rugged topography along and within the Niobrara River valley and difference in available ground water. Southward-facing slopes along the northern sjde of the river valley are drier and support characteristic stands of ponderosa pine trees and a ground cover consisting of sage, soapweed, sumac, yucca, cactus and choke cherry. North-facing slopes along the southern edge ofthe river valley support dense stand of deciduous trees along more sandy-soil­ covered hillsides and spring branches. Tree species include burr oak, white elm, walnut, linden, ironwood, green ash, and paperbirch. Cottonwood and willow are found in the Niobrara River floodplain. Shelterbelts planted in the l 930's are mostly located in administrative areas with cedar, honey locus, and ponderosa pine being the most common species.

Woodland management bas been minimal and included selective thinning of live trees using a tree spade and removal ofdead or down timber presenting a safety or fire hazard, or threatening fences. Fire was introduced as a management tool in 1995 with the prescribed bum of the bur oak picnic. Refer to section F.9 for specific infonnation. 19

5. Grasslands

Approximately 17,633 acres of the refuge is classified as mixed grass prairie or sandhills prairie. The association of plants found in the sandhills makes the area unique. Plant distribution and abundance is affected by subsurface moisture, soils, interspecies competition, topography, aspect, grazing and fire. For example, at the top of sand dunes, the soils are coarse textured, have little organic matter, low water holding capabilities, and high infiltration rates which allows for replenishment of subsurface moisture. Plants such as sand bluestem, sand lovegrass, prairie sand reed, stiff sunflower, sand cherry and lead plant are typical of these sites and have deep roots and ability to tolerate dry conditions. fn contrast, interdunal areas/flats consist of finer textured soils that hold more water near the surface. Plants typical of these areas include cool-season grasses (ie. needle and thread, prairie june grass) and warm season grasses with shorter root systems, ie. blue grama.

Grassland management on Fort Niobrara includes grazing, rest, control of wildfrre, and control of off-road vehicle travel. Grazing systems are designed for maintaining herds of bison, Texas longhorn cattle and elk as well as maintaining or improving the health of refuge grasslands. Grassland condition ranges from poor to excellent with differences due to soil type, historic and current management, and animal behavior/use.

Grassland monitoring activities by refuge staff in 1995 were limited to visual obstruction reading transects in tbe spring to document residual vegetation available for nesting native birds. General observations were recorded throughout the year, however, no formal procedures were completed to assess species composition, plant pbenology, utilization, etc. due to manpower constraints.

Range condition surveys/field evaluations of the entire refuge were completed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 1995. An updated map with range site and condition delineated, suggested initial stocking rates, discussion of differences between current and past survey results, and grassland management recommendations relative to the fenced animal program will be provided in early 1996.

7.

Grazing programs on Fort Niobrara included short duration, traditional season long, combination short duration/season long, and year round. Graztng strategies (time of year, intensity, length) within each unit are determined according to available AUM's, range condition, water, climatic conditions, species management needs and behavior, and public viewing opportunities. Additional criteria used to develop the plan/schedule included (1) maintain or improve grassland condition, (2) keep AUM's utilized below what is recommended in grazing program setup in cooperation with NRCS, (3) minimize staff involvement, and (4) compliment/accommodate the prescribed burn program. All units were visually inspected during and following last year's program to determine if general program objectives had been met and if any additional changes were needed for this year.

A total of 10,436 AUMs is available for grazing under the traditional grazing program set up in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (Note: 1995 NRCS survey results received in early 1996 were utilized for the 1995 summary.) Approximately 7,671 AUMs were 20

grazed during 1995 with an additional 1,445 AUMs supplemented with hay during the winter feeding program. Total acreage included in this year's grazing program was 18,059 with - 1072 acres within the river corridor rested.

Total AUM utilization by animal in 1995 on Fort Niobrara: Bison 5,243 AUMs Texas Longhorn Cattle 3,263 AUMs Elk 377 AUMs Horse 233 AUMs Total 9,116 AUMs

Refer to Table :· fora st1mmary of 1995 haying and grazing use by unit. Additional information on grazing strategies, observations, staffings, etc. are discussed in the bison, longhorn, and elk sections.

8. Haying

Haying on the refuge was terminated in 1973 . Since that time, prairie hay harvested under cooperative agreement oo Valentine NWR has been used as winter supplement for the Texas longhorn cattle and exhibition pasture animals. Beginning in 1993, additional hay required for the supplemental feeding program was acquired through a contractor. Approximately 581 tons of hay were fed in 1995. A total of657tonofhaywas delivered to FortNiobraraforthe 1995-96 winter feeding program.

9. Fire Management

Further revisions to the Fire Management Plan were submitted to the Regional Office in January. Work on the FIREPRO continued.

Fire Management Officer (FMO) Segar assisted Gene Mack with private lands prescribed burning planning on the Ravenscroft Ranch.

April: Two engines were dispatched to a 7,000+ acre Good Friday fire on Halsey National Forest.

The Regional fire management review questionnaire and interview was completed.

On-going fire pre-suppression activities and fire management projects continue to be worked on, though the unusual amounts of snow and rain for the month of April put several projects on hold, particularly prescribed fire.

May: Wildfire burned 0.1 acre at Valentine refuge on May 29. Fire was suppressed by a visitor prior to tbe arrival of fire fighters.

During May, 5 bums were attempted, 3 were completed and 2 partially completed before changing weather conditions shut the operations down. 21

A foam proportioner was installed on a heavy engine. The draft fire management EA was completed and revisions to the Fire Management Plan continued. Review and comments on the Zone Ill prescribed burn plans continued.

June: Fire Cache was completed, though organization and inventory continued. Weekly inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and the maintenance and inventory of primary fire equipment was completed. A list of equipment maintenance and spare parts that were needed was also deveJoped.

July 11 - PaceArrow Fire: Range Technicians Sterry and Mitzel responded to a burning RV at the North Marsh Lakes kiosk. The Valentine Rural Fire Protection District extinguished the fire and the Fish and Wildlife Service engine kept the fire from spreading to adjacent grasslands.

July 27 - Roadside Fire: Supervisory Range Technician Waln and Maintenance Worker Kime responded to a grass fire reported just off Highway 83 on the south side of Valentine NWR. Fire ended up beingjust outside the south boundary. Two local residents had suppressed the fire at 0.1 acres by the time Supervisory Range Technician Waln arrived.

July 30 - WVNWR Fire: Supervisory Range Technician Sterry observed a grass fire just outside the western boundary ofVaJentine NWR. Sterry and Maintenance Worker Kime responded, but encountered heavy rain before reaching the fire. The fire was extinguished by the heavy rain.

July 31 - Western Colorado Mobilization: Nebraska National Forests' dispatch requested three fire fighters to staff an iateragency crew being dispatched to Grand Junction. Range Andy Mitzel (Valentine NWR), Marlin French (Crescent Lake NWR), and Mike Janulis (North Platte NWR) were dispatched.

FMO Segar, fire fighters Sterry and Suhr perfonned detection duties as a thunderstorm approached the complex on July 30. Only one fire was detected, and was extinguished by heavy rain.

August 8 - Ormesher Fire: Refuge fire fighters responded to fire on private land. The Valentine Rural Fire Protection District (VRFPD) extinguished the fire and released refuge fire fighters before they could arrive at the fire.

August 9 - Strong Fire: Refuge fire fighters responded to a bale fire on private land south of Valentine. The Brownlee Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the fire.

August 18 - Reece Fire: Three refuge engines responded to 20 acre grass/bush fire west of Valentine and assisted in suppression.

August 23 - l 8B8 Fire: Three engines, assisted by a private rancher and a Valentine volunteer fire department engine, suppressed a grass fire in Unit 18B8 on Valentine NWR. Lightning started the fire, which burned 40 acres primarily in choppy range site.

August3 I - Cornell Fire: Refuge fire fighters were assisted by the Valentine Rural Fire Protection District in suppressing an one acre forest fire. Fire was started by lightning and ran to the top of 22

the slope, burning primarily in grass and duff. A 400 foot hoselay was utilized for suppression and mop-up.

Emergency pre-suppression patrols, detection, and standby were maintained during the month of August. Range Technician Suhr performed detection duties on August 4, as a thunderstorm approached Ft Niobrara NWR. The storm went north. Supervisory Range Technician Waln and Range Aid Brown performed detection duties as a thunderstorm approached on August 24. No fires were generated. Range Aid Brown, Supervisory Range Technician Sterry, and Range Technician Suhr performed detection duties as a thunderstonn approached on August 28. No fires were generated.

10. Pest Control Rodents - The rodent population in the horse barn, granaries, machine shed, and fish shop is maintained at a tolerable level thanks to the efforts of a barn cat.

Leafy spurge - Six leafy spurge patches (1/8 to 1/4 acre in size each) exjst on Fort Niobrara. Patch # 1 is located on a hillside adjacent to Highway 12, patch #2 is in unit 3/4, patch #3 is along the refuge entrance road, and patches #4, 5 and 6 are located in bison units 28A 1 & 2.

Control efforts in 1995 were similar to previous years and included the use of black plastic, mowing prior to seeding, and trampling by bison. Plant density has decreased on most sites, however, revegetation by native species is limited.

Refuge staffwiJl be included on the Purple Loostrife Committee being fanned in Nebraska. Purple loostrife is common on the Niobrara in Fort Niobrara NWR and several plants have been found and pulled on Valentine NWR. The committee is primarily interested in biological control.

Asst. Manager Lindvall attended several meetings of the Nebraska Purple Loostrife Awareness Committee. The committee has members from FWS, Audubon, county and state weed control, and Nebraska Public Power and is trying to I) educate, 2) introduce bio control and 3) survey in Nebraska.

The co-op agreement betwe-en FWS and the Nebraska Purple Loostrife Awareness Committee for funding the printing of a leaflet on purple loostrife identification, distribution, and control in Nebraska was completed. Private lands contributed $2,000 to the effort. The leaflet was completed and printed by years end.

Two offers of free insects for control of purple Joostrife were refused due to lack of approval for release on refuge lands in Region 6. This is an opportunity that unfortunately we had to pass up. Loostrife is well established and expanding along the Niobrara River inside and outside of the refuge.

Purple loostrife along the Niobrara River within Fort Niobrara NWR was surveyed on August 25 when the plant was in full bloom. The survey was done by canoe and covered the Niobrara River from the west to the east boundary. Patches of loostrife were classified as to the length of river bank they covered. The survey found 178 patches 0-1 yards long, 38 patches 2-10 yards long, 16 patches 10-50 yards Jong, and 3 patches 50 plus yard longs. Most of the 0-1 yard patches were 23

single plants. Total acreage along the river was estimated as 1.2 acres. The weed is now found along virtually all the river bank in small clumps. Several large monotypic patches are also forming. There was a noted increase from the last survey conducted in 1993.

Information on exotic plants and control was sent to National Biological Survey in Jamestown, ND.

12. Wilderness and Special Areas A 4,635 acre area on Fort Niobrara was designated as Wilderness on October 19, 1976 . The south end ofthe wilderness area is bordered by the Niobrara River (designated Wild and Scenic, 1991). Higb bench land capped by sandy soil rises abruptly from the narrow river valley an average of200 feet on both sides. Five of the six deep canyons that divide the tableland to the north carry springwater to the river continually. All of the major vegetation communities present on Fort Niobrara are found within the wilderness area. A relatively dense stand of ponderosa pine, approximately 200 acres in size, was established as a Research Natural Area (TypeK 23 7, Interior Ponderosa Pine) in 1960. Seventeen distinct fossil sites have been excavated in the wilderness area. Two fossil beds of the lower Pliocene and upper Miocene epochs provided non-articulated skeletons and bone fragments of more than 20 extinct animal species. Most of the sites have reverted back to a natural state and exhibit little or no evidence of an unnatural disturbance.

The Fort Niobrara Wilderness Management Plan, approved July 7, 1983, is used as guidance for managing the area. Allowed uses of the wilderness area include fenced animal grazing, vehicle travel necessary to aid in the spring roundup of bison or maintenance of boundary fence, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, and wildlife observation.

Refuge staff serve on the planning team for the Niobrara River which was made part of the Wild and Scenic River System in 1991. The team is headed by the National Park Service and includes county commissioners, FWS personnel, Natural Resource District staff, and representatives from Nebraska Game and Parks. Some funding is received from NPS for our participation in the planning process. The team also participated in a suitability study for a national park in the area. Most of he planning has been completed and our participation during the year was primarily commenting on the draft management plan and EIS for the scenic river. The local office ofNPS submitted a report stating that the area was suitable for a national park.

The plan has four alternatives, all of which emphasize local control and very limited acquisition ofland or easements along the river. The plan also has four boundary alternatives that range from bank to bank to a 1/4 mile strip along the 76 miles ofriver in the corridor. The designation, park study, and boundaries have been very controversial in the community. Part of the local strategy has been to promote county zoning as an alternative to federal involvement. Cherry County formed a planning commission and hired a consultant to study zoning. This process has been even more controversial as in Nebraska all zoning must be county wide. Landowners away from the rivet and many along the river do not want any form of zon ing. Several public meetings on the subject were pretty heated. 24

13. WPA Easement Monitoring Information on the Tower WM.A and easement is in the Tower WM.A Narrative Report.

The Fort Niobrara-VaJentine NWR Complex is responsible for administering the private lands program in 15 counties in north central Nebraska. Potential projects are reviewed for their contribution to the goal and objectives identified in the Sandhills Management Plan (developed by Gene Mack). As stated in the plan, the goal of the Sandhills Management Program is "to enhance the sandhill wetland-grassland ecosystem in a way that sustains profitable private ranching, wildlife and vegetative diversity, and associate water supplies."

Carl Simmons/Educational Lands ofNebraska, Cherry County: FMO Segar and Wildlife Biologist McPeak met with project partners on February 2 to inspect the partially completed riparian restoration project and discuss use of fire as a tool. The exclusion of cattle produced favorable results with the riparian area vegetated, little sediment in the stream, increased stream flow, and increased presence of various wildlife including a beaver that constructed a dam at the lower end ofthe project creating a nice pond and a bull elk that was observed on the project area throughout the year.

The Swanson wetland restoration was visited and with the help of beaver is actually forming a larger wetland than planned. TI1e beaver has added to our ditch plug and added about 3 acres to the wetland!

The Mead FrnHA easement was surveyed by regional office surveyor Pat Carson during the year. The easement was also fenced using private lands money and a contractor. The fencing will stop trespass grazing on the easement.

Warning letters were sent to the two owners and lessee ofthe Mead easement in Keya Paha County for haying done in violation of the easement terms. The Jessee mowed the meadow in violation of the easement and without the knowledge of the owners.

Access to the easement was not settled during the year. The landowners and their neighbor are feuding over two county roads into the area. One road was well used historicaUy and is claimed as access by the Mead property landowner. Their neighbor is trying to get this road closed. Another old county road goes to the property but has not been used in years. lt has large trees growing in it.

Regional office surveyor Pat Carson was out to survey the Johnson easement which we received fee title this year (see section C-2). The fence on the west side of the land was replaced under contract using private lands money. The adjacent landowner has agreed to maintain this new fence. Musk thistle were pulled and chopped by YCC. Most thistle is growing by the old building site. The area is a nice addition to the refuge system. Holt Creek flows through the middle and contains state listed threatened and endanger fish. The woodlands and riparian area are also attractive to songbirds. Deer and turkey are common.

FmHA sold the land containing the Wagner easement this year. The new landowner seems willing to work with us on managing the area. The easement contains 160 acres where haying and grazing are not allowed and 189 acres without haying and grazing restrictions. The area is primarily 25

riparian with surrounding grasslands. A letter authorizing repair of a small dam on the easement was sent to the new landowner. The dam washed out this summer during a record rainfall and will be repaired with NRCS help.

G. WILDLIFE 1 • Wildlife Diversity The sandhills prairie, Niobrara River, and mixed hardwood canyons are home for a variety of wildlife, both seasonally and year-round. In addition to bison, elk and Texas longhoms, approximately 54 other species of mammals, 227 species of birds, and 24 species of reptiles aod amphibians are found on Fort Niobrara.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

a. Bald Eagle The portion of the refuge traversed by the Niobrara River is a traditional wintering area for bald and golden eagles. The Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey was conducted on January 5 with thirteen bald eagles ( 4 adult, 9 immature) observed on Fort Niobrara. The state survey total of 749 bald eagles represents a 36% decrease from t he 1994 count of 1163 bald eagles, aod a 1% increase from the 1980-1995 statewide average of 744 bald eagles (Tabl~. Water areas across the state were mostly ice-covered. Eagle sightings on Fort Niobrara are usually higher during periods of harsh climatic conditions and lower when conditions moderate.

Table:l., Number of bald and golden eagles observed on Fort Niobrara NWR and state of Nebraska during January Eagle Survey, 1986-1995.

Bald Eagle Qglden Eagle Unknown Year FTN NE NE £TN EJN NE 1995 13 749 35 1994 8 1163 1 30 1993 698 1992 3 1292 15 1991 4 642 I 41 1990 5 849 I 39 8 1989 5 1109 2 32 7 1988 3 650 2 39 1987 5 994 3 41 4 0 1986 9 462 3 49

Five to seven bald eagles were observed on Fort Niobrara throughout February and March.

Bald eagles returned to Fort Niobrara on October 26 which is -2 weeks later than normal. Six bald eagles ( 3 adult, 3 immature) were observed throughout November and December.

Eagle mortality in the area is monitored closely due to a history of problems. Cause of death has included gunshot, pesticide poisoning, electrocution, and natural. Five eagles are known to have died in the area in 1995. 26

A dead, mature bald eagle was brought to the refuge by State Conservation Officer Mick Gray in February. The bird was found dead beneath a tree on a ranch along the Loup River. It was sent to the Wildlife Health Lab for necropsy where organophosphate poisoning was detennined as cause of death.

An adult golden eagle was found dead on the G. Beel Ranch couth of Valentine on February 20. Cause of death was unknown.

Three bald eagle carcasses (2 immature, 1 adult) were found in April along the Niobrara river but in different locations (Fort Niobrara, Smith Falls). All of the carcasses showed no visible signs of injury and displayed typical "poisoning posture". Carcasses were not submitted for necropsy due to decomposition. Warbex has been documented to cause eagle fatalities in the area in past.

b. Peregrine Falcon No peregrine falcons were sighted in 1995. The peregrine is a rare inhabitant of Fort Niobrara during the spring and fall.

c. Whooping Crane No whooping cranes were sighted in 1995. Whooping cranes are occasionally sighted in the area during their spring and fall migrations.

3. Waterfowl

a. Ducks Fort Niobrara receives very limited use by waterfowl. Approximately 10 mallards, 10 common merganser and 10 common goldeneye were observed during the Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey conducted on January 5, however at least 50 mallards, 25 common mergansers, and 5 blue-winged teal were present in the area. As conditions moderated in February, mallard numbers increased to -200. Migrating ducks were observed in March and April, however, they were sporadic due to multiple spring blizzards.

Limited production by wood ducks, mallards and blue-winged teal occurs on the refuge. Wood duck broods are the most numerous with an estimated 40-50 ducklings produced annually.

Fall duck migrations were noted in September and October, however, large numbers of birds were not observed.

b. Geese During mild winters approximately 100-200 Canada geese will winter on Fort Niobrara. Approximately 150 Canada geese were observed during the Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey conducted on January 5. The number of Canada geese on the refuge increased to -300 at the end of February.

Five nesting structures located in exhibition pasture ponds were hayed in early March. The first brood (5 goslings) was observed on Fort Niobrara on May 4 which is about 10 days later than usual. A second brood of2 goslings was observed a couple of days later 27

but onJy for one week. A large snapping turtle was observed on several occasions in the exhibition pasture ponds. At least one pair of geese was still nesting at the end of May, however, no brood was ever observed. Although the structures usually enhance goose "production" on the refuge, their primary purpose is environmental education.

Approximately 200 Canada geese were observed throughout October and November resting on the Niobrara river or flying off-refuge to feed in nearby com fields. Several hundred geese were observed throughout October and November resting on the Niobrara River or flying off-refuge to feed in nearby com fields with - 300 counted during the December Goose Survey conducted on December 14.

White-fronted geese usually migrate through the area in late March/early April and October. A reporting of zero geese heard/observed during the September 25-30 survey period was provided in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

c. Trumpeter Swan Swans are occasionally sighted during the spring and fall, however, none were observed this year.

4. Marsh and Water Bi-rds

a. Sandhill Cranes Large flocks of sandhill cranes are observed flying over the refuge each year during their spring and fall migrations. No cranes were observed during the Coordinated Spring Sandhill Crane Survey conducted on March 28. Cranes were observed on March 25 and again on March 31 but not during the days in between due to a spring snow storm. Sandhill cranes were observed flying over on May 10 which is the Jatest observation in recent years. Fall migrating cranes were observed in October and early November as usual, however, birds were flying high in late October with the passage of an early arctic front.

s. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species Approximately 26 species of this diverse category inhabit the refuge at some time during the spring, summer, and faJJ, however they are rarely seen due to limited visual access of the banks and sandbars of the Niobrara river. Killdeer, long-billed curlew and upland sandpiper are more commonly sighted, however, general observations continue to suggest that the numbers present on Fort Niobrara are down from the late 19801s. Spring arrivaJ dates were about 2 weeks later than normal, probably due to multiple spring blizzards.

6. Raptors Three rough-legged hawks were observed frequently in January. Raptor sightings increased slightly during February due to unseasonable warm climatic conditions and included northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, kestrel, and rough-legged hawk.

Spring raptor migrations began in early March with northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and kestrel , the most numerous. Spring storms in April caused great fluctuations in number of species and individuals observed. Spring migrations were noted for sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk, red- 28

tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, rough-legged hawk, ferruginous hawk, northern harrier, osprey, merlin, and kestrel.

Raptors that nest on Fort Niobrara include red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, kestrel, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, and burrowing owl. Burrowing owls were first observed in the prairie dog town on May 7 which is 3 weeks later than usual. Only 2 pair were observed with young in the prairie dog town this summer. Immature red-tailed hawks, Swainson's hawk and kestrel were observed frequently in July and early August.

Raptor sightings on Fort Niobrara increased in early September as usual with osprey, prairie falcon, Swainson's hawk, red-tailed hawk, kestrel, northern harrier, sharp-shirmed hawk and ferruginous hawk observed. Turkey vulture migrations were noted the first weekend of October. Rough­ legged hawk were most numerous following passage of the first arctic cold front of the season in late October, however sightings of ferruginous hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, northern harrier, red­ tailed hawk, Swainson hawk were made in November.

Known raptor mortalities during the year included an immature rough-legged hawk killed by an automobile along Highway 12 on Fort Niobrara NWR in February and a kestrel found dead at the Fort Niobrara visitor center following a blizzard in April.

7. Other Mjgratoey Birds Fewer than 30 species within this category winter on Fort Niobrara and are usually observed in woody habitat. The grasslands are depauperate with horned lark the only species commonly observed.

The grasslands and woodlands come alive each spring with the arrival of various songbirds. Depending upon the spring, activity usually picks up in middle April with the "peak" occurring by middle May. Arrival dates for most birds occurred during the period May 6-1 l this year which for many species was 1-2 weeks later than normal.

Chestnut-sided warbler and cattle egret were added to the Fort Niobrara bird list during May raising the total number of bird species sighted on Fort Niobrara to 227. The chestnut-sided warbler was confirmed nesting along the Fort Falls nature trai1 and a lone cattle egret was observed in flooded pastures on and adjacent to the refuge for - 10 days at the end of May and beginning of June.

Passerines are a group of birds that are difficult to monitor at this refuge due to lack of staff with acute hearing. Much of the species diversity is found within the woody draws and riparian corridor on Fort Niobrara whfoh must be censured by hearing rather than sight. The Breeding Bird Survey initiated in 1991 by the National Ecology Research Center was not conducted this year due lack of manpower. The survey was completed by an experienced volunteer birder in 1993 and 1994.

A nesting colony of cliff swallows at the comell bridge has significantly decreased the past two years, while the number of nesting swallows in the headquarters area and a private residence adjacent to Fort Niobrara has increased. The shift in nesting locations is believed to be due to the increased public use of the Niobrara River. The canoe launch site is located adjacent to the bridge. 29

8, Game Mammals

a. Elk The number of elk believed to be on Fort Niobrara on January 1, 1995 was -58-59 wit_h 18 adult bulls, 4 yearling bulls, 7 calves sex unknown, 9 adult cows, and 6 yearling heifers in the main herd in habitat unit 16a; 1 rnature bull, 2 yearling bulls, 1 calf sex unknown, and 5 adult cows in the exhibition herd; and 5-6 adult bulls, 1 yearling heifer, and l adult cow in the wilderness herd.

The various elk herds remained in their respective habitat units the entire year with handling limited to the transfer ofone adult bull from the main herd to exhibition herd and donation of a 4-year old bull elk to Pioneer Park Nature Center, Lincoln, NE in early February. Elk roundup/handling procedures were modified this year to minimize stress to the animals and reduce manpower involvement. The elk were lured away from the main herd in unit 16a to a holding area near the corrals with hay. They were then "encouraged" to escape into the corrals where they were worked slowly and quietly. Each stage of the roundup was completed with only 3-4 people. The bull elk selected for donation was darted with Rompum prior to health testing and removal of antlers. An injection of Yobine was given following work to counteract the tranquilizer. No fatalities resulted.

Several bull elk in the main herd did not shed their antlers until early May. They typically shed their antlers by mid April.

Only 2 calves were produced this year for a calving rate of 17% (TabI ~). No calves were born in the main herd and was believed to be due to the advanced age of the cows and probable infertility of the dominent herd bull.

Tablel. Elk Calving Rates. 1981-95,

Year # Breeding Age Cows Calving Rate 1995 12 17% 1994 18 44% 1993 24 67% 1992 26 37% 1991 23 48% 1990 25 44% 1989 22 50% 1988 25 16% 1987 28 46% 1986 22 68% 1985 19 42% 1984 19 37% 1983 20 65% 1982 NIA NIA 1981 19 37% 30

Known mortality in 1995 totaled 13 elk and included 2 calves (born 1994), 1 yearling bull, 7 mature cows, and 2 mature bulls due to winter/spring snow storms and 1 yearling bull in January due to a gapping hole in its hind end (unknown cause).

This year's high winter mortality and subsequent poor reproduction were not unexpected. Mature animals that died were at least 10 years old. Management actions resulting in an unnatural herd structure were recognized in 1991 and steps were taken to change them. Prior to 1991, most surplus elk were donated at the calf age class. Donations along with roundup and winter mortality resulted in little to no annual recruitment. As a result, much ofthe herd, especially females, were old and in declining condition. The number of male and female elk currently in the 1-4 year old age class represent a more natural, sustainable population. Reproduction should be better in 1996 as the "old" herd bull was not observed with the cows during the rut. Also, the addition of a second mature bull to the exhibition herd resulted in the old herd bull being more attentive to his cow herd. Efforts to transfer elk from the National Bison Range or Wind Cave National Park wi11 continue in 1996 to improve genetics and vigor of our herd.

The number of elk believed to be on the refuge on December 31, 1995 was -55 with 18 adult bulls, 3 yearling bulls, 12 adult cows, and 2 yearling heifers in the main herd; 2 mature bull, l yearling bull, and 6 adult cows in.the exhibition herd; and 6 adult buJls, and 2 adult cows in the wilderness herd.

b. Deer Approximately 50-60 white-tailed deer and 35 mule deer inhabit the refuge. Deer populations usually remain stable at these levels with coyote predation and off-refuge hunting keeping the numbers in check. Four white-tailed deer carcasses were found at or near ponds in the Fort Niobrara exhibition pasture in early September. The suspected cause of death was epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). EHD was confirmed in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming during the same time period. It is not known how extensive of a die-off occurred, however, fewer than 40 white-tailed deer were observed on the refuge in October.

c. Pronghorn Antelope The pronghorn population on the refuge has remained low the past 20 years. Any animal recruitment that occurred was by immigration, not reproduction. Reproduction did occur in some years, however all kids were lost to coyote predation. No pronghorns have been observed on the refuge the past three years, however, a small herd of pronghorns ( 7-10 animals) was observed feeding in an alfalfa circle adjacent to the south border of Fort Niobrara throughout the spring.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

a. Bison The bison herd consisted of - 399 animals (-389 main herd, 10 exhibition herd) on January 1, 1995. The number of bison by sex and age is listed in Table'f 31

TABLE'-f Bison herd structure on January 1, 1995.

BISON Age Male Female Calf 35 36 I 18 24 2 14 19 3 11 19 4 l1 19 5 12 21 6 12 21 7 9 18 8 10 20 9 7 10 10 3 8 11 5 10 12 3 3 13 6 6 14 1 1 15 I Unk L L Total 161 238

The main herd spent the winter in the wilderness area where live water and adequate forage is available. The spring roundup of bison was accomplished April 4 & 5 with 9 horseback riders which was 3 riders less than required. The need for additional experienced riders was most noticeable during the canyon sweeps and final push. Approximately I 2-20 bison cut back on the final push and escaped. Approximately 150 bison were allowed to move themselves on April 2 prior to roundup. It is not known how successful the row1dup would have been if all 386 bison were moved by 9 riders. Two bison bulls that escaped spring roundup came across the river on May 22 and joined the main herd. Ten of the remaining "escapees" plus 4 newborn calves were moved from the wilderness area to habitat wut 28bl on June 27. Two bulls and a crippled yearling heifer were allowed to stay in unit I .

The main bison herd grazed units 36A & B for two weeks each in April and then was moved through units 39, 38, 34 and 35 on a 7-day rotation in May and early June. Access to the previously grazed unit was allowed for watering purposes. Bison began their summer grazing rotation on June 1 in unit 28a3. Five to seven day moves were planned for June and early July with five to nine day moves planned for late July, August and early September. The rotation through 28A & B subunits was reversed this year to a clock-wise direction to alleviate the impact at gates and to continue with the plan to differ the start and finish points of the rotation so that each unit is grazed at a different stage in the various plant phenologies. Planned grazing of the "hill" units (28a3,a4,b3, b4) was below suggested stocking rates due to the selective use of the flat/open areas by the bison. Grazing of the 11f1at 11 units (28al,a2,bl, b2) was planned to correspond with peak rut activity (late July and August). The social behvaior of herd, habitat preference during the 32 rut, and impact ofnongrazing activities necessitated the adjustment to the grazing program from previous years. Each unit was grazed only twice and under recommended stocking rates by the SCS except the "end" units (28a1/2) which were grazed 3 times. A few escapes through the electric fence occurred during the rut but overall the electric fence functioned adequately.

The exhibition herd of bison remain in h.u. 27 year round. To minimize handling of the exhibition herd and allow for the public to view more bison of representative age and sex "up close'', removcll of bison production was accomplished at fall roundup when the bison were 18 months old. In past, calves were transferred to the main herd at 12 months of age.

The first bison calf was born on April 14 with a minimum of 142 bison calves born. This year's calving rate of 81 % is up from last year's 74% but comparable to the 10 year average of 80%.

The fall roundup of bison was completed September 18-25. Things don't always go according to plan and that was the case with the bison roundup this year. Moving the bison from their summer pasture to holding pastures by the corrals required several attempts. Weather, reduced number of staff, and delay in getting a gate open caused frustration for all. A new day with fresh staff, modified corrals, and more cooperative weather enabled staffto process approximately 500 head of bison in one day and get back on schedule. Mature animals were looked at in the main pens for injury, age, and condition before processing through the hub where potential surplus were sorted off. Keeper bison were slowed only long enough to read brands. AU calves and yearlings were sorted off and evaluated with approximately half of each class surplussed. Wet weather returned midweek preventing the calves from being branded, however, calves were weighed and vaccinated (brucellosis, various calfhood diseases) with the surplus identified by a numbered eartag. Brucellosis vaccinations and pregnancy testing of surplus cows was accomplished by Dr. Rockie Smith, D.V.M. Health testing was accomplished on September 22 and 25 by U.S.D.A. veterinarians at no cost to the refuge. A 2 year old bison heifer, brand 9350, that tested "brucellosis suspect" due to the vaccine in 1994 was retested and came back clean. She was sold at the public auction.

The yearling and calf age classes are usually weighed to assist with selection of surplus and for monitoring the bison herd over time. The average weight for bull calves was 297 lbs. and the heifer calf average weight was 298 lbs. Average calf weights suggest a more "typical" calving period in 1995, however, there was a high percentage of late calves than average due to the late/extended calving season and subsequent breeding back of nursing cows in 1994. Yearling weights were not collected this year. 33

TABLE§ Average Weights (lbs.) of Bison Calves and Yearlings at Fall Roundup, 1988- 1995. CALF YEARLING YEAR Male Female Male Female 1995 297 298 1994 280 289 1993 315 301 657 606 1992 330 312 1991 311 304 673 638 1990 305 296 765 698 1989 314 297 733 636 1988 318 296 659 631

The bison herd was reduced by 140 animals this faJJ which included 115 bison sold at public auction on October 11; 14 bison donated to the InterTribal Bison Cooperative; 5 bison donated to Antelope Island State Park, UT; 3 bison donated U.S.D.A. Agriculture Research Service, Aimes, IA; 1 bison donated to Pottawattamie County Conservation Board; and 3 bison that died or was dispatched as a result of injuries suffered prior to or during roundup. One of the bison fatalities was salvaged for meat and donated to D.C.Bootb Fish Hatchery, Spearfish, SD.

Known fatalities for 1995 include two bulls during the winter, one cow with a hip injury that went down following spring roundup, one calf hooked during the summer, one bull during the rut, and those disucssed in the previous paragraph.

The number of bison on Fort Niobrara at the end of the year was 391 (380 in the wilderness area, 11 in the exhibition pasture). Refer to table? for specific information on the bison herd at year's end.

TABLE bBison Herd Structure on December 31 , 1995.

BISON Age Male Female Calf 29 32 1 17 24 2 15 19 3 12 22 4 11 17 5 12 18 6 8 18 7 9 19 8 11 14 9 10 18 10 7 10 11 4 7 12 3 9 34

BISON Age Male Female 13 5 3 14 4 3 15 l 16 l Unk Total 157 234 b. Texas Longhorn Cattle The longhorn herd consisted of 303 animals at the beginning of the year(Table ?). Longhoms were wintered in pastures with live water and timbered areas for shelter (steers in unit 32, exhibition steers in unit 27, adult bulls in unit 16A, bred cows and heifers in unit 30, yearling heifers in unit 25, yearling bulls in unit 19, and weaners in unit 21/21 a). All longhorns were supplemented with prairie hay when conditions warranted (ie.extensive snow cover). Longhorn weaners and yearling bulls were also given a daily ration ofgrain to meet maintenance requirements ( l lb. grain mix ofoats and corn/ 100 lbs. of body weight).

Table 1. Longhorn Herd Structure, January 1, 1995.

~ Bull Steer Cow Calf 41 11 38 1+ 17 6 22 2+ 4 5 17 Adult 14 lQ ~ Total 76 52 175

Texas longhorn cow US 8315 was treated on January 17 by Dr. Brad Rodgers for abscesses ( one each jaw) with sodium iodide (loosen interior of abscess allowing for drainage) and penicillin. The lumps on the jaw were due to her inability to chew the coarse bay. She was surplussed at the fall auction.

Bred cows and heifers were moved from unit 30 to unit 19 on March 9 in preparation for calving (2 year old bulls were moved to unit 16a prior to cows arriving). The first longhorn calf was born on March 11 and the last live calf was born on April 30. A total of 108 live calves (49 male, 59 female) wer~ born for a calving rate of 94% Cows considered as non-producers included cow 8632 that aborted in February, cow 89048 that gave birth to a deformed/dead calf on May 30, and 5 cows that were open. Pairs were moved from the calving pasture to h.u. 29 every few days during March and April to prevent overcrowdfog and help keep newborns healthy.

Forty-two calves were treated for storm caused scours from March 30 - May 2 with the majority ofcases occurring during the April 17 - 22 time period. Local veterinarians were consulted for cause (multiple spring blizzards) and treatment. Scour problems of this magnitude had not been documented in the longhorn herd in recent years. No longhorn 35 calves were lost to scours~ however reports of private ranches in the area suffering significant calf losses were common.

Supplemental feeding of various groups of longhorns usually ends in early to mid April necessitating the moving of animals to fresh pasture. This year, however, an extended period of supplemental feeding of the longhorns was required during the spring due to extensive snow cover resulting from multiple blizzards. Steers were allowed to move themselves on April 6 to unit 33 and yearling heifers moved themselves to unit 29 on April 13 after the first round of storms. Yearlings (bulls to unit 16a, steers to unit 33 , heifers to unit 30) were not turned out to pasture until April 24 which is several days later than normal due to spring blizzards.

Preparations for the 1995 longhorn breeding program were accomplished in late April and May and included semen testing of potential herd sires and selection of breeding herds. AU bulls except 92039 tested good to very good with US 8742, US 89099, US 90033, US 90045, US 92098 and US 93006 selected for use. Bulls were selected based on their poten ti a] genetic contribution, breeding history, and true-to-type characteristics. Each bull had 22 - 29 cows in his herd while bull US 93006 had only l Ocows due to the size of his summer pasture (public display). Refer to table? for the 1995 breeding schedule. Criteria used to developed the schedule were: 1. Offspring inbreeding coefficient< .09. (Calculations completed by Larry Burd it at Oklahoma State University. 2. Bloodline different from what bred to in 1992 and previous years if possible. 3. No replacement in herd of that bloodline cross/match. 4. Color (blue to blue, light to dark, red to dark red). 5. Distribute bull bloodline throughout herd--breed to variety of aged cows.

Longhorn bulls were moved to unit 16b4 on May 8 to begin their summer short duration grazing program. This is the second year longhorn bulls grazed 16b in the spring to utilize exotic cool season grasses and allow 16a to be available for prescribed burning. Most of the longhorn cow/calf pairs, drys, and 2 year old replacement heifers rotated through west river grazing units during the month of May. The prescribed burn planned for one of the west river units was not accomplished again this spring so the grazing plan for next year may be adjusted to utilize the longhorns as a tool to treat cool season exotic grasses. Cows that calved in late April were left in the calving Jot along the county road for public display.

The early summer roundup oflonghoms was accomplished on May 30 & 31 and June 1 & 5. Yearling heifers were moved to h.u.37 for their summer short duration grazing rotation on May 30. A total of I 03 longhorn calves (49 male, 54 female) were branded and vaccinated for various calfhood diseases (blackleg, malignant edema,hemorrhagic septicemia) on May 31. Breeding herds were sorted and put out to pasture on June 1. Longhorn steers were divided into two display herds and moved to their summer pastures along the Niobrara river on June 5. The reduction in the number of display steer herds this year enabled a majority of the Niobrara river corridor/riparian habitat to be rested. 36

On August 1, breeding bulls were removed from their herds and put in unit 35 and cows, calves and bred heifers were moved to unit 38. Non-breeding bulls were moved from unit 16a to unit 35 on August 2. Habitat units utilized during the late summer and fall grazing program are rotated so that each unit only receives a hard fall graze every 4th year.

Semen was collected from US 89084 in early August to provide breeding options in the future. He is one ofthe best true-to-type longhorns on the refuge and was used for several years. He will be transfered to Wichita Mountains next year.

The fall roundup of Texas longhorns began on September 7 and 8 with the moving of animals from outer pastures to pastures close to the headquarters/corral area. Longhorns were processed through the corrals September 11 - 13 with animals exhibiting typical longhorn traits (horn, conformation, diverse color), sound condition, and representing various bloodlines retained. Calves received their second vaccination for various calfuood diseases and female calves were vaccinated for brucellosis by Dr. Brad Rodgers, D.V.M. Pregnancy testing of2 year old heifers and potential surplus cows was accomplished by Dr. Rodgers. Health testing of surplus longhorns was accomplished on September 15 and 18 by U.S.D.A. veterinarians at no cost to the refuge.

This is the third year that roundup was accomplished over a greater period of time but in less total hours which resulted in fewer staff needed to accomplish work, less stress on staff and animals, and savings to the budget by not working beyond an 8 hour day. Revised corrals and procedures also aided in a more efficient handling of animals.

A total of 147 longhorns were selected for surplus disposal ofwbjch 146 were sold at public auction and 1 bull (US 8742) was sent to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in exchange for longhorn bull WR 988. The longhorn herd totaled 259 animals at the end of October which is a decrease of 44 longhorns from last fall and 109 longhorns Jess than the all time high number of longhorns wintered on Fort Niobrara. Reductions were carefully planned to minimize the negative effects to the gene pool with steer (all ages) and calf (heifer and bull) classes reduced the tnost.

Following round-up, keeper bulls went back to unit 35 and keeper steers went to unit 33 for the duration of the fall. Keeper females and calves grazed in unit 3 8 until October 2 when they were moved to unit 21 for display. Following the sale, females and calves rotated through west river units until the end of October.

A blizzard on October 23 and another fall snow storm on October 30 necessitated an early feeding of supplemental hay and delayed weaning and parasite treatment of longhorns until the first week ofNovember . Bulls were treated with lvermec on November 3 and cows on November 9. Two bulls were treated by staff for injuries resulting from fights. One bull (US 93006) is recovering while the other (US 92030) is not. Replacement heifers received a numbered eartag like to the cows to facilitate identification at calving. Calves were weaned and ten bull calves castrated as potenfod replacement steers on November 8 with parasite treatment accomplished later in the week. Weaning weights were not obtained this year due to weather-caused malfunction of scales. Following this work, mature bulls went to unit 16a, yearling bulls went to unit 19, yearling heifers went to unit 37

25, bred cows and heifers went to unit 30, and weaner calves went to unit 21 where they spent the duration of 1995.

Longom fatalities for 1995 included five calves (95069 due to pneumonia and inadequate milk supply, 95037 fell in a stock tank and drowned, 95071 was stepped on by its dam, 95002 born during blizzard in late March, 95023 during birth), and cow 89023 killed by lightning on September 29.

The number of longhorns on the refuge at the end of the year totaled 259. Refer to table f for specific information.

Table.f. Longhorn Herd Structure, December 31, 1995.

Age Bull Steer Cow Calf 18 10 40 I+ 12 4 16 2+ 9 5 16 Adult _8_ lL lM_ Total 47 35 176 c. Merriam's Turkey Turkey observations are recorded during the summer and winter in cooperation with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission surveys. The primary objective of the surveys is to determine the status of the wild turkey population (numbers and distribution) along the Niobrara River and its watershed. Ten turkeys were reported wintering on Fort Niobrara in January, however, multiple observations of-20 birds in west river units and the public golf course were made in early February.

The number of hens observed raising young during the summer survey period of Ju]y l through August 15 suggested an average hatch ofturkeys on Fort Niobrara d. Sharp-Tailed Grouse and Greater Northern Prairie Chicken Annual prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse Iek counts were conducted during 8 mornings from April 7 - May 4 on Fort Niobrara. Counts were not completed during the desired April 10 - 20 time period due to multiple spring blizzards. A total of 48 male prairie chickens were counted on 6 leks for an average of 8 males/lek in comparison to 1994 results of 40 males counted on 9 leks. Four traditional chicken leks were not active this year. These habitat units were not checked until the end of the count period and it is not known if weather and/or timing of counts affected the results. Sharp-tailed grouse numbers increased significantly from 1994 with 73 males counted on 6 grounds for an average of 12.16 males/ground (1994 results: 49 male sharp-tails counted on 4 grounds). 38

Table g. Summary of Lek Count Results for Ft. Niobrara, 1987-95 Sharp-tailed Grouse Prairie Chicken Year #Leks #Males #Males/Lek #Leks #Males #Males/Lek 1995 6 73 12.16 6 48 8.0 1994 4 49 12.25 9 40 4.4 1993 4 39 9.75 8 45 5.6 1992 4 37 9.25 5 28 6.4 1991 4 51 12.75 6 48 8.0 1990 3 36 12.0 7 42 6.0 1989 4 36 9.0 13 88 6.7 1988 9 90 10.0 11 73 6.6 1987 5 51 10.2 7 60 8.6

e. Ring-Necked Pheasant Based on general observations the number of pheasant inhabiting Fort Niobrara approximated 40-50.

f. Bobwhite Quail Bobwhite quail were occasionally heard in headquarters area this summer and fall with one bird observed in July. Population numbers remained low.

h. River Otter No observations of river otter were made in 1995.

I. Bobcat Bobcat sightings continue to increase in the area. A bobcat along the Niobrara river near the comell bridge was observed again this year in April.

J· Brown Bat The nesting colony of brown bats in the "hay shed" continues to increase. The metal building constructed in 1897 is an ideal haven for bats, however, their feces are destroying items stored there. The bats usually arrive in early May and depart by late summer.

11. Fisheries Resources Stock ponds are utilized by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for brood rearing or brood stock maintenance for various fish species. Species managed in 1995 included bluegill and largemouth bass.

13. Surplus Animal D;sposal a. Bison The skull, hide, and approximately 7 vertebra from an adult male bison, in excellent condition, was donated to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on January 27 for use as a taxidermy mount to be place in the Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita, KS. Meat was salvaged and donated to the Valentine Public School System and Valentine Fire Department.

The surplus bison auction was held on October 11 with 116 animals sold for a total of$ 39

162,175. The average price paid for bison was$ 1,389 which is an increase of$ 309 from 1994. Approximately 400 spectators and 62 buyers from 8 states attended the sale. Bidding was very strong on several age classes with top prices of $2500 paid for a mature bull, $2600 paid for a mature cow, and $2400 paid for a heifer calf. The greatest increase in average price paid by class occurred in the heifer calf class with an average of$ 1864 paid in 199 5 compared to $ 7 42 paid in 1994. Demand exceeded the supply and the market is reflecting it.

A total of 22 bison in excellent condition and valued at$ 34,577 (based on 1995 sale averages by class) were donated this year. Per regional office instruction, 10% of surplus bison of representative sex and age class were donated to the InterTribal Bison Cooperative($ 18,549 value) which then transferred the animals to 6 native American tribes to be used for cultural/religious purposes. Five bison($ 8,759 value) were donated to Antelope Island State Park, UT for breeding/genetics in exchange for their donation of S heifer calves to U .S.D.A. Agriculture Research Service. Three bison($ 5,592 value) were donated to U.S.D.A. Agriculture Research Service, Aimes, IA for a brucellosis vaccine (RBS 1) study. One bison($ 1,677 value) was donated to Pottawattamie County Conservation Board, IA for breeding and display. Pottawattamie County's donation request was only paretically met and requests for donation bison from Bramble Park Zoo, SD and Buchanan County Conservation Board, IA were not met. The number of surplus bison donated this year exceeds the planned maximum level of I 0% and l S year average of 7%. If the Native American bison donation policy (25% donation level) is implemented, loss of revenues to the federal government from this refuge will approximate $50,000 (based on 1995 sale results). This will also have a negative effect on payment in lieu oftaxes to Cherry county. A significant amount of time was spentthis year on issues and potential controversy surrounding proposed Service policy to donate bison to Native Americans. At year's end, a Memorandum of Agreement between the Service and the TnterTribal Bison Cooperative was not signed as "planned".

b. Texas Longhorn Cattle The surplus Texas longhorn auction was held on October 4 with 146 longhorns sold for a total of$ 66,1 05. Approximately 250 spectators and 86 buyers from 14 states and Canada attended the cold and rainy sale. The average price paid for a longhorn was $ 453 which is down$ 77 from 1994's average. Although the weak cattle market affected the overall sale average, average prices paid for heifer calves, yearling heifers, and 2-year old heifers were up from previous years. Several compliments were received on the longhorn program.

16. Marking and Banding Texas longhorn calves were branded in early June with US on the right hip and a five digit herd number on the right ribs. The US is the brand registered with the State of Nebraska. The five digits (ie. 95020) signifies year of birth and eartag of dam. The last 3 digits no longer signify order of birth as they did in previous years.

Bison calves were not branded in September due to the weather. 1995 calves that are retained as yearlings next fall will be branded on the top left hip with a four digit brand. The first two djgits of the brand will signify year of birth and the last two digits will signify the order in which the 40

animal came through the chute (ie. 9510). TI1e unplanned change to the program will save time and reduce handling of bison in years to come. Branding of keeper bison at the calf age class may be necessary in some years if blood is collected for genetic monitoring or a scientific study of the herd is being conducted.

17. Disease Prevention and Control Texas longhorn calves were vaccinated for malignant edema, blackleg, and hemorrhagic septicemia on May 31 and September 11 . Dr. Brad Rodgers, D.V.M. vaccinated longhorn heifer calves for brucellosis on September 11.

On September 20, bison calves were vaccinated for malignant edema, blackleg, and hemorrhagic septicemia. Heifer calves were given brucellosis vaccinations by Dr. Rocky Smith, D.V.M ..

All surplus bison and longhorns selected for sale or donation were tested for disease in accordance with state and federal regulations. Current health regulations from the lower 48 states are obtained each year prior to the surplus program. Brucellosis and tuberculosis tests were done on all animals prior to sale/donation while additional tests/requirements (ie. anaplasmosis, parasite treatment, etc.) were accomplished after the sale on specific animals. Nebraska was classified as "Brucellosis Free" in 1995.

Bison heifer, brand 9350, that tested brucellosis "suspect" in September and November, 1995 was retested this September and passed. Her "suspect" test result was due to the vaccine and not field strain of brucella. She was sold during the bison auction.

Keeper longhorn bulls, exhibition steers, cows, heifers, and calves are treated with pour-on Ivomec in late October or early November for control of internal and external parasites. Control of lice with this product has been less than satisfactory but it is the safest. Prior to 1984, all Texas longhorn cattle were treated with Warbex (Famphur) in October or November for lice and grub control. With rising concerns over its toxicity to nontarget wildlife and the environment, the use of Warbex was discontinued. Pour-on Ivomec has been used since 1991. Ivomec contains iverrnectin which is a "unique chemical entity" that interrupts the nerve impulses of the parasite causing paralysis and death ofthe parasite. Cattle lice are a common parasite in Nebraska. If left unchecked, lice along with other parasites cause decreased reproduction and growth rate in cattle. Cattle also are more susceptible to disease.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General The refuge visitor center was closed on weekends and holidays over the summer. There was no money or temporary FTE to staff the visitor center and firefighters would not staff the visitor center this summer so alternate sources were investigated. The Senior Center was contacted but declined. Green Thumb was contacted but the local rep quit and wasn't replaced until May. There is no housing for volunteers from outside the area. The Natural History Association attempted to hire a past YCC worker to come back but no one meeting the age requirement for working without supervision was available. They also looked into hiring someone but the cost ofwork:mens comp insurance was prohibitive. 41

Open containers of alcohol are now prohibited on both Fort Niobrara and Valentine NWRs. Nebraska Grune and Parks recently enacted a similar ban on their state parks and wildlife areas. Most ofthe problems with canoers and tubers on the river through the refuge have been associated with alcohol use.

Due to staff cut backs electronic counters were not used to estimate visitation in the exhibition pasture at the refuge. In the past we have had around a I 00,000 visitors estimate. A new survey method needs to be developed that would use only one counter. If traffic to Fort Falls Nature trail alone could be monitored and a survey conducted to determine the percentage of visitors using the trail detennined it would simplify the estimation process. 11, ?.:i,L( Reports received from our eleven canoe outfitters showed"'canoers and(/ 0 7 tubers launching at the refuge and going down the river through Ft. Niobrara NWR. TI1is is the third year outfitters have been required to report visitor use. Surveys done in 1992 shoed 5% of people bring their own equipment so grand totals for the year are /8,0&/b canoers andB,5/ ;:2_ tubers. Canoeing stayed about the same while tubing increased SO percent.

The electronic counter for the visitor center was not operational during the year. Staff counted visitors using a hand clicker. The visitor center was not open during weekends during the summer as in the past. The count for the visitor center was 3,393. People coming into the visitor center declined 35 percent from 1994.

News releases were written and sent out to area television, radio, and newspaper outlets. Most were sent to about 42 outlets. Jr. Duck Stamp information and releases on the new steel shot regulation were sent statewide. It is not known how many used the releases. The local radio and paper carried them all. The fo11owing were sent out in 1995.

Larry Vaughn Retires Junior Duck Stamp Contest Longhorn Calving Time Winner of Nebraska Junior Duck Stamp Contest Announced Blinds Available for Viewing Grouse and Turkey Bird Walk for Bird Day New Alcohol Reiwlation on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands Youth Conservation Corps Begin Work at Refuges Nebraska Youth Habitat Stamp Art on Display Nebraska Junior Duck Stamp Art on Display Nontoxic Shot Required for Hunting on Upland Game on U.S. Fish and Wildlife SetviceRefuges and Waterfowl Production Areas Learn to Shoot and Reload Steel Shot Ft. Niobrara Longhorn and Buffalo Auctions Kids Fishing Day Ft. Niobrara Buffalo Auction Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest

A feature news article on Fort Niobrara NWR appeared in the Venture Section of the Omaha World Herald. It is the first in a series that the paper is doing on refuges in Nebraska. 42

Valentine NWR was one of the areas featured in a story on places to visit in the prairie in Midwest Living Magazine.

The buffalo and longhorn sales will be featured on "Postcards from Nebraska" which air on radio stations across Nebraska and adjacent states.

North Platte TV sent a crew up to film a segment on the buffalo saJe for the evening news.

Joel Sartori, photographer for National Geographic, was up for both the longhorn and buffalo auctions. He took thousands of pictures of which hopefully a few will appear in the magazine. He will also send us some of his photos for use at the refuge.

Audio cassettes and large print brochures for all Ft. Niobrara and Valentine Refuge brochures except the bird lists have been prepared. An audio cassette of the visitor center displays has also been completed.

Asst. Manager Lindvall gave a luncheon talk on Ft. Niobrara and Valentine Refuges to the retired teachers association and others at the Valentine Senior Center on March 14.

Part of the text on the history of Ft. Niobrara in the visitor center was covered with a photo. T11e text was part of a soldiers diary about which we had received a complaint about from Native Americans.

Chad Devore, regional office public use, visited both Ft. Niobrara and Valentine NWRs for a review of public use programs and facilities. fn his report he lists priority concerns and issues as 1) increasing river use, 2) refurbishment of the visitor center, 3) Hackberry Administrative area safety, and 4) need of a site development plan for Valentine NWR.

2. Environmental Education - Students Due to staff cutbacks environmental education activities were reduced in both J994 and 1995. 1n the past we had done Wildlife Week programs for over 800 students. No programs were done this year. Numerous requests by school teachers for tours were declined. At one time we were giving about I 5 tours a year. One request to participate in a conservation fair was turned down due to lack of staff. We had always been able to do this program in the past.

We hosted the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest for 1995. The contest was judged in Valentine on April 6. Judges were Mark Adamson, Adamson Studios; Joe Gabig, Nebraska Game and Parks; JonKaufeld, US. Fish and Wildlife; Fred TI1omas, Omaha World Herald; and Kurt VerCauteren, Nebraska Chapter ofthe Wildlife Society. Clark McCune from Hyannis was judged Best of Show. Clark won the Nebraska Contest is 1994 also and went on to win second in the national contest. Clark did a painting of wood ducks in flight. The Fort Niobrara Natural History Association and Nebraska Chapter of the Wildlife Society provided about $300 each for funding for the contest. The money was used for prizes, mounting of winners art, and a luncheon for volunteers and judges.

The Junior Duck Stamp display with Nebraska's top 36 entries was displayed in Falls City, Hyannis, Scottsbluff Schools; at the Game and Parks office in Omaha; Cabella's in Sidney; at the 43

Main Post Office in Lincoln, at the refuge visitor center in Valentine; and at the Wildlife Society meeting in Crawford.

The Nebraska Youth Habitat Stamp Display was set up at the visitor center on July 14 through August 5. The display features the top 72 entries in the Nebraska Game and Parks sponsored contest. A news release was also sent out,

Asst. Manager Lindvall met with four Valentine High School students interested in wildlife management on a career night sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

A program on buffalo was presented for library week at the Valentine Public Library.

4. Interpretive Foot Trails Fort Falls Fort Falls Trail is about one mile long and leads from a parking area to the falls and then loops back along the river. The Fort Niobrara Natural History Association pays for printing of a brochure for a self guiding nature trail.

During the year an observation deck and handicapped parking were completed at the Fort Falls trail head. It is not possible to make the entire trail accessible so this observation area is offered as an alternative. YCC started the project which was completed by a contractor. The deck offers a superb view of the river valley. Draft interpretive displays for the deck were completed and a contract let for their production. The panels were not received by years end.

5. Interpretive Tour Routes There is a self guiding auto tour route in the exhibition pasture. The 15 stop trail has information on wildlife, history, and ecology ofthe refuge. A brochure for the trail is available at the start of the tour and at the visitor center. Fiberglass markers show the route and mark points of interest.

6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations The interactive media program for the visitor center was received from Nebraska Educational Television. The program has information on wildlife, management, history, ecology, and visitor opportunities at both Fort Niobrara and Valentine NWRs. Photos and movies are included in the program which runs on a multi-media program with a touch screen. Visitors can select those topics they are most interested in. The project was done for $6,500 with Watchable Wildlife funding and support from the Fort Niobrara Natural History Association. Refuge staff provided script and slides and Nebraska Educational Television did production, assistance with equipment selection, and provided some video and photography. Nebraska Educational Television is maintaining a backup of the program. We are very pleased with the finished product, especially since commercially available programs ofthe same caliber run $60,000 per minute! Ours mns about 15 minutes if the visitor goes through all avenues.

7. Other Interpretive Pro!!Tams The refuge again hosted a trail ride through the Niobrara Wilderness area as part of Old West Days. This is a very popular event that is part of a local promotion including parades, cowboy poetry, plays, art, and other events. 44

8. Hunting Two thousand dollars was received from migratory birds to fund two steel shot education kits to be used by refuges in the region. The kits contain videos, target throwers, reloading equipment and other items needed to run a program which has information on shotgun handling, shooting steel, reloading steel, and a practical. The steel shot education program was completed in August and presented to those attending the fall LE refresher at Ft. Niobrara NWR.

Two steel shot shooting and reloading workshops were held, one at Fort Niobrara for Valentine area people and one at Valentine NWR for grouse hunters. Nine people attended the workshops. The availability of the kits was put out on cc mail. To date only Crescent Lake NWR has conducted a program. Several other inquiries were received.

9. Fishing A Kid's Fishing Day was held on September 23 at the pond by the corrals at Fort Niobrara NWR to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. About 150 children came outto fish and learn. The fish, supplied by Nebraska Game and Parks, cooperated with each child catching at least one trout or catfish. Events included educational videos, fish i.d. contest, casting contest, and photo with your fish. Nebraska Game and Parks Aquatic Education provided loaner poles, videos, certificates, posters, bobbers, sinkers, stickers, and other items. The Fort Niobrara Natural History Association bought prizes, coffee, and hot chocolate. Local people volunteered and helped with the day.

11. Wildlife Observation Most people who visit the refuge come for this purpose. ln a short drive around the exhibition pasture people cao see and photograph deer, elk, buffalo, longhorns, prairie dogs and other wildlife. Electronic counters were not maintained for counting visitors this year.

A turkey observation blind was placed in the Burr Oak Picnic Area at Ft. Niobrara NWR for visitors to observe the spring turkey displays. Corn is used to attract the turkeys to the blind.

No one came to the bird walk planned for lntemational Bird Day held in May.

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Refuge staff attended meetings of the Niobrara Outfitters Association. We worked on solutions to the crowding on Saturdays, parking, and alcohol. Open containers of alcohol are now prohibited on the refuge. Nebraska Game and Parks recently banned alcohol on their state parks aod wildlife areas also.

On Saturday mornings in late June, July, and early August the canoe launch parking Jot is filling to capacity with increasing frequency. When this occurred vehicles were turned away. Most were able to return and park at a later time. At times two refuge officers are needed to park cars, give directions, and keep things flowing. This additional work has taken time from other activities.

The moratorium on new canoe and tube outfitters was continued. One business in town is now renting tubes in town. People then transport them to the canoe launch on their own. This business is not required to obtain a special use permit. 45

Reports received from our eleven canoe outfitters showed 17,234 canoers and 8, l 07 tubers launching at the refuge and going down the river through Ft. Niobrara NWR. This is the third year outfitters have been required to report visitor use. Surveys done in 1992 shoed 5% ofpeople bring their own equipment so grand totals for the year are 18,096 canoers and 8,512 tubers. Canoeing stayed about the same while tubing increased 50 percent.

14. Picnicking The Burr Oak Picnic Area has tables, trash barrels, and restrooms. It is used only lightly and mainly by people visiting the refuge for canoeing or wildlife observation.

T7 . Law Enforcement Asst. Managers Sellers and Lindvall, Maintenance Worker Kime, and Manager Huber attended the annual LE Refreshers held in Tuscon, AZ. All also attended the fall requalification held at Ft. Niobrara NWR. ' Eleven violation notices were written during the year. No cases were pending from 1994. Violation notices and disposition are listed in the following table.

Table #8 Citations issued by refuge officers in 1995.

Violation ~ ~ Disposition

driving on closed trail 1/20/95 $50 paid driving off trail 1/25/95 $50 paid fishing with more than legal number oflines 1/28/95 $125 paid fishing with more than legal number of lines l/28/95 $125 paid trespass on fire tower 4/15/95 $50 paid driving on closed trail 5/4/95 $50 paid no drivers license 5/30/95 $75 paid driving on closed trail 6/1/95 $50 paid trespass in natural area 11/12/95 $50 paid deer hunting without license 11/12/95 $125 paid throwing lit cigarette 11/14/95 $75 paid

The hunter cited for deer hunting without a license was using another hunters license. The State also cited the person who loaned the license and is investigating whether the hunter who borrowed the license also purchased a resident small game license when he is not actually a resident of Nebraska.

LE patrols were started on June 10 and ran through mid-August at the canoe launch parking area. Officers are needed to help park cars, give out information, and tum people away when the lot fills.

The leaflet dispensers on the information kiosks along highway 83 on Valentine NWR were destroyed by vandals. 46

The canoe launch sign at Ft. Niobrara NWR was also destroyed or stolen. One warning for after hours trespass at Valentine NWR was written.

Asst. Manager Lindvall represented the refuges at a memorial service held at the Valentine Cemetery for slain peace officers.

18. Cooperating Associations The Fort Niobrara Natural History Association sells books, posters, art prints, and several other items in the visitor center at Fort Niobrara NWR. Profits from the sales are used to support educational and scientific programs on the refuge. The board on directors meet quarterly to conduct the business and decide on projects to fund. A quarterly newsletter, "Niobrara Notes" is sent to all members. The association pays sales tax, is exempt from income tax, and carries liability insurance. An annual members meeting is held in the fall at a restaurant in Valentine. The association had 35 members in 1995.

The Board ofDirector s attempted to find a way to keep the visitor center open on weekends i11 the summer. YCC, volunteers, and hiring were all attempted without success. Sales and profit for the association fell drastical Jy as a good part of our business comes from weekend sales. We also had a large inventory of unsold books that had been ordered in anticipation of the visitor center being open on weekends.

A member of the Natural History Association donated $100 for use by the group. We have received other donations but this is by far the largest to date. A donation box was also placed in the visitor center and has been a good revenue producer. The box was made by a volunteer.

Texas Longhorns at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge was reprinted by the association. This is the second printing.

A volunteer built 2 bluebird boxes and 8 kits for sale by the Association. The association purchases the materials whicb the volunteer makes into kits or complete houses.

The association is now set up to accept Mastercard for payment at our retail outlet. It is hoped that this will help boost sales.

The cooperative agreement between FWS and the Natural History Association was renewed for another 5 years.

A promotion was run to give memberships for holiday gifts. Five new members came on board.

For FY 1995 the association had income of $5,133; expenses of$4,753; profit of$380; and spent $1,109 on refuge projects. The Association had inventory of$4,277 and a bank balance of$5,507. Projects for the year were Junior Duck Stamp ($341), Fishing Day ($151), Auto Tour Guide ($416), and Wagon ride at the buffalo and longhorn sales ($200). Income was down 32 percent and profit down 89 percent due to the closing of the visitor center on weekends. Closing on weekends reduced sales and left us with a large inventory of unsold goods. 47

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

Due to ever changing demands on time, changing priorities, and decreased budgets and buying power, we find ourselves doing, as does everyone else, more with less. We likewise find things we used to take for granted, like basic maintenance and upkeep of equipment and facilities, becoming major concerns in terms of both time and money. Much of that "new" philosophy is reflected in the work accomplishment to be reported this year.

2. Rehabilitation A total of 10 projects were funded in the Complex under Maintenance Management Systems (MMS). A significant focus of MMS dollars in FY-1995 was Handicapped Accessibility, reflecting the Service's thrust to have ALL programs accessible by October 1, 1995.

Projects for 1995 were as follow: **VLT hunting and fishing accessibility rehab **FTN Nature Trail accessibility rehab **FTN and VLT Kiosk/sign rehab **FTN Underground electrical rehab **FTN Big Gatne Corral rehab - Phase 3 **FIN well rehab **FTN Machine Shed rehab **VLT Quonset rehab **Clark Loader rehab **Massey Ferguson backhoe rehab

A self-evaluation and plan for meeting accessibility requirements was completed in 1992 by Complex staff with the assistance of staff from the Keya-Paha/Cherry County Developmental Services. Cost estimates were based on 11doing it right," by the book, using the MMS handbook and Engineering guidelines.

The Complex's Self Evaluation and Plan were reviewed in 1992 by the organization People for Access to the Woods (P.A.W.)- a private contractor, and Regional Office staff. Several recommendations were made and implemented by the Station. P.A.W.'s revised cost estimates, however, were significantly below the Station's. It has been found that P.A. W. estimates were generally for materials only, with the assumption made that aU work would be done Force Account. In actual implementation, even their materials estimates were significantly below the real cost to do the work.

a. Buildings During January and February, indoor accessibility rehab of the FIN Visitor Center was completed; outdoor concrete work was left pending warm weather. A local contractor was to repair and replace damaged and inaccessible concrete at the entrances; weather and work scheduling resulted in postponement of the work until the spring of 1996.

The Sale Office at the big game corrals was made accessible with the development of a window desk adjacent to the entry walk. Safe and efficient traffic flow through the Sales office was also improved with the installation of a second door for use as an EXIT. 48

Planning was initiated with RO-EN in 1994 for rehab projects involving FTN Shop/ Machine Shed and VLT Quonset. Early on, problems encountered included the fact that FTN building is not a standard manufacturer - therefore, all insulation components, etc, would have to be custom fabricated and fit. Engineering was finally able to find manufacturer information for the FTN building and thought they might be able to find factory spec insulation and wall components, which would hopefully save significantly over custom fabrication. Final installation, however, was a suspended fabric and bat system, requiring separate wall covering for work areas . .

By Jate-ApriJ, RO-EN generated design and specs for rehab of FTN machine shop and VLT quonset were reviewed; the project actually went to bid in May and were opened in June. The original low bid contractor was found to have discrepancies in his bid and was declined. A second qualified bidder was approved in July.

MMS Contract rehab of FTN Machine shed and VL T quonset actually began late in October, fo llowing a notice to contractor from CGS that initiated adverse action for exceeding time limits. Once initiated, work progressed rapidly and well. UnusuaJJy mild fall weather permitted completion of the Contract portions ofthe project including indoor and outdoor concrete work in October and early November. Force Account wiring and misc rehab work in the FTN building were initiated immediately and continued tlu·oughout the winter.

b. Residences The old FJN bunk trailer- a modified one-room BLM fire crew trailer, in excess of 30 years old, was replaced with a three bedroom double-wide, picked up excess from the Bureau ofReclamation. At year's end, the new trai )er was on site but Force Account hook up of utilities was pending available time and suitable weather.

c. Stntctures and Facilities During April, the majority of maintenance energies in the Complex were focussed on results of abnormal spring snows and resulting mud, high water, broken limbs, downed power lines, etc, including plowing snow, feeding big game animals, installing and maintaining fish barriers,monitoring and maintaining water control structures.

3. Major Maintenance

c. Structures and Faci lities Due to the abnormal wet spring weather, and related problems, fence repair and other normal spring maintenance was initiated several weeks behind schedule throughout the complex. but managed successfully to stay ahead of use periods.

A significant portion of the maintenance energies at Ft. Niobrara are spent in the annual upkeep of Big Game habitat management facilities; normal spring "start up" requires repair and service to the 24 windmill systems on the refuge; during the spring, major repairs were tnade to four, with two requiring contract well service equipment. Maintenance and repair ofthe approximately 100 miles offence on the Refuge occupied most of the good weather of spring and summer. 49

Most energies during September and October at FTN were spent in repairing big game handling facilities which suffered "normal wear and tear" during the fall round up and sales.

4. Equipm ent Utilization and Replacement

a. Repairs and Improvements Multiple normal repairs -usually thought of as minor and cyclic, but adding up to significant cost- were made to vehicles during the year. Typical items included suspension and drive line repairs to two Dodge 4x4 pickups; new clutches in two vehicles; major brake repairs in three; replacement tires for four pickups, semi truck tractor and trailer.

Buffalo handling vehicles, used to supplement and assist horseback personnel in handling animals, were given their annual Spring and Fall rehab prior to Spring and Fall Roundups. Work on the "Buffalo jeep" included major repairs to brakes, rebuild of motor mount support brackets (replacements no longer available; obsolete); replacement ofhoses; body "tightening" and general servicing. Extra generators and batteries were removed from military 5/4 ton 4x4 trucks to lighten front axle load and hopefully reduce metal fatigue and damage from jarring in rough use.

The John Deere farm tractor used at Ft. Niobrara was parked from Sept,1994 until January, 1995 pendmg evaluation of funds. Once funds were confirmed, the clutch and emergency brake were repaired.

The bale feeder used for winter feeding operations was repaired via Force Account twice during February with broken chains and shaft. New teeth were installed in feeder in October; the feeder and 4x4 tractor were readied for winter feeding operations. Problems with the emergency/parking brake on the Clark 35C 4x4 loader were finally- we hope- resolved by Bacon Truck Repair. The brake caliper was trued, reinforced and welded; new brake pads installed and the entire assembly and cable system adjusted, aligned and shimmed in place for proper operation.

The 4x4 Clark loader being used to repair VLT roads broke down; a source for a new axle was found - at $1300 plus freight, est 2 -12 weeks delivery. Attempts to find used parts were unsuccessful. Surprisingly, the axle and all necessary seals were found and repairs completed in just over a month.

The Complex.'s Massey-Ferguson backhoe. mainly used at Valentine NWR, broke down during the fall of 1994 and ·bad to be towed out of the hills on Valentine. It was taken to local equipment shop in February for evaluation; the power shuttle/splitter was out of the transmission; cost ofrepairs estimated at $3700-4000.

Contract repairs to the transmission splitter on the backhoe were completed in May by Mathis Equipment of Valentine; upon testing, additional problems were found in the main transmission. Contract teardown, assessment and repair was estimated at $4000-7000, mostly labor. In July, The Regional Office approved adclitional MMS funds to complete 50

repairs.Remaining parts were finally located and contract repairs completed in December, after over a year of down time.

Heavy vehicles and trailers were inspected by local DOT certified inspection station; several deficiencies were found on each. Repairs were made where absolutely necessary and possible; cost estimates and strategy for future repair, when funds permit proper repair, were developed.

C. Replacement A new tractor-operated post hole auger was purchased to replace one dating to BLHP in 1979. The old unit had been rebuilt until a local machine shop advised there was nothing left to weld to.

A 1971 5-ton Dodge truck with spray rig (Cherry Picker) was transferred to DeSoto NWR. The unit had been acquired originally from DeSoto with intent of using it for roofing, painting, and some windmill work. The truck chassis was in excellent condition with under 5000 miles; however, we gave up on being able to afford repairs to the cherry picker and negotiated return of the unit to DeSoto.

A "new to us'' I 955 flatbed semi-trailer was obtained from Army excess via Flint Hills NWR. Toe trailer is in very good shape in spite of its age, requiring new tires and only minor electrical repairs to be road worthy. It will serve to replace the 1948± trailer used previously to haul hay, etc, which was surplused in 1992 due to age, unavailability of parts, and inability to meet legal standards for highway use.

5. Communication System Per the request of the Regional Office, another phone line was installed at the Ft. Niobrara NWR Headquarters. The initial installation cost was $45.00. Additional costs to the installation will be a minimal of $47.62 per month.

The radio system in the Complex was "upgraded" several years ago, with new base radios, towers, installation of a repeater on Valentine NWR, as well as several new mobile and portable radios. We have spent the years since attempting to correct problems, deficiencies, and getting radio equipment NOT replaced at that time to operate with the new system.

GE Mobile radios in two Complex vehicles having multi-channel capability, however requiring out-of-vehicle, out-of- area programming and minor modifications to be operational in current system were retrofitted and reprogrammed to be fully operational during the year.

Problems continued to plague the Valentine NWR repeater; the unit was moved from Pony Lake Sub-headquarters to the Cherry County Sheriff's Department facility at the Beaver Lake Tower, just Southwest of the Refuge. Despite numerous repairs and improvements, the system was still marginal at best; at year's end, we were searching excess for a replacement duplexer. 51

Telephone service to Ft. Niobrara NWR Quarters #1 was interrupted; investigation showed the existing service to be on a line and pedestal which had been "abandoned" at least 25 years ago and was no longer even on the phone company records; the "new" line available for hook up was officially abandoned 12 years ago; service now established on the "newest" line available • one scheduled for replacement, due to age, in 5 to 7 years.

6. Computer Systems Dell laptop used by Supervisory ROS Sellers was sent to factory service center in February for trouble shooting and HOPEFULLY repair. Dell laptop was received back in March, supposedly repaired - and placed back in service. By April it had ''acted up'' again. "In house" treatment of the problem had it back in operation, at least for the time being.

The "B" drive ofthe Dell 320SX used by Refuge Operations Specialist Lindvall crashed and a new "B" drive had to be ordered in May.

7. Energy Conservation We have now completed a full year with the newly rehabilitated heating/ cooling system and insulation in the Ft. Niobrara Visitor Center/ Office building.

The Ft. Niobrara Visitor Center and office building was structurally completed in 1974; the building was originally designed to be the Great Plains Fisheries Research Center and contained a high-tech, state-of-the-art industrial heating and cooling system designed to function in a laboratory setting.

Within a year or two, the system needed minor maintenance and repair, which was accomplished by local contractors and Station staff, none of whom were versed or trained to work on the unit. As a result, the system was rapidly modified and circuits and systems bypassed to make operation "simpler" - more accurately described as "poorer.''

The rehabilitated heating/air handling system and insulation installed in the FTN Visitor Center in October and November of 1994 has significantly improved the efficiency of the building. Due to the comparatively moderate weather, comparisons are difficult; however, the ''comfort level" of the building is notably improved. Winter propane use th.is year averaged about 50-65 gallons/week as opposed to an average of250 gallons/week with the old system during the most closely mild winter in the past few years; a net decrease of apr 75% in fuel consumption. No calculation of electrical costs for cooling are possible due to various other factors effecting overall use; however, it appears that increased electrical use throughout the headquarters has been offset by savings, mainly in the Visitor Center cooling.

8. Other Range Technicians Waln and Brown picked up excess property from Ft. Riley, KS in July. Excess property is being used to beef up the fire cache for the complex.

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J. OTHER ITEMS