Staff photo 1-10 in relation to list below, Aufdengarten is absent.

Personnel fJC_frnJ..,/~13

1. Robert M. Ellis Refuge Manager GS-12 PFT XXX 2. Robert E~ Nagel Asst. Refuge Manager GS-9 PFT X 3. Forrest W. Brooks Adm. Assistant GS-7 PFT XXX 4. Larry E. Vaughn Biological Tech. GS-7 PFT X 5. Arthur Aufdengarten Auto Worker WG-10 PFT X 6. James D. Spence Maintenance Worker WG-8 PF!' xx 7. James A. Vaug~ Maintenance Worker WG-8 PFT xx 8. David F. Kime Maintenance Worker WG-6 PPT X 9. Ivan J. Wiley Laborer WG-2 PPT xx 10. Janice L. Edwards Clerk-typist GS-3 PPT XXX l.l. Wil.liam L. Turner Biological Aid GS-3 Temporary xx (EOD 4-14-76 Terminated 10-8-76) 12. Kenneth L. Colburn Biological Aid GS-4 Temporary X (EOD 4-11-76 Terminated 9-30-76) 13. Keith .A. Conner Biol.ogical Aid GS-3 Temporary xx (EOD 4-12-76 Terminated 8-27-76)

x Primary work site Valentine NWR, secondary Fort Niobrara NWR xx Primary work site Fort Niobrara. NWR, secondary Valentine NWR xxx Primary work site Complex headquarters Review and Approvals

Submitted by Date Area Office Date

Refuge Regional Office Date

Complex Office FORT NIOBRARA N.W. R.

.:r.. - .. ... ,...... :z:rriffi;t1i"!b--- .. Hf· ··,."'··· -·~ t~:tiimH1nr·:\~::::?:~Y~~fffi~ff it~~.=-=/~· --b:.:~:· , ~~••••_;#.••• ,.•/ \::,-:-..•.• - -- -..~, l OH GIIORll.," ·,. =- ;_. \ ~·•,-;.:;r:_:_;,: • ...... -•: \ LONGHO.RH PA~.UR. E ·v' .... ,-.· · LEGEND ·-.,_ l j \ 'r°,1'. \ \ .,··-•···f1··· PASTURE /,#' ~-·.--: . -. . _,./ __ ,~. ,:.!'£ t l,,,- - ·.:.- - ·~<.:..7._ ,..J. --· ,,if" - :::::::: PROPOSED WILDERNESS • i ·Dom f• .-,~'.;..•1fj• . "t ~--:-d~•-• =..r.=..-.- ,.-,=¥-·11 • Jt-1..... ~ ri'~ 1.:1 _..-;::; -~ l \ ' .c,I !r/ . ~ ' ~-,. · ' ·._,,- . ''":\'t_;_ . ~i=""'··----- \ I'-., ·,' FOOT TRAIL .. , t' L I ~-:.--.=-' • •. ', I lfUOOE . •, .... ~'T·-:-~ !·, \ \ ',, . R TQWEA {; ~!~. - V "::!! \.- -1 ci:::~,... \ & ••• :-,... ~-- f----- 1 I Iii CLAY PIT ~ 00 ·~·· :·--+~f:.aJ .. .. r._J ~~ -1; \ I_ 1 EA$T '-au~ruo R~NG£ _ !, TRAILS PAHGE f I - >J..- • \, r. WE St BUFFALO \t , p l \ f} 1; I\ K ,, : I I 1 : PUBLIC USE ~OAO ,,; t .J_j'.'.'.:~OR• :., ·1: ; \ '1 \ 1· '', I 11 •1,,. "· ••· i · , I I , , ' P~IMAAV FENCE r' ·"-:1/, ·••. •••rv"r -.;, , \ 1 \ •, I ·, l : ~ , \ '. _ I · ,_t PICNIC AREA r·f ., ..., . --} '~ !I\ ! ... ______·---r--\ .... ·---··r--····t ll ·: .. A£F'UOE HEAOOUAftTERS J •.• "" I. • I • II ?,, STQCI( WA.TER'ING WELLS ~ ·'--;'-·~'("f · -.- f_ -. ·-:Ji.~ ·- -··-\.---j ~--· .. c...t ~ .. - 1 GHORH_, ", I [ I r•cc I \ r. -·1-i.:....-,..';....--•. -##- •' II 0 K l P\..-i,T9tl,I ' ~ FISH BROOO PONDS. 6 ,IR PASTURE /// Lp/1~~0~1'/..[ ~~RE l \, ·1 I ; ,: I, f0$$1L OIQGIN6S PQWfR 1,INE 1.:.~_.... , ".··· .'I / f' \ -~-.. ·····-~ .. ---··f 1·;~~~~ --,t~mo •••" S£f1VICE TRAILS ( c,01td 10 P6'bllc) ~-11--A:=-J.. J.,,J.., L=. -· J.~,-. J "'~"' I I. I · .: . I 6000 ~ i lf :·, J •As~u•r I I ••5ru•e I \ 11 -~ 5CT-T ·· NI' fc-t ' .• '•, . ' . .' l ' .I I II i L.~ I -~ -1-··-. -~ -- J I ·. J , .) 1 ·-·- - ~l · -----]j l~~~ j· ·_. _.1 ·------~1·==·-~=--=·- J TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL Page A. Introduction ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• i B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions ••••. •• •••• •••••••••••••• •• : •••••• 1 Weather•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••• ••••••••••••••••••••• l 2. Habitat.• •••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1 c. Land Acquisition •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~-•••••••• ]. ,J.. Fee Ti-tl.e ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • ••••• • ••• •. • . • • • • • ]. 2. Easements •••••••••••••••••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1 3. Ot.he.r • • •. • ••• • • • • •. • ••••• • ••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • •. 2 D. Systems Status •••••• •••• •••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••• 2 1. Objectives ••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2 2. Flm.ding • • ••• • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2

II. CONSTRUCTION AND .MAINTENANCE

A. Construction • ••••••••••• • •••••.•• 3 B. Ma:intenance •••••••••••••••••••••••··················••• •••••••••••••• ·•••••·············• •••••••• 4 c. Wildfires ••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••• 5 III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Crop1an.ds •• • •••••••• •• • • • •• ••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••• 6 B. Grasslands •• 6 c. Wetlands •.•• .······...... ·································...... ·············· . 7 D. Forestiand••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••• 7 E. Other Habitat ••••••••••.••••• • •••••• • •••••••••• •• •• •••••••••••••• 8 F. Wilderness and Special Areas •••••••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••• ••• 8 G. Easement for Waterfowl Management ••• • •• •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8 IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered a.nd/or Threatened Species•• • •. •• ...... 9 1. Greater Prairie Chicken •••• • • • • • ••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••• 9 2. Black-footed Ferret ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••• 9 B. Mi.gratoey Birds • •••• • • • ••••• • ••••• •• ••••••••••••••••••••••• •• •••• 9 1. Waterfowl ••••• • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • • • 9 2. Marsh 8l.ld Water Birds ••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 11 3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species •••••••••••••••••11 4. Raptors ••••••••••••••• • •••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12 5. other Migratory- Birds ••••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••12 c. Mammals and Non-Migratory- Bird.S ••••••••••••••••••••••••• • .••• • •• • 12 1. M&DlDlals, Gazne ••••• • ••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••• • ••••••••••••1 12, a. Buffalo • • •• • ••••••• •••••••• •• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12 b. Longhorns •••••••••••• • •• •••••••••••• ••••••••••••••• • ••••• 16 c. Elk •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • ••••• 23 d. Deer • ••••• •••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••• 23 e. Antelope ••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••• •••••••••• • •• • •• •••• 23 TABLE OF CONTDTS

(continued} Page

2. other ?4amln.aJ.s • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••• 23 a. Coyote •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 23 b. Black-tailed Prairie Dog. . .•...... ••.•••••...•...... 24 3. Resident Birds •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24 a. Sharp-tailed Grouse ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24 b. Bobwhite Qua..11 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24 C. Merl"iam. Tllrkey-. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••• 24 4. other Animal Lite••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24 a. Fish •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24 V. IliTERPRETATION AND RECREATION

A. Information and Interpretation •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25 l.. On.-Re fliS, e • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 25 a. Wildlife Tour Routes •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25 b. Wililite Trails ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25 c. Interpretive Exhibits ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25 2. Ott-Refuge •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 a. Hews Releases ••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••• 26 b. Slide Tallts and Demonstrations •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 B. Recreation ••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 1. Wildlands Appreciation •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 a. Boat••••••••••••• .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • 26 b. Censusing Method•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 c. Public Dem.and••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26 2. Non-Wi:ldlife Oriented •••• •••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••• 2T a. Camping• •••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••• 27 b. Picnieing••• •••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••• •••••• 27 c. Enforcement ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27

VI. OTHER ITEM:> A. Field InTestigations •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27 B. Cooperative Programs •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27 1. Youth Conservation Corp ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27 2. Grade Schools ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 28 c. Items of Interest ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 29 D. Safety• •••••••••••••••••••• •••• •••• • •••••••••••••• •••••••••••••• 31 1. Accidents •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••• 31 2. Meetings ••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 32 l

I. GENERAL

A. Introduction Fort Niobrara refuge is located five miles east of VeJ.entine, Nebraska in Cherry County. The refuge consists of 19,123 acres of high benchl.ands and rolling plains, traversed by the Niobrara River.

B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions

1. Weather

This year was again extremely dry with only U.21 inches of moisture, 6.59 inches below normal. This was the third year in a row that such conditions have existed. In 1974, we ended the year with 7.23 inches below normal precipitation and in 1975, we were 6.44 inches below normal.

On New Years day we received 5.7 inches of snow with a 37 mph wind. We had another winter storm on the 4th of March with 4.6 inches of snow and winds at 25 mph.

The coldest day of the year was -20° on January 8 and the hottest was on the 9th of July with 106°.

2 . Habitat The effects of the three year drought and a late spring freeze were most noticeable on the berry producing plants like chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), wildplum (Prunus america.na), and sandcherry (Prunus besseyi). Their production was reduced to about 25 per cent of normal. The grasses on the sandy soil south of the river show very little deterioration but the land area north of the river was sharply effected. Most of the precipitation was received in short thunderstorms, the sandy soil had very little run-off but on the clay soils most of the precipitation was lost in run-off. Overall the refuge habitat is in excellent condition when compared to most of the surrounding private lands. c. Land Acquisition

1. Fee Title Nothing to report.

2. Easements

Nothiug to report. 2

3. Other

Nothing to report.

D. Systems Status

1. Objectives

Under the current funding level we were able to f'ully meet the buffalo and elk management objectives. The longhorn cattle program was not up to standard but didn 't suffer serious decline. The public use program is almost to a stand still. People still visit the refuge, in increasing numbers each year but aJ.l our facUities such as tour roads, museum, and information systems are rapidly deteriorating. All the refuge activities are in tune with approved objectives but :funding prevents achieving the quality in activities required by Service standards.

2. Funding The following table presents the man-days, operation, and mainte- nance funds, and special fmds , used by the Fort Niobrara - Valentine Refuge Complex since it was organized.

Fiscal Total. Permanent Year M.a.n-Days Man-Days O&M Funds Special Funds

74 2,076 1,950 $137,936 $21,095 - Lake renovation equipment for Va.lentine. 26,731 - Grazing facilities material. tor Valentine. 4,351 - Interpretive and Administrative Center at Ft. Niobrara. $52,177

75 2,539 2,184 $154,258 $10,000 - Upgrade ·.rater and electrical. systems on both refuges. $10,000

76 2,638 2,418 $150,347 $10,000 - Upgrade electrical. system. on both refuges. 10,000 - Rehab big game fence at Ft. Niobrara. 30,000 - Purchase fence posts for Ft. Niobrara $50,000

77 2,418 2,418 $150,286 NONE II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. Construction A new sa.nita.ry facility was planned for Q-2 and Q-3 at re:f'uge headquarters. The preparation of the drain field site was completed by force account. The installation of the drain field and lift station will be accomplished under contract No. 14-16-0006-3155 in the spring of 1977. Water pollution abatement funds were used tor the project, all accounting is being accomplished by the Regional. Engineer.

A self loading scraper was used to prepare the site of a new drain field for quarters 2 and 3. {FTN R5-14-76 BME)

Renovation of the electrical systems in the residences, horse barn, shops, slaughter house, corrals, and garages was completed by July. This work was accomplished by force account a.nd funded from a special rehab fund. About two miles of big game fence along the west boundary of Unit 36 was completely rebuilt. Over the past 5 years, an increasing nUJJ1ber of buffalo bulls crossed the west fence into other grazing units. This year the entire herd of buffalo tramped down the five foot high barbwire fence and scattered over four grazing units. The interior fence in these units was not constructed to control. buffalo. The existing game fence was raised two feet and reinforced with additional posts and woven wire. This work was accomplished by force account and financed under a big game fence rehabilitation project. Most of the corner brace units in the big game fence vere con­ structed 40 years ago. They have served above and beyond~ so will be retired. (FrN R6-12-76 RME)

1. A few of the corner brace units. were rebuilt this fall. We hope they last as long as the original units. (FrN Rl-17-77 RME) I\Jr . f'fi'.;. /J.. _jl./ 4

B. Maintenance

The horse ba.rn #6, vehicle shed #9, and storage shed #12 were reroofed. The aspha.J.t· shingles, tar paper, and plywood for this project had been purchased three years ago. This work was accomplished by force account.

'

This roof was schedu1ed for replacement in i973. We had the material but no manpower. (F'l'N RB-8- 76 RME)

We ran out of fencing supplies so put the crew on the roofing projects. (FTN R9-9- 76 RME) 5

ru>utine maintenance was completed on 48 miles of big game fence and 36 miles of regular stock fence, big game corra.1.s, sa.le arena, five miles o! auto tour route in pasture #27, 20 windmill systems, picnic area, two shops, three residences, horse barn, grainary, a roadgrader, a D-7 tractor, a W-9 tractor and hay fork, hay sled, a jeep, a 6x6 tire truck, "M" tractor and double mower, stock trailer, end three 4-wheel. drive pickups.

C. Wildfires

The Service has an agreement with Valentine Rural Protection District in which we will assist them in fighting fires off Service lands and they in turn will assist us in controlling wildfire on the refuge. Regardless of the location of fires and resources required to control the fire, neither agency will seek reimbursement from the other. We a.1.so have an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, under this agreement the agencies will seek reimbursement for expenses incurred depending on whose land the fire was located.

This year, personnel and equipment helped control two fires and were on stand-by for several. others.

On 8-20-76, we were asked to assist in controlling a range fire on the George Grooms ranch located about eight mil.es north of the refuge. A 6x6 truck loaded with a 300 ga1. bean spray-er, a. 3/4 ton powerwagon with a 200 gal. pumper and five men were dispatched to the fire. About 2,500 acres of grassland were burned. The fire was started by haying equipment. Our men and equipment were on the :fire line for about two hours.

On 8-31-76 , at 5:00 P.M., Mr. Fred Krzyzanowski reported a :fire on the refuge to Manager Ellis. Two refuge fighting units and three units from Valentine Rural Fire Department had the fire controlled by 5:25 P.M. About five acres of winter pasture were burned in Units 26 and 29 of t he refuge. The fire was caused by a lightening strike on a. cottonwood tree in Unit 26, and 20-30 mph winds pushed the fire into Unit 29 before it could be controlled. We believe the tree was hit in early afternoon and the fire was fanned into spree.ding when a north wind deve1oped in late afternoon. The onl,y damage was the loss of five acres of winter pasture for the Texas longhorn brood cows . 6

Our tire trucks may not be fancy but they can get around in most types ot terrain. (FrN R9-21-76 RME!) f\/f.... Yi1\I~ ~3l

III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

A. Croplands Nothing to report.

B. Grasslands About 17,832 acres are included in the grassland program under the current annuaJ. work plan, this is the same as in FY-76. All grazing units are included in a rest rotation system which usually follows a pattern of changing the season of use each year. About 5,540 AUM's were utilized by the herds of butfaJ.o, elk, and Texas longhorn cattle. In addition to the grass resource of Fort Niobrara, about 378 tons of grass hay were imported from Valentine refuge as part of three cooperative farming agreements. This hay is utilized in the winter season by the Texas longhorn cattle. 7

GRASS FORA.GE UTILIZATION - 1976 Avail. Unit Acre~e AUM's Buffalo L.H. A&D Elk Horse TotaJ. % used

l 3,828 1664 1492.00 14.63 1506. 63 91% ll 100 106 61. 33 24. 75 86.08 81% 12 & 2l.3 99 96.00 96.00 97% • 13 16a 700 333 u . 79 40.92 36.00 88.71 26% 16b 345 147 _87. 18 87 .18 59% 19 65 19 19.00 19. 00 100% 21 57 16 16.00 16 . 00 100% 22 403 196 41.02 60.00 9. 00 26.ll. 136.13 69% 24 101 50 7.95 7.95 16% 25 212 71 56.68 56 .68 80% 28A 2,077 1038 265.72 78.12 81.37 425.21 41% 28B 2,326 1103 518.92 194.14 131.96 845. 02 77% 29 446 222 255. 38 255.38 115% 30 523 258 202.65 202. 65 79% 3lA 133 40 29.81 29.81 75% 31 338 197 102.75 102.75 52% 32 542 329 349.00 349 . 00 105% 33 480 336 34 . 81 34.81 l% 34 789 552 269. 09 269. 09 49% 35 789 552 36 1,493 1045 451. 50 52.88 504. 38 48% 37 320 160 59. 29 59.29 37% 38 826 578 169. 02 169 .02 29% 39 826 578 192.76 192.76 55%

TOTAL 17,932 9679 2780.95 2353.39 9.00 264 .19 132. 00 5539 . 53 57%

About 15 acres of puncturevine (Teibelus terrestus) and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) were sprayed with 2,4-D at a rate of 4 lbs. per acre with a water carrier. This work is required by the Cherry County weed control district. c. Wetlands Nothing to report.

D. Forestlands

A few scattered stands of ponderosa pine occur in the river breaks along the Niobrara River. No special. management is given these lands for the trees. Their greatest value at present is watershed, erosion 8

control, wildlif'e shelter, and wildland viewing by the public.

E. other Habitat

Nothing to report.

F. Wilderness and Special Areas

The Fort Niobrara Wilderness proposal. was accepted by Congress and signed into law by President Ford on October 19, 1976. This area in general, includes all of the buf:falo winter range, the ponderosa natural area, and the river breaks on both sides of the Niobrara River, total acreage is 4,635 acres. During the upcoming summer, the YCC will complete projects, such as fence and trash pit removal, to restore wilderness quality to the area.

The Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area will be open to hiking by the public during the summer season when the buf:falo herd is / 'I -, 1 south on the prairie. (FTN R6-28-76 RME) w~-f'flv... ,,<. , t Fort Niobrara was nominated to the Park Service for consideration as a historic site. This nomination is still being tossed around in the red tape machine.

G. Easement for Waterfowl Management

Nothing to report. 9

IV. WILDLIFE

A. Endangered e:nd/ or Threatened Species

1. Greater Prairie Chicken

During the spring survey, no active dancing grounds were located on the refuge. Five males and two females were observed on the Tayl.or Ranch. This ground is located about l/4 mile south of the south boundary fence of Unit 38.

2. Black-footed Ferret

The black tailed prairie dog town continues to spread and as we monitor its a.ctivity, we continue to watch for signs of black-footed ferrets. Ferrets have been observed within a few iniles of this area so we have not disregarded the possibility of a ferret visit.

B. Migratory Birds

1. Waterfowl.

The duck population remains very stable since there is very ·limited habitat on this big game refuge. Most of the use occurrs in the beaver dams in the north pasture. A few broods are produced there, mostly mallard and blue-winged teal. The refuge bas some spring fed ponds in the exhibition pasture which stay open during the severe winter vea.ther and maJJ.ards concentrate there.

This spring, starting 1-31-76, a two funnel box trap was set in one of the open ponds, we were able to band 316 mallards, -~ '56' redheads, 1 ringneck, and l. green winged tea.l"t-before warm.. weather moved in and the birds dispersed. 10

- '.,"! .L When the temperature is below -10°, this is the only open water for miles around. We were trying to band 1,000 mallards. (Fl'N R3-17-76 RME) t(;E__ ( ftv_ 1)-39 We have five pinioned Canada geese in the big game exhibition pasture #27. Two pair of these birds produced 9 goslings to wing. One brood originally numbered 6 and the other 4. These flying young were still with their parents at the end of the y

The YCC enrollees conducted a Canada goose round-up in and round the refuge ponds. (Fl'N R7-18-76 RME) ll

,;)... The goose round-up turned into a wild goose chase. Nine 1.I •- f'tt4,;. [1 Jj goslings were captured e.nd some enrollees had their pride vV~- - t-. dented by the quick excape of the adult geese. {F'l'N R7-23~76 RME)

2. Marsh and Water Birds The great blue heron was the only species in the group that stayed on the refuge year around. During the winter season, most of their activity is along the Niobrara River. These birds have caused some fish loss for a commercial trout hatchery ·located three mil.es east of the refuge. Also, some loss occurrs in the fish rearing ponds on the refuge. These ponds are operated by the State Fish Hatchery in Valentine.

There is nothing unusual to report concerning all other species listed on the output reports.

3. Shorebirds, Gul.ls, Terns, and Allied Species AJ..l population l.evels appeared normal and no new species for the area were observed. 12

4. Raptors

Both baJ.d and golden eagl.es were on the re:t'uge during the late fall, and winter season. The golden eagle was observed over all portions of the refuge; they frequently were seen setting on sandy hills in the south pastures. The bald eagles usua.lly were observed flying a patrol a.long the Niobrara River. One bird has selected a dead ponderosa pine about 1/2 mile down stream from. the Cornell bridge as it's favorite roosting site.

5. Other Migratory Birds Morning dove populations on the refuge appeared to be stable this year regard.l.ess of the drought conditions and the intro­ duction of a morning dove hunting sea.son by Nebraska in the fal.l of 1975. The eastern red cedars were favorite nesting sites. A few stragglers were observed on the refuge until late October. c. l. Game Mammals

a . Butta.lo The objective level for the buffalo herd has been set at 225 animals after the fall disposal program. The following table shows the herd structure as of 1-1-76. BUFFALO HERD COMPOSITION Total ~ Cows Bull.s Calf 1. 7 19 36 1. 12 1.2 24 2 8 9 17 3 15 1.0 25 4 15 8 23 5 11 8 19 6 8 9 17 7 10 4 14 8 8 9 17 9 9 2 ll 10 6 6 12 ll 4 5 9 12 0 2 2 123 103 226 The main buffalo herd was wintered in Unit #1, then moved to Unit #36 on 4-6-76. Twelve horsemen were able to round-up 212 animals by 11:30 A.M. The stragglers, except for two yearlings and one two-year old, drifted out of the pasture 13

and crossed the river during the summer. The west fence aJ.ong Unit #36 was not strong enough to control the mature bulls and the herd spent most of May scattered over Units 34, 35, 38, and 39. The herd was gathered on 6-9-76 and moved into Unit #28A, they were transferred to 28B on 7-14-76. They were rounded up for culling on 9-21-76. After the branding and vaccinating, the keeper herd was moved to Unit #1 for the winter. During the culling operations, one calf was gored, and one twel.ve year old bull was permanently crippled. The bull. was shipped to Sturges, South Dakota to be butchered but died enroute. Three other calves died in the main herd during cal.ving season.

The white-faced buffalo cow in the exhibition pasture gave birth to a white-faced bull calf on 6-2-76. The calf was found gored to death the same day.

This bull calf was gored to death by a mature bull shortly after birth. It's mother has the same white markings. (FTN R6-l2-76 RME) µ E ...(T1v, JJH6 Sixty-three calves were age branded and vaccinated for Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Blackleg, and Ma.l.ignant Edema. Sixty-eight calves were produced from eighty-six breeding age females. The production rate was 79 per cent. 14

Mr. Harold L. Kincaid, Research Geneticist, Fish Genetics Laboratory, Beu1ah, Wyoming conducted an inspection visit to Fort Niobrara on June 1-4. He was looking for problems of genetic defects in our buffalo and Texas longhorn herds. Below are his comments concerning the buffaJ.o program.

"The natural breeding approach used in this herd, where bulls compete tor the role of herd sire(s) is itself a safeguard against inbreeding. BuJ.ls in the range of six to eight years of age serve as herd sires which minimizes the f'requency of mother-son or father-daughter matings, leaving inbreeding to occur primarily through brother­ haJ.f sister matings. Inbreeding theory shows that indi­ viduaJ.s with seriously high levels of inbreeding tend to be weaker end less fit. Inbred individuals which do occur, at least males, would tend to be excluded as breeding by the competition within the male ranks for the priviledge of serving the herd bul.l role end thereby, contributing to the future gene pool. IndiViduals within the herd all. appeared to be in excellent health. "

Based on these comments, we see no reason for any major changes in our herd structure and culling process.

Sixty-one buffalo were selected for disposal this fall. Fifty- seven head were sold at a public auction on October 6, end four head were donated to ta.x supported organizations. Al.l animals selected for dispos&l. were tested for Brucellosis and T. B. by State Veterinarian, R. F. Dougherty and Federal Veterinarian, Charles Kisiler. BUFFALO SALE - 1976

~ Cows Bulls Total Calf 11 16 27 l 2 5 7 2 1 0 l 4 l 0 l 5 0 1 l 6 0 1 l s 1 0 l ll 6 2 8 12 3 5 8 13 0 1 l 15 l 0 l. Total 26 31 57 15

SUMMARY - 1976 BUFFALO SALE No. Average Class Age Sold Price Paid Top Price Price

Bull Adult 10 $ 1,1.00.00 $800.00 $710.00 Bull 1 yr. 5 2,520.00 525.00 504. oo Bull Calves 16 6,455. 00 485 . 00 403 . 44 Cow Adult 14 7,245. 00 575 .00 517.50 Heifer l yr. l. 550. 00 550.00 550 .00 Heifer Calves 11 52695.00 520.00 51 .73 TOTAL 57 $29,565.00 $800.00 518. 68

The average price paid for 56 head in 1975 was $473.30. This year's sale average gained $45 . 38. Dispite very cold, windy, wet veather, about 400 people attended the sa.le. Total receipts from the buf'f'alo program were $29,565.00. No hides or skulls were sold.

Five buffalo were donated to tax supported organizations for exhibition purposes during the year.

Date Number and Sex ~ Organization & Location June 18, 1976 l bull 4 yrs. Blue Mounds State Park Luverne, Minnesota

October 15, 1 bull calf Great Plains Zoo Sioux FaJ.ls, S.D. 1 cow calf Great Plains Zoo Sioux Falls, s.n.

October 15, l cow 1 yr. City of ~roken Bow Broken Bow, NE l cow 9 yrs. City of Broken Bow Broken Bow, NE

At the end of the year, the herd numbered 226 animals , the following table gives herd composition. 16

~ Cows Bul1s Total Calf' 16 17 33 J. 13 17 30 2 10 12 22 3 9 9 18 4 14 8 22 5 12 8 20 6 11 7 18 7 8 10 18 8 9 5 14 9 8 7 15 10 9 2 11 11 l 3 4 12 0 l l TOTAL 120 106 226 b. Longhorns

At the beginning of the yea.r 9 the herd numbered 260 animal.s.

~ Bulls Steers Cows Total 9 months 5 25 25 55 21 months 2 14 15 31 33 months 6 7 9 22 Mature 3 68 81 152 TOTAL l]j 114 130 260 Throughout the year, the longhorns are divided into individual herds according to age class or sex. All the herds were rotated thrOugh a pasture system which promotes excellent range conditions and provides max.imum numbers and a variety of animals for public v1:ewing and enjoyment. During the winter season, all longhorns received some hay. The bulls, cows and weaner calves also received shelled corn during periods of severe winter weather. All longhorns ca.me through the winter in excellent condit~on. The calving season started on March 22, when two calves were born. A total of 82 calves were produced from 90 cows. Five cows were lost during the period, two had calves and three died before delivering calves. The calving rate of 94. 4 per cent 1ras an improvement over the 85.5 per cent of 1975. On March 19, the longhorn brood cows were moved into Unit 19 in preparation for the calving season. All activities were normal until 3-27-76 when cow #373 was observed behaving 17

abnorma.J.l.y~ The other cows started hooking her and before we could arrange to move her to a separate pasture, she died. We assumed that cause of death was by being gored. On 3-29-76, cow #035 was :found dead and cow #254 was too sick to stand. She was being hooked by the other cows. She was removed to the corral.s· and Dr. Larry L. Sinn DVM, began treatment. She died on 3-30-76 and Dr. Sinn performed an autopsy. The only obvious abnormality was severe hemorrhaging in the first portion of the small· intestine. Tissue from the lungs, liver, kidney, brain and smaJ.J.· in­ testine were sent to the Veterinary Science Laboratory at North Pl.atte, Nebraska. Prel.iminary tests of the Reinsch test was negative, this was for heavy metals except l.ead. The tests revealed no infectious processes. However, there was perivascular and perineuronal edema of the cerebrum, which is a type of polio. This same lesion is related to lead toxicity. On 4-U-76, cow #502 died, exhibiting the same nervousness and partial paralysis that cow #254 had shown. Tissue was again collected and sent to the laboratory. The remaining cows were moved to a f'resh pasture and we waited for the test results. On 4-12-76, cow #4 was found dead in the bottom of a canyon. On 4-21-76, Dr. Clair M. Hibbs sent a report of lead analysis, the liver sample contained ll ppm while the kidney had 63 ppm. This along with clinical signs and history would indicate a diagnosis of lead poisoning.

Cow #502 died as a result of lead poisoning. (FTN R5-4-76 RME) 18

An autopsy was performed on cow #502 and extreme irritation was observed in the small intestine. All other organs appeared \)11[ normal. (Fl'N R5-12- 76 RME) (vE ...... pftt. d\~ The problem had never occurred before anywhere on the refuge, so we looked for something new in pasture #19 . A new wind break constructed of creosote treated power poles and aluminum sheets had been constructed in December 1975 •. Al.so, an old trash pit has opened up by wind erosion. We were unable to pin point the source of the lead so cleaned up all construction trash (chips of creosote wood} around the wind break, and hauled clay to cover the old trash pit site. The success of our corrective actions will be measured during the 1977 calving season.

Three longhorn bul:Ls were injured during the year. Bull #3107 was gored in the :Left ribs on 3-16-76, bull #2696 was gored in the left ribs on 10- 7-76. Both were treated with antibiotics and have recovered. Bul:l #303 was severely injured in the right hind leg. He would not recover from the injury enough to work as a range bull so he was sold. One of the principal herd sires suffered a frozen scrotum during a January storm. Among domestic cattle, this condi­ tion can cause the animal to be sterile. Since each bull has their own herd of cows, to use a steri:Le bull could have serious impact on the total longhorn production program. Bulls #303, 430, 322, and 3106 were tested for fertility by Dr. Larry Sinn, and all were fertile. 19

Curiosity got this cow into trouble with a porcupine. Her disposition did not improve when the quills were removed. u, (FTN R8-4-76 RME) Wf.-. f W- 11(I.:'°'

Castera.ting, branding, and vaccinating were accomplished on 6-11-76. All calves were given a triple vaccine for Blackleg, Malignant Edema, and Hemorrhagic Septicemia. During the operation, it was noted that calf #613 was sup­ posed to be a heifer, however, the location of the VUlva next to the udder would preclude normal reproduction. This animal was marked for sale.

The breeding age females were divided into six herds and put with bulls from June 15, 1976 to August 17, 1976. 20

CY - 1976 LONGHORN BREEDING PROGRAM

Unit H32 Unit #36 Unit #34 Unit #37 Unit #29 Unit 1139 BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL #303 #322 #3107 #3106 #462 #430

Cow Calf Cow Calf Cow Calf Cow Calf Cow Calf' 6ow Calf 41-670 007- 638 021- 676 108-656 ll0-614 16-672 J.34-650 022-S.B. 048-617 219- 642 126-649 106-667 137-623 109-618 136-627 223-Dry 132-605 181-666 150-633 U 4-654 20°B'- 64l 235-648 146- 646 187-607 186- 644 124-629 226- 661 237-647 167-678 189-622 211-639 136-640 232- 675 246- 653 175- 682 244-660 215-679 194-635 241- 645 301-628 199-651 410- H 229-637 206-655 261-601 309-664 257- 662 250-674 294-620 281- 657 317-621 276-616 330-Dry 372-613 310-612 339/7- 624 325-668 345- 609 418- H 339- 615 350-677 357-625 403-659 421.- H 347- 643 403- H 364-681 450- H 469- H 358-610 407-603 384-680 455-630 481-636 359-Dry 434- H 435-619 477-Dry 500- 669 395- 663 436-671 452-673 402- H 441- H 461-608 446- H 447- H 498-626 455- H 452- H 1830-648 466-665 461- H 473-606 466- H 503- 632 488-604 531-631 508- 652 1839-602

15-12 15-11 23-l.9 22-14 18-18 7 - 6

100 cows and 80 caives.

On June 1-4, Mr. Harold L. Kincaid, Research Geneticist, reviewed both buf'faJ.o and longhorn programs. The following are some of his comments concerning the longhorn program. "The animals are being kept in a "natural." state with t he selection of superior animals each year based on horn development and typical longhorn coat color. This approach has resulted in a longhorn herd which displays a wide range of traits typical of those found in the wild longhorns of the 1840-1900 period. The tremendous variability in coat color, large horns in mature anilnals, and the overall health and vigor of the herd clearly 21

demonstrates the success that the project has achieved".

Ke al.so 'Wuld like to see more detailed management guidelin~s a.nd goals, introduction of outside blood lines to reduce inbreeding problems; and reduction in the size of the steer herd vith more emphasis on the breeding herd. His suggestions have merit and vill be considered for incorporation into Mure management plans.

On September 13, the longhorn herds vere rounded up and surplus anim.a.ls selected for disposal. All the brood cows were pregnacy tested as pa.rt of the screening process. Dr . Larry Sinn, DVM tested 95 cove. Since the bu1ls had only been removed f'rom the cows for 27 days, some cows had not been settled long enough for the veterinary to verity pregna.cy. For management purposes, these covs are considered open. l.00 cows were exposed to bulls, 95 were pregnacy tested; 81 were pregnant, and 14 vere declared open. For the purposes of the following table on bul1 performance, the 5 covs not tested vere considered pregnant.

Bull II 303 322 3107 3106 462 430 Bull Age 10 yes. 3 yrs. 3 yrs. 3 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. Exposed COYS 15 15 23 22 18 7 Settled cows 14 13 18 20 16 Open COYS 1 2 5 2 2 3 Per cent settled 93.3 86.7 78.3 90.9 88.9 57.1 Per cent open 6.l. 13.3 21.7 9.1 11.l 42 .9

During the fall round-up, all the calves of t he year were given a booster shot for Blackleg, Malignant Edema, and Hemorrhagic Septicemia.

A total of 69 longhorns vere disposed of dux-ing the year. Bull #303 was sold for meat because of a badly mutilated right hind leg. Bull #563 was loaned to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Steer 1429 was donated to the zoo 22 at Watertown, South Dakota. All the surplus longhorns, except calves, were tested for T.B. and the breeding age males and females were tested for Brucellosis. We sold 65 head for a total. of $25,485. One cal.!, #613, was sold as a breeding heifer but later was recognized as a non-breeder because of a sex organ abnormality. Ca.lt #649 was used to prevent a bu;yer's well justified complaint.

An average price received in 1975 was $305.66. This year the average was $392.08. SUMMARY - 1976 LONGHORN SALE Class !s!. No Sold Price Paid Top Price Average Price Reifer CeJ.ves ·12 $6,370.00 $830.00 $530.83 Heifer Yrls. 10 5,365.00 825.00 536.50 Cows Adult 10 5,740.00 810.00 574.oo Bull Yrls. l 360.00 360.00 360.00 Bull Adult l 650.00 650.00 650.00 Steer CeJ.ves 12 2,435.00 240.00 202.92 Steer Yrls. 10 1,840.00 200.00 184.oo Steer Adult 2 725.00 60.00 302. TOTAL 25, 85.00 830.00 392.08

On November 1, 1976, 57 calves were weaned and started on a ration of shelled corn, rolled ba.r]y and grass h&¥•

On December JA, each brood cow was given 5 cc of vitamin A and D plus a shot of type C and D toxoid. ill the animals were in good condition at the year's end.

~ LONGHORN HERD COMPOSITION 12-31-76

Steers Total !2 ~ Bulls Calf 29 6 22 57 1 yr. 15 3 15 33 2 yrs. ll 2 8 21 Mature I 72 158 TOTAL 11t 18 117 269 23

c. El.k

On January .l, the e.lk population totaled 40 head; consisting of 8 calves, 21 covs, 2 spike bul1s, and 9 mature bul.ls.

The main ellt herd was pastured in Unit 128A until July 16, then moved to Unit 28B. The elk herd in Unit 27 vas re­ organized by removing one cov and adding another mature bul..l. This herd consists of three cows and two mature bulls.

The surplus elk were roped and hauled to the corral.a on October 12. Five animals were captured, three for donation and two were for replacements.

Two cows were shipped to Chahinkapa Zoo , Wahpeton, North Dakota. One mature bull. was shipped to the zoo at Watertown, South Dakota.

At y-ear•s end, all animals appeared in good condition. The herd consists of the following:

Cal.Tes - 4, Cows - 23, Spike bul1s - 3, Mature bul.ls - 10, Total - 40.

d. Deer Both mule and white-tailed deer popu.lations on the refuge were stable. The annual increment was removed by egress, coyote predation, and disease. On 9-2- 76, the white-tailed buck and doe on exhibit in Unit 27 SUCCUJ11bed to an undiagnosed ailment. Based on other white-tailed deer losses in the State, personnel of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission indicates death was caused by- either Epizootis Hemorrhagic Disease {EHD) or Blue Tongue.

e. Antelope

The antelope population varies with the movement of a few animals visiting the south vest units ot the refuge. A buck and doe are still contained in the exhibition pasture #2T. This doe did produce a kid in the spring but it disappeared after one observation.

2 . other Mammals

a. Coyote The coyote continues to be our chief predator. The high price paid for long haired f'urs have encouraged much interest in coyote harvest and many of the coyotes that ranged off the refuge failed to return. Mr. Tfqlor, a 24

ra.ncher on our south boundary, had trapped 18 coyotes by December 31. Three animals were removed from the elk pasture bJ Service persQnnel.

b. Black-tailed Prairie Dogs- The residents ot our dog town strongly expressed their biological potentia1 this spring. By fall, pioneering prairie dogs were digging new burrows south of the county road in Unit 27 and west of the tour road. We generally try to contain the town to the area north of the county road and east of the tour road.

3. Resident Birds a. Sharp-tailed Grouse The dancing grounds survey was accomplished during the veek ot April 12. About 137 meJ.es and 53 females were observed on 10 different grounds. In 1975, we counted 139 males on 11 grounds. There is no grouse hunting on the refuge and usual.ly our population :follows the pattern of populations on the surrounding private J.and. This winter we appear to be holding more birds than usual and this is credited to the drought. Our habitat is still in excellent condition vhile·most of the neighboring ranchers have severel.y' over­ grazed their ·lands.

b. BobWhi te Quail Quail were seen and heard frequen"bl.y along the Niobrara. River and around headquarters. During the winter season at least one cov~ did feed around the weaner calf feed bunks.

c. Merriam Turkey Flocks of 10-20 birds are frequently observed along the :Niobrara River in the stands of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). These flocks are constantly ranging on and off the refuge, but refuge population trend is level at the present.

4. other Animal Life a. -Fish The Nebraska. Game and Parks Commission continues to use the stock ponds on the south side of the Niobrara River for brood fish holding ponds. All the ponds in the north pasture have been abandoned except the upper pond on Big Beaver creek. Since the north pasture is pa.rt of the Wilderness 25

area, this pond will be phased out of the State Hatchery program in 1977.

Two ponds in exhibition pasture #27 continue to be used by the Gavins Point NFH to hold northern pike (Esox lucius) and waJ.leye (Stizostedion vitreum). These populations of fish had been raised from fry on arti:ficia.l diet. Plans are to take eggs from these pond fish and find i:f a greater percentage of their progeny will adapt to the intensive method of :fish cul.ture.

V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION A. Information and Interpretation

1 . On Ref'uge a. Wildlife Tour Routes

Unit #27 is the only exhibition pasture containing a system of roads open to public use. Small numbers of buffalo, elk, antelope, Texas longhorn steers, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and Canada geese are on displ~ year around. A plan to expand the tour routes into the West and East buff'a.lo ranges has been developed but not implemented due to limited funds. About 95 per cent of' the ref'uge visitors use the existing tour route. We estimate that total refuge Visits in 1976 were about 88,395.

b. Wildlife Trails

The Fort Falls trail was a very popular attraction to most visitors. This trail was reconditioned by the YCC and expanded to include a trail leading along the Niobrara River to the refuge picnic area. Future plans include upgrading the supporting information system.

c. Interpretive Exhibits The old museum continued to interest visitors but the quality of the program suffered as vandels remoTed or destroyed some of the more interesting exhibits concerning the Indian tribes. The building was closed to the public on November 1, and if the exhibits can be revamped this winter, will be reopened this spring. The new InterpretiTe building was not opened to the public because most of the exhibits are incomplete and an access road has not been constructed. The employee entrance to the new Interpretive and Administrative Center has served as the principal. access since the bui•ldlblg was occupied in 1974. (FTN R6-25-76 RME)

I r

:)., The center has a front entrance and sidewalk that leads to ~ ll nowhere. (F.m R6-28-76 RME) ~f-- !v... -' ld'v1 3 26

2. Oft-Refuge

a. News Releases

News releases were made on the tollo'W'i.ng programs. A weekly release was made on the progress ot the eight week YCC program. Two re1eases were made on the surplus buffalo and Texas longhorn sale. A rel.ease was made when Cherry County received their share ot refuge revenues in the form ot a $46,485.07 check.

b. Slide Ta.lks and Demonstrations Personnel trom. the refuge complex presented programs about Fort Niobrara and Valentine refuges to all the l.ocal. schools during National Wil.dlife Week. The Refuge Manager was on the Cherry- County Bicentennial Committee and directed a bicentennial pagent which depicted the early history of Cherry County and Fort Niobrara.

B. Recreation

1. Wildlands Appreciation

a.~

The Niobrara River is one of the best canoeing waters in Nebraska, if not the best. The favorite section of river is :from. Cornell Dam on Fort Niobrara refuge to Rocky Ford, a distance of about 15 miles. In 1975, we had 6,366 canoeists and in 1976 we recorded 6,994 canoeists. We know that some interest in canoeing this portion of the river is generated by the possibility that some of it will be flooded by the Nordan Dam. Regardl.ess of the outcome of court action concerning the potential. Nordan Dam, we expect canoeing use on the river through the ref'uge to continue to increase. canoeing will be one of the principal methods of enjoying the Fort Niobrara Wilderness area.

b. Censusing Method All of the vehicle routes into the refuge are monitored with a system of traffic counters. The estimates of participation in most activities is developed from this traffic counter data.

c. Public Dem.and We see an increase in visitor use of the refuge activities. 27

Under the current manpower and ~ding priorities, we have not been able to keep pace with the pubUc demands on the are-.. As a result, some trails and supporting information systems have deteriorated in condition. 2. Hon-Wildlife Oriented a. Camping We have had some requests for camping and do have some illegal camping. UsuaJ:l.y, we send potential campers to the VaJ.entine City park. The illegal camping is discovered af'ter the tact, a situation which will not be corrected witil additional night patrols can be funded. b. Picnicing We maintain a picnic area which supports the wildlife - wildlands activities, however, it is recognized that some visitors visit only for the purpose of a picnic. We see no way to control this situation and accept it as part ot the total public use program. C. Enforcement

During the year patrols, both day and night, vere made when evidence of violations occurred. We are not in the fiscal position to support routine patrols, except during the deer and turkey hunting seasons. Tvo cases were filed in county court on camping in a restricted area. The de:tendants were Park Robinson and Darrell A. Frazer of Ashland, Nebraska. They were fined $18.oo each.

VI. OTHER I~ A. Field Investigations None to report. B. Cooperative Programs ~. Youth Conservation CoJ'.1)

The Fort Niobrara retuge vas the headquarters for a 20 person non-residential., coeducational YCC camp. 'l'he enrollees started the eight week camp on June 14 and finished August 6. While we tried to interest both boys and girl.sin the program, we were only able to sign up six girl.a. The rest ot the vacancies were filled with boys. All the original. enrollees were able to complete the camp. 28

The YCC statt were recruited from the Valentine and Cody school systems. The YCC staff' consisted of' Mr. Boyd D. Powell as Camp Director, Mr. Kenneth E. Cox as Environmental Educational · Coordinator, Mrs. Lynda A. Bennett, Mr. Jay H. Bergland, and Mrs. Diana O. Hoffmann as Group Leaders. The enrollees worked on projects on both Fort Niobrara and Valentine refuges. These projects included; fish population surveys, lake profile maps, trash hauling, trail mulching, fence construction and repair, painting signs and buildings, bridge repair, removal. of abandoned buildings and fences, and banding of Canada geese. 2. Grade Schools Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Ballard, representing the Bill Y. Tomiyasu Elementry School, Las Vagas, Nevada visited the refuge and requested permission to salvage skeleton material from our bone yard for use in their grade school program. They were able to gather some good material from the remains of a cow elk.

These school teachers were delighted with the "goodies" ,e..,,.;J • l ~4 they found in our boneya.rd. (FTN R9-9-76 RME) ~f' _ r f.v/J .. lr 29 c. Items of Interest Ivan Wiley, Laborer; whose employment is subject to furlough when services are not required, was furloughed on 1-3-76 and returned to work on 3-1-76. James Spence, Maintenance Worker, went to Hastings WMA the week of 3-19-76 and assisted in checking marshes tor sick or dead waterfowl due to fowl cholera. On 4-6-76, Jim was presented his 10 year pin trom Chuck Sowards, Assistant Area Manager. This presentation was made on the evening prior to the spring buffalo round-up.

Chuck Sowards presented Jim Spence with a ten year service pin. (FTN R5-9-76 RME) ~\:.~ frtV.. f ~4 <;-'

Robert Ellis, Refuge Manager, attended a workshop on PPBE in Washington, D.C. on 4-9-76. A couple weeks later on 4-22-76, he completed an 8 hour training course on Crime Scene Investigation. The Valentine Chamber of Commerce sponsored their Annual Canoe Races down the Niobrara River on 6-5-76. A total of 52 contestants entered this year, some from 300 miles away. This race starts at the Cornell Bridge, goes through the refuge and ends at the Berry Bridge seven miles down stream.

Dr. Walter Smith, Department of Interior Auditor, was here in August to evaluate the housing situation on the refuge. 30

On 9-2-76, James Spence, Maintenance Worker and Forrest Brooks, Administrative Technician completed the Firearms Course and qualified on the pistol range. This course was conducted by the Cherry County sheriff's department. These men are now qualified to carry firearms while on law enforcement patrol.

Janice Edwards, Clerk-typist received a. promotion f'rom GS-2 to GS-3 effective 10-17-76. Robert Ellis, Refuge Manager and Forrest Brooks, Administrative Technician attended a workshop in Pierre 12-8-76 on the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act.

Two oil spills occurred in the Valentine area this year, both on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. The first one occurred on 3-7-76, the Refuge Manager received a request f'rom. the Area Office to investigate an oi:l spill on the Northwestern Railroad tracks near Crookston, Nebraska. Four tank ears had gone off the track on a bridge over the Minnechaduza Creek. This creek empties into the Niobrara River on the refuge. The cars were loaded with a thick crude oil similar to roofing tar or road tar. This oi1 has to be heated to 250° before it wil:l now. These cars had a capacity of 20,000 gallons each. Only one car had ruptured, but some had been lost f'rom another car. About 10,000 gallons were buried on high ground and the remaining petroleum pUlllped into other cars. About 500 gallons spilled into the creek and immediately cooled to a rock like consistency.

, A tanker spilled part of its load of reduced crude oil into a ditch leading to the Minnechaduza creek. (Fl'N R3-13-76 RME) The second occurred on 4-9-76, about 6 miles east ot Valentine. Seven cars were off the track, two loaded coa.l cars, tour tankers loaded with crude oil, and one car ot bentonite. This wreck was in the sandhiUs on high ground. About 2,000 gallons of oil spilled but was easily contained and none went into the watershed.

Crude oil seeping from a derai·led tank.er east of Valentine, LL-/ Bebraska. (1TH R4-5-76 RME) ~jf_ _(ft,t,.l)t , t,

This report was written by the Refuge Manager and the Administrative Assistant. The Clerk-typist typed the entire report.

D. Safety: 1. Accidents A total ot tour accidents occurred during the year. One by refuge personnel, one by ICC statt, and two accidents by ICC enrollees.

On 5-18-76, James Vaughn, Maintenance Worker was splicing woven wire on a buffalo fence. As the tension ot the wire increased, the twister got away f'rom him and on the first turn it hit him on the thumb. The thumb was x-rqed and showed no broken bones, but it was painful for a couple of weeks.

On 6-18-76, Diana Hoffmann, YCC Youth Leader, contacted some 32

poison ivy while cleaning a nature trail, she was reinfected at a YCC camp site on Dad's Lake on the Valentine Retuge on 6-30-76. As anyone knows who has had poison ivy, this is a very painful and uncomfbrtable condition. On T-21-76, Myron Spence, YCC enrollee vas unrolli.ng barbwire and was cut on the arm. Several stitches were required to mend the cut.

On 7-23-16, Sherry Sharp, YCC enrollee was helping move a. duck trap while preparing to paint it, and dropped it on her toe. X-rays determined that nothing was broken, but vas paintal to V&lk on tor a fe,, dqs.

The only serious injury in these tour accidents was to the pride of the administrative statt. This occurred in the nusterating Job of trying to pry the doctor bills out of the Bureau of Employment COlllpensation.

2. Meetings !formally we have a sa.fety meeting each month, but we had two in December last year so did not have one in Januar,. Thus, we had eleven meetings during the year where a wide variety of subJects were discussed and several films were shown. Each employee takes their turn conducting these meetings.

Following is a list of the safety meetings held in l.976:

~ Subject Discussed Chairperson 2/27/76 Vehicle Satety Arthur Autdengarten Mechanic 3/26/76 Livestock Handl.ing Robert Ellis Retuge Manager 4/30/76 Boat Safety Delmar Robinson Fisheey Supervisor 5/28/76 Visitor Sa.:f'ety Forrest Brooks Administrative Assist.ant 6/28/76 Range Fires James Spence Maintenance Worker 7/2/76 Grazing Maintenance Safety James Vaughn Maintenance Worker 8/30/76 Law Enforcement Larry Vaughn Biological. Technician 9/27/76 Farm Safety Ivan Wiley Laborer 10/26/76 Shop Sa.fety David Kime Maintenance Worker ll./29/76 Household Safety Janice Edwards Clerk-typist 12/20/76 Yule Tide Safety Robert Nagel Assistant Refuge Manager 33

The following tillllS were shown: Safety Everywhere Everything to·Loose Lost Hunter Education, Enginee.ring, Enforcement Common Errors in Fire Fighting Before We Hunt To Strike a Balance Skill in Your Business Fire, TWO Ways Out Inclement Weather Driving FORT NIOBRARA NWR

Longhorn Bulls 12- 28- 76

Class Number Age Total

lA 2696 7 yrs . 2A 212 4 yrs. (2)

1B 320 3 yrs. 2B 322 3 yrs. 3B 3106 3 yrs. 4B 3107 3 yrs. 5B 3108 3 yrs. (5) lC 430 2 yrs. 2C 462 2 yrs. (2) lD 522 1 yr. 2D 527 1 yr. 3D 546 1 yr. ( 3)

lE 612 Calf 2E 619 Calf 3E 651 Calf 4E 673 Calf 5E 678 Calf 6E 681 Calf (6)

GRAND TOTAL ( 18) POST-SALE

LONGHORN COW PREGNACY TEST Fort Niobrara NWR 9-13-76

Number Resu1ts Number Results Number Results

p 7 241 p 450 (H) p 16 0 (sale?) p p 244 452 0 21 246 p 452 (H) 0 22 P sale p p p 250 455 (H) 41 p p p 257 455 48 p p p 261 461 106 p p p 276 461 (H) 108 p p p 281 466 109 p p p 294 466 (H) 110 301 p 469 p ll4 p sale p p p 309 473 124 310 p p 126 p 477 p ll7 ? 481 1 132 p p p 325 488 134 330 0 sale 498 p 136 p p ? 500 ? 137 .m p p 339 P · 503 136 p p p 345 508 146 p p 347 531 0 Keep 150 (sale?) p p 350 0 sale 1830 167 357 P (sal.e'l) 1839 p 175 p p p 358 181 359 0 sale 186 p p p 364 187 0 Keep O? 372 189 384 0 194 p p 395 402 p 0 Keep 199 403 p 206 ? 407 p 208 p p p 403 (H) 211 sale 410 (H) 0 215 p p p 418 (H) 219 421 (H) O? 223 p p p 434 (H) 226 435 p 229 p p p 436 232 p 235 p 441 (H) p 446 (H) 0 sale 237 447 (H) p

81 Pregnant 14 Open 5 Not tested 100 Total FORI' NIOBRARA mm 5- 3-76 Longhorn Heifers (Yearlings)

Birth Days For e- Brand Date Olci RH head LH Pole Wei~ht Factor Dam Sire

593 3-26 403 7. 50 6. 50 7. 50 20 . 25 540 . 0186 $ 502 2696 504 3-27 402 8. 50 7 8. 50 22 . 75 485 - . 0211 ,ii 110 303 505 3- 27 402 8. 25 8 8. 25 24 . 25 570 . 0205 1 281 303 506 3- 28 401 7. 50 6. 50 7. 50 19 . 50 455 .0187 /1 345 316 510 3- 29 400 8 7. 50 8 22 470 .0200 ~ 126 212 512 3- 30 399 9 6 9 20. 25 515 • 0225 ~ 199 316 513 3- 30 399 8 7 8 20. 25 480 . 0200 206 304 515 4-1 398 7. 50 6.75 7. 75 20 . 50 533 . 0188-1"' 229 316 516 4- 1 398 7.25 6. 50 7. 25 20 555 . 0182 ' l 4 320 517 4-1 398 7. 25 7 7 19 410 . 0182 1 134 2696 518 4-2 397 7.25 6. 50 7 19.75 500 .0182 . 150 304 523 4- 5 394 9 7 9 22 . 50 485 .0228 2 347 303 526 4-7 392 7.75 6 7. 75 20. 50 385 . 0198 'l 124 303 528 4-8 391 8 6. 75 8 21 405 - . 0205 ~ 435 3108 532 4-10 389 7. 25 6. 50 7.25 20. 50 465 . 0186 21 3108 538 4-12 387 8.75 7 8.75 23 490 . 0226 , 276 303 542 4-14 385 9 6. 50 9 22 . 50 465 . 0234 ~- 136 316 547 4-17 382 7 6. 75 1 19 365 . 0183 7.() 481 3108 550 4- 20 379 8. 50 5.75 8 19 .75 390 .0224 5 253 2696 551 4-21 378 7. 25 6. 50 7 18.75 390 .0192 I 488 3108 r 552 4-22 377 6. 50 0 6 17.75 375 . 0172 r 114 2696 553 4-22 377 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 21.25 440 . 0199 I 372 2696 556 4-23 376 7. 50 6. 50 7.50 21 500 . 0199 n. 194 3108 557 4-24 375 7 4.75 7 17.50 380 .0187 11 461 316 568 5-28 340 6. 50 6.25 6. 25 18 360 . 0121 244 304 ll,408 •• 4972

25 heifers 456 .3 . 0199 FORT UIOBRA.RA NWR 5- 3-76 Longhorn Steers (Yearlings)

Birth Days Fore- Brand Date 01.d RH head IJl Pole Weight Factor Dam Sire 502 3-25 404 8. 25 8 8. 25 23 .75 540 . 0204 H 358 303 507 3-28 401 9. 50 8.50 9. 50 26. 75 552 · • 0237 '2.. 237 212 509 3- 29 400 7. 50 7. 50 7. 50 22 . 50 560 . 0188 ~., 136 303 511 3- 20 399 7. 50 6.75 7.25 20. 50 410 . 0188 '4 235 304 514 3- 30 399 8 7. 50 8 23 535 • 0200 1 V 181 2696 519 4-2 397 7. 50 8 7. 50 ~3 ~om ~ • 0189 .. ~ 189 316 520 4-2 397 8. 25 7. 50 8. 25 24 515 • 0208 12. 246 212 521 4- 3 396 8 7.75 8. 25 23 . 50 570 .0202 ' 373 212 525 4-7 392 9.50 7 9. 50 26 470 . 0242 I 241 316 533 4-11 388 9 8 9 25 .25 555 . 0232 "' 477 2696 535 4-11 388 9 7.75 8.75 24 495 .0232 b 167 320 536 4-11 388 9 7 9 24 . 75 535 .0232 7 132 320 537 4-12 387 7,75 8 7. 75 23 575 . 0200 '1 175 304 540 4-14 385 7. 50 6.75 7.50 21.25 533 . 0195 403 316 543 4-15 384 8. 50 7.25 8. 50 23 522 . 0221 'o 41 303 *544 4-15 384 7. 50 7.25 7.25 21 510 • 0195 -\ 1830 303 545 4-16 383 9 7.50 9 23 . 50 595 ,0235 u 294 304 548 4-18 381 9 7 9 24 515 . 0236 3 498 3108 1 549 4-18 381 7.50 6. 75 7. 25 21.50 500 .0197 I 301 3108 554 4-23 376 8 6 7. 75 21.25 480 • 0213 II 211 212 559 5-5 363 7. 50 6 7.25 20 .75 380 . 0207 1".: 257 304 561 5- 8 360 6.75 6 6. 75 18. 25 450 . 0188 5 364 320 564 5-19 349 7 7 7 20 405 • 0200 \~- 109 3108 565 5-19 349 7.50 6 7. 50 20 435 • 0215 \() 223 212 566 5-22 346 7. 50 7. 50 7.75 23 430 . 02I7 :i 505 2696 12,151 .5273

25 Steers 485 . 0 . 0211 *544 is branded 504 504 is a heifer FORT 1UOBRARA NWR Longhorn Bulls (Yearlings) 5-3-76

Birth Days Fore- Brand Date Ol d RH head LH Pole Weight Factor Dam Sire

522 4- 3 396 10. 25 9.50 10.25 28. 75 645 . 0259 I 503 320 527 4-7 392 10 8 9.75 25 . 50 630 . 0255 . 146 303 534 4-11 388 10 7. 50 10 26 . 25 600 • 0258 ;; 261 303 546 4-17 382 9. 50 7. 75 9. 25 25 . 50 635 .0249 1./ 007 2696 563 5-15 367 8 8 8 23 .50 445 • 0218 e 022 3107 2955 .1239 5 Yearling Bull s 591 . 0248 FrN LONGHORN BREEDING SCHEDULE CY-76

June 15, 1976 - August 16, 1976

Unit #32 Uni t #36 Unit #34 Unit #37 Unit #29 Unit #39 BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL #303 #322 #3107 #3106 #462 #430 Cow Cal f Cow Calf Cow Calf Cow Cal f Cov Cal f Cow Calf Cow Calf 41-670 007-638 021-676 108- 656 110-614 16-672 l 134-650 022-S.B. 048-617 219- 642 126-649 106-667 2 137-623 109-618 136- 627 223- DRY 132- 605 181-666 3 150-633 114-654 208-641 235-658 146- 646 187-607 4 186-644 124- 629 226-661 237- 647 167- 678 189-622 5 211-639 136- 640 232- 675 246- 653 175- 682 244- 660 6 215- 679 194- 635 241-645 301-628 199-651 410- H 7 229-637 206-655 261- 601 309-664 257- 662 8 250-674 294- 620 281- 657 317- 621 276-616 9 330-DRY 372-613 310-612 339/7-624 325- 668 10 345- 609 418- H 339-615 350- 677 357- 625 11. 403- 659 421.- H 347- 643 403- H 364-681 12 450- H 469- H 358- 610 407- 603 384-680 13 455- 630 481- 636 35'9-DRY 434- H 435-619 14 477- DRY 500-669 395- 663 486- 6:n 452- 673 15 402- H 441- H 461-608 16 446- H 447- H 498- 626 17 455- H 452- H 1830-648 18 466- 665 461- H 19 473-606 466- H 20 503-632 488-604 21 531-631 508-652 22 1839- 602 23

15-12 15-ll 23-19 22-14 1.8-18 7 - 6 100 - 80 SALES DATA 1976 Fort Niobrara N.W.R. 10-13-76 LONGHORNS

Class Age Top Buyer Top Price

Cow 6 yr. Edward Mitchell, Fleming Co. $810 .00 Bull 3 yr. Gene Kramer, Sutherland, Nebr. 650 .00 Steer 13 yr. Warren Van Hook, Westpoint, Indiana 560,00 Heifer 6 mo. Marden Ma.lmsten, Burwell, Nebr. 830,00 Steer 6 mo . William Talcott, Worden, Mont. 240.00

SALE SUMMARY 1976 SALE

Class Age No. Sold Price Baid Top Price Average Price

Heifers 1 yr. 10 $5 ,365. 00 $825.00 $536. 50 Cows Adult lO 5,740.00 Bio.oo 574.oo Bulls Adult l 650. 00 650.00 650.00 Bulls l. yr. 1 360.00 360 .00 360.00 Heifer Calves 12 6,370.00 830 . 00 530.83 Steer Calves 12 2 ,435.00 240.00 202,92 Steers Adul.t 9 2,725.00 560.00 302 .78 Steers 1 yr. 10 1 , 840.00 200.00 184. 00

TOTALS 65 $25,485.00 $830.00 $392.08

SALE SUMMARY 1975 SALE

Class Age No. Sold Price Pa.id Top Price Average Price

Heifers l yr. 9 $3,445.00 $625.00 $382.77 Cows Adul.t 9 2,750.00 455.00 280.55 Bulls Adult 1 290. 00 290.00 290.00 Bulls l yr. 3 1,030.00 370,00 343.33 Bulls Calves 2 790.00 500.00 395.00 Heifers Calves 6 2,090.00 530.00 348.33 Steers Calves 2 570.00 300.00 285 .00 Steers Adul.t 1.l 3,315. 00 400.00 292 ,72 Steers l yr. 10 1,920.00 210.00 188.50

TOTALS 53 $16,200.00 $625.00 $305.66 FORT NIOBRARA NWR

Texas Longhorns CY- 76 Updated 12- 23- 76

Age Class & Keep Sold (1976 Sale) Sex

Steers: Mature 72 5 2 yrs. 8 6 1 yr. 15 10 Calves 22 12

TOTAL 117 33

Cows : Mature 19 6 2 yrs. 11 4 1 yr, 15 10 Calves 29 12

TOTAL 134 32

Bulls: Mature 7 1 2 yr s, 2 0 1 yr. 3 1 Calves 6 0 TOTAL 18 2

GRAND TOTAL 67 FORT NIOBRARA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 5-19-76 Lohghorn Calves 1976

No . Date Sex Cow Bull Description

601 3-22 H 261. 2696 Red roan, red on shoulders, white rump. 602 3-22 H 1839 3107 Blue, white on hips, and back, and head. 603 3-23 H 407 303 Light red and white spoted, red on side, white on back. 604 3-24 B 488 212 White, red ear, nose, red specks on hind feet . 605 3-24 B 132 212 White face, red on neck, white body, red spots on left hip. 606 3- 24 B 473 303 White body, light brown spots on legs & body, 607 3- 24 H 187 3108 Light red. 608 3-25 B 461 3108 Very light red. 609 3/25 B 345 212 Light red, white on belly. 610 3-25 B 358 303 Black w/white on belly. 611 3-26 H 502 2696 Red body, white spots on forehead, hip and tail. 612 3-27 B 310 2696 Red over shoulders, white on hips, red down back. 613 3-27 H 372 3108 Red 614 3-29 H llO 303 White face, light red and white. 615 3-29 H 339(B) 3108 Red body, white over tail & tail head, white around eyes. 616 3- 29 H 276 2696 White on head w/white spot in center of head, red & white. 617 3- 29 H 48 212 Red with bald face. 618 3-29 H 109 2696 Red head with line in forehead. 619 3-29 B 435 303 Whi te body, red spots on left hip. 620 3- 29 B 294 212 White on body, brown on head, top of back, spots on heels. 621 3-30-76 H 317 2696 Black w/white belly and flank. 622 3-30 H 189 303 White, red on head, spots on body, large spot on right hip. 623 3-30 H 137 3108 Red body, roan on back and hips. 624 3-30 B 339/7 3107 White body w/red ears, nose, & eyes, red specks. 625 3-30 Ii 357 3108 Red with white in forehead. 626 3-31 H 498 303 White , red ears, red on front and hind feet . 627 4-1 H 136(B) 303 White body, red head, red legs. 628 4-1 B 301. 212 Red head, white forehead, white body. 629 4-1 H 124 212 Red, white spot in head, white on hind legs & belly. 630 4- 3 H 455 212 Solid red w/white belly. 631 4-2 B 531 3108 White w/red nose & ears, red on feet, red specks on sides o of neck. 632 4-3 H 503 462 Whi te body, black on neck, blue around eyes & shoulder s. 633 4-4 B 150 303 Red body, wbi te on top of forehead. 634 4- 4 B 4 462 All. white. 635 4-4 B 194 3108 Red head, shoulders, r ed spots over hindquarters. 636 4-4 B 481 303 Solid red on back & neck, white patch on forehead, speckled over tail.. 637 4-4 H 229 Red over frontquarters, white on :forehead, white spots on shoulders. 638 4-4 H 07 212 Solid red, white spot left flank. 639 4- 4 H 211 2696 Sol id light red. 640 4-5 H 136 3107 Light red w/white specks on back. 641 4- 5 H 208 3107 White body, black nose and ears. 642 4-5 B 219 3108 White body, r ed ears, nose, & legs. t;43 4- 6 B 347 3107 Black with white specks on nose & tail. .,44 4-6 H 186 303 White body, light red on neck, red spots on both sides. 645 4- 6 B 241. 3107 Gruel.la, white specks on rump. 646 4-7 H 146 462 Black on shoulders & forelegs, white hindquarters. Page 2 Longhorn calves 1976, i..o. Date Sex -Cow Bull Description 647 4-7 B 237 3108 Red on shouJ.ders, red spots on hindquarters. 648 4-7 B 1830 303 White body, red on neck. 649 4-7 H 126 31.08 Light red, white bag. 650 4- 8 B 134 31.08 Red, white spot in back bone and top of head. 651. 4-9 B 199 31.08 Read - roan 652 4-10 H 508 3108 Red with white line down back. 653 4-10 H 246 2696 Red & white with white spot in forehead. 654 4-10 H 114 2696 Red, white on belly. 655 4-11 B 206 2696 Red body, white mark on forehead, side and flanks. 656 4-U H 108 212 Red and white speckled. 657 4-ll B 281. 303 Red body, white mark on forehead, shite stripe on left hip. 658 4-1.3 H 235 3108 Red body, white on hips, red head, white spots on face. 659 4-14 B 403 2696 Al.l. red, white on belly, roan on rear.legs. 660 4-14 H 244 303 White w/l.ight brown spots, yel.low up back. 661 4-14 B 226 303 White body, red head, red legs. 662 4-15 B 257 303 Red w/white spots on back at top of tail. 663 4-1.5 B 395 3107 Black w/blue in face, back and belly. 664 4-1.5 B 309 31.08 Light brown. 665 4-16 B 466 212 White on belly, back, rear, red head & legs. 666 4-16 H l.81 3108 Red w/line down back, white tail, specks in face. 667 4-16 H 106 2696 All red body. 668 4-18 H 325 3108 Red w/white spot in forehead, white tail, white specks over rump. 669 4-18 H 500 31.08 White body, red ears, red speckled face. 670 4-18 B 41 303 Red & white, white spot on forehead, white flanks. 671. 4- 20 B 436 303 Brown ears, nose, specks, white on body. 672 4-20 H 16 303 Red body, white over hips, bald faced. 673 4-23 B 452 21.2 White body, red on neck & head, red spots on hocks. 674 4- 26 B 250 303 White with red on neck, red spots on sides, white face, 675 4-28 H 232 31.07 Black head, legs , white body, black spot on right hip, white in forehead. 676 4-29 H 21 462 All red, white on belly, tip of tail. 677 4-29 B 350 2696 Red body, with spots, bald faced. 678 4-30 B l.67 462 Grul\ll.a 679 4-30 B 215 2696 White body, red on eyes, down back and legs. 680 5-2 B 384 462 White . 681 5- 2 B 364 3107 Gr~l.a 682 5-l.6 H 175 3107 Red rea.n.

(42 Heifers) (40 bulls)

Total calves; 82

Preface

The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964 (Public Law 88-577) requires that the Secretary of the Interior review every roadless area of 5,000 contiguous acres or more and every roadless island, regardless of size, within the National Wildlife Refuge System within ten years after the effective date of the Act, and report to the President of the United States his recommendations as to the suitability or nonsuitability of each such area or island for preservation as wilderness. A recom­ mendation of the President for designation as wilderness does not become effective unless provided by an Act of Congress. In defining wilderness, the Act also included areas of less than 5,000 acres that are of sufficient size to make preservation and use in an unimpaired condition practicable. Sections 4(a) and (b) of the Wilderness Act provided that: ( 1) the Act is to be within and supplemental to the purposes for which National Wildlife Refuges are established; and (2) wilderness areas shall be ad­ ministered so as to preserve their wilderness character and shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educa­ tional, conservation and historical use insofar as primary refuge objectives permit. Wilderness designation does not remove or alter an area's status as a National Wildlife Refuge. This summary describes the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge which has been studied by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife at the direction of the Secretary of the Interior to determine its poten­ tial for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Introduction

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1912 by Executive Order No. 1461. The refuge is under exclusive administra­ tion of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and contains 19, 123 acres of high benchlands and rolling plains-traversed by the Niobrara River. The original goals were to preserve and protect the bison which at the time the refuge was established were in danger of extinction. Later, Texas longhorns and elk were added to the management program. Emphasis now is in the maintenance of bison and elk herds representa­ tive of the vast herds that once roamed the northern plains. The long­ horn herd is maintained as one of two government herds to protect the historical strain of basic breeding stock. Secondary objectives include: ( 1) Manage habitat to provide wildlife diversity and prevent extinction of rare and endangered wildlife species; (2) Expand understanding and appreciation of wildlife and wildlands and man's role in this environment; and (3) Preservation of the natural­ ness and historical features of the area. TWENT\-FIFTll REl.LL.\k lNFJ\:>:TR\". l - $. ,\.

History

Prior to 1870, Sioux Indians inhabited this portion of Nebraska. The first white settlers came from Texas and established residency along the Niobrara River mainly to raise cattle to sell to the Federal Govern­ ment for Indian Reservations in nearby South Dakota. The Fort Niobrara Military Reservation, containing some 55,000 acres, was established in 1879 to keep the Sioux on their South Dakota reservation and control cattle and horse rustling. The Fort stimulated the movement of more homesteaders into the area as did the Kincaid Act of 1904. The Fort was abandoned as a military post in October of 1906, but the land was retained as a remount station until 1911. In 1911 about 13,280 acres were set aside as a refuge for breeding native birds. Early in 1912, Mr. J. W. Gilbert offered 6 bison, 17 elk and 2 white­ tailed deer to the Federal Government for preservation with the under­ standing they would remain in Nebraska. Since there were no Federal funds available for fencing the refuge_for big game animals, the citizens of Valentine, Nebraska generously offered to assist in the construction of a 213 acre fenced pasture. In 1936, six Texas longhorn cattle were transferred to the refuge from the Wichita Mountains Refuge in Oklahoma. Since the first introductions, active herds of bison, elk and longhorns have been maintained. Physical Description

The refuge is within the Niobrara River Basin near the geographic center of the vast Missouri River Basin. The Niobrara River divides the refuge into two well-defined units. The area north of the river is high benchland capped with sandy soil. Six deep canyons divide the benchland diagonally from northwest to southeast. Five of these canyons, covered with interior Ponderosa pine and mixed hardwoods, carry water to the Niobrara River. This northern area contains 4,550 acres, including a 200 acre Ponderosa pine natural area. The portion south of the river, containing approximately 13,000 acres, is an elevated rolling plain about 100 feet above the valley floor. The area is comprised of loose sandy soil not suitable for cultivation but supports moderate stands of mid to tall grasses. This area also con­ tains several pasture fences and the headquarter complex with associated recreation facilities. The climate of the area is one of considerable variation. Winters are cold with northwest prevailing winds, while summers are quite warm with prevailing winds from the south. Temperatures vary between -38° to 110° with an annual precipitation of 17 inches. The average frost-free period is about 150 days.

Resources

The most important resources of Fort Niobrara Refuge are its wildlife and associated land. The bison, truly a symbol of American heritage, has been successfully managed from near extinction to a herd of 225 animals. The same is true of Texas longhorn cattle. Starting with a few head the refuge now maintains a herd of 232. While increasing the number in the herds, control was maintained to assure the natural blood strain remained representative of the herds of the old days. Other big game species present on the refuge include elk, antelope, mule deer and white-tailed deer. Elk number about 40, while both deer species average 30. Antelope are maintained strictly for exhibition purposes. At the present time five animals are available for the public to view. A variety of prairie rodents are present with the colorful prairie dog topping the list. A town of 15 acres is located near the exhibition pasture. Other mammals commonly seen are coyote, bobcat, weasels, skunks and badger. Bird life is quite numerous due to the diversity of habitat. A total of 205 species have been recorded with 79 species using the area for nesting. Waterfowl are not common because of the lack of wetland areas. The grassland areas are home for the sharptail grouse and the endangered Northern prairie chicken. Two active prairie chicken boom­ ing grounds are located on the refuge. In the river brakes and wooded canyon can be found Merrian's wild turkey, turkey vultures, bobwhite quail, fly catchers and numerous song birds. There is a wealth of fossil materials on the refuge. Seventeen distinct fossil sites have been excavated. Most of these sites have been re­ verted back to a natural state and exhibit little disturbance by man. Many valuable paleontological specimens have been removed and are on display at the Nebraska State Museum, Yale Peabody Museum, University of California Museum of Paleontology, the Frick Collection of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and at the refuge museum. No significant mineral resources of commercial value are known to exist on the refuge. A test for gas and oil reserves just west of the refuge proved negative and conditions on the refuge are deemed similar. \ l & Management development

Refuge management emphasizes the preservation and maintenance of representative herds of American bison, Texas longhorns and e~ for enjoyment of the American public. Management is also concerned with the preservation of rare and endangered species, resident wildlife and their associated habitat. Present management of the bison herd is to maintain a level of 225 head with a 50-50 sex ratio of all age classes. In September, the entire herd is rounded up for selection of surpluses and at the same time young of the year calves are vaccinated and branded. Surplus animals are selected on the basis of old age, injuries and nonrepre­ sentative types and sold live at a public auction in early October. The longhorn management program is geared to maintenance of a herd of 232 animals. Detailed records on parentage and lineage are kept on every animal in the refuge and all adult breeding stock are regis­ tered with the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association. Adult longhorn steers are pastured as exhibition animals for the public to see. Culled animals are placed on sale during the October auction or donated to tax supported organizations. Elk are limited to 40 head with surplus animals donated to tax supported organizations. Big game management at Fort Niobrara requires special facilities. Fences are constructed with 9-gauge wire, usually 7 to 8 feet high. Corrals are constructed of heavy timbers and carefully maintained to ensure safety of refuge personnel. Windmills and cattle rubs are located in certain pastures. The entire refuge is divided into 34 grazing units by 84 miles of fence. There are 46 miles of sand trails and six miles of graded road into the headquarters area. The majority of buildings were constructed in the 1930's. The existing Fort Niobrara Museum and office building were constructed in 1954. Located one-half mile east of headquarters are all the facilities for handling the surplus disposal program. Future developments are oriented to provide a safe, uncrowded oppor­ tunity for the public to enjoy the aesthetic values of the wildlife and wildlands of the area. Auto tour routes and overlooks will be added but not to the point of conflict with the primary purpose of wildlife management. Public use Recreational opportunities at Fort Niobrara are almost exclusively oriented to the wildlife and wildlands on the area. Total visitors to the area in 1972 were 63,512. Most of these visitors spent their time observing wildlife and wildlands. Most visitors are interested in observing bison, elk and Texas long­ horns in their native environment. The headquarters exhibition pasture provides an excellent opportunity to see a few animals, but plans are to provide two pastures over 4,000 acres in total size completely void of man-made objects for viewing the larger herds free of the "zoo" effect. Another major attraction is the museum and Fort Falls. The museum contains information on the old military fort, archeological specimens, grasses and wildlife. Fort Falls is reached by a foot trail where the visitor takes a leisurely walk to view a natural waterfall. Most public use occurs between May and September. Popular spring and early summer activities include canoeing and floating the Niobrara River. The launching site is on the refuge and the take out area just off the refuge. These activities will continue to be permitted within the proposed wilderness area.

,.I Social & economic considerations

Economic use of the refuge by local individuals is not a major con­ sideration. Prior to 1960, over 10,000 acres of grassland were leased to local permittees for haying and grazing. Since then no economic use of the resource has been offered. Under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act, Cherry County receives annually from five to ten thousand dollars. This figure represents 25 percent of the net receipts from the surplus animal disposal program and would not be affected by wilderness status. The attraction to the area by visitors appears to be the most beneficial social and economic consideration. The annual visitation to the refuge has steadily increased since 1968. Should this trend continue and should a wilderness area be established the economic benefits to near­ by Valentine, Nebraska would be highly beneficial.

\ ,. ,.. ~J © FORT NIOBRARA WILDERNESS PROPOSAL

FORT NIOBRARA N. W. R.

PRELIMINARY--SUIJECT TO CHANGE

. f,_..... •...... iT:1:: ...... ~~..E- .rill:... ~:: ...... ntt«.tc:: .. J~~ .. ·~·,_·=~... 1 UI -~ ..- ...... ~H~L...... ~~:...... :~~Ul:··...... ·· ••, .... '""

I~ nin~i~ntmu.nr~J' t~~ :::~ ~: ~~~t~~~1:~:~-H~~s: .,,,•·,;.; ,., .. ..•: ,~:¥.'4a \ LONGHORN PAS-,URE j •' ___.l ··'] LEGEND ·1----::,,- ' . . i ; )• ./·~~ i a1>·-···-----,.k=>-~=.- ·lL ··.·..-m~~ PROPOSED WILDERNESS , i· DoM 7•-Z~~<;,,.•"•, , /l, ~ ,d o ,·~ r ~ , _:_ • .,.;;; ,-, -11 ~ 1~,. f ~ I ' I • .... ~u- .. FOOT TRAIL , • I,/ a:=.. r·tJ, &,.· .. • ..·... '"·; ~· .~. - .?- \'-• . .,, • 0 _.--:, ·~ ,=.- • • '\'. : l ftlOGE · ' 1/C I .;---=';: \, ', I L, -==--> 0 • , ' ' I. - R TOWER I I 1:·--· i/t''""~. ri \ X c·J··u ' X k ... \,...... J ...... If, I 1(:/ ~+--, - ,: '., :• ; \ " "'l' ' "'"""' I \ ••• j ; iii CLAY Pll s,,,. ""' •o, ~ JL ??~-~/ \ I . __ . -t' _\ . us;'·..au~F~LO • .i.... !1 TRAILS ii:\·' , ffi\_!.,,.. • -- ... • . WIEraUF'FALO ftANGE '.:f . r PUBLIC ROAD I , : J ' 1\ t. ), : I use I~ l 1.pNGHORN • ~ I \ ' \ i ' ' I _ ,_ PRIMARY FENCE - D>r---.:-. _L, _. ·---,~:-1. - . I,: . : \ , ~ \ I ',, : I ~-11 J ~- PASf\JRE ~ ..1t\ r \ I '~. • • 1 .... PICNIC ARE"A rr, ,.. 1 '-· ·; \ 1, i ....:. ______----~·-······------>* 11 I r/ -., , ,.\ \ 1 1 'I .. ·.· RtFUGE HEADQUARTERS Ii ts , .. ' ~ , ,' .' , J 0 STOCK WATERING W£LI..-S !r-=9....!!....J L. d ,~ '·· .... L.-.,,~.,;,.=....-~=-- -=-r-T,-· X ·-i---t.=-.J...- ,- I 0 A SH BROOD PONO$ fi lo;~~~~.,' I /\ I L#:~,.. I .... I ': 11 6 FOSSIL DIGGING$ ·l ·PASTURE / • L~~"O~tt.L9'<';,.~.E 1 \, ·, II I : / POWER L INE ~~, ,. // , ' • • J< ' ~ ' , •• .r .: 1 \ / : ·---·-·---+-----:--r ·------·;~~~~ - -B~~F.LO RAI SERVICE TRAJLS (Clo.. d to Pti1'1ill,) -. , JI. ' • 1 I ' •

./A-/L~ --=~, : -~LONlO.N · 2000 0 lQ(X;" .-000 6000 -L-i..- ·_1_ =t~._. r 1 :,,.,--,...,,.,..------.:·- . I . !. mf•···: l t1lltt1fd S(4.t N rdf I I I! : .., , : I : , . . - I 'j! . I . I . I . . 11 ---~ ,.)L ...... J- ··-- , ..il ...... :. ~i , 1 1 ! ~ l _,/ I ,', I ~ - -- ~ .L ·-··--·1 II ..,_- ···i-··'. j ,_J/.... L.-~1 1,__ , _JJ ~--- WWW - ---• •-• - ~-- Conclusion

Since all of the existing and planned developments and intensive man­ agement occurs in the south portion of refuge below the Niobrara River, this area is not suitable for wilderness status. Approximately 14,488 acres are contained in this portion of the refuge.

The area north of the Niobrara River appears suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This area is virtually free of developments and contains approximately 4,635 acres in a single manageable unit. The Niobrara River will be included and will serve as the main source of access for the public to enter the wilder­ ness. There are no inholdings and no additional land need be required for the wilderness proposal. Some administrative vehicle entry will be necessary to maintain the boundary fence and treat or salvage diseased or disabled animals.

An Environmental Statement has been prepared for this proposal and is available on request. ,. , ...,, 6A North Platte Telegraph, Thursday. March 18. 1976 Habitat top priority at Valentine refuges By MARIANNE BEEL chemical made this treatment VALENTINE - Preserving and ,im- prohibitive, and last year we drained proving wildlife habitat is a priority nearly all of the water from Hackerry practice on the 80,000 acres of the Fort with a Crisafulli pump, then applied Niobrara and Valentine Wildlife rotenone to the small water area that refuges, according to refuge manager remained. 1be cost was about S4 an acre Bob Ellis. while it would cost $20 an acre for "It's been proven that range con- chemical." ditions in the Sandbills improve with From all indications, the renovation is manipulation," Ellis said. "Years ago, a success. Beside the fish kill, deep bard experiments with entirely no grazing freezes of the exposed lake bottom "is resulted in matted grass, and desirable nature's way of plowing,'' Ellis said. "It species replaced by cool season exotics rejuvenates and oxidizes the bottom and with the result in deminished wildlife promotes regrowth of aquatic ~ts." cover and poor range condition." During the fall months, dian "We went to a controlled grazing and geese and pheasants could be seen brow­ hay harvest program on the Valentine sing on the regrowth on the exposed lake refuge that promotes warm season bottom. When refill is completed, the grasses such as Big Blue Stem, In- waters will be restocked with game fish EATING BETTER - An estimated 60 million Bison once diangrass and Swithchgrass. They like Northern pike, which are important roamed the Great Plains. Just over 200 remain on the Fort provide wildlife protection in a heavy for the eggs stripped and shipped to dis­ Niobrara Refuge. where land management practices keep the snow cover as well as during the tant hatcheries, often in trade for other summer months," he said. species. range in good to excellent condition and result in these Bison The program allows limited use of Plans for the future are to renovate perhaps eating better than their ancestors did. animal unit months and restricted mow- other refuge lakes, including Long, ing. Certain areas of the sub-irrigated Watts, Pelican, Whitewater, Dewey and meadows are set aside in blocks to be Clear lakes. Work will be initiated as left unmowed, sometimes up to three funds and climatic conditions permit,, years. 1be harvested areas provide Ellis said. regrowth for browse for grouse, phea- 1be Nebraska Game and Parks Com- sant and duck with adjoining unmowed mision will qa\vage giun~ Hsh when areas protection. • feasible before renovation and release Certain areas are designated as them in other refuge lakes. feedlot where permittees feed bay to ' According to Ellis' records, 2,340 their cattle. "We acquire a trampled ducklings were produced on the Valen­ area that is much cheaper than tine refuge in 1975 and about 5.4 million plowing," ElUs said, "and it promotes duck-use days were counted. They es­ weed growth which in tum is food for timate a summer population of 10,000 wildfowL'' - ducks, with the lakes used by 130,000 · -"Ellis said deferred mowing has in- migrating waterfowl. creased the number of tons of hay Before the fall hunting season, an es­ produced and adds fertilizer to the timated 750 prairie chicken and grouse ground. "We also look at the overall were counted. Forty-six deer were taken pattern of the refuge to lay out fire lines during the season and 'JJ11 counted during by mowing," he said. "Sixty thousand December. About 500 pheasants were acres of tall grass can be a hazard and also counted in December. needs manipulation. In case of fire, the At the Fort Niobrara refuge, the hay mowed areas allow us a chance to set up harvest by the publi,c was eliminated in to fight it." the early 1950's because the buffalo were He indicated that range condition on overgrazing certain areas. 1be 16,000 the two refuges could be rated as very aces were then used exclusively for good to excellent. Condition is judged by wildlife on the refuge. At this time, 'IZl the per cent of desirable grasses present buffalo, 253 Longhorn, 38 elk and about on a specified range site. 50 deer roam the refuge. Since the Valentine refuge encom- Following a proposal for part of the passes dozens of lakes, its primary pur- north refuge to be designated a pose is for waterfowl. The shallow lakes wilderness area, Ellis has elected to often require renovation when the pop- manage 4,000 acres of the north buffalo ulations of carp and bull head increase, pasture as such for the past two years. because turbidity reduces light penetra- "It hasn't ·changed our program ex­ lion and kills or reduces production of cept that we have eliminated wheeled 9 important aquatic plants that are vital vehicles from the area beyond emergen­ to waterfowl and game fish. cies or for fencing," Ellis said. "I In 1958, Hackberry Lake was treated wanted to see. if we could do it, and we with a chemical to remove the rough have proven we can." fish. "Duckling production reached a Another large area of the Valentine peak in about three years," Ellis said. refuge has since been proposed as a ....,. "But the skyrocketng cost of the wilderness area also.

About 130,000 migrating waterfowl use the lakes in the Valentine refuge annually. ~-·. - . 11 • . • # • • - • •• r' • ..,,,, I ' 2 lfb M~ V

------=--·L ~ ~ .~ -" IJ.MJ .. ~ +6"' Q. lo-~ +-~ ' - ~ ~ ~ 'o-4 ~.\-c-o-J_k 4. ~l_«-~~ -~- ~ ~~ ~ N'-<..Ji-~S-f~ """"02. !(, ~ I -_-_ -w_...:·~::;..:.. --"'-~~.k ...... t--=- ---=--~---=----:~ ----~,~,~ - - - - . ~ -~

__- ;.,,,:_,...... r 11 =----~...... _....-...... _.__~--~ . ~~~ fi~ II. ;.-- iJ - ~~~ --~ir -~-=-- - ~------:-----~ ------"------:.---.... ~ =-- nr------~ ______,._ -~ ------~~--,-----,------~.II .,. 6 THE STRAIGHT CREEK JOURNAL-August 12, 1976

With Best Wishes for the Next 100, from Hugh Gardner, Bill Mudon and Madeleine Ingraham a lllfltlllllL llLf tl,al-lftlCA

..----n 1776, between 60 and 125 million buffalo roamed the heartlands only profitable cargo they had to ship to their terminals back East. Another irony + of America. The estimates varied with whether or not the estimators of Manifest Destiny in 1876 was the martyrdom of Gi!orge Custer, which was used ~ actually saw the great west.em herds with their own eyes. Zoologists by the Army to crush both the Sioux and the buffalo entirely. I say the buffalo. was probably the only mammal larger than humans "Kill every buffalo you can," the famous Col. Dodge once exhorted his r , ever to exist in' such numbers. It was perfectly adapted to the grass· troops. "Every buffalo dead is an Indian gone." Many honest military men were ~I lands of the Great Plains, where it thrived from Missouri to the Rockies, sickened by this, but the irreducible fact about the Great Hunt was that it became I..,.- and from Texas to Canada. A century ago, this masterstroke of evo· official policy of the U.S. Government, particularly during the Republican admin· lution was reduced to near extinction. istration of U.S. Grant from 1868 to 1876. Grant presided over the period that Western U.S. history abounds with documented accounts of buffalo herds Mark Twain called "The Guilded .Age," a time of unbroken Republicanism, derailing ·trains, of buffalo migrations pa~t a single point lasting a week, and of General-Presidents, unashamed materialism, machine politics, corruption at every single herds that stretched out to the horizon in every direction, a vast moving level of government, and decadence among the new industrial rich. For two cen· prairie without end ... or so it seemed at the time of the Civil War. But the turies the Grant regime stood out as the most corrupt in American history, until Great Hunt, from 1867 to 1883, made a mockery of those who thought the outdone by Nixon's advertising men. buffalo would last forever. It took only 17 years to destroy the plains herds, so fast it even fooled the hide-hunters themselves, who fitted out for hunting as Gen. William Sherman, conquering Union burner of Atlanta, was supreme usual in 1884 in a blind refusal to believe they had really killed the last wild commander of the American military during the Grant Administration, the height herds the year before. But they had. The pivotal year of the slaughter was 1876, of the Great Hunt. "We must act with vindictive earnestness against the Sioux," he our first Centennial. once wrote Grant, "even to their extermination, men, women, and children." Such a man didn't care much about buffalo. The strategy of conquering the Sioux by buffalo slaughter was the creation of General Phillip Sheridan, military commander of the Great Plains and original source of the famous slogan that "The Only Good Indian is a Dead Indian." Historians today agree that the final destruction of the buffalo was planned by U.S. military authorities as the surest means of bringing the Sioux to submission. The last Sioux rebels surrendered in 1881; it took only two more years to clean up the last of their herds. By 1884, which will have its own centennial in 1984, the most abundant" large mammal on earth was reduced to · about 500 zoo specimens, and only the bone hunters still followed their trail. Like the Congress of the Nixon Adm[nistration, the Congress of Grant's time was reluctant to be fully aware of what was going on over in the Executive Branch. They knew the buffalo were being slaughtered, but not exactly how fast, or why they should care very much. Even Democrats believed in consolidation, and even liberals could agree with Interior Secretary Delano, who felt that "the It was a time, 100 years ago, when the U.S. was ruled by the new banker· civilization of the Indian is impossible while ~he buffalo remain on the Plains." industry-railroad barons and their old friends, the top generals of the victorious As Rep. Parker of Missouri put it, "the buffalo ought to be exterminated to pre­ Union Army like Grant, Sherman and Sheridan. Their unanimous post-war goal vent difficulties in civilizing the Indians." But Congress was bothered enough about was to consolidate the West with railroads. Millions of acres of prime farmland and the slaughter at least to try and regulate it. In 1874, both houses of Congress huge cash subsidies were given to the railroads to finance their westward thrust; passed a mild buffalo conservation bill, but President Grant killed it with President the Army extended every necessary protection against hostile Indians. In turn the Ford's favorite weapon, the veto. After Grant's veto the conservationist impulse railroads would link the entire country together commercially, stimulate settlement faded away and wasn't revived in government again for many years. a.nd insure military control of the Plains. Destroying the Plains Buffalo was an unfortunate but conscious part of the strategy. The railroads even advertised shoot· ing buffalo out of train windows as a lure for ticket buyers to the West. Once the railroads opened up the Plains, easy access to the herds became possible for sportsmen, provisioners, businessmen, traders and men for sale of all uffalo Bill, the famous adventurer and showman, was only a description .. . most lamentably the hide-hunters and their retinue of skinners, sleepy young railroad provisioner when first "discovered" by tanners, haulers, buyers, and suppliers. The hide-hunters set all the killing records, his lifelonll Promoter. Eastern dime novelist Ned Buntline. The skinned only the best hides, and completely wasted four out of five buffalo taken. two immediately hit it off, and together they created the first They were professional butchers, with precision rifles and 1,200-yard .sights. The great Superstar of the West. better hunters averaged over 100 kills a day. Some killed over 20,000 in their [I] Cody once killed 4,280 buffalo for the Kansas Pacific in careers. The money that motivated them came from urban centers back East, less than a year; not the record, but fairly close. His most spec· where the luxurious buffalo robes of the West were quite the fashion rage, indeed tacular feats were as a Pony Express rider and the glitter gowns of 1876. military scout. He once rode, fought and 'l'he Great Hunt began with the westward push of the Union Pacific 'in walked his way through 365 miles of 1867, across the Nebraska-Wyoming prairie to that fabled golden spike in Utah. hostile Indian country in an impossible The U.P. tracks split the buffalo into "Northern" and "Southern" herds, giving 58 hours. Challenged for the title of easy access ·and ready markets to the hidehunters. Soon afterward, the Kansas "Buffalo Bill" by pro hunter Billy Com· Pacific and the Santa Fe also expanded, proliferating all over the Southwest and stock, Cody easily outshot the usurper bringing the hide-hunters with them. By 1876, all the great herds of Texas, Kansas, 69 to 46 in an afternoon showdown ... Colorado and Oklahoma had been killed. South of the U.P. tracks only a few complete with champagne and celebrities. stragglers remained for the ranchers to pick off and replace with cattle. Most of Cody's life was spent capitalizing on the image Buntline gave him. For a time " Buffalo Bill 's Wild West" was the world's most successful circus attraction. His stage act of 1876, a mawkish ritual of killing Indians, climaxed with Cody taking "The first scalp for Custer!" In the myth· ical conquest of the West he became an idol, almost a god. Like the Real West he merch· andized, Cody was both cruel and kind, both authentic and fraudulent. fie killed animals and Indians with abandon, but he was also the softest touch in the West for anybody with a hard luck story, even redskins. He went from poverty to wealth and back again many times with his grandeur and his excesses. Ultimately he died a poor and bitter In 1876, the buffalo-killing scene shifted north of the U.P. tracks. Other death, victimized transcontinental railroads like the Northern Pacific now made it p~sible to get by his own to the Northern herds. Unemployed bide-hunters from Texas and Kansas were legend. quick to pack up and follow. By 1883, their grisly work was complete and there were no more wild herds in America or Canada. Another pivotal event of 1876 was the death of Gen. George Custer (played in the film version by Ronald Reagan) in his last miscalculated glory attack on the Sioux. Custer's "Last Stand" took place only a few miles from the legal right-of-way of the Northern Pacific, which was awaiting control over the Sioux before crossing Montana. Without the market access and the military logistics provided by the rail­ roads, the Great Hunt could never have been such a devastating success. Without buffalo, on the other hand, the over-extended railroads might well have gone bankrupt. In the early years, hides and other buffalo products were often the ",.,. "t' "\,.i • -1 - I! ... -a\' ;"· • August 12, 1976-THE STRAIGHT CREEK JOURNAL 7 tlYlfCtmwMW@Jr'f'MftA&lfil/lBF@J§@Wil',ffl.ifl:IB:i:¾[email protected],ll:Zi'lrl&¥31,fl

, RECORDS IN BLOOD: Most Killed in Career - Josiah Wright Mooar, 20,500 from 1870 to 1879. Most Killed in One Stand - Tom Nixon, 204 (1873). Fastest Rate of Kil l - Tom Nixon, 120 in 40 minutes (1873). Most Killed in O,:ie Day - Orlando "Brick" Bond, 300 (1876), who ultimately shot himself deaf.

THE HUNTER: "This stubbly-faced rifleman was one of a long line of rugged pioneers who tamed the West. He followed the missionary, the explorer, the fur trader. He went ahead of the cowman and the settler . .. By depriving the hostile plains Indian of his chief source of food, garb, and shelter, he starved him into submission. " ' --Wayne Gard THE GREAT.BUFFALO HUNT

•,--.. PLAINS INOIAN ECONOMICS: Teepees, Boatcovers, Tarps, Shields (bullhide); Bedding, Outerwear (robes and skins); Orumheads, Lashing (rawhide); Fire (chips); Clothing, Moccasins, Leggings, Containers, Rope (leather); Cups, Spoons, Utensils, Ornaments (horn); Food (meat, organs, marrow, fat); Scrapers, Hoes, Knives, Shims, Tools (bone); Bowstrings (sinew); Tanning Grease, Cosmetics, Lubrication, Cooking (fat rendering); Headdresses, Thread, Decoration (hair); Rattles (hoof); Totems, Signals (skulls); Ceremony (all).

.£. he last wild her~ o~ buffa~o in ~merica, numbering about 11,?00 head, :,,: was destroyed m its entirety m 1883. Apparently wandering down II from Canada, the herd mysteriously appeared in eastern South Dakota !.J where no buffalo had been seen for years. For a while it seemed the magic fulfillment of Sioux prayers, the answer to the Ghost Dancers' ~I cry for the return· of the Buffalo God. But the Sioux were now dis- 'f"" armed, controlled by reservation police, and forced t~ hold their prayer meetings in secret. To wise old shamans like Sitting Bull, this "return of the buffalo" was a sad miracle,' an invention of hunger. The whites killed the first 10,000 and then de­ cided to leave the stragglers to the Sioux for a ceremonial "Last Hunt." The "Mericats," as the Sioux called the Americans, even lent out rifles for this final ritual of a dead Sioux past. The last l ,000 wild buffalo in America were killed by starving Indians in one night and a morning. A vanquished people didn't care about balming the white man's guilty conscience; a child's belly mattered more. They made meat one last time and gave their guns back when they finished.

or two decades after the Great Hunt, the only buffalo conservationists in America were a small handful of private entrepreneqrs and citizen groups. The Department of the Interior didn't get into the act until i,J 1902, and then had to buy buffalo from private owners to start build­ ing back the herds. Even today the total of all Federal herds is less th~n the herd of a single private rancher in South Dakota, and the I~+,J total of all government protected herds in America is outnumbered five to one by those in Canada. The largest buffalo herd in A.rne-~ica belongs to Roy Houck of Pierre, S.D., who raises 3,500' buffalo for profit: as the best grazing animal adapted to the Dakota plains. Buffalo are more disease resistant than cattle, need no special care, survive winters better, and graze more efficiently with less damage to the environment. For centuries these qualities have been sought for cattle too, in cross-breeding experiments with buffalo. With the hardiness and economy of buffalo married to domestic cattle, pioneers like Charlie Goodnight thought the perfect meat animal could be achieved. Goodnight's modern and more successful incarnation is "Beefalo" breeder Bud Basolo of California, whose promotional literature includes the state­ ment that he wants to go down in history as "the man who gave the world cheap meat." His experiments seem to be successful, and the buffalo's final destiny in this brave new technological world may well be as a hybrid. In · any case, the buffalo's future is now safe and assured, but more by After the last herds were gone, still another buffalo industry arose on the Canadians than Americans, and more by private American ranchers than the pro­ Plains: gathering and shipping their bleached skeletons back East for industry. grams of the U.S. Government. Today's buffalo herds total about 35,000 individu­ The bones were made into fertilizer, bone china, and used in sugar refining. The al animals. Roughly half of them roam the 11,000,000-acre Wood Buffalo National horns became buttons, eyeglass frames and ornaments. The hoofs were processed Park in Canada, incomparably larger than any wild buffalo refuge in America. into glue. Many an early prairie settler was saved from failure and starvation by the About 40% are in private or state hands in the U.S. Less than 10% are protected · bone trade, which provided a source of cash when drought ruined his crops. Just by the U.S. Federal Government. As a final twist, this great American animal is like the hide trade bailed out the railroads, the· bone trade bailed out the failures now being brought back in America primarily by the same profit motive that of the -white settlers. The Plains were scavenged clean by 1891. One firm alone destroyed it a century ago. In the future the animal will live in a world of box wire, shipped 5,950,000 skeletons from 1884 to 1891. The bon~ piles awaiting shipment haydrops, managers,· bureaucrats, artificial insemination, commercial harvestine:, East sometimes stretched-for m_iles down the railroad tracks. A Topeka newspaper airplane roundups, radio-equipped trucks, and all the other technological wizardry once calculated that the total bone shipments, measured by 40-foot railroad cars, of the latter-day buffalo cowboys, but one way or another the species will survive made a combined train 7,575 miles long. · and prosper. It was just too perfect to die, not even from capitalism.

Night Bear signed, The People had no Bows and Arrows to Use Against the Buffaloes.

Hawk spoke, "The meaning here is that the People were not armed to fight these things, and therefore were victim to them.

Hyemeyohsts Storm SEVEN ARROWS Great Dakota Graphics I Photos courtesy Denver Public Library and Colorado State Historical Society ~~ @maha ~rld,l,erald Focus OMAHA, NEB., TUESDAY, AUG.3, 1976 ..__.IB)®~fi@Il on the News 5 ------""!""------==------• ------Issue: Value·o'f Niobrara Canal Irrigation ... Necessity or Boondoggle?

Stories by Steve Jordon

Norden Dam. chased. Public access to the falls would be congress has authorized initial construc­ provided. tion money. The words stir interest and controversy According to Bureau of Reclamation The bureau and Brown County are con­ in Nebraska. plans, the total project would be spread tracting to build a road to the dam site. The federal government plans to dam over 30,355 acres. Work on the dam itself is scheduled to be­ the Niobrara River near Norden, forming Between 300 and 350 landowners would gin in 1978. The reservoir would start fill­ a 5,000-acre lake 19 miles long, with a get the benefits of canal irrigation. The ing in 1982, and water would start flowing shoreline of 70 miles. A canal 100 miles bureau said a 1960s survey showed that to the fields in 1983 or '84, the bureau said. long. plus 262 miles of smaller canals about 350 units of farmland could be irri­ The project has brought support, oppo­ ~ould carry irrigation water to 77,000 gated, but the number possibly has de­ sition and a lawsuit. ,.,res of land near Springview, Atkinson creased because of an increase in the size Opposing sides disagree on the cost, an­ 'lfld O'Neill. of the average farm. Areas near Spring­ ticipated benefits, envionmental damage, Plans also call for a 5,000-acre wildlife view, O'Nelll and Atkinson would benefit recreational use and other factors. refuge, and nearly 800 acres of public rec­ most, the bureau said. U.S. District Court Judge Wa11ren Ur­ reation grounds on portions of the lake Officially known as the O'Neill Unit of born soon will hear testimony on the oppo­ shnre. the Lower Niobrara Division, Pick-Sloan nents' contention that the environmental Smith Falls, about 75 feet high, Ne­ Missouri Basin Program, the project has impact statement on the project is in­ braska's highest waterfall, would be pur- been discussed for about 20 years. Now adequate. Project Planner·Conten ds Audubon Official: In Peril Beauty in Eye of Beholder Is Plains' Greatest Beauty The environment of a portion noeable river, and will preserve Part of the Niobrara Valley, water canoeing spot." of the Niobrara River would be 12 miles, including the best with its paper birch trees, vis­ "Actually, there isn't any changed but not destroyed by four miles, he said. -World Herold Photo. tas of woods and flatlands and white-water canoeing on the the Norden Dam, supporters of John Mayne, Norden project free-flowing water, would be Niobrara," Sandall said. Dam the project say. planner for the Bureau of Recl­ destroyed by the Norden Dam, He explained that most canoe Rocky They say the river home for amation, said the dam's effect opponents of the project con­ paddlers take to the shore be­ wildlife would become a lake on natural beauty was consid- This bit of the river, also known as Rocky Ford Rapids, tend. fore they reach the short home, possibly increasing wild­ ered by Congress when the pro­ The,y argue that the valley stretch of foaming water called would become part of the· reservoir bottom. life in the area and providing ject was authorized. should be saved because: Rocky Dam. But he said that a more recreation for people. "Beauty is in the eye of the few go through, and the spot is Alfred Drayton, president of beholder," he said. - ~ area is one of a few in a perfect picnic area. the Niobrara Basin Irrigation While it is easy to recognize which eastern and western birds meet and hybridize, and Ted Hoffman, chairman of District, said opponents who the beauty of the Rocky Dam the Nebraska chapter of the live along the route of the pro­ area, he said, it is difficult to in which trees usually found in jected canal are not sincerely the north exist alongside trees Sierra Club and a member of visualize what the lake will look the Save the Niobrara River As­ Econoinics of Norden: Pro and Con , interested in environment. like. found in the south. "They want water, but they sociation, said Rocky Dam is Mayne said there will be -Flatland along the river "not an expansive area, but it's won't tell you that," Drayton "trade-offs" in the environ­ provides fer tile ground for said. "They say they care about there." ment. wildlife that could not thrive if He said the reservoir would Price of Aid for the Few Food Boost ls Predicted the environment and the ca­ Opponents object to turning pushed to higher ground. noers, but they don't." destroy half of the paper birch 19 miles of river into a lake, but -There are other reservoirs trees in the area. Nowhere else If they could get water from the lake will offer a different ls Believed Too High the canal, their opposition for flat-water recreation in Ne­ in the United States is the paper In Canal Irrigation kind of beauty with dramatic braska, but virtually no other birch found this far south. would stop, Drayton said. shorelines and scenery, he said. Opponents make exaggerated high-quality canoeing water. Flooded woodland would total Millions of taxpayer dollars Ted Hoffman of the Sierra In the last 30 years, irrigation est estimate, issued in January He mentioned that Smith 1,750 acres, according to the en­ has been a force in the improve­ 1975, is $163,206 million. claims, he said, including one Falls will not be affected by the -The river's flow below the will be spent on the Norden Club said the benefit-cost ratio that the dam would destroy dam would be reduced and vironmental impact statement Dam project to benefit a few should be determined by an in­ ment of life in north-eentral Ne­ Annual cost of the project is reservoir water and· will be­ on the project. estimated at $6,367,000. ~gainst "white-water canoeing" in Ne­ come more accessible to vis­ might not sustain plant and an­ persons and corporations, ac­ dependent agency. braska, Ainsworth Mayor Clyde Hoffman uses photo slides in Burdick said. this cost, there is an estimated braska because the reservoir itors. imal life. The reduction also cording to opponents. "It's figured out by the wi,l,l_cover the Rocky Dam area. mieht r.RIISP. R WlltPr in. his nrAAPnto:,tinnc: nf thP ,.c:c:nri.· They say: people who want the oroiect A retiree from the U.S. Bu- annual benefit nf Sl:l.406,00o ·----"""- •'-- _.,. _ ,._ --- 9

{ ,...,. ) Wildlife Projects To Get Funds Denver (UPI) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Mon~-Bicentennial Land Her{Tage program announced by President Ford would pro­ (, \t vide more than $60 million for fish and wildfife refuge support y_l in the Missouri Basin region. Of that, the service said, just over $3 million would be alloted· to projects in Nebraska, in­ cluding $2 million for improve­ ments to the Hastings Wetlands Management District. In addition, the the Cresent ' Lake Refuge would receive $486,000 for facility restoration and $208,000 for general im­ provements; the Fort Niobrara Refuge $120,000 for facility restoration and $59,000 for im­ provements; and the Valentine Refuge $280,000 for facility restoration. ---- £rma Bombea In the Beginning. • • Fitld Ntw._ Syl>dlcllf• You hear a lot of talk in an election year about "bureau­ cracy." One of the best examples I've seen appeared awhile back in the Congressional Record. Since there was no author's name, you can fantasize about who wrote it. In the beginning God created Heaven ud Eartlt. He was then faced with a claaa-action suit for having failed to file an environmental tmpact stateml"nt witll * Heavenly Env1mnmcr:l11I Protectlflll ,\Je!K."Y \fff:PA, an .angelicallv-staffl'd ~r,;cy dedicated to ketpin, the um­ I \lel"Se po1 lutwn•free.) God was granted a temporary per• mit for the Heavenly portion of the project but was issued· . a cease and desist order for the Earthly part, pendlq further study by HEPA. \ Then God said, "Let there be light ... He should never have brought up this point since one of the Council members was acti\e in Sierrangel Club and immediately demanded to know how the light would be m;ide. Wouid there be strip-mi11lng? How about thermal pollution? Air pollution? God explained that the light woutd come from a !luge ball or fi re. Nobody on the Council rMlly understood this \\U l it was prov1sionall) accepted, assuming (1) no 1nq or smoke would result from the ball of fire, (2) a separate burning permit would be required, and (3) since contln• uous light would be a waste of energy, it should be dark at Je.ast half the time. God agreed. When asked how the Earth would be covered with dark­ ness, God said, "Let there be firmament amidst the wa­ ters" and one ecologically radical Council member ac­ cused Him of doubletalk, but action was tabled since God would be required first to file for permit from the Angelic Bureau or Land Management (ABLM) and further would be required to obtain water permits from the appropriate ~nc1e<>. ( .11 ,., " "'.,., •he watNs bring fortla the creepln1 creatures hav11rG 1111: •M w ,...., ...., may Or """ the Earth." Here again. Council took nu formal action since it would ff'

,.;.:.:.:.:.~.:.:,:. _;:~:· .. :,:::,:,;:::: ,.:::::::, ::;:;:';.• ·:::") ".:.'::~, ..., .. , .. .)., ... <':'

•••• ·.:. ·:,·:.·:·,::::::::::::::::::::.::!::.!_:I:_:! s ~ -:----...~-IOUXLAND ~!! I ports Afield f,~ ... B;·==:=:::~·:::·;:~······:·············....-··:m;--··· -.:,· ·:···.········ ··=·· ...,.,.~.- ...: .. :.. -.w.w:·:····_':,: . The bull moose was neck deep in the cool p~onghorn, cottontail, snowsh<>4ack rab- waters of a small, unnamed lake in the bits, skunks, ground and ttquirrels, nQrthwest corner of Yellowstone Park weasel, wolf and wolverine. Behmd him, on the other side of this narrow· . Also, about aJO species of si:perching bay, a cow moose playfully splashed in the birds have been recorded itdition to shallow water. numerous types of waterfo\('he rare I crept through .waist-high growth at the trumpeter swan nests in the pap

( . ---..-- ftl-VU6 ""QIC 1.1 e111, vv1,: • 0.1 ~ \;Qpc::1u10: v r ·-haa ,unfs specifically for wildlife. As a resutt animal you. The .chipmunk can bite. The bear can Th~s c~yote was one of two we s ofte . numbers are as great as the land can support. kill. wblle fishing Soda Butte Creek i~ th with lD a couplehwiared yards oCeacfi offler Many visitors travel through the parks each . Probably the top choice in e~iPment for the most important predator in theepnork e.tst area of Yellowstone. The coyote is year and the wildlife become somewhat ac­ wildlife photography in national arks would ar . customed to man. They are easier, therefore, be the single lens reflex beca of the in­ to photograph than their counterparts in terchangeable lens feature. Tele oto lenses other areas. are a must for getting "close in' ots and a We learned that the best opportunities to medium length telephoto such a 135 mm observe and photograph wildlife in will be adequate in most situatio For long Yellowstone was early and late in the day. As range photos, or portrait-type tures at the sun gets lower in the sky the herd animals medium ranges, a longer lens su s.a 300 or such as elk and buffalo begin to move out of 400 mm is needed. Either of thes nses can the trees where they have been resting to be hand held at high shutter ds with graze on lush, pasture-like meadows which satisfactory results. border most of the streams. Any high quality, medium Elk are the most common large animal in slide film will serve well f ildlife Yellowstone. About 13,000 of them roam the photography; however, high s film is meadows and hills in summer. The bison is better in low light situations sue t dawn the largest. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds, he and dusk. has an uncertain temperament and shouldn't While Yellowstone Park is P ly the be approached too closely. Through the top choice for numbers and ty of summer months about 500 to 700 moose roam wildlife, some parks closer to Si d are the park and mule deer are quite commonly also suitable for photographing seen. The deer population varies from year to The Badlands National Mon near year but averages about 600. Big horn sheep Wall. S.D. and Custer State Park i ·1ack can also be photographed on Mount Hills are two good ones. And, Fo rara Washburn. National Wildlife Refuge near tine, Y ello.,vstone Moose The coyote is one of the most important Neli:"; is eveu--etoser. Buffalo, and Park offi l}''als., say 500 to 700 moose roam predators in the park and is also very com­ pronghorn antelope are numero mon. They are very elusive and rarely seen three areas as well as big horn sh Yellowstone. These two were photographed at a Mountain goats and elk in Custer small lake in the northwestern corner of the park at by park visitors, but sometimes you get lucky. the headwaters of the Gallatin River. There are two types of bear in the park - the grizzly and the black. The black bear has Spring Fishing lmpr learned to raid camps and beg for food. Most Area fishermen are beginniag tit visitors ·win see and photograph a black bear. good catches from Siomdand wrtersf The grizzly, however, is rarely seen as he the better panfish catches camefro~ prefers the uninhabited areas. Lake where Mr. and Mrs. Berna-d '1 Many other mammals are found within Taylor, 1406 W. 14th St., and ther sot the park and are ,fair photographic game. and Tony took 46 crappie and silv:ir ba They include badger, beaver, bobcat, chip­ fish were caught on mini 'i s ile munk, cougar, fox, gopher, marmot, marten, and minnows w 1 1 - ishing. ~ ' mink. muskrat.....,gtter, piha, pere11piAe,

(