Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge Annual Narrative Report Fort

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge Annual Narrative Report

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska Fiscal Year 2001 Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge Annual Narrative Report

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska Fiscal Year 2001

Refuge Supervisor Date Table of Contents

Introduction iii

Highlights v

Monitoring and Studies la. Surveys and Censuses 1 lb. Studies and Investigations 2 1 c. Climate Data 2

Habitat Restoration 2a. Wetland Restoration 4 2b. Upland Restoration 4 2c. Riverine Restoration Nothing to Report 2d. Deepwater/Coral Reef Restoration Nothing to Report

Habitat Management 3a. Water Level Management Nothing to Report 3b. Moist Soil Management Nothing to Report 3c. Graze/Mow/Hay 8 3d. Farming 8 3e. Forest Management Nothing to Report 3f. Fire Management 9 3g. Pest Plant Control 9

Fish and Wildlife Management 4a. Bird Banding 11 4b. Disease Monitoring and Treatment 11 4c. Reintroductions Nothing to Report 4d. Nest Structures 11 4e. Pest, Predator, and Exotic Animal Control Nothing to Report

Coordination Activities 5a. Interagency Coordination 12 5b. Tribal Coordination Nothing to Report 5c. Private Land Activities (excluding restoration) 12 5d. Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report

i Resource Protection 6a. Law Enforcement 13 6b Permits and Economic Use Management 14 6c. Contaminant Investigations Nothing to Report 6d. Contaminant Cleanup Nothing to Report 6e. Water Rights Management Nothing to Report 6f. Cultural Resource Management Nothing to Report 6g. Land Acquisition Support 14

Public Education and Recreation 7a. Provide Visitor Services 15 7b. Outreach 18

Planning and Administration 8a. Comprehensive Conservation Planning Nothing to Report 8b. General Administration 19 8c. General Maintenance 20 8d. Safety 23 8e. Compliance Nothing to Report

ii Introduction

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) lies three miles east of the farming community of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The current refuge boundary is situated west and alongside the Missouri River in Washington County, 10 miles north of Omaha, Nebraska. The authorized acquisition boundary is astride the Missouri River in Pottawattamie County, Iowa and Washington County, Nebraska.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) established the refuge on August 11, 1992 to preserve and restore Missouri River habitats commonly found prior to channelization and diking. The Fish and Wildlife Act and the Emergency Wetland Resource Act authorized acquisition. The refuge serves as a seasonal resting area for waterfowl, nesting area for a variety of migratory grassland, wet meadow and wetland dependent birds, habitat for various endangered species, and is year round home for many resident wildlife species.

This 3,143-acre refuge lies in the wide, fertile flood plain of the Missouri River Valley on former river meanders. The refuge will encompass almost 10,000 acres when acquisition from willing sellers is complete. It will connect DeSoto NWR and Wilson Island State Park to the north with the Neale Woods Nature Center to the south. More than 600 acres of cottonwood bottomlands and 200 acres of restored wetlands and riverine habitats characterize portions of the refuge. Approximately 404 acres are temporarily managed as croplands while 1,500 acres of tallgrass prairie and wet meadows have been restored or preserved.

The focal point for both man and wildlife is Boyer Chute, a restored side-channel of the Missouri river. The refuge promotes recreational activities including fishing, picnicking, hiking, interpretation, wildlife viewing and photography.

hi Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge 51 —3 AV1 fV -K-| p"~

Land Use I 1 Aquatic I I Acquisition Boundary HH Timber I I FWS Fee Title N Grass 1 Crop 3 Natural Reversion IBuilding Sites W

iv Highlights

Monitoring and Studies

• A fish survey was completed for the Nathan's Lake basin by staff from the Columbia Fisheries Resources Office, Columbia, Missouri

Habitat Restoration

• Three hundred twenty one acres of tallgrass prairie were restored on the refuge.

Interagency Coordination

• Partnering between the refuge, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and non governmental organizations continues to be an important and productive relationship for land acquisition and habitat restoration within the refuge.

Law Enforcement

• A stolen vehicle, which was ditched in the main-channel of Boyer Chute, was recovered with the assistance of the Washington Co. Sheriff and the Ft. Calhoun Fire Department.

Land Acquisition

• Four properties totaling 107.9 acres were acquired this fiscal year.

V > 1 Monitoring and Studies la Surveys and Censuses

The Christmas Bird Count (Boyer Chute Quadrant), was conducted on Dec. 17, 2000. The Audubon Society (Omaha Chapter), were the primary participants, with several other volunteers and refuge staff involved. A total of 475 individual birds were counted, with 28 species represented.

An aerial deer count was conducted at Boyer Chute in Februaiy, 2001. Staff from DeSoto NWR conducted the count in conjunction with their own deer count. Regional Pilot Bob Foster (R3), flew the plane in several passes over Boyer Chute, and approximately 170 white-tail deer were counted. There was good snow cover on the Refuge, which improved the visibility for conducting the count. The 1999 aerial count observed 95 individuals, and the first aerial count in 1997 showed approximately 50 individual deer.

The Spring Bird Count was conducted on May 5, 2001 with four members of the Audubon Society, and ROS Ellis in attendance. Despite heavy rain in the morning, the weather improved, and the count was a success. There were 816 total individuals counted, with 78 bird species represented.

A fisheries study was continued by Larry Hesse of River Ecosystems, Inc. at Boyer Chute, and various other sites on the Missouri River. Electrofishing done at Boyer Chute in Spring 2001, resulted in twelve fish captured representing 6 species. In the 74 minute run, the six species sampled were goldeye, shortnose gar, flathead catfish, sturgeon, paddlefish and common carp. On July 16 & 17, Mr. Hesse sampled Boyer Chute with 1.5 inch mesh winged trapnets. Three traps were set, with three fish captured including sturgeon (assumed shovelnose), river carpsucker, and flathead catfish.

The Columbia Fisheries Resources Office (Columbia, MO.), conducted a Fish Survey at Nathan's Lake, a 50-acre shallow lake in the Boyer Chute acquisition area, during June 2001. Fisheries Technicians Corey Lee, and William Davison spent several days sampling the lake, using four types of nets and seins. The survey was conducted to determine the potential for fish reproduction and recruitment in the newly restored lake. The lake's connectivity with the Missouri River via a three-way water control structure on Deer Creek adds a new dimension to the Boyer Chute Project, and this survey provided an initial inventory and characterization of the fish species present. A total of 5,320 fish were captured representing 14 species. Bigmouth buffalo comprised 71% of total fish captured, followed by the common carp at 17%. Small numbers of game-fish were caught (each < 5% of total) including black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. The results of this fish survey are very encouraging for both this project, and future floodplain projects. The Nathan's Lake basin was completely dry during the

1 > • lake restoration project. However, upon high river stages several months later, these fish species had traversed up Deer Creek, and entered the lake through the three-way water control structure, lb Studies and Investigations

Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (PMNRD), has collected ground-water and soil samples at Boyer Chute NWR. Ground-water samples have been analyzed for nitrates on a monthly to bi-monthly schedule since 1999. Results for 2001 indicated nitrate levels of <.05 mg/1 for each of the deep, medium, and shallow well depths. lc Climate Data

The high temperature for the year was 97° F on August 6. The low temperature for the year was - 11° F on December 23. Temperatures were below normal from October through January. December average temperature was much below normal. A 23-day period from December 11 to January 2 was brutal when daily high temperatures averaged 14° F and daily low temperatures averaged -1° F. Temperatures during the remaining months were normal to above normal. A killing frost (28° F or less) occurred October 8 which is normal. The late fall and winter months were colder than normal, and the spring and summer months were typical, warm and humid.

The refuge received above normal (116%) annual precipitation (Table lc.1). Precipitation was above normal from October through February. This winter produced more snow than in several years. The first significant snowfall occurred on December 16. After that, snow covered the ground continually through Februaiy which is very unusual. March and April rainfall was slightly below normal. Rainfall was above normal again from May through July accounting for 57% of the year's total rainfall with May producing 9.57 inches. Rainfall became scarce after July 12 and remained below normal through September.

Crops entered the 2001 crop season with much below normal subsoil moisture. This was a decisive factor during the last two months of the season. Rainfall was much above normal during the first half of the crop season, but the faucet turned to a dribble after July 12 and both com and soybean crop yields suffered. This was predictable. Rainfall in August is critical to produce above average crop yields. It is particularly important when the crop season starts with below normal subsoil moisture. This subsoil moisture deficit was complicated by the above normal rainfall early in the crop season which encouraged a shallow rooting pattern. This limited crop access to the already deficient subsoil moisture during the critical August period.

The above normal rainfall during May and June did not significantly interfere with field operations for restoring tallgrass prairies. Major rainfall events were spaced far enough apart that field operations were delayed only a few days. Also, the lack of subsoil moisture helped with field drying following a rainfall event. Soil moisture conditions were favorable for seed germination and seedling establishment.

2 > • Table lc.1. FY 2001 Precipitation and Temperature Summary Precipitation Average (Inches*) Temperature(0 F)

2000-2001 Average** Maximum Minimum Month

October 1.06 1.80 72 46 November 0.90 1.46 65 34 December 1.08 0.88 22 5 January 1.64 0.65 36 18 February 1.11 0.96 31 13 March 1.37 1.51 46 26 April 2.05 2.60 67 41 May 9.57 3.75 76 54 June 4.78 4.49 80 60 July 4.42 3.23 86 68 August 1.82 3.48 85 64 September 2.79 3.07 75 53 Total 32.59 27.61 * Includes snowfall ** 3 0-year average

3 2 Habitat Restoration

2a Wetland Restoration: On-refuge

Several meetings and consultations were conducted with the NRCS to plan the wetland restoration work for the Paulsen Tract, which was purchased in conjunction with the NRCS's Wetland Reserve Program. The NRCS will cost share 75% of the wetland restoration as well as the associated upland tallgrass prairie restoration.

2b Upland Restoration: On-refuge

Table 2b.1. Summary of Grassland Planting, Boyer Chute NWR, 2001 Location Acres Grass Mix Comments

Gibreal unit 158.8 Wet mix and Cropland reversion; spring wildflowers new seeding Paulsen unit; south of 70.6 Wet mix and Cropland reversion; spring Tucker unit wildflowers new seeding Paulsen unit; west of 32.0 Wet mix and Cropland reversion; spring Turkey Creek wildflowers new seeding Paulsen unit; east of 53.0 High diversity seed Cropland reversion; spring Larsen unit mix; local ecotype new seeding Larson unit 7.0 Wet mix and Cropland reversion; spring wildflowers new seeding Total = 321.4

A total of 321.4 acres of crop ground was restored to native prairie (Table 2b. 1). Four sites totaling 268.4 acres were planted to native cool- and warm-season grasses and wildflowers (Table 2b.2) in June. Mechanical tillage was used to prepare the seedbed and control emerged vegetation. The sites were maintained with periodic mowing after planting. A fifth site (Paulsen tract east of Larsen tract), was planted in cooperation with the Prairie Plains Resource Institute, Aurora, Nebraska to a high diversity local ecotype seed mix in June (Table 2b.3). This site received no seedbed preparation prior to planting. Seed planting was surface broadcast. This site received the same amount of mowing maintenance that the other three units received. Rainfall, although below normal for the growing season, was adequate to achieve good grass and forb seed germination and seedling establishment. Stand establishment was variable at all sites.

4 Table 2b.2. Grass and Wildflower Seed Mixes Seed Mix Species Cultivar Seeding Rate (lbs. PES / acre)

Wildflower Mix Purple coneflower Not 0.1 Applicable Leadplant 0.01 Black-eyed susan 0.03 Illinois bundleflower 0.2 Gray-headed 0.05 coneflower Butterfly milkweed 0.01 False sunflower 0.14 Maximilian 0.07 sunflower Wild bergamot 0.01 New England aster 0.01 Purple prairie 0.05 coneflower Pale purple 0.03 coneflower Wet Big bluestem Pawnee 2.5 Cool- and Warm- Season Grass Indiangrass Oto 2.5 Mix Switchgrass Trailblazer 2.0 Virginia wildrye O'ma'ha 1.0

Tall wheatgrass Alkar 1.0

5 Table 2b.3. High Diversity Local Ecotvve Species Used on the Paulsen tract, 2001 Allium canadense Glyceria striata Thalictrum dasycarpum Amorpha canescens Glycyrrhiza lepidota Verbena hastata Andropogon gerardii Gnaphalium obtusifolium Vernonia baldwinii Anemone canadensis Heleopsis helianthoides Anenome cylindrica Helianthus grosseserratus Apocynum cannibinum Helianthus maximilianii Asclepias sullivantii Helianthus pauciflorus Asclepias syriaca Hieracium longipilum Aster ericoides Lathyrus polymorphus Aster simplex Leersia oryzoides Astragalus canadensis Lespedeza capitata Astragalus crassicarpus Liatris aspera Baptisia bracteata Liatris punctata Baptisia leucophaea Linium rigidum Brickellia eupatorioides Mentha arvensis Cacalia tuberosa Monarda flstulosa Callirhoe alcaeoides Oenothera biennis Calylophus serrulatus Onosmodium molle Carex bicknellii Panicum virgatum Carex brevior Physostegia virginiana Carex cristatella Polytaenia nuttalii Carex gravida Potentilla arguta Carex hyalinolepis Prenathes aspera Carex hystericina Psoralea esculenta Carex meadii Psoralea tenuiflora Carex molesta Rosa arkansana Carex pellita Salvia azurea Carex spp. mix Schizachyrium scoparium Carex stipata Schrankia nuttallii Carex vulpinoidea Scirpus atrovirens Cassia marilandica Scirpus validus Ceanothus herbaceus Scutellaria galericulata Chamaecrista fasciculata Scutellaria lateriflora Cleome serrulata Senecio plattensis Comandra ubellata Silphium integrifolium

> Coreopsis tinctoria Silphium lanciniatum Dalea Candida Silphium perfoliatum Dalea purpurea Smilacina stellata Delphinium virescens Solidago canadensis Desmanthus illinoensis Solidago missouriensis Desmodium canadense Solidago rigida Desmodium illinoense Solidago speciosa Desmodium paniculatum Sorghastrum nutans Echinacea angustifolia Sparganium eurycarpum Elymus canadensis Spartina pectinata Elymus virginicus Sphenopholis obtusata Erythronium mesochoreum Sporobolus asper Eupatorium altissimum Sporobolus heterolepis Gaura parviflora Stachys pilosa Gentiana vuberulenta Stiva svartea Total # Soecies (102+)

7 > • 3 Habitat Management

3c Graze/Mow/Hay

A local farmer mowed 466 acres of grassland to suppress weed growth and aid establishment of developing native grasses and wildflowers planted within the last two years.

3d Farming

Table 3d.l. Inter-elevator Grain Transfers to USFWS Field Stations Field Stations $ Amount Region 3 Agassiz 6416.56 Necedah 768.14 Shiawassee 1000.04 Swan Lake 8947.68 Region 5 Blackwater 5200.01 Erie 3800.00 Great Swamp 1000.04 Region 6 Kulm WMD 2500.01 Fort Niobrara/V alentine 3000.01 Medicine Lake 3500.00 National Elk 12,687.31 Total $48,819.80

Four local farmers cultivated 210.7 acres of com and 193.4 acres of soybeans using a typical corn- soybean crop rotation. They contracted to farm refuge cropland for a two-thirds crop share. The

8 Service provides the land to be cultivated with restrictions on pesticide use and fall tillage. The tenant provides all production inputs including labor, equipment and management.

Eventually most of the cropland at Boyer Chute will be converted to native grasses and forbs, cottonwood regeneration and wetlands. Refuge farmers help the Service with custom fieldwork, primarily with the conversion to prairies. They are reimbursed through inter-elevator grain transfers. The value of the custom work performed is determined by information contained in the annual Iowa Custom Rate Survey (FM-1698) published by Iowa State University Extension. Total reimbursements for custom services performed this year were $19,956.25. The remaining grain was transferred to field stations in Regions 3, 5 and 6. Inter-elevator grain transfers listed in Table 3d.l are the total amounts transferred from Boyer Chute and DeSoto NWRs combined.

3f Fire Management

Boyer Chute conducted six prescribed bums on restored native prairie in late April, for a total of 456 acres. Personnel from Flint Hills NWR and Desoto NWR assisted the Boyer Chute staff with conducting the prescribed bums. The management objectives were to invigorate the native grasses, and reduce the encroachment by woody vegetation.

One wildfire occurred at Boyer Chute NWR in late April burning a total of 45 acres. The fire was first noticed by a resident volunteer on the refuge at approximately 1:00am, and the local volunteer fire department responded. It was determined that the fire had been set as a signal fire by two fisherman whose boat had broken down on the Missouri River. The fisherman had beached the boat on refuge land, and started the fire in an attempt to draw attention to them. The winds were blowing 40-50 mph and the signal fire grew out of control.

A fire management plan. Environmental Assessment, and Section 7 Consultation were completed by the end of the fiscal year and forwarded to the Regional Office for review.

3g Pest Plant Control

Exotic plant control is receiving increased attention from public land management agencies. The Department of Interior has published a list of plant species considered exotic, invasive or a nuisance. The following plant species of the Interior's "hit list" and have been observed at Boyer Chute NWR:

* • Purple loosestrife .{Lythrum salicaria) - Purple loosestrife was first observed in 1998. Widely scattered plants infested about 8 acres of flood prone areas along Boyer Chute. These were hand weeded in both 1998 and 1999. However, more than 400 acres of the refuge are vulnerable to this serious aquatic weed pest. Infestations are likely coming from established sites upstream along the Missouri River.

• Reed canary grass {Phalaris arundinacea) - It is a common floral under story component in riparian corridors along the Missouri River.

• Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) - This weed is the most common invasive species on the refuge. Thirty acres of tallgrass prairie, riparian areas and public use areas are infested of which 15 acres have high population densities. Five hundred musk thistle seed head weevils were released in 1996. No noticeable impact by the weevils on thistle infestation levels has been observed to date.

Other invasive plant pest species observed on the refuge, but widely scattered and at very low population levels are: common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis), common reed (Phragmites australis), velvet leaf {Abutilon theophrasti), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

Chinese elm (Ulmus parviflora) is another species of concern on the refuge although it is not listed by the Department of Interior. It is encroaching upon established native warm-season grasslands particularly along the chute.

Table 3g.l describes pest plant control activities conducted during the fiscal year.

Table 3g.1. Weed Management Completed in FYOL Unit Treatment Target Species Acres Grasslands Mowing Giant foxtail, Pigweed spp. 466 Main road right-of-way Mowing + 2,4-D Musk thistle, Curly dock 3 Hiking trails and parking lots Glyphosate + 2,4-D Multiple species 15.6 Refuge boundary Mowing or hand cut Chinese elm and Roughleaf 2.7 dogwood miles Scattered infestations Mowing, hand Musk thistle 10 weeding & 2,4-D

10 4 Fish and Wildlife Management

4a Bird Banding

During the spring and summer 2001, staff of Fontanelle Nature Association began a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding station along the north end of the Boyer Chute island. MAPS is a nationwide effort to determine the long-term health of breeding birds throughout Canada and the US. This is the first of several years of research to be conducted at this site and will lead to management strategies related to species of concern.

A total of 227 birds were captured, representing 26 species. Of these, 207 were banded. Of the 20 that were not banded, one was ineligible, three died, and 16 escaped before being taken out of the net. Records were kept of all birds seen or heard on the site which included 39 species.

For a first year of banding, results are encouraging. The numbers of orioles, grosbeaks, and catbirds was high and somewhat unexpected. However, the combination of fruit-bearing trees and extensive edge effect contributes to this abundance.

4b Disease Monitoring

Wildlife populations showed no signs of disease throughout the year.

4d Nest structures

Five of fifteen wood duck boxes were used by woodie hens during 2001, one of which was either a dump nest or abandoned. Forty two of seventy six eggs hatched (55% success). Seven boxes had signs of screech owl activity, three of which were in use at the time of inspection. Screech owls often compete with wood ducks to occupy nesting boxes. Three boxes showed no sign of activity.

Eight bluebird houses were installed this year, and bluebirds were observed using two of the boxes.

11 5 Coordination Activities

5a Interagency Coordination

Staff from Boyer Chute interact on a frequent and continuing basis with many different federal, states, county and local governments and non-governmental organizations to coordinate collaborative activities. Included are the PMNRD, NRCS, Lower Missouri River Ecosystem Team, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE), Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC), Missouri River Natural Resources Committee, Fontanelle Nature Association, and local landowners. A high profile example is the pooling of funding to purchase land and restore wildlife habitat within the Boyer Chute NWR acquisition area. Other examples are coordinating the refuge's law enforcement program with Washington Co. Sheriffs Departments, updating NE legislators on Service programs and emerging issues, and working with local farmers to manage the refuge's cooperative farming program.

5c Private Land Activities

Staff from both Boyer Chute and DeSoto NWRs attended several meetings with the ACOE and PMNRD to discuss ongoing restoration at Nathan's Lake. This tract, lying within Boyer's acquisition boundaiy, will be deeded by the PMNRD to the Service as early as FY '03.

12 > • 6 Resource Protection

6a Law Enforcement

Two hundred thirty nine law enforcement incidents occurred during the fiscal year. Many other contacts and arrests were made by Washington County deputies in or near Boyer Chute NWR.

The following summarizes law enforcement activity:

239 incidents handled 55 citations issued 12 miles of boundary maintained 1300 other public contacts 27 written warnings issued

On March 22, 2001, Officers Taylor, Ellis, Klimek, and Van Riper assisted the Washington Co. Sheriffs Department and Omaha Police Department in searching for two bodies at Boyer Chute NWR. A jailhouse informant in Omaha had reported to the Omaha P.D., that he had some knowledge or information about two bodies (1 male/1 female), having been dumped in the vicinity of the Boyer Chute Island Bridge. The informant had described the area around the bridge in some detail, and had said that the two individuals were killed in a drug deal that went bad in Iowa. An extensive search was conducted by Refuge Officers, Washington Co.'s Emergency Response Team, and the Omaha Police Department, who used a cadaver dog in the search. No signs or evidence of a crime were discovered. It is now doubtful whether the information given by the informant was either truthful or accurate.

On April 11, 2001, an individual fishing near the Bluegill Parking Lot notified the Washington County Dispatch that there was a vehicle submerged in the water at Boyer Chute. Refuge Officers Taylor, Ellis, and Klimek responded, along with the Fort Calhoun Fire Department, and Washington Co. Sheriffs Department. Refuge Officers observed the left rear bumper of what appeared to be a sport utility vehicle, which was submerged mid-channel in the Chute. The Lewis Township, IA dive team dispatched divers to the site. A diver was tethered to shore and swam out to the vehicle. Making several underwater forays, he determined there were no occupants. He removed the vehicle's license plate on which officers ran a records check. A heavy wrecker was called to winch the 1998 Jeep Cherokee out

13 > of the water, which turned out to have been stolen the previous day in Omaha. The Jeep's gas pedal had a wedge on it, and it was obvious that the vehicle had been ditched. The vehicle was eventually turned over to the Omaha Police Department, after being impounded by the Washington Co. Sheriffs Department.

On July 4,2001, Refuge Officers Ellis, Taylor, and Van Riper worked in cooperation with three Washington Co. Sheriffs Deputies to (radar) monitor vehicle speeds of visitors on the Refuge. Several State violation notices and FWS warning tickets were issued. A motorcyclist and the driver of a motorhome were stopped for exceeding the posted speed limit, and subsequently arrested by Washington County Deputies for having expired driver's licenses.

On August 21, Officers Ellis and Schultz attended training in Lincoln to receive credentials as NE Conservation Officers.

6b Permits and Economic Use Management

There were six (6) Special Use Permits issued in FY 2001. Four of the permits related to the Cooperative Farming Program, and the other two permits were issued for sampling toad populations and the MAPS bird banding project at Boyer Chute NWR.

6g Land Acquisition Support

Personnel from Region 6 Realty acquired fee title to 107.9 acres of land from willing sellers in the Boyer Chute Expansion Area. These properties (Table 6g.l) were purchased at a cost of $188,640.00. All properties were land purchases only, with minimal site cleanup expected.

Table 6g.l Land Acquisitions during Fiscal Year 2001 Landowner Tract Number Acres Purchase Date Kent Clausen 30 40 July 2001 Loretta Gohr 16 27.90 Sept. 2001 Junge Living Trust 14 20 Sept. 2001 Charles Junge Estate 13 20 Sept. 2001 Total: 107.9

14 7 Public Education and Recreation

7a. Provide Visitor Services

Visitation for FY 2001 was 35,460 (Table 7a. 1), down from 37,473 during 2000, and 43,875 during 1999. April through September are our busy months averaging 4,000 users each month. May, our single busiest month, brought 4,697 people.

The refuge is open daily XA hour before sunrise to XA hour after sunset, except for Christmas, New Year Day, and Thanksgiving. No entry fee is presently charged.

Table 7a. 1. Summary of Public Uses at Boyer Chute NWR during FY 2001. ACTIVITY NUMBER OF VISITORS Wildlife Observation 26,948 Fishing 2,555 Nature Trails 3,955 Photography 1,570 Picnicking 396 Mushrooming 36 Total 35,460

At 3,100+ acres, Boyer Chute is Washington County's largest recreational development, except for nearby DeSoto Refuge. Visitation to this new refuge began Labor Day weekend, September 1996.

Visitation is affected by periodic flooding, summer and winter weather extremes, and dusty roads. All three discourage visitors. Summer days can be hot and humid. Winter can be bleak, cold and blustery. The county's River Road and all refuge roads are presently graveled, but we expect them to be paved in 2002, which should result in increased visitation.

The majority of users come from the Omaha metropolitan area, since the refuge is but eight miles north of the Omaha city limits. A check of licence plates verifies that about 50% of cars come from Douglas County (Omaha).

15 We recorded 388 picnickers, even though there are few picnic tables, except those at the Oriole and Meadowlark shelters. Access to these involves a quarter-mile walk, which probably discourages most formal family-oriented picnicking at the group shelters. Most people spending a day at the refuge bring lunch and beverage along, and they eat along the shore as they fish or observe nature. The trash we remove along the shore testifies to this use.

An important question for FWS continues to be the future recreational use of the waterway itself. It originally envisioned the chute as ideal for beginning canoeists. However, high water and the associated swift currents make it hazardous, especially with the low clearance for vessels under the bridge during high water. The bridge is a serious problem. Canoeists could travel the section a mile north and south of the bridge, but it's doubtful such a short float trip would justify the work of transporting canoes and launching in and out of the chute. For the foreseeable future, all watercraft are prohibited. This may change if the bridge is replaced with a longer, higher span.

The refuge brochure was reprinted by the Denver Office (30,000 copies). We expect this to be a three year supply. Maps in this show future refuge boundaries to give visitors and residents a view of what's to come. Region 6 is seeking funds to eventually upgrade the brochure to the FWS color design standard, and in the interim is issuing it as a one color "Regulations Flyer".

Interpretation facilities continue to be limited, but are of high quality. Two Lewis and Clark wayside panels, erected in the main parking lot, are particularly useful as we begin the 1903-1906 national Bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Lewis and Clark (and 43 others in the group) had their first meeting with Indian tribes three miles west at the nearby "council bluff' in August, 1804. This was a milestone in American history, and because of this one of the major signature events of the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration is scheduled to occur at nearby Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in 2004. Lewis and Clark can expected to be a Boyer Chute theme for the near future.

Future project funding for visitor services will enable the refuge to complete the development of the former Kirby Smith house into an Environmental Education Center and Visitor Contact Station. High quality displays and interpretive panels celebrating the National Wildlife Refuge Centennial and the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial are envisioned for the facility. Interpreting the Missouri River Ecosystem is also a priority. The planning and development of the Environmental Education Center/ Visitor Contact Station will continue, and it is hopeful that the visiting public will soon be able enjoy and celebrate what has been accomplished on the site. Coordination of

16 public use and educational activities with management activities will give the refuge a positive community profile.

The refuge has four short nature trails, each of which is mowed about eight feet wide. The Meadowlark and Oriole Trails are interpreted with short messages on fiberglass-imbedded panels. These trails are each a half mile long. The Meadowlark Trail is concrete-paved and passes through replanted prairie. A third non-interpreted trail runs a half mile distance from South parking lot to the Missouri River. A fourth trail is the 4.5 mile looped trail that extends around the north half of the "Island". More than 3,000 users came to explore these hiking paths this year. Most popular were the Meadowlark and Oriole nature walks.

Three signs from the FWS Sign Shop were installed. These include an entrance regulations sign to replace one damaged by wind, and conference room and office signs for the refuge headquarters building (Kirby Smith house). Thankfully, there has been little vandalism to signs.

The fifth full season of recreational fishing at Boyer Chute continued to provide anglers with an increased variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. For the second time since Boyer Chute opened to the public, low water conditions prevailed throughout the summer fishing season. Fishing pressure and success appeared to be down from previous years. Lower water levels minimized the chute's backwater activities and concentrated water within the main channel.

Shovelnose sturgeon were again observed in anglers' creels, as well as channel and flathead catfish, carp, goldeye, skipjack herring, crappie, bluegill, walleye and sauger, drum and largemouth bass. Common carp are plentiful. After three years of studying and researching the Boyer Chute fisheries, researcher Larry Hesse indicated that the Boyer Chute is basically a miniature navigation channel and not yet the nursery we hoped for. He has seen little difference in the composition of fish species from the Chute and the main river channel. He is encouraging the Service, PMNRD and the Corps to look into alternative ways to "slow" the Chute's water current and create additional backwaters to provide the needed habitat for breeding, nesting, nursery and feeding areas for numerous riverine fish species.

The decision was made to permanently close ice fishing at Boyer Chute NWR, due to conditions on the chute channel in which ice can form, yet have swift moving water and numerous flowing springs underneath. These hazardous conditions may exist throughout the coldest weather patterns.

Hunting on the refuge is currently not permitted. In future years, waterfowl hunting and a white- tailed deer hunt may be feasible.

17 7b. Outreach

The Greater Omaha Metro is a major, untapped resource for the refuge. Every marketing strategy must be employed to capitalize on this opportunity. The challenge continues to be orienting people of the refuge's existence and instilling an appreciation of this new resource. Generally, the public has a positive attitude towards our conservation and land acquisition goals.

Refuge staff invariably promote the Boyer Chute project whenever giving programs. There were several tours for conservation professionals, including a busload of "friends" from the Neil Smith NWR. In April, Bruce oriented Kevin Kilcullen of the Washington Office, Susan Saul of the Portland Office, and author Paul Sivitz to Boyer Chute's significance as a Lewis and Clark site when they were all in Omaha for the National Lewis and Clark Convention in April. The National Wildlife Refuge Association featured Boyer Chute on its 2002 national calendar featuring Lewis and Clark sites.

This new refuge is slowly building a volunteer force. Bruce Sill, our first volunteer, opened and closed the main gate every day contributing 180 hours. Four Audubon Society members(Omaha Chapter) contributed 32 hours for the spring bird count. The refuge sent out news releases to make contact with area residents interested in volunteering for the refuge. Through this medium, the refuge was contacted by the Omaha World Herald to write a story regarding the refuge's needs. As a result, 20 people signed up during the informational meeting.

18 > 8 Planning and Administration

8b General Administration

The year began with two permanent employees, Michael Ellis (upgraded to GS-11 effective 7/15/01, pictured above, center). Refuge Operations Specialist (ROS), and Matthew Freis (upgraded to GS-6 effective 9/9/01, pictured above, right). Biological Science Technician. Bryan D. Schultz (GS-12, pictured above, left) became Refuge Manager effective July 15, 2001. He transferred from the Iowa Wetland Management District in Titonka, Iowa.

ROS Ellis attended the Refuge Management Training Academy at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) from October 15 - November 2, 2000.

ROS Ellis attended the Basics for New Supervisors class at NCTC from February 6-16, 2001.

Officer Ellis attended the annual Law Enforcement In-Service Training held in Des Moines, Iowa from March 25-30, 2001. Officers Ellis and Schultz attended firearms requalification at DeSoto NWR on August 13.

DeSoto NWR staff provided an abundance of administrative, law enforcement, biological, and maintenance support for Boyer during the FY.

19 The NRCS held a meeting at Boyer Chute Refuge Headquarters on November 27, 2000, with twelve in attendance.

Refuge Officer Ellis was detailed to Squaw Creek NWR, Mound City, Missouri, from December 1-3, 2000, to assist with law enforcement duties for "Bald Eagle Days."

On April 9-11, 2001, ROS Ellis went to Valentine, Nebraska for the annual Congressional Briefing.

Eva Paredes, Facilities Management Coordinator (R6), visited Boyer Chute NWR on April 17-19, 2001, to conduct a Facility Management Review, which included Real Property and MMS Projects.

ROS Ellis traveled to Kearney, Nebraska for a Refuge Management Information System (RMIS) meeting on May 15-16, 2001.

On August 15, the refuge hosted an informational tour for the Missouri River Natural Resources Committee during its annual meeting.

Manager Schultz attended a Floodplain Management Workshop, hosted by the NRCS, that was held in Des Moines, Iowa from August 27-31, 2001.

Manager Schultz and ROS Ellis attended Diversity Training at DeSoto NWR on September 14.

8c General Maintenance

One construction project was completed in FY 2001 with Maintenance Management System (MMS) and Regional Office funding to replace the deck at the Refuge Headquarters. The ADA accessible deck completes the rehabilitation project of the existing house into renovated space to be used for the Refuge Administrative Office and Environmental Learning Center/ Visitor Contact Station. The approximately 1,800 sq.ft. deck is also accessible from the interior of the facility, and will provide both an overflow area for school groups, as well as fair weather Environmental Education opportunities. We are all hopeful that the Trex lumber weathers and ages well, and remains functional longer than conventional wood.

20 A new Lennox HP-26 Heat. Pump was installed on the second floor of the Refuge Headquarters by Getzschman Heating & Sheet Metal, Fremont, NE..

A new water system was installed in the Refuge Headquarters by Algiere Industries, Omaha NE. The new setup included a water softener and reverse osmosis drinking water system.

A John Deere 6410 tractor, with 90 PTO HP, and cab was purchased from Skyland Equipment. Co., Tuscaloosa, AL. This mower replaced the 1963 JD 4010, and 1979 JD2440 model tractors, which were traded-in towards the purchase price of the new tractor. This trade-in program was accomplished through John Deere's Government Contract Sales.

A John Deere HX 10 Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter, pull type, was purchased from Skyland Equipment Co., Tuscaloosa, AL. This mower will replace the antiquated John Deere Model 207 Rotaiy mower, which will be sold in lot sale.

A Honda TRX 450ES2, ATV, 4x4 w/ electric shift, was purchased through GSA (Davis Service Center, Inc. of Montrose, CO.. The new machine replaces the 1991 Honda 4x2 , Model TRX 300X2.

A Convault 250/250 Gallon Dual Tank System was purchased through Core Engineered Solutions, Vienna, Virginia to replace the single- walled steel tank, which was not in compliance.

21 A Vicon Spreader, 3-PT hitch mounted, with steel hopper insert, was purchased from Big Bear Equipment Co., Omaha, NE. The spreader will be used to seed native prairie restorations.

A Bunton (Textron) Riding Mower, Model BZT 3310, rotary, 31 HP, zero turning radius, w/ 72" cutting deck and ROPS was purchased through GSA (Big Bear Equipment Co, Omaha).

A Brillion Pulverizer, Model PDT-14, w/ 20" ductile iron wheels was purchased from Omaha Tractor, Omaha, NE will be used for seedbed preparation in grassland restorations; usually in light/sandy soils, or in dry soil conditions.

The seasonal mowing contract for Boyer Chute was ultimately awarded for a third year to Beyer Mowing, Inc., Omaha, NE.. The initial contract was awarded to Eric's Quality Cuts, Blair, NE, who chose to end the contract after encountering wet conditions on their first day. Beyer Mowing mowed the 2.3 mile public use roadsides, parking lots and South Chute Fishing Trail.

Jensen Well Co., Blair, NE completed the trenching of water lines, and installation of electric service to the newly drilled well at the Sill House on the Boyer Chute Island. The well itself was drilled in 2000.

Maintenance Work Leader George Oliver, and Maintenance Mechanic Rex Stambaugh from DeSoto NWR, worked on numerous carpentry and plumbing projects at Boyer Chute NWR. The projects included replacing the storm doors and exterior doors on the island residence, which completed the window/siding replacement project for that structure. New storm doors, and one exterior door was also replaced on the former Tucker residence, which was established as a Refuge Quarters in FY2000. One of the large sliding doors was replaced with an overhead door on West end of the Boyer Island Equipment Shed.

ROS Ellis and Maintenance Work Leader Oliver placed the new "Blue Goose" refuge sign at the entrance to Boyer Chute NWR. Numerous visitors and the refuge staff included, welcome the return of the "Blue Goose" as the signature logo of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

22 8d Safety

Boyer Chute Refuge staff participated in all monthly Safety Meetings held at DeSoto Refuge and all quarterly Safety Committee Meetings. A flammable storage cabinet was purchased this year, and placed in the Boyer Island Equipment Shed.

Annual fire extinguisher inspections and monitoring were completed in February 2001 by ABC Fire Equipment Co. of Omaha, Nebraska.

Bio-Tech Matthew Freis completed his series of Hepatitis A & B vaccinations.

ROS Ellis completed the forms for the FWS Bridge Safety Program, which tracks newly constructed or acquired bridges. It was identified in the Facilities Management Review that the 118' concrete slab w/ steel pile vehicle bridge (Boyer Chute Island Bridge), was not currently in the FWS Bridge Safety Program, although it was always listed in the Real Property Inventory. All documentation and bridge specifications were forwarded to Region 6 Engineering in June 2001.

On July, 17, 2001, Environmental Compliance Coordinator, Jim Behrmann, and Shirlee Terada, Regional Safety Manager, Region 6, Denver, conducted an Environmental Compliance and Safety Audit at Boyer Chute NWR. ROS Ellis completed the consolidation of Station Safety Plans , and inventory/update of the refuge's Material Safety Data Sheets, with the assistance of Bio-Tech Freis and ROS Van Riper, who is the Collateral Duty Safety Officer at DeSoto NWR. The Environmental Compliance and Safety Audits were conducted with Bio-Tech Freis and ROS Van Riper assisting the auditors. Several deficiencies were noted, to include the need to load-test and inspect the P&H "Omega " mobile crane, and the need to purchase a compliant eye-wash station. It was also identified in the Audit that the Refuge Headquarters needs to be tested for asbestos. The "Greening of the Government" Standards identified that re-refined oils should be used for vehicle maintenance. The Refuge had been doing quarterly coliform bacteria testing as part of the drinking water tests. Also identified was the need for annual testing for copper and lead, as well as the 7-year Comprehensive Water Test.

Two eye-wash stations were purchased as a result of the Environmental Compliance and Safety Audit. A Pure Flow 1000 model, and a electrically heated Porta Stream II model were purchased through GSA vendor Grainger, with funding from Region 6 Safety.

On September 21, 2001, American Crane Rental, Inc, Omaha, Nebraska, performed an annual safety inspection on the P&H "Omega" 20-ton mobile crane. A non-functional swing-brake, and frayed lifting cable was found as a result of the inspection. These repairs were subsequently accomplished be Crane Sales and Service Co., Omaha, Nebraska in FY2002. The initial company, American Crane Rental, was then able to load-test the crane, which was a success. The crane is now certified to continue operations.