ROUTING SUP DIVISION OF WILDIIEE REFUGES DATE; Jo-

/ MR. SALTER SECTION OF HABITAT IMPROVEMENT:

MRS. WOODIN Mr. Kubichek

Mr. Smith

4BT"aiif /2-

Miss Cook IJL- I* -<4-2^

y SECTION OF OPERATIONS: SECTION OF ERA:

Ki1 unimiL >1 M3U- Regan

l&fi /y- ifer. jajliiJUU Lf Dr. Bounr" mkf. Miss Baum Mrs. Fishman

Mrs. Kricun

/ SECTION OF LAND MANAG! STENOGRAPHERS:

MjMinttiiimiilnnHif. / Miss Whorley

Mr.Ackerkne

v/ SECTION OF STRUCTURES;

T^TTnr" tLDSZ-^Vzt

HMAXKZ- EQRI^EECKJSAIL WILDLIFJL.REEUGE JMRAtlVE HKKEI-

MAT * AUGUSX-X9-42

Return to; Coot. FORT PECK GAME RANGE, FORT PECK, . — May, June, July, August —

I GENERAL

A« Weather Conditionso

Weather conditions through this report period were, on the average, cooler and wetter than normal. Attached to this report are the official weather reports as issued by the War Department for the past three months.

Maximum temperature -- July 95,0°

Mnimum temperature — May 33,0°

B, Water Conditions.

Fort Peck Lake continued to raise until July 23, when a continuous release of about 8,000 second feet was started. This caused the elevation of the lake to recede at about one-half inch per day and will continue until fall rains increase the flow of water to this rate in tributaries of the Missouri below Fort Peck .

On the upper part of the the water was higher this spring than for the past twenty years, and, as a result, raised Fort Peck

Lake much above the normal expectations. At its highest the lake was at an elevation of 2183.82 on July 23. The water in the lake was three- quarters of its depth of spill elevation (2240) and the lake was approxi­ mately one-third full.

C. Fires.

Through this period, one fire existed on the refuge in the town of

Fort Peck, and was caused by sparks from the city dump. No tangible damage was done as the fire was on land that is in no way utilized.

II WILDLIFE

A, Migratory Birds,

A trip of 129 miles up the Missouri River in late July provided an opportunity to make a census of waterfowl on , Mallards were the only species observed, and 1500 of these were observed at the water1s edge on flooded farm land. The birds were in the flapper stage XikB lEPARTivIEKT U. S. Engineer Office Fort Peck, Montana

Position of station - 48o00t25.53" N; MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL BULLETIN Elevation 2280 ft. (Mean sea level) 106o23'46.90" Xi.

Date 1 2 3 4 P: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 j 23 29 30 31

Mean temperature 45 45 46 4ft 53 58 m 66 63 55 48 46 50 42 43 43 32 61 32 62 W 68 12 51 #0 4i 44

Maximum temperature 51 67 56 67 60 67 79 75 69 59 60 51 69 56 48 51 48 34 66 71 66 82 81 70 69 6ft 70 47

Minimum temperature 36 39 35 34 36 40 40 44 47 50 46 39 41 II 36 HI 96 98 39 49 60 66 54 50 Mean temperature for the montb S . Mean makirnurn Mean minimum Highest date 23 . Lowe st 53.-0 , da-te g • Greatest daily range on 23 . Least daily ]?ange 8 on 1R Absolute range 18 e C • | 1 1 Precipitation i ri i j «• ! « 1 j. L L (hundredths inches) 07 31 22| - 06 09 T • T mm m 79 » it •,, * f 19 01 Evaporation l (thousandths inches) - 260 190 189 236 klu - 336 043114 0X6 159 j >46 186 103 163 m ^53 190 591 £68 B60 L49 ; m i U5f ^ m »6 L71 Average relative humidity (^o) f 88 70 37 76 70 6:00 A.M. Observation 71 66 97 i 77 96 73 LI .65 89 77 77 81 75 76 63 89 m 9st 55 82 e« 97 Prevailing wind i 1i direction HE MX NL K 3W s ! s S s : i n .12, 3 SE IMQI i 1 SR s 3^ 3W SE SK luf S **% R * s SI

Average wind velocity • 18 10 8 ft c i 24 14 15 : 1 : 8 8 14 8 20 IB 12 18 21 16 14 ^5 n

Prevailing wind direction for month ______Average velocity 1ZS . Total movement 95XV miles. Maximum velocity £•& m.p.h. from R.- on //t

Average barometric pressure (reduced to sea level) 30o01 Highest K>e40 , date 5 Lowest date .

Total amount of water evaporated (Exposure No. ^ ) So6b4 inches. Average daily amount OolBfe . Mean humidity - 6:00 A.M.

Total precipitation ^^inches. Greatest precipitation in 24 hours 0t>W inches on .

Total snowfall, unmelted inches. Snow remaining on ground at end of month — inches.

Number of days clear . Partly cloudy ' Cloudy By direction of the District Engineer:

RR420124 Reservoir Regulation & Hydrology Section WAB rEPABTKEKT U. S. Engineer Office Port Peck, Montana

MONTHLY LETEOEOLGGICAL BULLETBT Position of station - 48o00f25.53w N; Elevation 2280 ft. (Mean sea level) 106023'46.90" ur.

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 !1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1, 23 29 30 31 11 Mean temperature o mm o Maximum temperature IF; ,

<^1 Minimum temperature i /1 ! Mean temnerature for the month Mean maximum Mean minimum Highest , date Lowest , date

i— 1I i • : i ! r • | Precipitation i |i i ! i i (hundredths inches) I Qp i j • Evaporation r "i • i i (thousandths inches) • ' 7 1" • 7 r-vi g c > Average relative humidity (>) 6:00 A.M. Observation 77 nr. it i QDA A Prevailing wind i MM mm N direction V ! • !; ! • 1 SW ! ; 1 ; -- • • - i mm Average wind velocity IP I , i xv ! : i 21

Prevailing vjind direction for month . Average velocity •. Total movement miles. Maximum velocity m.p.h. from on

Average barometric pressure (reduced to sea level) . Highest , date . Lowest , date

Total amount of water evaporated (Exposure No. inches. Average daily amount . Mean humidity - 6;00 A.M. fo.

Total precipitation inches. Greatest precipitation in 24 hours inches on

Total snowfall, unmelted inches. Snow remaining on ground at end of month inches.

Number of days clear . Partly cloudy . Cloudy . By direction of the District Engineer:

ER420124 Keservoir Regulation & Hydrology Section

Best possible image. Junoi 194Sfr

Croner&l sinraary:

June tonperetures wore below norsml but there rere no frees In': temperature re­ corded© An ebnoTTial araount of rein fell* This, being evenly divided throughout the tnonth, left the plant life in vory f^ood Co nd It ion* Winds were froquontly high* a gal© which preceded a storm on the 9th wee the cause of six people be­ ing drowned in the Fort Peck Hooervolr*

XYe^itaticp1

Measurable quantities of rain fell on 18 dayso Although the total precipitation for the month was 4ol8 Inches* which is lc,El inches above the normal figuree there ^ is still a defioienoy for the year of 0o51 inch—o the largest aaount of rain for sj a 24-hour period* I088 inches* fell on the 6th and 6tho the Intensity of the rain during that period eaused nunerous washouts in highway oulve ts o

Yarn per r.- • j i ^

The mean temperature for the month* 60>8 degrees* was 2o6 degrees lower than a long period average for June* this was the lowest aean temperature for June since the beginning of the local record* August 1984o The naxinun temperstare* 80o2 degrees 0 occurred on the 8tho This was Sol degrees lower than May*s waxinuu temperature of 8So8 degrees* the nininxni reading of 40c4 degrees was recorded on the ISth the absolute range for the ncnth was 89o6 degrees o

Winds i

The total movement for the menth was Uu260 miles* giving a mean velocity of 15ob mopchc this is the higheer average hourly velocity recorded since the beginning of the Fort Poolt Weather Bureau* The prevailing wind direction was Jhtst although the winds were variable throughout Juneo A sustained velocity of 48 nopoho was recorded on the llth for a five minute period* A 60 BoPoh* wind wai recorded on the 10th for one minute

gyqpeietlatit

Total evaporation for June amounted to 7u206 lachee* the dally avsrege being >240 inches o

Miseellaneoufi fhencnenai

Distant lightning was observed on the 2d* 4th* 9th* 18th* 88th* and 26tho Thunder storms occurred on ths 1st* 4th* 10th* 16th* 19th* 86th* and 27tho lunar halo was observed on the 22di> Smoke limited visibility on the 8th* 23d* 29th* and SOth* Light fog occurred on the 26ttia Moderate to thick fog ooourred en the 26tho Duet was present in the air on the 17th, i ^ Best possible image.

WAB lEPABTivENT U. S. Engineer Office Port Peck, Montana

Position of station - 48o00*25.53" N; MONTHLY MCTEOBOLCGICAL BULLETET Elevation 2280 ft. (Mean sea level) V, '• '•>} 106O23*46.90" V/. ' - p; 25 26 27 23 29 30 31 Date 1 2 3 4 6 7 1 8 9 10 ii 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 19 |( 20 21 22 23 24 i

Mean temperature 1 .. 79

imutm CM • Maximum temperature , 92 07 | i • fry /*• <» gm Minimum temperature 4B 5S in• • * ' L , • uu GC •X 55

; Lowest , date • Mean temperature for the month • Mean maximum • lie an minimum . Highest j date

Greatest daily range on • Least daily range on • Absolute range i | 1 i r 1 ! ! Precipitation { i i i «8> - | m | *9 m no |y •K (hundredths inches) j » - T • r 1 Evaporation !— r" - M .5 |MM| • Mg • ' 3: '. ^ 9 11B (thousandths inches) • - V: K ! 579 Average relative humidity (Jo) 1 or? -• f*g AQ 6:00 A.M. Observation 73 !• 03 ! - Qi Prevailing wind i ! i | ! 1 1 oT? 1 C5 mm MB ; ' direction • . i . s 1 ! i , i 1 fO 16 Average wind velocity i . 1 ^ i ' i i r i 10 Prevailing uind direction for month . Average velocity*_ . Total movement miles. Ihximum velocity m.p.h. from on

Average barometric pressure (reduced to sea level) . Highest , date . Lowest 41 , ,

Total amount of water evaporated (Exposure No. ) inches. Average daily amount Mean humidity - 6:00 A.M.

Total precipitation inches. Greatest precipitation in 24 hours inches on ,

Total snowfall, unmelted inches. Snow remaining on ground at end of month inches.

Number of days clear Partly cloudy Cloudy . By direction of the District Engineer;

Dnoter ltjo->o*?atiV8 fat» it3 hours oh fVti* HR420124 Ste.servoir Regulation & Hydrology Section July, 1942

General Suamwe

July temperuturfis were near normal for the month. Total rainfall was "below normal for the monthf although 1,01 inches of rain fell in a 35 minute period on the 26th. Manager Horn of the Fort Peck Wild Life Refuge made a 300 mile trip up the Lake and river hy hoat late in the montho He reports a fine trip and that the Lake does not get narrow enough to he free from large waves for the first 40 miles ahove the Daaio

Precipitationt

Measurable quantities of rain fell on S days. Total precipitation for the month was 1.44 inches which is ^31 helow normal. Rainfall the year thus far is ,82 inches.

The average mean temperature for the montho 71o2 degrees is the lowest recorded for July hy the J?ort Peck Weather Bureau Station since its heginning in August» 1934, The maximum temperature0 95,0 degreest occurred on the 22nd and the minimuaie 49.0 degrees* on the 13tho The ahsolute range for the month was 46,0 degrees.

WlSdju.

The total movement recorded for the month was 7723 miles* giving an average velocity of 10o6 Bi,p0ho The anemometer "became inoperative during the rainstorm on the 28th and did net record for 13 hours. The prevailing wind direction was northwest,

Bvaporatlon;

Total evaporation for July amounted to 9,149 irches* the daily average hsing ,295 inches. An anemometer was ret up in connection with the evaporating pan on the evening of the 2nd, At the end of the month it showed 2579,3 miles of wind had passed over the pan.

Miscellaneous Phenomena?

Smoke limited visibility from the let through the 8th and the 25th through the 28th. Thunderstorms occurred on the Tth* 11th* 14th* 15th* and 28th, Distant thunderstorms were observed on the 22ndt 24th* and Slst, The aurora was observed on the 11th and 12th, Best possible image. MOUNTAIN WAR TIME

WAR lEPARTI'.ENT 'WAR TIME" is one U. S. Engineer Office hour earlier than "STANDARD TIME" Port Peck, Montana

MONTHLY METEOR PLC GICAL BULLET EI Position of station - 48o00t25.53n N; Elevation 2280 ft. (Mean sea level) 106o23'45.90" V/.

p; 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 j 28 29 30 31 Date i 1 2 3 4 KJ 6 7 ! 8 10 HI i r>?> .-•r Mean temperature 70 7c. f f* 1 | 89

Maximum temperature 72 35 02 92 70 M

Minimum temperature %AJ . GO 60 63 GO 39 ' I GO 66 61 54 ( WW 57

Mean temperature for the mont!h Mean maximum Mean minimum . Highest; 3 date Lowest „ date •

Greatest daily range on • Least daily range on • Absolute range _ j ! 1 i i ! j I Precipitation 1 i j i ! (hundredths inches) j on i • >> mi cm T 1 ij ' Evaporation !— r-r ^ nr\ »• MB i-• > 206 1 100 20.1 . 3251 111 • BOB (thousandths inches) t Average relative humidity ($) 1 " 6:00 A.M. Observation CD : r 03 1 •re. 38 Prevailing wind ! r? • • i 2 1M 3 . MR 1;' I E direction in j • f1 " i t i p r -j 7 7 i 16 Average wind velocity 7 10 1 ^ i 1 ic

Prevailing uind direction for month . Average velocity . Total movement miles. Maximum velocity m.p.h, from on .

Average barometric pressure (reduced to sea level) . Highest. j date . Lowest , date .

Total amount of water evaporated (axposure No. inches. Average daily amount Mean humidity - 6:00 A.M.

Total precipitation inches. Greatest precipitation in 24 hours inches on .

Total snowfall, unmolted inches. Snow remaining on ground at end of month inches.

Number of days clear . Partly cloudy . Cloudy . 3y direction of the District Engineer:

August* 1943

Senerel Sunnaiyy Aiigoot ceiapfiratu^ss wore near mnml for tbe moutbo fatal rainfall woe above the Auguet &onaalD laoet of it ooiaiag late in the moatho Wlade were generally lighto The mean humidity for the month was 74 per oeato

Preeipitatlom Meaoureble quantltiee of rain fall on 9 dayao tbtal preoipltotlon for the month was lo33 inches which Is Ool6 ebcre nom&Xo Xhls reduces the year* a deficiency to On 66 incho

TOqperat,ur^art. The average mean temperature was 69o8 degrees which la 1«6 degrees above normals The maxirium temperature for the month0 wSilch is also the laaximum for the year thus far* was 37o9 degrees on the 30tho The mlnimas* 30o3 degreeio occurred on the Sndo The absolute range for the month was 47o6 degreeso iLiaasi The total laovement for the month was 8,168 milesp giving an average velocity of llo2 miles per houro ®js marlmuci was 46 miles per hour from the south­ west and occurred on August 12tho The prevailing wind direetion for the month was ©est,.

gyaporntion; ;

Total evaporation for the month was 7o921 incheso Siis was a daily averags of 0«S56 incho The anemometer oy the evaporating pen showed that 25Gool mllee of wind passed over the pan during the monthq 1 \ ^ ' • Kisoelleaeoue Phenomenal aaoke limited visibility on 15 The aurora was observed on the 13th, & IBtho Thunderatome occurred on the 4th, 12th, 20th r 24th, S6th, 87th, £8th, 29th, end 3l8t« Distant thunderstons were observed on the 8th and IBtho I ^

•9*^1 mt

.. ...i.ift ^ : :: -• •-. .,,tr;';.s- - • • •• tm* •' . ^ mi • (MS&&

af TKL .y-•v^ 'O:. Wc< .•:.i v w 9 • SEP 8 1942 re i. GAMEfl^:J,^ 7%. '•^ \Q WSLOL^^- Form NR-1 MIGRATORY BIRDS

Refuge Fort Feck Game Range, Montana Months of May to August j 19^ 2

1612 (1) (2) ,(3- (U) (5) (6) (7) Became Species First Ohserved Peak Concentration Last Observed Young Produced Total Common No, Esti­ Number Common Name Number Date Date Number Date Number Date Broods Avg mated Using Obsvd, Size Total Refuge

Mallard 1500 July 29 1000 1500 Canvasback 8 July 29

First ob servaticns were jiade prior t ) my tran sfer here so this informat; on OJ n not be supplied,

m B

1 3 H. I •

REMARKS: (Pertinent information.not specifically requested) INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (Include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidae; also doves and woodcocks)*

In case a resident form occurs, such as mottled duck on the'Gulf Coast, use only the columns that apply.

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common names as found in the A.O.U. Check List, 1931 Edition, and list in A.O.U. order. General terras are to be avoided, such as "scaup", ,,teal,,, etc.; use "green-winged teal" or "lesser scaup".

(2) FIRST OBSERVED! The first refuge record for the species during spring migration, fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the number observed. In the case of resident species this column may be disregarded.

(3) BECAME COMMON! The date the species became common on the refuge.

(4) PEAK CONCENTRATION! The greatest number of the species present on any one date or limited interval of time.

(5) LAST OBSERVED: The last refuge record for the species during the spring or fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the numbers observed exclusive of obvious cripples or non-migrants•

(6) YOUNG PRODUCED! Estimated number of young produced based upon observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10£ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact are to be omitted.

(7) TOTAL: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the manner in which birds come through; i.e., in waves or all at once. On refuges representing the ^terminus of the flight lane, the figures would probably be the same in many cases.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

/ ' 1 1612 INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (Include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidae; also doves and •woodcocks )*

In case a resident form occurs, such as mottled duck on the*Gulf Coast, use only the columns that apply.

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common names as found in the A.O.U. Check List, 1931 Edition, and list in A.O.U. order. General terms are to be •h i avoided, such as "scaup", "teal", etc.j use "green-winged teal" or "lesser scaup".

(2) FIRST OBSERVED: The first refuge record for the species during spring migration, fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the number observed. In the case of resident species this column may be disregarded.

(3) BECAME COMMON: The date the species became common on the refuge.

(4) PEAK CONCENTRATION: The greatest number of the species present on any one date or limited Interval of time.

(5) LAST OBSERVED: The last refuge record for the species during the spring or fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the numbers observed exclusive of obvious cripples •i or non-migrants. (6) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced based upon observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact are to be omitted. (7) TOTAL: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the manner in which birds come through; i.e., in waves or all at once. On refuges representing the ^terminus of the flight lane, the figures would probably be the same in many cases.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1612 —— 2. at the time they were observed, and it was impossible to determine between the juveniles and adults. Because of this, it was impossible to determine the v/aterfowl production on the area this year, but there is beyond a doubt a considerable number of nesting mallards on Fort Peck Lake. In late July, y a brood of seven canvasbacks was observed in the Fourth Point Bay.

2. Food and Cover.

Because the lake is only now forming, the only available food is the seeds of terrestrial plants. Aquatic growths in Fort Peck Lake are not expected. >/ S A large cormorant and blue heron rookery was observed in the tops of cottonwood trees in the flooded area of the lake about four feet above the surface of the water, a short distance from Faranuf on August

12. Twenty of the fifty nests in the rookery were blue herons, the balance being cormorants. No form of sickness has been observed on the area,

B. Upland Game Birds.

1. Population and Behavior.

The limited amount of travel that has been performed over the

Game Range to date has shown a fair population of four species of upland game birds. Coveys of young sharptail grouse and sage grouse have been noted on both the east and west sides of the river. Sage grouse broods average five young birds, sharptail broods average four. Although both ringneck pheasants' and Hungarian partridges have been observed, no broods were seen on this area. Food and cover were abundant, and no effects of disease were observed.

C. Big Game Animals.

1. Population and Behavior, J Antelope have been observed several times immediately west of Fort Peck on the Game Range and all indications point to the fact that a herd of about seven are ranging in the vicinity of Sec. 14, T. 26 N., Form NR-2 UPUND GAME BIRDS 1613

Refuge Fort Peck Game Range, Montana Months of May to August ^ 19A 2

(1) (2) (3) •(4) (5) (6) (7) Species Density- Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio

Estimated Acres number Pertinent information not Cover types, total per Re­ using specifioally requested. Common Name acreage of habitat Bird Percentage Refuge List introductions here. stocking For For Hunting Total obstv'd. Research Number broods Estimated

Sharptail Grouse *375,000 acres 26 No No No Because the personnel in this Sag© Hen *200,000 acres 42 No No No refuge are all new to it, and Ringneok Pheasant *75,000 acres No No No No only a small part of the area Hungarian Partridge *25,000 acres No No No No has been covered to date, no comprehensive information on •Estimated species populations is avail­ able•

Sharptail broods i .verage 4 bir Is. Sage hen broods a1 erage 5 bir Is.

\ INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name.

(2) DENSITY s Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover typos. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. t

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

U) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

(5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

(6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons.

(7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically, requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613 R. 39 B. On a trip into the area south of Telegraph two blacktail deer were observed in mid-August. These have been the only deer observed on the refuge. In talking to residents at and above the mouth of the Mussel­

shell, it is evident that all the whitetailed deer in the bottoms have moved up the river during the rise of the lake this spring. All indications

point to a fairly heavy concentration of whitetail deer above the mouth of the .

Food and Cover.

With weather conditions as they have been for the past four

years, range conditions are at the present better than at any time within the memory of any of the old-timers. No indications of disease have been

evident.

D. Fur Animals.

The rise of Fort Peck Lake has had the same effect on beaver as has been noted on whitetail deer. They have been crowded up the river in

quest of food. Beaver signs are evident everywhere that the tops of green

trees protrude above the surface of the lake, and a heavy concentration of beavers is evident above the point where the flood plain is submerged.

Residents along the river have advised that many dead beavers were observed this spring. Two reasons are possible: the animals may have died of

disease that spread rapidly due to their heavy concentration, or the beavers

may have been animals that were shot during the spring break-up by farmers

in the upper reaches of the refuge, who, according to hearsay, were issued beaver permits by the State Department of Game last fall. Further informa­ tion regarding this will be supplied when available, / Ho muskrats have been observed on the refuge.

E, Predators.

Little is known of the situation of predators on the area at present.

Coyotes are frequently observed but populations are yet to be determined. F« Predaceous Birds.

The populations of crows and magpies on the area is practically nil.

As far as is known, no raven exist on the Fort Peck Game Range.

G. Fish,

400,000 rainbow trout were planted in Fort Peck Lake this spring by the Montana State Department of Game, All attempts to date to get any fur­ ther details in regard to the size of the fish or where they were planted have been unsuccessful. In this case as in many others, administrative routine is being set up whereby we will be supplied with the necessary in­ formation.

Ill REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AMD MAINTENANCE

A. Physical Development.

At the beginning of this report period, an attempt was made to start posting operations on the boundary but it soon became evident that with the equipment we have and the method necessarily used, the cost in automobile mileage and man days expended for the work we were accomplishing was prac­ tically prohibitive. Our only alternative was to assemble equipment that would allow more work to be more efficiently accomplished. Necessity of equipment for other work was obvious. At the close-of this report period we are practically ready to start field work on a systematic and efficient basis.

First, we needed a boat and outboard motor, A boat was found and purchased andfbur outboard motors were obtained for our use from the

Engineer Office on memorandum receipt. The best parts from these four motors were assembled, providing us with two good 24 horse outboard motors.

Before this work could be done, a shop and work bench was necessary. Sal­ vage material in the 3232 warehouse was shifted and a work bench constructed

We now have a work shop with plenty of light and floor space in which to work. From the experience of the field crew, it became evident that our major requirement for efficient operation was not a trailer in which to transport horses, but a trailer in which camping facilities could be maintained. A trailer house with celotex sides and ends and a canvas roof was constructed of almost entirely salvage material at an expenditure of approximately 16 man days. Material cost for the trailer house was about |10.00. This will provide an easily transportable headquarters for the field crew and in a short time will more than save the expenditure of man days necessary for its assembly, 1?rior to the construction of this unit, one man day was expended in the assembly of a small table saw that more than saved the time of its construction in the construction of the trailer house,

B. Plantings.

No plantings and collections wrere made on the refuge through this report period. No feed or nursery stock was received or shipped.

IV ECONOMIC USES OF REFUGE

A. Grazing.

An estimated 6,000 head of cattle are at the present time grazing on the area under the supervision of the Grazing Service. Yshat percentage of these are under permit by the Grazing Service is not known. Here again administrative machinery is being set up to get definite information.

There is no evidence that any overgrazing exists as this year's food crop is prolific and the cattle population is relatively light.

V PUBLIC RELATIONS

A# Recreational Uses.

An estimated thirty motor boats were used on the lake for day long and overnight camping trips.

A party of six persons were drowned in the Big Dry area of the lake when their boat was capsized by a 48 mile-per-hour wind on June 9. The only survivor came to Fort Peck for aid, arriving about 24 hours after the storm. All bodies have now been recovered.

B. Refuge Participation.

Two radio broadcasts were presented to the public over station KG-CX prior to its move to Sidney, Montana. Radio scripts are being furnished to Benjamin M. Hazeltine for his use over the same station when it resumes oper

C.

Fishing pressure is very heavy on the refuge immediately below the tunnel outlets of Fort Peck Lake. Thousands of pike, 12 to 14 inches, with a few larger, were taken this spring and summer by hundreds of fisher­ men. Some catfish, 14 to 24 inches long, were taken in the same locality.

The best cat fishing on the area is near the upper end of the slack water in the lake, approximately twenty channel miles below the mouth of the

Musselshell where an estimated 1,000 fish approximately 24 inches long were caught by local farmers and sportsmen.

Thomas C. Horn Assistant Refuge Manager, September 24, 1942. Acting In Charge

Approved by Regional Director. This alfalfa field on the Tomi Brothers' ranch. Sec. 7, T. 20 N., R. 30 E., has produced $2500»00 worth of alfalfa seed each year for three consecutive years. This explains the reluctance of many of the farmers in this district to leave the land leased from the Engineer Office. This ranch in three years has grossed $42,000 on alfalfa seed alone. 7/30/42, R-l-1#

Taken on Soda Creek ridge about ten miles above the mouth of the Musselshell River, this view tells its own story. A young deer, attempting an uphill jump over a fence, made of entanglement wire from World War I, came to an untimely end. 7/30/42, R-l-3. Taken from Musselshell Point showing Squaw Creek Valley beyond. Cottonwood trees are in valley, pines on the slopes and ridges. Picture taken looking toward the east. 7/30/42, R-l-4. t

Mouth of ,the Musselshell River, looking southwest. The slack water line in Fort Peck Lake is about six miles below (this point. 7/30/42, R-l-5. Looking up the Missouri River north from the old U. L. cow camp from the west side of Musselshell Point. One War Department lessee is at this point, one below, and all others are upstream. A good runoff next spring will leave only those above this point. 7/31/42, R-l-6.

Fort Peck Lake above the flooded flood plain. The mountain in the distance is about 900 feet above the river and shows topography. 7/31/42, R-l-7. I Taken from Fort Peck Lake looking east down the Missouri from Sec. 36, T. 22 N., R. 31 E. This ridge is about 1200 feet high, and is all within the Game Range. The flood plain here is submerged. 7/31/42, R-l-8.

Armington Reservoir, Sec. 16, T. 22 N., R. 33 E. This view shows the type of reservoirs constructed on the Game Range by the S, C. S. and Grazing Service. 8/6/42, R-2-1. This view is typically Fort Peck Game Range, rough country in the Missouri River breaks with very sparoe pines. 8/6/42, R-2-2.

Leedy Basin in Fort Peck Lake, center of T. 22 N., R. 32 E. typical Missouri River breaks in the foreground. 8/6/42, R-2-3. 12.

This picture shows the heavy cottonwood growth that is being sub­ merged as the lake fills. As will be noted, the water here is only about four feet below the flood plain, and when the lake is full, the tops of the trees will be submerged about one foot. View taken northeast from Sec. 3, T. 20 M., R. 30 E. 8/7/42, R-2-4.

This shows quite clearly what wave action is doing to the ends of all hills in Fort Peck Lake. Heavy wave action is moving millions of yards of earth. 8/12/42, R-2-12. \

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