Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Annual
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
LIMA, MONTANA
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
CALENDAR YEAR 1977
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM
FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RED ROCK LAKES NAT TONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Lakevlew, Montana
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1977
MAT TONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM Fish and Wildlife Service U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Personnel
1. Eugene D. Stroops, GS-11/7 Refuge Manager 2. Rees L. Madsen, GS-9/1 Assistant Refuge Manager(EOD 9-11-77) 3. Richard R. Sjostrom, GS-7/1 Biological Technician/Typist(EOD 8-15-77) (Career Conditional) 4. Charlie E. Young, WG-10/5 Heavy Idustrial Equipment Mechanic
Temporary Personnel
5. John A, Beam, GS-3/1 (ROD 5-9-77, Resigned 10-22-77) Bio. Tech. 6. Randy Hickenbottom, GS-3/1 (EOD 5-20-77, Term. ll-19-77)Bio. Aid 7. Julie C. Montgomery, GS-1/5 (EOD 6-30-77, Term, ll-26-77)Clerk/ Typist
Review and Approvals
Submitted by / Date Area Office Date
Refuge Regional Office Date TABLE OF CONTENTS i T. GENERAL • Page
A. Introduction... 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 1 D. System Status , 1
II. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction 3 B. Maintenance 3 C. Wildfire 4
III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A, Croplands 5 E. Grasslands 5 C. Wetlands 6 D. Forestlands 7 E. Other Habitat 7 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 7 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 7
TV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species 8 E. Migratory Birds 8 C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others 16
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation 19 B. Recreation 19 C • Enforcement 21
VT. OTHER ITEMS T
A. Field Investigations 23 B. Cooperative Programs. 23 C. Items of Interest,,,, 23 D. Safety 23 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE RED ROCK LAKES MIGRATORY WATERFOWL REFUGE I N BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MONTANA
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
Trumpeter J 2_! 3 - •mo^ta'na- Swans C' idaho~~^~' * LOCATION MAP 10 20
"p*o4
R2W R3W R2^3^ IDAHO
IR MONT 177 422.2 1
I. GENERAL
A. Introduction
The Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge contains 40,224 acres of timber uplands and fresh water marsh. Established In 1935 to protect the then endangered trumpeter swan. It lies at the east ern end of the scenic Centennial Valley In southwestern Montana, The Centennial Mountains form the continental divide to the south and west of the refuge. The snow pack from these mountains pro vides the water that maintains the 13,000 acres of lakes and marshes on the refuge. The refuge Is located 30 miles from paved highways and Is snowed In four to five months every year, visitors are few and wilderness recreation values are high.
B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions
1977 was a poor year for snow in the Centennial Valley. The winter of 1976-77 was the first In at least 16 years that regular vehicle travel Into the refuge was possible. According to the Soil Conser vation Service (1977 Fall Water Snpply Summary), the streamflow in the Missouri River headwaters was 50 percent below average. Red Rock Creek, the major source of water for the refuge marshes. Is part of this headwater system.
Habitat conditions were normal despite the low streamflow be cause of above average rainfall during May, June, and August. 15.24 Inches of rain fell during that period, 5,74 Inches more than normal,
C. Land Acquisition
Nothing to report
D. System Status
1. Objectives '
Our primary objective of protecting the trumpeter swan has been met, or at least modified. With the removal of these birds from rare and endangered status, this objective has been redefined to one of production and maintenance. Efforts are being made to pinpoint major factors leading to the plateau now evident In the growth of the Red Rock Lakes pop- ulatIon,
As our altitude (6,600 feet) and long winters combine to pro vide only late nesting opportunities, there Is little to be done to Increase waterfowl production on the refuge, in this area, our aim Is to Insure that present levels of production do not drop. 2
We are still waiting, although moreApatlently each year, for PPBE and PFMTS to finally be combined Into one workable system,
2. Funding and Staffing
Total funding for the last four years shows substantial In creases.
FY 74 $71,350 2.5% FY 75 $73,150 21.0% FY 76 $88,500 19.0% FY 77 $105,450
The FY 75-76 increase was due to the transition quarter. The FY 76-77 Increase came about as a result of the BLHP program.
While the total number of staff has not changed drastically, the types of positions have been altered to give us more per manent full time people. This results In more continuity in refuge programs and more people avalllble to conduct better surveys and studies. This will hopefully enable us to pro duce professional quality programs.
Year PFT PPT
FY 74 4 2
FY 75 2 4
FY 76 2 4
FY 77 4 3 3
TT. CONSTRUCT TP N AND MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
New fence was constructed to replace 20.5 miles of badly deterior ated fence. This project was contracted and barely begun In 1976. Winter weather forced a halt for the season and so the job was com pleted this year. A map of the new fence In enclosed.
Hydraulic post pounder makes fencing almost enjoyable. J.B,
B. Maintenance
During 1977, all log structures In the headquarters complex were re painted. A linseed oil based preservative mixed with "stain was used. The preservative only was applied to the cedar shakes. The buildings painted were the office/service building, barn, oil house, and resid ences #1 and #90. m the past this painting was done by hand and re quired nearly one man month to complete. This year Charlie E. Young, heavy equipment mechanic, used an airless paint sprayer oper ated by a portable electric generator to finish the job In three days. The trim around the doors and windows required the usual two weeks to complete. The log fence around the headquaters site was also paint ed.
( ajbw pBAJCZ /fyy
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 'HABITAT TYPE MAP
BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MONTANA APRIL 3, 1968 IR MONT 177 450 4
Free-standing fireplaces of the type that can be placed directly against the vail vere Installed In quarters #90, #94, and #110, These units vlll provide a more efficient source of emergency heat during pover outages as veil as Improve the attractiveness of the residences•
Quarters #94 and #110 vere re-insulated this year vlth styrofoara pumped Into the concrete block vails and another six Inches of rock vool added to the attics.
C. UlldfIres
Nothing to report 5
III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A, Croplands
Nothing to report
B. Grasslands
The Red Rock Lakes refuge contains 23.003 acreg of grasslands which are actively manipulated to arrest the natural succession and hold the vegetation in the stage best suited to wildlife in general and refuge objectives in particular. Stated simply, the refuge goal is to provide cover for waterfowl nesting, big game calving, and all around escape/roosting cover while insuring the grass does not be come so rank as to lose its vigor nor so matted as to be useless for any of the above needs. Historically, this manipulation was accomplished by roaming herds of the large herbavores and by wild fires. Cattle grazing is the tool now used.
The 25,003 acres of grassland are broken into pastures as follows:
6273 acres in three pasture systems grazed under a deferred rotation plan which provides for complete resting of some pastures for one or more years.
5762 acres in two pasture syatems under a rest rotation plan, allowing for some pastures to be rested during the grow ing seasons.
2315 acres in one pasture systems under a rest rotation plan in which the land is rested either during the growing seasons or for the entire year.
9546 acres in one pasture systems which are grazed every year.
1107 acres in deferment for an undetermined period.:
Beginning in 1975 a reduction program was put into effect to cut the grazing by 50 percent from the 1974 level. At the end of 1977 the total AUM's had been reduced 30 percent from 1974. This reduct ion (to be completed at the end of the 1979 season) will allow the grassland conditions to improve as well as give us more flexibility in our grazing plans. As the total AUM's drop, we anticipate com bining permits to put more of the single pastures into deferred rotation management.
In 1977, 8,609 AUM's of grazing were used on the refuge, generat ing $36,586 in revenue. 6
C» Wetlands
The 13,000 acre marsh system, consisting of Upper and Lower Red Rock Lakes, the R.iver Marsh and Swan Lake units recieved ample run-off from the limited snow pack and abundant spring and sum mer rains. Marsh levels remained at desired levels throughout the crucial nesting and brooding season, for migratory birds?
The annual aquatic plant survey was conducted from July 29 through August 8, Due to the limited time availible and the numerous sampl es required for valid information, half the marsh system is monitor ed for submergent plant changes and production each year. Lower Red Rock Lake, the River Marsh, and swan Lake units were previously sampled in 1975.
Lower Red Rock Lake River Marsh Swan Lake
1977 1975 1977 1975 1977 1975
Number of Species 16 12 12 10 11
Number of Samples 75 75 75 75 50 50
Total Plant Tonnage 14,405 23,949 17,534 20,474 4,971 7,306
Tons/Acre 9.35 15.55 8.77 10.24 12.06 17.73
Submergent plant production has decreased in these marsh units since 1975. In Lower Red p.ock Lake, R.lchardson's pondweed (Potamogeton richardsonii) and milfoil (MyriophyHum spicatum) have; declined the most in tonnage from 7,920 down to 2,142 for Richardson's pondweed and from 5,036 down to 2,513 tons for milfoil. Increases in two spe cies in Lower Red Rock Lake were noted, arrowhead (Sag.jtatia cuneata) up from 72 tons to 443 tons and coontail (CeratophyHum demersum) up from 344 tons to 2,200 tons in 1977, The River Marsh and Swan Lake units had similar downward trends in submergent production, but were not as severe as for Lower Red Rock Lake, All submergent species in the River Marsh and Swan Lake units (with the exception of milfoil, a slight Increase) decreased in total tonnages produced. Sago pond weed (Potamogeton pectinatus) decreased in all units surveyed. Sub mergent monitoring in 1978 will Identify if this downward trend In submergent production extends to the Upper Red Rock Lake unit and Uigeon and Culver Ponds. These changes will have to be evaluated over an extended period of years to determine if the marsh system is 7
shifting successionally to other submergents or losing Its overs11 productivity through lack of aeration. Increased slltatlon, depletion of soil nutrients, etc,
D. Forestlands
As a result of a timber trespass case (see Enforcement under section V.), 5.23 miles of refuge boundary were re-surveyed and posted in October. The old fences, which In most cases are not on the line, will be removed when funding becomes available. The realigned bound ary marks off approximately 640 acres of timber In Tl4s, R2W, Sec. 22,23,and 25.
E. Other Habitat
N/A
F. Wilderness and Special Areas
Thirty one miles of boundary were posted on the new Red Rock Lakes VJllderness Area, The portion posted are those areas of the bound ary lying alongside public access roads plus the entire perimeter of one section In a region frequented by snowmobllers, The areas posted are shown In red on the enclosed map,
G• Easements for Waterfowl Management
N/A RED RO^K LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE P^FUGE
L- tD STATES BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA UNITED ST, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE R2W. iii0*#' R.I W. lllo40' R'E.
R3W COMPILED IN SURVEYS AND MAPS FROM SURVEYS BY THE BLM, USGS AND FWS MEAN DECLINATION 1975 DENVER. COLORADO MARCH. 1977 6R MONT. 177 406 8
IV. WILDLIFE
A, Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Observations of peregrine falcons have been minimal during the report ing period vith one observation at Tom Creek during June. Several distant sightings of falcons vere made, but the species * could not be determined. The last previous peregrine observation was during the summer of 1976, when an immature was observed for several weeks on the east portion of the refuge,
A total of seven prairie falcons were seen during 1977, all during the period of June - August. Of those observed, two were paired but no nesting on adjacent rock out-croppings was noted,
B, Migratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
Trumpeter Swans
population- Trumpeter swan numbers during the period of January - Feb ruary, 1977, were substantially higher than during the same period in 1976. Numbers of wintering swans averaged between 230—320 in 1977 versus a low of six to a high of 220 in 1976. The relatively mild winter probably accounts for this difference, with below average snow fall providing more open wintering habitat on the refuge's spring-fed ponds,
Wintering population levels of trumpeters persisted at the 300+ mark (peak of 374 swans on 3/18) through February and March until the swans dispersed to their various breeding territories in April after breakup of the ice pack. Numbers of wintering cygnets averaged be tween 30-45 birds for the January-March period.
An aerial survey in late April indicated a general dispersal of swans throughout the marsh system with a total of 156 swans counted on-re- fuge and 36 off-refuge on Lima reservoir. Pairs quickly set up ter ritories as the ice breakup progressed during mid to late April.
Throughout the nesting and brooding season, swan numbers fluctuated from 150-195 birds depending on the movements of non-breeders and unsuccessful nesters on and off the refuge. The Red Rock Lakes trumpeter population entered the fall season in October with 175 swans. This jumped to 200 swans at the close of the period, after freese-up forced swans in the Centennial Valley onto the refuge's spring-fed ponds in late November, 9
Production- An aerial survey on Hay 12 yielded the following pair InformatIon:
UNTT PAIRS SINGLES TOTAL PAIRS Upper Lake 24 3 27 Lower Lake 12 1 13 Swan Lake 32 4 36 River Harsh 22 1 23 Upland 6 6 12
Ponds ==Q= ==I2= Total 108 15 123
Aerial searches later In May located 34 active nests on the refuge. This compares with 39 active nests In 1976, Active nests were also observed off-refuge on the lower Red Rock River and on Conklln and Elk Lakes, Swans were observed Incubating In late April. This year a pair of free flying trumpeter swans nested Inside the chain link fence which surrounds Shambow Pond, This Is the second nesting at tempt at this location in the past five years. The pair further dis tinguished themselves by hatching a brood of three cygnets on Hay 30, an unusually early date.
Due to Inclement weather, ground nest checks to determine clutch size and hatch success were not made. It was felt that' disturbance of the Incubating pen and subsequent exposure of the clutch would have caused losses of eggs due to the poor weather conditions. The peak of the hatch was between June 10 and 13, This compares with a more normal hatching period In 1976 of between June 20 and July 10,
Total swan production for the refuge was 66 cygnets. As of August 11, 37 cygnets were still alive on the refuge for an estimated mor tality rate of near 47 percent. The number of surviving young was significantly higher this year with 37 young fledged as compared to 23 In 1976.
Cygnet mortality has been a problem at Red Rock Lakes since swan pro duction leveled off during the mid 1950,s. Current plans are under way in FY78 for a mortality study on swans that will concentrate on the host-parasite relationships of Invertebrates and swans. The pos sibility of bacterial Infections of the embryos or the young cygnets will also be Investigated, past work on this problem has indicated a heavy load of parasitic worms in the Red Rock Lakes marsh system.
Off-refuge cygnet survival was excellent again this year with 21 of 22 cygnets fledging. This compares with 22 cygnets fledged In 1976, The total production for the Centennial Valley was 58 cygnets raised to flight stage. 10
Transfers- Four clutches of eggs were collected In 1977 by private propagators who were issued special permits for this specific pur pose. On June 10, two clutches were collected. One clutch was taken from Sora Pond, The nest contained three eggs, all of which were fertile and hatched successfully. The second clutch was taken from Sparrow Pond. Seven eggs were collected; all were dead and return ed to the refuge. On June 13, the third clutch was collected from a nest located near the northwest corner of Lower Red Rock Lake, All three eggs were fertile and hatched successfully. On June 14, the last clutch was taken from a nest along the west shore of Upper Red Rock Lake, Four eggs were taken and all were hatched and raised successfully•
The three individuals receiving clutches were:
Warren Hancock, Billings, Mt, (Sora Pond clutch)
Bob Elgar, Big Timber, Mt. (Sparrow Pond and Upper Red Rock Lake clutches)
Kenneth Kalenak, Saginow, Mi. (Lower Red Rock Lake clutch)
Stainless steel band showing some wear on the tarsus scales. J.B. 11
Bandjng- Banding operations on trumpeter swans took place off and on from June 6 through August 22. Banding at Red Rock Lakes is an on going study (RRL-6) of band retention and wear characteristics for different types of bands and band material. Band totals for 1977 are listed below, A total of 64 trumpeters were banded.
Stainless Steel & Stainless Steel & Stainless Steel 6c Aluminum Lock-on modified Aluminum Lock-on 9C Alum in urn Butt-type
Ad. Cyg Ad. cyg. Ad , Cyg 9 15 7 13 7 13
Tall 9C band, these bands are made of heavy aluminum and are difficult to put on. J.B. The special banding consists of placing stainless steel bands on the left leg and alternating three types of aluminum bands on the right leg. These bands have been placed on trumpeters at Red Rock Lakes since 1973, over 300 swans have been banded to date under this pro gram and banding will continue in the future.
Winter Feeding- The winter trumpeter swan feeding program commenced on January 4 and 5 at Culver and HacDonald ponds. Feeding with a wheat-barley mix continued twice a week through April 12, winter feeding in late 1977 started on December 16 and continued through the end of the year. 12
Approximately 1,100 bushels of wheat vjere obtained from Ravalli NWR and stored in the MacDonald Pond facility in September for use in the 1977-78 feeding program. Approximately 500 bushels of the wheat- barley mix remained in. the Culver Pond feeding bin from the 1^76-77 program for use in 1977-78. ^
Floating and standing feeders are Currently being tested for possible use in the future for feeding trumpeters a more nutritionally bal anced and less expensive pellet type feed. Evaluations of these feed ers will be reported in the CY78 narrative report.
Mid-Uinter Trumpeter Swan Survey- The 1977 aerial survey for wintering tri-state trumpeters (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho) was flown February 9 along with censuses conducted'by Yellowstone National park. Grand Teton National park, and the National Elk Refuge, A total of 1,017 trumpet ers were counted, 839 adults and 178 cygnets. This compares with 725 swans coun ted in 1976 and represents a 40 percent Increase in the total wintering tri-state population and a 74 percent increase in numbers of cygnets. These increases are probably due to immigration of trumpeters from other areas, good cygnet recruitment into the adult population following two years of fairly mild weather, and good re productive success during 1976, Also, better coverage of the tri- state area was made this year, Tt is possible that some late migrant whistling swans may have inflated the census totals,
1977 Tri-State Trumpeter Swan Survey- This survey is scheduled every three years to census the late summer trumpeter population and the previous spring's production in the tri-state area of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, The survey was flown on August 29 and 30 and again on September 6 through 8, due to poor weather conditions on the earlier dates,
A total of 489 trumpeter swans (403 adults and 86 cygnets) were count ed from the air for the tri-state area. This compares with 537 (457 adults and 80 cygnets) counted over the same routes in 1974, Cygnet production for the tri-state area remains stable with 86 cygnets counted versus 80 in 1974, This is despite higher numbers of adult swans counted in 1974, Reasons for the decrease in the adult population are unclear. Loss of wetland habitat to drought was ob served in the Squirrel Meadow area of northeastern Idaho and may be one possible explanation. 13
Harriman State park, a major trumpeter wintering area on the Snake River. R.S. 1 Tri-State Trumpeter swan Survey 1977
Adults Cygnets Total ISontana Red Rock Lakes NWR 137 39 176 Centennial Valley (off-refuge) 122 13 135 Beaverhead National Forest 8 12 20
Total 267 64 331
Looming Yellowstone National park 51 4 v 55 Teton National park 14 6 • 20 Teton National Forest 7 5 12 National Elk pvefuge 4 0 • 4
Total 76 15 91
Idaho Targhee National Freest 56 5 61 Camas NWR 4 2 6
Total 60 7 67
Tri-State Total 403 86 489 14
Whistling Swans
Whistlers were first observed on October 19 when a flock of 80 birds flew through the Centennial Valley, Peak numbers of whistlers oc curred from October 31 through November 4, with 1,020 swans counted In the Centennial Valley during this partial freeze-up period. Al most total freeze-up after this date forced what whistlers were on the refuge to points south. The 1977 peak number compares with a 1,500 whistling swan peak In 1976,
Geese
Estimated Canada goose production from aerial surveys was 45 goslings, with a population of 75 paired adults. Production was similar to 1976, when 50 geese were produced,
Canada goose numbers peaked In mid October at 547 birds. The numbers of great-basin Canadas using the refuge during the late spring and summer averaged 200 birds. During July, 300 molting adults were ob served on Upper Red Rock Lake.
An exception rather than the rule at P.ed Rock Lakes Is the presence of snow geese. An aerial waterfowl survey on November 3 counted 200 snows along the northwestern shore of Lower Red Rock Lake. Their rest stop was short due to Ice conditions and they left the Centennial Valley the next day.
Ducks
Late spring and summer rains offset the poor run-off from our below normal snowpack so duck production habitat was of good quality this year despite the relatively dry winter.
Aerial surveys In early June Indicated a breeding population of 1,786 pairs of ducks and an estimated 1,400 pairs of American coots. Ae rial and ground brood surveys along with Information collected from the duck pair counts yielded an estimate of 8,245 ducks and 2,310 American coots produced In 1977, The duck production :figure Is down 30 percent from 1976, when production was estimated at 10,630. American coot production was 1,5 times the 1976 production estimate of 1,400.
An early ice breakup and good habitat conditions In 1977 should have provided similar production results as In 1976 but, obviously, this was not the case. No explanation can be given for this drop In pro duction except that the change of personnel recording production In formation for these two years may have caused It through their own observing biases. 15
Diver production, principally lesser scaup and ruddy duck, comprised 53.2 percent of the total production. Mallards were the second most abundant duck produced, behind lesser scaup, with 1,223 out of a total of 3,859 dabblers produced. Diver production was 4,386. Mallard, lesser scaup, ruddy duck, and redhead comprised 57 percent of the refuge duck production.
Waterfowl use during the fall migration period increased substan tially during 1977, with 35,110 ducks counted in early October. This represents a 10,000 duck increase over 1976. The species making up this difference was the American wigeon which showed up in large num bers in early October and stayed until late October, utilizing the abundant submergents in Upper and Lower Red Rock Lakes,
An oddity occurred this year during the waterfowl hunting season when a waterfowl hunter bagged an adult female surf scoter at the lower structure. This is a first record for Red Rock Lakes NWR,
2. Greater Sandhill Cranes
The first sandhills appeared on the refuge on April 7 with a breeding population of 125 birds on hand by the end of that month. The first crane chicks were observed near o'Dell Creek on June 7, Total pro duction this year was only eight chicks compared with 1-6 produced in 1976. The peak population for sandhills in the Centennial Valley was approximately 200 birds which staged in private grain fields west of the refuge before migrating on September 26,
3. Marsh and Water Birds
White pelicans and great blue herons were first to arrive, observed on April 25. Western, eared, and pied-billed grebes arrived shortly after in late April and early May, A lone great egret was observed near the outlet of Culver pond on April 27; great egrets are a rarity at Red Rock Lakes. Eared grebes and great blue herons were the two most common species on the refuge throughout the summer. Black- crowned night herons and American bitterns were common in the river marsh unit.
Most of the marsh and water birds left by mid September, with western grebes, eared grebes and great blue herons staying on into the relative ly mild months of October and early November,
4. Shorebjrds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
American avocets and willets arrived on the refuge on April 27. All other nesting shorebirds had arrived by mid May for the summer breed ing season. 16
Late summer migration of Wilson's phalaropes peaked at approximately 2,000 birds. Fall migration was noted during August with the arrival of a few greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, two solitary sandpipers, and a small flock of Balrd's sandpipers. California gulls peaked at approximately 300 birds in late summer. A combined peak population of Forster's and black terns was near 800 birds. The majority of the shorebtrds left by late September with greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, common snipe, and California gulls lingering on Into mid October.
5. Raptors
Red-tailed and Swalnson's were the two most common buteo hawks on the refuge during the summer months. One ferruginous hawk was observed on August 21. One osprey was seen over the refuge during the summer months. In the Gravelly Range north of the refuge one goshawk was sighted near the West Fork Station, One western burrowing owl was observed west of the refuge near the Breneman's ranch this year. Both golden and bald eagles were seen Infrequently throughout the summer and fall. Two adult balds were seen around Wlgeon Pond several times in July, The peak number of bald eagles was estimated at 15 In early November with 10 golden eagles for the same period. Rough- legged hawks were observed on October 14 and peaked at approximate ly 30 birds In early November,
6. other Migratory Birds
A solitary blue jay was observed at refuge headquarters In May. Other than this observation, no other sightings of significance were made.
C. Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
Moose-Aerial surveys for moose were conducted during A.prll for obtain ing wintering information and during September for prerhunt populat ion numbers, wintering moose numbered 40 animals In April, with 22 adults and 18 yearlings. The light snow pack provided additional winter browse and many moose continued to use the timbered areas adjacent to the traditional wintering habitat of willow and boggy sedge meadows.
The refuge moose population prior to the refuge permit hunt In September was counted at 19 animals. Age and sex breakdown Is as follows: 10 cows, 6 bulls, and 3 calves. Moose feeding on willow browse, Tom Creek flat. pronghorn Antelope- on July 11, an aerial survey was conducted to determine pronghorn population size and kidding success. A total of 242 antelope were counted: 119 does, 45 bucks, and 78 kids. Reproduction was down from last year with 92 kids per 100 does in 1976 compared with 65 kids per 100 does this year.
Deer and Elk- Deer numbers in the Centennial Valley have been down forylast few years. This year no on-refuge deer observations were made oetween May and October, Elk numbers appear to be on the in crease, with herds of one hundred plus observed in the foothills of the Gravelly Range in late November. Near the close of the cal endar year, a herd of between 80-130 animals were observed several times on timbered foothills west of the refuge near the Matador Ranch,
Black Bear- Two sightings this year. A sow with two cubs were seen along the west side of Red Rock pass on June 15 and a single adult was observed in the willows along Tom Creek north of the county road.
Cougar- One cougar was observed on the ridge behind headquarters by the refuge manager^ wife on June 20,
2. Other Mammals
An aerial survey for muskrats was conducted on November 3 in con junction with a general waterfowl survey. The muskrat population 18 has been Increasing steadily since 1972. The survey tallied 461 houses over the entire refuge. This figure is up from 251 houses counted in 1974, an increase of 84 percent. This healthy populat ion will provide an abundance of nesting sites for refuge trumpeters next spring.
3. Resident Birds
Several observations of ruffed and blue grouse were made during field work in timbered areas of the refuge this past year. One brood of three ruffed grouse chicks were observed during mid July.
Resident ruffed grouse perched in an aspen. T.?.T
Sage grouse were widely scattered throughout the grasslands adj- cent to the refuge. None were observed on-refuge. Reproduction appears to have been good as 10 of 12 grouse checked during hunt ing season were birds of the year.
Gray partridge were increasingly obvious in number as the year progressed. Winter sightings of coveys around the refuge have been frequent and it appears their numbers are on the Increase follow ing two relatively light winters, partridge coveys ranged in size of between 10-16 birds.
Sharp-tailed grouse were observed for the first time in many years on Red Rocks when the refuge manager and his wife spotted six birds along the north side road near grazing unit G-14,
4. Other Animal Life
Nothing to report 19
V« UTTERPRETATIPN MID RECREATTON
A, Information and Interpretation
1 • On Refuge
Nothing to report
2. Off Refuge
Several presentations were given during the year by refuge man ager Stroops. These x^ere to senior citizen and sportsman groups in the Dillon and Twin Bridges area# Topics covered general refuge management, wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities, and of special interest to the hunters, how the new wilderness status affects recreational activities on the refuge.
B. Recreation
1. Wildlife Oriented
General waterfowl hunting in 1977 increased 29 percent over 1976 and the number of big game hunting visits Increased 66 percent.
In 1977, an estimated 400 hunter visits x^ere made to'the refuge by x^aterfowl hunters. They harvested an average of three ducks on each visit for a total of 1200. An estimated 20 Canada geese x^ere also taken. The crippling loss was calculated at 16 percent.
s hunters totaled 106 visits in the following categories:
Mule Deer, bow 5 visits - no success
Mile Deer, rifle 40 visits - 5 deer killed
Elk, bow 3 visits - no success
Elk, rifle 35 visits - 3 elk killed
Moose, rifle 15 visits - 7 moose killed
pronghorn, rifle 8 visits - 7 antelope killed
The management of hunting at Red Rock Lakes refuge is low key, with no check stations, special permits, or registration required. The hunting pressure is light, a result of our remote location. Refuge personnel make spot checks in the field, especially with xjaterfowl hunters as x^e are collecting gizzards for lead shot analysis. The refuge conducts moose and ar^elope censuses and runs broxjse transects before making recoxiEnendations to the state on numbers of permits to be issued for these species on the refuge. Waterfowl hunter heading out for a quality hunt on Lower Red Rock Lake. R.H.
Fishing on the refuge is also free from excessive restrictions as the pressure is light, in 1977 there was a 38 percent de crease in the number of fishing visits, 935 in 1977 versus 1515 in 1976, As the fishing declines from the trophy conditions of past years we expect the number of fisherman to also drop.
The number of visits for wild life/wild lands observation has increased 34 percent over 1976 (from 10,920 to 14,630), The opportunities for recreation at Red Rock Lakes has always been limited because of access problems. This has been even more restricted by the designation of 75 percent of the refuge as wilderness. We also seem to have an increasing numbfer of visit ors who support the theory that, "If I can't drive to it, it's not worth seeing," There is, however, spectacular srenic value on the refuge which can be enjoyed from the car and this ac counts for most of the rise in numbers of visits this year.
There was an increase of 700 percent in the number of boating visitors this year. Frightening as that sounds, the numbers involved are bearable. 1976 showed 5 boaters, 1977 had 40, The jump in boating use is a result of canoeists making trips through the river marsh system.
There are some problems indicated in our public use statistics, such as increases in hunting and wildlife/wlldlands observation and a decline in total refuge visits (13,763 down to 11,320, a 19 percent drop). This conflict might be partially explained by the decline in numbers of fishermen. To make sure however. 21
a public use survey will be conducted next summer to either verify our present formulas or to provide the data to modify them.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
The only non-wildlife oriented recreation on the refuge is camping and picnicking. These activities showed Increases of 52 and 370 percent respectively. Camping visits went from 309 to 470 while picnicking climbed from 125 to 587, These increases resulted from the change of definitions in the Systems Management Handbook. The majority of campers and pic nickers are hunters and fishermen, in the past, the camping and picnicking were reported as wildlife oriented as these activities were in direct support of the hunting and fishing programs. The new definitions arbitrarily removed any flex ibility we had and prevents us from excercising any judgement at all,
C, Enforcement
As our visitor load Is low, our enforcement problems are also minimal. However, there are a couple of areas requiring persist ant efforts.
In the hunting programs, we are seeing more hunters bordering on the slob category, uninformed hunters unaware of state and refuge regulations, arrogant hunters who think the rules are for the other guy, and excited hunters who let themselves be carried beyond good judgement by the thrill of the moment.
The other problem Involves snowmobilers, The valley receives high periodic pressure from groups of 15-40 snowmobilers tour ing the area together. There are also problems with the more regularly occurring singles and pairs of snowmobilers. Snow mobiles are commonly used in this region by hunters and trap pers and it is this type that gives us constant problems by riding in the wilderness, hunting on the refuge, and cutting fences. ;
With the addition of two more permanent employees this year, an extended effort at curtailing the above problems was pos sible. Below are the violators cited during 1977;
Hahn, Ralph A, motorized vechicle in wilderness $50,00
Lents, Brian D. hunting w/o license or permit pending
Weaver, Ed shooting from the road pending
Walsh, Fred p. motorized vechicle in wilderness pending 22
Foster, Jim R. motorized vechlcle in wilderness pending
Barker, Lee M. snowmobiling/hunting on refuge pending
Barker, Harry snowmobiling/hunting on refuge pending
The comparatively minor irritants of missing signs and signs damaged with firearms also occur here and are expected to con- inue as the enforcement effort necessary to curtail such act ivities would be prohibitively expensive.
In March of this year, the BLM was making a boundary survey of a primitive area located to the south of the refuge. During this survey, the BLM called a possible timber trespass to our attent ion, A refuge neighbor had contracted a timber harvest on his land next to the refuge. As a result of old fences (circa 1940) not being on line, the contractor cut timber on about six acres of refuge land. Service surveyors located the boundary line (which is now posted), the U, S, Forest Service scaled the trees on the refuge, and the neighbor was presented with a bill cov ering stumpage plus expenses. As the neighbor did not accept the Forest Service's calculation of board feet, the matter has not been resolved.