KIRWIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Kirwin, Kansas

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1999

Refuge Manager ate Associate Manager Date

Regional Office Approval Date INTRODUCTION

The KirwinNational Wildlife Refoge, authorized under a General Plan approved by the Secretary of the Interior on June 17, 1954, was established to provide habitat for and facilitate the management of the Nation's migratory bird resource. Basic authority for the existence of the refuge stems from the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which authorized the establishment of wildlife areas on Federal water projects. The refuge is an overlay on the Bureau of Reclamation's Kirwin Reservoir project, fed by the North Fork of the Solomon River and Bow Creek. Fee title to the land is held for the United States by the Bureau of Reclamation. Water level control of the reservoir rests with the Kirwin Irrigation District and the Bureau of Reclamation. The watershed of the two water sources extends into western Kansas and covers approximately 800,000 acres. The 10,778 acre refuge is located west of the town of Kirwin in Phillips County in north-central Kansas.

The primary purpose of the reservoir is to provide for flood control and provide irrigation water for the Kirwin Irrigation District. The Kirwin Irrigation District irrigates up to 11,500 acres of cropland downstream of the reservoir. When the dam was completed in 1955, the reservoir completely filled in just a few years. The reservoir remained full, with seasonal fluctuations, until 1970 when a series of events caused a lowering of the lake level. From 1970 on, the combined effects of irrigationreleases andreduced stream flow, resulting fromunderground water pumping, conservation farming practices and the building ofhundreds of stock water ponds causedasteady decrease in the average lake level. Studies were done that stated that watershed runoff would not return to normal and that it was unlikely the reservoir would ever stabilize at full pool. In 1992- 93 well above normal precipitation was recorded in the watershed and the reservoir refilled, reaching a record high level of 5.8 feet above conservation pool elevation. The reservoir remained full through 1995, and reached a new record high level of 7.8' above conservation level in June of 1995. The reservoir continued to rise into flood pool in each ensuing year, including 1999.

The refuge mission is to manage for the conservation, maintenance and management of wildlife, resources thereof, and its habitat thereon, encourage wildlife and wildland oriented public use that is compatible with refuge purposes and enhance public understanding of natural resources management and ecological concepts. This mission is supported by objectives for endangered species, migratory birds, indigenous species, fisheries and interpretation and recreation.

The topography of the refuge is rolling with grass-covered hilltops nearly 200 feet higher than the wooded creek bottoms. The lake covers about 5,000 acres at conservation, pool level. Land above the conservation pool is cropland and grassland with shelter belts of cedar and deciduous trees. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A, HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title , NTR 2. Easements ,...., Nothing to report NTR 3. Other , NTR

D. PLANNING

1. Master Plan , NTR 2. Management Plan , 2 3. Public Participation 2 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates < 2 5. Research and Investigations 2 6. Other NTR

E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel 3 2. Youth Programs 5-6 3. Other Manpower Programs 6 4. Volunteer Programs 6-7 5. Funding '7 6. Safety , 7-8 7. Technical Assistance 8 8. Other 10

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General 11 2. Wetlands 12 3. Forests 12 4. Croplands 12 5. Grasslands , 12 6. Other Habitat 12 7. Grazing 13 8. Haying NTR 9. Fire Management 13-16 10. Pest Control , 16 11. Water Rights NTR F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT cont'd

12. Wilderness and Special Areas , NTR 13. WPA Easement Monitoring NTR 14. Partner's for Wildlife 17

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity 18 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species , 18 3. Waterfowl 18 4. Marsh and Water Birds 18 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, & Allied Species 18 6. Raptors 19 7. Other Migratory Birds 19 8. Game Mammals ,. NTR 9. Marine Mammals NTR 10. Other Resident Wildlife NTR 11. Fisheries Resource 19 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking NTR 13. Surplus Animal Disposal NTR 14. Scientific Collections , NTR 15. Animal Control NTR 16. Marking and Banding NTR 17. Disease Prevention and Control NTR

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General 19 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students , 20 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers NTR 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 20 5. Interpretive Tour Routes NTR 6. Interpretive Exbibits/Demonstrations 20-25 7. Other Interpretive Programs 25 8. Hunting 26 9. Fishing 26 10. Trapping NTR 11. Wildlife Observation NTR 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 27 13. Camping ,. 27 14. Picnicking , NTR 15. Off-Road Vehicleing NTR 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation NTR 17. Law Enforcement , 27-28 18. Cooperating Associations NTR 19. Concessions NTR

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction 29-31 2. Rehabilitation 31 3. Major Maintenance , , 31 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 32 5. Communications Systems 32 6. Computer Systems 32 7. Energy Conservation 32 8. Other NTR

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs 33 2. Other Economic Uses 33 3. Items of Interest , NTR 4. Credits ,.. 33

K. FEEDBACK NTR

L. INFORMATION PACKET - - - (inside back cover) A. HIGHLIGHTS

Charlie Pelizza from Lake Andes NWR headed a wetland team that evaluated the Refuge's wetland habitat in a visit on July 26th.

Due to the very dry and warm weather and the fact that northwest Kansas is rated in the very high to extreme fire danger a emergency pre-suppression account was opened and used several weekends to provide for refuge resource safety,

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Month High Temp Low Temp Avg Temp Snow Precip 1955-99 Avg Precip January 68° -4° 30° 1.5" .03" .54" February 73° 15° 39° .80" .65" March 74° 13° 42° 4.5" .42" 1.71" April 80° 26° 53° 3.00" 2.08" May 86° 33° 58° 5.18" 4.07" June 93° 42° 69° 4.72" 3.30" July 104° 37° 80° 2.20" 3.14" August 97° 52° 74° 5.80" 2.84" September 95° 34° 64° 1.07" 2.45" October 86° 25° 54° .10" 1.58" November 80° 18° 46° .46" .94" December 67° 8° 34° .18" .48" TOTAL 6.0" 23.96" 23.81"

We continued to be dry...dry...as only .03" of moisture was recorded during the month of January and .80" during February. Finally some much needed moisture was received in March with 4 Yz" of rain and snow. April, May, June, July and August surprised everyone by a total accumulated rainfall of 20.9", September brought adequate rainfall, however, the weather in October was extremely hot and dry resulting in several wildfires in the local area (see fire management). Precipitation for the month was only .10". November and December finished out the year as dry months also. Precipitation for those two months only totalled .64" of moisture.

Pagel C. LAND ACQUISITION

D. PLANNING

1. Management Plan

RM Schaffand ROS Gilbert met with Eric Depperschmit of Congressional Representative Jerry Moran's office. Items discussed included NWR's promise document, refuge mandates and regulations, KirwinNWR history, the Refuge CMP, local controversy, and goals and objectives.

3. Public Participation

RM Schaff and ROS Gilbert met with Dee Blubaugh, Jack Dunn, and Dan Blubaugh of the Friends of Kirwin Lake to discuss happenings at the Refuge. Items discussed included the refuge fire program, several law enforcement issues, and the Friends of Kirwin Lake donation of five loads of sand/gravel for road improvement. RM Schaffand PL Specialist Ifland attended the Kansas Water Office monthly meeting in Stockton, KS on November 9th to discuss how the USFWS Private Lands program can assist with the Solomon Valley Basin's advisory committees objectives.

4. Compliance with Environmental & Cultural Resource Mandates

Water samples from the Refuge drinking well were taken to Continental Labs in Salina, KS for the required every 6 year test.

5. Research and Investigations

Brad Logan, Professor of Anthropology, from the University of Kansas conducted archaeological surveys of the islands in Kirwin Reservoir during the month of July. He and his team of graduate students used our FEMA trailer house for their office/quarters during the month. This will be a continuing study for the next three years.

Page 2 E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Headquart Kirwin National

1. Bill Schaff, Refuge Manager, GS-12, PFT, EOD 2. Erich Gilbert, Refuge Operations Specialist, GS-09, PFT, EOD 08/10/98 3. Diane Stockman, Administrative Support Assistant, GS-07, PFT, EOD 04/21/91 4. Steve Knowles, Maintenance Worker, WG-08, PFT, EOD 10/28/90 5. Shannon Rothchild, Outdoor Recreation Planner, GS-07, PPT, EOD 12/03/98 6. Deon Steinle, Range Technician(FF), GS-04, Temporary, EOD 05/27/97 7. Chris Flores-Schaff, Range Technician(FF), GS-02,1040 Appt, EOD 03/08/98 8. Robin Balaban, Range Technician(FF), GS-02, 1040 Appt., EOD 03/15/99

ORP Shannon Rothchild returned to the real world after successfully completing the 12 week basic school from January 1st thru April 9th at FLETC, Shannon is now a certified law enforcement officer. He was immediately involved working with Melvie Uhland, RO, on the interpretive area for the office and presenting programs for scout and school groups.

ASA Stockman attended fire timekeeper's training at Salt Lake City, UT during the week of February 22-25th.

ROS Gilbert attended the Kansas GIS Expo held in Topeka, KS on February 9th and GIS training in Bismarck, ND on April 20th thru 22nd.

Page 3 MW Knowles attended Heavy Equipment Safety Instructor training and certification from May 4th thru 13th at Klamath Falls NWR.

MW Knowles thoroughly enjoying his work.

Heavy equipment training at Klamath Falls NWR.

Page 4 Flores-Schaff, Steinle and Balaban Range Tech firefighters Robin Balaban and Chris Flores-Schaff were hired on 1039 hour appointments beginning March 15th. They ended their appointments on October 8th.

The paperwork for the Private Lands Biological Technician position was completed and sent to Personnel. Tony Ifland was hired for this position and EOD on August 16th. ORP Rothchild attended the monthly meeting of the Phillips County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Rothchild provided a clip art image that will appear on the new sign to be placed at the office of the PCCVB.

All Kirwin NWR employees received their end of year employee performance evaluations, and prepared new performance plans for FY2000.

RM Schaff and MW Knowles met with Lynn Dietz at the North Central Kansas Technical College concerning the possibility of recruiting a student trainee as a second maintenance worker. Mr. Dietz will inquire into student interest when classes resume at the end of January.

ROS Gilbert was interviewed by the local radio station concerning the Christmas bird count which is held annually on New Year's Day. He was accompanied by the president of the local bird club which assisted with the count.

2. Youth Programs

Three YCC enrollees began work on Flag Day this year. The three enrollees were: Cameron Conant, Dustin Dougherty, and Doug Diercks. The YCC crew repaired fence; completed a CPR

PageS and first aid course; cleaned and reorganixed the grazing equipment shed; cleaned and painted the quarters cellar; built two clotheslines for quarters; repaired bird houses on the bird house trail; placed chicken wire around trees to prevent beaver damage; dug and pulled musk thistle heads; did general vehicle cleaning and washing and cleaned the maintenance shop.

They also placed and removed fireworks warning signs for the 4th of July; repaired and waterproofed quarters #1 fence; assisted in making plaster prints for a summer school project; assisted with placing the musk thistle beetles; completed a sign inventory; pulled Canada thistle heads; finished the fishing access trail at Cowley; removed polywire from an unused grazing unit; worked with fire crew in setting up a fire line; and visited Quivira NWR and Kansas State University forestry program for field trips. The 1999 Refuge YCC program was a great success again this year and we were sorry to see it come to an end by July 30th.

YCC Crew: Conant, Diercks and Dougherty

3. Other Manpower Programs

The Stockton correctional crew spent many man hours mowing, picking up trash, cleaning the public facilities and building new farm field entry gates.

4. Volunteer Program

Chris Flores-Schaff and Conservation Officer Larry Stones volunteered to assist with the eagle day program. With over two hundred fifty students, at each session, trying to observe the eagles in the 'wild' on the Refuge, the assistance of these two volunteers was appreciated.

Page 6 The Solomon Valley Birdwatching members provided eighteen bodies to help conduct the annual Christmas bird count. This count was conducted on January 1st. The 'Friends of Kirwin Lake' donated and delivered five loads of gravel to repair an entrance road at Gray's Park camping area.

The Kirwin-Agra Boy Scout troop held their annual clean-up on the Refuge on May 25th. The Kirwin Lions Club provided the funding for the annual cook-out and the Refuge staff and Lions Club members cooked for the scouts following their clean-up.

Several members of the Solomon Valley Birdwatching Club helped with the "View from a Canoe" trip.

5. Funding

Table 2 outlines funding and it's source over the last five years of operation at Kirwin NWR.

Table 2. - Kirwin NWR Funding FY 1999

Fiscal Year Base Base MMS 1262 6860 Quarters TOTAL 1261 1262 8610 1999 236,339 - 197,000 20,330 3,500 457,169 1998 233,200 - 100,000 20,330 4,600 358,130 1997 212,300 10,000 73,000 - 2,840 298,140 1996 213,500 10,000 95,000 - 3,630 322,130 1995 139,000 71,579 133,000 - 4,500 348,079

The 1999 MMS data was sent to the regional office on May 7th. The refuge operating needs (RONS) data was submitted to the Regional Office for 2000. Both the RMIS and Refuge Operating Needs System were completed and submitted to the Regional Office by RM Schaff. RCAR information was sent to the Regional Office in September for FY99 project completion.

6. Safety

The Refuge received additional funding to purchase items required as a result of the safety inspection. A comprehensive water test was conducted and two fire cabinets were acquired.

A first aid and CPR class was presented at KirwinNWRto the refuge staff and YCC enrollees on June 16th.

RM Schaff attended a one day recertification for blasting safety, rumors are that this class may be

Page 7 required for anyone working with rocket netting programs,

Kirwin NWR conducted a quarterly safety meeting on October 18th. The topic was shop safety. All fire extinguishers were inspected, refilled and replaced as necessary.

RM Schaflf, ROS Gilbert and ORP Rothchild attended B3 Basic Aviation training at Quivira NWR on May 12th'. Schaff and Gilbert also attended M3 Supervisor Aviation training on the 13th.

RM Schaflf attended the first meeting of the FWS watercraft safety workgroup on August 19th & 20th in Vancouver, WA. This group, consisting of one representative from each region, was initiated to aid in the implementation of DOI motorboat operator certification and to foster boat safety for service employees.

7. Technical Assistance

RM Sehaff, MW Knowles, and RM Zachmeier (from Charles M Russell NWR) conducted a DOI Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) at Valentine, NE on April 20th thru 22nd. This class was attended by the staff at Ft. Niobrara/Valentine NWR and two LE Agents.

RM Schaff and MW Knowles, assisted by Kansas Special Agent Andrey Guidera, conducted an MOCC course at Flint Hills NWR on May 17th thru the 21st.

Kirwin hosted a DOI MOCC from June 29th to July 1st. The class was attended by staff from Kirwin, Flint Hills, Waubay, Lacreek, and Lake Andes refuges as well as law enforcement agents and Bureau of Reclamation personnel.

I'm only going to tell you one more time. PageS Knowles and Schaff at training which led to DOI Safety Award.

RM Schaff and FF Flores-Schaff, in conjunction with the Hutchinson Community College fire science department, conducted a basic fire school (S-130 & S-190) for the BIA and the Pottawatomie tribe.

RM Schaff as the regional boat coordinator assisted with two MOCC classes in July, one in South Dakota, and one in Montana. This was the final class for the year for RM Schaff, who decided that five classes were enough for one year.

8. Other We received fifteen to twenty telephone calls a day concerning the truck that we had for sale

Page 9 through GSA. The property list was updated, completed and sent in to RO. The water use report was sent to RO. The quarterly procurement report and the yearly imprest audit were completed by ASA Stockman and submitted to RO. ROS Gilbert completed the yearly Real Property Inventory. The FY 2000 allocation budget exercise was completed and submitted to the Larry Shanks, refuge supervisor for Kansas.

RM Schaffand ROS Gilbert attended the Solomon Valley water office meeting held in Stockton, KS on January 12th. RM Schaff attended the newly reinvigorated Ecoteam meeting in Hays, KS on July 7th & 8th. RM Schaff attended the KS-NE Eco-team meeting on November 11th thru December 3rd at Cabela's in Sidney, NE.

Y2K testing on all computers was completed and results submitted to the ADP in the regional office. The property list was also updated, completed and submitted.

The special use permit that we have with the Dane G, Hansen Scout camp was reissued for twenty years. They have a special use permit with the Refuge to use a waterfront area for their canoeing and other water related badge requirements.

m- siir . ^ fcpVgP>

Girl Scouts in canoeing class.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not hold any water rights on the KJrwin Reservoir,

Page 10 therefore, we cannot control the elevation. The water rights are held by the local irrigation district. Conservation pool is 1729.25' and the Bureau of Reclamation allows 5% above that elevation or 1,731.25'. Table #3 show the elevations and related storage quantities of the reservoir.

Table 3. - Kirwin Reservoir Data for 1999

Month Elevation Content Water Surface Acres January 1,727.99 91,890 4,870 February 1,728.53 94,544 4,957 March 1,728.84 96,088 5,007 April 1,729.33 98,560 5,087 May 1,730.42 104,198 5,269 June 1,730.72 105,788 5,325 July 1,728.87 96,238 5,010 August 1,728.27 93,260 4,917 September 1,728.06 92,232 4,880 October 1,727.94 91,647 5,180 November 1,728.19 92,819 4,900 December 1,728.49 94,346 4,950

The reservoir finally froze over during January due to the colder temperatures that occurred during the month. The weather was warm and dry this winter. As a result the grasslands and other habitats were also very dry. The cool season non-natives (smooth brome) are started greening up early. With the early spring the field season was also in Ml swing. With 9 Vz inches of rain received in March and April the reservoir was 1" into flood pool by the end of April. The rains continued in May and June and by the end of the month the reservoir was 1 1A feet into flood.

Due to the amount of rain we had during the summer the native grasslands remained green, usually by the end of July the grass is cured out. This reduced the fire danger but increased the fuel load.

Unbelievably, by October, due to extremely dry conditions all refuge habitats were dry and the reservoir level was down for this time of year.

Page 11 2. Wetlands

With water levels just over conservationpool, the wetlands west ofheadquarters were covered with an inch or so of water.

Due to the rains and wet summer the Kirwin Reservoir held at conservation level at the end of July, On July 26th, a wetlands team headed by Charlie Pelizza evaluated the wetland habitat on the Refuge. The team indicated that the Refuge holds some very unique habitats. A report of their findings and subsequent management recommendations is pending.

3. Forests

When the cottonwood trees budded in the spring, there was ample evidence of the number of dead trees in the forested riparian zones around the reservoir and along Bow Creek and the Solomon River. We left several small pockets of heavily wooded areas in an attempt to replace some of this habitat. These areas are used by several species of migratory and resident birds and resident mammals during periods of extreme weather.

4. Croplands

Letters were sent to the cooperative farmers to schedule appointments to discuss farming plans for 1999. Due to the mild and very dry winter the cooperative farmers had problems with variegated cutworms in both wheat and alfalfa. These cutworms caused problems off refuge as well. Only one wheat field was totally destroyed by the goose use this year.

July brought wet conditions that proved difficult for refuge cooperative farmers to harvest their wheat, however, by the end of the month all of the farmers had completed their harvest. Milo and corn crops did well, however, weeds were a problem for most farmers once again this year due to the amount of moisture in the ground.

5. Grasslands

Overall the grasslands on the Refuge looked very good. Refuge staff and fire crew completed prescribed burns on over 1,100 acres. We have grazers on 1,200 acres and the remaining 1,200 acres were rested this year. Several days were spent chopping muck thistle and spraying Canada thistle. MW Knowles sprayed and the YCC dug musk thistle in the grasslands during the month. Knowles also sprayed new areas of Canada thistle.

6. Other Habitat

The Refuge was contacted by a local business that had Christmas trees remaining to see if there was any use for them on the Refuge. We used them in the reservoir to provide fish habitat.

Page 12 7. Grazing

The fencing and watering systems were completed in Units 9, 14 and 19 by Refuge staff, the fire crew and the prison crew. High tensile boundary fence was installed in Unit 8 . The boundary fence was checked and repaired in Unit 21 . MWKnowles and the prison crew have been piecing together a windmill to be placed in Unit 21 . Lynn Ferguson began grazing 65 cow/calf pairs in Unit 14 on AprilSO111. Mr. Ferguson plans to have an additional 50 C/C pairs in Unit 19 onMay 1st. Bill Jones plans to have 50 C/C pairs in Unit 9 by May 1st also.

Bill Jones began grazing 50 cow/calf pairs in Unit 9 on May 1 st. Lynn Ferguson began grazing 50 C/c pairs in Unit 19 also on May 1st. Mr. Ferguson continued to graze 65 C/c pairs in Unit 14. The grazing program has gone smoothly thus far. MW Knowles and the prison crew finished constructing a windmill and the windmill was placed in Unit 21 . Work began on repairing the high tensile boundary and alleyway fences in Unit 21 .

All fencing and water systems were completed in Units 8 and 21 by the fire crew, YCC enrollees, MWKnowles andROS Gilbert. Lynn Ferguson moved his 50 cow/calf pairs from Unit 19 to Unit 21 on June 16th. Bill Jones moved his 50 c/c pairs from Unit 9 to Unit 8 on June 25th. The program continues to run smoothly.

All cattle were removed by July 1 8th.

9. Fire Management

The Kirwin NWR fire crew assisted Rainwater Basin WMD with three wetland Rx burns. RM Schaff assisted Rainwater Basin by functioning as RXB2 burn boss to qualify Tom Koerner, ROS, Rainwater Basin, as a RXB3.

FF Steinle, FF Flores-Schaff and ROS Gilbert completed their pack tests on February 6th and completed the required firefighter physicals. MW Knowles completed his pack test and physical on February 19th. KDW&P Conservation Officer Larry Stones served as the EMT on all pack tests.

Kirwin NWR and Hutchinson Community College presented basic fire school the week of February

Due to the EOD dates of our seasonal fire lighters and the early spring Kirwin Refuge was successful in conducting eight prescribed burns of over 1,000 acres. We also had one wildfire. The weather was very dry with many days of high winds and warm temperatures. The Kirwin fire crew completed all of the field burns for the year. There were several small burns, brush piles and hay bales that were completed late in the year. The Kirwin fire crew spent several days at QuiviraNWR helping out with several prescribed bums there.

Page 13 Burning cedars on burn on south side of Refuge.

Burning grasslands on Cowley burn.

The Kirwin NWR fire crew and ROS Gilbert attended S-205 Fire In The Urban Interlace training in Oklahoma City May 3rd thru 6th. Luckily they were in the part of the city that was not hit by the devastating tornado that occurred while they were attending training.

The fire crew spent most of May assisting Fort Niobrara and Valentine NWR with their prescribed burn program.

Page 14 Steinle assisting with burn at the Fort.

Still burning at the Fort.

Page 15 Carl Douhan visited the refuge during the month of July to view the refuge and gather information for the completion of the Kirwin NWR fire management plan. Two Rx burns were conducted during September. A slash pile was burned one mile west of headquarters to remove piles of woody and weedy vegetation cut from the boneyard and the Cowley unit was burned to remove woody vegetation. This unit was being overtaken by Chinese Elm. The final total for prescribed burns for the year was 1,200 acres. Kirwin Refuge burned 200 acres in 1997,600 acres in 1998,1,200 acres in 1999 and is planning over 1,800 acres in the year 2000. Of the thirteen weeks the 1040 hour fire crew worked, they were away from Kirwin on either Rx or wildfire assignments for over nine weeks, and worked on Kirwin Rx burns the remainder of the time. The fire crew was stationed at Valentine, NE., during the last week of August and the first week of September, home for Labor Day weekend, then off to North Dakota and South Dakota for the rest of the month. They returned to Kirwin NWR on the September 25th.

The temporary fire crew had been terminated for the year, but during the month the Refuge received several requests for assistance from the local county fire departments. With the rangeland fire index being in the very high to extreme category, and hunting seasons producing a ready source of ignition, everyone in the fire business worried. Due to high fire danger and several fires in the area, several weekend days were spent on fire patrol. On October 27th a request from Pueblo dispatch was received for our model 52 fire truck. The engine and one AD fire fighter was sent from Kirwin NWR to Texas. The other two members of the crew were from Quivira NWR and Rainwater Basin WMD.

MW Knowles, PLS Ifland, and Range Tech Flores- Schaff took and passed their 3-mile pack test on December 28th.

10. Pest Control

One thousand musk thistle rosette weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus) and five thousand musk thistle seed head weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) were released on the refuge to aid in the control of this noxious weed. The station also released a small amount of stem mining weevil (Ceutorhynchus liturd) inatest area which will be monitored to see if biological control of Canada thistle is possible on the refuge.

14. Private Lands (Partners for Fish & Wildlife) Program

Two lowhead dams were staked out on the Baumann project in Smith County. Initial project surveys were completed in Osborne and Norton Counties with multiple project sites lo cated in each county. Russell County is the only county in the focus area which has not been surveyed. During the month, ROS Gilbert met with the Corps of Engineers in Marquette, KS and attended the Lake Waconda EQIP coordination meeting with NRCS personnel in Osborne, KS.

ROS Gilbert met with Ellis County NRCS personnel to evaluate the Dinges project on February 12th. Concerns surfaced in Ellis County regarding the decision not to proceed with potential

Page 16 projects on the Kingsley and Deutcher properties. Gilbert met withNRCS, Conservation District and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks personnel, as well as the landowners to alleviate these concerns. The Deutcher project will be reevaluated as a result.

On March 2nd ROS Gilbert presented a project summary of the PFW program at the Hays Area NRCS District Conservationists' Meeting. RM Schaff and Gilbert traveled to Manhattan, KS on March 3rd to attend the annual Kansas Partners for Wildlife Coordination meeting. Gilbert met with Kansas Division of Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Biologist Lynn Davignon to assess the fisheries potential on the Deutcher project in Ellis County. Gilbert seeded the Martindale project in Phillips County.

On April 7th ROS Gilbert met with Greg Kramos (PFW biologist from Manhattan) and NRCS personnel regarding the Baumann project in Smith County. Gilbert attended the Smith County NRCS contractors briefing on April 13*. He met with Osborne County. NRCS and Greg Kramos to evaluate potential proj ects in the county on April 18th. Gilbert attended a meeting regarding the Waconda Lake EQUIP Project on April 29th. ROS Gilbert prepared bid packages for the Stoppel and Slipke projects in Osborne County.

ROS Gilbert completed the NAWCA Grant semi-annual report for October-April. Gilbert and PFW Biologist Greg Kramos, from Manhattan ES, visited several potential Wetland Reserve Pro gram sites in Meade County on June 7th, Greg will be handling those sites in the future. Gilbert and Kramos also conducted a site visit with a landowner in Pawnee County. Gilbert conducted site visits on the Pfannensteil and Tremblay projects and viewed two new sites in Graham County. A new project was viewed in Smith County. Gilbert completed a WEA for the Loftgren project in Norton County. Several new projects were located in Norton County. Site visits were conducted in Graham, Russell, Norton, Smith and Rooks Counties. WEA's were finalized for the Griffith, Loftgren, Stoppel and Slipke projects. ROS Gilbert met with Ellis Co. NRCS to determine the future of the Dinges project in light of Kansas D WR' s permit requirements. It was decided that the benefits to be derived from the project were not worth the effort of securing permits.

Site visits were conducted in Smith, Jewell, and Rooks counties. Baumann's wetland restoration project was visited along with NRCS. PLS Ifland met with Barnes at his wetland creation site to discuss mowing in order to survey. Thaemert's was visited during construction. PLS Ifland traveled to eastern Kansas to meet with PLS's Minnerath and Kramos to look at various projects. A potential project site was visited along with NRCS, KDWP, and PLS Kramos.

Site visits were conducted in Osborne, Phillips, Russell, Graham, and Norton counties. Stoppel's wetland restoration project was completed, checked, and payment process started. Slipke's WR project site was visited and needs WEA Amendment to finish. A new wetland restoration project was visited in Osborne county and details about an alternative stockwater system are being researched. Thaemert's and Conway's structures were constructed and follow up visits were made. Contractor's meeting was conducted for Baumann, Barnes, and DeBey wetland creation projects. ROS Gilbert and PLS Ifland met with Graham County NRCS to discuss options for

Page 17 Mauck's wetland creation. PLS Ifland attended NR.CS EQIP meeting in Osborne.

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

The annual Christmas bird count was conducted with the aid of eighteen volunteers. This year there were sixty-nine different species with 81,302 individuals.

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

There continues to be a large contingent of bald eagles using Kirwin NWR during the winter months which continues to be a source of interest to the local citizenry who continue to be amazed that there are bald eagles in the area.

3. Waterfowl

The mid-winter waterfowl survey was conducted on January 5th with the staff situated at five different locations around the Refuge. Included in the total count of 55,500 geese Were: 53,700 Canadas, 1,700 snow, and 100 white-fronts. There was also atotal of 23,520 ducks. Included in the duck numbers were 20,760 mallards, 170 bufflehead, 1,960 goldeneye, 580 common merganser, and 50 hooded mergansers. Also censused on February 9th were 40,000 Canada'sand 284 White- Front's. There was also a total of 55,105 ducks censused with mallards leading the count.

Ducks present at the Refuge include: mallards, gadwalls, pintails, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, wigeons, shovelers, wood ducks, redheads, ring-necked, canvasback, scaup, goldeneyes, buffleheads, ruddy ducks, teal, wood ducks and common mergansers.

4. Marsh and Waterbirds

The herons and cormorants continue to be active in the rookery. Their rookeries were successful again this year.

5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species

Killdeer, eared grebes, pied-billed grebes, long-billed do witchers, American avocets, ring-billed and Franklin's gulls along with pelicans, cormorants, black terns, common terns, great blue herons, turkey vultures, and cattle egrets continue to use the Refuge. Sandpipers and other small peeps used the exposed mud west of the headquarters.

6. Raptors

Bald eagles, northern harriers, sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, buteos,

Page 18 golden eagles, American kestrels, and prairie falcons were the raptors censused during the year. Also censused were Swainson's hawks, great-horned owls and northern harriers. Several different sightings of ospreys were made during the year.

7. Other Migratory Birds

The Colonial waterhird database survey was completed and submitted to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland.

ORP Rothchild and YCC Conant completed the Breeding Bird Survey route in Phillips County. Several species were counted during the survey. Highlights included a Red Breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Rufous Sided Towhee.

11. Fisheries Resources

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks stocked 127,000 fingerling walleye in the reservoir during May and June. This is the time when state fish hatcheries harvest their predaceous fingerling ponds and deliver fish to the KDW&P fisheries biologists for stocking purposes. The fish were reared at Milford fish hatchery and averaged one inch in length at stocking time. Kirwin Reservoir is a study impoundment in a statewide evaluation of walleye stocking programs in Kansas. The walleye stocked at Kirwin are specially marked fish that allows biologists to differentiate stocked fish from naturally produced fish when sampling is conducted in the fall. A strong year class of walleye was produced at Kirwin in 1998. Natural reproduction accounted for 90% of those sampled last fall. Stocking programs will be assessed according to the degree of contribution from stock fish versus naturally produced fish and by the strength of each year class produced. Future walleye stocking plans for Kirwin will be based on the results of this study.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

Kirwin was featured in "Sports Afield" magazine for the second year in a row. This magazine chooses the fifty best outdoor spots (one from each state).

Memorial weekend was very busy with 7,814 visits (for the weekend only) recorded by traffic counters. The Pleasant Green Assembly of God church held a youth camp-out at Gray's Park the week-end of May 7th.

RM Schaff and ORP Rothchild attended the May meeting of the Phillips County Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting on May 5th.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks once again "borrowed" our education room for their northwest Kansas public lands meeting on May 20th.

Page 19 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

On February 3rd, RM Schaffpresented a program on self-defense to a Kansas Association of Youth conference held at Eastern Heights High School, Agra, KS.

ORP Rothchild and RM Schaff assisted the Phillipsburg Boy Scouts with their annual day camp on June 19th. They used the enviro-scape model to demonstrate the importance of soil and wetland management to maintain clean quality water.

The Eastern Heights 4th grade elementary class enjoyed a tour of the Prairie Dog trail led by ORP Rothchild.

Kirwin co-hosted a Bow Hunters education program with the Kansas Bow Hunters Association on October 9th. There were 28 students (22 youths and 6 adults) in attendance.

4. Interpretive Foot Trails

ORP Rothchild presented a program to the Deer Creek Trailblazers, a 4-H club from Glade, KS. on June 6th. This included a short talk in the environmental education room followed by a tour of the bird house trail.

The new grassland and wildflower interpretive trail at Crappie Point was just beautiful during the months of May and June. The Stockton correctional crew mowed and maintained the trail.

6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations

The Refuge once again hosted Diane Johnson, wildlife rehabilitator from Linwood, KS for an Eagle day program on January 6th. Following the morning and afternoon presentations for the school children, refuge staff assisted the students with bino culars and spotting scopes to observe the eagles wintering on the Refuge. Ms. Johnson also held the program in the evening for the general public. In addition to her rehabilitated bald eagle Ms. Johnson also brought a golden eagle. Judging by the 'thank-yous' received, the program was once again a hit with the area schools.

Page 20 Hang on we'll be home soon!

How many do you see????

Page 21 In conjunction withNational African-American history month, KirwinNWRonce again hosted The Nicodemus Group fromNicodemus, KS on February 25th. The Group presented an environmental education program on "Blacks in the West." Dressed in historically correct period attire, they characterized the lives of the African- American men and women that were an integral part of the western frontier experience. This program always draws a large crowd.

On March 18th, Dave Stortz, wildlife naturalist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, presented a program on "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Snakes, but Were Afraid to Ask." There were seventy-two people in attendance which was standing room only in our environmental education room. A local girl scout troop attended to meet requirement for a wildlife badge. Mr. Stortz had live snakes which the children enjoyed handling. (Most of the adults were not as thrilled!)

The environmental education program for the month of April was a program on fossils. Bob Levin, the "Boneman", from Smith Center, KS., presented a very informative program to over forty-five individuals on the evening of April 13th. Mr. Levin has over 2,500 fossils in his collection.

ASA Stockman presented a 'skins and skulls' program for sixteen preschoolers on May 27th. They then took a quick walking tour of the bird house trail that the YCC kids built last year. On May 6th, ORP Rothchild gave a presentation to twelve girl scouts from Kensington, KS about spring migration. They also took a short bird watching tour on the refuge.

ORP Rothchild presented a program to eight cub scouts from Phillipsburg, KS. about spring migration on May 11th. They also took a short bird watching tour on the refuge. ORP Rothchild also traveled to Atwood on May 14th to present a program to fifty-three kids about spring migration. He also gave two tours on a nature trail located in Atwood.

Despite the rainy morning, Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, in cooperation with the Solomon Valley Bird Watchers, hosted the first annual International Migratory Bird Workshop on Saturday May 22nd. The well attended event began with a bus tour on the south side of the Refuge viewing various birds along the way. The last half of the morning was spent observing ducks, wading and shore birds in the wetlands on the north side of the Refuge. A lunch break was enjoyed by those in attendance, as members of the Solomon Valley Bird Watchers grilled hamburgers. Following lunch, welcomed sunshine appeared and a tour of a wooded area on the Refuge was held. This tour included a mist net demonstration by students from Fort Hays State University. Migrating song birds were captured and leg bands were placed on the birds in an effort to document the use of the Refuge during migration. The highlight of the mist netting was the capture of a yellow breasted chat. This warbler had not been seen on the Refuge in the past. The International Migratory Bird Workshop will continue to be an annual event at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge. The event will be held in conjunction with International Migratory Bird day.

Kirwin NWR, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, once again hosted a kids fishing clinic on June 6*. Demonstrations offish identification, knot tying, casting, angler

Page 22 ethics, bow fishing and fishing from a boat were enjoyed by all children present. The highlight of the clinic were the prizes that were awarded by various sponsors of the event. A happy angler that attended the clinic phoned KNWR the following day to let the staif know that the event was definitely a success because she was able to use the tackle that she won to land a 16 l/z" largemouth bass.

Another successful continuing education program was held at Kirwin NWR on Tuesday, June 22nd. Dr. Joe Thomasson from Fort Hays State University was present to lead an interpretive wildflower tour on north shore scenic drive. Approximately forty individuals were in attendance to observe this interesting and informative program.

Dr. Tim Folkerts, professor of astronomy, from Fort Hays University, Hays, KS presented an "Evening with the Kansas Night-time Sky" on August 9th, continuing the Refuge education program presentation. An overflow crowd attended the program that began with a small presentation indoors at 8:30p.m. and then adjourned to the outdoors to view the night-time sky.

SRO crowd at astronomy program.

Page 23 Kirwin NWR held a "See the View from a Canoe" trip up the Solomon arm of the reservoir. We had an excellent turnout for the program.

Rothchild helping 'launch' novice canoers.

Area elementary school children at Native American program.

Page 24 Kirwin NWR hosted several events in recognition of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The events included an open house for teacher education; a night tour of the Refuge and a Native American program attended by several area schools during the day followed with an adult program in the evening.

The Native American presenter provided a program for four hundred and seventy-five students from the following schools attended the program during the day: Eastern Heights, Jennings, Kensington, Logan, Osborne, Phillipsburg and Stockton.

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Refuge uses and updates were the subject of a talk given to the Phillipsburg Rotary Club by ROS Gilbert on February 25th.

ROS Gilbert conducted the "Skins and Skulls" program for kids at the Phillips County Conservation District's annual meeting and a wetland demonstration for kids using the Enviroscape at the Smith County Conservation District's annual meeting.

FF Steinle presented a skins and skulls program to the Kensington High School on February 23rd.

Kirwin NWR and the Kansas Bowhunter's co-hosted a Bowhunter education instructor course on February 20th.

RM Schaff and the Kirwin fire crew spoke to the Agra Lions Club about prescribed and wildfire on and around the Refuge.

RT Steinle manned a U.S. Fish and Wildlife booth at the Cooperative Expo Days in Athol, KS on March 2nd.

Our enviroscape was borrowed by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service from Smith County for their children's section of their annual meeting.

ORP Rothchild presented a program for a cub scout tro op from Phillipsburg, KS on April 29th. The troop was working on completing their wildlife badge and Rothchild talked to them about endangered species and took them on a walking tour to the Refuge wetland area. Each scout was provided with a 'discovery' backpack which includes a pair of binoculars, identification books, a small microscope and small plant presses; and were treated with an up close and personal view of pelicans, geese, and a variety of ducks.

On May Tl^ ORP Rothchild gave a tour of the refuge to fourteen students from the University of Connecticut. The students stopped at the refuge on a cross country trip visiting several refuges along the way.

Page 25 ROS Gilbert presented the Refuge "Skins and Skulls" demonstration for seventy-five kids at the Nicodemus National Historic Site in Nicodemus, KS on My 10a.

ROS Gilbert spoke to the Phillipsburg Rotary Club about the upcoming hunting season and Refuge events for the fall. MW Knowles, ORP Rothchild and ROS Gilbert worked the USFWS booth at the Kansas State Fair on September 16th & 17th.

8. Hunting

Goose and pheasant hunting ranged from good to average on the Refuge dependent on the weather that day. Spring turkey season brought a fair amount of pressure to the refuge. Early Teal season was slow but a few hunters were successful in taking a few birds. There was occasional light pressure from dove hunters on the Refuge, but most hunting was done on private ground. The archery deer area continued to be used by many bow enthusiasts during archery season.

9. Fishing

There was a break in the fishing pressure during the winter, due to the inaccessibility of the Reservoir. The ice was too thick to boat through and too thin to walk oil so we received calls daily from fishermen as to the availability of access. By the end of February the fishing was starting to pick up. With the ice gone off of the reservoir, the number of boat fisherman around the fish attractors steadily increased.

The Kirwin Refuge staff and the local Boy Scouts constructed two fish attractors at the Knob Hill accessible fishing site. Trees for the project were donated by a local vendor. The fisherman once again caught crappie all winter long.

Kirwin NWR was featured in the local newspaper for the work the staff did on a handicapped accessible fishing dock/day use area at Knob Hill. Representatives from Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (L.I.N.K,) visited the Refuge several times during the year with suggestions on how to make access easier for disabled visitors.

The refuge boat dock at the South Shore boat ramp was installed in the Reservoir. However, several storms hit northwest Kansas area packing winds up to 65 mph which broke the dock free each time, so it was a continuing battle to keep up with mother nature.

There were thirteen fishing tournaments held on Kirwin Reservoir during the summer months.

The forecast for next year's fishing is that crappie will be slow, however, the number of walleye in the 12-15 inch size class should grow to keeper size by next year.

Page 26 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Birding continues to be an increasing activity on the Refuge with birders from all aero ss the country visiting to observe "Kansas" birds.

13. Camping

The warm spring started a few early campers on the refuge, mostly in association with fishing. With the approach of warm weather and the Memorial Day weekend there were over fifty campers on the refuge over the long weekend.

Two day-camps were held in the tent camping only areas. The July 4th weekend was busy with 4,145 visits recorded. All six campgrounds had several campers present. Labor day weekend was fairly busy with campers in most campgrounds and then camping slowed after the "end of summer".

17. Law Enforcement

Table 5. 1999 Law Enforcement Violations - Kirwin NWR

Number of Cases Cases Made by Federal and State Personnel 37 PFD Violations 21 No wake violations 9 Boat in restricted area 3 Expired boat registration 3 Lead shot violations 4 Littering 2 Illegal campfires 1 Dogs roaming at large 1 Illegal discharge of fireworks 1 Retrieving waterfowl in restricted area 1 Camping in no camping area 1 Over capacity on jet ski 1 Negligent boating (result of boat accident) 2 Over limit offish caught

Page 27 2 No fishing license 1 Possession of short fish 1 Fishing with too many poles 1 Digging snake root on Refuge 2 Parking in handicapped area 1 Unplugged shotgun

Warnings were written for: parking in a no parking are (12); creating a wake in a no wake zone (2); camping in a no camping area (2); boating in a restricted area (2); and leaving a boat unattended (1)- RM Schaff attended the 1999 law enforcement inservice sessions 901 and 902 as a officer and instructor. ROS Gilbert attended annual LE inservice in Marana AZ the week of February 16th. ORP Rothchild attended FLETC.

Two NO V s were issued for fires in areas other than the campgrounds. The day these tickets were issued, Kirwin had a wildfire, winds were gusting to 30 mph, and this was the same day Nebraska had a very large fire which resulted in several injuries and the death of one firefighter.

One of the local bait shops had a signup looking for commercial harvesters of mushrooms and was giving misinformation about the use of refuge property for this use. Refuge staff contacted shop management and placed signs stating the refuge does not allow the harvesting of any plants.

Fishing and boating unfortunately drew several violations of the no boating area in the Solomon arm of the reservoir and the no wake zone. Fourteen NOV's were issued in April. There was one boating accident on the reservoir. On May 24th a rider on a personal watercraft broke his lower leg and foot when he fell off his craft while jumping waves. The July 4th weekend was off to a bad start when on Friday evening, an assault occurred between two campers who were wanting to camp in same location. LE patrols were conducted each day and evening during the weekend to prevent any additional problems and to prevent problems with fireworks. Several NOV's and warning letters were issued during this weekend.

RM S chaff and ORP Rothchild met with security personnel from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Phillips County Sheriffs office regarding the safety and security of government lands. ROS Gilbert, ORP Rothchild, and RM Schaff all visited QuiviraNWR on September 8th to enjoy the pleasure of RM Gamble and LE requalification.

Page 28 I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. New Construction

Butler Building, Inc., and their sub-contractors constructed our new fire building in February of this year. This three bay building housed all fire vehicles and equipment in one location and allowed better use of other facilities. The building was funded with 1261 monies saved when the Refuge was without an assistant manager. Refuge staff installed lights and heat, poured a cement approach apron and then moved all the fire equipment to this one centralized location. The additional benefit will be more room in the shop for other programs.

MW Knowles began work on the South Shore boat ramp.

The accessible fishing dock was installed at Knob Hill. Rock was hauled to the site for the dock foundation. The winds in July did considerable damage to the new accessible fishing dock at Knob Hill, so the dock had to be pulled in for repairs. However, before the repairs were completed, Q vandals pushed both the ramp and the dock off of the bank into the water. \

Vandalized dock at Knob Hill. The elementary school in Kirwin made arrangements withRM Schaflffor assistance with a concrete map of the United States for the school grounds. MW Knowles spent several days, with the assistance of the Stockton crew, forming, pouring and finishing the concrete for this project.

Work was started on two new informational kiosks on the south side of the Refuge. The frame work on the two kiosks, (one at the Silver Bridge and one at Dry Creek) was done by a local

Page 29 carpenter. The finish work on these kiosks was done force account.

0. 19. 1999 Beginning Dry Creek kiosk.

Dry Creek ...just about done.

Page 30 Q

Dry Creek done...working on Silver Bridge kiosk. 2. Rehabilitation

MW Knowles and the prison crew spent many hours repairing and installing fencing and rehabbing the water systems on the grazing units for this year.

A new dishwasher was installed in the government quarters.

3. Major Maintenance

During the winter months maintenance was done on ATV's, trailers, mowers, and vehicles and all equipment. During the month of April MW Knowles kept busy installing windmills for grazing and wildlife use. He also set up fences for the grazing program, worked with the Boy Scouts, worked on vehicles, and repaired equipment. MW Knowles and RT Balaban with the assistance of the Stockton inmate crew finished the installation of fencing in the grazing units and the windmill in Unit 23.

Many hours were spent moving equipment and hauling rock, blue shale and rip rap, back and forth between the north shore and the south shore of the Refuge. Work was conducted at both boat ramps to improve access to the water. This was an MMS funded project. Temporary fencing was removed and all solar pumps were picked up in the grazing units. MW Knowles continued to repair, repair, and repair the mowers. Several weeks were spent on road grading and rehabilitation. Several days were also spent on hauling and placing rip-rap along the North Shore boat ramp and the Knob hill fishing dock.

Page 31 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

The mobile home acquired from FEMA was installed as a bunk house and we had an FWS employees using it even prior to completion.

The Refuge received several surplus radios from the USDA for use while on fires.

The pup for the replacement dump truck arrived on June 22nd, however the truck did not arrive during this fiscal year. This was an MMS project. The replacement mo wing deck purchased with fire funding arrived in June.

Due to the high fire danger in the state, and on the Refuge, an old slip-on unit was rehabilitated to place in use as a second fire unit. Our model 52 was also dispatched to Texas during August.

5. Communications Systems

The refuge received a used radio from fire to be used during fire assistance to other stations. The mobile radio we received from fire was installed in the Model 52 pumper. The refuge radio in the Jeep had to be returned to Motorola for service.

6. Computer Systems

Three replacement computers were received in July to assist the station in Y2K compliance. The machines were purchased through the Regional Office. Two Y2K incompatible computers were donated to the local school district for use in their science department.

7. Energy Conservation

The following table compares 1998 and 1999 energy consumption.

Table 5. Energy Conservation - Kirwin NWR

Gas Diesel Electricity Propane Mileage 1998 Use 2,801 2,408 39,050 2,184 52,586 1999 Use 3,833 2,354 35,720 2,340 73,801 Increase +1,032 -54 -3,330 +156 +21,215 Decrease Increase +27% -02% -09% +07% +29% Decrease %

Page 32 J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs

ORP Rothchild traveled to Wilson State Park to assist the Kansas Department of WildHfe and Parks with an Eco-Meet. Rothchild assisted in the wildHfe knowledge portion of the meet.

Kirwin has three cooperative agreements that affect the refuge. These agreements are:

A Cooperative agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and WildHfe Service was approved on June 17,1954. This is the basic agreement which allows the refuge, as an overlay on the reservoir, to manage the habitat and wildHfe resources.

A Cooperative agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and WildHfe Service was approved on October 18, 1985. This is a revision of the original 1954 agreement, and gives the Service sole administrative jurisdiction of refuge lands and water, whereas the previous agreement required Bureau concurrence.

A Cooperative agreement between Fish and WildHfe Service and the Kansas Department of WildHfe & Parks (KDWP), was approved on June 28, 1954, dealing with pubHc hunting and fishing on Kirwin NWR. The agreement gives KDWP jurisdiction over the reservoir fishery and a cooperative role in establishment of pubHc hunting program. Law enforcement is also to be handled cooperatively.

2. Other Economic Uses

A special use permit was reissued to a local beekeeper.

4. Credit

Stockman: Narrative, tables and final assembly

Page 33