U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System Inside RefugeUpdate September/October 2006 Vol 3, No 5 Birds On Every Refuge, page 5 New Refuge System Birding Initiative aims to help birders New Policies Fulfi ll Refuge fully appreciate the importance of refuges in the lives of their favorite System Mission species.

Focus on . . Farm Bill, pages 10-16 America’s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in sustaining healthy fi sh and wildlife populations, making the Farm Bill an especially important issue.

Where Has All the Cordgrass Gone, page 21 Sudden wetland dieback is the rapid loss of vegetation in salt marshes. So, why does it happen?

Less Than “Purr-Fect” in the Wild, page 26 Feral cars threaten birds on national wildlife refuges.

Wildlife-dependent recreation is one of the three new policies announced by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. More than 270 national wildlife refuges offer fi shing programs, while more than 300 hunting programs are offered. Environmental education and interpretive program are offered even more widely. (USFWS)

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne will help ensure our national wildlife announced three new policies that defi ne refuges continue to be places where the unique wildlife conservation mission wildlife thrives and where recreational of the National Wildlife Refuge System and educational activities that depend and will help refuge managers enhance upon wildlife get the top priority.” opportunities for people to participate He announced the three policies in a in wildlife-dependent recreation. The televised broadcast during the annual new polices are: mission and goals and June meeting of the Outdoor Writers “Nature is often overlooked purposes; wildlife-dependent recreation; Association of America. as a healing balm for the and appropriate uses. emotional hardships in a Effective as of July 26, the policies were child’s life. You’ll likely “In an age when the rapid spread of developed in close coordination with state never see a slick commercial technology and changing land uses fi sh and wildlife agencies. They were for nature therapy . . .” make the connection to nature seem fi rst published in draft form in 2001. out of reach to many Americans,” said —Last Child in the Woods Secretary Kempthorne, “these policies continued pg 17 by Richard Louv From the Director Farm Bill Is a Priority for Good Reason

This issue is focused specifically for wildlife. Pheasants, grouse, or next to refuge lands, making those on the Farm Bill, quail, prairie chickens, mourning doves, lands more productive for wildlife as well. which provides and songbirds, as well as leopard frogs, And after two decades of success, CRP Dale Hall more than $3 diamond-back terrapin, red bats, and billion annually for other wildlife, benefit from habitat that isn’t resting on its laurels. Last August, on-the-ground conservation. It should farmers and ranchers establish on their the Farm Service Agency announced come as no surprise, therefore, that its land. Farmers and ranchers appreciate a new CRP Duck Nesting Habitat reauthorization is a top Service priority. and enjoy wildlife supported by good Initiative, which aims to restore 100,000 habitat and also benefit from pollination acres of wetlands and high quality nesting With more than 70 percent of the land and pest control by beneficial insects. cover in the Prairie Pothole Region of the in the United States privately owned, northern Great Plains—a critical pit stop it follows that most of the wildlife in Although we are still compiling for North American waterfowl. the countryside depends on private comprehensive data, we already know landowners. The voluntary, incentive- that the Farm Bill’s implications for But continued conservation on CRP lands based programs of the Farm Bill have conservation on national wildlife refuges is not assured. Nationwide, 16 million broad-reaching effects on fish and wildlife are considerable. In the last fiscal year, for acres now in the program will expire populations and habitats and are primary example, more than 1,000 habitat projects in 2007; another 12 million will expire tools for assisting the stewards of private associated with Farm Bill programs took between 2008 and 2010. Our job is to lands—the nation’s farmers, ranchers and place adjacent to or near national help ranchers and farmers understand forest landowners—with their efforts to wildlife refuges. the importance of their contributions conserve these resources. to nation’s conservation goals and to The Farm Bill’s largest conservation educate the public about CRP’s value to Farmers are installing grass, trees, program, the Conservation Reserve wildlife and people. In community after shrubs, ponds, riparian buffer strips Program (CRP), has enrolled more than community, Refuge System staff is doing and other wildlife habitat at record 36 million acres that provide important just that, providing an essential link to rates. Some farmers provide bird and waterfowl habitat, as well as habitat for private landowners committed to long- bat houses, while others plant or leave grassland birds and riparian species. term conservation and stewardship of food plots of corn, millet, or other grains Many of those acres are often located near wildlife habitat. Chief’s Corner RefugeUpdate Antidote to a Virtual Existence Dirk Kempthorne Address editorial A pair of New What is the antidote to a world where Secretary inquiries to: York architects you can buy brass pinecones cast from the Department of the Refuge Update is promoting a real thing – rather than taking a hike and Interior USFWS-NWRS 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Geoff Haskett “dream digital happening upon the real thing? National H. Dale Hall Room 634C house” that has wildlife refuges are the antidotes, and Director – U.S. Fish and Arlington, VA walls made of LCD screens. One bank, National Wildlife Refuge Week is the Wildlife Service 22203-1610 Phone: 703-358-1858 touting round-the-clock electronic banking, perfect celebration of what we do. Geoffrey L. Haskett Fax: 703-358-2517 features a woman in front of her computer, Acting Assistant Last fall, a dragonfly never before E-mail: gushing, “I expect to pay bills at 3 a.m.” Director – National [email protected] Undeniably, we live in “the digital age.” recorded in Arizona – the thornbush Wildlife Refuge System dasher, or Micrathyria hagenii – was This newsletter is Martha Nudel For another measure of what Americans found at Buenos Aires National published on recycled Editor in Chief do with their time, consider that, on Wildlife Refuge. paper using soy-based average, we spend about 170 minutes - ink I read that Betty Mulcahy and her Karen Leggett - nearly three hours each day -- watching Managing Editor television and movies. It has been husband Chuck spent almost five months estimated that we only spend 19 minutes a volunteering at Imperial National Wildlife C day on physical, leisure-time activities. Refuge last year, creating interpretive — continued on pg 28

Pg  Refuge Update | September/October 2006 What’s Happening to the Frogs?

Amphibian abnormalities have been addressed in scientific literature for some time, but it was only when middle school students in Minnesota discovered large numbers of abnormal frogs that the general public and the Congress began to notice. That was in 1995 and researchers have been investigating the problem at many levels ever since – including research on national wildlife refuges. Environmental stressors may cause such abnormalities as missing, extra or unusual body parts. In fact, scientists believe frog abnormalities could be caused by multiple factors that may differ from one site to another. These factors may include changes in climate, predators, parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses or pollution and contaminants such as pesticides, Frog abnormalities have been observed and recorded in ponds, wetlands, puddles, and other waterbodies metals and fertilizer, among others. on 131 refuges in 47 states. The Service has undertaken the first nationwide survey of abnormal Roxanna Hinzman, who until recently amphibians using standardized collection and evaluation. (Dan Sutherland) was the national amphibian coordinator 650 abnormal frogs from refuges across one stressor,” says Hinzman. “There may for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the country. be multiple stressors, or the effects of two says that since 2000, the Service has or more stressors may be cumulative.” had an annual $500,000 Congressional The report concluded that abnormalities appropriation to research abnormal were “remarkably similar across all Second stage research is underway at frogs. With the help of refuge staff, regions,” and more research is needed to Great Bay (New Hampshire) and Kenai volunteers, Friends organizations and identify cause and effect relationships. National Wildlife Refuges (Alaska). at least one student group, simple first- The discovery of significant numbers of tier assessments of frog abnormalities Analyzing the Data abnormal frogs at Kenai was a surprise. have been conducted in ponds, wetlands, Researchers are beginning to mine Now a study is underway to identify puddles, and other water bodies on five years worth of data. With the help specific abnormalities and stressors. 131 refuges in 47 states. This effort of Kevin Nguyen, a Service computer represents the first nationwide survey technician fascinated by frogs, an Hinzman believes that frogs are good of abnormal amphibians that uses online database was created to store indicators of habitat health because standardized collection and the information. they can be exposed to so many evaluation methods. different contaminants throughout Researchers hope to find trends that their lives and they are found in so During the initial assessment, will help focus additional studies. “With many places, from ponds to tire ruts researchers try to collect 50-100 newly the tremendous amount of data that to agricultural ditches. Eventually, metamorphosed frogs of one species has been collected so far, I hope we can she said “we hope to reach site-specific from a single pond and document visible get a better understanding about what conclusions about the cause or causes abnormalities. Abnormal frogs are sent is happening and what we can do to of frog abnormalities.” She is eager for to a parasitologist who looks for parasites help,” said Kelly Geer, the new national additional refuges to gather data. that cause abnormal limb development. amphibian coordinator. Then the frogs are sent for radiography “We’ve come a long way with the As currently planned, a second phase of so that any bone abnormalities can be quantity and quality of data collected. research will identify stressors in ponds; a examined and documented. A report We still have a long way to go, and soon third stage will work to identify the actual released in May 2006 presents the results we’ll be coming to a pond near you,” causes of the abnormalities. “There ◆ of radiographic analyses for more than notes Hinzman. doesn’t seem to be one ‘smoking gun’ or

September/October 2006 | Pg  Refuge Update Better Use of Heavy Equipment Time and Money The National Wildlife Refuge System’s worker but in spring 2006, workers from new method for managing heavy nine refuges gathered at Alchesay to turn equipment is already saving hundreds of two residences into offices – at one-third thousands of dollars on both acquisition the cost of hiring an outside contractor. of new equipment and completion of major reconstruction projects. The “We’ve done these projects informally system was established in 2004 with the for years,” says Rob Miller, chief of appointment of Steve Flanders as the the Service’s Division of Facilities national coordinator and seven regional Management. “Now MATs formalize the heavy equipment coordinators. process of coordinating the transfer of equipment and personnel.” Early this year, the heavy equipment coordinators established a 30-day Teams Save Money At Horicon Marsh Refuge, spoil piles A Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region Maintenance window for ordering from John Deere Action Team spent three months rebuilding roads and Caterpillar, Inc., enabling the had been placed on either side of a ditch damaged by 2004 hurricanes on Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. (USFWS) Service to receive the maximum discount many years ago during an attempt to for quantity purchases in addition to drain the marsh. A MAT removed the spoil piles to improve the water flow the contract price. These discounts Assigning the Team combined with trade-in credits have across the marsh at a cost of just under Bass says MATs work best when saved more than $500,000 in fiscal year $100,000; the estimate for a contractor they have the full support of upper 2006 as the Refuge System replaced 30 was $300,000. management on individual refuges. He pieces of heavy equipment. Why the big difference in cost? “We do it won that support in part by having the In another effort to improve efficiency more efficiently,” says Miller, “because we receiving refuge cover the cost of base and cut costs on major construction know the refuges and we aren’t adding pay, benefits, overtime and travel for all projects, Maintenance Action Teams overhead or profit to the cost.” the workers on a particular project. (MATs) are being created in some Because personnel from the Southeast Earlier this year, a MAT – composed regions. The name was coined by Dale Region had been assigned to hurricane of 26 workers from 20 refuges, wetland Pittman, heavy equipment coordinator in repair projects, Mountain Longleaf management districts and the regional the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region. Refuge was a recipient of the MAT office – was assigned to Ottawa National MATs assign existing maintenance staff program. Due largely to the engineering Wildlife Refuge in Ohio to build a half- to major reconstruction projects costs of developing a scope of work for mile entrance road and two parking areas throughout the region – and sometimes a commercial contractor, the decision for a new visitor center. The team also across regional lines. was made to bring in equipment and built a wetland behind the center and operators from Great Lakes-Big Rivers excavated two storm ponds to collect They have rebuilt a road at Mountain Region to complete repairs caused by storm water from the new parking areas. Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge 2004 hurricanes. By the end of the in Alabama, improved water flow three-month project, 16 equipment “It’s a tremendous training tool,” adds at Horicon Marsh National Wildlife operators from 13 Great Lakes-Big Miller. “Team members get more seat Refuge in Wisconsin and built a levee at Rivers Region refuges and the regional time on heavy equipment and go back to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge office had rotated in to help complete their stations with more experience and a in Indiana. All three projects came in on the work. renewed sense of vigor.” time and under budget. The team built six miles of road, “Both MATS and our new system for In the Southwest Region, Heavy including culverts, gates and signs. managing heavy equipment are part of Equipment Coordinator Ed Bass says Despite difficult terrain and periods of the heavy equipment management action he is especially pleased that MATs have inclement weather, the team unloaded plan for the Fish and Wildlife Service,” enabled fisheries and refuges to work 17,500 tons of stone on refuge roads, said Flanders. “We plan on continuing to together more closely. Alchesay-Williams poured 32 cubic yards of concrete and build on our early successes. This is just Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex laid 400 feet of concrete pipe. the right way to do business.” ◆ in Arizona has only one maintenance

Pg  Refuge Update | September/October 2006 Birds, Birds, On Every Refuge—Birds

Since almost 50 million Americans “Refuges are ideally positioned to be The Birders Team will discuss specific identify themselves as casual or avid the premier birdwatching location of ways that national wildlife refuges birding enthusiasts, the U.S. Fish preference,” said veteran birder Paul can improve programs for those who and Wildlife Service has launched a Baicich, who is assisting the team on are interested in winged wildlife. National Wildlife Refuge System Birding behalf of the Refuge System. “Many Boardwalks and observation towers are Initiative and Birders Team to help birders already identify closely with the some of the visitor enhancements that birders fully appreciate the importance Refuge System. We want birders to can attract bird enthusiasts to refuges. of national wildlife refuges in the lives reinforce and expand that relationship.” “We hope the Birding Initiative will of their favorite wildlife species. The lead to more quality family-oriented project also aims at strengthening Long-Time Focus on Birds birding on refuges and a broader public quality wildlife-dependent recreation The Service is the principal federal recognition of the Refuge System’s vital on refuges. agency charged with protecting and role in protecting the country’s native enhancing populations and habitats birds,” said Allyson Rowell, chief of the The initiative was launched with the of more than 800 species of migratory Refuge System’s Division of Visitor appointment to the Birders Team of birds. According to the Service’s Birding Services and Communications. 14 well-known people who represent in the United States: A Demographic different sectors of the birding world, and Economic Analysis, published National wildlife refuges are already including authors, editors, educators, in 2001, there are about 40 million at- doing a great deal to welcome America’s conservationists and members of the home birders and 18 million who travel birders. Seney National Wildlife Refuge business community. Southeast Regional to watch birds. The same report said in Michigan, for example, gives visitors a Refuge Chief Jon Andrews will serve birders spent an estimated $32 billion map, binoculars and a touch table display as chair of the team, which also includes in 2001 on all their wildlife-watching where they can make sand tracks of local Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge experiences, including money for animals and birds. Visitors can then go Manager Dwight Cooley. Geoff Haskett, binoculars, field guides, bird food, bird on a self-guided, seven-mile auto tour Acting Assistant Director, National houses, camping gear and such big-ticket along Marshland Wildlife Drive. Seney Wildlife Refuge System, and Paul items as boats. Refuge, concluded a recent television Schmidt, Assistant Director, Migratory news report, “makes things easy for Birds, are ex-officio members. The Refuge Birding Initiative will not those wishing to view wildlife in their only give the Refuge System a more natural habitat.” ◆ The team will explore ways to strengthen visible role in promoting birding, it will the relationship between the birding also shine a national spotlight on the community and the Refuge System. The central role of national wildlife refuges group will also provide ideas about how in bird conservation. Already, more than refuges can involve more Americans in half of all federal lands designated by the the work of conserving America’s native American Bird Conservancy as globally bird species. significant Important Bird Areas are on national wildlife refuges.

The Service’s new Refuge Birding Initiative will build on the expanding popularity of birding in the United States. Almost 50 million Americans consider themselves casual or avid birders. (USFWS)

September/October 2006 | Pg  Refuge Update “Go/No Go” for the Birds

Signs, cards and bumper stickers encourage NASA employees to contact the duty office with the location of dead animals around the Kennedy Space Center in Florida so they won’t become an easy food source for vultures. Because of the danger that could be caused by birds hitting the shuttle, NASA has added a new “go/no-go” launch criteria if there are too many birds in the area on launch day. (NASA)

NASA has added a new “go/no-go” at Kennedy Space Center, large Schlierf says awareness is high and launch criteria related to flying birds at numbers drive in and out of the center increasing. As Kennedy Space Center the space shuttle launch pad. A national around the clock. Kennedy Space prepared for the early September wildlife refuge is playing a key role. Center is surrounded by habitat filled launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, with animals. Schlierf said, “The folks who clean the It all started July 26, 2005, when the launch pads told me that it usually takes space shuttle Discovery hit a vulture Epstein says the Kennedy Space Center two days to clean up the mess left by during launch. There was no damage and NASA are working in a variety of birds. This time it only took half a day.” to the space shuttle but lots of concern. ways to address the problem. A full NASA officials decided a launch could time contractor has been designated a On a more sophisticated level, Epstein be scrubbed if birds were flying in the one-man “road kill posse.” Employees says NASA is using radar to detect vicinity of the launch pad, and so a Bird are encouraged to phone or e-mail the and count birds and track their speed Abatement Team. Because Kennedy location of a dead animal. Epstein says and trajectory. There are non-lethal Space Center is located on the 140,000- the contractor is picking up 300-400 sonic devices that scare away the birds. acre Merritt Island National Wildlife pounds of dead animals every week. Epstein says the Bird Abatement Team Refuge, the refuge was asked to join is also looking at ways to reduce the the team. Newsletters, Bumper Stickers roosting possibilities for vultures in Schlierf is leading a major public all the nooks and crannies around the The first recommendation made by education campaign among Kennedy launch pad. Refuge Biologist Marc Epstein was Space Center employees, with to reduce the huge number of animals newsletters, bumper stickers and Epstein says the refuge and NASA killed on the roads to the Space Center. cards to place on bulletin boards and have a great working relationship. “It is suspected that an excessive in cubicles with a phone number for “This has been a great opportunity to vulture population has been created and rapid collection. Schlierf also urges enlighten lots of people at once,” says sustained by our excessive road kill food his fellow employees to drive extra Epstein about the efforts of the Bird supply,” wrote Roland Schlierf, a NASA cautiously. “Every animal we miss Abatement Program. Eventually, Leadership Development Program hitting out here is one more animal we Epstein wants the mandatory training engineer on temporary assignment at can enjoy.” for NASA employees to include a short Merritt Island Refuge. By April, he video about all the wildlife the refuge was leading an educational campaign to For the first time, vultures were is protecting – right in the middle of all reduce road kill. trapped and released just before the that technology. ◆ most recent launch of the space shuttle In May alone, 103 dead animals were Discovery. “Wildlife Crossing” signs are collected from Space Center roads. being placed around the Space Even bald eagles have been killed on the Center roads. roads. With 14,000 people working

Pg  Refuge Update | September/October 2006 America Gains a New—and Huge—National Monument

“It’s a big deal,” said President George W. a national marine sanctuary. The Service colonies of 15 other seabird species. In Bush, as he established the nation’s first and NOAA are now working together to 2000, it was also designated as the Battle marine national monument on June 15. develop joint regulations and coordinate of Midway National Memorial, honoring And he’s right: it covers 140,000 square with the state to write a permanent the courage of the men who fought in what miles, is larger than 46 states, and includes management plan for the monument. is recognized as the turning point of World two national wildlife refuges. War II in the Pacific. The refuge also Key provisions in the proclamation include serves as an emergency landing site for Originally under consideration for prohibitions on oil, gas, and mineral twin-engine aircraft crossing the Pacific designation as a national marine sanctuary, exploration and development; the phasing Ocean and as a landing field for U.S. Coast the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands out of all commercial fishing within Guard law enforcement and search and Marine National Monument was a five years; prevention of alien species rescue efforts in the mid-Pacific. surprise to many, including the U.S. Fish introductions; and the regulation of almost and Wildlife Service. The President all other activities within the monument. “We think of our refuges as the heart chose to invoke his authority under the of the monument,” said Barry Stieglitz, Antiquities Act of 1906 to immediately and The Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife project leader for the Hawaiian and permanently protect the area’s pristine Refuge, which traces its history back to Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge coral reefs and unparalleled wildlife and 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt Complex. “This new monument is an heritage resources. established the Hawaiian Islands exciting opportunity to greatly expand Reservation, stretches from Nihoa Island the protections offered the Northwestern The National Oceanic and Atmospheric to Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Except for Hawaiian Islands, and we’re truly excited Administration (NOAA) and the Service field stations on Tern and Laysan Islands, about working with our partners to bring will jointly manage the monument. In these remote islands are not inhabited the President’s proclamation to life.” ◆ consultation with NOAA, the Service by humans and are protected by the has sole responsibility for managing Service. Even scientific research is areas of the monument that overlay limited and closely scrutinized to minimize the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife unnecessary disturbance. Refuge and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1988 as an overlay National Memorial. NOAA has primary President George W. Bush invoked his authority responsibility for managing marine areas refuge, with jurisdiction and control under the 1906 Antiquities Act to immediately beyond the refuges, in consultation with coming to the Service from the U.S. Navy and permanently protect the pristine coral the Service. The federal agencies will also in 1996. The atoll hosts the largest nesting reefs of Hawaii by creating the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. coordinate with the state of Hawaii, which colonies of Laysan and black-footed albatrosses in the world, as well as nesting It will be jointly administered by the National administers a wildlife sanctuary at Kure Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Atoll and a marine refuge around all the and the Service. (James Watt/NOAA) islands and atolls, except Midway. In his remarks before signing the proclamation, President Bush spoke of America’s commitment to be a good steward of our natural resources. “Our duty is to use the land and seas wisely, or sometimes not use them at all. Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility, it is a public value,” he said. “This belief has affirmed our laws, and today we reaffirm that commitment once again.” The President’s proclamation includes several requirements for managing the new monument, many of which were based on NOAA’s proposed regulations for

September/October 2006 | Pg  Refuge Update Communicating in the Native Tongue

“We have to remember our history Noting that Yukon Flats Refuge is The official partnership between Yukon and teach others about our traditional recognized as one of the most productive Flats Refuge and CATG began with ways,” says Paul Williams, Sr., a resident waterfowl breeding grounds in North an agreement signed in 2004 between of Beaver, Alaska, and an information America, the guide includes pictures as the Service and CATG. It has just technician for the Yukon Flats National well as English and Gwich’in names for been renewed for a third term. Each Wildlife Refuge. Beaver is one of 16 ducks, a trumpeter swan (daazhraii) agreement outlines goals as well as several Athabascan villages within the and a snow goose (gwigeh). Nelson specific tasks or projects. The waterfowl refuge, and Williams is eager to build says staff from the refuge and CATG guide was one of the projects facilitated more connections between the U.S. had to agree on which species to include by the agreement. Fish and Wildlife Service and his fellow because not every species has a Gwich’in The formal working relationship Athabascans. name for the English or scientific name. Native speakers from the Yukon Flats between the Yukon Flats Refuge and “We know a lot about living on this villages provided the Gwich’in language CATG has led to informal projects and land,” muses Williams, now in his late translation. The 18 species included in other collaborations as well. Recently, 60s, “more than the information you the guide are considered culturally as part of an increased effort to would find in any book.” Ironically, a significant, biologically significant, incorporate the Gwich’in language into book of sorts is one of the products of or both. more refuge education and outreach the growing collaboration between the products, Williams recorded a public Service and the Council of Athabascan The widely distributed brochure has service announcement about avian flu Tribal Governments (CATG). Shannon generated enough interest that CATG in Gwich’in. A Fairbanks radio station Nelson, an education specialist at Yukon approached the refuge about developing donated studio and staff time to produce Flats Refuge, worked with CATG’s a second bilingual brochure featuring the announcement and CATG helped environmental coordinator Bryan common birds. The second guide is air the announcement on the Fort Neubert to produce a bilingual Gwich’in currently under development and was Yukon community radio station. The Athabascan/English “Guide to Waterfowl funded through a Challenge Cost announcement has since been broadcast of the Yukon Flats.” Share grant. in Gwich’in and English to most villages within the Yukon Flats. ◆

A bilingual guide to waterfowl has been produced by the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge and the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments in Alaska. The guide includes English and Gwich’in names for 18 species of waterfowl that are culturally and/or biologically significant to the region. (USFWS)

Pg  Refuge Update | September/October 2006 Congressional Caucus for Refuges Launched

U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) Thompson (D-CA), the legislation awareness of the Refuge System in and Jim Saxton (R-NJ) are enlisting other emphasizes partnerships with non- Congress, among its other objectives. House of Representatives members to join governmental organizations including “With the devastating impacts to the Gulf the new bipartisan Congressional Wildlife Refuge Friends and volunteers to counter Coast refuges,” says Rep. Kind, “it became Refuge Caucus to champion the National the rampant growth of invasives on clear to us that our National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge System. The first piece of national wildlife refuges. H.R. 5900, the Refuge System needed an organized legislation introduced by the Caucus chairs Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, voice in Congress. I grew up with a and others dealt with the fight against and Immediate Response (REPAIR) refuge in my back yard and I, along with invasive species. Act, proposes grants to states, Friends organizations and others for invasive many of my colleagues in Congress, have By mid-September, 100 House members species monitoring and removal. In long understood the great economic and had joined the Congressional Wildlife addition, the bill would make permanent environmental value of refuges. We are Refuge Caucus. In a letter to their the Cooperative Voluntary Invasive an enthusiastic bipartisan group who are Congressional colleagues, Congressmen Species Monitoring and Control Program, already developing legislation to focus Kind and Saxton pointed out that which, for the past three years, has trained attention on our refuge system.” America’s Refuge System, “the premier volunteers to fight the spread of invasives In addition to working toward legislative wildlife land system in the world,” is on wildlife refuges. solutions for the pressures on refuges beset by problems of invasive species, from invasive species, urban sprawl and encroaching urbanization and the “Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wiped under-funding, caucus members also seek continuing and hugely expensive cleanup of out critical habitat and destroyed to support the six priority recreational Gulf Coast refuges damaged by hurricanes more than $100 million worth of refuge and educational activities of refuges a year ago. infrastructure,” reads the caucus invitation letter, “compounding the Refuge System’s – hunting, fishing, wildlife photography and Introduced July 27 by Reps. Kind and $3.1 billion operational and maintenance observation, environmental education and ◆ Saxton, along with Caucus vice chairs, backlog.” The caucus is seeking to raise interpretation. Reps. Michael Castle (R-DE) and Mike Refuge System Grows Slightly The Migratory Bird Conservation O Edwin B. Forsythe National Commission has approved the addition Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey: 35 of about 300 acres of wetland and upland acres for black ducks and other habitat to the National Wildlife Refuge waterfowl; System. The $1.3 million in acquisitions have been funded primarily from the O William L. Finley National Wildlife purchase of federal Duck Stamps, as Refuge, Oregon: 36 acres for a well as import duties collected on arms diversity of flood plain habitat; and ammunition and rights-of-way payments. O Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge: 146.7 acres to The commission also approved more protect waterfowl habitats; than $19.5 million from the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund O North Central Valley Wildlife for 54 conservation projects. American Management Area, California: and Canadian partners will match this 59 acres to maintain wetlands for amount, enabling the U.S. Fish and waterfowl; and Wildlife Service to restore 87,000 aces of wetlands. The following refuges were O Grassland Wildlife Management able to acquire new acreage: Area, Merced, California: 78 acres. ◆ Several refuges received funding from the Cedar Island National Wildlife Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, O enabling the Refuge System to expand Refuge, North Carolina: 14 acres for slightly. (USFWS) wintering waterfowl;

September/October 2006 | Pg  Refuge Update FOCUS . . .On Farm Bill Farm Bill to be Topic of Congressional Debate in 2007 With about 73 percent of the land outside Incentives Program, the Wildlife Habitat of Alaska in private ownership, America’s Incentives Program and the Farm and landowners – and especially its farmers Ranch Lands Protection Program. and ranchers, whose production accounts for half the nation’s land use in the lower The current Farm Bill, called the Farm 48 states – play a critical role in sustaining Security and Rural Investment Act healthy fish and wildlife populations. of 2002, increased authorized funding Little wonder then that the conservation for conservation programs by 80 provisions of the multiyear Farm Bill percent and enacted the Conservation have attracted the attention of the U.S. Security Program, the Grassland Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as Reserve Program, and the Forest other federal agencies and state agencies Land Enhancement Program. Annual responsible for managing fish and wildlife appropriations for Farm Bill conservation populations. programs have increased each year since 2002, exceeding $4 billion in fiscal Voices have been raised in With the establishment of the year 2006. Many of the Farm Bill’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) conservation programs will expire in support of programs that in 1985, each succeeding Farm Bill has September 2007. expanded the number of conservation address conservation needs programs and approaches, always through Reauthorization of the Farm Bill will include debate on how to safeguard on lands in production. voluntary, incentive-based programs. The 1990 Farm Bill added the Wetlands and continue achieving the many Reserve Program (WRP) and the Forest environmental, social and economic Legacy Program. The 1996 Farm Bill benefits accruing from the investment in introduced the Environmental Quality conservation on private lands. Budget

Learning Your Way Around the Farm Bill The Farm Security and Rural Investment and enhance wildlife habitat and Act was originally passed in 1985. It enhance forest and wetland resources. was reauthorized in 2002 and will again CRP covers are a major contributor to be considered for reauthorization in increased wildlife populations in many 2007. The Farm Bill includes many parts of the country. CRP contracts last conservation provisions and programs 10 to 15 years. to help farmers and ranchers meet environmental challenges on their Conservation Security Program (CSP) land and enhance the conservation of CSP is considered a stewardship program the nation’s natural resources. The that provides benefits to landowners who Department of Agriculture administers are already promoting conservation on the various programs of the Farm Bill. their lands. The CSP provides technical The Farm Bill 2007 Conservation And and financial assistance to tribal or Environment Theme Papers are available individual owners of working land, which at http://www.usda.gov/documents/ includes cropland, grassland, prairie land, FarmBill07consenv.pdf improved pasture, and rangeland, as well as forested land that is an incidental part Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) of an agriculture operation. Private landowners receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to Environmental Quality Incentives plant long-term, resource-conserving Program (EQIP) covers on eligible farmland to improve This voluntary conservation program the quality of water, control soil erosion, provides financial and technical help

Pg 10 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 . . .On Farm Bill

constraints, program performance, be an important part of the next Farm international trade negotiations, energy Bill and future conservation program production, program consolidation, and administration. In addition to quantifying an increasing emphasis on conservation the benefits of these conservation efforts on farmlands in agricultural programs, several other competing factors production are among the issues affecting may influence the Farm Bill debate. reauthorization. Conservation programs that do not Quantifying the Benefits impact international trade may well be An effort is underway to quantify the fish considered a more dependable means and wildlife benefits of the Farm Bill’s of providing financial assistance to conservation programs as part of the U.S. agricultural producers. At the same time, Department of Agriculture’s Conservation the degree to which agricultural lands Effects Assessment Project (see page 16). dedicated to conservation purposes impact The Service is actively participating in the production of bio-fuels such as ethanol CEAP, including for example, a paper by will also be a topic of discussion. Finally, Ron Reynolds entitled, “The Conservation Congress is expected to debate the level Reserve Program and Duck Production in of funding for programs that take land out the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region,” which of agricultural production. estimated that from 1998 to 2003, an additional 13.3 million puddle ducks have Voices have been raised in support of been produced as a result of the CRP. greater funding for programs that address All Service programs are encouraged to conservation needs on lands in production. contribute studies or data of the Farm Congress has also asked whether it Bill’s benefit to wildlife and habitat. would be cost efficient to consolidate conservation programs. Beyond such studies, the ability to Landowners receive financial incentives to monitor and evaluate program results will continued pg 16 restore, enhance and protect wetlands. (Gary Kramer/NRCS)

to farmers and ranchers who install or that would otherwise be farmed or zoned areas on their property. Refuge staff may implement structural and management for urban development. work with NRCS to develop a wildlife practices on eligible agricultural land habitat development plan that becomes according to specific national priorities. Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) part of the agreement with the landowner. Those priorities include reducing nonpoint WRP assists landowners willing to source pollution; conserving ground address wetland, habitat, soil, water and Farm Service Agency (FSA) water; reducing chemical emissions; other natural resource issues on their The Farm Service Agency implements reducing soil erosion; and promoting land in an environmentally beneficial way. agricultural policy, administers credit and habitat conservation for at-risk species. Landowners receive financial incentives loan programs, and manages conservation to restore, protect and enhance wetlands programs like the CRP through a national Farm and Ranch Lands Protection in exchange for retiring the land from network of offices. Program agriculture. Landowners may also This program helps farmers and receive incentives to develop wildlife Natural Resources Conservation ranchers who want to keep their land in recreational opportunities on their land, Service (NRCS) agricultural production. The program such as hunting. Participants voluntarily The NRCS administers the USDA provides matching funds to state, tribal limit future use of their land but retain conservation programs authorized by and local governments or non-government private ownership. the Farm Bill, as part of a partnership organizations to purchase conservation effort to help people conserve, maintain easements. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and improve natural resources and the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) WHIP provides technical and financial environment. All NCRS conservation GRP helps landowners restore and assistance to private landowners who programs are described in detail at www. protect grassland, including rangeland, are willing to create high quality wildlife nrcs.usda.gov. ◆ pastureland and shrubland. The program habitats on their land. WHIP enrollees emphasizes support for working grazing receive assistance to develop upland, operations and protection of grassland wetland, riparian and aquatic habitat

September/October 2006 | Pg 11 Refuge Update . . .Science in The Refuge System FOCUS. . .On Farm Bill Making the Most of Farm Bill Conservation Programs By Dave Walker

The demand to participate in Farm Index. The Environmental Quality Bill conservation programs consistently Incentives Program (EQIP) adapts exceeds available funding. In fiscal national priorities to address state and year 2005, nearly 50,000 applications local resource concerns. failed to be funded, representing $2.4 billion in unmet demand from farmers, USDA has implemented several ranchers and others willing to implement initiatives that target Farm Bill program conservation practices. resources specifically for fish and wildlife. EQIP supports sage grouse, The tremendous popularity of the Farm pallid sturgeon, fluvial arctic grayling, Bill’s conservation programs, combined and prairie chickens; Wildlife Habitat USDA has implemented several initiatives with the need to address program Incentives Program funds salmon habitat that target Farm Bill program resources purposes efficiently and effectively, has restoration; the Grassland Reserve for fish and wildlife. Specific initiatives to led the Department of Agriculture to Program conserves habitat for the conserve habitat for the greater sage grouse develop a variety of ranking systems sage grouse. are funded through both the Environmental to target conservation priorities at the Quality Incentives Program and the national, state and local levels. Both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grassland Reserve Program. and state fish and wildlife agencies have (Gary Kramer/USFWS) The Conservation Reserve Program, for important roles to play in helping to example, uses an Environmental Benefits identify priorities. Fortunately, that task

Seeing the Big Picture: Improving treatments – such as restoration – should be applied. The biologists may determine that a particular area could produce Wildlife Habitat Across the Landscape even more ducks or other migratory A pair of ruddy ducks may need only one take to protect those resources, and what birds if a certain amount of wetlands is prairie pothole and a bit of nesting cover partnerships can be created to get the available along with a corresponding to make a nest and raise their young, work done. amount of upland nesting cover. The but what about hundreds of ruddy ducks Refuge System then uses such data to and thousands of mallards and gadwall The Habitat and Population Evaluation set priorities for land that should be and blue-winged teal: how many acres of Team (HAPET), with offices in Fergus restored, acquired or conserved through wetland and nesting cover do they need Falls, Minnesota, and Bismarck, North partnerships. and where should the acreage be? Those Dakota, has developed prescriptions for improving waterfowl habitat Some of the land is purchased as are the kinds of questions landscape Waterfowl Production Areas with Duck planners address. across Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Montana on public and private lands. Stamp funds but, HAPET biologist Ron The answers often involve such major Using aerial photography and satellite Reynolds says, “We can’t ever afford to Farm Bill programs as the Wetland imagery, HAPET maps show areas on buy enough land to conserve the wildlife Reserve Program and the Conservation the landscape that have high waterfowl populations adequately, so we work Reserve Program. production potential and are a priority with private landowners and purchase for habitat protection or restoration. easements to protect wetlands and other Landscape-level planning “connects habitat from being lost. That way we can the dots” when refuges are developing HAPET biologists conduct surveys and have a larger impact on wildlife.” management approaches or outlining analyze data to determine how wildlife their long-term goals. Within a particular populations respond to various landscape Conservation Reserve Program geographical area, planners must identify characteristics and recommend areas Enter the Farm Bill programs. The the important resources, what it will where specific types of conservation Conservation Reserve Program is one of

Pg 12 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 . . .On Farm Bill

has been facilitated through a variety of projects to address key habitat threats for benefiting a wide variety of game and conservation plans that identify expected at the landscape-scale. Projects are non-game bird species. benefits. developed by willing partners through Fish Habitat Partnerships and are based Development of Wildlife Action Plans For example, conservation strategies on the best available fisheries and habitat in each of the states and territories have been designed to keep at-risk management expertise and data. The was a requirement of the State Wildlife species off the endangered species plan works at the federal, state, and Grants Program, which provides federal list. The North American Waterfowl local levels to target new and existing money to every state and territory Management Plan identifies wetland funding and technical resources for fish for cost-effective conservation aimed conservation targets that are expected habitat projects with the goal of fisheries at preventing wildlife from becoming to increase waterfowl populations. protection, restoration and enhancement endangered. The action plans, completed Refuges’ comprehensive conservation in key watersheds. in fall 2005, assess the condition of each plans identify actions that are expected to state’s wildlife and habitats, identify contribute to refuge goals. The U.S. North American Bird problems, and outline actions needed Conservation Initiative is a coalition for long-term conservation. This The priorities identified in fish and of government agencies, private information, along with species and wildlife plans and initiatives can help organizations and bird initiatives working habitat conservation priorities found refine USDA conservation priorities to to advance bird conservation. NABCI in other regional and national fish and increase both program efficiency and the fosters greater cooperation based wildlife management plans, will help environmental benefits per dollar spent. on sound science and cost-effective focus USDA conservation efforts where The National Fish Habitat Action Plan management. NABCI plans to provide they will provide the greatest benefit. ◆ focuses the collective resources of state a scientific assessment of geographic and species priorities and identify the Dave Walker is the Farm Conservation and federal agencies, non-governmental Programs Coordinator for the Service. organizations, academia and others to habitat conservation strategies necessary benefit populations of regionally- and to achieve range-wide bird population nationally-significant aquatic species. goals. Farm Bill conservation programs The plan supports on-the-ground have been shown to have great potential

the oldest and largest of the conservation ground cover, restoring wetlands or programs. Since it was created in establishing buffers. There is a CRP 1985, the CRP has resulted in almost ranking system to determine which lands 5 million acres of cropland converted to will be enrolled. undisturbed grass cover in the prairie pothole region of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Kevin Willis is a state coordinator for the Iowa and northeast Montana. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s private lands program in North Dakota. He Through a complex dance of bureaucratic meets regularly with the Farm Service regulation and technical assistance, Agency (FSA), which administers the refuge staff help influence which lands Farm Bill’s conservation programs, to are enrolled in the CRP program and offer advice on scoring properties higher what landowners do with that land so if they benefit more ducks. Then, refuge that it will have the greatest benefit for staff might consult with individual wildlife. If the boundary of a refuge is landowners on ways they can score higher mostly wetlands, for example, it may be in the CRP ranking system by planting a desirable to enroll contiguous land that certain wildlife-friendly mix of grasses on can become upland nesting cover. Studies their land – even before it is enrolled in by Reynolds and others have concluded the program. that wetlands that occur in grassland The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works areas attract more pairs of breeding ducks “We have a good, professional relationship with USDA,” says Reynolds. “The Farm with landowners to protect wetlands and than those that occur in cropland. other habitats. (Tim McCabe/NRCS) Bill programs are the biggest player in Private landowners who enroll their duck breeding success in the Dakotas.” ◆ land in the CRP receive annual rental payments in return for planting certain

September/October 2006 | Pg 13 Refuge Update . . .Science in The Refuge System FOCUS. . .On Farm Bill Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Linking Refuges and Private Lands

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife habitat restoration on private lands improve habitat for federal trust Program, celebrating its 20th for the benefit of federal trust species. species, complement activities on anniversary next year, is the primary Local field biologists work one-on-one nearby refuge land, address species connection linking refuges, private with private landowners to restore or habitat priorities identified by the landowners and the conservation native vegetation, hydrology and soil, Service, reduce habitat fragmentation programs of the U.S. Department of or restore a habitat for a rare, declining or increase buffers between private Agriculture (USDA). The program or protected species. land and federal or state land. provides technical assistance and Technical assistance from a Partners If other considerations are generally cost-sharing opportunities for private Program employee could include equal among several projects in an landowners to participate in such habitat assessment, project design and area, then priority is given to projects programs as the Conservation Reserve coordination, identification of additional that link private lands to such federal Program, Wetlands Reserve Program partnership or grant opportunities lands as national wildlife refuges. and many others. and assistance with obtaining permits In fiscal year 2005, more than 1,000 In some regions, Partners employees or writing grants. Using funds from habitat projects associated with Farm are members of the refuge staff. In the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bill programs took place adjacent to or others, the staff is with the divisions of the USDA conservation programs near national wildlife refuges. These Migratory Bird or Ecological Services. and other agencies or organizations, projects restored or enhanced 63,000 In any case, their mission is always the the Partners Program ranks potential acres of wetland and uplands and 150 same: to efficiently achieve voluntary projects according to how much they miles of riparian habitat.

Doubling the Habitat for Waterfowl at Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Restoration activities By Chuck Hayes under the Wetlands Reserve Program Mention “Tallahatchie” and to many (WRP) have nearly folks it conjures up images of Billy Joe doubled the amount McAlister and the river into which he of habitat available jumped. For others it means ducks and for waterfowl and lots of them. The Tallahatchie National other migratory birds within the acquisition Wildlife Refuge in the North Mississippi boundary of the Refuges Complex sits within the one of Tallahatchie National the most important regions for migratory Wildlife Refuge in waterfowl in North America, the Lower Mississippi. Also, Mississippi Alluvial Valley or the “Delta.” within six miles of the acquisition boundary; Located in Tallahatchie County, in an additional 2,700 the northern portion of the Delta, acres of restored WRP lands are available. Tallahatchie Refuge provides over 4,100 (USFWS) acres of critical wetland habitat in one of the most intensively farmed regions in the country. More than 17 million acres of forested wetlands were lost to agriculture, hydrologic modifications,

Pg 14 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 . . .Science in The Refuge System

. . .On Farm Bill

Making a Difference on the Ground Wildlife Refuge. The Partners Not far from Cabo Rojo National Program spent $14,000 for the project, Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico, 19 which provides increased forested dry lowland acres are being reforested habitat right next to the refuge. The in a Partners project, part of a recovery property is within a migratory bird plan for the yellow-shouldered conservation area and will also benefit blackbird. It identifies existing habitat the endangered Louisiana black bear. on privately owned land that could Some changes are afoot. A strategic then be protected. Native trees are plan is being developed for the Partners being planted, including the endangered Program to improve efficiency and cobana negra evergreen. The property accountability and identify the best is on the boundary of critical habitat projects. Informational meetings are in the Commonwealth Boquerón being held in all regions to gather the The endangered Louisiana black bear was Bird Refuge. views of partners and stakeholders. one of the beneficiaries of a Partners for Fish So far, the Partners Program is being and Wildlife project adjacent to Tensas River In 2002, a long-term agreement was National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. An signed with a private landowner who praised for its technical expertise and agreement was signed with a private landowner spent $2,800 to help restore a 200-acre its responsiveness to the needs and to reforest a 200-acre tract of marginal tract of marginal agricultural land interests of private property owners agricultural land with bottomland hardwoods. adjacent to Tensas River National and local communities. ◆ (USFWS)

and other artificial human disturbances. Why is WRP important to the instrumental in providing on-the-ground For many years, trying to find a patch of Tallahatchie Refuge or other refuges? assistance in restoring lands near the timber to feed and rest among the cotton, The beauty of WRP, according to Gil Ray, refuge through technical assistance, rice, and soybean fields posed quite a former WRP coordinator for Mississippi building levees, and installing water problem for a duck. and currently state coordinator for control structures. the Mississippi Partners for Fish and In 1991, Tallahatchie Refuge was Wildlife, is the “importance of locating The complex continues to work with established as “an inviolate sanctuary for WRP easements next to national the Department of Agriculture and migratory birds.” Since then, restoration wildlife refuges because similar goals WRP through the Partners for Fish activities under the Wetlands Reserve and objectives exist between the two and Wildlife Program throughout the Program (WRP) have nearly doubled the entities.” northern Delta by providing technical amount of habitat available for waterfowl assistance in ranking projects as well as and other migratory birds within the Gil continues, “Usually, the goal is to management and restoration activities. acquisition boundary of the Tallahatchie reestablish at least 30 percent of the It is not about who does the work or Refuge. Also, within six miles of the easement to either managed or semi- gets the credit, it’s about restoring the acquisition boundary, an additional permanent water. Most wildlife refuges habitat for the benefit of those species in 2,700 acres of restored WRP lands are in bottomland hardwood areas attempt to need. The one-two punch provided by the available. In fact, since the inception of create the same type waterfowl habitat.” Tallahatchie Refuge and the WRP lands WRP, Mississippi has been one of the Instead of only 14 percent of the available is making a difference. ◆ most active states in the country in WRP habitat restored within the acquisition sign-ups and restoration, with most of the boundary, 26 percent is restored with Chuck Hayes is a private lands activity in the Delta. the inclusion of WRP lands. The North biologist at the North Mississippi Mississippi Refuges Complex has been Refuges Complex.

September/October 2006 | Pg 15 Refuge Update . . .Science in The Refuge System FOCUS. . .On Farm Bill Farm Bill to be Topic of Congressional Debate in 2007 — continued from pg 10 Documenting Farm Bill Benefits: Activity to Date the Conservation Effects Last year, the USDA held numerous forums to gather comments on how Assessment Project the current Farm Bill is working and recommendations for changes. USDA The U.S. Department of Agriculture other major upland cover types in the is producing several papers that assess has established the Conservation prairie pothole region of the Dakotas the viewpoints presented at the forums Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) and northeastern Montana. Several and discuss policy alternatives. Both to quantify the environmental ben- surveys were also completed in the the House of Representatives and the efits of its agricultural conservation Rainwater Basin wetland complex of U.S. Senate held hearings in the field practices. Some of the wildlife-related Nebraska to show the benefit of the and in Washington, DC, to gather input CEAP information is being gathered WRP in conjunction with Waterfowl and information in preparation for the on national wildlife refuges and adja- Production Areas. Farm Bill’s reauthorization. Farm Bill cent lands enrolled in such Farm Bill legislation may well be introduced in conservation programs as the Conser- Information is needed on wildlife spring 2007. vation Reserve Program (CRP) and use of habitats associated with Farm Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Bill programs (CRP, WRP, Wildlife Since the inception of the CRP Habitat Incentives Program, Environ- in 1985, the Service has provided The CEAP Wetlands Component is in mental Quality Incentives Program, expertise in program development and the process of quantifying the effects and others) during winter, migration implementation to those USDA agencies of conservation practices on ecosys- and breeding seasons. CEAP is also that administer conservation programs. tem services provided by wetlands on interested in the effects of certain The Service’s involvement with USDA’s agricultural lands. Since the U.S. Fish management practices such as haying Natural Resources Conservation Service and Wildlife Service is also interested CRP fields on reproductive success of and Farm Service Agency has varied in improving the effectiveness of its nesting birds and other wildlife. widely over the past 20 years. wetland management actions, Service Today, Service Director Dale Hall has biologists are providing technical There are more than 160 conserva- identified the Farm Bill and the 2007 input to CEAP wetlands regional tion practices listed in the Natural reauthorization process as a priority. The assessments in the prairie pothole, Resources Conservation Service Field Service is committed to working closely Mississippi Alluvial Valley and High Office Technical Guide. While it is with USDA and other federal, state Plains regions. impractical to document the effects of and private partners to realize the full all these practices across the spectrum potential of the 2007 Farm Bill to benefit The CEAP Wildlife Component of species, ecological communities and fish and wildlife resources. ◆ focuses on approaches for estimating landscape settings in which they are the effects of conservation practices applied, CEAP is taking the first steps on fish and wildlife associated with to measure some of the more promi- upland, wetland and aquatic habitats nent effects that can be quantified. and agricultural landscapes. These The findings of CEAP will be used in effects include: part to help land managers choose the • Documented habitat use by target most effective practices to meet their species or groups particular conservation goals. • Changes in habitat quality for target species or groups For more information, contact the follow- • Target species population response ing people with the Natural Resources Conservation Service: Charlie Rewa Service biologist Ron Reynolds, for (wildlife component), Charles.rewa@ example, has published the results wdc.usda.gov, 301-504-2326, or Diane of a study that found CRP cover was Eckles (wetlands component), Diane. ◆ preferred by nesting ducks over all [email protected], 301-504-2312.

Pg 16 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 New Policies Fulfill Refuge System Mission— continued from pg 1

Mission and Goals and Purposes During the comment period for the for enhanced opportunities for quality The first policy defines the official policies, questions were raised about wildlife-dependent recreation. It mission and goals and purposes of the boating on refuges. Watercraft are not encourages refuge managers to work National Wildlife Refuge System. It specifically mentioned in the policy but with states and other partners to formally declares that the Refuge individual refuges have some latitude create and promote compatible wildlife- System is the nation’s only network of in making decisions in this regard. For dependent recreational opportunities. lands created and managed solely for example, the use of canoes may be It also provides tools and standards for wildlife conservation. Together, all 545 allowed on a refuge to facilitate fishing. managing programs. national wildlife refuges function as a On the other hand, conducting boat races Currently, about 270 refuges are open complex network of diverse and distinct on refuge water would most likely not be to fishing while more than 300 hunting habitats. This policy also spells out the deemed either appropriate or compatible. programs are offered. Environmental goals of the Refuge System: The policy states that individual education takes place on at least 315 • Conserve a diversity of fish, wildlife, refuge managers must determine the units, while about 365 units offer plants and their habitats, including appropriateness of snowmobiling or interpretive programs. Visitors engage species that are endangered or other off-road vehicles on a case-by- in birding, photography and other threatened; case basis. Refuge managers are also wildlife observation on more than 80 • Provide and enhance opportunities required to consult with the refuge percent of the refuges in the National to participate in wildlife-dependent supervisor on all findings and coordinate Wildlife Refuge System. recreation; and with state fish and wildlife agencies if Many public comments were received • Help foster the public’s understanding the activity could have an impact on any on the proposed tournament fishing and appreciation of fish, wildlife, plants species of concern. regulations. The policy encourages and their habitats. Wildlife-Dependent Recreation refuge managers to monitor the effects Appropriate Refuge Uses Congress clearly understood that when of a tournament on fish populations The policy on appropriate uses creates people participate in wildlife-dependent as well as on both participating and consistent guidelines for refuges to recreation on national wildlife refuges, non-participating anglers. Whenever administer and structure activities. they gain a sense of ownership and possible, refuge managers should try It outlines consistent procedures for appreciation for fish, wildlife and habitat. to regulate and monitor tournaments refuge managers to follow in deciding rather than denying tournament permits The third new policy provides refuge what recreational uses are appropriate altogether. managers with guidance on how to for a particular refuge. The policy also plan visitor services that will allow Copies of all the policies are available at provides a framework to determine if www.fws.gov/refuges. ◆ activities that are not wildlife-dependent may be appropriate for a particular refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 identifies six recreational activities that should be given priority over other general public uses on national wildlife refuges: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. The new policy calls for careful planning, uniform application of regulations and policies, and diligent monitoring of the impact of recreational activities on natural resources so that inappropriate activities can be prevented or eliminated. Refuge managers must also review all existing uses within one The three new policies announced by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne define the unique wildlife year and modify or phase out uses that conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The new policies were effective are not appropriate. as of July 26. (USFWS)

September/October 2006 | Pg 17 Refuge Update Bombs to Bison

Ammunition was stored everywhere. the prairie by bringing in cattle to graze Several research projects are already Bombs were sunk in the backwater for on the land and reduce the fire hazard in underway to collect information on these safekeeping. Cannons and artillery areas where explosives would be tested. listed species. were tested during World War I; later, Four native plant species have The Illinois Natural History Survey is land mines, grenades and mortars were disappeared in all the rest of Illinois, but banding nesting pairs of grasshopper included. When the first hand grenades are still present on the former Army sparrows to document site fidelity; the didn’t function, they were just buried. Depot site. “We have native prairie,” Survey is also sampling two endangered There were 400 buildings, more than says Ed Britton, project leader. “We fish. Researchers from Western Illinois 12 miles of rail lines and seven miles of don’t have to rebuild. We just have to University will be mapping the listed utility lines. get rid of invasives and infrastructure.” species; other universities are surveying This, a national wildlife refuge? Indeed, turtles and mussels, studying the winter it is the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Partnering Starts with Recycling diet of long-eared owls, and investigating Mississippi River National Wildlife and That process began by partnering with the ecology of fragile prickly pear cactus. Fish Refuge, featuring a stunning variety local recyclers at no cost to the refuge. In all areas where infrastructure is being of flora and fauna, especially considering A local short line rail company removed removed, native prairie species are being its history. It has an equally stunning 144 tons of rail lines and used the planted. The big challenge is managing number of partners involved in restoring materials to build a new rail storage the habitat to control invasive plants and conserving it. yard. A retired utility worker was paid $1 to remove 200 utility poles, like spotted knapweed. Native seed is Upper Mississippi River Refuge extends which he is selling for $2 a foot. The being harvested and planted elsewhere 261 miles along the Mississippi River wires and hardware were recycled. He on the refuge. The first prescribed burn from the Chippewa River in Wisconsin to also removed eight tons of scrap steel. was conducted at Lost Mound in 2006 Princeton, Illinois. The Lost Mound Unit Another company has removed 419 tons to encourage James’ clammy weed, an includes 9,857 acres with 13 miles of river of perforated steel planking. endangered plant that grows only on shoreline of the former Savanna Army this site, and to improve habitat for the Depot, added to the refuge in 2003. Already designated an Important Bird threatened Henslow’s sparrow. The Area by the National Audubon Society amount of vegetation is being monitored In addition to the environmental and the American Bird Conservancy, the this fall to measure the success of the contamination, Lost Mound also includes Lost Mound Unit is home to 47 state- first burn. The goal is to burn up to 4,000-plus acres of sand prairie, the listed threatened or endangered species, 1,000 acres per year, but the refuge can largest native prairie left in the state of including 21 birds, 14 plants, a mammal, only burn areas that have already been Illinois. The military actually preserved two reptiles, three fish and six mussels. cleaned by the Army. Refuge Operations Specialist Alan Anderson says prairie plants began to reappear in the former grazing areas as soon as the cattle were removed. With the prairie plants came mice. With the mice came owls. And soon, adds Britton, “We want to bring back bison, which historically grazed on the property. Bison will attract visitors to the refuge, which will provide us the opportunity for public outreach and education about this unique environmental restoration effort.” In the meantime, hundreds of structures will eventually have to come down. “When someone says, ‘hey, I could use The Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Illinois includes that building,’” laughs Britton, “we say, hundreds of buildings, rail and utility lines and buried ammunition from the former Savanna Army Depot. OK – go get it.” ◆ A local short line rail company removed 144 tons of rail lines and used the materials to build a new rail storage yard. Another company has removed 419 tons of perforated steel planking. (USFWS)

Pg 18 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 Taking Pride in Public Lands

Land Manager of the Year Roy Lowe, project leader at Oregon Coastal National Wildlife Refuge Complex, has been named a Land Manager of the Year by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Take Pride in America program. Lowe is credited for a proactive and visionary land protection program that has helped build the Oregon Coastal Refuge Complex from four to six refuges. Lowe has worked with multiple non- governmental organizations to help acquire exceptional parcels of land with essential habitat for endangered species, migratory birds, anadromous fish and rare plants. Lowe was able to overcome the Oregon Coast Refuge Complex Deputy Project Leader Rebecca Chuck, left, Project Leader Roy Lowe, center, and Cultural Resources Program Manager Don Ivy conducted cultural/geologic resource concerns of local interest groups, which investigations on Island Rock with the Coquille Indian Tribe. Lowe was named Land Manager of the were encouraged by his sincerity, vision Year by the Department of the Interior’s Take Pride in America program. (Dave Pitkin/USFWS) and talented staff. “One of the keys to building partnerships The program provides a single point of is to be honest, have patience, and be Outstanding Individual Volunteer contact to recruit from among the names prepared to listen more than talk,” said Lauren Gibler is being honored as an in the database. During the past year, Lowe. “Don’t expect results overnight. It outstanding individual volunteer for her the program published a training manual may take years to mature a relationship.” service to Deer Flat National Wildlife and is completing a guide that will advise Refuge in Idaho. She has contributed Landowners adjacent to the Complex’s managers on recruiting volunteers, 3,160 volunteer hours to the refuge since refuges have bequeathed tracks of land, safety and agency policies. Refuge staff she arrived as an AmeriCorps volunteer one of which was critical to a large tidal contributed to training classes for 180 in 2004, creating an Educators Guide to marsh restoration project. At Bandon volunteers, covering everything from environmental resources on the refuge, Marsh Refuge, the collaboration of Lowe botany, hydrology and Native American assisting with the development of a week- and his staff with the Coquille Tribe culture to invasive weeds and GPS. long Desert Detectives Critter Camp, and and university archaeologists resulted initiating an electronic newsletter and a In the Desert Refuge Complex, volunteers in preserving irreplaceable cultural family program called Action Saturdays. cleared invasive cattails to restore resources. Coordination with the Siletz habitat for the endangered Ash Meadows Tribe produced significant fisheries data Her on- and off-site environmental Amargosa pupfish and cleaned up the collection and research at Bandon Marsh, education programs have reached boundary between Desert Refuge and Siletz Bay and Nestucca Bay Refuges. more than 6,500 students since she the cities of Las Vegas and North Las began volunteering. Gibler was actively “We have absolutely exceptional Vegas. Desert Refuge Complex Volunteer involved with the establishment of Deer volunteers, Friends groups and partners,” Coordinator Callie Le’au Courtright says Flat Refuge’s Friends group and the Lowe concluded. “They all make my job so much waste was removed from the coordination of Idaho’s first BioBlitz on much easier and more productive.” refuges that if each cubic yard were piled the refuge in June 2006. Susan Kain, the on top of one another, the pile would be as outdoor recreation planner at Deer Flat Outstanding Federal Volunteer tall as an 18-story building. Refuge, says Gibler’s “passion for and Program enthusiasm about the refuge and other “Volunteers are vital to what we do,” says The Southern Nevada Interagency natural resources are infectious” and her Courtright. “The program is engendering Volunteer Program won its second Take contacts with thousands of children and comradery among the volunteers, Pride in America Award in as many years. adults “are likely to encourage better resulting in greater awareness of the The program includes Desert National stewardship of natural resources.” ◆ Wildlife Refuge Complex, National Park natural, cultural and historical resources of Service, Bureau of Land Management and southern Nevada. Forest Service.

September/October 2006 | Pg 19 Refuge Update Build a Wren House – Count a Butterfly: It’s National Wildlife Refuge Week

Fall festivals are a perfect time to see and report their findings to NABA, birds and other wildlife on the country’s which prepares an annual report. 545 national wildlife refuges. Scores of Refuge Manager Stuart Marcus says, refuges plan special activities during “Some years the Trinity Refuge National Wildlife Refuge Week, this counters see 40 species totaling 500 year being celebrated October 8-14. butterflies while other years, we may only see 30 species but count 2,000 At Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge butterflies. Weather and time of year in North Dakota, children will have a can be critical.” chance to build nesting boxes for house wrens. Youngsters will learn about the “It is not really scientific,” admits type of habitat that is best for such a Marcus. “Some of the fun can come nesting box and how both the habitat from social experiences or just seeing and the nesting box can be maintained a new area.” NABA President David from one season to the next. Henderson hastens to add, however, that the sheer amount of data provides At Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge valuable information over time. in Tennessee, families will learn how to Henderson says the national NABA provide the four key elements required report on butterflies is quite thorough by wildlife (water, space, food, shelter) and provides a wonderful snapshot of to create a backyard habitat. The refuge insect species ranges and population will provide free materials and a guided dynamics. ◆ tour of its Backyard Habitat Showcase, which demonstrates ideas that can be incorporated into private backyards. Those include a sunny upland garden, pond with aquatic plants, a brush pile that serves as a natural home for many species, and even a native plant plot that provides the perfect home for quail and rabbits. Boy Scouts will be able to fulfill some of the requirements for an Insect Merit Badge during guided weekend walks at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. Visitors will learn about nature photography, native prairie grasses and useful native plants as well as birds, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and other creatures. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, also in Texas, schedules its butterfly count during National Refuge Week. This year’s 8th Annual Count is hosted jointly by the refuge and the Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas, the local chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (BEST-NABA). Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge in Texas scheduled an annual butterfly The counters document what they see count during National Refuge Week. Swallowtails are often included in the count, which is sent to the North American Butterfly Association. The refuge count contributes to a national snapshot of insect species ranges and population dynamics. (Ron Singer/USFWS)

Pg 20 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 Where Has All the Cordgrass Gone…and Why is it Going?

“We don’t know what’s causing it and resource managers are encouraged grow without any problem. Initial we don’t know what to do about it,” to learn as much as possible and results also show that sick plants can be says Susan Adamowicz, salt marsh report specific information about any removed from a dieback area and placed researcher at Rachel Carson National dieback phenomena they observe in healthy soil where they will survive. Wildlife Refuge in Maine. But it already (http://wetland.neers.org/about.html). The chances of recovery in dieback has its own Web site, media attention, Adamowicz is also recommending that areas vary. In some areas, such as an interested independent filmmaker people disinfect boots and equipment Rachel Carson Refuge, areas of sudden and of course, an acronym: SWD whenever they move from one salt dieback have not recovered even though or SSMD. marsh area to another so they don’t inadvertently carry a potential pathogen there has been no significant erosion. In Sudden wetland dieback (SWD) or with them. other areas, says Adamowicz, “whatever sudden salt marsh dieback (SSMD) this agent is seems to resolve itself is the rapid loss of vegetation in salt Looking for Signs over a certain period of time, but we marshes that cannot yet be attributed Although Adamowicz and others are are concerned about the threat of wave to any known cause. It is occurring seeking larger grants for more advanced erosion when there is no vegetation.” primarily in New England coastal areas, research, kayakers and birders have Once living vegetation is gone, tides including Rachel Carson Refuge. been volunteering to look for signs of dieback on marshes they normally remove plant litter and begin to erode The dieback creates dark bands of visit. The focus of current surveying is the marsh peat itself. If enough exposed peat as plants in a narrow Parker River National Wildlife Refuge elevation is lost, new plants are unable swath nearest the water turn brown, in Massachusetts. Potential causes that to grow because the area remains under wilt and finally wash away. A New need to be investigated include fungus, water too long. This results in the York Times report described it as “male increased acidity, metals in the soil, and conversion of salt marsh to mud flat. pattern baldness in reverse.” The herbivores. “Such a conversion is not healthy. It dieback may begin during a period of suggests something pathological in the drought, but it does not follow known Several small experiments are ecosystem,” says Adamowicz, and that’s drought patterns. underway in Maine and at Cape Cod National Seashore. So far, initial results what she and other scientists are trying ◆ It affects primarily one species – smooth indicate that once the dieback passes to identify. cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) – and through an area, healthy plants will it has been observed in areas like creek channels that are covered with salt water twice a day. The problem is similar to a dieback called brown marsh along coasts in Louisiana and Georgia, but there are differences. The snails that exacerbated the problem in the south are not present in such extreme densities in northern salt marshes. In 2005, the Service’s Land Management Research and Demonstration (LMRD) program invited 30 scientists and resource managers to the first dieback workshop at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts. A second workshop was held in the spring on Cape Cod. Information was gathered and discussed during the workshops, small summer Sudden wetland dieback or sudden salt marsh dieback is the rapid loss of vegetation in salt marshes that experiments are being conducted and cannot be attributed yet to any known cause. It is occurring primarily in New England coastal areas, a Web site has been created where such as Cape Cod and Drakes Island in Maine, where plants die and leave patches of dark peat. (Susan C. Adamowicz/USFWS)

September/October 2006 | Pg 21 Refuge Update Smile! You’re on the Salmon Camera!

Imagine turning on your local cable television channel to watch…fish. Many people in Dillingham, Alaska, have been doing just that. The Dillingham Fish Monitoring Partnership has been using underwater video technology as part of a continuing effort to improve the aquatic habitat and monitor the restoration of a watershed damaged by human activity. Although the videotaping is only in its second season, the habitat restoration project has a long history. The partnership includes Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, the King Salmon Fish and Wildlife Field Office, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Subsistence Management as well as the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the Dillingham Chamber of and “after” slides, pictures of the culvert Commerce, Nushagak Cooperative (the Lights! Camera! Salmon! restoration and of course, the fish local utility company) and the Bristol Bay Lisac wanted to build on the local – some of which are seen as a meal in the Native Association (BBNA). excitement generated by the return of the salmon. So, in the summer of 2005, mouths of the otters. The documentary In the 1990s, Togiak Refuge and state a lighted video camera was installed is playing on the local cable channel biologists established an integrated in a protective box in the creek. A and being distributed to schools and fisheries curriculum in the Dillingham Challenge Cost Share grant, local funds community groups. School District. Students gathering and in-kind contributions from members The refuge and the Bristol Bay Native data in Squaw Creek helped biologists of the partnership paid for the camera Association now jointly manage the determine that culverts under several and a digital recorder. The recorder has fish monitoring and recording project. roads in town had become barriers to the same kind of motion sensor used in Developing an assessment plan to juvenile and adult salmon. security cameras, so when a small weir determine the true extent of the habitat funnels the fish past the camera, the The culverts had been added when new restoration is the next focus. recorder begins filming. roads were built across the creek, but In addition to restoring valuable they had changed the stream’s hydrology During the first season, the video habitat for salmon, the public relations and become clogged by eroded soil. The monitoring system verified the return of value of the project has been immense, number of fish spawning in the creek more than 660 pink, chum, sockeye and according to Lisac. The little stream runs was dramatically reduced. Adult salmon coho salmon. All but the coho were new throughout the “suburbs” of Dillingham, could not swim up the creek; juveniles species added to the Alaska Anadromous but no one had appreciated its value could not swim downstream. Waters Catalog for the creek. The as wildlife habitat except a few older camera also picked up Dolly Varden char, Between 1999 and 2001, the Service residents who remembered fishing the sticklebacks, starry flounder, rainbow helped the city of Dillingham and the creek as children. smelt, sculpin, beaver, otter and a state of Alaska replace three of the muskrat. “Now,” says Lisac, “people are realizing deteriorating culverts, restoring 15 miles that Squaw Creek is a valuable salmon of fish habitat in the local area. Fisheries The local cable channel runs a live feed stream, not a place to throw your old car Biologist Mark Lisac at Togiak Refuge and also a 13-minute loop of highlights tires.” ◆ says that within two years, the fish from the creek. But Lisac wanted more. began to recolonize the area. Substantial numbers of sockeye, chum, pink and coho With the help of local high school student salmon were seen spawning in the creek Jim Walsh, a short documentary of the in 2004. project was created, including “before”

Pg 22 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 To Burn or Not to Burn: Still a Question

Research on mixed pine forests at Seney re-seeding of red and white pine. Yet, Drobyshev has been fascinated by both National Wildlife Refuge may well alter when Seney used prescribed fires in the the forests themselves as well as the the way prescribed fires are used on the past to eliminate the jack pines, the red American management of forested land. refuge to bring back natural red and and white pines did not appear to benefit. He has been especially interested in the white pine forests to of Michigan’s Upper They did when other timber management layers of land ownership, the concept Peninsula. Over some years, prescribed techniques – cutting the jack pines and of federally protected wilderness, and fire on the refuge succeeded in decreasing scarifying the duff layer – were employed. limitations on what can be done on the number of jack pines, but did not such land. enhance the emergence of the red and “We are finding some areas where fires, white pines. Why? especially very hot slash fires, burned off Eventually, the collected data – the organic layer of soil,” explains Corace. including information assembled from That question led Seney’s Forester “Seedlings have failed in part because the inventories on lands owned by The Greg Corace to theorize that fire may be soil can’t hold water.” Yet, prescribed Nature Conservancy – will be fed into consuming just what red and white pines fire appeared to work as a maintenance a decision-aiding model for fire risk need in the soil to thrive. Now, working technique once the red and white pines management. That model is being with Ohio State University scientists emerged and have grown to a size developed by Joe Arvai of Michigan State Charles Goebel and David Hix, Corace sufficient to deal with fire. The research University, and is expected to be ready is in the midst of a multiyear research will test this and many more hypotheses. by winter 2008. project that has brought a post-doctoral scientist to study forests unlike any he Fieldwork will primarily be the “The research is trying to identify what is had seen in his native Russia. responsibility of Igor Drobyshev, a post- good forest management. In some ways, doctoral fellow at Ohio State University. it is trying to prove – or disprove – what The research, expected to be complete in my eyes tell me,” said Corace. ◆ winter 2008, will have direct management Drobyshev has been working with two applicability. Joint Fire Sciences, a students in master’s programs and consortium of federal agencies interested two interns paid by the Seney Natural in fire research, provided $300,000 for the History Association, Seney’s Friends research. organization, who are collecting data before the Upper Peninsula’s snow Over the past several decades, extensive season hits. The data include tree age logging, catastrophic wildfires and fire and an examination of suppression changed the refuge’s forest growth patterns, as well composition. Today, forests of large- as detailed inventories diameter red and white pine are not as of samples of soil, woody prevalent as they once were, although debris and vegetation. they are essential for some species that are in decline, such as the red crossbill. The data will be evaluated before more collection Re-establishing the natural red and white begins again next spring. pine forests will help fulfill the U.S. Fish In total, 80 sites on Seney and Wildlife Service policy of restoring Refuge will be combed for “lost or severely degraded elements of information. integrity, diversity and environmental health at the refuge scale.” Seney For now, some fascinating Refuge was established in 1935 to protect questions are being migratory birds and other wildlife. Of examined right in the the 230 bird species at Seney Refuge, field. Over the summer, for approximately half breed, stopover or example, scientists began winter in forest habitat. burning through some pine stands to measure Extensive logging, catastrophic wildfires and fire suppression have changed the forest composition over the years at Seney When Fire Isn’t the Answer the intensity of fire and National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It would seem simple just to remove the its effect on different tree Research is underway to restore red and white pine habitat on existing jack pines and allow natural species by size. the refuge. (Greg Corace/USFWS)

September/October 2006 | Pg 23 Refuge Update Around the Refuge System

Participants at the 2006 Pacific Region Fire Fighter Operations and Safety Workshop get a historical perspective on the 1939 Rock Creek Fire, which killed five Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees. (Brian Gales/ USFWS)

Deb Barnard. “Both have positive effects. Our job is to make sure that one doesn’t negatively impact the other.” California It’s been a long time coming, but with the help of several key partners and a $3,180,000 grant from the California Bay-Delta Authority to The Nature Conservancy, Sacramento River Pacific Region Georgia National Wildlife Refuge is taking a Taking a lesson from the military More than 200 nest sites for big step this year toward restoring 836 training model, the wildland fire loggerhead sea turtles were counted acres of riparian habitat. The land was community in recent years has begun this summer on Blackbeard Island a high priority acquisition in 1998. The to take staff rides that recall historic National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, Nature Conservancy submitted an fires as part of their training in safe a 22 percent increase in nesting initial proposal in 2001 and the money and effective operations. So, during activity over the past 30 years. This was awarded late last year. the 2006 Pacific Region Fire Fighter year, fire crews and biologists worked Operations and Safety Workshop hand in hand to protect the nests. Over the summer, the orchards were in Lakeview, Oregon, Winnemucca Service Biological Technician Jake removed, with the trees ground up and District BLM fire management staff Tuttle monitors sea turtle nests but burned for electricity in the local co- led a tour of the 1939 Rock Creek he is also a wildland firefighter who generation plants, thus providing an Fire near Orovada, Nevada. The has been battling fire on at least 117 alternative fuel source and reducing site is not far from Sheldon National acres of a wilderness area on the materials that have to go into the Wildlife Refuge, where five enrollees refuge. Lightning started the fire local landfills. “Nothing is wasted,” from a nearby Civilian Conservation and winds moved some of the flames said Assistant Refuge Manager Kelly Corps camp died more than 60 years not far from one cluster of nests. Moroney. The last row crops were ago. The workshop not only taught Incident Commander Terri Jenkins harvested and a temporary irrigation effective and efficient operations, but says specific firefighting methods plus system is being installed. Native trees, also focused on radio communications, some natural barriers kept the fire shrubs and other plants will be planted personal protective equipment and from getting any closer, so the “nest in the spring. Local farmers and farm medical standards. The group also sites were protected by a combination workers have been contracted to do undertook sand table exercises, a of Mother Nature and old fashioned much of the actual restoration work, tactical decision game, which employs sweat equity.” The Service has says Moroney, to keep money in the a three-dimensional terrain model been monitoring loggerhead nests community. The current project is to enable participants to see how at Blackbeard Island Refuge for 10 slated for completion in 2009, adding to individual pieces of a problem fit into years. “Fire is just as much a natural the 4,000 acres that Sacramento River the whole. process as the nesting activity of the Refuge previously restored. loggerhead,” says Refuge Biologist

Pg 24 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 New colonies of endangered and tiki lights twinkling from boats Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge elderberry beetles have been found or the shoreline between 9 p.m. and in Kansas is a brand new partner in on the existing restoration sites. 1 a.m. Many visitors also camped out the Global ReLeaf program. There, Moroney says the beetle is a good at adjoining Wilson Island State Park. 36,000 bur oak and pecan seedlings indicator of ecosystem health and he To fight a growing litter problem, will be planted to restore lands along hopes the work on Sacramento River publicity urged anglers to bring a the Neosho River. The Global ReLeaf Refuge will lead to delisting garbage bag and take out litter from money is being used to match an the beetle. the area they were fishing. Van Riper additional grant from the National sent publicity to some 200 media Wild Turkey Federation, which will For Your Viewing Pleasure outlets, many of which sent reporters pay for planting more than 2,000 The newest addition to the National for a pre-event boat ride around larger trees. Wildlife Refuge System DVD the lake. collection is now available. Volume Since 1990, 24 million trees have 3 has a watery theme and opens at Texas/Kansas been planted through American Parker River Refuge, which occupies Lower Rio Grande Valley National Forests, thanks to contributions from most of Plum Island, an eight-mile- Wildlife Refuge in Texas has individuals and corporate sponsors. long barrier island near Newburyport, partnered with the private, nonprofit American Forests is eager to increase Massachusetts. Further north in American Forests since the late 1990s partnerships with refuges where trees Vermont is Missisquoi Refuge, a as the national conservation group can be part of endangered species, haven for herons on the shores of seeks great tree-planting projects for wildfire or riparian restoration. Lake Champlain near the Canadian its Global ReLeaf Program. This year, Applications for 2007 grants are due border. Missisquoi Refuge is one link 60,000 trees of 13 different species are January 15. Information is available in a chain of refuges for migratory being planted on 500 acres of refuge at http://www.americanforests.org/ birds that extends along the Atlantic land with Global ReLeaf contributions. global%5Freleaf/grants/ ◆ Flyway between northern breeding The planting will increase habitat for grounds and southern wintering ocelot, jaguarundi, aplomado falcon, areas. Shorebirds are the stars at red-headed parrot and indigo snake. Chincoteague Refuge in Virginia, which offers more than more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh and maritime forest. Across the country at Cabeza Prieta Refuge in Arizona, tenacious desert mammals and plants struggle to survive in the parched landscape along the Mexican border. Then it’s north to Alaska to see colonial nesting birds in the north Pacific. The DVD ends with a six-minute overview of the entire Refuge System produced for the 2003 centennial. All the DVDs in the series may be purchased online at http:// www.fws.gov; click on the image of the DVD. Iowa More than 500 people came out for the third all night-fishing event at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, mostly to snare catfish from DeSoto Lake. Day fishing on the lake is normally pretty slow, says Assistant Refuge Manager Steve Van Riper, and the regular closing time at the Volunteers plant trees at Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Texas refuge is 30 minutes after sunset. The during two weekends in the fall. The refuge received grants from the American Forests’ biggest crowds had their lanterns Global ReLeaf program to plant 30,000 trees a year since the late 1990s. This year, 60,000 trees will be planted. (American Forests)

September/October 2006 | Pg 25 Refuge Update Less Than “Purr-Fect” in the Wild

Cats are second only to loss of habitat in causing the decline of bird populations worldwide, according to a new report from the American Bird Conservancy. The report cites several national wildlife refuges in New Jersey, California and Hawaii where birds are especially threatened by feral cats. Birds like the piping plover, California clapper rail, Florida scrub-jay and Hawaiian petrel evolved in the absence of cats and did not develop effective defenses against these predators. Indeed, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Endangered species such as the clappper rail are threatened by feral and free- May Migratory Bird Refuge in New ranging cats. A new report from the American Bird Conservancy calls for more Jersey have a high population of both state and federal resources to control these predators and achieve the goals of the abandoned and feral cats that prey Endangered Species Recovery Plans. (USFWS) on plovers. What’s Happening in California Periodically, public information campaigns Cats are now so common in the United Several refuges in California have major by local bird conservation organizations States that it is easy to forget they problems with feral cats, including San urge people to keep their cats indoors and are actually an invasive species. They Francisco Bay Refuge Complex and to notify residents when stray or feral cats descended from European and African Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. will be trapped. wild cats and were domesticated in Buffa believes that a Friends group or Egypt 4,000 years ago. But the wild – or Joelle Buffa, supervisory wildlife biologist other outside organization can be more feral – variety is having a real impact on for San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge effective than refuge staff when dealing national wildlife refuges. Complex, notes the refuge has had an active predator management program with the public about cats. The group In Hawaii, Refuge Manager Michael since 1990. Wildlife specialists from the Wildlife Stewards, for example, has a Hawkes at Kauai National Wildlife U.S. Department of Agriculture trap booth at the annual bird festival to explain Refuge Complex says feral cats are a and euthanize both cats and red foxes. the dangers cats can pose for wildlife. big problem. They prey on shearwater Three full time trappers divide their time Does anything make a difference? Buffa chicks and several endangered species according to the nesting and breeding has seen some success. One marsh had of waterbirds that the complex’s three habits of the most vulnerable birds and more than 100 clapper rails in the late refuges were established to protect. A other wildlife. 1980s, and the numbers declined without woven wire fence has been erected around explanation ten years later. “We started the entire border of the Kilauea Point In the spring and early summer, trappers surveying the marsh at night and found National Wildlife Refuge to help keep cats help protect snowy plovers nesting at foxes, raccoons and cats, sending the out. Cats are also trapped and euthanized; Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge. number of clapper rails down to eight.” the complex plans to hire someone to help Trappers work year-round to protect After predator management was initiated, with trapping on all three refuges. native wildlife at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Refuge, including areas the number of clapper rails in that single Cat advocacy groups prefer Trap/Neuter/ where ground-nesting clapper rails and marsh grew to nearly 100. Release (TNR) programs to manage stray snowy plovers breed. The American Bird Conservancy and feral cats. In some cases, volunteers believes state and federal resources for manage groups of stray cats and provide What Can Help controlling feral cats must be significantly a reliable food source, but the American Buffa notes that people are not reluctant increased. The Cats Indoors Section of Bird Conservancy points out that cats to abandon their cats – perhaps especially the conservancy’s Web site (http://www. prey on birds whether or not they near a refuge which they think is a abcbirds.org/cats/) includes fact sheets, are hungry. safe haven. San Francisco Bay Refuge Complex has a cooperative agreement posters, a teacher’s guide and other tools with the American Birding Conservancy for public education. ◆ to trap cats on nearby landfills.

Pg 26 Refuge Update | September/October 2006 New Centers for Visitors Open the World of Nature

From the Ohio River to the Mississippi habitat for wading birds, migratory but it will be filled with brand new and on to Guam, national wildlife ref- songbirds and waterfowl. exhibits. uges are celebrating the opening of new Cail wants to expand public use of the “We want to give people a sense of administration and visitor facilities this refuge and promote a “brand-name” what Guam’s ecosystem was like 500 fall. A $1.9 million administration and awareness of the Service in the local years ago,” says a very enthusiastic visitor facility at Ohio River Islands community. He enjoys meeting local Brown, “the day before Magellan arrived National Wildlife Refuge is scheduled people “who are excited we’re here,” on the island.” Guam is now a highly for completion in November. This proj- says Cail. developed and commercialized island. “It ect in West Virginia will include admin- is hard to find traces of the distant past,” istrative offices, interpretive displays Fifteen state and federal agencies and observes Brown. and an aquarium. nonprofit groups have created the Middle Mississippi River Partnership to develop When the nature center opens this fall, Refuge Manager Dean Rhine says a a network of diverse and sustainable families and children will be greeted mainland trail will be developed along natural resources that support wildlife first by bird calls, a new sound for many. the river and a new overlook is being habitat on public and private lands. The “We have silent forests,” says Brown, considered. The Ohio River is a flyway partnership goal is to restore and enhance insisting he is not exaggerating. Brown for more than 200 species of birds but it the natural resources of one of the tree snakes were accidentally introduced is also home to two endangered mussels country’s greatest rivers. to the island after World War II and they – the pink mucket and the fanshell. have decimated the bird population. A new administrative office already An Island First Brown expects the new nature center to opened this year at Middle Mississippi On the coconut palm beaches of Guam be an outreach tool for people who flock River National Wildlife Refuge in National Wildlife Refuge, a nature to the pristine beaches on the refuge. Illinois, compliments of the American center is opening – the island’s first. Aimed primarily at the local population, Land Conservancy. The building has The next closest nature center is the exhibits will all be in English and vaulted ceilings and a large foyer that more than a thousand miles away, Chamorro, and Brown says they will Refuge Manager Robert Cail says according to Matt Brown, deputy tell the cultural as well as the ecological “beckons for interpretive displays.” project leader at Guam Refuge. The nature center is in an old naval facility story of Guam. ◆ Middle Mississippi Refuge was created in 2000 when the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex was reorganized into four separate refuges that are more easily recognizable to the general public. The refuge stretches 195 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Cairo, Illinois. A recently completed Comprehensive Conservation Plan has authorized the refuge to acquire up to 14,000 acres. About a third of that has been acquired. Cail says his major job right now is working with partners and willing landowners to acquire and/or restore vital floodplain habitat. Prior to acquisition, several tracts of private- owned land had been enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program. He is working with the U.S. Army On the coconut palm beaches of Guam National Wildlife Refuge, the island’s first nature center, Corps of Engineers to restore opening in the fall, is in a retired naval facility that will be filled with brand new exhibits. Designed connectivity between the big river and primarily for local resident, the exhibits will be in English and Chamorro and detail the cultural as its floodplain as well as create aquatic well as the ecological story of Guam. (USFWS)

September/October 2006 | Pg 27 Refuge Update Chief’s Corner — continued from pg 2 Ding Darling Exhibit On the Road programs and leading winter hikes through Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling was in September and at Ding Darling the Sonoran Desert. What did they do a pioneering conservationist and National Wildlife Refuge in October, the even before they got back home? They a nationally recognized political exhibit includes 22 or 34 separate panels signed up to volunteer next year. cartoonist. Today, Ding Darling is an of cartoons. To schedule the exhibit, Under the watchful eyes of local reporters inspiration to budding conservationists, contact Tom Edgar at 239-247-0112 or as well as staff and volunteers, 99 green sea whose ranks might well be expanded [email protected]. turtle hatchlings emerged last August from by a traveling exhibit now available to a nest relocated onto Back Bay Refuge in national wildlife refuges and others. Virginia Beach. Every day for about two weeks, volunteers sat by the nest from 7:30 Appointed by President Franklin in the evening until 3:30 the next morning Roosevelt in 1933 to be chief of the U.S. to ensure the nest’s safety. Biological Survey, predecessor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Darling Last summer, the 11th year of Salmon introduced many innovative wildlife Camp at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge management programs. Throughout taught about 150 area students – from his long career, Darling also drew some widely divergent socioeconomic and ethnic 15,000 editorial cartoons that appeared backgrounds – about the natural and in about 150 major newspapers cultural systems that define the region. throughout the United States and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in earned two Pulitzer Prizes. Maryland is in the midst of an 8,000-acre Darling’s grandson Christopher Koss wetland restoration project, working to has organized selected cartoons into make the area once again live up to its an exhibit now available to national nickname as the “Everglades of the North.” wildlife refuges, schools, universities “Ding” Darling drew this cartoon in 1923. The and libraries. First shown at Merritt “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society along with These are just some of the experiences Darling’s grandson Christopher Koss have created that national wildlife refuges offer the National Wildlife Refuge in Florida a traveling exhibit available to refuges. public. Once people know about the (J.N. “Ding” Darling Foundation) great things we do, they flock to national wildlife refuges, whether as volunteers Send Us Your Comments or as visitors. We welcome them, during Letters to the Editor or suggestions about Refuge Update can be e-mailed to National Wildlife Refuge Week and [email protected] or mailed to Refuge Update, USFWS-NWRS, throughout the year. 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Room 634C, Arlington, VA 22203-1610.

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