BROWNS PARK NWR - NARRATIVE REPORT - 1968
/ NARRATIVE REPORT
BROWNS PARK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1968
(Managed from Ouray Refuge Office
in Vernal, Utah)
Personnel
H. J, Johnson Refuge Manager
Robert L, Pearson Assistant Refuge Manager
Norma A. Miracle Clerk
Jack Leonard Maintenanceman
?emporary Employees Cheston L. Solace Farm Laborer W. Riley Roland Farm Laborer Richard Jeannerett Laborer TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No, I. GENERAL Weather Conditions 1 Habitat Conditions 2 II. WILDLIFE jyjigratory birds 8 Other Water Birds and Shorebirds 13 Upland Game Birds 14 Big Game 14 Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Other Mammals 16 Predators 16 Hawks, Eagles, Owls 17 Other Birds 18 Fish 18 Reptiles 19 Disease 19
III, REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE Physical Development 19 Plantings 22 Collections and Receipts 23 Control of Vegetation 23 Planned burning 23 Fires 23
IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Grazing 24 Haying 24 Fur Harvest 24 Timber Harvest 24 Commercial Fishing 24 V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OR APPLIED RESEARCH Goose Nesting Status on the Green River 24 Waterfowl Use of Artificial Nesting Structures 24 Banding Program 26 VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS Recreational Use 28 Refuge Visitors s 28 Refuge Participation 30 Hunting 30 Violations 31 Safety 31
I ITEMS 31
NR REPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BROWNS PARK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
UNITED STATES MOFFAT COUNTY. COLORADO FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE R25E R 104 W R 103 W R 102 W
R 25 E R 104 W R 103 W R 102 W
COMPILED IN THE BRANCH OF ENGINEERING 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. B. L. M. PLATS, fllii TOWNSHIP AND U. S.G. S. QUADRANGLES ^".'l DIAGRAM Scale 1965 ALBUQUERQUE. NCW MEXICO OCTOBER 1967 2R COLO. 732 40 NARRATIVE REPORT BRCWN3 PARK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1968
I. GENERAL A. Weather Conditions The weather was basically the same as in past years. This low river valley surrounded by high mountains receives scanty precipitation while the mountains receive considerably more. Precipitation this year is characterized by extremes. January received only a trace, while April was way above normal with 2,01 inches. July, September and Decemoer were also abnormally dry. Snowfall from January through toay was about normal, but was abnormally low in December. Temperatures in December were warmer than normal providing easier access to range feed for wildlife and livestock. Mild weather in February caused an early local runoff on the 18th and 19th. Marshes thawed and open water areas appeared soon after. The marshes froze over again the last of November. We had freezing temperatures every month this year. Spring (March, April and Way) was quite windy and cold, delaying plant development approximately two weeks.
Table 1. Temperatures and precipitation in browns Park Refuge, 1968:
Snowfall Precipitation Temperatures (Inches) (Inches) Max. MLn. BPR BC BPR BC BPR BC BPR BC January T 1 T .04 45 48 -15 -14 February 4.2 8 .51 1.24 55 56 - 6 - 7 March T T .68 .60 67 70 14 13 April 5 9 2.01 1.95 73 73 16 14 May T 2 .64 .75 82 87 19 24 June wm - .72 1.03 91 96 28 30 July -- .01 .10 92 96 31 30 August - - .63 1.64 92 92 29 33 September -- .09 .44 89 88 23 26 October T - .47 .40 75 78 14 16 November 6 6 .37 .66 67 58 - 1 0 December 4.4 - .20 .48 51 54 - 9 -11 1968 19.6 26. 6.33 9.33 -15 -14 92 96 1967 36.6 7.32 -15 92 Jun Aug Oct Dec J , L 1 L L
Precipitation 2 - 1968
03 ^ 1 - 196?
J LL Figure lo Weather Comparisons for 196? and 1968. Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge The Beaver Creek unofficial weather station is located near the future headquarters site some ten miles west-northwest of the current headquarters site and is at an elevation of 5,700 feet. It is some 2,5 miles from the Green River, The official station is 200 feet from the Green River at an elevation of 5,354 feet.
B. Habitat Conditions 1, Water. Local runoff occurred on February 18th and 19th and was rapid enough to provide some valuable water into the marshes. An estimated 4-6 inches of water collected on top of the ice cover in Hog Lake and Spitzie Marsh, It created a forty-acre marsh in Warren Bottom which lasted into July and received good duck and coot use. Straddle. Bottom received enough water to make a shallow pond of twenty acres which lasted only to the first of June, but which attracted several hundred ducks for the purpose of feeding,
Vermi 11 ion Greek; Similar flow patterns and silt load as last year with no surface flow reaching the Green River in August and the last of July, i\io unusually high dis charges noted during spring run-off or summer thunder showers. Beaver Creek; The high flow period lasted from April 15 to May 30 this year with peak flows on May 5th and 6th, This represents a longer run-off period with considerably more total run-off volume than last year. The cold spring weather prevented serious flood damage along this creek.
Green River; River flows, as released by the Bureau of Reclamation from the Flaming Gorge Dam, were quite favorable
this year. Low flows of 400-600 c.f0s. occurred most of the months of March and April. Flows during the rest of the year ranged from 1,000 c,f,s. to 3,700 cf.s. and were generally quite steady with only small fluctuations noted.
The siltation load caused by Red Creek run^off started in early March and continued through spring. Fishing is adversely affected during this period.
Water Management: The refuge acquired its fifth and sixth pumping units this summer. A 5,000 g.p.m. Cascade pump with a 20 h.p. electric motor was installed at the Spitzie ptunpsite on July 18th„ The second unit, a Crisafulli pump, and 50 h.p. electric motor mounted on two tandem trailers, was installed at the Warren pumpsite but was then taken to Ouray NWR to help maintain water in the Leota Bottom units while their main pumping unit was being repaired before any water was pumped into Warren Bottom. The Nelson pumpsite was rebuilt in April and the 5,000 g.p.m. Cascade pump acquired last year was installed. Minor repairs were undertaken on the Horseshoe and Spitzie pumpsites.
Water management facilities were improved in Horseshoe and Spitzie Bottoms and water levels were lowered to facilitate the work on ditches and access roads.
Hog Lake; The water level was allowed to drop through evaporation to the end of July so that the developing thickets of tamarix could be mowed from the peripheral areas. The small 1,600 g.p.m. pump was then operated full time to the end of the pumping season on November 1. The lake level gradually rose to approximately six inches above "normal," flooding over the stand of salicornia in late September. The pool size in late July was down to approximately 50 acres with maximum depth of 18 inches.
Spitzie Marsh: Snow melt run-off maintained desirable water levels until late April. Water was then brought up to a high level to act as a reserve until the new pumping unit was received and installed. Water levels then gradually decreased until July 20 when water levels were brought back up to normal for duck brooding purposes. The unit was then allowed to dry up to facilitate work on the drainage ditch. Mud stage was reached by the end of August.
Horseshoe Marsh; This marsh unit has a very porous sub soil. We were surprised that it was able to retain most of its water over winter. Water level control in this unit is difficult at best, requiring frequent pumping. Fluctuations up to one foot occur regularly. Levels were maintained as well as could be expected to the first of August. The unit then dried up and cattail stands were mowed. A drain ditch was cut between two portions of the marsh and a splash board control structure was installed. The main marsh area was then refulled in mid-September. Bank stabilization work near the pumpsite prevented pumping the first two weeks in October, then the unit was brought up near the top of the control structure to determine water distribution and additional fill needs along the access road the last of October, By Decemoer 31 there was little water left in the unit. Hoy Marsh; This unit was dry last fall. By spring local run-off, coupled with inflow from Sterling (sub-surface) had developed 20 to 30 acres of surface water. The unit was filled by pumping in early March. Maintenance of water levels was fairly consist ant up to mid-July when weed growth clogged flood ditches. Water levels dropped rapidly to near mud stage before the ditch problem was corrected and additional water pumped. Optimum water level was main tained until the end of the pumping season,
Nelson Bottom; Initial flooding of this unit started on May 22nd after the pumpsite was rebuilt and the 5,000 g.p.m. Cascade pump, which was purchased last year, was installed. This created a shallow marsh very similar in configuration to Hoy Marsh, flat and round. Water levels were maintained by frequent pumping up to the first of October. Water levels were then allowed to gradually drop until the unit froze over in late November.
Table 2, KLectrical Costs of Pumping Operations - 19bb.
iiotor Rated Acre Total Production Unit Acres H.P. Volume Feet Cost Estimate * Hog Lake 160 7.5 1600 gpm Not $134,71 1,010 Available
Spitzie 60 20 50G0 " ii 20,01 1,250 Marsh
Horseshoe 50 15 4500 " ii 276.15 435 Marsh
Nelson 120 25 5000 " II 286,60 1,110 Marsh
H. Hoy 160 15 5000 gpm it 352.20 750 Marsh $1069.76 4,555 * Production figures taken from NR-iB includes ducks, geese and coots,
2« Food and Cover. Abundant rains in April produced an excellent plant growth of Needle-and-thread, Indian Ricegrass and Cheatgrass on the benchlands. The upland habitat looked better than in the past two years. The cooler spring weather retarded growth of Western Wheatgrass on the river bottom units. The strong algae bloom of 1967 did not re-occura Thus, submerged aquatics made better growth, Alisma sjo. made early growth and the geese fed these plants off as rapidly as they grew above the water surface until other foods became available. The Garrison Foxtail, which was part of test planting in Hoy Bottom in the late 1950,s or early 1960,s was also favored by the geese. This plant is more tolerant of wet soil conditions than Reed Canary Grass and produces some of the earliest green browse available for the geese. The seed is quite expensive and hard to obtain. Due to its favorable response to flooding and utilization by the geese, we plan to hand harvest seed and sow additional shallow shoreline areas to this grass,
A meadow area of approximately 40 acres was flood irrigated and kept short by mowing to encourage goose browsing. This worked fine in early spring, but as the marsh areas started producing aquatics and the grasses greened up throughout the Park area, only token utilization of this area was made by geese. Increased use was noted in September and October as young yellow and white sweet clover started growing. Use occurred on this area mainly when it was being flood irrigated. Low water levels in Hog Lake and Spitzie resulted in the complete loss of submerged aquatics in those two impound ments by late August, Regrowth occurred in Hog Lake as water levels were increased. Aquatic insect life was quite abundant by the first of Kay, Alisma made good growths in bare soil areas. Sago Pondweed appears to be replacing Horned Pondweed in Horseshoe Marsh. The Smart Weed has spread to 707, of the water areas and doesn't appear to be utilized as food directly. Its seeds are very minute and leaves leathery. We feel that food supplies are critical for the geese in February and March, Otherwise, there appears to be an adequate supply.
The aquatics growing in the Green River produced an abundant good supply this summer. There appears to be considerably more available food in the river this fall than was present the past two years. This is due in part to the relatively stable water flows this summer.
Brood Cover; Brood cover was abundant in all units except Hog Lake, The Hardstem Bulrush stand continues to increase in size and a scattered fringe of bulrush is developing on the northwest and southwest sides of the lake. The Tamarix at the east end and the southeast side were mowed, thus reducing total emergent cover available. The mud flat areas next to where Tamarix was mowed were hand seeded with Hardstem Bulrush seed collected in 1967,
Feeding Activity of the Goose Flock in Browns Park. January through March: Geese fed in river along sand bars, where submerged aquatics were attached; on the river islands and adjacent shallow channels and shorelines on grass seed heads,
Aprilj May, June: The breeding pairs fed in the river adjacent to the nest sites with some movement to the marsh areas. As broods hatched they used the river almost ex clusively until the goslings could travel readily across land (2-3 weeks old). The broods then were hard to find in the river and generally were found feeding on the river bank on young grasses and insects, or in and around the marsh edges. The two nesters in Horseshoe Marsh seldom used the river after the marsh opened up,
July, August, September: Broods gained flight in early July, Groups became larger as family groups collected to rest on sand bars. Flights between units increased and exercise flights were observed. In July 44 geese were twice observed feeding on the benchlands overlooking the river—apparently on seedheads of Indian Rice Grass,
October, November, December: Goose use increased on the river and on Hog Lake particularly. The removal of Tamarix greatly affects use into this area, with 260 geese counted on Hog Lake at one time and more in the adjacent river.
Nesting Cover: The experimentally hand cleared sites on Cassidy Islands proved acceptable to the geese for loafing sites, but no nests were built on them. Six goose nests were located on these two islands, one of which was five feet back into the dense stand of willows and Tamarix, One of the gravel islands placed in Hoy Marsh enticed a pair to nest, but they soon abandoned the nest shortly after the incubation started, leaving five eggs exposed, Down from the nest was loose in the water nearby, but the eggs were apparently undisturbed. The complete, lack of vegetation or other materials on these man-made islands probably discouraged more use.
Duck nesting cover was greatly improved over last year and the rate of predation was also reduced, A reduced grazing rate and better control of distribution were important factors. Loafing Sites: The Green River flows, as controled by the Bureau of Reclamation at Dutch John, Utah, were considerably more favorable this year with flows more constant. The higher sandbars remained available for mid-day loafing and night roosting for the geese most of the year.
The gravel islands placed in Hoy Marsh last fall proved quite worthwhile as loafing sites for ducks. One island supported as many as 125 ducks at one time with considerable use on all of them throughout the year. Some tunneling activity by muskrats proved to be a somewhat destructive use. Several of these islands have been covered with cut bulrush by the muskrats this fall.
Bulrush (Scupus acutus); The dense stand of bulrush again developed in Hoy and Spitzie Marshes. No mowing was under taken this period. We decided to let the muskrats do it in Hoy, and plan to help the muskrats maintain open water in Spitzie Marsh by flooding the pool deeper. The cover pattern is approximately the same as that developed last year. Nelson Marsh also developed quite a stand of bulrush, approximately 60% coverage in a sparce stand with native grasses still surviving in the shallower areas. Bulrush increased somewhat in Horseshoe Marsh, but no problem yet.
Cattail: The small stand around the south side of Hog Lake was estimated to be only 607. the size of last year's coverage. This stand was pulled out for tne second year in a row. Cattail growth in Horseshoe Marsh was about the same as last year. We hope with the improved water management facilities installed this year that we can control this stand in the next two years without using herbicide.
Hoy Marsh showed some increase in cattail growth and all seedheads were removed. We plan to treat some of this area witii Dalapon next spring as the stand is too large to hand pull and is located too high in the impoundment to effectively mow and flood out. No cattail were found in Spitzie or Nelson Marshes.
Browns Park Waterfowl Management Area: This area is managed by Utah Game and Fish personnel with Mr. Neil Folks as Resident Manager, Four of their six units were flooded this spring for the first time; thereiore, aquatic growth is still in the early stages of succession. Emergents are found only on the two units which formed the Grouse 8
Creek Marshes before development. Supplemental foods were provided on a small scale through farming of several small plots. Most of this area is open to waterfowl hunting. The new dikes still leak considerable anDunts of water, requiring continual pumping operations throughout the season. An additional auxiliary pump has been installed, but a more permanent unit with larger volume output is needed until the dikes seal.
II. WILDLIFE A, Migratory Birds 1. Waterfowl. a. Population Levels. Whistling Swan; i\lo observations during the spring migration. Fall use began on the 18th of October with three birds using Hog Lake. The peak of 31 occurred on November 10, and the last observation was of two on November 14, This is the highest use and peak recorded to date* Snow Goose; Five white birds seen flying with Canada geese in mid-November were thought to have been Snow geese. We missed observing our old friend, the lone Snow goose of the past couple years,
Canada Geese; We started the year with 525 of the Great Basin Canada Geese present and this increased slightly to 564 in late January, Observed numbers then gradually decreased to 426 by the first week of March, The wintering birds then moved out the follow ing week, leaving only the breeding population and young non-breeding birds,
A survey conducted on May 18 revealed 180 adult geese and 139 goslings in the Colorado portion of Browns Park, Our census data throughout the summer up to the start of waterfowl hunting season indicated fewer geese than were actually present. Therefore, our goose use days shown in the NR forms for the summer period is undoubtedly below actual use by quite a bit. The geese, both breeding and non-breeding, became quite secretive during the period of molting and young rearing. Why we were unable to count more geese from July to October is yet unsolved. Two factors may have some bearing: 1) Increased fisherman activity all along the river throughout the entire refuge area, and 2) More favorable feeding conditions in Utah and along the Little Snake River, On opening day of waterfowl season we counted 448 geese in the refuge, Utah's season opened at 12:00 noon and the hunters swarmed in early and frightened all the geese out of the hunting area. We also counted 59 geese flying in from the Little Snake River area at 8:30 a.m, opening day. Goose numbers continued to increase with the peak of 810 geese recorded on Novem ber 27. An additional 1,026 geese were counted in the Green River from Little Hole to the Colorado State line on this same date by Refuge lyianager Johnson on a cooperative survey with Utah personnel. We had 750 geese present on December 31, Ducks: Duck use days continue their upward swing as more habitat is provided by flooding additional • river bottomlands. A higher wintering population (2,500 compared to 750) started this year and the spring peak reached a new refuge high of 5,250 in mid-April. Breeding populations were slightly higher than 1967, with approximately 1,800 as compared to 1,500 ducks present. Late summer populations appeared to be lower than last year, but increased vegetative cover and fishing use may have affected their observa bility and distribution. We may have actually experienced a late summer exit of birds, its hard to tell. Fall use was up only slightly over last year. This was due in part to the lack of water in Spitzie Marsh and the Difficulty in censusing Nelson Bottom.
We haven't seen the expected increase in duck numbers in late summer that we should get from annual repro duction. We've found no evidence of severe predation— where did 3,200 young and 1,800 adults (5,00C ducks) go 9 Coots; Coot use patterns show an increasing use in the spring and summer and a decreasing use in the fall. This trend has occurred the past three years, A wintering population of some 170 coots remained on the river until spring thaw. Very few coots remained on the refuge at the close of this year.
The following line graphs depict the use day pattern and trends for the first three years of refuge operation in Browns Park, 10
Waterfowl Production. Canada Geese; A cooperative survey was conducted on the Green River from the Little Hole area in Utah to the Gates of Lodore in Colorado. All islands were examined for nests. Thirty-five were found in Utah, mostly on coarse gravel/cobble bar islams with annexed cover of clover and willows. Most of these islands had little to moderate cover. Twenty nests were found in Colorado, including nests found in trees, cliff ledges, and marsh areas. Heavy fishing use in June, occurring in restricted, narrow river canyon areas in Utah, caused some broods to travel down river into Colorado where more room is available to hide their broods from disturbance.
Table 3 summarizes the results of the two-day river survey. For a more complete analysis see the pre liminary report by Neil Folks in the appendix.
Table 3, Goose Production Survey on the Green River in Utah and Colorado - 1968,
SUCCESS
u 0) CO
3 Q> Brood s Adult s Tota l Groupe d Gosling s Pair s Nest s Percen t Numbe r Gees e
Utah 34 34 26 76 11 49 101 218
Colorado 56 20 17 85 21 139 68 319
Estimated Production Not Seen; 11 50 77
TOTALS; 90 54 43 79,6 43 238 169 614
(Two islands in Colorado were not examined for nests - Flynn Island adjacent to Hog Lake, and Valentine Island just above the residence.)
Goose Nesting Sites; The herons and geese continue to dispute the rights to the old heronry below the residence We doubt that the one pair of geese that persisted was Feb Mar ART May Jun Jul i Oct Nov Dec
1000-
Figure 3o Ganada Goose Population Curves for 1966, 196? and 1968, Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge,
'GO
600"
loo
1966 200 F^b MMf Ayr H^y Jyn Ji^l Apg S^p Oyt N^v
1968
5opo -
l+ooo -
3000 -
2000 -
1000 -
Figure 2o Duck Population Curves for 1966, 196? and 1968. Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge Feb Apr June Aug Oct Dec -L. J— -L. kooo_
Figure he Coot Population Curves for 1966, 196? and 1968„ Brown's Park National Wildlife Refugee 3000 _
2000
1000 11 successful» A new tree nest site was used near Spitzie Marsh (photo) and, as usual, the first nest to hatch was from the tree below Warren pumpsite on April 29, Two pair used the same sites in Rattlesnake Canyon in the rocky ledges, some 25-30 feet above the river, as were used last year, A third pair apparently nested slightly up-river in a similar site, but we were unable to locate the nest,
A boat trip into Lodore Canyon below the refuge dis closed three broods and twenty adult geese on May 5, Two nest sites were found along the rocky canyon walls. One goose was flushed off a nest in Swallow Canyon in Utah, She was incubating four eggs. Few of these nests are successful. The river islands in the Colorado portion of the Green River are composed of silty clay and sand bars, the higher islands densely covered with willow and Tamarix, Yellow sweet clover and a variety of grasses and sedges also blanket them in places. One goose nested five feet back in the dense willow/ Tamarix cover on Cassidy Island, The cleared areas on this island were used only as loafing sites by the geese.
We feel that we can increase nesting density on these islands by increasing the cleared areas, but that complete clearing would increase territory conflictj thus, narrow strips of brush will be left as visual barriers. We found three successful nests on both upper and lower Cassidy Islands, One nest was found on the river bank below Bassett Island. This site used to be an island, but only at higher river flows than we now experience. Artificial Nesting Sites: Two geese were observed on top of the tower type nesting structure obtained from Treasure Lake CCC, but only duck nests were found when examined. The single-post type structures were used only by ducks. No observations were noted of geese paying any attention to these smaller structures. On the small gravel islands placed in Hoy Marsh one goose nest was built, but abandoned shortly after the clutch was complete—leaving five eggs. It is felt that these sites would be used if more structures were present to break the outline and provide "psychological" cover.
Ducks: Only one breeding pair count was conducted in 1968. Estimated breeding pairs were calculated by 12
recording all pairs, lone males, lone females, and courting parties as representing one breeding pair. All waterfowl habitat within the proposed refuge boundary, except Beaver Creek, was included in the survey.
Brood counts were conducted in early morning sessions in late June and early July, with each of the five main marshes covered. Good counts were obtained on Hog Lake, Spitzie Marshes, and Nelson Marshes, Excessive vegetation on Horseshoe and Hoy Marshes reduced the degree of coverage considerably.
Table 5 summarizes duck production data and estimated production for each species. Unidentified broods (23) and breeding pair (22) were proportionately distributed among the data to fit the NR form format. Total young counted are shown in parenthesis.
Table 5, Duck Production Data for Browns Park, Colorado - 1968,
Breeding Pairs Broods Estimated Species 1967 1968 Observed Production Mallard 178 390 46 1,250 Gadwall 148 164 29 533 Pintail 107 106 21 350 Green-winged Teal 98 41 4 100 Blue-winged Teal 31 33 45 100 Cinnamin Teal 94 178 500 Shoveller 33 84 y 12 250 Redhead 39 85 10 120 Ruddy 3 28 4 85
TOTALS: 731 1,109 171 (1,296) 3,288 Coots 425 - ( 475) 1,284
Duck production shown for 1968 derived as follows: Number of breeding pairs x ,80 x ,75 x 6,6 x ,75 Estimated Production, 13
The following assumptions were made: 1. That 80% of the breeding pairs counted had attempted to nest,
2. That nesting success v:as 75%. 3, That brood observations made v/ere an accurate estimate of average brood sizes as of early July for the whole area.
4, That duckling losses from early July until all ducks could fly would amount to 25%. Assumptions one and two should be analysed yearly through field studies on representative nesting habitat. Assumptions four and five are also dependent .on local yearly conditions and are considerably harder to analyse.
Coots: Coots over wintering in the open waters of the Green River ranged back and forth from Colorado to Utah as food supplies were consumed. Coot numbers varied from 81 to 252 through March. During the first week of April this increased to 587 as spring migrants arrived. The spring peak of 1,046 was reached in late April. Numbers decreased to a breeding population of 857 birds. The fall build-up (2,390) may have been lowered due to the smaller food supply available in their main concentration area. Hog Lake. Coot numoers dropped to near zero when marshes froze over in late November,
2" Other Water Birds and Shorebirds. Spring Migration: Nothing exciting to report here. The birds didn't concentrate in as large numbers on the Hoy Marsh wet meadow as they did in 1967, Less use by Snowy Egret and more use by Glossy Ibis. Habitat for many of these birds is very limited in Browns Park, Spotted Sand pipers were found to be quite abundant along the Green River shoreline in Utah below the dam. Nesting: Sora Rail with young were observed in-a brushy beaver pond on beaver Creek, The Wilson Phalarope again nested in large numbers around the marsh edges in short grass. Some increase in production of Eared and Pied-billed Grebe was noted on Hog Lake and Spitzie, Avocet raised several young on Spitzie and Hoy Marshes, 14
Fall Migration: With only small numbers ox gulls, dowitchers, yellowlegs, and some sandpipers, the fall migration goes almost unnoticed, 3, Mourning Doves. Observational records indicate a snail population present from May through august, with few birds remaining into September and hunting season, banding efforts "netted11 137 doves. Considerably better than last year, but still short of the assigned quota of 250,
B, Upland Game Birds 1, Chukar. Few birds were observed in the first half of the year. In July four broods were recorded along the benchlands on the southwest edge of the refuge. By October 1 wre knew of 265 Chukar in seven coveys using the refuge on and off. Hunting pressure adjacent to the refuge was more sustained through out the long season than last year, and the Chukar became increasingly harder to bag, 2, Sage Grouse. More gouse in more locations, and more broods were observed this year than in 1967, In part, this is thought to be caused by employee's awareness and reporting. It does look like we had a good year. Large increases were also observed on strutting grounds in early May on the east slope of Cold Springs Mountain, Broods wers observed in the following refuge areas from late June through July; Galloway Campground, Hog Lake Bottom, Ryegrass Meadow, and Beaver Creek Meadows, Grouse were not recorded at Hog Lake last year. No known hunter harvest of grouse in Browns Park this fall during the three-day season. Excellent hunting occurred elsewhere in the county,
3, Pheasant. No change noted in the pheasant this year. One cock was seen in Hoy Meadow several times, and others were heard at other locations. No evidence of reproduction was noted,
C, Big Game 1, Pronghorn Antelope. The small herd of 26-27 resident to tne park have changed wintering areas from Utah near Willow Creek to Colorado in the Spitzie Mountain Draw area, Utah's attempt to force this herd onto their Red Creek range improvement area last year is thought to be the cause, He hope they can with stand the pressure from the 4,000+ domestic sheep being 15 wintered in this area. LiXcellent reproduction occurred this suinmer with no known losses. As of January 5, 1969, the herd numbered 41, We hope for a continual buildup. The herd breaks up into small harems and uses the river bottomlands quite extensively during the summer period.
2. Mule Deer. The deer herd wintering in Browns Park along the southvrest side of the refuge peaked at 785 on the February 8th count. Most of these deer came from summer range in the Uintah Mountains of Utah. A graduate student marked 135 of these near the Gates of Lodore Ranger Station to further study their distribution on summer range. Two of these ear-tagged deer were seen this fall and winter on Horseshoe Bottom— one a doe, the other a small two-point buck. The summer resident herd, numbering near 150 head^ had excellent reproduction success. Twins were the rule and several observations of triplets were recorded. Hunters removed or killed an estimated fifty deer within the proposed refuge area. The wintering herd on the southwest side of the river was censused on December 18 and only 116 were observed. Very mild weather tills December, with little snowfall, has allowed most of the deer to remain at higher elevations. This will somewhat relieve the pressure on the critically over-brow^sed sagebrush on the benchlands. This winter promises to be the last winter in which a sheep permit will be exercised on this portion of the deer winter area. Several field trips were made into this area to examine and analyse this particular range by personnel of the Colorado Game, Fish and Parks Department, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management—each with different interests. The harvesting of this herd should be done in Utah before they migrate into Colorado
On May 5, Mr. Jack Leonard observed an albino deer at Beaver Creek. 3. Elk. We had a new high count for elk using the Beaver Creek Meadows this year. Thirty-six shaggy bulls were counted on several occasions. First observed on May 1, and last observed on June 10, just over one month longer than last year. (See photo,) During the deer hunting season in laie October, one large bull was seen near the mouth of 16
Beaver Creek Canyon, On Noveinber 30, an elk calf was seen near Sterling Spring, and was later seen near the confluence of Vermillion Greek and the Green River on December 6, 4, Bighorn Sheep. No observations this year, D, Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals 1, Beaver. Tree cutting activity has increased this year. The loss of large Cottonwood trees along the river banks reduces the number of potential goose, hawk and heron nesting sites. In turn, their feeding activities on willow and Tamarix thickets along the river banks and on river islands is beneficial to the geese. Possibly some of the larger cottonwoods should be protected, Cottonwood tree seedlings are only found in two or three locations in the refuge,
2, Muskrats. The maintenance of water in Hoy Marsh has done much for the muskrat. We counted 85 houses in Hoy Marsh this fall. We are hoping that the geese will nest on these natural sites next soring. The muskrat populationsin Hog Lake and Spitzie were somewhat hindered due to water level fluctuations and remain near last year's numbers. We have again noted a large increase in fall muskrat houses in the Grouse Creek marshes in Utah, They number near 65 as compared to 45 last year,
E, Predators 1, Badger. We have a sizeable population of badger on the refuge this year and they have been found "guilty" of: 1) Undermining and covering up one goose nest on an island in Utah, and; 2) Eating eggs—this time they happened to be poison. Mr, Dale Jensen, Vernal, Utah, reported that badgers destroyed 24 goose nests on islands in Blackfoot Reservoir in Idaho this summer, 2, Bobcat. Occasional sightings all year, but population appears to be smaller than last year. Also, less sport hunting for the species observed this year. 17
3. Mountain Lion. This animal finally received the protection of a specific season. Several observations of lion near Vermillion Creek and the Gates of Lodore areas were reported, but there were none seen on the refuge,
4. Coyote. Coyote numbers increased this summer and fall. One deer hunting party reported seeing five in one pack. We ob served several on the benchlands near Goodman and Sterling Draws. Midday observations of young coyotes were not uncommon. Large rabbit populations have helped this buildup. 5. Striped Skunk. Two or three separate observations of live skunks during the year. A poison egg program in early spring took several of this species. Increased nesting cover and a reduced skunk population has also reduced the rate of predation on duck nests this year.
6. Other Mammals. A white-tailed prairie dog colony, including some eight dens, was found below Ryegrass Meadow by Jack Leonard. The Cottontail Rabbit population really went great guns this suinmer. I counted 270 rabbits along a mile and a half of the north shore of Hog Lake—where only 40 were counted last year. We requested opening to rabbit hunting from December 1 to February 28. Rabbit populations were very abundant in all suitable habitat in the Park, One adult and seven immature Golden iiagles were observed in the Hog Lake area during fall migration. Three immature and an adult Golden Eagle spent most of the summer in this area feeding on Cottontail, The Jack Rabbit is still quite scarce, but seems to be a little more numerous than last year.
E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls Little change in status observed from last year. Golden Eagles concentrated their feeding activities in late summer around Hog Lake where there was a very abundant Cottontail population. A Marsh Hawk nest was found on the edge of Nelson Marsh, which reared one young. Two additional nests were present adjacent to Hoy Marsh. 18
The Magpies used the cottonwood trees along the river bottom to produce a bumper crop of young "egg eaters." At least thirty of these were shot. Others succumbed to our poison egg program conducted in April.
F. Other Birds The following birds were added to the refuge bird list, the most unusual of which was the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher re corded on July 3 and identified by Manager Pearson and Larry Henderson: Red-breated Merganser 4/21/68 Mountain Plover 4/25/68 Northern Phalarope 5/9/68 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 7/3/68 Ash-throated Flycatcher 5/24/68 Clark's Nutcracker 10/3/67 (Verified 3/22/68) Mountain Chickadee 5/5/68 Townsend's Solitaire 4/20/68 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5/5/68 Lark Bunting 6/2/68 Gray-headed Junco 4/20/68 Black-headed Grosbeak 6/27/68
This brings the number identified for this area to 165 species. One observation of the Common Loon occurred this May is thought to be only the second sighting of this species in this area in three years. Two White-fronted Geese were observed in the Browns Park Waterfowl Management Area (Utah) this fall, one of which was shot by hunters and photographed by Manager Niel Folks. The Poor-Will was heard on two nights in August. Mountain bluebirds were seen to migrate in larger numbers this year than last. A double-orested Cormorant was observed on a sandbar in Horseshoe Bottom.
Christmas Bird Count, 1968 Not conducted this year due to sicKness. G. Fish Trout fishing was excellent in the Green River in January and February. March wasn't good due to silt laden runoff from Red Creek most of the month. Fishing was prohibited on the refuge from April 1 to June 30. A few German Brown Trout were caught in Colorado. One such fish had been marked by Utah Game and Fish Department personnel this spring and released 19 at Bridgeport, Utah. It was caught in Colorado near the old round corral at the south end of Warren Bottom three months later by some visitors from Texas. There were many reports of four-pound Rainbows being caught in the refuge area. A six-pound (plus) Rainbow was caught up-river in Utah this spring.
Colorado, Came, Fish and Parks Department personnel stocked two different truck loads of Rainbows 7n-14" in the Park this summer. Fishing pressure has nearly tripled over last year's use.
Carp activity was first recorded this spring on May 1. No catfish reported this year. K. Reptiles One Rattlesnake was found near Beaver Creek on County 10, and several were killed in the headquarters area of the Gates of Lodore Ranger Station, One lizard was tentatively identified as Sceloporus graciosus. By the last week of May the newly flooded Nelson Marsh was "loudly alive" with frogs - not identified, probably spring peepers. One Bufo hemiophrys was dug out of the flower bed at the residence on May 1,
I, Disease, None to report, III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE A, Physical Development. Nelson Bottom: The Nelson pumpsite \ms rebuilt using Creosote treated timbers and bridge planks, Tne 5,000 g.p.m. pumping unit acquired in 1967 was set in place on May 17 and immediately put into operation. The flood ditches were cleaned and reshaped using the pull grader and John Deere tractor. Warren Bottom: A crisafulli pump, which has a considerably different design from the rest of our pumping units, was purchased after similar pumps proved highly satisfactory on the Ouray and Seedskadee Refuges, The unit required a 50 h,p. electric motor and a gradually sloped ramp into the river. This pumping unit was installed, and it was found that we needed to add brackets to keep the flexible discharge from coming in contact with the main drive shaft. The unit was then taken to Ouray Refuge to provide water to the Leota Bottom units. The unit 20
has been returned and now awaits an electrician to put it back into operation. The flood ditches were all cleaned and re shaped. We will flood this unit starting next March, Twenty- nine single-post nesting structures were "planted" preparatory to the next nesting season. Six of the tower nesting structures were also assembled and placed in this unit,
Flynn Bottom: The only work accomplished in this unit consisted of the mowing and spraying of scattered stands of Tamarix galicia, A rotary mower clipped this brush off to within a few inches of soil surface. Regrowth was sprayed using 2,4,5-T in diesel fuel. Approximately two weeks after spraying the plants turned brown and defoliated. We built a power spray rig using a GSA portable fire pump, and connected this into a 200 gallon fiberglass tank. This was mounted on 4x4 lumber to fit on the back of our four-wheel drive pickup.
Speck Bottom: Here again, the program consisted of Tamarix control work. This bottom has a small water right and no electrical power source. Quoted costs of bringing electricity into this site are prohibitive at $980,00 minimum charge per year for ten years. Hog Lake Bottom: The margin of the lake produced the most extensive stand of Salt Cedar on the refuge. The water level was lovrered and this stand mowed. Very little regrowth occurred after mowing in late summer. A ten-acre plot was plowed, disced and planted to a grass mixture. The flood ditches were all cleaned and reshaped before refloociing started in late July. Brush along the river edge remains to be cleared by hand, using Brushkings. The majority of the Tamarix stand will be flooded over in an attempt to kill it out next spring. Those brush areas not inundated will be sprayed in early spring as regrowth develops. A road culvert was installed in the east access road into the bottom. (Photo.) Thundershower activity on the benchlands above caused a complete washout across this road prior to installation,
Spitzie Bottom: A new pumping unit was acquired and installed on the pumpsite replacing the 5,000 g.p.m. unit, which was earlier moved to the new Nelson pumpsite. Water levels were reduced in late summer to allow ditch cleaning. Two water control structures were installed to allow better water level control.
Soil and Moisture funds were used to stabilize 660 feet of the river bank along a critical area on each side of the pump site. This project was accomplished using similar design and 21 materials as those utilized in the Hoy Bottom bank stabilization project last year,
A ten-acre stand of Tamarix on this Bottom was mowed in late summer and regrowth will be sprayed next spring.
Horseshoe Bottom; The majority of the Tamarix growing on the bottom was mowed and regrowth will be sprayed next summer. A "high w^ater" island at the south end of this bottom was clear-mowed. Vie hope this will encourage goose nesting use next spring.
Bank stabilization similar to that done on Spitzie Bottom and Hoy Bottom was constructed along 630 feet of badly eroded river bank adjacent to the Horseshoe pumpsite. In addition, we built two small rock jetties to test their efficiency and durability in doing the same job. If they are stable enough, they could protect more bank at less cost. So far, they've held up fine with little or no loss of rock fill, ¥e have high hopes for these jetties due to the fact that they won't have to stand up under ice jams or heavy spring runoff conditions. We haven't had time and the variety of water/wind conditions to predict their value.
The flood ditches were cleaned and reshaped. Six hundred feet of new ditch was added for more efficient filling operations, A drainage system was developed using SOS survey technicians, our pull-grader, and a two-yard scraper unit from Ouray NWR. The final 200 feet of the drain ditch was cut using a dragline. Three water level control structures were installed through dirt fills across the slough areas. One Armco screw gate structure was installed on the drain ditch at the river. Several small dirt fill "gully plugs" were placed across old river oxbows to help back water over a larger area. We antici pate some further fill work in places to improve water dis tribution along these old river channels. We have high hopes for an excellent increase in nesting habitat in this bottom this next spring. The small dike fills will also improve access road conditions and eliminate having to "fly" across wet slough areas or drive way around to get to the Horseshoe pumpsite. We hope it will also reduce the number of stuck fishermen's cars. The roadway into this bottom from the east has also been changed from a "cliff hanging" experience to one that even allows two vehicles to pass in several locations. The road down the hill into the bottom was more or less cut to a grade and widened, and a culvert installed. (See photo.) As can readily be seen, we emphasized the improvement of this unit in our work program this year, A large amount of dead and down Cottonwood was removed from the new areas to be flooded this spring. 22
Harry Hoy Bottom: The small stand of Tamarix was mowed and the Tamarix growing along the old Hoy Marsh drain canal was cut off using our new Brushking units. Our objective is to eliminate the relatively small scattered communities of Salt Cedar before Master Plan development starts. All flood ditches were cleaned and spoil banks leveled off. Brush was dozed back from the north flood ditch. Three experimental pasture plots were worked up and planted.
Buildings and Grounds: A good stand of Kentucicy Bluegrass was established in the north yard at the residence. The south yard was planted in late August with less soil preparation and only a fair showing was obtained, A new trash pit was developed in a small side canyon along Calloway Draw, The trash accumulated at the hillside dump was cleared up and mowed to tiie new permanent site, -A narrow- strip of land between the benchland and the Green River near
Calloway Draw was improved for public camping use8 Trees were trimmed, grass was mowed and one toilet installed.
The refuge shop/storage area was iiuproved by the installation of tool boards, work bench, and cement floors poured in the last two stalls, A new clothes line was erected in the resi dence yard.
Equipment: The following new equipment was obtained this year;
Cascade Pump, 5,000 g.p.m. Crisafulli Pump, 5-8,000 g,p,m, Brushking (2) Firefighting/Spray Unit Portable Welder/Power Plant Air Compressor 9.5 h,p. Outboard fetor Engineering: Bureau land surveyors spent two and a half weeks surveying and marking the boundary of the subsequently acquired Chester Watson properties along Beaver Creek, A small tract of land was also re surveyed in the Grijnes Bottom,
B, Plantings. Approximately forty acres in four separate plots with varying soil conditions were prepared and planted with a mixture of the following grasses: 23
Intermediate "Wheatgrass Crested VJheatgrass Sodar Wheatgrass Kentucky Bluegrass
Hja-rly next spring Alsike and Strawberry Clover and Alfalfa v^ill be sown over these same areas,
C. Collections and Ueceipts. Approximately twenty pounds of Common Three Square Bulrush (Scirpus american) was haiid harvested. This will be used to encourage its growth in new iiiipoundments. D. Control of Vegetation. Salt Cedar (Tamarix gallica and T, pentandra) has started invading the river bottomlands in recent years. This year we undertook a program to try to eliminate this species from around our marsh units, Me mowed all accessible stands in the current refuge boundary. The Brushkings were then used to cut the remaining plants from river and ditch bank areas which the mower couldn't get. Approximately 12C acres of this plant was mowed or cut. The regrowth was sprayed using 2,4,5-T in Warren, Flynn, Speck, and part of Hog Lake Bottoms. The remaining areas failed to produce regrowth due to the lateness of the season when mowed. All regrowth will be sprayed next spring. A large part of the stand of Salt Cedar around Hog Lake will be flooded over next suinmer in an attempt to kill these plants without the use of chemicals. Cattail (Typha latifolia and T. au^ustifolia): The small, scattered stand along Hog Lake's south shore was again pulled by hand. Last year's efforts appear to have reduced this stand by 40%, The scattered patches around Hoy Marsh were "de-headed." This stand had incleased and we plan to use Dalapon next summer. A large number of muskrats moved into Hoy Marsh this fall and 85 "houses" were counted in December. This population will greatly facilitate maintaining open water areas in this marsh. We also expect some goose nesting on these mounds. The cattail stand in Horseshoe iyiarsh was mowed in late August, then reflooded,
E. Planned Burning. None
F„ Fires. None on refuge lands. Two lightning fires observed on ad- Jacent^ lands and reported to appropriate authorities. 24
IV. RESOURCE MNAGEMHttT A. Grazing. The reduced stock rate adopted for our units last fall resulted in leaving approximately the desired amount of ground cover for duck nesting. The growing season this summer was somewhat delayea by a colder spring period. Western Wheatgrass was noticeably affected as it failed to produce as tall a stand as last year. Fencing problems resulted in heavier grazing use in Hog Lake than desired. The flooding of Nelson Marsh reduced the available forage on this bottom. We have, therefore, reduced stocking rates slightly to compensate for current conditions. Two grazing permits v:ere issued for October 1 through Feb ruary 18 for the grazing of 1,35C AUMs.
B. Haying. None.
C. Fur Harvest. None.
D. Timiber Harvest. None.
E. Commercial Fishing. None. V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OR APPLIED RESEARCH
A. Goose Nesting Status on the Green River. See report in Appendix. B. Waterfowl Use of artificial Nesting Structures. Last year fifty-two single-post structures utilizing wash tubs or a wooden platform with snowfence sides were erected in three marsh units on Browns Park NWR. Early this year we put nineteen large tower structures up which could accommodate four bales of straw on top, forming a nest site. These towers were obtained from the Treasure Lake CCC in an unassembled state.. "The following table shows the use made of these various structures by ducks the first year. 25
Table 6. Waterfowl Use of Three Types of Artificial Nesting Structures, 1968
Marsh Unit Structure Type
| 21 CO O H C 0) ^ -H O EH as. Available 17 5 8 30 Hoy Marsh 16% Used 2 0 3 5 Available 5 2 5 12 Horseshoe 8% Marsh Used 0 1 0 1 Available 10 3 7 20 Spitzie Marsh 35% Used 2 2 3 7 Available 0 5 0 5 Hog Lake No Use Used 0 0 0 0 Available 0 4 0 4 River Islands No use Used 0 0 0 0 Available 32 19 20 71 TOTALS: Used 4 3 6 13 Percent 12% 15.8% 30% 18%
The gravel islands (25) placed in Hoy Marsh last fall were used as nest sites by only one pair of geese. That nest wa^s abandoned early in incubation. One of the duck nests on a snow fence structure was also abandoned for unknown reasons. An overall utilization of 18% by ducks of these structures is encouraging. Several of the structures were actually unavailable as nesting sites due to the loss of nest material from wind action. The five tov/er structures in Hog Lake were set too far from the open water areas and were partially concealed by Tamarix brush. Wet soil conditions and lack of manpower in early March prevented getting these structures properly set. Some improvements on the individual structures as to location. 26
construction, nest material and arrangement will help. We found that wheat straw, placed in the single-post structures, became very tightly compacted and probably present quite an obstacle to most ducks in forming a nest cavity. The wind action either blew too much of the loose straw materials avray,
or it formed a hard mat# We are planning to place some finer native grass material in with the straw next season. Higher side boards should also reduce loss of materials by wind.
C, Banding Xerogram. Mourning Dove: This refuge has been assigned a quota of 250 as part of the overall State dove banding program. The doves in Browns Park are not harvested locally and constitute only a small population. Larger concentrations are found along the Little Snake River some thirty miles east of the Park, One . hundred thirty-seven doves were banded this year. Eight small funnel bait traps T«/ere used to catch 124 of these, while 13 were caught in two morning's operation of three mist nets. Immature doves were first trapped on July 23,
Table 7. Doves Banded in Browns Park, 196b.
Male Female Unknown Total
Adults 49 46 10 105 Immatures _ _ 32 32 TOTALS: 49 46 42 137
Canada Geese: Waterfowl biologists of Utah Game and Fish Department initiated a banding and release program this summer in their management unit in Browns Park, Utah. They captured 45 geese on their Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and transported them to the Grouse Creek Marsh, leg-banded and re leased them. This site is approximately one and one-half miles above the Colorado state line, adjacent to the Green River, The following day, June 20, banding was to be undertaken through out Browns Park, attempting to band at least fifty Ganada geese. Three air boats were operated on the river, the geese heard them coming and only one goose was observed. We located a brood on Hog Lake and an air boat was used to capture and band five of the thirteen present. Six other geese were subsequently banded by the refuge crew as opportunity presented itself. 27 Table 8 presents the vital statistics on these geese,, Table 8, Canada Geese Leg-banded in Browns Park, 1968.
Adults Immatures Male Female Male Female Unknown 2 3 16 24 0 From Farmington Bay _ l« 6 3 1 Local geese TOTALS: 2 4 22 27 1 (56)
* Found dead on Horseshoe Bottom on July 31, 1968,
Several geese of the local flock wear standard leg bands applied elsewhere. One has been identified as banded in Yellowstone National Park,, There have been no returns as yet from the birds banded locally. We twice observed a goose with an orange plastic collar in the flock this fall. This collar had a darker (could not be identified as to color) narrow center band. The location of this banding has not been determined to date.
There have been no returns from the doves banded at Browns Park Refuge in the past three years.
Goose Nesting Observations on the Little Snake River, Colorado: A canoe trip along some fifteen miles of the Little Snake River from the Visitiner Ranch, some 5-6 miles above 318 to the County Road 10 bridge, was conducted with State Wildlife Conservation Officer Charley Brown,
Geese Observed: 25 adults, 17 young in three broods above 318 bridge, and 25 adult geese between 318 and Highway 10 bridges. The limiting factor in tills habitat appears to be food. The river itself provides little or no food. There is a very limited amount of Alfalfa growrn in this area. The major land use is grazing. This practice does maintain favorable nesting cover conditions along river banks and on islands. About ten artificial goose nesting platforms have been erected on favorable nesting islands, out haven't received any use to date. There has been some problems with horses pulling the straw bales off platforms near the Sheridan Ranch, 2d
A thorough search of the islands for nests was not conducted. One 1967 goose nest site was found on a low sandbar which would be subject to spring floods, but it apparently hatched success fully. The current population is definitely not pressed for adequate nest sites. Numerous gravel bars are available for loafing sites. It is thought that increased agricultural food production would allow a substantial increase in this goose flock. Approximately 80% of this stretch of river is visible from an adjacent county road, but public disturbance is thought to be minimal. Four ranches lie along this stretch of the river.
VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS A, Recreational Use. Trout fishing continues to be our main attraction, with a 280% increase in fishing use shown over 1967, Most of this fishing use increase occurred in that portion of the fishing public which chooses to float the river. Organized groups started coming through the refuge in July, The largest group consisted of eleven rafts and eighty people. Most of the people taking these trips were out-of-staters primarily from Utah, Generally they experienced poor fishing success. River sand bars discourage the use of motorized craft.
B, Refuge Visitors. Date Name and Title Purpose 3/4/68 Roger B, Lowry, Graduate Student Review Deer Census Logan, Utah Data 3/11/68 Neil Folks, Biologist/Manager Courtesy Browns Park Waterfowl Management Unit 3/11/68 Bob Jacobson, Wildlife Deer Winter Range Biologist, Bureau of Land Survey Management 3/11/68 Harold Overmeyer, Wildlife Deer,Winter Range Conservation Officer, Survey Colorado Game, Fish & Parks
3/20/68 Claude Hall Discuss Control Wildlife Service Trapper Program 29
3/25/68 Claude Hall Poison Egg Program Wildlife Service Trapper 3/23/68 Carrol Levitt, District Manager Range Survey Bureau of Land Management Evaluation Conference 3/23/68 Bob Jacobson, Wildlife Biologist uureau of Land Management 3/23/68 Harry Dobbs, District Supervisor Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks 3/23/68 Claude White, Big Game Biologist Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks 3/23/68 Harold Overmeyer, Wildlife Conservation Officer, Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks
3/23/68 Eldon Grier, Wildlife Conservation Officer, Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks
5/22/68 Jack R. Grieb, Statistician 'Waterfowl Production Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks Survey 5/22/68 Howard Funk, Researcher Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks 5/22/68 Dick Hooper, Researcher Colorado Game, Fish 6c Parks 5/22/68 Chuck Hayes, Game Management Agent bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
6/10/68 Frank B. Sarles, Historian Powell Centennial National Park Service 7/25/68 Rodger Lowery, Graduate Deer Study Student, Logan, Utah 7/30/68 Juan Spillett, Asst. Unit Research Projects Leader, Utah Coop. Wildlife Research Unit 7/30/68 Neal West, Range Lcologist Utah State University 30
9/16/63 ||r« and Mrs. Chester Watson Land Use Reservation Local Rancher Conference 9/l6/68 H, J. Johnson, Refuge Manager Vernal, Utah 10/3/68 J. Austin Beard, Realty Land Acquisition B.S.F. 6c W. 10/16/68 bob Jacobsen, Wildlife biologist Range Transects Bureau of Land Management
10/16/68 Mr. Applegate. Wildlife Biologist, State Office 11/1/68 Juan Spillett, Asst. Unit Leader Check-Deer Research Utah Coop. Wildlife Research Project Problem Unit Local ranchers, permittees, fishermen, sightseers, and the local Game Warden made regular visits.
C. Refuge Participation. The refuge Master Plan pamphlet was published early this year and we made extensive local distribution to increase local knowledge of the refuged existance and planned program. One slide talk was given to the Craig Kiwanis Club. One radio program was presented regarding the recreational aspects of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Manager Pearson cooperatively participated in local surveys and censuses concerning winter deer range and waterfowl pro duction; attended the inter-agency meeting to set hunting season regulations; conducted several informal discussion tours of the refuge, its operations and planned development.
Mr. Frank Sarles, historian for the National Park Service, was given a canoe ride through Swallow Canyon as part of his review of John Wesley Powell's historic trip down the Green River. He lost his car keys in an exciting moment trying to get a picture of the "typical" canyon area.
D, Hunting. Deer hunting has been permitted on this refuge since 1967. The Colorado Game, Fish and Parks Department chose to make no public announcement locally regarding the opening to deer 31 hunting last year. Therefore, few people knew that it was open. At least forty deer were known to have been harvested from the river bottomlands and adjacent benchlands within the proposed refuge boundary. Ten other deer were found that had been lost or left, (See photo.) Duck stamp sales informa tion as of November 16, 19o6 showed a fair increase over previous years at the Craig Post Office; 126, 112, 121, and 140, respectively,
E, Violations. The hog-dres^ed carcasses of two deer were found on the Archie Wilson property just below the refuge. Two other small bucks were also found shot and apparently abandoned in this same area. We surmise this to be the work of a party of "head" hunters from California. Four-point bucks were found dead in both Hog Lake and Horseshoe Bottoms—these were thought to have been wounded elsewhere to die later where found.
Several refuge boundary signs and the mail box received bullet holes in early March, inflicted by a carload of teen agers. They also shot at a local band of sheep and scared off the sheep herder, F. Safety. No lost time accidents occurred this year. The refuge's safety record now stands at 440 days. We did incur a motor vehicle accident with $150,00 damages to our stake truck. As always, haste makes waste. No personal injuries were sustained in the accident. No formal safety meetings were held. Safety consciousness was instilled in the employees through daily discussions of working hazards, with emphasis at the start of each new job. Each new employee was given a thorough familiarization on Bureau safety policies and local working conditions prior to assignment to work programs.
The station Safety Plan was submitted,
VII, OTHER ITEMS *• A, graduallhavSomItemes telepnono of f yth Interestecreepin amenitiee serviceg. towars associate, dth eBrown mainsd witParklineh, s urbaarThee n alread arelivina walgy withiarl e soonn a 32
few feet of each residence. The County Commissioners have designated the paving of County 318, which will run through the Park to the Utah State line as their number one priority road project and predict completion by 1971, ;;T e now have only thirty miles of gravel road to the end of the pavement.
The Browns Park school is operating on solid ground now with an excellent teacher, Mrs, Freddie Blevins, and an increased attendance from two in 1905-66 to five this year with many preschoolers coming.
B, Current Refuge Status in Relation to Stated Objectives. Land Status; The Browns Park NWR is planned to contain nearly 14,000 acres. This includes all of the river bottomlands along the Green River from the north boundary of Dinosaur National Monument to the Utah State line, A peripheral area of benchlands containing some 4,870 acres of Great Basin Desert habitat will add to the overall value of the refuge in providing a variety of habitat and associated wildlife for public enjoyment. Table 9 indicates current and proposed refuge lands by major land type.
Table 9, Current Land Status.
Habitat Type Current Proposed Marsh and Water 1,145 4,100 Grasslands 2,392 4,900 Upland 200 4,870
Totals; 4,037* 13,870
* This acreage includes a land reservation on 1,130 acres until April 1970,
Table 10.
Refuge Objective Current Use Use Objective 1, Goose Production 140 1,000 2, Duck Production 3,200 15,000 3, Waterfowl Hunting 4,000 4. Nature Oriented Recreation 2,500 .30,000 5, Canada Goose Migrational Use Peak 810 7,000 Use Days 110,000 600,000 6, Duck Migrational Use Peak 5,200 70,000 Use Days 978,000 4,000,000 71 Other Migratory Bird Use Some -More 8. Resident Wildlife Very Good Very Good 9, Sighing Recreation 1970 5,000 10, Conservation iiducational 1 Visitor Center Facilities Campsite Overlooks, 3 Recreational areas 33 Canada Goose Objectives; The geese are responding well to protection and habitat improvements as to total use days, but no signixicant improvements in production has yet been obtained, Further land acquisition is needed, but will not materially improve the nesting status until nest site improvements can be undertaken. To obtain a huntable population some small grain farming might be necessary. Also, current harvest data for the flock should be obtained along with improved definition of this flock's broediiig, migrating and wintering areas.
Some conflict is developing between fishermen use in iSarch and again in late summer. It is a problem of space as both fishermen and geese use the river. The problem is reduced considerably after mid-July when the geese can all fly.
Duck Objectives; The ducks are responding well to increased marsh acreages in all categories. Further improvement without Kaster Plan development can be expected as Warren, Flynn, Straddle, and Speck Bottoms are flooded. With further land acquisition the Allen Bottom and the Archie Wilson property can also be flooded easily.
Waterfowl Hunting; I feel that duck hunting could be allowed without any adverse effects in the next three to four years, when fall populations reach 10,000, Goose hunting should continue to be prohibited until local production reaches 500 or fall populations reach 3,000, and the status of this population is better understood. Goose hunting on this same flock is currently available to waterfowlers along the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers, Fishing Recreation; This is objective nine and, therefore, should be controlled to prevent conflict with the main refuge objectives. This use will easily exceed stated objectives of 5,000 man days in the next few years. The fishing season should now be reduced to a period of seven months to prevent further conflict with the nesting geese and duck populations. No fisiiing should be allowed from March 1 through July. This wrill also help to preserve continued good quality trout fishing in the Green River, This period of closure will not seriously affect fishing opportunity in northwestern Colorado due to the numerous other available areas.
Hunting of Resident Game; There has been an increase in deer hunting use this year and observations indicate that a definite safety hazard exists oetween deer hunting and fishing use. The deer are often found adjacent to the river in willow and Cottonwood groves. These hide both the deer and the fishermen 34
from the hunterfs view. Thus, we should separate these two uses to avoid someone being accidentally shot while fishing. It can best be accomplished by closing certain areas to hunting (Hoy and Nelson Bottoms) and restricting fishing to these areas during the hunting season, or restrict fishing altogether during the hunting season. Wa prefer the former as it also affords some added safety to the refuge employees and their families. One elderly hunter encountered in Horseshoe Bottom this season wasn't even able to identify a moving vehicle at approximately 400 yards,
ie anticipate the huting of Cottontail Rabbit, Chukar Partridge, Sage Grouse, and possibly Pronghorn Antelope on the refuge in the future. The hunting will have to be managed so as to insure optimum opportunity for the visiting public to see these various species during their visits to the refuge. Therefore, hunting recreational activities should be spaced far enough away from the main visitor use areas to eliminate conflicts and insure safety.
The conservation education objectives will of necessity await Master Plan development of the Visitor Center, and associated nature trails and programs.
C. Credits. The basic report was written by Refuge Manager Pearson; decoded, typed and assembled by Firs. Norma Miracle, Refuge Clerk; and reviewed by Refuge Manager H, J. Johnson. The main credit goes to the refuge crew who carried out our work program,
D, Signature. Prepared by:
Robert L. Pearson Assistant Refuge Manager
Assibtaut Regional Director-OperaUoaft Reviewed by: / - J / ft. J.^ohnsoh, Refuge Manager 35
Reviewed by;
Date 7 ^ ^ Aisistaut iwjiiu*.^ jLy^c^tOi-u i^eratiotti^
Reviewed by;
Date c 0 p Y
GOOSE PRODUCTION
in
BROWNS PKRK
1968
ANNUAL PRODUCTIVITY REPORT No. 1
Submitted by: F. Neil Folks Browns Park 'Waterfowl Management Area, Utah Fish & Game Greystone, Colorado SIMviARY OF PKKT.TMTWABY INVESTIGATIONS Productivity of wild Canada geese was studied during the 1968 breeding season on the Browns Park goose population in northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado by preliminary surveys. Productivity was determined from nest and brood surveys. The data collected represents the first known work done on the entire Browns Park goose population which breeds from the Little Hole area on the Green River in Utah to the Gates of Lodore, Colorado. Some pro ductivity work has been done on the lower segment of the goose population from Swallow Canyon in Browns Park, Utah, to the Gates of Lodore, Colorado, by the Colorado Fish and Game Commission and the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado,
A variety of habitat types were used by the nesting Canada goose. Approximately 34 per cent of all nests found were on variable gravel river bars having little vegetation on them on the upper region of the breeding range. This area is located from Little Hole to the upper end of Browns Park (around the old townsite of Bridgeport, Utah). Approximately 23 per cent of the nests were located on river silt bars with moderate vegetation cover with the nests being located along the periphery of the island. Another 23 per cent of the nests were located on islands that had heavy vegetation cover consisting of willows and salt cedar located in the lower one-half of Browns Park. Several of these nests were located from 5 to 10 feet from the periphery of the densely vegetated islands. The remainder of the nests were located in trees, on cliffs along the river (approximately 20 to 50 feet above water), on muskrat houses, or among old greasewood stands surrounded by water on the newly impounded areas.
The average size of incubated (completed) clutches was 5.13 with a range of 2 to 8 eg^s per clutch. From this preliminary in vestigation, the average completed clutch sizes observed in Browns Park in 19b8, are among the largest that have been reported in the west. Nesting success was found to be among the higher rates reported throughout western United States. The overall nesting success for the Browns Park goose population was 81 per cent. One island had seven nests located on it with only one successful nest hatched; the rest were deserted. This was Calders Island. This island was the only area found with a heavy nesting density which probably resulted in friction among the breeding pairs, rbot of the nests were within a mean distance of 20 feet of each other. The reason for a higher nesting population on this island is not readily apparent at this time. Probably cause of failure was determined for all-nests found, Destertion accounted for 15 per cent of the failures and predation for 3,78 per cent. One goose was killed on her nest and eaten, probably by an eagle, and one nest deserted because a badger dug a hole next to the nest and covered it. No known nests that were still being incubated were deserted due to our searching activities,
Egg-hatching success per clutch was not deterndned. When tne aata was collected for this report, many of the nests had already hatched. However, using the mean clutch size from Table 1 of 5.13 and the average brood size of 4,18 in Table 6, indications are that a relatively high egg—hatching success is apparent for ^rowns Park Geese,
Total production of Canada Geese in Browns Park was determined by taking brood counts shortly after the nesting season. A float trip was made on May 17-18, 1968, from the Little Hole area in Utah to the gates of Lodore, Colorado, A total of 31 broods were observed in the area for an average size of 5,94 goslings per brood. However, all broods were not seen. The float trip re vealed 43 successful nests and only 31 broods observed. Only two broods were observed with two age-classes; however, the large brood sizes observed in Table 6 are probably due to combining of two smaller broods. Even if these larger broods were split, several broods are still misjing. With the type of bank habitat that is present along the Green River in this area, parents with their young can quickly and easily move to shore and hide oefore observers can first sight them.
Using the number of successful nests that were observed during the May 17-18, 1968, float trip as an index to the total number of successful breeding pairs in Browns Park, tne calculated number of breeding pairs is 43. Utah portion had 26 pairs and the Colorado portion had 17 pairs. The overall picture shovred 53 pairs had started out with clutches and only 43 pairs had complete success in bringing off their broods.
No work was done on the mortality of the goslings from the time they left the nest until the time of the writing of this report. Respectively, F, Neil Folks Supervisor, BPWMA 5 July 1968 Table 1« Size of clutches in goose nests checked on Green River from Little Hole to the Utah-Colo, state line, Utah, 1966,
Clutch Size Clutch Frequency Frequency % 2 1 6.23 3 1 6.25 4 4 25.00 5 3 18.40 6 5 31.61 7 — 0.00 2 12.50 Total number of nests with completed clutch 16 Mean clutch size 5.13
Table 2. Fate of the Canada Goose nests found along the Green River from Little Hole, Utah, to the Gates of Lodore Canyon, Colo., 1968. AH State and Federal management units are included.
Utah Colo. 1968 No. of nests found 53
No, of nests successful 26 17 43
Precentage successful 89,47 81,13
No. of nests deserted 70.47 2 8 2 No of nests destroyed 0
1/ Of the total no, of nests found,2 four nests in Colo, were located in a tree or a cliff which made it impossible to get to the nest to check on nesting success. One nest in Utah was found in a tree and could not be checked. From weekly observations by State and Federal personnel, indications are that these nests were in cubated and hatched; however, the number of eggs hatched or left in the nests were not determined, 2/ Six nests were found abandoned on Calders Island which showed no signs of incubation. Kg^s were checked for stage of embryo develop ment and none shov/ed any signs of development. All nests vrere believed to be abaiidoned before the geese started incubation (see text suranary for reasons). Table 3. Nest hatching success; successful nests checked on May 17-18, 1968, river float trip from Little Hole, Utah, to the Gates of Lodore Canyon, Colo,
No, of eggs found abandoned in Nest frequency successful nests checked Utah Colo, 1 4 2 2 1 0
3 0 1 4 1 0
Table 4, Number of eggs found in nests with possible caused of eggs not being hatched. Data collected on May 17-18, 1968, float trip through the Utah-Colo, Green River segment from Little Hole to the Gates of Lodore Canyon,
Utah Colo.
No, of eggs found: 55 13
Possible causes of eggs being left:
(1) were abandoned before any incubation was started: 29 3
(2) were left due to direct or indirect predator destruction of the goose or her nest: 10 0
(3) were left in nests eitner dbiost hatched or as infertile eggs: 16 5 Table 5, Type of habitat selected by geese for nesting sites and number of nests found in each type, along the Green River from Little Hole, Utah to the Gates of Lodore Canyon, Colo., 1968,
Habitat type No, of nests found in each type Utah Colo, * Variable gravel river bar with sparse vegetation: 18 Silt river bars with moderate vegetation cover (forbs, grass, brush): 12 1
** Silt I'iver bars with heavy vegetation cover (willow, salt cedar): 12 Trees: (Cottonwood) 1 4 Cliffs: 1 2
Muskrat houses: 1 Greasewood islands in mgmt. units: 1 Total nests observed: 34 19
* Vegetation consisted of a dense stand of yellow and/or white sweet clover in the early stages of growth. This was thought to provide a good food source for the geese. The previous year's growth of clover was used as nesting material, ** Two nests included here were actually on Horseshoe Marsh on island like habitat under Cottonwood trees with moderate grass cover. One nest w^as in Hoy Marsh on a bare gravel island (artificial). Table 6. Number and size of goose broods observed, 196S, along the Green River from Little Hole, Utah, to the Gates of Lodore Canyon, Colo•
Data collected on my 17-18, 1963, Float trip
Size of brood Brood Frequency Utah Colo. 3 4
4 2
5 4 5
*>6 1 5
7 4
8 3
9 1
10 1 U
12
Total broods obsv. 11 20
Total goslings obsv. 46 138
Data collected prior to May 17, 1968
2 2
4 2
5 1
6 1
7 4
12 , _1
Total broods obsv. 11 -
Total goslings obsv. 63
Average brood size; May 17-18, 1968, Data 4.18 6.90
Average brood size: Prior to May 17, 1968, Data 5.72 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 1953)
WATERFOWL REFUGE browns Park MONTHS OF _ January TO April 19 65
(2) Weeks of report in g period (1) TT: W~: 57 : Febi 3 : ToT ' 7 24: h*rch 2 Specieg : 5 : 8 : 9 10 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 525 4ot> 520 564 555 526 400 406 Hi Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks: Mallard |_ Uuu I43t 1430 Black nil am. Gadwall I 316 325 290 253 211 Ml Baldpate 122 120 131 112 122. ML Pintail 63 »6 3^ _6fiL 33- 200 Green-winged teal 21$ 2L 121 .iiil. -12X Blue-winged teal 1M_ 111 Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Redhead .20. Ring-necked 0 12 16 16 4^. 4a. Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye , 146 150 Bufflehead Hi J41 Jbfik- -14L Ruddy i 11 Other Margans^r 14 2d 36 20 nooded merganser 1 It 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 Total Ducka 2203 2M)3 25^0 2567 2569 2284 2362 2451 2076 24fc7 coot; I nrr Tor ~IT5~ li,6 129 120 ITi 236 101 14d 3 -1750a Cont. NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL (Continuation Sheet)
REFUGE ttromna Part MONTHS OF TO April , 19 M 137 Weeks o f: reporting perioper d Estimated : Production (1) IF \ TTT »:Aprli 6 : 13: » TT: W waterfowl tBroods:Estimated Species 11 12 13 1U 15 16 : 11 i 18 Swans; Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 187 202 150 133 104 118 131 147 40.488 7 30 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks: Mallard U7f 1307 1300 1130 1092 850 647 547 137,639 Black Gadwall 331 110 1»5 "275 525 750 1012 650 51.146 Baldpate 110 43 45 •5 127 140 159 79 12.970 Pintail U44 1365 1600 1600 1640 1200 708 159 76.301 Green-winged teal 316 460 460 430 300 571 719 37.213 Blue-winged teal 12 34 162 Cinnamon teal 43 13 23 43 64 260 443 360 7.471 Shoveler 7 15 23 48 110 181 231. 3,393 Wood Redhead 120 106 12a 200 242 245 230 148 10.300 Ring-necked 90 136 130 432 300 170 98 13.237 Canvasback 3 5 8 6 2 217 Scaup 23 55s 460 330 216 270 6.412 Goldeneye 106 251 193 160 13f 230 u Bufflehead 11 6 18 ?23 i.iO Ruddy 16 5 2 50 95 84 1.323 37 9 2 3 1 3 1.892 1 2 140 Total Ducka: 4451 3963 4160 4231 5247 4988 4813 3319 400,898 Coot: 252 14* 223 - 384 800 1046 1046 38,353 (ov ar) 4k
4 f (5) (6) (7) Peak Number Total Production SUMMARY Total Days Use " ! Swans Principal feeding areas Green River until March : Geese 40,488 564 • 30 Hog Lake, Hoy, SpitsJLe anc1 Horseshoe Marsha a *• Ducks 400, d98 5246 : Principal nesting areas Geeset River islands, cottonwood : • Coots 38,355 : 1046 trees, cliff ledges, march islands Reported
INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. (2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations. (3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species. {h) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted. (5) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3)• (6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period. (7) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U).
Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Aug. 1952) (Other than Waterfowl) Refuge Months of January to April 30 19 «•
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Cone entration Last, Seen E reduction Total Inclusive Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Dates Number Date Colonies Nests Youns Use
I. Water and Marsh Birds: Piad-bllled urebe 1 4/9 i X IMMI 30 larad Grab* 15 4/25 15 4/25- 15 Fr II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns: Ring-billed Gull t a 4A2-25 2 4/X- 100 California Gull 35 4/12 35 4/^2 35 7c Franklin Gall 1 4/9 15© 4/25-26 45 4/^ 1000 Wilson's Phalarope 150 V2« 150 4/2o-30 150 Present 300 Avocet X 4/8 4 4/25-30 4 100 §m on Snipe I 1 4/2-30 1 30 tWIg HITI* Oowitciiex 3 3 4/8-30 3 Present 90 Yellowlegs X 4/1 14 4/ia a limMI 300 Loog-bilied Curlew 3 4/23 3 4/23 3 a Killdeer a 3/22 a 3/23 a Present 45Q Hountain Plover 2 V25 2 4/25-30 4 Present 20 (over) Li) 12} 12} lit) 122 III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove 4/15 Mi 200 Present White-winged dove IV. Predaceous Birds: m eagle Crow 15 39 3/2 19 Present 3570 Magp*e 1 4/17 1 4/17 1 4/l7 2 Ravew 4 HMMi • 3/« 2 4/25 360 2-4 PreMfit 4 2/9-3/0 2 Present 300 Turkey Vulture 1 3/31 30 15 •*resent 450 •Mil M 1 5 4/25 3 t Yesent 360 1 4 V5 J Present 400 t Present 3 2/9 3 3/« 150 3par ow Hawk 1 3/27 9 3/8 • 600 Great Homed -*d I 4 4/25 4 Present 1000 Belted Kingfisher i 4/17 1 4/1 1 4/17 2 Reported by INSTRUCTIONS (See Sec. 7532/^irariFe ReFuges'Fleld'Manul (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid ganeral terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. in addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birdc (Falccniformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen; The first migration record for the species tor the reporting period. (3) Peak Numbers: Estimated number and inclusive dates when peak population of the species occurred. (4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned. (5) Production: Estimated number of youngproduced based on observations and actual counts. (6) Total: Estimated species days use (average population X no. days present) of refuge during the reporting period. 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946) 68 Refuge iirovma Park Months of January 1 to April 30 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio cu 00 x) u U m - CO •H i c Estimated Acres 1^3 O - •H CO number Pertinent information not Cover types, total per o (o 4-1 4J § o us ing U rO CO O specifically requested. Common Name acreage of habitat Bird M E-i Percentage u o Refuge List introductions here. O 4J Chukar bb Data esti&ated tram Partridge observations asde during covering all areas within proposed refuge. Sage Grouse 35 Riiiii-neckc-d 1* Pheasant INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. tt 1*1 * I MBOftD »^ (3) YOUNG PRODUCED Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons (7) REMARKS Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested. * Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used. 3-1754 SMALL MAMMALS F6rm NR-4 (June 1945) Refuge IMMI _Year ending April 30, 1968 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Density Species Removals Disposition of Furs Total Share Trapping Popula (50 (U ^ Acres CO U PC} o «J2 o Permit Bobcat All areas 17* 15-20 Coyote All areas 3-10 fountain Lion adjacent Mountains Muskrat Orm River, Hog Laja Horseshoe, Spitsie i Hqy Marshes ird n Cottontail All areas 250 fchite tailed Jackiatablt AU upland areai 25 •Mger All 50 Striped Skunk All are^e 10 20-30 *List removals by Predator Animal Hunter REMARKS: Data included Tor all areas inside proposed refuge ar«a< • Not taken within acquired refuge lands. Reported by L. Pearson, Asst. Refuge Manager NR-4 INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-4 - SMALL MAMMALS (Include data on all species of importance in the management program; i.e., < muskrats, beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.) (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. Example: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" by H. E, Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States" by David Starr Jordan.) (2) DENSITY; Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This informa tion is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No, 7 should be used where possible. Figures sub mitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks, (3) REMOVALS: Indicate the total number under each category removed since April 30 of the previous year, including any taken on the refuge by Service Predatory Animal Hunter, Also show any removals not falling under headings listed. (4) DISPOSITION OF FUR; On share-trapped furs list the permit number, trapper's share, and refuge share. Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprime- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to institutions or other agencies should be shown in the column provided. (5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30, REMARKS: Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(s), introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested. 3-1750 Form NR-1 *CRev. March 1953) WATERFOWL REFUGE iirowns Park MONTHS OF TO August 19 <* (2) Jmm Weeks of reporting period July (1) : 19 :26 :2 :W rib :23 :30 - Species 3 : • 4 : 5 6 : 7 : 9 : 10 Swans; Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 147 150 150 121 150 156 150 138 150 155 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks: Mallard 547 550 555 560 540 522 560 589 600 550 Black Gadwall 650 400 475 392 400 402 423 449 400 400 Baldpate 79 50 30 19 20 17 35 47 20 20 Pintail 159 155 155 150 143 142 180 214 200 200 Green-winged teal 719 135 100 90 85 80 125 152 125 120 Blue-winged teal 36 40 55 b9 48 27 25 24 23 23 Cinnamon teal 36C 290 275 284 150 84 90 118 110 110 Shoveler 23 i 180 145 133 100 85 75 69 70 70 Wood Redhead 146 145 145 143 100 69 100 116 120 120 Ring-necked 96 10 10 9 7 6 Canvasback Scaup 270 120 35 4 4 Goldeneye 112 20 Bufflehead 23 6 Ruddy 84 75 50 45 35 14 30 28 30 30 Other Aa. Msrg* 3 1 Total Ducka: 3519 2176 2030 1898 1622 1452 1645 1807 1700 1645 Coots 1046 765 tMJO 857 600 365 350 335 350 375 3 .0 750a 'Cont. NR-1 (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL (Continuation Sheet) REFUGE orowne Park MONTHS OF TO August 19 ^ — 12) { (Tl— Weeks of re porting period n)— Production (1) 14 :21 2b :Broods:E stimated J 7 • 11 : 25 - 31 Estimated Species % 12 13 : Hi : 16 n1 7 : 18 waterfowl i seen : total Swans; Whistling Trumpeter Geese; Canada 165 175 175 110 115 165 110 110 19,103 23 140 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks: Mallard 525 500 475 450 376 425 475 413 63 417 46 1250 Black f Gadwall 375 350 325 300 2&1 250 MA 151 44,474 29 533 Baldpate 2Q 20 20 20 17 20 M 14 Pintail 175 175 165 160 15fl 175 200 269 21 769 21 350 Green-winged teal r 115 110 110 105 1115 120 150 173 iar676 4 100 Blue-winged teal ^5 63 55 74 150 225 300 *,(i97 I 45 100 Cinnamon teal 110 HQ HQ lit ICii if-JO 257 24,277 500 Shoveler 40 30 30 27 75 151 10.654 12 250 Wood If Redhead 100 75 ill 50 31 41 50 41 U.232 10 120 Ring-necked 616 Canvasback 2 14 Scaup 2r221 Goldeneye 5*1 Bufflehead 174 Ruddy 25 25 2Q 20 20 15 15 io 3.745 4 60 other Am. Kerg. ^ 19 Total Ducks: 1540 1450 1370 1310 1207 1395 1635 1614 206,431 171 3263 Coot: 400 450 500 550 u4d 700 600 520 65,339 (ov »0 Hi Peak Number m SUMMARY Total Days Use Total Production Swans Principal feeding areas 0 Hem. Geese turn lit ^ nII aim nn hir MMIIIIIW Ducks 3319 Principal nesting areas 208.438 Coots i04& 1284 68.339 Reported by ^ sP^€l* ^ ^ INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7^31 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. (2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations. (3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species. (li) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 1056 of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted. (£) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3). (6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period, (7) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U). Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 19^3 3-1750b UNITED STATES Form NR-IB DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Rev. Nov. 195?) FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OS SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE WATERFOWL UTILIZATION OF REFUGE HABITAT Refuge Browns Park «^ m '1,J Reported "by Title (1) (2) (3) (5) Area or Unit Habitat w Designation Type Acreage Use-days PopulatioBreeding n Production acis Uka Crops © Ducks 265.990 452 630 Bottor* Upland Geese 34.610 32 30 Marsh Swans 6 Water Coots 159,315 24C 350 Total 141C Total 459.667 1010 Spitsie Crops Ducks 213.910 412 Bottom Upland 500 Geese 24.425 31 Marsh 20 Swans 4_ Water 40 Coots 49.775 299 JQO. Total 560 Total 2*6^114 744 Horeeshoe Crops ... | Ducks 45,Ji40 210 350 Bottom Upland 37^ Geese 16 25 Marsh 20 Swans m Water 3C Coots 9,130 35 M Total 428 Total 70,199 204 435 iiarry Hoy Crops 0 Ducks 148^700 606 800 Bottom Upland 1196 Geese 1C,665 14 Marsh IM Swans — Ml - Water 20 Coots 51,066 ibi 300 Total 1550 Total 210,425 1110 liaison Crops 0 Ducks 57,000 400 600 Bottom Upland Geese 2,i<»5 ip Marsh V Swans m Water 40 Coots 9,920 IDL Total 575 Total 69,485 500 750 Flynn, Warren,Crops Ducks 178,966 158 ICS Grimes Upland Geese 9,709 16 2D BottoM Marsh Swans — w m Water Coots 31,011 24 Total Total 21V,t86 193 157 TOTAL t Crops Ducks 910,306 2308 3288 Upland Geese 97,209 lii 140 Marsh Swans 20 0 0 Water Coots 310,211 857 1284 Total Total 1,317,796 3276 4712 (over) NR-IB INSTRUCTIONS All tabulated information should be based on the best available techniques for obtaining these data. Estimates having no foundation in fact must be omitted. Refuge grand totals for all categories should be provided in the spaces below the last unit tabulation. Additional forms should be used if the number of units reported upon exceeds the capacity of one page. This report embraces the preceding 12-month period, NOT the fiscal or calendar year, and is submitted annually with the May-August Narrative Report. (1) Area or Unit: A geographical unit which^ because of size, terrain characteristics, habitat type and current or antici pated management practices, may be considered an entity apart from other areas in the refuge census pattern. The combined estimated acreages of all units should equal the total refuge area. A detailed map and accompanying verbal description of the habitat types of each unit should be forwarded with the initial report for each refuge, and thereafter need only be submitted to report changes in unit boundaries or their descrip tions . (2) Habitat: Crops include all cultivated croplands such as cereals and green forage, planted food patches and agricultural row crops; upland is all uncultivated terrain lying above the plant communities requiring seasonal sub mergence or a completely saturated soil condition a part of each year, and includes lands whose temporary flooding facilitates use of non-aquatic type foods; marsh extends from the upland community to, but not including, the water type and consists of the rela tively stable marginal or shallow-growing emergent , vegetation type, including wet meadow and deep marsh; and in the water category are all other water areas inundated most or all of the growing season and extend ing from the deeper edge of the marsh zone to strictly open-water, embracing such habitat as shallow playa lakes, deep lakes and reservoirs, true shrub and tree swamps, open flowing water and maritime bays, sounds and estuaries. Acreage estimates for all four types should be computed and kept as accurate as possible through reference to available maps supplemented by periodic field observations. The sum of these esti mates should equal the area of the entire unit. (3) Use-days: Use-days is computed by multiplying weekly waterfowl population figures by seven, and should agree with information reported on Form NR-1. (4) Breeding Population: * An estimate of the total breeding population of each category of birds for each area or unit. (5) Production: Estimated total number of young raised to flight age. Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 27580 3-1751 .Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Aug. 1952) (Other than Waterfowl-) Refuge Months of to 19 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Concentration Last Seen Preductio n Total Inclusive Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Dates Number Date Colonies Nests Young Use I. Water and Marsh Birds: , • Western Grebe 1 3/2 0 6/21 6 6/21 120 Pledkbilled Grebe 4 i rw&eni 14 8/6 8 4 12 1SC0 fared Oribm 32 iV-sent 32 :'/l-5/6 • 'resent set. 3C 2406 Great BJM Heron 4 Present 10 5/21-6/31 1 1 3 9 M onowy ii^ret 1 Present 1 5/2 1 5/2 2 Glossy ibis 13 Present 26 5/21 8 6/?l 700 Sora Rail i Present 10 5/21-7/31 4 Present 1 2 3000 II. Shorebirds, GUlls and Terns: k- ranklin Cull 10 Present 10 Vi-5/5 1 5/21 bi^ck Tern 2 o/7 3 7/10-31 1 8/6 Coamon T«m 1 1 5/21 I 5/21 3 Wilson*e Phalarope 258 Present 570 5/9-21 42 Present 25,/.uu Avocet 4 i^vsent 12 V23 12 Present 7 2000 Cammm Snipe 4 i^Tusent 25 7/2i-V30 25 Present 4000 Long-billed Dovitche]» 28 Preaeiit 28 5/1-5/15 15 Present 600 Yellowlegs 10 Resent 15 7/10-31 X Present 1000 Wlllet t Present 4 8/t-jl 4 Present 200 Spotted Sandpipers 2 V5 20 6/10-8/30 20 Prwoent 2500 Kllldeer 4 Prtsent 38 V6-31 38 present 30 6000 Black-n«cu xi MSI 3 a/8 3 8/t) 3 10 (over) ai 12) (3) III. Doves and Pigeons; -s Mourning dove 200 Pre sank 7/16-6/21 Present White-winged dove IV. Predaceous Birds: GoldRn eaglfi T.Vulturtj 15 Present 25 6/6 8 Present Dnr.k hftwk Wtrah Havk 5 Present 8 7/20-8/31 8 Hnrnpri ntfl^UU navi! 3 Present 6 7/20-8/31 t Present NflSPJfi Gok en AagXc 2 Present 3 b/6 2 Present fiflJifin Prairia Frdcor 1 a/lb 1 B/16 1 B/31 Bartow Hawk 3 Prt sent 35 6/7-8/31 8 Fluent Ctr^t homad Owl 4 msent $ 7/10-S/31 6 Pretext uurr-owing Owl 2 Pre sari t 4 5/1-7/30 1 J/6 iinun n kighthawk 3C 6/10 250 7/10-6/31 250 Present ^pio 20 Present 65 7/21-8/31 65 rresent Reported by INSTRUCTIONS (See Sec. 7532, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: Use the corroct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. in addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I, Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III, Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) / IV, Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen; The first migration record for the species tor the reporting period. (3) Peak Numbers: Estimated number and inclusive dates when peak population of the species occurred, (4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned. (5) Production: Estimated number of youngproduced based on observations and actual counts. (6) Total: Estimated species days use (average population X no. days present) of refuge during the reporting period, [ 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946) Refuge Months of to (i) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio bD V i C 4J c Estimated >-l CO — CO •H Acres (U T3 > B r-i U IX O - •H CO number Pertinent information not Cover types, total per o m 4J 4_i § u o us ing specifically requested. CO O O 4J fa Pi Common Name acreage of habitat Bird U rQ Percentage fa to Refuge List introductions here. Chukar 4 0 20u 0>MW*»el area includes Fartridg* all *rsas to b% acquire J for Browns Park Refuge. Sag* Crousa 5 c 0 65 Ibumlng Dovi 0 ii 500 King-necked 0 t 0 15 Pheasant INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types* This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may ' include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey, Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested. * Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used 3 -0750a Cont. NR-1 (Pev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL (Continuation Sheet) REFUGE Browns Park MONTHS OF Septecber TC December 19 T2) —U)— i— W e e k o f r e porting period : Production "13" Estimated (1) No vT 30 Sec. 14 21 : 28 T 31 waterfowl iBroods:E stimated Species 11 : 12 13 Hi 15 16 17 18 t seen : total Swana; days use Whistling ' 2 329 Trumpeter Geeset Canada 719 810 810 397 480 566 661 756 49.861 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks; Mallard 1289 1500 1755 1393 1170 946 910 877 129,772 Black Gadwall 851 rzv 813 566 470 389 600 751 77,363 Baldpate 21U 350 513 380 309 441 235 152 27f798 Pintail 99 175 273 37 15 17 27.981 Green-winged teal 288 350 448 ~56 80 113 85 59 53.209 Blue-winged teal 4,235 Cinnamon teal 2,149 Shoveler 300 250 134 H 12,082 Wood Redhead 120 90 70 6 6,654 Ring-necked ' 61 50 46 146 115 88 40 1 7,472 Canvasback 224 Scaup \* 20 J 15 tt 2,478 Goldeneye 213 300 360 170 105 39 60 87 10.544 Bufflehead 51 70 107 26 15 5 3.283 Ruddy 5 4 5 OtherAm* Merganser 3>- 30 23 18 16 •881 Hooded Merganser | 3 3 3 1 80 TOTAL DUCKS: 3307 3874 4534 2876 2383 1915 1951 1967 367,269 Coot: 560 250 91 4 0 0 871584 ( ov TS) Total Days Use m SUMMARI Peak Number Total Production Swans 329 31 Principal feeding areas Green River and Hog Lake, Geese 49,861 810 Ducks 367,269 4,634 Principal nesting areas Coots 87,584 2,390 ^"'Keruge Mnager INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. (2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations. (3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species. (h) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10£ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted. (5) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3)• (6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period. (7) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U). Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953 3-1750 Form NR-1 ("Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL REFUGE Browne Park MONTHS OF September TO De<;eal)er 19 68 (2) Weeks of reporting period (1) Sept. 7: 14: 21 : 28 : Oct. 5: 12 19 26: foov. Species 1 4 : 5 8 : 9 10 Swans; Whistling 3 2 9 31 Trumpeter Geese: Canada oO 85 95 100 105 448 173 517 348 405 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ducks: Mallard 493 600 700 800 1074 1100 1284 1053 9^6 1100 Black Gadwall 158 200 250 300 355 70C 1115 1058 1385 1000 Baldpate 16 40 100 120 149 220 324 252 97 150 Pintail 269 300 400 500 610 425 256 375 136 120 Green-winged teal 173 300 300 800 1257 615 501 698 650 450 Blue-winged teal 300 150 100 50 5 Cinnamon teal 257 50 Shoveler 151 100 75 50 10 75 188 146 225 Wood Redhead 49 45 40 35 35 '70 90 127 77 100 Ring-necked 5 25 45 75 i:o ai Canvasback 2 3 4 5 6 6 Scaup 144 40 30 Goldeneye 7? 1 50 Bufflehead 6 8 12 10 12 21 17 45 Ruddy 10 12 13 14 15 15 16 35 IO Other Am.. Morganse 1 3 5 Hooded Merganser 1884 TOTAL DUCKS: 1808 2199 2709 3581 3553 4101 3724 3435 Coot: 520 750 1100 1800 2390 1800 1211 719 717 600 3790 • 3-1751 •Jorm NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Aug. 1952) (Other than Waterfowb) Refuge Browns Park Months of Seoteaber to December • 1968 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Cone entration Last Seen Preductio n Total Inclusive Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Dates Number Date Colonies Nests Young Use T. Water and Marsh i, Birds: Pied-bilied Grebe 15 Present 35 9/10-15 2 11/2 450 Eared Grebe 4 Present 11 10/24 I 11/26 250 Western Grebe 1 11/15 X 11/15 7 Great Blue iter on 3 Present 3 9/1-15 1 11/22 so Sandhill Crane 7 9/27 29 9/24 29 9/26 72 Double-crested Coraorant 1 10/24 i 10/24 ' ••7 - II. Shorebirds, GUIIs and Terns: Ring-billed Gull 2 10/4 5 10/24-11/1 % 5 12/20 300 Wilson's Phalarope 25 Present 15 9/10 250 Common Snipe Present 8 10/24 8 10/24 150 Long-billed Dowitcher 18 Present 18 9/1 30 Yellowlegs 44 Present 64 9/1-20 25 10/24 1500 Avocet 12 ?/3 25 10/4 25 10/4 • 400 Misc. Sandpipers 88 Present 15 10/4 1000 Killdeer 38 Present 38 9/1-10 3 11/14 1800 >• (over) Lii (2) 161 III. Doves and Pigeons; * Mourning dove Present 1 >/l-10 9/15 70 White-winged dove IV. Predaceous Birds; Golden eagle Present 8 1/10 Present 500 Duck hawk Horned owl 4 8 0/15-12/3 6 Present 1000 Magpie 45 80 0/4-11/15 35 Present 4500 Raven i 1 9/15 7 Crow Turkey Vulture 8 Present 6 ^/l-20 6 9/20 180 Marsh Hawk 4 Present 5 0/24-11/6 4 Present 500 Red tail Hawk 2 Present 4 0/4 3 Present 450 Bald Eagle 2 1/6 3 2/5 3 Present 200 Cooper*s Hawk 1 2 2 'resent 1/15 Present 20 Sparrow Hawk 1 1 11/15 50 Belted Kingfisher 1 m 1 11/15 7 1/15 Reported by jrage Mauager INSTRUCTIONS (See Sec. 7532, Wildlife/Refyges Field Manual) (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. in addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during .the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. predaceous Birds (Falconiforme$, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first migration record for the species for the reporting period. . (3) Peak Numbers: Estimated number.and inclusive dates when peak population of the species occurred, (4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned, (5) Production: Estimated number of youngproduced based on observations and actual counts, I (6) Total: Estimated species days use (average population X no. days present) of refuge during the ' reporting period, » 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946) if . Refuge Browns Park Months of September to December , 1966 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio 60 l fi XI Estimated U (O ~ •H « ^5 (U T3 > •P O Acres 1^5 O - number Pertinent information not Cover types, total per O CO c u o us ing specifically requested. U rO O -U fa C*J Connnon Name acreage of habitat Bird & Xi o Percentage fa w Refuge List introductions here. Chukar Sagebrush-shadscale 250 Partridge benchlands. Sage Grouse 45 Ring-necked 15 Pheasant Observational records only - No specific census. Figures are for all areas within proposed refuge boundary. INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland-hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using .the refuge during the report period. This may / include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested. * Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used 3-1753 BIG GAME Form NRr-3 (June 1945) Refuge Browx^ Park Calendar Year 1968 17) (6) (8) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Estimated Species Density Tbung Removals Losses Introductions Sex Produced Total Refuge Ratio Population « c o Cover l^rpes. Total •H o At Period As of i -P U Common Name / Acreage of Habitat Number flj n 0) Source of Dee. •o 8 -P CO | •o 03 c n Greatest 31 H U CO O 1 sl o © 0) (0 Use fa crj cuu S3 Mule Deer 50 45 25 0 965 250 1:3.5 Pronghorn 10 0 ' 4 0 37 37 1:4 Antelope Elk 0 36 1 Bulls Calf Bighorn Sheep No observations this year - - •- ' - • i— f— Rtnark! i I Reported by INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-3 - BIG GAME (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name; i.e., Mule deer, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer. (2) DENSITY: Detailed date may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be 1 expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED Estimated total number of young produced on refuge. (4) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the year. (5) LOSSES: On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year. (6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured. (7) TOTAL REFUGE POPULATION: Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as of Dec. 31. z (8) SEX RATIO: Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. NR-6 Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife PUBLIC RELATIONS (See Instructions on Reverse Side) Refuge Browns Park Calendar Year 1968 H Visits a. Hunting 129 b. Fishing 1920 c. Miscellaneous 626 d. TOTAL VISITS 2675 la. Hunting (on refuge lands! 2. Refuge Participation (groups) TYPE HUNTERS ACRES MAMAfiED TW NO, OF NUMBER IN NO. Of NUMBER IN Waterfowl None TYPE OP ORGANIZATION GROUPS GROUPS GROUPS' GROUPS Upland Game .one Sportsmen Clubs Big Game 129 1800 Bird and Garden Clubs Other None Schools - Service Clubs 1 42 Number of permanent blinds ikmfi- Youth Groups Man-days of bow hunting Included above 15 Professional-Scientific Estimated man-days of hunting on lands adjacent to 3hO (Deer-100, Chukar-200, Religious Groups refuge £™ W/F-50, Raobits-30) and 1 7 lb. Fishing (area open to fishing on refuge lands) State Federal Govt, 1 | 25 Other TYPE OP AREA ACRES MILES Ponds or Lakes 0 0 . Other Activities TYPE ' NUMBER TYPE NUMBER Streams and Shores 15 Press Releases 2 Radio Presentations 1 lc. Miscellaneous Visits Newspapers Exhibits Recreation 550 Official 50 (P.R.•s sent to) TV Presentations Est. Exhibit Viewers Economic Use 16 Industrial 3-1756 (Rev. 4/63) IKSTRUCTIOINS / Item 1: Total of a, b, and c, equal d. "Visit" - definition. Any person who is on refuge lands or waters during a day or part thereof for the purpose of: hunting, fishing, bird-watching, recreation, business or economic use, official visit, or similar interest. INCLUDE - those who stop within the refuge while traveling on a public highway because of an interest in the area. EXCLLDH - persons engaged in oil or other industry .hot directly related to the refuge, persons using refuge as most direct route or principal avenue of traffic, and those boating on navigable rivers or the Intercoastal Canal, unless they stop to observe wildlife on the refuge. Computing visits. "Where actual counts-are impractical, "sampling" is used with midweek and week end samples varied by season or weather. A conversion factor of 3*5 (of passengers per car) is used when accurate figures are not available. Each refuge will develop a conversion factor for boats based on range of usage. Count a camper once for each 2U-hour period or fraction thereof. Item la: Acres - of refuge open for each type of hunting. Managed hunts require check in and out of hunters, issuance of permits, or assignment of blinds. Other - INCLUDE crow, fox, and similar hunting. Lands adjacent to refuge. Normally considered within 1 mile or less of boundary, unless established sampling procedures cover a wider area. For big game hunting, the distance may be greater. Item lb: Acres of streams open to fishing, if practical; otherwise just miles open. Infomaation on "shores" is primarily for coastal fishing. Item lc: Recreation. INCLUDE photography, observing wildlife, picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, visitor center use, tours, etc. TOTAL Recreation, Official, and Economic.Use visits under Item 1. Industrial. INCLUDE persons engaged in industry, i.e., oil industry or factories. EXCLUDE these from Item 1. Item 2: HICVJSQ the "On Refuge" groups in Items lc and 1. In "Off Refuge" column include only those group meetings in which refuge employees actually participate. EXCLUDE these from Items lc and 1. Item 3: Exhibits - INCLUDE displays, fairs, parades, and exhibits OFF the refuge; EXCLUDE those ON. 31902 3-1757 (1) Form KR-7 NONAGRICt xURAL COLLECTIONS, RECEIPTS, AKL HUNTINGS (Rev. June I960) Collections and Receipts Plantings (Seeds, rootstocks, trees, shrubs) (Marsh - Aquatic - Upland) Amount Amount (2) (3) Rate of Planted (Lbs•, C Method Total Seeding (Acres or Amount and bus., ' or or Amount Location of or Yards of Nature of Cause Species etc.) R Date Source Cost on Hand Area Planted Planting Shoreline) Propagules Date Survival of Lo? Scirpus 15 Aug- Hand $15.00 15 lb. Seeds americanuS 3ept. Crested 100 Pachas sd #1. Hoy-south end lOlb/A. 10 acres Mixture 10/16 Wheatgras 100 lbs. Sodar 100 #2. Hoy-west end 15 lb/A 10 acres Mixture 10/21 V/heatgras I 150 lbs. Kentucky 200 #3. Hoy-north end 10 lb/A 10 acres Mixture 10/22 Bluegrass 100 lbs. IntenaediAte10 0 #4. Hog Lake- 15 lb/A 10 acres Mixture 10/23 Wheatgrasi \ west end 150 lbs. Scirpus Hog Lake Margjjn 300 yds. Seeds and 7/20 acutus @ South and east seedheads sides (1) Report agronomic farm crops on Form NR-8 Remarks: (2) C « Collections and R = Receipts (3) Use WS" to denote surplus Total acreage planted: ^ar.sr.ar.shn anda aquatic ______hedgerows, cover patches Food strips, food patches' Forest plantings _____ 7(114* 3-1758 Fdnn NR-8 Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Wildlife Refuges (Rev. Jan. 1956) CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING Refuge_ lirnvma Park County Ifoffat .. State Colorado J [ Permittee's Government's Share or Return Green Manure, Cultivated Share Harvested Harvested Unharvested Total Cover and Water Crops Acreage fowl Browsing Crops Total Grown Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Type and Kind Acreage Fallow Ag. Land No. of Permittees: Agricultural Operations_ -ft. Haying Operations Q Grazing Operations 2- Hay - Improved Tons Cash GRAZING Number AUM'S Cash ACREAGE (Specify Kind) Harvested Acres Revenue Animals Revenue 1. Cattle 373 1350 $445.50 3834 2. Other 1. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation 0 Hay - Wild 2. Acreage Cultivated as Service Operation 0 0 0 0 NR-8 DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops which were planted during the calendar year and for haying and grazing operations carried on during the same period. Separate reports shall be furnished for Refuge lands in each county when a refuge is located in more than one county or State. Cultivated Crops Grown - List all crops planted, grown and har vested on the refuge during the reporting period regardless of purpose. Crops in kind which have been planted by more than one permittee or this Service shall be combined for reporting purposes. Permittee's Share - Only the number of acres utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. Report all crops harvested in bushels or fractions thereof except such crops as silage, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and hay, which should be reported in tons or fractions thereof. Government's Share or Return - Harvested - Show the acreage and number of bushels harvested for the Government of crops produced by permittees or refuge personnel. Unharvested - Show the exact acreage and the estimated number of bushels of grain available for wildlife. If grazing is made available to waterfowl through the planting of grain, cover, green manure, grazing or hay crops, estimate the tonnage of green food produced or utilized and report under Bushels Unharvested column. Total Acreage Planted - Report all acreage planted, including crop failures. Green Manure, Cover and Waterfowl Grazing Crops - Specify the acre age, kind and purpose of the crop. These crops and the acreage may be duplicated under cultivated crops if planted during the year, or a dupli cation may occur under hay if the crop results from a perennial planting. Hay - Improved - List separately the kinds of improved hay grown. Annual plantings should also be reported under Cultivated Crops, and perennial hay should be listed in the same manner at time of planting. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation - Report total land area devoted to agricultural purposes during the year. .V. 3-1979 (NR-12) Refuge (9/63) Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Browns P&tk ANNUAL REPORT OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION Proposal Number Reporting Year INSTRUCTIONS; Wildlife Refuges Manual, sees. 3252d. 3394b and 3395. 1968 Location Total Total Amount Carrier Method Date(s) of List of Chemical(s) of Area Acres of Application of Application Target Pest(s) Used and Treated Treated Chemical Applied Rate Rate Application (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) 8/20-27 Tamarix galicia Snail scattered 60 2,4,5-T 40 gallons 2.7 lb Diesel Power 9/13 4 16 stands in Warren, Trichlorophenoxy ai/acre Fuel - Sprayer Flynn, and Speck acetic acid 10 gal/ bottoms, and small acre. area near Hog Lake pumpsite. 10. Summary of results (continue on reverse side, if necessary) Dates of Application: August 20-28, September 13 and 16, 1968. First hainfall: 8/23, .02"; 8/27, .01"; 9/13, .02"; 9/15, .02"; 9/21, .05"; 10/7, .12"; 10/15, .34". Rainfall was considered insignificant to operation up to October 7. Date of First Observation: September 1 - Leaves shriveled and darker green than untreated plants. September 14- First areas treated showed complete defoliation of Tamarix. The understory of salt grass looked unaffected and forbes were turned black with curled tope. Percent Apparent Kill: ll/4 - Approximately 99% defoliation of plants of target species in treated areas. Percent regrowth will be examined in spring of 1969 to determine real kill. Costs: Chemicals $440.00, Diesel Fuel' $84^00, Equipment $200.00, Labor $460.00, Total $1,184.00. Cost per acre $19.73. Note: High winds occurred on the final day of spraying in Speck and Hog Lake areas, which may have decreased the application rate/plant in these areas* 35 500 Welcome to Browns Park Refuge. This sign was erected at our entrance road some two miles from headquarters along County Road 10« The Ouray Refuge crew is to be thanked for the fine job they did on making the main sign board portion. SIR \\V The refuge road "system" through Horsesnoe (J. S. Hoy) Bottom was improved in several places. This picture denotes the wider and graded roadway into the bottom from the southeast. The road was relocated, widened, graded, culverts installed. Note the drain ditch in the upper left which was dug this fall. Part of a river channel slough was used for a drain. Here the road crosses high and dry instead of with a splash, and water level management is improved with the canal check structure installed. One of the long-term problems involved with the Green River is bank erosion. The upper end of Horsesnoe is shown where years of wind/wave action has carried several acres of the bottomland downstream. Work projects this year involved bank stabilization. Two sites and two types used are shown here - rock jetties and pilings and retention fence with riprap. The D-4 got a little close and had to be pulled back. Bank stabilization at Horseshoe pumpsite before rock fill. River at low elevation. r Flood ditches into liog Lake, Horseshoe, Hoy and Spitzie were given additional attention whereby the old spoil ridges were flattened out to allow easier ditch cleaning and additional access. Cottonwood trees in several areas were removed to improve ditch cleaning operations. Four test plantings were drilled with grasses: Western Wheat, Sodar Wheatgrass, Intermediate Wheatgrass and Kentucky Blue grass using Utah Game and Fish drill. Alsike and Strawberry Clover and Alfalfa will be hand broadcast into these plots next spring. The object being to find what species does best in which soil type and condition, with hopes for utilization as food by geese and nesting cover improvement for ducks. This goose hunting Florida bank president scored well on private lands below the refuge wnichwill be included in the refuge. Ducks, geese, deer, Chukar, rabbit, were all available at the same time in the Park, Small dike/road fill work in Horseshoe Marsh unit to provide year round access and improved water level control of the main marsh unit. Cattail growth in Horseshoe Marsh unit. This plot had stem count of 347 within the 15-foot square. Seedheads vrere re moved prior to mowing and reflooding. c iyiaiii access road to Hog Lake was washed out following a heavy thundershower in the benchland. A 24" C.M.P. was installed here. River float trips burgeoned this summer with 400 people recorded. July saw 175. Tnis recreational activity was hardly recorded last summer, vie were hosts to 76 wet and cold Utah youths and chaperones one Saturday night. Hot showers and dry clothes were provided on two occasions. People fail to judge travel time on this river. Our pilings near the house provide raft docking sites. Drying rafts and loading. Horseshoe Bottom (J« S, Hoy) was the site of much of our work program this summer and fall, A camping area was irar- proved along the narrow section between the bench and the river at the lower left, A trash pit site was developed in a side ravine, lower center. Water control structures, drain ditches and an access road over some low dike fill areas and the removal of additional tons of dead Cottonwoods about fixes this unit up for production until Master Plan develop ment funds become available. One of two Canada Goose nests located on Horseshoe Marsh, This site has water on three sides. She hatched 5 of 6 eggs, The other nest produced 6 of 6 and the same site was used in 1967, These geese have a very strong nest site attachment and generally nest in the same spot (1 2-3 feet) year after year. Tills makes nest surveys easy, except when you want to count eggs - in trees or rock ledges. Canada Goose in cubating eggs some 35 feet up in this Cottonwood tree in- an abandoned Redtail Hawk nest which produced 2 Redtails in 1967. Spitzie Marsh in background. Note floating algae mats. 5ft M> Elk hunting is the king of Colorado big game, and Colorado harvests 13,000 of these animals annually. This bull was one of 36 which spent springtime grazing new grass along the meadows of Beaver Creek, The refuge acquired title to this property this fall. Deer winter range adjacent to Browns Park Refuge was examined by four State and Federal agencies to plan what action could be taken to alleviate the deteriorating range conditions. Pictured are biologists, managers and wildlife conservation officers for BLM, Colorado Game, Fish and Parks Department, and National Park Service,and the refuge also participated•. Floating in style and comfort. These ardent fishermen were looking for new and unmolested fisidng waters as the crowd upstream in Utah was growing too big. We did enjoy the side shows occasionally performed by the wondering weekenders. Fishing use tripled this year as the word got around that Rainbow trout fishing was good with occasional four-pounders caught. This H pound Rainbow wouldn't fit the creel. Only deer hunting was allowed in the Browns Park Refuge this year. This buck, along with six other bucks and one doe, were" casualties of the deer hunt on the river bottoms. How many others, we don't know. Only two were obviously abandoned, hog-dressed and then left.