N1N1GRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX NIN1GRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SALT MEADOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TRUSTOM POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
CHARLESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
CALENDAR YEAR 1984
I U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEW AND APPROVALS
NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX
Charlestown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1984
SUaJL^-' Refuge Supervisor Date
3/au — t . ^ ; • Regional Offic^Approval Date
!
5 f:
r NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Charlestown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1984
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 1
INTRODUCTION
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1971, is located in Charlestown, Rhode Island, approximately 30 miles south of Providence. The refuge contains 407 acres and borders Ninigret Pond, a salt pond located behind a barrier beach and open to Block Island Sound via a breachway.
The refuge comprises a diversity of habitat types. Grassland, forest, shrubland, wooded swamp and barrier beach combine to create an interspersion and diversity of resources for many wildlife species. The refuge contains approximately 3 miles of shoreline on Ninigret Pond and provides habitat for numerous waterfowl species. Black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, and diving ducks winter in large numbers on the pond. Bald and golden eagles, ospreys, and many other raptors can be observed on the refuge. Common terns breed on a refuge island in the pond.
Visitor use is greatest during the summer months from tourists seeking the cool shore breezes and ocean water. Environmental education programs are conducted jointly with the Frosty Drew Nature Center. TABLE OE CONTENTS Page
A. HIGHLIGHTS 4
B. CLI MAT IC CON D I TIONS 5
C. LAND._ ACQUISITION 6
1. Fee T i tie Northing tom Report 2 *. Easements! " " ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ " " ! " ^ »'^pprt 3. Other 6
D. PLANNING 6
1. Master Plan ^ 2: Management Plans 3. Public Participation Not_hing_ to^ Report^ 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 5. Research and Investigations ® 6 Other Nothing to Report
E. ADMIN[STRATION
1. Personnel 9 2. Youth Programs _ H 3. Other Manpower Programs Npthing^ to^ Repprt^ 4. Volunteer Programs .t.0. 5. Funding 5. Safety 7. Te chn i ca1 Assistance P.0. PPP.rP.. 8. Other 12, 13
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 13
1. General 33 2. Wetlands PPP^PP. Pp. PPPPPJQ 3. Forests PPPPiPP. PP. P.ePP.rP. 4. Croplands !. PPPPiPp! PP. PPPPPP. 5. Grasslands 33 6. Other Habitats Nothing, to. Repgrt. 7. Grazing Nothing, to. Report. 8.* Haying. ^ ^ ! Nothing; to*. Report". 9. Fire Management Npthing^ to. Report. 10. Pest Control Ngp^ipp. PP. PpPPfP, 11. Water Rights Nothing. tg. Repgrt. 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Ngthing.tg.Repgrt. 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nohting. to. Repgrt.
G. WI LDLIFE 14
1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 3. Water low! 3
4. Marsh and Water Birds Nothing ,to .ReBQrt 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species.Nothing.to Report 6. Raptors 16 7. Other Migratory Birds 16 8. Game Mammals Nothing .to .Report 9. Marine Mammals .NQhhtngatQ .Ropott 10. Other Resident Wildlife Nothing .to .Report 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing .to .Report 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking..Nothing .to .Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing .to .Report 34. Scientific Collections Nothing .to .Report 15. Animal Control Nothing .to .Report 16. Marking and Banding .Nothing .to .Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control No.thing .to .Report
H. PUBLIC USF 16
1. General 16 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Noth.in.g .to. Jlep.o.r.t 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Not hi n.g. to. Report. 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 18 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing, to. Report. 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations.Nothing, to. Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs Nothing, to. Jfeppr.t. 8. Hunting Nothing, to. Report. 9. Fishing Nothing, to. Repppt. 10. Trapping Nothing, .tp. Report. 11. Wildlife Observation Nothing, to. Report. 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing, to. Report. 13. camping Nothing, to. Report. 14. Picnicking Nothing, to. Report. 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing, to. Report. 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented RecreationNothing. to. Report 17. Law Enforcement 18 18. Cooperating Associations Nothing, to. Report. Concessions Nothinggto. Report. Other Programs 18 I - EQUI PMENT,. AND FAC 1 L 1T1 E5S 19
1. New Construction '.19 2. Rehabilitation 20 3. Major Maintenance Nothing.to. Report. 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 20 5. Communications Systems Nothing. to . Report. 6. Computer Systems Nothing .to . Report. 7. Energy Conservation Nothing. to .Report . 8. other Nothing .to .Report.
J • QTHER ITEMS 20
1. Cooperative Programs 20 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing .to .Report . 3. Items of Interest Nothing .to .Report . 4. Credi ts 20
K. FEEDBACK 20 4
A. HIGHLIGHTS
The Hunter's Island land exchange was completed in July with the Service Receiving a 4.69 acre inholding for 1.62 acres of commercially zoned property bordering U.S. Route 1. The Service also obtained a wetland easement on 0.68 acres of the 1.62 acres exchanged.
Assistant Refuge Manager James Wood, who had spent 7 years at this station, transferred to Erie National Wildlife Refuge in August.
Charles Blair transferred from the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge in Galena, Alaska in May to fill the Manager's position left vacant since December 1983.
The first maintenance position, a temporary full time WG-7, was filled in August by Charles Smith.
Construction of an access road to the refuge from U.S. Route 1 began in November.
A program evaluation on Ninigret and all satellite units was conducted in August.
In September, Congress authorized the creation of the Connecticut Coastal National Wildlife Refuge to be administered by this office. 5
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The nearest weather station is located approximately 11 miles northeast of the refuge headquarters in Kingston, at the University of Rhode Island. Weather information recorded there is used in this report.
Temperatures and precipitation were both above normal for the year.
The average temperature was 50.7oF, which was the same as the 1983 average. This is well above the normal; in part due to an unusually warm February and December.
The low temperature of -210F was recorded on January 21. A cool spring was followed by a warmer than usual summer with the year's high temperature of 93 F being recorded on June 8. Warm weather continued the rest of the year except for a cool spell in late September/early October. In December a record-breaking temperature of 680F was recorded on the 29th.
After above normal precipitation during the first half of the year, the last half was relatively dry. Overall precipitation was 5.85 inches above normal with a total of 54.3 inches for the year. Only 22 inches of snow were recorded due to a rainy February and an almost snowless December.
The planting of crops was delayed by a wet and cool spring. Adequate rainfall during the early part of the growing season favored cool season crops such as hayfields and pastures. High humidity in August contributed to an increase in disease. Moisture stress was apparent in some crops on light sandy soil, but for the most part it was a good year for farm crops, gardens, and recreation.
SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND PRECIPITATION DATA. 1984 MONTH TOTAL DAYS OVER DAYS OVER SNOWFALL 1NCHES 10 INCHES 50 INCHES 1 INCHES) JAN 2 . 94 6 3 11.4 T"1 FEB 6 . 77 9 4 MAR 5.50 8 3 8 . 5 APR 4.32 5 4 - MAY 8 . 42 1 3 2 - JUN 6.52 7 4 - JUL 7.03 1 2 5 -
AUG 1.09 2 1 - SEP 2.02 6 1 - , OCT 3 . 77 7 3 - NOV , 2.02 4 1 - DEC 3.94 8 2 , , 2- 0 TABLE 1 6
SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND TEMPERATURE DATA FOR 1984 f 0F) MONTH AVG DEP MEAN MEAN EXTREMES MAX MIN MAX MIN JAN 26 . 3 -1.9 36.1 16.5 53 - 2 1 FEB 37,6 8 . 2 47.0 28.1 58 1 MAR 32.6 -4.2 41.2 24.0 53 - 1 APR 46.3 -0.2 56.5 36.0 73 24 MAY 55.8 0 66.9 44.6 74 32 JUN 67.8 3 . 1 79.1 56.5 93 42 JUL 70 . 6 0 . 5 80.9 60 . 3 88 49 AUG 72 . 0 2 . 8 81.9 62.1 88 46 SEP 60.1 -2.1 72.5 47.6 83 34 OCT 55.6 3 . 3 66.6 44.5 78 23 NOV 44.7 1 . 9 55.1 34.4 68 1 7 DEC 38.7 6 . 4 49.7 27.6 68 1 3
TABLE 2
C. LAND ACQUISITION
3. Other
A land exchange between the Service and the Arnold Trust transferred 1.62 acres of Refuge land for 4.59 acres of land owned by the Trust. In addition, the Service obtained a wetland easement on 0.58 acres of the 1.62 acres transferred. The exchange eliminated an inholding on the refuge known as "Hunter's Island" and resolved the issue of a right-of-way through the refuge. The 1.62 acres that the refuge exchanged is located on U.S. Route 1 and is in a commercially zoned area.
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan
Master Planning of the Southern New England Refuges, earmarked for fiscal year 1984, was initiated late in the year for the Ninigret NWR Complex. The effort will result in the estab lishment of long-range management strategies to meet present and planned refuge objectives and goals. The planning process will involve a comprehensive resource inventory and analysis to identify objectives based upon documentation of refuge natural resources, public use needs and concerns, and other factors. 7
Ninigret NWR Master Planning was initiated in August 1984 with an orientation visit from Curt Laffin and Mary Parkin (RO Planning) on August 10. The first formal stage of Master Planning occurred in the fall with Ann Hecht (RO Planning) assuming the responsibility of coordinating the process for Southern New England Refuges.
Three Master Planning meetings were held in November, 1984. The Refuge Manager and Assistant Refuge Manager traveled to the Regional Office on November 8th, the North Attleboro Fish Hatchery on the 14th, and to Great Meadows NWR on the 28th to discuss and document issues related to the planning process. A draft action plan with a projected 18 month target completion date was developed.
The bulk of the planning effort will be focused on Ninigret, Trustom Pond, Sachuest Point, and Salt Meadow. The units will require a full public involvement plan with a full range of planning alternatives.
As of this writing, the first phase of master planning is half completed. Tasks completed to date include: Identification of refuge goals, completion of unit-specific issues study papers, compilation of current and potential refuge outputs, prioritization of outputs, and preliminary evaluation of base map specifications for refuge resource mapping. Work elements slated for completion in fiscal year 1985 include aerial cover- type mapping, public scoping meetings, preparation of news releases and drafting of unit-specific Master Plan environ mental assessments.
The Master Planning effort for the Connecticut Coastal NWR has been delayed due to limited staff time combined with a lack of information on existing wildlife resources, habitat conditions and public use levels and needs. Block Island NWR, due to its small size, remote location and lack of opportunity for active management practices will not be included in the Master Planning effort (see Block Island, Section D., Planning, (1) ) .
2. Management Plans
Fire management plans for all 5 refuge units under this office were updated and submitted to the Regional and Washington Offices for review.
4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates
In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preser vation Act o*f 1966, as amended, and the Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974, a survey was required to determine the significance of a 0.62 acre parcel slated for a land exchange at Ninigret NWR. On May 15, 1984, the Region 6 Historian/Archeologist, Greg Rowlett, accompanied by the Region 5 Historic Preservation Officer and refuge staff, conducted a pedestrian survey and subsurface testing of the parcel. Though small, the site lies within close proximity to an identified 8
Natural Register site, the Foster Cove National Historic Site, a late woodland campsite (ca. 1000 - 1600 AD). No evidence of cultural material was encountered and a determination was made that the land exchange would have no impact on cultural or historical resources.
5. Research and Investigations
a.) Ninigret NWR - "Comparative Analysis of Growth in Bay Scallops from Southern Rhode Island", Project No. 84-04 NCR.
A continuation of the scallop study begun in August 1983 by researchers from the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island utilized the resources of Ninigret Pond. To better detail the rate at which local bay scallops grow, monthly samples were taken to provide a record of weights and anatomical measures of growth. Sampling will continue to follow the second year growth of the year class sampled in 1983-84 and to obtain second year's data on maturation rates.
b.) Ninigret NWR - "Energetics of Symbiotic Chemoautotrophic Bacteria in a Marine Bivalve (Solemya velum) and its Role in the Sulfur Geochemical Cycle", Project No. 84-03 NGR.
This study of Solemya velum, a common Atlantic clam ranging from Nova Scotia to Florida, is based on both field studies of the population density, growth rate, and life cycle in Ninigret Pond, and guantitative measurements of energy inputs, outputs, and food consumption in controlled laboratory conditions. Research will enable the development of a species energy budget to understand its role in the sulfur cycle of shallow water ecosystems. The study will also provide a better understanding of the energitics of recently discovered deep sea vent organ isms which possess similar nutritional strategies.
c.) Ninigret NWR - " Breeding Ecology of the Eastern Yellow- Breasted Chat, (Icteria virens)". Project No. 84-01 NGR.
The purpose of this study was to research the breeding ecology of Icteria virens within one of its only known breeding loca tions in Rhode Island. According to the researchers sources, the chat had not been documented nesting in Southern Rhode Island until 1983 when three pair were observed at Ninigret NWR. Study objectives included locating breeding pairs, deliniating territories of singing males, determining terri torial size and vegetative composition of breeding habitat and recording courtship behavior. 9
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex experienced a complete turnover in staff from December 1983 to December 1984.
Iris Zwillman entered on duty as Assistant Refuge Manager on January 9th. Prior to this appointment. Iris served as a Staff Wildlife Biologist in the Technical Services Division of the Division of Wildlife Resources, Office of Program Support and Staff Services, Twin Cities Regional Office.
On April 27th, Robert Garabedian completed his temporary appointment as Biological Technician at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Bob served 4 years of temporary service at the refuge. After a brief assignment at the Iroquois Job Crops Center, he is now an Assistant Refuge Manager Trainee at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey.
Lisa Hansen entered on duty on May 17th to serve as a temporary Biological Aid at Trustom Pond NWR for the summer season. During her summer employment, Lisa patrolled Moonstone Beach to help protect the nesting least terns and piping plovers, and provide information to the visiting public. Lisa also provided maintenance for the refuge lands, assistance to the YCC camp, and conducted weekly wildlife censuses at Trustom Pond, Ninigret and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuges. Lisa was re-hired and entered on duty on October 29th for a temporary, one year appointment.
Charles Blair began his appointment as Refuge Manager on May 29th. Charles transferred to the Ninigret NWR Complex from an Assistant Refuge Manager position at the Nowitna National Wild life Refuge in Galena, Alaska.
Charles B. Smith began his one-year appointment as temporary Maintenance Worker on August 14th. Charlie's expertise and hard work in all phases of building, equipment, and grounds mainten ance have meant tremendous changes for the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
On August 28th, Assistant Refuge Manager James Wood left the refuge for a lateral transfer to Erie National Wildlife Refuge. During the absence of a Refuge Manager from December 12, 1983 to May 29, 1984, Jim served as Acting Refuge Manager. Jim served as Assistant Refuge Manager here for over 7 years.
The following table illustrates refuge staffing for the last five fiscal years. 1. Charles W. Blair, Refuge Manager, GS-11, EOD 5/29/84 2. Iris J. Zwillman, Asst. Refuge Manager, GS-9 EOD 1/9/84 3. Sharon M. Choquette, Refuge Secretary, GS-5 EOD 12/12/83 4. Charles B. Smith, Maintenance Worker, WG-7 EOD 8/14/84 5. Lisa A. Hansen, Biological Aid, GS-3 EOD 5/17/84 11
NINIGRET NATIONAL W1LDL1FE REFUGE COMPLEX
STAFFING FOR THE LAST FIVE FISCAL YEARS FI SCAL PERMANENT PE RMANENT TEMPORARY YEAR FULL TIME PART TIME 19 8 0 2 1 0 19 8 1 2 1 3 19 8 2 2 1 I 19 8 3 2 1 2 19 8 4 3 1 2 TABLE 3
2• Youth Programs
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex hosted two Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) camps this year. One camp consisted of a Group Leader, Group Aid and 15 enrollees who worked at the Trustom Pond unit in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The other camp consisted of a Group Leader and 10 enrollees who worked at the Salt Meadow unit in Westbrook, Connecticut. Both camps experienced problems with payroll processing under the brand-new Pay/Pers system and the lack of adequate refuge staffing to closely monitor camp activity. For more detailed information, please refer to the Salt Meadow and Trustom Pond, E. Administration, 2. Youth Programs sections.
5. Funding
Funding for the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex is broken down by fiscal year in the following table:
NINIGRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX FUNDING BY ACTIVITY FOR THE LAST FIVE FISCAL YEARS ACTI V ITY FYS 0 FY 8 I FYS 2 FY 8 3 FY 8 4 12 10 53,000 70,000 7 5 ,0 0 0 7 6 ,0 0 0 12 2 0 3,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 12 4 0 3 3 ,0 0 0 3 9 ,0 0 0 3 3 ,0 0 0 3 3 ,0 0 0 12 6 0 184,000 TOTAL ^89.000 $1 11 .000 S 1 1 0 . 0 0 0 S 1 I1 . 0 0 0 $184,000
TABLE 4
The Ninigret NWR Complex budget for fiscal year 1984 was $184,000. The amount actually spent for the fiscal year totalled $219,000, $35,000 over budget. Reasons for the over spending include the unplanned addition of an Assistant Refuge Manager position, and relocation expenses for both managers that came on board this year. 12
6. Safety
In addition to on-site instruction, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) enrollees also received a formal classroom session on first aid. There were a total of 5 accidents at the YCC camps this year: 2 cases of poison ivy, 1 case of Lyme disease, 1 sprained toe, and 1 enrollee that had to have a particle removed from her eye.
In May 1984 over 500 military armaments were found on the Ninigret NWR. Although the bombs did not have live fuses, their presence still posed potential hazards to the visiting public. The state bomb disposal team was contacted, and they removed and disposed of them. Station safety plans have been updated to include necessary precautions in dealing with military ordnance found on former military lands.
8- Other, Field Station Evaluation
The Ninigret NWR Complex received a "Field Station Evaluation" by Region 5 Planning Chief Curt Laffin and Concord, N.H. Wildlife Assistance Supervisor Rene Bollengier during a three-day visit in August 1984. General issues addressed included proper identification of refuges on state maps, location of a refuge headquarters site, understaffing, excessing property, acquiring a data processing system, and general law enforcement issues.
Issues addressed concerning the Ninigret NWR include runway rehabilitation, live ammunition sites, and hazardous waste sites.
All addressed issues have been assigned to staff members of the Ninigret NWR Complex, Region 5 Wildlife Resources staff and our Master Planning Team.
The issues addressed concerning Trustom Pond, Sachuest Point, Salt Meadow and Block Island NWR's are discussed in sections E. Administration, 8. Other, for each unit.
8• Other, Training
Assistant Refuge Manager Iris Zwillman participated in the following training activities this year: A Region-wide A-76 training program held in Boston, (and was subsequently assigned to an A-76 review team to evaluate the public involvement program at TinicSm National Environmental Center in Philadelphia, PA) February 21 - 24, a 1 day Park Service Volunteer Training session at Boston, MA in April, a 12 week Federal Law Enforce ment Training Center pnogram at Glynco, GA from July through September, a 2 day seminar titled "Marine Mammal Strandings" at Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, CT in November, and finally a 3 day USFWS "Managing Public Awareness Programs on Field Stations" at Leetown, WV in December. 13
Assistant Refuge Manager James Wood participated in the Law Enforcement Refresher training at Richmond, VA in March and also attended the Park Service volunteer training in April.
Refuge Manager Charles Blair participated in the Mystic Marinelife Aguarium training on "Marine Mammal Strandings", and also obtained Pesticide Application Certification by attending a State of Rhode Island training session, along with Maintenance Worker Charles Smith.
Refuge Secretary Sharon Choquette attended the regional training, in March, in preparation for the change-over to the Pay/Pers system.
8 - Other, Office Space
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex headquarters was relocated in July from its existing space to larger space in the same building. The new space is larger and provides more work area for the growing staff.
Along with the additional space we acquired additional problems including (but not limited to): no soap or paper products, inadequate cleaning services, heating, lighting and electrical problems, and necessary repair of an unsafe furnace flu located in the center of the office space. Most of the problems have been remedied, but only after the involvement of GSA personnel. We are still awaiting adequate lighting.
In an attempt to comply with the GSA lease requirements, the landlord inquired to find out the GSA specifications for toilet paper softness.
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1. General
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge contains a diversity of habitat types ranging from barrier beach, salt marsh, wetlands, grassland, wooded swamps and shrubland. The variety of habitats provide important breeding, feeding and resting areas for many wildlife species. Intensive management of the 407 acre area has not occurred to date but the potential for major improvements exists.
5. Grasslands * The management effort to date at Ninigret has been the mainten ance of grasslands and the creation of a diversity of habitat types. Approximately 45 acres of land are maintained as grass land for passerine and waterfowl use. Future plans will include the clearing of additional shrub and brush land for conversion into grassland. 14
G. WILDLIFE
2 • Endangered Species
On January 11, Special Agent Clyde Bolin was called to investigate the shooting of a year old male bald eagle. The eagle was shot in the wing at nearby Quonochontaug Pond in Westerly, RI. Dr. J. Lawrence Dunn, a local veterinarian, was given custody of the eagle to nurse it back to health. In March, after the eagle escaped from its pen and broke its wing again, it was fit with a titanium tube prosthesis. The wing finally healed and in April the eagle was turned over to local raptor expert and master falconer Bob Hinckley. For several weeks Hinckley exercised the bird to allow its muscles to strengthen. He also gave it practice in diving for food so the bird could relearn how to hunt. By May the bird was ready for release. Assistant Refuge Manager Iris Zwillman and Bob Hinckley transported the recovered eagle to Quabbin Reservoir in Central Massachusetts. A light-weight radio transmitter was attached to its tail feathers so its movements could be moni tored for a few months. The last it was seen before the trans mitter fell off was in Concord, New Hampshire, in August.
2 - Waterfowl
Fifteen species of: waterfowl were observed on the refuge and its adjacent waters this year. Numbers were up from the last two years, possibly because of weekly censusing efforts to better monitor population fluctuations. Numbers and diversity would be even greater if the refuge land along the ocean were more accessible to censusing.
Due to the mild weather in December, waterfowl numbers on the pond increased only slightly. Ponds and lakes inland stayed ice-free until the new year. Because of the permanent breach- way connecting Ninigret Pond to the ocean, this is one of the last ponds to freeze in the winter. Canada geese, black duck, mergansers and goldeneye flock to the pond when their usual resting and feeding areas freeze.
Eight wood ducks were seen together on the refuge during fall migration, which is unusual for this refuge.
Mute swan eggs were addled once again this year as part of a cooperative population control measure with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
5• Shorebirds , Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
A number of uncommon birds were recorded from July through September. In August, Audubon members identified and confirmed the sighting of a loncj-toed stint, an extremely rare Siberian sandpiper. Only once before has this species been recorded A STOIC POSE FOR A SOON - TO- BE- FREED CAPTIVE IJZ/1984
MASTER FALCONER HINCKLEY PREPARING THE BIRD FOR RELEASE. IJZ/1984 16 along the New England coast. A small flock of 19 black skimmers stayed in the area the entire month of September. This was the largest number recorded in recent years without a hurricane. Other rare birds in the area included three Forster's terns, a black tern, a willet, and two Hudsonian godwits.
6. Raptors
Three miles west of the Ninigret refuge an immature golden eagle was spotted on November 21 at Quonochontaug Pond. Two hours later the same birder saw two immature bald eagles at Weekapaug Pond - 5 miles west of Ninigret.
A pair of osprey were sighted a number of times on the refuge but nesting behavior was not observed and the nesting platform remained empty. In August a second platform was erected by YCC staff and refuge personnel.
7. Other Migratory Birds
Four Eastern bluebirds were spotted on the refuge in mid- November. Strong winds during their migration south were responsible for their presence here.
A black rail was observed briefly on October 29.
It appears that a woodcock pair have nested on the refuge one more time. There were also two nesting pairs of yellow-breasted chats that were being studied by a URI graduate student (see section D, part 5).
On December 29 the Rhode Island Audubon Society held its annual Winter Bird Count in Washington County. The number of species counted, 124, was the highest ever recorded in a winter count in this census area. Partly responsible for this was the mild weather through the fall and winter - even on that day a temperature of 68 F was recorded.
Starlings accounted for nearly half of the birds counted. Unusual sightings included a golden eagle, loggerhead shrike, northern goshawk, three ruby-crowned kinglets, and a yellow- bellied sapsucker. A yellow-breasted chat was recorded on Ninigret - unusual for this time of year. A turkey vulture was seen for the first time on a Winter Bird Count.
H• PUBLIC USE
* 1. General
The refuge continues to have a close working relationship with the Frosty Drew Nature Center, located in the adjacent Town of Charlestown Ninigret Park. The center is a private, non profit, educational organization funded through memberships and private contributions. A total of 15 programs ranging from 17 salt pond ecology to edible and useful plants are offered. Additional programs are designed to meet the needs and interests of group visits arranged by special request. Adjacent refuge lands provide many sites for the Center's interpretive programs. Due to the success of the programs and widespread participation throughout the summer months, many public relations benefits have been derived for Ninigret NWR.
FROSTY DREW NATURE CENTER SEINING EXERCISE ON NINIGRET POND.83DVT
During the 1984 season, 1849 people (adults and children) participated in pre-arranged group events and public tours conducted from April 27 through September 28 - a 60 percent increase from 1983, the first year of operation. Between July 1 and September 2, there were 823 visits. By season's end, October 31, 4000 people were served by the Center's programs.
Increased activity levels at Ninigret Refuge are projected for 1985. A new Town of Charlestown tourist information center located on Route 1 about 1/8 mile from the new refuge entrance is expected to attract larger numbers of refuge visitors due to the added visibility.
In terms of public involvement goals for the refuge complex, every effort was made to accommodate requests for tours and interpretive events in addition to a conscientious effort by the staff to provide off-refuge programs to enhance and improve our public involvement objectives. 18
4- Interpretive Foot Trails
Two interpretive foot trails and a temporary leaflet guide to assist refuge visitors orientation were developed this year. The 4.4 mile Cove Pond Trail covers a variety of habitats from uplands to estuary, salt marsh, shrub and grassland ecosystems. The shorter, 3.6 mile long Sunshine Trail encompasses the same habitats as the longer version, covering about 80 percent of the refuge. The trail is fully accessible by wheelchair during good weather conditions- A more detailed trail leaflet is planned with designated points of interest and wildlife related information.
17. Law Enforcement
The following table represents violations that occurred during the 1984 summer season and a summary of violations from the preceeding 5 years. Figures available at the time of this writing are incomplete due to the number of cases pending disposition in federal court.
NIN1GRET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE REFUGE VIOLATIONS SUMME RS 1 9 7 9 - 1 9 8 4 V IOLAT 1ON 19 79 19 8 0 19 8 1 19 8 2 19 8 3 19 84 NUD1TY 2 8 1 9 NUDITY - WARNING I3 TRESPASS, FOOT 3 1 1 6 35 2 5 1 6 TRESPASS, FOOT - WARNING 4 2 1 6 TRESPASS, SWIMMING 3
TRESPASS, MOTOR VEHICLE 2 3 4 DESTRUCTION OF GOVT.PROPERTY 2 L1TTERING 5 USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 3 ASSAULT ON A FEDERAL OFFICER 1 EXCEEDING SPEED LIMIT I DANGEROUS OPERATION OF VEHICLE 1 PARKING VIOLATION 5 M.B.T.A. VIOLATIONS 1 4 22 TABLE 5
20. Other Programs
a.) Duck Stamp Commemorative programs were conducted through out the year to various state, private, and public interest groups. Among the presentations were the following:
March 19 - The "kick-off" event for the year began with a film and talk to the Federated Rhode Island Sportsmen's Clubs business meeting. Representatives from nearly 75 state-wide member organ izations were present. The meeting was attended by John Cronan, Chief, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. 19 March 28 - A film and talk was presented to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists headquartered at the Great Swamp, West Kingston, RI.
April 12 - A program was given to the Johnson Post Anglers Club, Warwick, RI, including the showing of the film "America's Wetlands".
April 28 - A duck stamp commemorative program was presented at the Annual Rhode Island Federated Sportsmen's Club banquet with attendance placed at over 200. The guest of honor was Robert Bendick, Jr., Director of the State Department of Environmental Management.
July 5 - In cooperation with the Norman Bird Sanctuary, non profit privately endowed educational center located in Middletown, Rhode Island, an evening program was planned with a talk and film presentation at the Sachuest Point NWR Visitor Center.
September 23 - A duck stamp commemorative exnibit was displayed at the Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Open House at Wallum Lake Sportsmen's Club in Harnsville, Rhode Island.
September - A radio message commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Duck Stamp Program was provided to 10 local radio stations in Rhode Island to be aired as a "public service announcement". b.) On December 7 a career opportunities program was provided to students in the natural resource field at the West Bay Vocational School in Coventry, Rhode Island. c.) On March 20 a talk was presented to teachers at the Hope Valley School, Rhode Island, on how to set up outdoor educa tional activities when visiting the refuge complex.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1. New Construction
The construction of the Ninigret entrance road began in November of this year. The refuge has relied on the entrance road into the town park for access since the establishment of the refuge in 1979. This new road will provide refuge controlled access for staff and visitors. At years end the road construc tion was completed but cold weather prevented the installation of the treadle and time controlled gate. The road is presently being used dnd completion is expected in early 1985. 20
2. Rehabilitation
A 40' x 201 metal storage building was painted and a 40' fire break surrounding the building was cleared.
Refuge signs were repaired and replaced as needed throughout the year. The 0.68 acre wetland easement boundary was posted.
4. Eguipment Utilization and Replacement
The refuge acguired a 1984 Chevrolet S-10 4-wheel drive pick up to replace the 1977 Chevrolet truck excessed in 1983.
J• OTHER ITEMS
1. Cooperative Programs
Refuge personnel again participated in the annual mourning dove census consisting of two mile-long routes run in Connect- itcut. Staff cooperated with the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife in a furbearer scent post survey. Con tributions and records of bird sightings are regularly reported to the Rhode Island Audubon Society for publication in their monthly Rhode Island Bird Field Notes (contributed to American Birds). For the first time, the refuge took part in a loon watch project sponsored by Utica College/Syracuse University, Utica, New York. Bird sightings were recorded from the Trustom Pond NWR barrier beach front during the January - April 1984 period.
4. Credits
BLAIR - Introduction, Sections A, C, F, I, and K ZWILLMAN - Sections D, H, and J1 CHOQUETTE - Typing and Section E HANSEN - Sections B, and G
K. FEEDBACK
The organization of the Fish and Wildlife Service into Central (WO), Regional, and field levels is a functional and efficient strategy. In fact, it is similar to many large corporations and businesses and appears to work adequately. Unfortunately, a prevelant and commonly expressed attitude by field staff is that the Regional and Washington offices are inefficient and not sensitive to the needs of the field. This is both unfortunate and inaccurate. I am sure there are instances where problems and personalities conflict and the effectiveness of the mission is reduced. Complicating this is the fact that most field staff are resource orientated, mission or goal directed, and see the functions contained in the Regional Office as a process to achieve those goals. Most field personnel receive their reinforcement through those accomplishments and are motivated by the results of their successes. Conversely, there is little contact with the resource for many workers in the Regional Office and many have little or no interest in 21 wildlife. Many of the Regional Office functions, including engineering, personnel, contracting, etc, employ people who are motivated by factors other than wiidlands and wildlife preservation. However, that does not mean that their duties are any less important to themselves, or they possess less dedication as field or resource orientated employees.
I have often wondered how an engineer or contracting officer can function and maintain the professionalism required working with the Fish and Wildlife Service. Their importance is usually overlooked in the quest of the product and they are often viewed as a hurdle to maneuver toward the ends. The field is usually the first to criticize mistakes and the last to recognize and reward accomplishments.
I believe that it is time to recognize the importance of these regional functions and the dedicated staff that perform them. We require their expertise to solve our problems and function within this massive and complicated arena we call the bureaucracy. The success of our mission depends on them. They are part of the team.
BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1984
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
A HIGHLIGHTS
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
C. LAND ACQUISITION Fee Title Nothing to Report Easements!! L ! L I L L L L L! L ! I [Nithiiig [RepgrC O ther
D PLANNING
Master Plan Management Plans Nothing .to ^Report Public Participation Nothing ,tg Report Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates Nothing .to .Report Research and Investigations Nothing .to .Report Other Nothing .to .Repo.rt
E. ADMINISTRATION
Personnel .Nothing .to. Report Youth Programs Other Manpower Programs . .No.thing .to. .Re.po.rt Volunteer Programs ..Nothing .to .Report Funding . .tSJo.thtng .to .Repo.rt Safety . .NQtllfng .to .Re.pqrt Technical Assistance... . .go.tiling .to .Re.po.rt Other
HABITAT MANAGEMENT.^Qttiipg .to Report
1, General .tQ .Hgpopt 2, Wetlands .tiqbliirig .to .Hepqrt 3, Forests .N.o.t;lUn.q .to .Re.pqrt 4, Croplands .NQhtling .to. .Report 5, Grasslands .... .Nohhtng: .to .I^e.p.qrt 6, Other Habitats .Ho tiling .to .Re.p.o.r.t. 7, Grazing .Nothing .to .Re.pqrt 8, Haying .No.thing .to. .R.e.pqrt 9 Fire Management .No.thing .to. .Re.p.o.r.t 10 Pest Control.. .Nothing to R.epqrt 11 Water Rights.. .No.thing .to. .Re.p.o.r.t. 12 Wilderness and Special Areas .riot'liigg .to. .Re.pqrt 13 WPA Easement Monitoring .Nothing to .Rejoort
WILDLIFE 5
Wildlife Diversity Nothing, to^ Report^ Endangered and/or Threatened Species ^ Waterfowl Nothing to Report^ 4. Marsh and Water Birds Nothing ^ t9_ Report 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 6. Raptors . t-?. 7. Other Migratory Birds i. 8. Game Mammals Nothing# tg^ Report 9. Marine Mammals Nothing t tg _ Repgrt 10. Other Resident Wildlife Nothing ^ tg ^ Repgrt 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing ^ tg ^ Repgrt
12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking.,Nothing,tg^Repgrt 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Ngthing . tg^ Repgrt 14. Scientific Collections Npthing,tg . Repgrt 15. Animal Control Nothing. to . Repgrt 16. Marking and Banding PctbiBQ. t9. R^popt 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nottung.to.Repgrt
II. PUBLIC USE 8
1. General ^ 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Ngthing.tg,Repgrt 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Ngthing.tg.Repgrt 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Ngthpng. tg, Repgrt 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Ngthing. tg. Repgrt
6. Interpretive Exhibits/DemonstrationsNgthing,tg,Repgrt 7. Other Interpretive Programs Ngthing^tg_Repgrt 8. Hunting - Ngthing. tg. Repgrt 9. Fishing Ngthing. tg. Repgrt 10. Trapping Nothjng. tg. Repgrt 11. Wildlife Observation Ngthing. tg. Repgrt
12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation.Ngthing.tg.Repgrt 13. Camping Ngthing. tg. Repgrt 14. Picnieking Ngthing. tg. Repgrt 15. Off-Road Vehicling Ngthing. tg. Repgrt
16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented RecreationNgthing.tg.Report 17. Law Enforcement Ngphing. tg. Repgrt 18. Cooperating Associations Ngthing.tg. Repgrt 19. Concessions Pgfhing. tg. Repgrt
I- EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 8
1. New Construction UgtbiUG. tg. Rgpgpt 2. Rehabilitation 8 3. Major Maintenance Nothing, to. Report 4. Equipment Utilization and ReplacementNothing.to.Report 5. Communications Systems Nothing. to. Report 6. Computer Systems Nothing, to. Report 7. Energy Conservation Nothing. to. Report 8. other Nothing, to. Report
J. OTHER ITEMS 8
1. Cooperative Programs Nothing, to. Report 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing, to. Report 3. Items of Interest Nothing,to. Report 4. Credits 8
K. FEEDBACK Nothing to Report INTRODUCTION
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1973, comprises 46 acres located in the Town of New Shoreham, Rhode Island. Block Island is situated 12 miles from the mainland.
Bordering Block Island Sound, the refuge comprises sandy beaches and dunes. Beach grass, bayberry, and poison ivy are the dominant vegetative species. The refuge provides habitat for numerous passerine and raptor species and is an impor tant resting point during spring and fall migration. The entire refuge is utilized by great black-backed and herring gulls as a breeding colony during the summer months. 4
A. HIGHLIGHTS
The annual gull breeding census was conducted in June. Breed ing populations of herring and great black-backed gull breeding pairs were lower than 1983.
The "Old North Light" and 2 acres of land were exchanged to the Town of New Shoreham for a conservation easement on 20 acres of land adjacent to the south boundary of the refuge.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Block Island weather conditions are similar to the mainland, but warmer winters and cooler summers are experienced due to the oceanic influence. Refer to Ninigret Refuge, Section B for weather information.
C. LAND ACQUISITION 3. Other The historic "Old North Light" and 2 acres of land were exchanged to the Town of New Shoreham for a conservation easement on 20 acres of Town land adjacent to the refuge. The exchange enhances the refuge program with the addition of 20 acres to be managed in a similar manner as the present 26 acres. Further, the obligation to preserve and restore an historic landmark listed on the National Regi ster has been transferred to the Town of New Shoreham.
"OLD GRAN ITES I DES" , THE NORTH LIGHTHOUSE WAS TRANS FERRED TO THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM ON OCTOBER 22.CWB 6/84 5 D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan
An issues study and assessment of management options pro vided the basis for the development of a "Statement in Lieu of a Master Plan" for Block Island NWR. The statement will document current refuge outputs, management practices and goals. The resultant document is intended for in-house distribution. Cover type mapping however, will be done in conjunction with the other Complex units.
E. ADMINISTRATION
4. Volunteer Programs
On June 13th, independent researchers Dr. David Pratt and Ms. Virginia Anderson volunteered their services to assist with the Annual Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Gull Breeding Census. David and Virginia have helped out on previous projects also.
8• Other, Field Station Evaluation
The one issue addressed concerning the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge as a result of the Field Station Evaluation in August 1984 was the land exchange with the Town of New Shoreham, which finalized in November.
G. WILDLIFE
2. Endangered and or Threatened Species
Nine peregrine falcons and twelve merlin were seen on this year's annual autumn Audubon Society weekend. These birds are seen here every year during migration in similar numbers.
5. Shorebirds, Gulls , Terns and Allied Species
Refuge staff and a few volunteers conducted nesting gull population studies on Block Island. This is an annual event that was started in 1981.
The following table (shown on next page) summarizes 1984 data and lists the previous years totals for comparison. BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE REFUGE STAFF GULL CENSUS 1981 - 1 984 NESTS YOUNG EGGS YEAR 1981 1 982 1983 1984 198 1 1982 1983 1984 198 1 1 982 1983 1984 GREAT BLACK- 75 27 58 89 32 7 38 10 1 153 34 94 56 BACKED GULL HERRING GULL 816 440 860 577 122 332 527 426 2143 610 1843 933 EMPTY NESTS 126 11 9 292 523 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A TOTAL 1017 586 1210 1189 1 54 384 565 527 3296 644 1928 989 TAGLE 1
I
TYPICAL HERRING GULL NEST, CWB/1984 7
X v
DAVID PRATT AND VIRGINIA ANDERSON DEMONSTRATE THE ART OF CENSUS ING NESTS AND DODGING GULLS, CWB/1984
GULL CENSUS: I HERRING GULL NEST, 1 EGG, 2 CHICKS CWB/1984 8
This year's census was conducted on June 12 and the 1983 census on June 8th. The cause for the increased number of empty nests is not known at this time. Great black-backed gulls are increasing in numbers and herring gull numbers are fluctuating each year.
7• Other Migratory Birds
The annual Rhode Island Audubon field trip to Block Island was held September 28 - 30. One hundred and twenty seven species were recorded. Strong east winds throughout the weekend caused more birds to leave than to arrive. Some of the interesting species noted were yellow-headed blackbird (1), whimbrel (3), oystercatcher (2), Cooper's hawk (3), and sharp-shinned hawk (40). The first lesser black-backed gull ever seen on the island was reported.
H. , PUBLIC USE
1. General
Public use of this refuge is concentrated during the summer months and encompasses wildlife/wildland observation, surf- fishing, and beach use. The unit is not staffed and there are no refuge conducted programs.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
2. Rehabilitation
A boundary survey was conducted on Block Island during the preparation of the land exchange with the Town of New Shore- ham. Boundary signs were replaced and upgraded and the new conservation easement posted.
J. OTHER ITEMS
4. Credits
BLAIR - Introduction and Sections A, C, H, and I ZWILLMAN - Section D CHOQUETTE - Typing and Section E HANSEN - Sections* B and G
I
SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Middletown, Rhode Island
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1984
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 1 INTRODUCTION
The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), established in 1970, is located in the Town of Middletown, Newport County, Rhode Island, about 23 miles southeast of Providence and 5 miles east of Newport. Since its establishment, the refuge has been administered by the staff of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Complex headquartered in Charlestown, Rhode Island, 42 miles west of Middletown.
Sachuest Point NWR was initially established through the donation of a 72 acre tract of land by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The balance of the refuge's present 228 acres was acquired through U.S. Department of the Navy transfer of surplus lands. In 1973, the Navy began to close stations to consolidate its activities in the Newport area. The Navy lands were sub divided into parcels of 32, 50, and 102 acres. The 50 and 102 acre segments were acquired by the FWS on August 20, 1976, and August 8, 1979, respectively.
Sachuest Point NWR contains a range of locally representative habitat types including salt marsh, brushlands, grasslands, beaches, rocky cliffs, and dunes. Its primary value to wild life is in providing feeding and nesting areas for migratory birds. This is reflected in the high species diversity and numbers present, especially during fall migration. More than 99 species of birds have been observed, representing 15 orders and 32 families. The major groups found in descending order are: waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and passerines. A total of 10 species of small mammals are found on the refuge.
The refuge's secondary function lies in providing wildlife oriented public use activities including, but not limited to, wildlife observation, environmental education, and fishing. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
A. HIGHLIGHTS
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
C. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Fee Title Nothing tpm Report 2. Easements Nothing to. Repppt 3. Other
D. PLANNING
Master Plan Management Plans A0. APPPA^ Public Participation . . j. . J .. .. . Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates Research and Investigations Other .Np.t.h.i.n.P to Repopt
E. ADMINISTRATION Personnel...... N pAh i.ng .A^ ^Rsport Youth Programs P'qthipq p'q Report Other Manpower Programs .NoAh.i.PP. .A0. .R.eP.0.rA Volunteer Programs ^ Funding P.QAAi.n.3 .A0. .AeP0.rA Safety N.qthip.P .A0. PPPPPA Technical Assistance NpAAAhP .A0. .APPPPA Other ^
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT. .Nothing .A0. Report
1, General pqthing to Report 2, Wetlands Nothing to .Report 3, Forests .Nothing .to Report 4, Croplands .Nothing to Report 5, Grasslands .... .Nqthi.ng .to .Report 6, Other Habitats po.thing .to .Report 7, Grazing .Nqthi.ng to Report 8, Haying .Nqthi.ng to Report 9 Fire Management .Nqthi.ng to Reqqrt 10 Pest Control.- .Nqthi.ng to Reqqrt 11 Water Rights.. .Nothing *tq *Repo*rt 12 Wilderness and Special Areas .Nqthi.ng .to Report 13 WPA Easement Monitoring.... .Nqthi.ng to Report
G. WILDLIFE
Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report Endangered and/or Threatened Species Waterfowl 3
4. Marsh and Water Birds 7 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species .N.0.t.h.1.n.g. .toReport 6. Raptors , 7. Other Migratory Birds N.0.^.1.^. t.0. .^.P.0.^ 8. Game Mammals N.0.t.^.:kn.g. .t.0. 9. Marine Mammals . Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife Nothing _to ^Report 11. Fisheries Resources Nothing tq Report 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking.. .Nothing ^tq ^Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal NotJ-i^riQ to Report 14. Scientific Collections Nothing tq Report 15. Animal Control Nothing to Report 16. Marking and Banding Notching to Report 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing tq Report
H. PUBLIC USE 8
1. General 8 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers N^h-Ln^g to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5. Interpretive Tour Routes N9thing to Report 6. Interpretive Exhibi ts/Demonstrations .999^9.99 .^.9 .R.e.P.9r^: 7. Other Interpretive Programs 8. Hunting Nothing to Report 9. Fishing Nothing to Report 10, Trapping*.!!!!!!!!!!! ! *. .* *. '. !!!!!!!!!! Nothing to Report 11, Wildli fe Observation .N9thing_ _tq Report 12 Other Wildlife Oriented Recrea t ion. .Nothing ^to .Report 13 Camping Nothing tq Report 14 Picnicking Nothing tq Report 15 Off-Road Vehicl ing Nothing to Report
16 Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreatiorl^.o.thing .tq Report Q 17 Law Enforcement _ 18 Cooperating Associations. .. Northing tq Report 19 Concessions Nothing tq Report
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 9
New Construction Nothing to Report Rehabilitation _ 9 Major Maintenance Nothing .to Rej)qrt
Equipment Utilization and Replacement Np.thing tq Report Communications Systems Np.t.hi.n.g. to. Report Computer Systems Np.t.hipg tp. Report Energy Conservation N.o.th.i.ng to. Report Other Npth.i.n.g. to Report
J. OTHER ITEMS 9
Cooperative Programs Notliing _tp Report Other Economic Uses Nothipg, tp Report Items of Interest Npthipu. to_ Report Credi ts
FEEDBACK. Nothing to Report 4
A. HIGHLIGHTS
An environmental assessment was prepared for a land exchange with the Town of Middletown, Rhode Island. The Service proposes to exchange 8.2 acres known as Third Beach for approximately 22.1 acres of Town-owned land located at Sachuest Point and adjacent to the west boundary of the refuge.
The visitor center was staffed for the second consecutive year from May through October utilizing Student Conservation Association volunteers.
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Refer to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Section B.
C. LAND ACQUISITION 3. Other An environmental assessment has been prepared and a public meeting conducted on the proposed land exchange between the Town of Middletown and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Middletown reguested an exchange of town property known as Sachuest Park, (figure 1) for refuge lands comprising the Third Beach area. The town would receive 8.2 acres of land in exchange for the transfer of 22.1 acres to the Service.
Lands proposed for addition to the refuge are of special significance. Federal protection of valuable coastal habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and passerines will be provided through controlled access. Due to the proximity of the land to the refuge, the unit will compliment and enhance the existing refuge lands.
The lands being exchanged to the town are utilized for multiple use recreation. The lands are presently under Special Use Permit to the Town for administration of a summer recreation program including swimming, boating, and sunbathing.
D. PLANNING
1. Master Plan
Refer to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Section D. Plan ning, 1. Master Plan. SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IMINTunitid Of ITAMI IMI IMIIKIOI NEW PORT COINTY, KIIODK ISLAND FISH ANDOHIIID WUOLIFI JIAMI SflViCI
flOMCOMflllO tUtVITS IN I HIIT DIVISION Of IIAUY OICilNMIAN AVION 1200 Iff® iOSTON. MASSACHUSIYTt MAT It*4 5R R.I. 840 5
3• Public Participation
A public meeting was conducted on July 25, 1984 at the Sachuest Point NWR visitor center to solicit input for the proposed land exchange between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Town of Middletown. At that time, the environmental assessment was made available along with an explanation of the purposes of the land exchange, a dis cussion of project alternatives, and a request for comments, concerns, and questions. Approximately 12 individuals attended the meeting. Written comments were requested during the period July 13, 1984 to August 14, 1984. One written comment was received in which the State Department of Environmental Management Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly supported the proposed exchange.
4'. Compliance with Environmental Mandates a.) In compliance with the Council on Environmental Quality's regulation for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, an environmental assessment (EA) was prepared to detail the proposed land exchange between the Service and the Town of Middletown, at Sachuest Point NWR. The proposal involves the transfer of approximately 8.2 acres known as Third Beach to the Town in exchange of 22.1 acres of Town-owned land adjacent to the refuge which has signifi cant wildlife protection potential. The EA was distributed for public review on July 13, 1984 and at a public meeting held on July 25, 1984. b.) In furtherance of the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the Archeological Historic Preservation Act of 1974, the Region 6 Historian/Archeologist Gregory Rowlett was enlisted to conduct a surface inventory of Sachuest Point NWR to evalu ate an 8.2 acre parcel of land known as Third Beach to be exchanged with the Town of Middletown, Rhode Island. A negative report was filed based upon a lack of evidence of project impacts on cultural or historic features. The survey took place on May 16, 1984.
E. ADMINISTRATION
4• Volunteer Programs
The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge utilized two student conservation volunteers from May through October this year. The Volunteers, Laura Ranspach and Joanne Kalin served two consecutive 12 - week appointments.
The volunteers contributed to the operation of the visitor center by providing full time staffing, presenting regularly scheduled slide shows, assisting with guided nature walks, conducting wildlife surveys, and helping to maintain the building and grounds. 6
8• Other, Field Station Evaluation
Issues addressed concerning the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge as a result of the Field Station Evaluation in August 1984 includedthe land exchange with the Town of Middletown, upgrading of the visitor center, sign/lettering identifying the visitor center building, and the safety and security of the Student Conservation Association volunteers staffing the visitor center alone.
All addressed issues have been assigned to the appropriate staff members.
G. WILDLIFE
2'. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Two peregrine falcons were reported by a refuge visitor in late November.
A leatherback turtle washed up near Second Beach in July. The estimated 900 pound female remained there a few days until a strong tide swept it back into the ocean. The cause of its death is unknown.
No other endangered or threatened species were seen on the refuge.
About 3 miles east of the refuge one gyrfalcon (grey phase) was spotted on February 22 at Sakonnet Point. During the month of March and the early part of April the gyrfalcon was seen almost every day. In the first half of the month it was joined by a white phase gyrfalcon. It is believed that the grey phase gyrfalcon and a peregrine falcon wintered on an island off of Sakonnet Point. 3. Waterfowl
Seventeen species of waterfowl were sighted during the year. By late October species and numbers were increasing rapidly as fall migration peaked and winter residents moved in.
As in previous years, a group of harlequin ducks used the waters around Sachuest to feed and rest. They arrived just before Thanksgiving - a little later than usual. High counts of 18 and 22 were recorded on February 25 and December 16, respectfully. These ducks prefer the rocky areas on the exposed shores of the refuge as opposed to the bay areas. They were assure sighting during any trip to Sachuest and thus attracted many birders. 7 Also present but not as certain to be seen were common eider. They were not seen on Sachuest until the middle of the winter season but they were seen in the vicinity of the refuge as early as September. They are more common when the temperatures drop well below freezing and the north winds force them farther south.
Other species that arrived in greater numbers with the cold included all of the scoter species, bufflehead, common and red-breasted mergansers, and common goldeneye. One Barrow's goldeneye was seen on the Audubon's annual Winter Bird Count.
During the summer, black ducks and other dabblers made use of the marshy areas at the northwest end of the refuge. However, little precipitation fell in the late summer and the marsh began drying up. By November there was no water left. This forced the ducks into sheltered areas along the shore.
4. Marsh and Water Birds
A few bitterns and herons were also seen in the marshy areas of the refuge. They too were forced into more suitable habi tat when the marsh dried up.
5. Shorebirds , Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Sachuest Point attracts many different species of shorebirds, gulls and terns during migration. This year was no exception with such species as ruddy turnstone, semipalmated plover, least sandpiper, western sandpiper, purple sandpiper, and others.
6. Raptors
With the mowing of grassy areas and fall migration, increased raptor use occured. The most significant increase was seen in use by kestrels. Harriers were commonly seen resting in shrubs next to the mowed areas but they showed no preference in hunting cut or uncut sections. Red-tailed hawks also increased their use of the area. Because of a cool period in late September goshawks and sharp-shinned hawks began migrating earlier along the coast. It was suprising to see a rough legged hawk at this time because the arrival of this species is not expected until late October. The peak migra tion of sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks occurred in October
The only owl species on the refuge was the short eared owl. The first sighting on October 6 occurred while Assistant Refuge Manager Zwillman and SCA Volunteer Joanne Kalin were giving a school tour - an unexpected and nice addition to the planned talk. A second sighting was made on November 23 by a refuge visitor. 8
H. PUBLIC USE 1. General 1984 marked a busy and productive year for I&R and EE programs at Sachuest Point. The visitor center remained open from May 1 to October 12 with the welcome participation of the Student Conservation Association volunteers. Visits from school groups, adult groups, and special interest groups provided a well-rounded schedule of events. A greater amount of staff time was provided this year to better utilize the talents of the SCA staff and resulted in much improved community rela tions. The great interest in and response to program planning indicates the need for continued effort in the future. 2. Outdoor Classroom - Students
A total of 330 elementary students were provided with inter pretive tours of the refuge during the year in the course of 13 individual programs. School groups represented included the Hope Valley School, J.F.K. Elementary School, Middletown, Newport Day Care Center, and Gaudet Day School, Middletown.
7. Other Interpretive Programs
a.) A series of regularly scheduled weekly intepretive tours of the refuge were given on Saturday mornings throughout the months of June and July, as weather conditions and staff time permitted. Notification of the avilability and program schedule was placed in the local Newport Daily News a few days preceding each event. Response was good with an average of 10 adult participants/event.
b.) Regularly scheduled slide-tape programs were presented in the visitor center throughout the summer months for the benefit of visitors who did not opt for a complete refuge tour. SCA volunteers were responsible for providing this service.
c.) On October 13, as part of a series of field trips, work shops and presentations concerning the future of Aquidneck Island's resources, sponsored by the conservation organization Save the Bay, Ninigret staff developed and presented a program on barrier beach dynamics. The purpose of the program was to highlight the importance of barrier beaches and the need for their protection along the Rhode island coastline. A repre sentative barrier beach adjacent to the refuge was visited in order for the participants to learn first hand about the fragile nature of the sand dune plant communities and the important role they play in protecting landward property and resources. The barrier beach presentation was followed by a tour of the*refuge. 9 d.) On October 13 Channel WPRI-TV12 (ABC) produced a news special on the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge high lighting its resource values, wildlfe-oriented recreational opportunities as well as the contribution of the National Wildlife Refuge System in preserving wildlife habitat nation wide. Station crewmen and reporters spent a total of 4 hours interviewing and filming for a segment shown on the evening news broadcast.
17. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement activities at Sachuest Point were limited to random and periodic patrols. Vandalism is a problem at this unit and usually occurs during the summer months when there is a high tourist population. The refuge is located almost an hours drive from the administrative office in Charlestown, RI and this, combined with the management needs at 4 other stations, results in less than optimal coverage of this unit. The visitor center is staffed from May 1 through October 12 by Student Conservation Association volunteers and their presence helps deter many potential problems. However, there is one case pending for indecent exposure by a 19 year old male in view of our volunteer.
I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
2. Rehabilitation
The alarm protecting the visitor center at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge was replaced in December of 1983 because of continual maintenance problems. The refuge felt that this new system would eliminate the headache and 2:00 a.m. phone calls, resulting from malfunctions in the system. However, because of a number of factors, ie., high winds, salt air, building construction, those problems have continued with the new system.
Maintenance has been continual and the company has yet to find the problem. The alarm system is connected to the Middle- town Police station and the false alarms have not helped our public relations. False alarms became so frequent that the system had to be de-activated and at year's end remains so.
J. OTHER ITEMS
4. Credits
* BLAIR - Introduction and Sections A, C, H17 and I ZWILLMAN - Sections D and H CHOQUETTE - Typing and Section E HANSEN - Sections B and G
SALT MEADOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Westbrook, Connecticut
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1984
U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM INTRODUCTION
Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1979 by private donation, is located in Westbrook, Connecticut. The refuge contains 183 acres and is comprised of salt marsh, forests, grassland, and shrub land. The refuge is utilized by a diversity of wildlife species and serves an important function in this populated area of the Northeast. The refuge hosts an annual YCC camp and provides a study area for local school and nature groups. TABLE OE CONTENTS Page
A. HIGHLIGHTS 4
B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 4
C. LAND ACQUISITION.. Nothing .to .Report
1. Fee Title Nothing .to. .Report 2. Easements Nothing .to .Report 3. other No.thing .to .Re.po.rt
D. PLANNING 4
1. Master Plan _ 4 2-. Management Plans N.qthi.ng to .Re.p.o.rt 3. Public Participation .Nothing to. Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates _ 4 5. Research and Investigations No.thing to. .R.ep.o.rt 6. other No.thi.ng to .R.ep.o.rt
E. ADMINISTRATION 4
1. Personnel Not hi.ng to. Report 2. Youth Programs . J 4 3. Other Manpower Programs No.thi.ng .to. .Rppp.r.t 4. Volunteer Programs 5 5. Funding .Nothing, to. .Report 6. Safety 5 7. Technical Assistance Npt.h.i.n.g. to. .Rep.o.rt 8. Other 5
F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 6
1. General ^ 2. Wetlands Nothing, to. Report 3. Forests Nothing, to. Report 4. Croplands Nothing, to. Report 5. Grasslands Nothing, to. Report 6. Other Habitats Nothing, to. Report 7. Grazing Nothing, to Report 8. Haying Nothing, to. Report 9. Fire Management Nothing, to. Report 10. Pest Control Nothing, to. Report 11. Water Rights Nothing, to. Repppt 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nptjiipg. to. Reppjrt 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing, to. Report
G. WILDLIFE 6
1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing.to. Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species1??^^!1}1?."t?. 3. Waterfowl 6 3
4. Marsh and Water Birds .^9. •? 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking.Nothing_to^Report^ 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to ^ Report ^ 14. Scientific Collections Nothing to ^ Report ^ 15. Animal Gontroi Nothing , to. Report, 16. Marking and Banding Nothing to ^ Report ^ 17. Disease Prevention and Control....Nothing to^Report_ H. PUBLIC USE 7 1. General Nothing ^ to Report ^ 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report_ 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Npth^ng^to_Report^ 4. Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing yto Report _ 5. Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to ^Report ^ 6. Interpretive Exhibits/DemonstrationsNpthing _to Report 7. Other Interpretive Programs 8. Hunting Nothing .to .Report . 9. Fishing Nothing to Report . 10. Trapping*. *..*.*...!.*..! Nothing .to .Report . 11. Wildlife Observation Nothing .to .Report . 12. Other Wildlife Oriented RecreationNothing.to.Report. 13. Camping Nothing .to .Report . 14. Picnicking Nothing .to .Report . 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing .tq .Report . 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation.Nothing.to .Report 17. Law Enforcement Nothing .to .Report . 18. Cooperat i ng Associat ions Nothing .to .Report . 1 9. Concessions Nothing .to .Report . I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES.Nothing .to .Report 1. New Construction Nothing .to .Report-. 2. Rehabil itation Nothing .to Report . 3. Major Maintenance Nothing .to .Report . 4. Equipment Utilization and Repl acenient.Nothing .to .Report 5. Communications Systems Nothing .to .Report . 6. Computer Systems llo.tliing .to .HQpqpt . 7. Energy Conservation ^o.fhing .tq .Re.pqpt . 8. Other IjothiRg .to. .Repopt . J . OTHER ITEMS 7 1. Cooperative Programs Nothi.ng .to .Report . 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing .to. .R.e.p.qrt . 3. Items of Interest N.0.thing to .Report . 4. Credits 7 Nothing to Report K. FEEDBACK 4 A. HIGHLIGHTS The refuge hosted a 10 person YCC camp for 8 weeks during the summer. A pair of osprey successfully fledged 2 young from the nesting platform installed in 1982. B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Weather conditions here are similar to those at the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, which is 50 miles east. Please refer to the Ninigret Section B for weather information. D. PLANNING 1. Master Plan Refer to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Section D Planning, 1, Master Plan. 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates In fulfillment of the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the Archeological Historic Act of 1974, the Region 6 Historian/ Archeologist, Gregory Rowlett, accompanied by the Region 5 Historic Preservation Officer, Peter Suich and refuge staff, inspected the Enoch-Murdock farmhouse and Lape-Reed summer house to determine their eligibility for designation as National Register properties. Disposition of the properties is pending further coordination with the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Officer. Resolution of building status is expected to occur in early 1985. E. ADMINISTRATION 2. Youth Programs The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) camp at the Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge employed one Group Leader and 10 enrollees from June 21st through August 31st. Enrollee recruitment in this upper-middle class area is difficult, possibly because potential applicants don't need to work, or, information provided to the schools is not effectively distributed. 5 The Group Leader, Thomas Cervenak, did a good job managing his camp and accomplishing most of the assigned work projects with infrequent visits by the refuge staff. Visits were limited due to the two hour drive from refuge headquarters and a small refuge staff during the program period. Major accomplishments of this year's enrollees include extensive trail clearing and maintenance, and the construction of a visitor contact station. The major problem experienced this year was late pay checks resulting from the change-over to the Pay/Pers system. Checks were received as late as January 1985, and as of this writing, one enrollee has not yet been paid. 4. Volunteer Programs Mr. Carl Ward, a local resident, volunteered his services at Salt Meadow from June through October by visiting the refuge regularly and keeping us informed of the condition of the grounds and buildings. 6. Safety In addition to on-site safety instruction, the safety program at the Salt Meadow Youth Conservation Corps camp included a formal classroom presentation on first aid by Trustom Pond YCC Camp Group Leader John Konicki. A case of Lyme disease was contracted by one of our YCC enrollees from a deer tick bite at the Salt Meadow camp this year. The case was discovered early and treated with antibiotics. The enrollee missed four days of work due to the illness. Lyme disease was discovered in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut. Since that time it has appeared in various parts of the country, mainly in areas near deer populations. There have been con firmed cases of Lyme disease in Rhode Island also. YCC accidents this year consisted of one severe case of poison ivy in addition to the Lyme disease case. 8• Other, Field Station Evaluation The issues addressed concerning the Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge as a result of the Field Station Evaluation were the neglect, vandalism and theft problems and the prospective interpretive trails/displays. 6 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General Sa;lt Meadow NWR comprises approximately 20 acres of shrub and grassland, 30 acres of salt marsh, and 130 acres of mature forest. Habitat management is limited to mowing and brush removal with the intention of maintaining the existing habitat types and diversity. G. WILDLIFE 3. Waterfowl Bird use is not well documented on this refuge due to the minimum amount of time that is spent at the refuge. The marsh area is known to attract waterfowl during migration, especially mergansers and bufflehead. It also serves as a nesting place for a few mallards, black duck, and Canada geese during the summer. 6. Raptors Once again a pair of osprey nested on the artificial platform and fledged two young. 1982 was the first successful nesting by this pair when one young was fledged. Prior to this the pairs attempts were fruitless - probably because they were immature. The success in recent years at Salt Meadow corresponds with an increasing success rate both state and region-wide. In Connecticut, active and successful nests and the number of young fledged have more than tripled in the past nine years. OSPREY NESTI NG IN CONNECTICUT 19 7 6 19 8 0 19 8 4 ACT 1VE NESTS I0 1 9 3 8 SUCCESSFUL NESTS 7 I5 2 4 YOUNG FLEDGED 1 4 2 6 4 4 TABLE 1 H. PUBLIC USE 7• Other Interpretive Programs A slide-talk was presented to the Daisy Ingrahm School, in Westbrook, Connecticut in conjunction with Wildlife Week on March 13. The subject theme was water and water birds. On July 16 a group of approximately 25 adults representing the Westbrook Land Trust toured the refuge. The topic of the tour focused on salt marsh ecology. J. OTHER ITEMS 4. Credits BLAIR - Introduction and Sections A, and F ZWILLMAN - Sections D and H CHOQUETTE - Typing and Section E HANSEN - Sections B and G TRUSTOM POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE South Kingstown, Rhode Island ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1984 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 1 INTRODUCTION The Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was estab lished on August 15, 1974, by a private donation of 365 acres adjacent to the Rhode Island Audubon Society's Moon stone Waterfowl Refuge. The primary objective of the refuge is to preserve resting, feeding, nesting and wintering habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl and shore- birds. A secondary objective is to provide outdoor recreation activities for the public when these activities are compatible with the primary objective of the refuge. In 1982, an additional 63 acres were purchased and the Rhode Island Audubon Society donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) their 151 acre Moonstone Beach property. Thus, the present Trustom Pond NWR consists of 579 acres. The area is comprised of several types of habitat. It is primarily upland habitat, including grassland, cropland, hay field, shrub and coastal deciduous hardwood forest. It borders on brackish Trustom Pond and includes fresh and brackish-water marshes, several small fresh-water ponds, and wooded swamp. Marshes, dunes, and sandy beach occur on the coastal barrier between Trustom Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. More than 280 species of birds have been observed on the refuge and approximately 57 of them have nested on the refuge (U.S. FWS 1982). Forty-one species of mammals, ten fish, and more than twenty species of amphibians and reptiles have been found on the refuge. The endangered peregrine falcon often is seen on the refuge during migration. The beach is preferred nesting habitat for least terns and piping plovers. The beach is also used by other shorebirds, gulls, and song birds for feeding and resting. Occasionally waterfowl use the beach for resting. The interdune area is used by several species of birds for feeding and nesting. Song sparrows nest in this area. Swallows, sparrows, warblers, and other birds use the area for feeding purposes. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A. highlights 4 B- CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 4 C. LAND ACQUISITION..Nqthinq to .Report 1. Fee Title Nothing ^tq ^Re^qrt 2. Easements Nothing .to Reqqrt 3. Other Nothing to Reqqrt D- PLANNING 4 1. Master Plan 4 2'. Management Plans Nothing _tq ^Report 3. Public Participation Nothing to Report 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultutal Resource Mandates Nothing to Report 5. Research and Im^stigations 6. Other Nothing ^tq Report E- ADMINISTRATION 5 1. Personnel Nothing to .Report 2. Youth Programs : 4 3. Other Manpower Programs Nothing .to Report 4. Volunteer Programs 5. Funding Nothing to Report 6. Safety ^ 7. Technical Assistance Nothing .to .Report 8. Other 7 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 7 . 1. General '7 2. Wetlands : 3. Forests .^-9 4. Croplands : ® 5. Grasslands Nothing .tq .Report 6. Other Habitats Nothing .to.Report 7. Grazing Nothing .to . Repqrt 8. Haying ® 9. Fi re Management Nqthing. to .Report 10. Pest Control Nqthing. to _ Report 11. Water Rights Nothing. to .Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing.to.Repqrt 13. WPA Easement Monitoring ^9^199.Eq .Report G . WTLDLIFE 9 1. Wildlife Diversity Nothing .to Report 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 3. Waterfow] 9 4, Marsh and Water Birds 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 10 6. Raptors 11 7, Other Migratory Birds.. 12 8 Game Mammals Nothing to Report 9, Marine Mammals 12 10 Other Resident Wildlife 12 11 Fisheries Resources.... Nothing to Report 12 Wildlife Propagation and Stocking..Nothing to ^Repgrt 13 Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing tg ^Report 14 Scientific Collections. Nothing to Report 15 Animal Control Nothing to Report 16 Marking and Banding.. Nothing to Report 17 Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to ^Report H. PUBLIC USE 13 1, General 13 2, Outdoor Classrooms - Students 13 3, Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to ^Repgrt 4, Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to.Report 5, Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to.Report 6, Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstration^ohhing to.Report 7, Other Interpretive Programs Nothing to.Report 8, Hunting Nothing to.Report 9, Fishing Nothing to.Report 10. Trapping Nothing t6.Report 11, Wildlife Observation Ngthing to.Report 12 Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation.Nothing to.Report 13 Camping Nothing to Report 14 Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to.Report 16 Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation.Nothing.to .Report 17 Law Enforcement Nothing to .Report 18 Cooperating Associations Nothing to.Report 19 Concessions Nothing to.Report 1• EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES.nqthing.to.Report New Cons trueti on IjQf-hipg ."tQ .RgpQpt Rehabilitation Nothing .tQ .^QPQiTt Major Maintenance UQthiQQ .tQ .RQPQPt Equipment Utilization and ReplacementljQttihQ .tQ .RQPQFt Communications Systems UothihQ .tQ .BQPQPt Computer Systems NQthihg .tQ .RQPQrt Energy Conservation NQthipg .tQ .RQPQPt Other NQthihg .tQ .RQPQPt J . OTHER ITEMS 15 Cooperative Programs IjQthing .to .Report Other Economic Uses Ngthing .to .Report Items of Interest Nothing .tg .Report Credits 1^ K. FEEDBACK 15 4 A. HIGHLIGHTS Piping plover and least tern breeding on the fenced portion of Moonstone Beach was encouraging. A high of 18 tern and 5 plover nests were attempted only to be severely affected by a July storm. A minimum of 1 plover and 1 tern were fledged. Public use of the Moonstone Beach portion of the refuge increased during CY-84 with significant disturbance to nest ing plover and least terns. Trustom Pond hosted a 15 person YCC camp for 8 weeks during the summer. B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Refer to Ninigret Section B. D. PLANNING 1- Master Plan Refer to Ninigret Section D. Planning, 1. Master Plan. ^• Research and Investigations a.) Trustom Pond NWR - "Mute Swan Behavior" Project No.53540-01. This year marked the third year of research being conducted on ecological, social and behavioral aspects of mute swans to provide data to help in the future management of the species in Rhode Island. Dr. David Pratt (Professor of Emeritus, University of Rhode Island) and Virginia Anderson, independent researchers, have noted a dramatic decline in the abundance of swans during the three years of the study. trustom pond national wildlife refuge mean numbers of swans observed on trustom pond year jan - mar apr-jun jul -sep oct-dec 19 8 2 6 . 6 16.5 26.2 1 . 6 198 3 3 . 0 7 .0 13.0 2 . 3 . 0 1 1984 i . 1 8 ^ 2 . 4 table 1 5 By arrangement with the State Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, who have implemented a statewide swan control program, at least two swan nests on the pond have been left in tact each year for the study. For various reasons, cygnet hatch has been only two in 1982, three in 1983, and two in 1984. In each of these years, cygnet survival has totalled one per nest, and the sole cygnet has disappeared by November. The studies at Trustom Pond NWR and other off-refuge coastal ponds in Southern Rhode Island will continue indefinately. b.) Trustom Pond NWR - "Foraging Ecology of Lasius neoniger in Dune and Sandy Soil Habitats", Project No.84-02 NGR. The purpose of the proposed study was to examine the behavior and ecology of Lasius neoniger in a sand dune habitat and to test models of its foraging ecology. One of the most common ant species in New England, Lasius neoniger occurs in a wide variety of habitats ranging from old fields and grassland to dunes. The latter is believed to be its ancestral habitat. Comparative experiments on its ecology will determine which aspects of its behavior are expressed in different habitats and will test several recently proposed models of foraging theory. The principal investigator. Dr. Sally C. Levings, is working in cooperation with Dr. James Traniello, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Boston University. c.) Trustom Pond NWR - "Beach Grass Studies", Project No.84-05. University of Rhode Island botanists completed a study of the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on the development of sand dune stabilizing species this year. Previous research demonstrated a strong relationship between the presence of mycorrhizal fungi and the successful development of sand dune stabilizing plants. The study area enclosed three test plots at the west end of the barrier beach. The researchers found that the fungi, usually found within a few centimeters of plant root systems, serve as a phosphorus transport system. E. ADMINISTRATION 2. Youth Programs The Trustom Pond Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) camp, which was staffed by Group Leader John Konicki and Group Aid Jane Kostka, employed 15 ^enrollees from June 21st through August 31st. Major accomplishments by this year's enrollees include the construction and placement of an observation tower at Moonstone Beach, and the erection of an osprey nesting platform. The major problem experienced by the enrollees was caiised by the change-over to the new Pay/Pers system, with some paychecks being received as late as January 1985. osprey platform erected by ycc at ninigret nwr, cwb/i984 7 4• Volunteer Programs The members of the New England Naturist's Association (NENA), a special interest group dedicated to nude recreational activities, volunteered their services in monitoring litter pick-up and "closed area" entrance violations, in addition to specific projects, including erection of snow fencing and "closed area" fencing on Moonstone Beach. 6. Safety YCC accidents this year consisted of a severe case of poison ivy, a sprained toe, and one enrollee that had to have a particle removed from her eye. In addition to on-site safety instruction, the safety program dt the Trustom Pond YCC camp included a formal classroom presentation on first aid by Group Leader John Konicki. John also provided the Salt Meadow YCC camp with the same program. 8. Other, Field Station Evaluation Issues addressed concerning the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge as a result of the Field Station evaluation of August 1984 include public use problems at Moonstone Beach, limited refuge parking, pond breaching, and the feasibility of a pond study. All addressed issues have been assigned to the appropriate staff members. F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge contains a diversity of habitat types providing resources for a large group of wild life species. The most prominent habitat type is a salt pond, the 160 acre Trustom Pond. It is a unique and productive ecological unit and is one of the only undeveloped salt ponds remaining in Southern New England. Grasslands, croplands, wooded swamp, shrubland and forest compose the remaining land. 2. Wetlands The breachway between Trustom Pond and Block Island Sound was cut in late May to lower water levels in the pond. This practice has been conducted for many years to accomodate the farming of adjacent fields and expose an island in the pond for common tern nesting. The lower water levels also provide mud flats for feeding shorebirds during migration. The breach remains open for a short period, (ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks) allowing the intrusion of saline waters and numerous fishes from Block Island Sound. 8 The effect of this practice on the pond and associated wildlife is now being studied. There is a paucity of knowledge concern ing the adverse or beneficial effects to wildlife and no consistent management plan for the water body. The refuge staff hopes to gain a better understanding of the effects of this practice and develop a scientific management program for the pond. 4. Croplands The cooperative farming program on Trustom Pond National Wild life Refuge encompasses one cooperative farmer and 30 acres of cropland. The farmer plants approximately 22 acres of potatoes and returns services in the form of brushcutting, seeding pasture, planting buckwheat/millet wildlife food plots, and a cover crop of ryegrass and red oats on the potato field for winter goose browse. 8• Haying Permanent grasslands are maintained under a special use permit with a local farmer. Approximately 28 acres of hay are cut in late August for use as livestock feed. The farmer provides services in the form of mowing and fertilizer and lime appli cation for the value of the hay. THE GRASSLANDS AT TRUSTOM POND ARE MAINTAINED UNDER A HAYING PROGRAM. CBS 2/85 9 G. WILDLIFE 2• Endangered and/or Threatened Species No bald eagles or peregrines were sighted this year. In December a decapitated leatherback turtle washed ashore on Moonstone Beach. State biologists and conservation officers investigated the death of the animal. The turtle was taken to the turtle research facilities at the University of Rhode Island. 3. Waterfowl A total of 21 species was recorded, which is slightly less than normal. Only a few snow geese were present on the pond this year, but both phases - blue and white - were represented. Snow geese and brant were noticeably absent in any sizeable numbers in Washington County. Mild weather eliminated the need for flocking around food sources and resting areas. It also kept ocean dwelling birds offshore, so no unusual species were seen. Relatively heavy use by Canada geese, black duck, and scaup occurred from October through December- Late planting of a cover crop on the adjacent refuge farm land limited the food supply for the geese. The shoots were not able to grow tall enough before geese began feeding on them. By November most of the available vegetation had been foraged. Some geese remained there to feed, but many could only use the refuge as a resting area, leaving during the day to feed in nearby fields. Ironically the land immediately adjacent to the refuge was planted with a lush cover crop and had decoys set up but no geese ever ventured into the area during the hunting season. 4. Marsh and Water Birds Twelve species of marsh and waterbirds were seen on Trustom Pond in 1984. In May a purple gallinule was released on refuge property. It had landed on a fishing trawler farther south and rode the boat to Rhode Island. It was captured and released in Trustom Pond. Eight great .blue heron congregated on the pond in the fall and winter. They too made use of the nearby rye field, resting there during the day. One common moorhen was a daily sight at Trustom during August. 10 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species This was the second summer part of the beach was closed to public use. The piping plover and least tern nested in the enclosed area. The number of birds nesting on the protected beachfront was greater than the previous year, but due to high tides in July all but one nest was destroyed. A second attempt by five least tern pairs met with the same fate. It was discouraging to note that while the tides in the protected area were able to reach the dune fence, the tides on the open beach never reached the fence. At this time the open beach is definitely higher in elevation than the closed area. However, due to the amount of use in the open areas (at least 3000 people per day on a nice weekend) the plovers and terns could never survive there. If this area were closed instead, townspeople and naturists would voice opposition. Because the beach features are transient, there is no guarantee this stretch will remain elevated. PIPING PLOVER BROODING EGGS ON ITS PRIVATE BEACHFRONT DVT/8 3 In December we had promising news that the plover is being proposed for threatened status along the Atlantic coast. This would be a big boost for our management practices on the beach. * When the pond was breached, temporary mud flats were created along the perimeter of the pond. The flats attracted a variety of birds including royal terns, Caspian terns, and black skimmers. When the breach closed, the rising water level covered the mud flats and the birds left. 11 TYPICAL PIPING PLOVER NEST. DVT 1982 A pair of osprey were a daily sighting on the refuge. Although they mated and built a nest on the newly erected nesting plat form, no young were produced. This is thought to be an immature pair which should have better luck next year. ERECTING OSPREY PLATFORM IN MARCH.IJZ 1984 OSPREY PAIR BUILDING NEST ON A NEW PLATFORM RKG/1984 7. Other Migratory Birds During fall migration strong winds forced a small flock of Eastern bluebirds along the coast. A total of 10 were seen on this refuge. It was suprising to find that these birds were not wary of humans or vehicles and could easily be approached. 9. Marine Mammals This past year two beluga whales were buried on the refuge - one in June and the other in November. Both were living in captivity at Mystic Marinelife Aquarium in Mystic, Connectict. If further scientific data needs to be collected, specimens can be exhumed. A number of other marine animal^ including a humpback whale and a great white shark, have been buried in this area in previous years. 10. Other Resident Wildlife Snapping turtles are common on the refuge. In June, Assistant Refuge Manager Wood observed the drowning of a cygnet by a snapping turtle. The taking of swans by turtles has been questioned in the past. This was an unusual event to actually witness and gives proof that it does occur. 13 In September Card's Pond, adjacent to refuge property, was breached by unauthorized persons causing a sudden draining of this pond and of Mud Pond. One of the snappers was washed into the ocean by the strong current. Concerned citizens made several attempts to capture the turtle and finally succeeded by seining it out of the waters with a beach blanket. They brought it back and deposited it in Mud Pond - mission accomplished. Had they known it had destroyed one of their beloved mute swans, sentiments would have warranted leaving it in the ocean. H. PUBLIC USE 1. General The major public use of Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge during CY-84 was swimming and sunbathing at Moonstone Beach. This non-wildlife orientated activity continues to exert a significant drain on our budget and create conflicts with our wildlife management program. Although there appears to be more awareness for the refuge among the users, the number of users continues to increase and exert additional pressures on the wildlife utilizing the beach. It is hoped that this complicated and politically sensitive issue will be explored in the coming year. The refuge does host a number of wildlife orientated programs and has the potential to devlop a public use program that will return significant benefits. Current programs are discussed in the following sections. 2. Outdoor Classroom Approximately 250 students participated in outdoor education programs offered at Trustom Pond refuge this year. Several local elementary schools were represented with groups ranging in age from first grade through fourth grade. Based upon their levels of interest and understanding, each class was given a tour of the refuge with an emphasis on refuge history, land use changes, wildlife management practices, and wildlife habitat requirements. Limitations in the number of programs held at Trustom were due to a lack of available staff time and not to a lack of outside interest. Programs scheduled by the staff included: May 31 - Matunuck Elementary School, South Kingstown, RI, 50 fourth grade pupils. June 6 - South Road Elementary School, South Kingstown, RI, 50 third and fourth grade students. 14 June 7 - Matunuck Elementary School, 45 first grade students. June 14 - Matunuck Elementary School, 50 second and third grade students. November 17-10 Tiger Cub Scouts and 8 attendant parents. EXPLORATION OF FRESH WATER POND ECOLOGY,LAH 1984 DISCUSSION OF REFUGE HABITAT RESTORATION EFFORTS WITH A WINDMILL SERVING AS A REMINDER OF INTENSIVE FARMING PRACTICES OF THE PAST.LAH 1984 15 J. OTHER ITEMS 4. Credits BLAIR - Introduction and Sections A, F, Hi, and K. ZWILLMAN - Sections D, and H. CHOQUETTE - Typing and Section E. HANSEN - Sections B and G. K. FEEDBACK Public use of the Moonstone Beach portion of Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge continues to increase with the grow- ihg popularity of nude sunbathing. In addition, many of the areas that once hosted this activity in the Northeast have closed forcing these people into other areas. Moonstone Beach is probably the most popular "other area". The beach has always been a battleground between the human users and the wildlife species that it was set aside for. Not suprising- ly, the wildlife species have always been the losers. It is difficult as a resource manager to observe the ever increasing public use and expenditure of refuge funds to manage this use. It is even more disappointing to do it with little if any improvement in our only purpose for being here, to manage and preserve wildlife. This December a complicating factor was introduced. The piping plover, which nests on the beach, was proposed for listing as threatened and endangered. Public use, notably swimming and sunbathing, must be controlled or eliminated if we are to accomplish the greatest good for this species. Yes, these birds can successfully nest with some disturbance. But this species is proposed as threatened and endangered and that means they require special protection because their existence on this earth is in doubt. A decrease in breeding success from controllable factors should not be tolerated. There are many issues complicating this dilemma at Moonstone Beach. The beach is used by a municipality and a nudist organ ization. Sunbathing is a non-wildlife oriented activity and the question of permitting nudity on a national wildlife refuge has been raised. The birds made no distinction between clothed or unclothed intruders and there are many of both. However, the major attraction to this area is not sunbathing but nude sunbathing both for the "pure" and the curious who come to observe. It is our opinion that if nudity was not allowed on Moonstone Beach the remaining use would be manageable. Of course this may sed^n unfair to those who are nudists or see nothing wrong with this activity. Their response would be all sun bathing, nude and clothed, should be eliminated if it is detrimental to the wildlife resource. I think any consciencious resource manager could make a case on either or both issues. The staff at this unit, who have witnessed the demise of the resource because of this use, are not above using either issue if the birds would benefit. Yes, there are political overtones and there are special interests involved. But if the piping plover is designated as threatened and endanger ed it seems the opportune time to force the issue. It is our duty, legally and morally.