CAROLINA SANDHILTS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Mct3ee, South

Home , Santee (South Carolina)

CAROLINA SANDHILTS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Mct3ee, South. Carolina. s

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1.985

U . S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTE24

REVIEW AND APPROVALS

CAROLINA SANDHILLS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 4 McBee, South Carolina

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1985

A ~~dZ0, 3-,5-~~ 'r /Ij, A . Refuge ManagerC'I,Date Refuge Supervisor Review Date

z Regional Office Approval Date

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN'7RODUCTION

A. 1.I:cc ;i 9*, 1,'G1 r1':;

13 . C'T.l.Ml\`1'IC CONDIT.I ON :, I

C. LAND ACQUISIT .10N

1 . Fee Title 2 2 . Easements Nothing to Report 3 . Other Nothing to Report

D . PLANNING

1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 2 . Management Plan 2 0 3 . Public Participation Nothing to Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 3 5 . Research and Investigations 3 6 . Other Nothing to Report

.E . ADMINISTRATION

1 . Personnel 4 2 . Youth Programs 5 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4 . Volunteer Program 7 5 . Funding 7 6 . Safety 8 7 . Technical Assistance 9 8 . Other Nothing to Report

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1 . General 9 2 . Wetlands 9 3 . Forests 1 0 4 . Croplands 12 5 . Grasslands Nothing to Report 6 . Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7 . Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying Nothing to Report 9 . Fire Management 13 10 . Pest Control 14 11 . Water Rights Nothing to Report 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas 15 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report Pa e

G. WILDL.1 Fl:

1 . Wildlife Diversity 0 . .16 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species o 16 3 . Waterfowl 19 4 . Marsh and Water Birds 00 .21 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied gSpecies 21. 6 . Raptors 23 7 . Other Migratory Birds Q . . .23 8 . Game Mammals • os23 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report. 10 . Other Resident Wildlife • • w . .OO .I .q .OO .24 11 . Fisheries Resources 25 12 . 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections 25 15 . Animal Control 25 . 16 . Marking and Banding 25 17 . Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

H . PUBLIC USE

1 . General 0 26 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students 26 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 26 7 . Other Interpretive Programs 27 8 . Hunting e . .e . . .27 9 . Fishing Nothing to Report 10 . Trapping Nothing to Report 11 . Wildi;i..Fo Observation Nothing to Report • 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 29 13 . Camping e . . . .29 14 . Picnicking 29 15 . Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement 29 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19 . Concessions Nothing to Report

I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1 . New Construction Nothing to Report 2 . Rehabilitation q 30 3 . Major Maintenance 34 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement 34 5 . Communications Systems 34 6 . Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7 . Energy Conservation 35 • 8 . Other o Nothing to Report

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J . OTHER ITEMS

1 . Cooperative Programs 35 2 . Other Econamic Uses Nothing to Report 3 . Items of Interest 36 4 . Credits 37

K . FEEDBACK 38

L . .INFORMATION PACKET - - - (inside back cover) IJfl'RODUCl'ION

In prehistoric times an ocean covered what is now known as the Coastal Plain of South Carolina . Rivers flowed from the nearby mountains and deposited silt along 'the coastline . Gradually a broad band of sand dunes developed into what we now know as the Sandhills region .

Humans probably have lived in the Sandhil.is for over 10,000 years . Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area was populated by scattered tribes of Indians, including the Wateree, Santee, Cheraw, Congaree, Waxhaw, and Pee Dee . Later those people joined togetherr to form the Catawba Nation .

There is little information available con ering early European activity in the Sandhills . During the sixteenth century a number of explorers passed through the area . During the next 150 years traders and trappers made trips to the area for deer hides and furs on a regular basis . It was not until the mid-1700's that Europeans began to establish permanent residences in inland South Carolina . 0 During the late 1800's the-vast longleaf pine forests supported a naval stores industry . In addition to the lumber industry, turpentine was made from the pine sap extracted from the gold "fat lighter pines" . The last of the virgin pine forest was removed in the early 1900's . After the timber was removed the land was sold for farms . Deep, infertile, sandy soils and poor fanning practices caused most agricultural attempts to fail .

When the Federal government purchased the land it was badly eroded and almost no wildlife were present . Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order Number 8067 dated March 17, 1939 during the Resettlement Administration under authority of the 1933 National Industrial Recovery Act and the Emergency Relief Appropriation of 1935 . The entire area acquired contains approximately 92,000 acres ; of that 45,591 .4 acres are administered as Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge . The remaining acreage is titled Carolina Sandhills Wildlife Management Area and is leased. to the State of South Carolina . Through a lease and cooperative agreement the South Carolina Commission of Forestry manages the Wildlife Management Area primarily for timber and wood products as well as public recreation such as hunting .

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sandhills region in South Carolina that is the transition zone between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont Plateau . Uniquely, much of the flora and fauna found on the east side of the refuge is similar to those species found in the Coastal Plain, and much of the flora and fauna on the west side of the refuge is similar to those species found in the Piedmont Plateau . The refuge is characterized by gently rolling hills with elevations ranging from 200 to 500 feet above sea level . Deep, sandy soils predominate with scattered outcroppings of clay . Woodlands cover approximately 92 percent of the refuge . The major forest type is longleaf pine with a scattered understory of turkey oak . Where clay outcropping occurs, longleaf may be replaced by loblolly pine, and blackjack oak may be more common in the understory . There are numerous small creeks and tributaries that transect the refuge . Narrow bands of hardwood stands

-i- and pocosin ecotones border the streams and produce sc=~ of the best wildlife habitat found on the refuge . rflIcfls are t1iirt-y nun-iijade ponds on W)v 0 refuge, created by placing dams along the streams, Approximately 1,100 acres of open fields scattered throughout the refuge add edge and diversity .

A. HIGHLIGHTS

• The refuge office has been. relocated into previous Quarters # 203 (Sec . 7 .2) .

The Lake Bee dam and spillway were repaired with special Emergency Dam Repair funds (Sec . I .2) .

Waterfowl use of the refuge declined for the second consecutive year (Sec . G .3) .

'Me specially .funded cougar survey drew to a close without obtaining positive evidence of cougar presence on the refuge this year (Sec . G .2b) .

13 . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

This station records only precipitation data . All temperature data is derived from the local news media . Reported temperatures for the Sandhills region of the Carolinas (for 1985) tended to be either above or below normal throughout most of the year . 'This was particularly true in January when temperatures were reported to be in the high 80's at the beginning of the month but had dipped to - 6°F by January 20 . Pleasant weather had returned by the end of February when temperatures were reported to be in the upper 70's . The only other unpleasant weather occurred during the period from mid-June through the end of July . During this period life was made miserable by temperatures which were frequently reported to be approaching 100°F with relative humidities in the 90 percent plus range . The balance of the year was generally moderate in spite of minor temperature abnormalities .

For the fourth consecutive year precipitation was above normal (See Tables 1 and 2) and was fairly evenly distributed throughout the period . However, we did undergo a drouthh period during the spring planting season (March through May) when only 3 .84 inches was recorded (70 percent of which fell during the- final month) . This severely effected nearly all refuge agricultural . ohexa- tions . Several corn fields had to be replanted ; all of the lespedeza plantings were lost entirely . September and December, which received .83 and .64 inches respectively, were dry months, but the balance of the year was wet .

7 Table 1 . Monthly Distribution of Precipitation In inches (1985)

Month 1985 Normal Deviation

January 5 .36 3 .36 + 2 .00 February 4 .64 3 .47 + 1 .17 March .52 4 .14 - 3 .62 April .62 3 .84 - 3 .22 May 2 .70 3 .36 - 0 .66 June 4 .29 4 .09 + 0 .20 July 9 .24 5 .62 + 3 .62 August 9 .09 5 .35 + 3 .74 September .83 4 .26 - 3 .43 October 4 .18 2 .68 + 1 .50 November 9 .07 2 .80 + 6 .27 December .64 3 .46 - 2 .82

Totals 51 .18 46 .43 + 4 .75

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Table 2 . Five Year Distribution of Rainfall in Inches (1985) 9 Year Recorded Deviation 1981 46 .36 - 0 .07 1982 46 .70 + 0.27 1983 58 .40 + 11 .97 1984 48 .32 + 1 .89 1985 51 .18 + 4 .75

Five Year Average = 50 .19 inches Five Year Average Deviation = + 3 .76 inches

C . IM) ACQUIS:C'T1ON

1 . Fee Title

For the past two or three years we have been reporting that an exchange of lands between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department was imminent . As last reported this proposal was to have exchanged 359 acres of Service owned lands for 420 .15 acres of State owned lands . Even though the, Federal parcel. was of inferior size this deficiency was more than amply canpensated for by its superior quality, site index, location, ease of access, and merchantable timber . In fact, so superior i were the refuge tracts that it would have required the Fish and Wildlife Service to sell up to sixty percent of the timber present in order to canpensate for the difference in value of the two areas .

In 1985, all environmental, archaeological, endangered species, and real estate assessments and evaluation were aaccuplished and the exchange was approved in principle by the Regional Directorate . Of major concern to the State, however, is that they replace their land with lands of approximate equal acreage . There- fore they would not approve of this proposal as presented .

At the request of the State, the Service has amended their proposal to include three (3) tracts totaling 410 .20 acres . The total value of the three tracts is considerably more than that of the State tract ($433,251 and $291,080 respectively) . The Service proposes to equalize these values by retaining the timber sale rights for merchantable timber found on the refuge tracts . This has met with State approval since they plan to clear and plant these lands for their public dove hunting program anyway . Approval by the Washington Office Directorate has been requested by the Regional Office .

D . PLANNING

. Management Plan

As outlined in the Refuge Manual (4 RM 3), this station has no management plan . It does, however, maintain individual plans for applicable programs which are carried out on the refuge . These are reviewed periodically and, when necessary are revised and updated . In 1985 the station's sign management plan was re- written and approved . A rewrite of the water management plan (which has not been revised since it was first written in 1958) was begun but has not yet been completed . The prescribed burning plan for 1985-86 and other annual forest 9 management prescriptions were also completed during the year, Page 3

4 . Canpliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates

I n .environmental assessment and a request for Section 7 consultation were prepared for a proposed power line right-of-way to be located on the refuge . The proposed action resulted from a request by Mr . Steve C rley to havo Carolina Power and Light Canpany provide electrical service to his proposed, homesite on the Seegars Tract, a 300-acre private inholding located one- quarter mile off of South Carolina Highway 145 . No action on this proposal has taken place . No other environmental assessments were drafted during the year .

5 . Research and Investigations

As reported in last year's narrative (1984), Dr . Gene Wood of Clemson Univers- ity was given permission to conduct a fox squirrel study on the refuge . Mr. Larry Wilhite who assisted Dr . Wood in conducting this study, was unable to locate many fox squirrels . Our fox squirrel population was apparently not as large as we had first assumed . Dr. Wood decided to curtail the study . Fol- lowing a period of numerous sightings during the spring by the refuge staff, a decision was made to try and trap a few squirrels . Dr . Wood, with assistance from Manager Trainee Jones, established seven bait stations on the refuge, but these stations received little, if any, use .

Corner Fristoe, a graduate student from Clemson University conducted a study on the refuge and the adjacent Sand Hills State Forest to determine the optimum rotation age of longleaf pine on sandhills sites . The objective of this study was to determine the optimum rotation ages for natural, even-aged stands of longleaf pine on South Carolina sandhill sites for three different management criteria : a biological, a technical, and a financial rotation . The conclusions of this study were as follows : 1) one hundred years is a reasonable biological rotation length when evaluated using these criteria ; 2) fifty years is a reasonable rotation length for the maximization of cubic foot mean annual increment on all site types ; 3) sixty-five to seventy years is a reasonable rotation length for the maximization of board feet mean ual- increment on all site types ; 4) forty-five to fifty years is a reasonable rotation length for the maximization of land expectation values on site types 1 and 2 ; and 5) sixty years is a reasonable rotation length for the maximization of land expectation values site type 3, providing there is adequate stocking . ide 4

. ADMINISTRATION

1 . Personnel

LEFT TO RIGHT : Snider, Robinsoni, Tate, Jones, Oliver, gw,eney, Hoffmann, and McCutcheon .

1 . Ronald C . Snider, Refuge Manager, GS-11, PET 2 . John S . Hoffmann, Assistant Refuge Manager, GS-9, PFT 3 . David H . Robinson, Forester, GS-11, PET 4 . Janith D . Jones, Refuge Manager (Trainee), GS-5, PFT (Transferred to Great Swamp NWR 12/7/85) 5 . Kay W . McCutcheon, Secretary, GS-5, PFT 6 . T. Jack Oliver, Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-11, Yin 7 . Louis Tate, Maintenance Mechanic, WG-9, PET 8 . Ellice L . Sweeney, Tractor Operator, WG-3, PFT

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Calendar year 1985 was not as busy as calendar year 1984 in regard to personnel actions and permanent change of stations . A summary of actions initiated follows .

A revision of Forester David Robinson's position description was initiated during February . This action was necessary to include additional responsibilities for coordinating forest management activities on Pee Dee and Santee Refuges .

The position description for the biological, technician position (GS-404-5) was carpletely revised to reflect actual duties that were being performed by the incumbent Janith Jones . This revision resulted in the position being reclassi- fied to a Refuge Manager (Trainee), GS-485-5 position effective April 28 . Ms . Jones had been experiencing difficulty in getting interviewers for prospective transfers to accept her experience as a biological technician as sufficient evidence of her ability to perform in a, refuge manager position . One of the aims of this reclassification was to put her on a level equal to other applicants with an equal degree of education and experience . This tactic apparently was successful, as Ms . Jones learned in late October that she had been selected for a refuge manager (assistant), GS-7 position at Great Swamp NWR and that she had also been selected for a refuge manager (assistant), GS-5 position at St . Vincent • NWR . Janith opted for the GS-7 position at Great Swamp Refuge and departed `this station effective December 7 .

We were granted approval in September to hire saneone to grade the refuge roads . The salary for this individual was taken from emergency fire suppression funds (1510) . Mr . Lee Shaw was given a temporary appointment not to exceed 30 days as an Engineering Equipanent Operator, WG-5716-8, beginning October 15 . His appointment was terminated on November 14 .

Table 3 provides a summary of our staffing pattern over the past five years .

Table 3 . Five Year Cai arison of Staffing Patterns

Permanent Full Time Part-Time Tenn~orarv FY 1985 8** 0 1 FY 1984 8* 1* 1 FY 1983 6 0 4 . FY 1982 6 0 2 FY 1981 6 0 0 *This position was converted to W1 in March, 1984 . **One position was abolished with the transfer of Jones 12/85 .

With the transfer of Refuge Manager Trainee Jones to Great Swamp Refuge in December, this position was abolished for this station . The loss of this position will greatly impact upon all aspects of our program, particularly habitat management and public use .

2 . Youth Programs,

The refuge hosted its 9th annual non-resident YCC camp in 1985 . Five enrollees were hired for a period of eight weeks ; supervision was supplied by the refuge staff . An orientation meeting was held on May 13 for the purpose of completing necessary paperwork and to inform the enrollees of the nature of the work that was to be expected of them . r'aae b

The 1985 YCC Crew, Left to Right : Todd Steen, Bill SherriII, Randy Gainey, Ronnie Smith, and Liz Tisdale .

The prodrain began on June 10 and most enroi.lees proved to be conscientious, hard workers . All assignments were accoiq 1 ish d on schedule and in an acceptable manner . These included, but were not limitod to, the following :

1 . Eight miles of boundary were cleared and remarked.

2 . Upland hardwoods covering twenty-six acres in Cam- partmnts 1, 4, and 9 were injected with 2,4-D as part w of a timber stand improvement project . 3 . Performed red-cockaded woodpecker habitat improvement operations in Compartments 1 and 3 . This included. locating and marking new cavity trees and remarking old cavity trees .

4 . Twenty tons of asphalt were used to patch and repair cracks and potholes in the paved wildlife drive .

5 . One hundred forty-two man hours were utilized in clearing litter f uni the rights-of-way of the state and county highways which pass through the refuge . Almost two hundred, 33-gallon trash bags were stuffed to capacity during this operation.

6 . The loft of the shop and storage building was cleared of nearly 56 years of accumulated junk .

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7 . Special management zones were marked and posted .

8 . All hiking trails were cleared and cleaned .

For the first time in recent history no problems were experienced with their payroll .

4 . Volunteer Program

We received one new enrollee in our volunteer program in 1985 . Miss Sheryi L. Staaden, a resident of Hartsville, S . C . and a student at Eastern Illi- nois University, . enrolled in the program for a twelve week period . Cdr work on the refuge met the requirements of an internship for a degree in onviroan- mental biology . Sheryl participated in all. phases of refuge operations except law enforcement .

Our two previous volunteers, Mr . Teen Blount and Mr . Larry Wilhite, are no longer with us . Tom has returned to school to pursue a graduate degree • and Larry's field work for the fox squirrel was terminated . Currently, there are no volunteers enrolled at this station .

5 . Funding

Our final budget figure for FY 1985 was $273,350 . This appears to be an increase over our FY 1984 funding levels but this is deceptive . Ten thousand dollars was a return of ARM funds (designated for boundary retracement) which was extracted from our FY 1984 budget . Other designated monies included $18,500 in 2850 funds for dam rehabilitation; $5,600 in 8610 funds for quarters maintenance ; $6,250 in 1520 funds for YCC support ; $6,000 in 1260 funds for small ARMM ; and'$2,000 in 1260 funds for the Atlantic Flyway Goose Study . Funds remaining after salaries of $198,000 were barely sufficient to cover normal 0 & M expenses . Also, a total of $34,960 in 1510 funds was paid by the Regional Office to the S . C . Forestry Caranission for fire suppression on Carolina Sandhilis Refuge .

• The FY 1986 outlook appears to be a little more optimistic . Our total budget figure is projected to be $349,250 . This includes $80,000 which has been earmarked for the purchase of a badly needed road grader and . $15,000 in ARMM funds which we hope to be able to utilize for the rehabilitation of our maintenance facilities . Reprogranm ing of the ARM funds will be necessary and we have been told we might lose them .

Perhaps the brightest spot in our budget is, and will likely remain, the 8610 monies which are designated for use for the operation and maintenance of our quarters . Because of Section 320 of Public Law 98-473, fiscal year 1985 Continuing Appropriations .Act, we will have available nearly $8,000 in this designated fund ($2,000 of which is carryover from FY 1985) for FY 1986 . This should greatly improve the livability of the quarters at this station . The Regional Office as in the past few years, will utilize 1510 funds to provide fire suppression through the S . C . Forestry Ccxruiission . rage 8

A Caterpillar motor grader has been ordered with FY 86 funds . This machine will help in our efforts to keep up with erosion of our roads such as pictured here .

Table 4 . Refuge 0 & M Funding (FY 1982-86)

Fly 1260 8610 6860 1480 2850 1520 'Iotal

1982 192,300 4,000 196,300 1983 173,500 3,500 30,000 207,000 1984 181,000 4,000 73,000 15,000 273,000 1985 208,000 5,600 30,000 5,000 18,500 6,250 273,350 1986 306,300 7,950 35,000 349,250

6 . Safety

There were no lost time accidents by any member of the refuge staff . There were, however, two incidents requiring medical attention . Engineering Equipment Operator Jack Oliver had to have a large sliver of wood excised from his left forearm (this object had becare imbedded in his arm while he was dismantling a storage shed) and Assistant Manager Hoffmann required an X-ray examination of his left big toe which was badly sprained in a fall down a flight of stairs .

There was one vehicle accident involving a staff member but there were no personal injuries involved . It occurred in January while Assistant Manager John Hoffmarnl was attempting to secure the gate to the maintenance area com- pound . The vehicle he had been operating jumped out of "Park" (the engine had been left running) and into "Reverse" . The vehicle then crashed through

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the gate badly damaging the driver's side door, circled the parking lot (barely • missing several buildings), and came to rest after slamming into a parked truck .

There were no YCC enrollee accidents this year . However, one female enrollee had to have a tick, which had become imbedded in her scalp, surgically removed . A second male enrollee missed several days work due to heat exhaustion .

Safety meetings were held monthly . Subjects of discussion involved the work being performed on this station and/or environmental hazards . Safety films were generally used to collaborate the subjects discussed . Safety reports or bulletins were frequently distributed to all employees at these meetings .

7. Technical Assistance

Under the terms of the cooperative agreement with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the refuge is responsible for providing technical assistance on wildlife matters to the staff on the Sand Hills State Forest . Details of the cooperative program between the two agencies can be found in Section J .1 .

F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1 . General

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 on played-out, overfarmed, sub-marginal agricultural lands . At the time of purchase by the federal government these lands were a biological desert . Pro- tection of the resource and wise land use management by the Fish and Wildlife Service has restored much of the area to a living, productive condition .

Pine forest covers more than 92 percent of the 45,591 acres of the refuge . The dominant forest commuiity consists of longleaf pine with a scattered understory of turkey oak . Soils having a high clay content support loblolly pine and bluejack oak ccmnwnities . Slash pine plantations were established on many areas of the refuge in years past but are being replaced with either longleaf or loblolly both of which are better suited to the soils found in the sandhills . Pond pine is characteristically found along the wetter drains . The understory of the pocosin habitat is comprised primarily of gallberry, fetter- bush, and sweetbay. This habitat is enhanced by 1,200 acres of open fields and clearings and 30 manmade lakes and ponds containing approximately 350 acres . These have been constructed along the numerous streams which transect the refuge and add greatly to the overall habitat diversity .

2 . Wetlands

As noted in Section F .1 above, artificial impoundments have been created by con- structing dams across some of the numerous small creeks and streams that transect the refuge . Most streams are spring fed and supply adequate water flow to maintain scheduled water levels even during periods of drought . The wetlands along the streams and impoundments produce some of the best wildlife habitat to be found on the refuge .

In 1985 the dams of nest of the impoundments were cleared of trees and other woody vegetation which had been permitted to encroach upon them since being constructed . The stream beds immediately in front of the control structures in the dams were also cleared of several years worth of accumulated silt and sand . s Additionally, an accumulation of beaver debris was also cleaned from within the structures . Page 1 0

0 T1->e International excavator on loan from Santee NWR was used to remove silt and sand accumulations from stream beds directly in front of water control structures at several ponds .

Honker Lake, Martins Lake, and Holdover Pond were drained in order to expose their bottoms and slopes . All produced good crops, especially Holdover Pond which developed an excellent stand of smartweed (this pond is our only true moist soils unit) . Spikerushes, panic grasses, and smartweeds were the most comma my produced species . Gradual ref boding of these pools began in October (none had reached full pool level by the end of the year) . Unfortunately, waterfowl populations were so low that these areas received little use .

Water control structures in Pools C, L, and Lake 12 were modified in an effort to control beaver damage . At first these modifications appeared as if they were going to be effective . However, the ingenuity and industriousness of the beaver soon won out and all alterations were defeated . At this time the refuge staff returned to the drawing board .

Pool L, a 45 acre impoundment located in Con partment 2, was completely drained in November . This was done so that repairs to the existing culvert could be accomplished and to permit the installation of a new "experimental" beaver-proof riser board structure (see Section 1 .2) .

Waterfowl use of the refuge impoundments and other wetlands continued the reduction which has been occurring on this refuge for several years . Sporadic wood duck use occurred in most pools with nesting taking place throughout the refuge . Canada geese were concentrated chiefly at Martins and Honker Lakes while most other waterfowl (mallards, ringnecks, blacks, widgeon, etc .) use took place at Martins Lake and Pool D . Peak populations this year were 252 geese and 1,193 ducks occurring in January .

3 . Forests 0 Under the terms of a cooperative agreement that has existed since the establishment of the refuge in 1939 between the Service and the South Carolina Forestry Page I I

Ccmmission, the Carmi .ssion }ass been responsible for conducting timber sales, for planting trees, and for }>rr,vidi.ng technical forestry assistance on the refuge . 0 As reported in last year's narrative (sec 1984 narrative) a roratorium was enacted which restricted Lhe Forestry Ccarinission from any managed timber sales activities until the pending matter of handling refuge receipts could be resolved . This matter was not resolved, therefore the S . C . Forestry Commission was not allowed to conduct any sales on the refuge during the year .

Minor salvage operations were conducted on the refuge throughout the year to salvage trees dying from insects and lightning strikes . This sale was restricted to dead trees considered to be safety hazards along refuge roads and small patches of black turpentine beetle damage . Approximately 137 cords of pine pulpwood were cut and a revenue of $1,371 .00 was received fr ii this salvage sale . Receipts from the salvage sales ware collected by the Forestry Carmissicm and turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Service for placement in the National Wildlife Refuge Fund .

A crawlerr tractor and rolling chopper were used again this yearr to chop strips through approximately 256 acres of pine/scruboak stands in Ccx artments 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 . These stands contain scattered longleaf pines with dense understories of turkey oaks . The purpose of this project was to open up the dense turkey oak stands in order to promote crown development and better mast production and also to clear turkey oaks and brush from around existing and potential red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees .

Roller chopping helps to promote crown development and mast production as well as helping to maintain open pine habitat beneficial to red-cockaded woodpeckers .

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14)I)roximratoly 20 acres oof up] and haralwtxxi stand : in Cc1npartmnts 1, 4, and wr r'a tra ca t -('d I car w i I c I I i I a • 11,11) i I a a 1 i mpr we irx •a a I . . Low (11.1a I i ty 1 as rdwcxxls ccxn- Ix(ting with the more desirable ma : t prcxiiic •iny sp(,c.ies m.,re deadened using tree injectors and 2,4-I) . Al I trees kiIled wx •re left standing to provide possible dens aand feuding areas for wildlife species dependent upon dead trees . This project was accomplished using YCC enrollees .

Proscribed burning is ~a very important . forest muiagc •nient tool used on tix• refuge for understory enhancement in upland pine stands . During the 1985 burning season, approximately 365 acres of woodlands and 261 acres of fields were prescribe burned in three ccmparhunts . Dry conditions and high winds hampered our burning during the burning season .

Prescribe burning of field areas in three compartments was accomplished by the refuge burning crew .

4 . Croplands

There are approximately 1,112 acres of cultivated fields and forest openings on the refuge . These provide for a wildlife diversity that would not otherwise be present . Most cultivated acreage has been planted to soil building perennials such as sericea, bicolor, and japonica lespedeza (approximately 900 acres) while nearly 180 acres was planted to corn, wheat, and rye .

There were two cooperative fanning agreements in effect during 1985 . Mr . A. C . McLeod was responsible for maintaining 223 .8 acres of established sericea lespedeza and for planting 102 acres of rye . In exchange for the rye Mr . McLeod planted 15 .5 acres of wheat and 10 acres of corn . Mr . George R . Catoe was responsible for maintaining 18 .4 acres of established japonica lespedeza and 20 .3 acres of established bicolor lespedeza . In exchange for being permitted to retain 100 percent of a 29 acre soybean crop that he had planted the previous year, Mr . Catoe was required to plant for the goverrnttent ten acres of corn at Martins Lake . This required two plantings to get an Page 13

established crop . The first planting failed due to drought . The second produced an excellent crop . (Mr . Catoe made the second planting on his own initiative .)

Mr . Catoe also planted 29 acres of corn in a field located on a parcel of land which was to have been involved in a land exchange with the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department . This was done at the request of the State . Mr . Catoe received 75 percent of the crop while 25 percent was to have been left in the field for dove hunting purposes . When it became apparent that the exchange of lands would not be consumated by the end of the year, this 25 percent became the property of the refuge . It was combined for use as bait in our banding activities . Table 5 shows the crops grown by each cooperator and the government's share of each crop .

Table 5 . Cooperative Farming - 1985

Mr . A . C . McLcod

Cooperator's Government Crop Acres Share Share

Sericea lespedeza 273 .8 95% 5%* Rye 102 100% 0 Corn 10 0 100% Wheat 15 .5 0 100%

*Cleaned, dried, scarified, and bagged .

Mr . George R. Catoe

Cooperator's Government Crop Acres Share Share

Japonica lespedeza 18 .4 70% 30% Bicolor lespedeza 20 .3 70% 30% Corn 10 0 100% Corn 29 75% 25%

The refuge staff force account fanned 48 .2 acres . Twelve and four-tenths acres of corn was planted at Martins Lake as hot food for geese while 23 .4 acres at Martins and Oxpen were planted in a mixture of wheat and vetch . The wheat was utilized as green browse for waterfowl while the vetch serves to enrich the soil . To attract wildlife for viewing by the public along the wildlife drive, 12 .4 acres were planted in wheat and vetch .

Several large fallow fields at Mays Lake and the Oxpen Farm Unit (and a number of smaller areas) were strip planted in a variety of crops (chiefly lespedezas, small grains, peas, and sunflower) . This was done to add variety to these areas, to create a greater diversity of wildlife using them, and to enrich their soils . However, due to drought conditions and improper sowing technique these efforts were almost a total failure .

9 . Fire Management

In accordance with an approved fire management plan and an approved annual prescribed burning plan, prescribed fire is used on the refuge to accomplish Page 1.4

the following forest management objectives : 1) to provide the necessary habitat for maintaining a diversity and abundance of natural fauna with emphasis on endangered and threatened species ; 2) to reduce the potential for wildfires by reducing the amount of fuel accumulation on the forest floor ; and 3) to demonstrate how fire management can effectively be used. in wildlife management .

Again this year, we contracted with the S . C. Forestry Commission to aerial ignition burn on the refuge . . However, the State was unable to obtain the services of the contracted helicopter when needed . Therefore, there was no aerial ignition burning on the refuge during the burning season .

Our 1985 burning season was unsuccessful . Approximately 365 acres of woodlands and 261 acres of fields were prescribe burned . We were severely hamper- edd by unfavorable weather conditions which limited our burning days .

Under the terms of a memorandum of agreement between the Service and the S . C Forestry Cczrmission, the Ccmnission has the responsibility for suppressing wildfires on the refuge . When needed, refuge personnel serve as a back-up force with a John Deere 450-C tractor unit with a Mathis plow .

During the year, the Ccmnission suppressed two wildfires on the refuge . The first fire was ignited by lightning and burned 2 .4 acres in Ccxnpart- ment 10 . The second fire was started by an unknown person who either threw out a cigarette or deliberately set the fire . Approximately 33 acres burned from this fire ..

The refuge staff suppressed three wildfires during the year. Two small wildfires were detected by a motorist traveling through the refuge on State Highway 145 . The fires were located 2 .4 miles apart and burned .05 acres . Both fires were flapped out by Assistant Manager Hoffmann with the aid of the motorist and were believed to have been set by an arsonist .

Another fire which burned eight acres started from a lightning strike and was suppressed by Engineering Fquirment Operator Oliver and Forester Robinson . No serious damages occurred from these fires .

Extreme dry conditions and high winds kept the refuge and all of South Caro- lina on a fire danger alert throughout the months of March and April . We feel fortunate not having any serious fires during that time .

Physical fitness standards for prescribed burning (Category 3) were met by five refuge employees prior to . the burning season .

The prescribed burning plan for the 1985-86 burning season was submitted to the Regional Office and approved .

In conjunction with our prescribed burning program Forester Robinson and Assistant Manager Hoffmann attended a smoke management workshop in Camden, S . C . sponsored by the S . C . Forestry Commission .

10 . Pest Control

Mr . A. C . Mcteod treated 374 acres of established sericea lespedeza with Malathion for the control of grasshoppers, corn earworms, and armyworms . Paw 1 5

An additional twelve acres of corn was force account: treated with Atr_azine to control sicklepod and mustard . Both treatrrcnt.s were accanplished using low pressure ground equip rent ; both were effective .

For the third consecutive year in conjunction with tale U . S . Forest Service, gypsy moth traps were placed on the refuge . '11-ie traps which were located at refuge headquarters and bake Bee Recreation Area were checked periodically for the presence of male gypsy moths . No gypsy moths ware detected .

Scattered incidences of black turpentine, ips, and ambrosia beetle attacks were found on the refuge during the year . Beetle infestations were mainly confined to dying trees :;truck by I ightni.nq .

These but 1(' infested trees were marked and cut. as salvage timber . No pest- irides were used for control .

12 . Wilderness and S ecial Areas

A research natural area comprising 554 acres of longleaf pine-scruboak habitat is located on the refuge . No management. activities other than pr otectinrn wr •.rn carried out in this ar

There are numerous areas on the refuge which are unique for sandhill habitat . These areas include archaeological, sites, cedar bogs, rock outcroppings, temporary pools for amphibians and rare plant carsnunities, etc . The location of these areas are plotted on compartment maps to receive special management consideration and protection .

Sundews are one of several insectivorous plants found in bcxt areas on the refuge . Page' 16

C . WTI.DLl Pl .: 9 1 . Wildlife Diversity Carolina Sand}ai l l s Refuge is superimposed over a ridge of saixflUlls which are a part of the tall Line region fonn.ing the transition zone between the Piedmont Plateau and the Coastal Plain . Lynches River forms a drainage system along the western edge of the refuge and is typical. of streams found in the Piedmont area . On the other hared, Black Creek drains the east side of the refuge and is typical of Coastal. Plain streams . The refuge, therefore, has a good blend of habitat types and species of plants and animals that are normally found only i n either the P .i (~Cr Iont: region or the Coastal Plain . There I-Ire also .:i iuuiiber of intergrades which are peculiar to the Fall L i .ne req ion .

Both soft mast and hard mast production was good this year . The availability of mast such as these persimmons enhances wildlife diversity of the area .

This diversity is enhanced through the habitat manipulations carried on by the refuge which are designed to meet the needs of a variety of wildlife species . The woodlands, open lands, and wetlands all ccrnbi .ne to support an expanding wildlife population .

2 . Endangered Species

a . Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Based upon a red-cockaded woodpecker survey conducted over the entire refuge in 1984 (see 1984 narrative), Carolina Sandhills Refuge supports approximately one hundred and twenty-two (122) woodpecker colonies . Red-cockaded woodpecker nesting habitat on the refuge may be found in three habitat types - r pine pulpwood and sawtimber (P2), pine scrub-oak (PS2), and pine bottanland Page 1.7

(PB2) . The three habitat types combine for a total of 25,604 acres . Based. Upon the total . Of one hundred and twenty-twro (122) colonies and. the total acreage in the three habitat types, the refuge supports one colony per 209 .9 acres .

As part of our continuing refuge survey and habitat improvement for the red- cockaded woodpecker, all pine trees containing red-cockaded woodpecker cavities and cavity starts in Compartments 1 and 3 were located and mapped . A total of 1 .34 trees containing cavities and two trees containing now cavity starts wore located . All cavity trees wee ta.dgod with a pre-ntznberad alum- inum tag and marked with a band of white pant . This band allows the trcwe to be easily located and serves as a marker for areas to receive special consideration during forest management activities . All scruboaks and brush were cut and removed around the cavity trees to prevent blockage of the cavity which often causes desertion by the woodpecker .

Compartments 1 and 3 were previously surveyed for cavity trees in 1980 . Table 6 presents a comparison between the two surveys .

Table 6 . 1985 Red-cockaded Woodpecker Cavity Tree Survey Data

# Cavity # Cavity Trees # Cavity Trees % Change Starts Canp't # Available 1980 Available 1985 _1980-85 1985

1 41 41 0 0

3 96* 93 3 .1 2

- Total 137 134 3 .1 2

*12 trees died as a result of tornado damage . w b . Eastern Cougar In an attempt to determine positively whether or not these elusive cats were actually present on the refuge, a thirty mile survey route was established along roads and trails transacting the refuge in January, 1984 . The survey procedure called for checking the route two days following a rainfall for the presence of cougar tracks . None were seen in 1984 or in 1985 .

Also used as a means of detecting the presence of cougar on the refuge were scent stations utilizing cougar urine (obtained from captive cats) and catnip oil . These were established in both the Black Creek and Lynches River drainages . They were checked for three consecutive days at least once a month (except during hunting season and at times when weather conditions were unsuitable) . These stations were frequented by feral dogs, fox, and bobcat, but not by cougar . Page 18

Volunteer She ryl Staaden checks scent stations set up to detect cougar tracks .

These negative results do not mean that the eastern cougar is not present on the refuge . Ample habitat exists to support. them . However, the large population of feral dogs and the frequent presence of deer hounds on the station makes the reliability of the censusing techniques used very questionable . c . PineBarrensTreef rock

In 1976 the pine barrens treefrog was listed as an endangered species within the State of South Carolina by the Wildlife and Marine Resources Department . A study of the species conducted by state biologists in 1979-80 showed that there are only four counties where this amphibian can be found ; Chesterfield and Marlboro counties have overr ninety percent of all known colonies . The refuge, located in Chesterfield County, supports the second largest number of colonies in the state with ten (10) . The refuge is the only place in the state where management for this species i known to take place . Since plant succession has been identified as the biggest threat to this treefrog, prescribed fire is the best management tool . In 1985 a three to four acre frog-bog located above Oxpen Lake in the Oxpen Farm Unit was burned . d. Plants

Present on the refuge are two species of plants which are, or have been, under review for addition to the Federal endangered species list . These are white wicky (Kalmia cuneata), and Well's pixie moss (Pyxidanthera bar- bulata var . brevifolia) . Present also is the sweet pitcher plant which is

P;1c1'~ 11)

on South Carolina's endangered and threatened species list . All respond favorably to fire and are in peril due to loss of habitat through natural succession and/or human disturbance .

Wildflower enthusiasts generally find plenty to their liking in the spring and early summer months . Pictures' here is the white wicky .

e . OtherEndangered/ThreatenedSpecies

Bald and golden eagles are infrequent visitors to the refuge, particularly during their migrations . Two bald eagle sightings were made during the final week of June ; one over Lake 12 and the other over Pool K . Since both sightings were made on the same day and in close proximity to one another it is felt that only one bird was actually present . There were no golden eagle sightings in 1985 .

3 . Waterfowl

The winter of 1976-77 remains the best year on record for total waterfowl use of the refuge . There has been a general, if not dramatic, decline ever since ; 1985 was no exception . Peak populations and use days for Canada geese were down sharply after having shown a slight increase the year before . Total duck use days once again showed a decline ; only wood ducks exhibited an increase . Tables 7 and 8 illustrate the predicament of waterfowl at this station .

Page 20

Table 7 . Peak Populations of Comnan Wintering Waterfowl 0 Species 1976-77 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-85

Canada Geese 2,000 700 455 500 350 Mallard 5,500 525 400 350 275 Black Duck 600 150 75 75 70 G . W . Teal. 500 53 40 35 30 A. Widgeon 2,500 170 150 150 100 Wood Duck 3,500 500 600 550 600 Hooded Merganser 150 50 12 10 12

Table 8 . Seven-Year S of Wintering Waterfowl Use Days September through March

Season Canada Geese Other Geese Ducks Coots Total

1978-79 59,390 180 175,185 1,960 236,715 1979-80 45,935 0 150,897 5,510 202,342 1980-81 46,245 31 213,005 4,302 263,583 1981-82 44,480 92 155,052 1,570 201,194 1982-83 29,416 0 181,104 61 210,520 1983-84 29,655 682 163,539 490 198,876 1984-85 16,289 40 164,451 367 181,147

Wood ducks are the only waterfowl species which regularly nest on the refuge . To bolster their success, a nesting box program for wood clucks is carried out . The tornadoes of 1984 produced a reduction of available boxes by approximately 31 units . In 1985 seven additional units had to be removed but ten new units have been added giving a net total of 87 available boxes . Fifty seven percent of all boxes checked had received same use, a five percent decrease from that exhibited the previous year . The number of available natural cavities on the refuge is not known but is assumed to be high . Table 9 provides a summary of nest-box use for the year .

Wood ducks are evenly distributed over most of the refuge's wetlands and are present throughout the year . Our largest concentrations of wintering waterfowl (excluding wood ducks) are mallards, widgeon, and Canada geese . These concentrate primarily on Honker Lake, Martins Lake, and Pool D .

Thirty-one Canada geese were neck collared and banded at Martins Lake on January 28 as part of the Atlantic Flyway Goose Study . These birds promptly left the area not to be seen again until December when five of iqe 21

them returned to the lake . Twelve additional geese were banded and collared on November. .13 at tlxe Cheraw State J.-Jsh Hatchery . As many as nine of these were subsequently observed in he vicinity of the hatchery 0 in December . A goose was observed on Martins Lake in January bearing a yellow and black collar with prefix letters indicating that it. had been marked in North Carolina .

Cheraw Fish Hatchery Manager Farrell Beck assists Refuge Manager Trainee Janith Jones with neck collaring of Canada geese .

Our resident population of Canada geese produced an estimated sixteen gos- lings in five broods during the year ; eleven of these are thought to have reached flight stage . This brings the size of the population to about . 31 birds .

4 . Marsh arid WaterBirds

There is little use of the refuge by this group of birds . Great blue herons are present most of the year . Pied-billed grebes can usually be found except during the summer months . Small numbers of green-backed herons, cattle egrets, great egrets, and little blue herons utilize the refuge in the late summr and fall when some of the ponds have been drawn down . There were no unusual sightings among this group in 1985 .

5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species

The amount of habitat available on the refuge for this group is limited and only a few species are ever reported . Killdeer, woodcock, sandpipers, yellowlegs, and snipe are the most canron species seen .

Page 22

Table 9 . ANNUAL NARRATIVE Ru:PoR.t' J-011141 KX)I) DUCK. BOX PR(XI M INFORMATION

:MUGS: Carolina Sandhills

NESTING YEAR : 1985

NUMBER PERCENT

Total usable boxes 87

Estimated boxes used by wood ducks 50 57

Estimated boxes used by other ducks 0

Estimated boxes used by other wildlife 22~ 25

Estimated wood duck broods produced 49

Estimated total. wood ducks hatched 220

Estimated wood ducks surviving to flight stage* 77 35%

Plans for next year (indicate number) :

more boxes

fewer boxes

X no change

Remarks : 35% is a more realistic survival rate to flight stage for this

station . Seven 7) boxes were removed r condition) and five) ., new

boxes were added .

*If survival rate is other than 50%, please explain rationale in remxks 0 section .

Page 23

6 . Raptors

• Red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, A erican kestrels, turkey vultures, barn owls, screech owls, great horned owls, and barred owls all nest on he refuge . Although not yet proven, it is possible that sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks also nest on the area . Northern harriers winter on the refuge and can usually be observed hunting and feeding in the fields which are scattered throughout the refuge .

7 . Other M_L rratory Birds

The seventh annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count was conducted on the refuge on December 29 . As in past years the count coordinator was Mr . Bill Hilton of Rock Hill, S . C . Mr . Hilton had not compiled and submitted his data in time for it to be included. in this report .

8 . Game Mammals-

In 1940, one year after establishment of the refuge, six pair of deer were released as part of a restocking program . By 1963 this population had increased sufficiently to warrant having a managed hunt . Either sex himats, using modern firearms were begun in 1976 . This was done in response to a determination that the herd was approaching the limits of the carrying capacity of the habitat and that it was top heavy with over-mature deer .. Tables 10 through 14 summarize the histories of the hunting progrs at this station .

Table 10 . Summary of Modern Weapon Either-Sex Deer Hunting 1976-1980

Hunter Harvest HD/ 1111/ Hkl/ Days/ Days Hours Bucks Does Total Deer Door Day Hunt

Totals 4,500 35,895 245 320 656 40 .1 316 29 .4 12

Averages 900 7,179 49 64 113 8 .02 63 .2 7 .88 2 .4

Table 11 . Five Year History of Modern Gun Either-Sex Deer Hunting 1981-1985

Hunter _ Harvest HD HH/ HH/ Days/ Year Days Hours Bucks Does Total Deer Deer Day Hunt .

1981 2,400 19,200 121 221 343 7 .0 56 8 .0 4 3 1982 2,200 17,600 82 130 212 10 .4 83 800 3 1983 2,400 19,200 57 Ill 168 14 .3 114 8 .0 8 .0 3 1984 3,000 24,000 44 51 95 31 .6 253 1985 2,200 17,600 37 45 82 26 .9 215 8 .0 3 16 Totals 12,200 97,600 341 558 900 90 .2 721 40 .0 Averages 2,440 19,520 68 .2 111 .6 180 18 .04 144 .2 8.0 3 .2

Page 24

Table 12 . Summary of Archery Eitlher-Sex Deer Hunting 1.971-80

Hunter Harvest HD HH/ HH/ Days/ Days Hours Bucks Does Total . Deer Deer Pa Hunt

Totals 5,330 38,180 42 61 103 546 4,11.3 73 .6 60

Averages 533 3,818 4 .2 6 .1 10 .3 54 .6 411 .3 7 .36 6

Table 13 . Five Year History of Archery Either.-Sex Doer Hunting 1981-1985

Hunter Harvest HD/ HH/ HH/ Days/ Year Days Hours Bucks IJcacs Total Deer Deer Day Hunt

1981 280 2,240 4 16 20 1.4 11.2 8 .0 6 .0 1982 350 2,800 5 5 10 35 280 8 .0 6 .0 1983 575 4,600 5 5 1.0 58 460 8 .0 6 .0 1984 542 4,336 9 7 1.6 34 271 8 .0 6 .0 1985 490 3,920 3 1. 4 123 980 8 .0 6 .0 Ibtals 2,237 17,896 26 34 60 264 2,103 40 .0 30 .0 Avg. 447 .4 3,579 .2 5 .2 6 .8 12 52 .8 420 .6 8 .0 6 .0

Table 14 . History of Primitive Weapons Dither-Sec Deer Hunting 1981-1985

Hunter Harvest HD/ iii/ HH/ Days/ Year Days Hours Bucks Does Total Deer Deer HD Hunt

1981 700 5,600 20 33 53 13 106 8 .0 6 1982 1,000 8,000 24 33 57 1.7 .5 1.40 8 .0 5 1983 1,200 9,600 3 40 43 28 223 8 .0 5 1984 1,028 8,224 11 7 18 57 457 8 .0 5 1985 983 7,864 10 13 23 43 343 8 .0 5 Totals 4,911. 39,288 68 126 194 158 .5 1,269 40 .0 26 Avg . 982 .2 7,857 .6 13 .6 25 .2 38 .8 31 .7 253 .8 8 .0 5 .2

South Carolina classifies bear, bobcat, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and squirrel as well as deer as game species . Except for muskrat, all are considered to be present on the refuge in stable populations . Squirrels include both the gray and fox with the fox squirrel being the most abundant . A full range . of color phases are exhibited by the fox squirrel (gray, brown, and black) .

10 . Other Resident Wildlife

There have been no reported sightings of black bear or of bear tracks since : late 1983 . It is felt, however, that these animals are present on the refugee especially along the Black Creek and Lynches River drainages .

Page 25

In response to a request fran the South. Carolina Highway Departmnt, . beaver were trapped out of Radctc.=rs Branch t the point where it passed beneath Highway 145 . They had built a dawn across this creek which had Weia=d water up onto the road shoulder . Highway depart ant maintenance officials feared that the water would, undermine the highway foundation and cause

Our turkey px)pu.lation apix :ared L o do well in 1985 . Both he birds and Lhei ;r tracks were seen throughout the refuge . By late sumni.r and early fall several broods of from five to fifteen poults each were frequently seen, along the wildlife drive .

11 . Fisheries Resources

While most of the impoundments on this station were created for waterfowl management purposes, there are a few which are better suited for their fisheries resources . However, because of manpower constraints and funding limitations very little fish culture is practiced . In 1985 the only for m of fisheries management to take place was the draining and restocking of • Pool L .

14 . Scientific Collections

Dr . Gene Wood of Clemson University made several attempts to trap and tag fox squirrels on the refuge . This was in conjunction with a fox squirrel study that he is conducting throughout the state, Carolina Power and Light Company continued to take fish samples from Lake Bee in conjunction with their monitoring of the nearby nuclear power plant . On one occasion, in late August, they were unable to obtain a sufficient sample from lake Bee and had to continue their work in Mays Lake .

15 . Animal Control

Very little was seen of our feral dog population in 1985 . They were observed on one occasion near Quarters 212 but disappeared when fired upon, Hunt- ing dogs, during the state big game season, continued to be a problem, Oil the final day of the season we had as many as twelve dogs impounded at one, time, six of which belonged to one man, Several people were cited fox animal trespass . Unless or until dog hunting is prohibited in this state, dogs on the refuge will continue to be a problem .

16 . Marking and Banding

Our post season banding quotas were once again set at 100 Canada geese and 200 mallards . Much time and effort was spent attempting to achieve this goal . Our final results were 61 mallards, 13 blacks, and one black x mallard hybrid. At the time of banding our waterfowl population, not including geese, was estimated at being 858 birds, 600 of which were wood ducks, Forty-throe (43) Canada geese were banded and neck-collared .

Pre-season wood duck banding efforts met with better success however . Eighty-eight of our quota of 100 birds were captured and banded . This is particularly significant in light of the fact that these were the only birds to be banded in the entire state . 1-1 . PUBLIC USE

1 . General

There were 21,328 recorded visits to the refuge in 1985 accounting for an estimated 59,006 activity hours of public use . This represents a reduction from 1984 levels of 3 .32 percent and 7 .33 percent respectively . Fishing, wildlife observation, and big game (white-tailed doer) hunting remain the prime attrac- tions . Table 1.5 below summarize_, the publ .1c use on this station for 1985 .

Table 15 . Surrnnary of 1985 Public Use

Percentage Activity Flours OfTotal

Conducted Tours 60 0 .1 Interpretive Echibias 122 0 .2 Outdoor Classrooms 100 0 .2 Deer Hunting* 14,592 24 .7 Other Hunting 832 1 .4 Fishing 13,150 22 .3 Camping 480 0 .8 Picnicking 4,680 7 .9 WL/WL Observation 24,760 42,0 Photography 230 0 .4

Totals 59,006 100 .0

*Note : Beginning in 1984 activity hours for hunting (big gam) were changed from the commonly used 8 hours/hunter to 4 hours/hunter to more accurately depict hunter usage .

Two new directional signs were erected along the wildlife drive near i main entrance on U . S . Highway One so that visitors could more easily locate our new office facility . So :far these signs have served their dosired function well .

2 . Outdoor Classrocans - Students

Activity hours in this category dropped fran 615 in 1984 to 60 in 1985 ; a 90 .24 percent decrease . This is primarily a reflection of the education reform bill enacted by the state legislature in 1984 which has effectively eliminated travel funds for field trips throughout the public school sys t. The sixty activity hours recorded were from private classes for exceptional students .

6 . Interpretive FxhibiisjDemonstrations

A visitor contact point with interpretive panels is located on the wildlife drive near S . C . Highway 145 . It receivedd substantial use by visitors, especially on weekends when. the staff was not available to answer questions . Interpretive panels are also present in our office . Pd' 1C

Two leaflet dispensers had new lids installed on them during the year . The new lids, which are constructed of Lexan, art, more attractive and will require less maintenance than the wooden covers previously in place . They also ofier 0 the advantage of al lowinn visitors to see the brochures that, are available .

Installation of texan lids on our leaflet dispenser : should t o ,sen n uintenancc prohl crows associate(-] withh t-1w,sc• . ;t- f]( t

Our collection of animal mounts has giu r frcen tWr) to lour with the addition of a fox squirrel and a raccoon . The fox squirrel is depicted, eating the seeds frcxn a pine cone while sitting on his haunches atop a log .

7 . Other Interpretive Programs

Refuge Forester Robinson and Mark Dutton of the South Carolina Department of : Parks, Recreation and Tourism conducted a spring wildflower tour of the refuge on April 14 for approximately thirty persons . Sponsored by the Division of State Parks, the annual event provides an excellent opportunity for wildflower enthusiasts and nature lovers to observe first hand the state's dtverso flora . Of particular interest was Well's pixie moss (listed as a threatened species in South Carolina) and a variety of carnivorous plants .

The general refuge leaflet, which had been written in the 1960's was revised and brought up to date during the year . It has the potential for greatly assisting our interpretive program .

8 . Hunting

Public hunting of white-tailed deer, quail, mourning dove, raccoon, opossum, ref-,(y and rabbit is tx"rrrilf+-c'd on 1t 1 xort?one )` h ^Lber than t1?r ( area . marked or otherwise deli.

0 White-tai led de( , r continued to be the nx)st acught of ter species . In 1985 t:.he refuge was open for the taking of this slx'cics for fourteen days divided into three seasons as follows : archery (6 days), primitive weapons (5 days), and modern firearms (3 days) . Hunters were permitted to take only one (1) antleriess deer per hunt but an unlimited number of bucks could be taken . Poorr weather dominated all of the hunts, particularly the :rndern weapons hunt . greatly reducing not only the bag but the nuntxer of participants as well. . Overall hunter success was down from that recorded in 1984 (See Tables 10 through 14, Section G .8) . Only 82 deer were checked through the check statio . durinq tyre rrxxlern weapons hunt (the only hunt for which the check station is manned Con I i nuous I Y) .

0 Despite rain and very wet conditions throughout our deer hunts, several nice six-to-ton point deer were harvested .

Quail hunting was permitted from the opening day of the state season until December 31 . This reflected a change in regulations from past years when the refuge season was concurrent with the entire state season, i . e ., from the last part of November through the first of March . This change was made because the quail population on the refuge drops to near zero during the winter months as does hunter participation . We felt that it was more important to maintain the security of the station than to leave it wide open for the benefit of one or two hunters .

Mourning doves, woodcock, and rabbits are permitted to be taken as incidenta . species when the State season for these species coincides with the refuge quail season . Raccoon and opossum hunting was permitted during the first tei days of March . A permit was required but there was no quota . Page 29

12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Wildlife photography is typically associated with other recreational activi- 9 ties . There, are, however, a few serious photographers who visit the refuge each year. We assist these individuals to the fullest extent possible so that they may obtain the best photographs possible . In return for our assistance, and cooperation we frequently are provided with top quality pictures of our flora and fauna .

One such individual is C . W. Grant, an employee of Caxolina Power and Light Company at the H . B . Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville . C . W. has provided us with several photographs of our waterfowl and turkey populations, The 1985 Emergency Preparedness Plan of the Robinson Plant was published in calendar orm and features photographs made by Grant . Several of those had been mado on the refuge .

13 . 2QMmp

The recent change in policy on camping on refuges resulted in the cessation of this activity on the refuge . This decision has not had, and will not have, a significant impact on this station . Only two Boy Scout groups KUM& the III mpgrounds (480 activity hours) in 1985 before the policy took effect . his compares with three groups and 1,200 activity hours in 1984, One request for a permit was received subsequent to the establishment of the policy .

14 . Picnicking

Picnicking at the Lake Bee Recreation Area is popular during the warm months, which extended into December this year . Most picnicking is done in association with wildlife activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation . The recreation area is also utilized by church groups and for family rnunians,,

Vandalism and theft in the Lake Bee area has not, been a problem historically, However, this year one (or more) of our visitors not only took his litter home with him but approximately 100 feet of split rail fencing as well .

17 . Law Enforcement

0 Our main law enforcement problem, as in the past, continues to be a2sociated with the use of dogs to hunt deer on adjoining private lanchs • We contdriually have problems with not only animal trespass but also other associated violations, i . e . possession of firearms and hunting in closed areas . it cantinnic, to impound dogs caught on the refuge and . charge an impoundment fee of $10 per dog . The third time a person's dog is impounded within a ona-year period a citation for animal trespass is issued . A total of 43 dogs were impounded this year. A summary of violation notices issued is as follows

Table 16 . Violations - Cl 1985

No . Cases Fines

Animal trespass 6 $300 Hunting 1 $200 Possession of firearms 2 $50 Possession of handgun 0 during rifle/shotgun only hunt 2 $50 We received excellent cooperation and assistance frcxn S . C . Wildlife a Marine Resources enforcement officers and Special Agents Hinesand Baze throughout the year .

We participated in Operation Delta 9 in August by utilizing the State's air- plane to fly over t e refuge . No marijuana was located from the air . However, two plots (one on the Sand 111 .1 .1s State For(est) were located and destroyexl during the year .

One of the two plots of marijuana that were located and destroyed during the year .

Equilinent updates this year include the purchase of two new Remingtan 87 shotguns, installation of night sights on all handguns, and the equippin , the new Jeep Cherokee witch concealed blue lights and a siren .

I . EQUIPMENI' AND FACTLITIES

2 . Rehabilitation

The major rehab job for the refuge this year was acc.ctnpiisnea on the Lake_ ti dam and spillway . Special funds fran an FYnergency Dam Repair appropriation were utilized for this project . Numerous cracks and crambli_nq of the corcret :_;pillway had occurred over the years . The dcriristrearsr section of : the spill lka(I t)(.cxirc cloy(y4 f with vcK30Lation and . Several sections of the da were badly eroded and trees and brush had lx~quarn to grow on the slope of th clam .

Several cracks in the concrete spillway at make Bee were repaired with a vinyl concrete patching materi

I'iie downstream section of Lake Bee spi .llwa~ ix-fore . and alter clearirY4 .

Through a combined effort of the refuge staff, the YC'C, and equipment :from Santee and Mattamuskeet Refuges, the work was accomplished . However, 1YDt without some problems . The excavator borrowed from Santee became mired ii creekbed while being used to clear the spillway . Its removal required mnaa days work and the loan of a drag line and operator f roan Mattamuskeet . Nea: Sand Hills State Forestt personnel a]-;() " c)i. t-ehed-in" to help with the pr(*).

Excedrin headache number ONE . Reliet care in the form or able assistance fiumtt Mattamuskeet (loan of dragline and operator) and Pee Dee Refuges, and f_rt .xn Sand Hills State Forest oersonne l . UP

the stoplog water control structure .in Pool. T, was nyxiifled o provide a bottci intakeatake for discharge water . We experience severe problems with beaver stop- ping up our structures that have surface discharge intakes . Structures with 0 bottcxn intakes don't seem to be bothered, The subject modification was made to see if the problem could be lessened with a bott ;iin intake . If it proves successful we plan to mcxIify other structures in a like manner .

Vinyl concrete patch was used to shore up deterioratinc sections of the water control stricture at Pool . L prior to i r i , i 1 ; r: cn of the nxxlification to this structure .

Moditication to water control structure att foul L, featuring a bottom intake for discharge water . Page 3 4

While we had the excavator on loan from Santee we cleaned out years of accu,d ulated silt and debris from in front of several of the stoplog structures ON 0 refuge ponds . Another major rehab project accomplished this year was the conversion of Quarters 203 into use as a refuge office . The interior of the building was remodeled and painted or paneled . Carpet was installed . The heat pump unit from the old office was relocated to the new building . An entrance road and parking area were constructed and sidewalks and curbing were poured . We hope to begin to convert the old office back into usable shop space in the very near future .

I The propane gas furnace in Quarters 212 was replaced with a high efficiency model . The undersides of the floors were insulated as were the heating ductworks .

The oil furnace removed from the new office facility was installed in Quarters One. This unit had been installed in the new office building (formerly Quarters 203) in 1979 and replaced a much older and less efficient furnace in Quarters One .

ARAM funds were utilized to retrace 38,306 linear feet of the refuge's ex- terior boundary . After being surveyed the lines were properly posted .

3 . Major Maintenance

Numerous major repairs had to be made to the track-mounted backhoe/excavator which we borrowed from Santee NWR this year . The main repair was replacement of the main pivot gear box housing and bearings . Several other repairs were made on the electrical system also .

Fire equipment funds were utilized to replace the front disk and bearings on the disk harrow . The clutch on the five ton dump truck was rebuilt and he outside mirrors replaced . The chlorinator of the Lake Bee water system was replaced with a rebuilt unit after months of improper operation, 0 4 . ir*nent Utilization and Replacement This station is much in debt to Santee NWR for the use of its equipment , We have kept their road grader more the last couple of years than they have, The work we completed on the Lake Bee spillway and several water control structures could not have been accomplished without the use of Santee's backhoo .

A special thank you goes to Mattamuskeet NWR and their equipment operator Jesse Williams . Without their dragline and operator we would probably still be trying to get Santee's backhoe unstuck from the creek .

A new Jeep Cherokee 4 x 4 was a welcome addition to the refuge automotive fleet this year .

5 . mounications Systems

When the office was moved to its new location the remote two-way radio units were reconditioned and relocated . An additional unit was installed to service 0 the shop . Page 35

An additional telephone line was added to the office system and a new computer- ized switching system was installed .

7 . Energy Conservation

Several measures were taken during 1985 to improve our performance in energy conservation . These included the installation of a new, high efficiency propane gas furnace in Quarters 212 and the installation of a new, higher efficiency oil furnace in Quarters one (this furnace was removed frm former Quarters 203) . Quarters 212 also received a new storm door and insulaition was placed underneath the flooring and on the ductwork of this quarters .

As in past years station energy use is monitored monthly so that adjustments (if possible) can. be made before quarterly allocations are exceeded . Pra- ventive maintenance on vehicles and cquipvKent bolsters their fuel efficiency and thus contributes to our energy conservation program .

We have not been able to realize any appreciable change in our energy use patterns due to our moving the office facilities . This station wee within assigned quotas for all energy use categories during FY 1985 except dLeeel fuel consumption . We exceeded our assigned quota of 2,000 gallons by 406 gallons . This increased usage is a result of extensive work to repair severai dams and water control structures and to increased emphasis placed on maintenance of sand and gravel roads . During December, we were informed by the Regional Office that our annual allocation for diesel had been increased to 2,500 gallons for FY 1986 .

J . MUNI ITENS

1 . Cooperative Programs

A cooperative and lease agreement between the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Carolina Forestry Commission was executed in 193% The coopC'Oop- erative agreement allowed the State to carry out certain forest mmaqnnnt practices, such as planting and timber harvesting on the refuge . Xn addition, approximately 46,000 acres of Interior-owned land adjacent to the refuge was leased to the South Carolina Forestry Commission under the lease agreement,

Under the lease and cooperative agreement, the State Forest CanW_eslcn ha-,_-, been allowed to utilize all timber receipts in carrying out their wanagagent activities on the refuge and adjoining state forest . As reported in the 1983 and 1984 narrative reports, the Service made the determination that the MY , generated on the refuge should be deposited in the National IOWA Refuge Fund. A moratorium was established which restricted the Forestxy Cc MMS010'a from conducting any timber sales on the refuge until the matter of Mztnslrots wqrsp- could be resolved . Pending resolution of this matter, a memorandum o? ment was used to facilitate the reimbursement of expames :-x,=.red by ths, State for certain management activities on the refuge, These activitieo In- eluded fire protection (46,000 acres) and prescribed burning (aerial APOU00 . The period of performance of this agreement covered fiscal year 1985 . `he total itemized invoice from the State for these activities was $34,960,00,, 9 Page 36

Under the lease agreement the State Forestry Cc nnission was allowed to continue conducting timber sales on the state forest, The refuge foxester 0 continued to monitor management activities on the state forest such as re viewing proposed annual work plans to insure compliance with the lease agreement, assisting with the preparation of campartment prescriptions, and providing information and management assistance for the management of the red- cockaded woodpecker .

The refuge continued to provide japonica andd bicolor lcspc,eza, seed to the State Forest for planting wildlife food patches,

For the second 'consecutive year this station cooperated with the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department in their state-wide survey of trial furbearers . This was done to gather manageaent data . Two, 1 .8 Vie lines having ten scent stations located 0 .2 miles apart were established along unimproved dirt roads and were checked for the presence of furbearer tracks after an overnight period . Only deer and dog tracks were observed . However, it was felt that the bad weather which we were experiencing at the time may have biased the results .

0 3 . Items of Interest

Refuge Manager Snider and Forester Robinson attended the regional wildlife resource manager's conference in Atlanta on February 4-8 .

South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department personnel Brock Conrad and John Frampton visited the refuge in February to discuss the proposed land exchange between our agencies .

Equipment operator/safety training for station personnel was acquired at Santee NWR during April . Hoffmann and Robinson received training for farm tractors and crawler tractors . Oliver and Tate received this training also as well as training on operation of motor graders . Joe Markwitz of to Regional Office and Jesse Williams of Matt skeet NWR conducted this training.

411 Assistant Manager Hoffmann and Forester Robinson participated in the first session of law enforcement refresher training held in Quincy, Florida in April . Manager Snider and Equipment Operator Oliver attended the second session in May, also held in Quincy .

Hoffmann and Oliver completed an examination to receive certification as pesticide applicators by the State in Florence on April 4 .

Refuge Manager (Trainee) Jones participated in a special spring banding effort to capture and bandd mallard hens in Saska tchewan, Canada in April and May . This seven week project was under the, coordination of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center .

Secretary Kay Inslabihean received certification in caNiopulmonaxy resusci- tation on April 30 after participating in twelve hours of training held at the Hartsville YMCA. Page 37

Forester Robinson conducted a defensive driver training session for tlfa staff on June 5 .

Refuge Manager (Trainee) Jones attended a meeting of Federal and State band ers at Santee NWR on July 19 . State Wildlife Assistance Supervisor Johnny Williamson chaired this meeting which served to coordinate banding activities for the entire state .

Refuge Supervisor Travis McDaniel visited the. refuge on July 23 in conjunction with the annual meeting between the Service and the S . C . Cession of Forestry . Travis also conducted his annual inspectionn of the refuge at this time .

Manager Snider made a short visit to Atlanta, Georgia on August 27 and 28 . He attended a meeting between Regional Office personnel and S . C . Wildlife and Marine Resources Department personnel, to discuss a possible land exchange involving refuge lands .

Special Agents George Hines and Charles Bazemore conducted fires requali- fications in November for persons with law enforcement authority from this 0 refuge and Pee Dee Refuge at our firing range . 4 . Credits

Section H (Public Use), except H .17 (Law Enforcement) was written by J th Jones .

Sections D .5 (Research and Investigations), F .3 (Forests), F .9 (Fire Manage- went), F.12 (Wilderness and Special Areas), G .2a (Endangered Species -Red cockaded Woodpecker), . and J .1 (Cooperative Programs) were written by David Robinson .

Ronald Snider wrote Section A (Highlights), Section I (Edui tent and Facili- ties) , except 1 .7 (Energy Conservation) , Section 11 . 1.7 (Law foreciient) , and Section K (Feedback) . He also edited this report

Sections E .1 (Personnel), 1 .7 (Energy Conservation), J .3 (Items of Interest), .d and J .4 (Credits) were written by Kay McCutcheon who also typed and as :xmblee the report .

The remainder of this narrative was written by John S . Hoffmann .

Paqv 38

K . FEEDBACK

It seems I have survived my first full year as a project leader with little 0 or no harm done . As do most other managers, I feel the frustration of ty, ing to accomplish my job with restrained and diminishing funds and maqpowvr~ However, many worthwhile projects were accomplished despite these limitations . I credit this accomplishment to one main factor, that being the dedication and enthusiasm of my staff, and especially the maintenance and clerical people . They represent the backbone of our organization, We all knDwl or at least should know, that without dedicated people in these positions all the "bight ideas" that we thinkers come up with would never came to pass . It therefor, concerns me to ~ see recent of forts in revising staff patterns which Would &w -, grade our maintenance staff and therefore reduce our real capability to ATffia(le refuge lands . Our maintenance and clerical personnel must each N able to perform a multitude of varied and complex tasks simply by virtue of tho ON, that there are so few people with such a great variety of tacks to perfDm It is quite evident that the current classification system is inadequatc, at the least, to properly categorize this type of situation . The mot glaring evidence of this is the low classification currently being assigned to our clerical staff . On every refuge I've worked the clerical people have gradet- ; comparable to common laborers . However, the function they perform is ever bit as important, possibly even more important, than the function of a primary assistant refuge manager . I think it is a shame that the Service will not find a way to adequately compensate these people .

S S F W SSF -__*European Starling** c c c c *Orchard Oriole c c c Northern Oriole** r r "White-eyed Vireo C c c Rusty Blackbird U u ;'Yellow-throated Vireo o o o *Common Grackle C c u c _ _ Solitary Vireo o Brown-headed Cowbird . . . C c U u __*Red-eyed Vireo u c o Scarlet Tanager c c _ Black-and-white Warbler r *Summer Tanager c c c __ *Prothonotary Warbler o o 0 _ Swainson's Warbler o o o _ *Northern Cardinal** c c c c _ Blue-winged Warbler r r Evening Grosbeak r _ Golden-winged Warbler r r *Blue Grosbeak u u u _ Tennessee Warbler r r *Indigo Bunting c c c _ Orange-crowned Warbler r r Purple Finch r r _*Northern Parula** c c c Pine Siskin r Yellow Warbler o o o American Goldfinch c r c c Magnolia Warbler r r *pufous-sided Towhee c c c c Cape May Warbler o o _ Savannah Sparrow c c c Black-throated Blue Warbler o o Vesper Sparrow c c c Yellow-rumped Warbler** a a a *Bachman's Sparrow u u u Black-throated Green Warbler o o Dark-eyed Junco** U c c Blackburnian Warbler r r *Chipping Sparrow c c c c _*Yellow-throated Warbler c c c *Field Sparrow c c c c _ Blackpoll Warbler r r White-throated Sparrow c c c -*Pine Warbler c e c o Fox Sparrow c _ *Prairie Warbler c c c Swamp Sparrow u u Palm Warbler c c U Song Sparrow c c c Ovenbird U o 0 White-crowned Sparrow u Northern Waterthrush 0 0 Louisiana Waterthrush 0 0 0 Kentucky Warbler o o o These additional 18 species of birds have been seen on - *Common Yellowthroat** c c c the refuge only once or twice and are listed as accidental - *Yellow-breasted Chat c c c visitors. -*Hooded Warbler c c c Whistling Swan Merlin*" Canada Warbler r r Barnacle Goose Sora American Redstart 0 0 0 Oldsquaw Common Gallinule Common Merganser American Golden Plover -'House Sparrow c c c c Red-breasted Merganser Semipalmated Sandpiper Louisiana Heron Black Tern - Bobolink 0 0 Rough-legged Hawk Bonaparte's Gull M -*Eastern Meadowlark c c e c Peregrine Falcon Homed Lark -*Red-winged Blackbird c c c c Short-billed Dowitcher Rose-breasted Grosbeak 'BI DS

of the

Carolina Sandhills NOTES GNational Wildlife GRefuge No . Species Date UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOI Observer(s) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Weather Time Afield

5 !) r vv The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, estab- Common Loon r Virginia.Rail - r _ *Pd. eated Woodpecker uuu lished in 1939, is administered by the Fish and Wildlife American Coot ...... o u u _ *Red-bellied Woodpecker c c c Service of the United States Department of the Interior . P Horned Grebe o 0 - *Red-cockaded Woodpecker c c c r Pied-billed Grebe "Killdeer C c c C The 4U,vuv ^00 ac . . . w.nithin itc boundaries are part of a wide e o c c _ *Red-headed Woodpecker c c c band of sandhills along the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Doubie-crested Cormorant r American Aooacock o o o o -*Yellow-bellied Sapsucker u c . In prehistoric times these sandhills were part of Common Snipe o r u u _*Hairy Woodpecker C c c Plateau - American Anhinga r r r r the shores of an ancient ocean that covered the present Upland Sandpiper" r r Du„. Woodpecker c c c Spotted Sandpiper Coastal Plain . I - Great Blue Heron c c c c u u o o Solitary Sandpiper Today, longleaf pine-scrub oak uplands, creek bottom -*Green Heron c c u o o r "Eastern Kingbird c c Greater Yellowlegs hardwoods, freshwater ponds and lakes, croplands, and Little Blue Heron ...... o o o o o o r - *Great Crested Flycatcher c c Lesser Yellowlegs ...... small food plots scattered throughout the refuge all com- Great Egret** r o o r o r Eastern Phoebe c c c c Pectoral Sandpiper r bine to support a varied and abundant wildlife commu- Snowy Egret r r r r r _ *Acadian Flycatcher c c c Least Sandpiper ...... r r r *Eastern Wood Pewee c c c nity. Cattle Egret o u r r Black-crowned Night Heron o Migrating ducks and geese begin to arrive in late Septem- I Least Bittern ...... r Herring Gull ...... r r r Tree Swallow c c c ber and remain through early April . Wood ducks and a American Bittern Ring-billed Gull r r r - *Rough-winged Swallow c c c small flock of Canada geese are resident on the refuge -_ *Barn Swallow o u o White Ibis ...... o and nest here in spring and summer. Many species of "Mourning Dove a a a a - *Purple Martin c c C water birds, predacious and song birds are found on the r r r -*Canada Goose c u c c * Common Ground Dove ...... r refuge throughout the year. Carolina Sandhills has one Snow Goose** r r _ *Blue Jay C c c c of the largest remaining colonies of red-cockaded wood- *Yellow-billed Cuckoo c c White-fronted Goose ...... r r *American Crow`*;': peckers, an endangered species which builds its nesting Black-billed Cuckoo o o I Mallard u o c c _ *Fish Crow c c c c cavity in a living pine tree suffering from red heart American Black Duck o c c _ * Common Barn Owl u u u u _ *Carolina Chickadee C c c c disease. Gadwall ...... 0 0 *Eastern Screech Owl** c c c c -*Tufted Titmouse c c c c This folder lists 190 species that have been recorded by Northern Pintail** u u -'*Great Horned Owl u u u u - *White-breasted Nuthatch o 0 o c refuge personnel and visiting ornithologists since the re- Green-winged Teal o u u -*Barred Owl u u u u Red-breasted Nuthatch o r c fuge was established . Another 18 species of accidental Blue-winged Teal U u o Long-eared Owl r - *Brown-headed Nuthatch a a a a or extremely rare occurrence have been added at the end . American Wigeon** ...... U c c Short-eared Owl ...... r Northern Shoveler** r r It is requested that unusual sightings be reported to the Brown Creeper C ''Wood Duck ...... c c c c -"Whip-nnnrr r .._- will . u r o o Refuge Manager, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Redhead House Wren o 0 Refuge, Route 2, Box 330, McBee, South Carolina r r r `Chuck-will's widow ...... c c u Ring-necked Duck o u u _ 11 inter Wren o 0 29101 . *Common -Nighthawk ...... c c c Canvasback r r -" Carolina Wren c c c c Lesser Scaup o o -*Chimney Swift ...... c c c Marsh Wren '*'k . . . . I r r Common Goldeneve Sedge Wren*" r Symbols of seasonal abundance of each species are defined r -*Rubv-throated Hummingbird c c c as follows : Bufflehead r r Ruddy Duck _' Northern Mockingbird a a a a r r _ "Belted Kingfisher c c c c Hooded Merganser o o u u * Gray Catbird' ::': C c c S - Spring March - May _*Brown Thrasher c c c c 'Northern Flicker S.-Summer -line August C c c C _''Turkey Vulture c c c c *American Robin** C F - Fall September - November -"`Black Vulture e -c c- c u c c Wood Thrush - February c c c W - Winter December He i :.-.---'}mush-- c - Sharp-shinned Hawk u c c sue__ c Swainson's Thrush r r a common species which is very numerous . _ Cooper's Hawk U u u u a - abundant - Gray-cheeked Thrush r r _*Red-tailed Hawk c c c c common - certain to be seen in suitable habitat . Veery r r c - -*Red-shouldered Hawk u u u u -''Eastern Bluebird c c c c u - uncommon - present, but not certain to be seen . - tsroad-winged Haw k n o - occasional - seen only a few times during a season . - Golden Eagle r r `Blue•¢ray Gnatcatcher c c u - Bald Eagle r r r r rare - seen at intervals of2 to 5 Years , Marsh Hawk Golden-crowned Kinglet u u u RubvcrowneA Kinglet ...... c c c osprey o r r Horizontal lines separate family groupings of birds. Birds ~, - R'ater Pipit o *lmerican Kestrel'- c r c C , . nesting on the refuge are preceded by an * . New names - ; / approved for the 1982 edition of the A .O.U. Check-list -*Common Bobwhite;':" a a a a e Cedar Waxwing o o u of Birds are indicated by two ** after the name . *Wild Turkey a .i u - 'Loggerhead Shrike . C c c c Kmenail r r r r

Wildlife interpretive displays at headquarters and Lake

Bee will help the visitor to better understand the refuge Lrnrw and its objectives . J OfIICTF151T(1RC017AC7STATI01

Fishing and hunting are permitted under state and Lr. .1 AUTO TOURROI1F federal rekulations . Consult refuge headquarters -.'or VISITOR COS FAi l POIv

Z IRIAT A(('ISS

A'rl 1I1OLIII I-11)T IRAIL O WILIIL11 . 0B11K1'111018LISU Refuge Manager A LOLII I OIISI 85 .51 III'. 1(181 R Carolina Sandhills National 11 . .te Ketue . L Route 2 . Box 330 I'N1O8(1II)

M cBee . SC '_9101 -- I AIMPR01II)ROAD

- ~ RI IL61 l(I SPA8)

7 1

F11FSTOF IHE INTERIOR Carolina Sandhills Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge INTRODUCTION IIISTORICAL BACKGROUND observe the red-cockaded woodpecker adjacent to nesting sites . Nesting cavities constructed by these The U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service manages more than The Carolina Sandhills Refuge depicts a long history birds are found in overmature (100 y ears+) pine trees . 400 refuges across the nation . These refuges preserve of events before man - - and with r iaii . The white ro!! Ne_,rhy timber stands are utilized for foraging year- a wide variety of habitats to ensure the continuing ing sandhills represent a time, 55 million years ago, round . The woodpecker cavity trees are easily seen survival of America's wildlife . The Carolina Sandhills when the Atlantic Ocean washed on the shores of throughout the refuge . The cavity trees are distinctly National Wildlife Refuge is a key element in the refuge this region creating these dunes . It also represents marked by a white band which encircles the tree so system . man struggling against nature to make a successful that they may be easily identified and given special living . Now the refuge stands as an example of man management consideration. Carolina Sandhills Refuge contains approximately working with nature to create a much needed home 46,000 acres of land in northeastern South Carolina for s iIdlite . `I - I along the Fall Line between the Piedmont Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The majority of the refuge is During the early history of this country our ancestors \1 kNAGE\1ENI covered with a longleaf pine forest interspersed with indiscriminately cut the timber and overfarined this stands of scrub oaks on rolling beds of sand . This habi- area . Soils were depleted to the extent they would no In order to increase habitat diversity and provide habi tat is enhanced by approximately 1,200 acres of open longer produce the crops needed to support their tat to support a wide array of wildlife species, th fields and clearings, and 30 manmade lakes and ponds . farming families . Eventually farms were abandoned, refuge carries out a variety of habitat managemen Elevations range from 250 feet to 500 feet above sea the wildlife vanished - - the land and the people needed practices . Application of techniques such as prescribes level . There are numerous small creeks and tributaries help . In 1939 the Federal Government purchased the (controlled) burning and timber harvest in the pine that transect the refuge and feed into either Black unproductive land under the Resettlement Administra- lands improve habitat composition for wildlife such Creek on tire east side of the refuge or Lynches River tion to retire the soil from submarginal agriculture . as deer, quail and turkey while making wise use o on the west side . Vegetation along the streams consists the refuge's natural resources . largely of swamp forest or dense stands of evergreen shrubs . Impoundment water levels are manipulated to favor Early morning and late afternoon visitors are likely the growth of desirable natural plant species and large Providing wildlife with its natural habitat is the goal to observe white-tailed deer, quail or wild turkey in numbers of invertebrates .whicharebeneficial tomigra of Carolina Sandhills . The specific goals of this refuge the open fields along the visitor's drive . tort' birds and fish populations . are as follows : to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species, including the red- Beavers are abundant . Their workings are conspicuous Numerous fields and clearings are scattered among the cockaded woodpecker . the southern bald eagle and at most of the thirty manmade lakes and inrpound- woodlands . These areas are managed in various way : the eastern cougar : to provide habitat for migratory ments . Otter, yellow-bellied turtles and wood ducks to provide food and cover for wildlife . Some are birds and consistent with the overall objectives of the are also a common sight in these ponds . Flocks of planted to food crops for waterfowl or legumes foi Atlantic flyway : to provide opportunities for environ- ducks and geese use the refuge during the winter soil stabilization . Others are just mowed or burnec The immediate goal of the refuge was to restore the mental education, interpretation . and wildlife-oriented months . periodically to provide open areas of diverse habitat damaged barren land to a healthly, rich environment recreation : and to denionstrate sound land manage- in the standing timber . for the plants and animals that had once lived here . ment practices that will enhance the conservation of With the use of sound soil and wildlife cord forestry The refuge supports a thriving population of the rare wildlife- INVITATION TO CAROLINA SANDHILLS conservation techniques,that purposeis being achieved . pine-barrens treefrog, found only in small pockets here and in North Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey . Refuge headquarters is located on U .S. Highway They are usually found in wet seepage areas along with V ILI)1-IFI' four miles northeast of McBee . The refuge is opt i clumps of carnivorous pitcher plants . during daylight hours only and office hours are fro The refuge supports a wide diversity of plants and 8 :00 AM to 4 :30 PM . Monday through Friday . Cam The eastern fov sniiirrel can occasionally be seen . It animals . There are approximately 190 species of birds, mo is not permitted on the retuge, but facilities a . is a large handsome squirrel, about twice the size of 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles and 25 available at Cheraw State Park on U .S. Highway the eastern gray squirrel . It is often coal black with a species of amphibians which utilize the refuge . twenty-five miles north of refuge headquarters . white face mask, but color varies from gray to red . A bird that receives a lot of attention on the refuge is The refuge offers numerous experiences which enable the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker . Carolina Other common mammals found on the refuge, but not visitors to become acquainted with wildlife . An auto Sandhills supports the largest population of these typically seen by the visitor, are bobcats, red and gray tour route, hiking trails, observation towers and a birds found on any refuge in the United States . In foxes, cottontails, opossum . raccoons, striped skunks photography blind provide opportunities for environ- the early spring and summer, visitors can usually and gray squirrels. mental education, bird watching and photography . VISITOR INFORMATION When Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge was Calendar of established in 1939, the land had been stripped of its forest and worn out by farming . Through careful management and protection most of the land abuses of Wildlife Events the past have been corrected . Today the refuge, which contains over 45,000 acres, supports a diversity of habitat types which provide homes for a wide variety of wildlife .

The refuge is open to the public daily during daylight hours. Wildlife related activities such as wildlife observation, nature study, and photography are encouraged . Miles of roads and trails are available for hiking and sightseeing . Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with special regulations which are published annually . Visitor facilities include restrooms, observation towers, photography blind and displays . Lists are available of most of the plants and animals to be found in the area.

Refuge headquarters is located on U .S . Highway 1, approximately four miles north of McBee, South Carolina. Restaurants and overnight accommodations are located in Hartsville and Cheraw, South Carolina, which are located 18 and 25 miles from headquarters, respectively . Eating facilitiesarealso available in McBee . Campgrounds are available at Cheraw State Park, which is located approximately 20 miles from the refuge . N For additional information about the refuge write- to Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2, Box 130, McBee, SC 29101, or call (803) 335-8401 . NOTES 11 li cr t [I] DO Carolina Sandhills DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge a

SEASONAL WILDLIFE EVENTS FALL

SPRING Fall migration begins with the arrival of several species of shore birds which utilize the mud flats exposed The first warm Jays of spring find hundreds of yellow- around the dewatered ponds and lakes. The next bellied turtles sunning on logs in refuge ponds . Many migrants to arrive are blue-winged teal which pause ponds feature wood ducks busily courting and setting briefly before movingon southward . These are followed up housekeeping in the numerous nest boxes which by flocks of other ducks and Canada geese which are have been provided for them . The frog chorus is in full attracted by the natural food available as the wetlands swing during evening hours and on oloudy days as are gradually reflooded and by the agricultural crops males of many s 3ecies call in hopes of attracting mates . which have been grown for them . The refuge wood- Spring migration brings numerous species of colorful lands put on a brief but spectacular display as firs the warblers through the refuge on their northward jour- maples and poplars and finally the scrub oaks erupt ney. The gobble of a wild turkey may occasionally be into their fall colors . Beavers can frequently be observed heard, and the cheery calls of bobwhites ring through- during evening hours swimming in many of the ponds out the area . Er dangered red-cockaded woodpeckers or cutting down small trees near the water's edge . are actively nesting, and the parent birds can be easily Refuge hunts for white-tailed deer are held during observed bringir g food to their hungry young . The October and November, and small game hunts usually fishing season o lens in March, and fishing for large- start on Thanksgiving Day . mouth bass is good . The South Carolina Parks Depart- ment usually sponsors a spring wildflower tour of the refuge during April to observe the many kinds of wild- flowers in bloom

SUMMER

Female wood ducks with broods of young in tow can be observed on nany refuge ponds . Red-cockaded woodpeckers have completed their nesting, and both adults and young, are busily working, creating new nesting and roosting cavities. Large numbers of night hawks can usually be seen during the evening hours . Darkness brings out the chuck-will's-widow chorus which is frequently punctuated by the quivering calls of screech owls . The lowering of water levels in many ponds and lakes attracts wading' birds such as little WIN I Eli blue herons, cattle egrets, white i' is, and great egrets, all of which are rare visitors to t~re sandhills . Fawns Waterfowl populations reach their peak numbers and born earlier in the year are now mare bold and may oc- afford excellent opportunities for viewing and photo- . Fish- casionally be obser ied feeding with their mothers graphing . Raptors such as red-tailed hawks, marsh ing for-bluegill and catfish is good in many of the ponds hawks, and American kestrels are numerous and easi y and families of otters can occasionally be observed . observed . Barred owls and great horned owls are nesting, and their calls can frequently be heard at night . A large variety of sparrows such as Savannah, vesper, chipping, field, and song are abundant around the agricultural fields . Flocks of brown-headed nuthatches, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, pine warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, and red-cockaded woodpeckers can often be observed feeding together . A Christmas bird count is held annually, and visitors are invited to participate . This is one of the best times to observe deer feeding in the fields adjacent to the wildlife drive . Small game hunting for designated species is permitted throughout most of the period . Carolina Sandhills Rational Wildlife Refuge F/SN/NC CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S . C .

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is fishing . Fish baskets, nets, set hooks and trotlines are RECUCAnaHs one of over 400 National Wildlife Refuges . The pri- prohibited . mary objective of a National Wildlife Refuge is to provide habitat for the conservation of all species PERMITS : No special refuge permit is required . of wildlife . Sport fishing on refuges is permitted at a Coro/ina Sundhi//s level compatible with the environment . Fishing not GENERAL : Fishermen must keep away from wood only provides wholesome recreational opportunities, duck and goose nests and not disturb or harm other National wildlife Refuge but also permits the use of a valuable renewable wildlife . resource . VEHICLES : Use only roads and trails that are desig- Sport fishing on the Carolina Sandhills National Wild- nated as being open for public travel . Maximum speed life Refuge is permitted on approximately 310 acres is 25 mph unless otherwise posted . of water as designated on the map in this brochure . Fishing shall be in accordance with all applicable State Park vehicles off roads, dams and trails so that they regulations subject to the following special conditions : don't impede traffic or cause a safety hazard .

OPEN SEASON : Year-round at Lake Bee, Lynches This is your refuge . Please help keep it clean . River and the Black Creek bridge areas on State Road 33, State Road 145, U .S . Highway 1 and Wire Road .

March 1 through September 30 - All other lakes and THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SPECIAL REGULA- pools shown on the reverse map, unless designated by TION SUPPLEMENT THE GENERAL REGULA- signs as being closed . TIONS WHICH GOVERN FISHING ON WILDLIFE REFUGE AREAS AND WHICH ARE SET FORTH HOURS : One-half hour before sunrise to one-half IN TITLE 50, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, hour after sunset . PART 33 .

SPECIES, LIMITS AND EQUIPMENT : Same as State regulations with the following exceptions :

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Boats are permitted only in Martins Lake, Lake Bee, U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service Lakes 16 and 17, and May's Lake . Only electric motors R F-42520-7 - May 1984 are allowed . Other fishing areas are open only for bank

1 N

OXPEN LAKE Carolina Sandhills S OP),

` HONKER National Wildlife Refuge 1 cy POOL BEA VER CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. I J i POND O i 0# LAKE 16 LEGEND POOI, H LAKE BEE PO9L G I Open Fishing Area (unless I'll I `:~ osted as closed to fishing) OOL D O Fishing on Black Creek i MARTIN'S LAKE Refuge Headquarters

Refuge Area

Refuge Boundary Paved Roads a Unpaved Roads

0 1 2 miles J t

x 15 CAROLINA SANDHILLS Distributing bait and hunting near baited areas are pro- NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE hibited. Route 1, Box 130 Hunting is allowed Monday through Saturday . CAROLINA McBee, S.C. 29101 During the deer gun hunts, all hunters must wear a visible hat, coat or vest of international orange color . Still hunting HUNTING REGULATIONS only is allowed for deer hunts - no "mandrives". SANDHILLS GENERAL PROVISIONS All antlerless deer must be tagged prior to removal from The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is one of the refuge . During hours when the check station is not in National over 400 National Wildlife Refuges . The primary objec- operation, hunters may have antlerless deer tagged at the tive of a National Wildlife Refuge is to provide habitat for refuge headquarters . All deer killed during the modern gun the conservation and protection of all species of wildlife . hunt must be checked at the check station before removal Wildlife Refuge The harvest of surplus animals is one tool used to manage from the refuge . wildlife populations . Carefully managed hunts maintain DEER HUNTS wildlife populations at a level compatible with the envi- Bag limit for all hunts is State limit plus one antlerless ronment, provide wholesome recreational opportunities, deer. and permit the use of a valuable renewable resource . Archery : Six days commencing on the third Monday in The regulations listed below supplement the general regu- October and continuing through the following Saturday . lations which govern hunting on wildlife refuge areas as Bows and arrows only . set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations . Hunt- ing will be in accordance with applicable State regulations . Primitive Weapons : Five days commencing on the last Monday in October and continuing through the following GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS Friday . Bows and arrows and muzzleloading shotguns and rifles. Public hunting of white-tailed deer, quail, mourning dove, raccoon, opossum and rabbit is permitted on all portions Modern Guns : Three days commencing on the Wednesday of the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge other of the week before Thanksgiving Day . Modern rifles and than those areas marked or otherwise designated as being shotguns . closed to entry or to hunting (see reverse map) . SMALL GAME HUNTS No special refuge permit is required except for night Quail: Season begins with State season and ends Dec . 31 . hunting of raccoon and opossum . Camping, overnight Mourning doves, woodcock and rabbits may be taken as parking, open fires, and littering are prohibited . incidental species when State seasons coincide with the Scouting will be permitted for a twelve day period com- refuge quail season . State bag limits apply . mencing on the fourth Monday in September and on the day before each deer hunt . Weapons and dogs are not Raccoon and Opossum : March 1-10 . Night hunting only . allowed. A special refuge permit is required and is available at the Dogs are prohibited except for bird hunting and for hunt- address above . Special State regulations on night hunting ing raccoon and opossum at night . apply . Hunting All vehicles must remain on established refuge roads . No hunting is permitted from road rights-of-way or within 500 feet of the paved visitor drive . Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR It is unlawful to drive a nail, screw, spike, or other metal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service object into a tree or to hunt from a tree into which such an object has been driven . RF-42520-6 -June 1985

11- - IN A J/1IVLJ1111ILLa7L SP IM- .v KIAI U/IL~ L IG` REF -r CHESTERFIELD CO .

LEGEND --- Refuge Boundary PrOWIVIA Private Lands I 1 Open Area Closed to all hunting 0 Checking Station Entrance Points Paved Road Unpaved Road CAROLINA SANDHILLS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE