U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System Inside RefugeUpdate July/August 2007 Vol 4, No 4 Counting Alpine Flora, page 3 Selawik National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is the first GLORIA site Preventing Lange’s Metalmark in the North American Arctic. Butterfly from Floating Away Focus on Law Enforcement, pages 8–12 Refuge System law enforcement officers face a range of challenges on refuge lands.

Virtual Geocaching, page 15 High-tech scavenger hunts reward treasure seekers at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

The Big Sit! at Your Refuge?, page 21 Refuge managers may want to consider this new event for Refuge Week.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched an aggressive new effort to restore habitat for Lange’s metalmark butterfly at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in California. (Jerry Powell)

by Jim Nickles captive-breeding – has worked to stabilize the population of the Palos Verdes blue he Lange’s metalmark butterfly, butterfly, once thought to be extinct. Twhose only home is a few stunted sand mounds in the town of Antioch, Metalmark butterflies – fragile and California, is fluttering dangerously close brightly colored – are named for to extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife their grey, or metallic-colored, wing Service has launched an aggressive tips. While many types of metalmark Okefenokee Swamp new effort to restore habitat at Antioch butterflies are found throughout The cool serenity of the Okefenokee Dunes National Wildlife Refuge and California, the Lange’s metalmark is Swamp as seen in this new breed the species in captivity until its named for William H. Lange Jr., the international postage stamp is in wild population can be stabilized and young entomology student who first sharp contrast to the fire that raged eventually recovered to full health. described it in the 1930s. at Okefenokee National Wildlife The refuge and the Service’s Ecological Unlike many other butterflies that can Refuge in Georgia this year. The Services program in Sacramento are produce several generations in a year, refuge protects 402,000 acres of the working with the San Diego Zoo to the Lange’s metalmark breeds only one 438,000-acre swamp. Read more establish the captive-breeding program group of offspring per year. So each fall’s about the fire on page 17. and with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to count of adult butterflies is considered a improve habitat on PG&E-owned land critical indicator of the species’ health. within the refuge. The two-pronged Last fall, biologists recorded a peak approach – habitat improvements and count of only 45 adult Lange’s metalmark continued pg 27 From the Director Connections to Nature H. Dale Hall When I was a kid growing up in Harlan That disconnection from the natural communities, to Tualatin River Refuge County, Kentucky, I spent summer world – and what it means for America’s in Oregon collaborating with the Oregon afternoons fishing or looking for all future – has rightly prompted a lot of Forestry Education Program on a project manner of salamanders, caterpillars and national discussion. for middle and high school students other creatures. My friends and I took whose first language isn’t English. pride in seeing how dirty we could get, The Service is doing more than talking; and we knew the creatures and greenery we’re taking action. First, we have Is all that enough? Not quite, but we’ve around us were important. formed a working group, headed only begun. Every year, national wildlife by NCTC Director Rick Lemon, to refuges offer organized environmental That’s what we need to give America’s strengthen existing efforts to bring instruction to more than 750,000 students children once again – the chance to come nature into the lives of children. Second, and teachers and welcome approximately home with scraped knees, dirt on their we’re looking into ways to communicate 40 million visitors. I commend the Refuge hands, and a personal understanding with our wired generation through System on your efforts to share these that nature is a central part of their technologies that appeal to them. treasured places with the American lives and their heritage. In an earlier public and teach them about our issue of Refuge Update, I noted that Most important, we have the finest mission and conservation values. And I Rachel Carson’s commitment to the gateways to nature: our national encourage refuges to continue coming environment may well have come from wildlife refuges. Read any issue of up with innovative ways to help people growing up on the family farm. How will Refuge Update and you start to see – especially children – have enjoyable tomorrow’s conservation heroes emerge how much is already happening on and meaningful outdoor experiences and when today’s children are more likely to refuges, from Rachel Carson Refuge in develop strong life-long connections with recognize an iPod than a milkweed pod? Maine helping Girl Scouts to earn merit the natural world. ◆ badges by assisting wildlife in their own Chief’s Corner RefugeUpdate Refuges’ New Birding Initiative Dirk Kempthorne Address editorial National wildlife 700 species of migratory birds. A Secretary inquiries to: refuges get third of the Important Bird Areas Department of the Refuge Update Interior USFWS-NWRS about 30 million in the United States are on national 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Geoff Haskett visits each year wildlife refuges. H. Dale Hall Room 634C from people who Director — U.S. Fish and Arlington, VA appreciate that the National Wildlife The Refuge System, the movement Wildlife Service 22203-1610 for bird conservation and popular bird Phone: 703-358-1858 Refuge System has the best places in Geoffrey L. Haskett Fax: 703-358-2517 watching all began at the turn of the Assistant Director the country to see wildlife and to learn E-mail: 19th century. The Refuge System was — National Wildlife about the inextricable tie between the [email protected] health of habitat and wildlife. Millions launched just three years after the Refuge System Lacey Act of 1900 banned the transport This newsletter is come with binoculars dangling from Martha Nudel published on recycled their necks, eager to see a dazzling of wild bird parts across state lines Editor in Chief – including the feathers so popular paper using soy-based variety of birds. They’ve come to the ink. in women’s hats. At the same time, Karen Leggett right place. Managing Editor more people began to watch birds for The Refuge System is bird heaven: recreation. Little wonder then that C Refuges provide habitat for more than establishment of the first national

— continued on pg 24

Pg 2 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Selawik National Wildlife Refuge Joins GLORIA

Patterns of Change Over time, the data should provide information on new patterns of biodiversity and vegetation and some indication of whether these changes are caused by climate change. Eventually, Talbot hopes to identify measures that can be taken to mitigate climate-induced biodiversity losses. The scientists who created the GLORIA network in Vienna in 2001 believe that an important feature of high mountain ecosystems is their naturalness, since the landscape is less fragmented and developed. Alpine ecosystems occur on all continents and can be compared on a worldwide scale. Currently, there are 47 observation sites, mostly in Europe, though there are sites in Africa, South America, Colorado and California. Selawik Refuge Manager Lee Anne Ayres is especially intrigued with Selawik National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is the first site in the North American Arctic to be part of what she calls the exquisite quality the GLORIA (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments) network, which will of the database – strict protocols and measure longterm changes in temperature and vegetation like this alpine boreal carnation. (Stephen a depository for the data that will be Talbot/USFWS) accessible to anyone. “We are a small piece of the puzzle but this data will elawik National Wildlife Refuge Four specific sites in the Hockley be available to a much larger scientific Sin Alaska has been named the first Hills area of Selawik Refuge have public than we are usually able to reach.” site in the North American Arctic to be been identified. This summer, Talbot, part of the GLORIA network. GLORIA Canadian Bryologist W.B. Scholfield Putting Selawik on the Map – the Global Observation Research and GLORIA Scientist Laslo Nagy Both Ayres and Talbot believe Initiative in Alpine Environments – is will visit each site, inserting a total of participation in the GLORIA network identifying and maintaining long-term 16 temperature probes in the ground helps put Selawik Refuge on the map. observation sites in alpine environments. that will continuously record the Talbot is getting to know scientists in Vegetation and temperature data temperatures. Establishing each site other Arctic countries and he encourages collected at the GLORIA sites will be is very labor intensive, as every species other refuges with high mountain used to spot trends in species diversity – vascular plants, lichens, mosses, environments to consider becoming and temperature. liverworts – in a five meter by five GLORIA sites. “It’s infinitely useful meter sample area must be identified because across the sites you have The Arctic is extremely sensitive to and recorded. different weather patterns, different climate changes, explains Service botanist flora and with this huge database you can Stephen Talbot, noting that the average After three years, data from the begin to see patterns.” Arctic temperature has increased at twice temperature problems will be sent the rate of temperatures in the rest of the electronically to GLORIA headquarters Ayres expects sharing information with world. “Climate change is a particular at the University of Vienna, Austria, other scientists worldwide will help the threat to the unique biodiversity of Arctic and new probes will be inserted. At that refuge know what else it ought to be regions because these plants have no place time, Talbot will note any changes in measuring or doing. to go. Vegetation below Alpine levels can vegetation, submitting these findings to The refuge budgeted $25,000 to cover move up as it gets warmer. It’s almost like the database as well. The process will travel and logistical support for the first a conveyor belt and alpine vegetation is continue every three years indefinitely. year of GLORIA, including the use of just gone.” continued pg 27

July/August 2007 | Pg 3 Refuge Update The Arts Tell Nature’s Story Green Café Runs at Capacity

ho would have imagined that as craft using natural resources. The film cement and peat moss to reflect the life Wmany as 130 people would travel Birdsong and Coffee was featured along of the Naragansett people; wood and to a relatively remote refuge on a Friday with a Service biologist who discussed stone for the colonial era; steel and wood night to see films about the environment bird migration. “People changed their for a large slave population that lived or hear artists whose work addresses coffee buying practices after that event,” in southern Rhode Island. Interpretive the natural world? Ana Flores not said Flores. “We are getting a response boxes and pamphlets accompany the only imagined it but made it happen so and a sensitivity that is building on other sculptures, which will be displayed on the successfully that her Green Café at the information people get.” refuge for about six months. Kettle Pond Visitor Center in Rhode Island is fully booked for a second The sculptures were unveiled in May season. during an Art Culture Nature conference that brought together artists, teachers Flores is the artist-in-residence with and environmentalists at Kettle Pond the Rhode Island National Wildlife Visitor Center. This year’s conference Refuge Complex. “Kettle Pond is my focused on the connections between back yard and I’ve always used the ecology and land-use history. Central arts as a way of communicating about to the theme are Kettle Pond’s award- environmental issues,” explains Flores. winning facility and Flores’ art She found support from Refuge Manager installations and programs. Charles Vandemoer to seek a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, which Art on Your Refuge encourages artists to work in different Flores was especially appreciative venues with different materials. The of the open-minded support from $22,000 grant, including $7,000 from Vandemoer and visitor services manager the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has Janis Nepshinsky. For other refuges been funding Flores’ work on the Rhode contemplating a program in the arts, Island refuge since January 2006. Flores recommends finding at least one artist or committee of artists with local The monthly public lecture and film history and connections. series entitled “The Green Café” is held one Friday evening each month. The “Think about artists working in These colonial-era female figures in stone and different media: film, dance, visual programs are held in the Kettle Pond wood were installed by artist-in-residence Ana arts, storytellers, writers, and think Visitor Center, an environmentally Flores on the site of an 18th century cellar at sensitive and sustainable facility Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. about all sorts of links with scientists nestled among tall oaks, pines, (Ana Flores/USFWS) in the field,” suggested Flores. “All of kettle holes and stands of highbush our presenters have been extremely blueberry and mountain laurel. The passionate and that rubs off. Art gets to “We had no idea what the audience a deep part of people, especially in our series features filmmakers, sculptors, response would be,” said Flores. “The storytellers, architects, poets, writers time of information overload.” Flores is hunger for this has been a surprise. willing to coordinate workshops to plant and musicians. Some events include a We have been filled to capacity.” Now dialogue after the presentation. the seeds for Green Café programs at Flores is seeking new funding to other refuges. For more information visit From Narragansett Medicine to kick off a youth version of the Green http://www.art-farm.net or email Flores Birdsong and Coffee Café, in which young people would at [email protected]. ◆ The first round of programs in spring develop leadership skills by planning 2006 focused on water. One evening, programming for their own generation. the audience watched a provocative This spring, Flores unveiled a series documentary about global water conflicts of her own sculptures along a refuge (Thirst) and discussed local water issues trail. Each group of sculptures is made with a Brown University professor. A of materials that represent one of three Narragansett medicine woman talked periods in local history – a mixture of about her culture’s appreciation for

Pg 4 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Women in the Outdoors Scrapbooking to Hunting

ary Ellen Steward won a shotgun Mat her first National Wild Turkey Federation awards banquet. Until then, she had carried only a camera on hunts with her husband and sons. Now, she is a hunter herself and coordinates a Women in the Outdoors (WITO) event at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana. Wanda Messer is the volunteer coordinator for Women in the Outdoors events in Tennessee – when she’s not hunting turkeys with her new shotgun or selling Mary Kay cosmetics. Several national wildlife refuges have hosted WITO events in partnership with one of the 2,000 local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation and other local sponsors. The Federation seeks to teach the importance of responsible wildlife management, increase participation in outdoor-related opportunities and preserve the hunting Women in the Outdoors programs, like this one at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri, tradition. “We tap into a powerful source teach women outdoor skills ranging from gardening and journaling to archery, fly-fishing and shooting. of energy and commitment to help (Ellen Benitz/National Wild Turkey Federation) manage wild resources,” says Cindy Spillman, women’s regional coordinator More Than Hunting auction to raise money for the event itself for the Federation. WITO events are about much more than and for the refuge Friends group. “We’re hunting. With Rachel Carson’s 100th building awareness and educating people Spillman has worked on events attended birthday anniversary this year, Andrea about the refuge,” says Dunstan. by four generations of a single family. Stewart, visitor services manager at There is frequently a special rate for The 2006 WITO event at Squaw Creek Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge mother-daughter teams. “This is a National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri in New York, sought a way to focus on comfortable, relaxed, non-competitive drew participants from five states and women in conservation. The refuge environment,” continued Spillman, won the award for best new event at hosted its first WITO event in July as a “where women can find out about the National Wild Turkey Federation way for women to explore all the ways they equipment without purchasing it and Missouri Awards Banquet. The brochure can be outside. Workshops were planned then talk intelligently in a store.” for the 2007 event announced that “this in archery and shotgun skills but also is not a no-holds-barred, klutzes-need­ gardening, journaling and self-defense. Spillman says attendance at Indiana’s not-apply event. This is simply your WITO event skyrocketed when it was At Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge opportunity to stretch your wings and try first held at Muscatatuck Refuge two in Mississippi, park ranger Andrea something new.” years ago. The most popular classes Dunstan’s WITO event in April were lake kayaking and wingbone call “The goal is to get them to come brought 26 women from their mid-20s making. In an orienteering class, women back with their families,” says Squaw to retirement age. They could choose were blindfolded and taught how to Creek wildlife refuge specialist Corey workshops ranging from orienteering survive if they become lost. Kudrna. The Squaw Creek Refuge event and Dutch oven cooking to skeet offered classes in wetlands ecology and shooting, snake identification, canoeing alternative crop cultivation as well as and game calling. There was also a silent turkey and waterfowl hunting. Kudrna continued pg 24

July/August 2007 | Pg 5 Refuge Update More Training = Better Programs + More Enthusiam

certified, workshop The NAI program is being implemented participants must nationally, notes Koenig. That means also complete an that a volunteer who wants to leave the open book exam, snows of the Midwest in January and write a program lead interpretive programs in the sunny outline and give South will have training that is certified a 10-minute for both locales. To attract training interpretive participants, Koenig advertised on both presentation. NAI and the refuge Web sites as well as the Web sites of the Minnesota Office of The refuge used Environmental Assistance and Minnesota a Challenge Cost Naturalist Association. Share grant for the training Volunteers and partners have long and reference conducted a range of interpretive materials for each programs at Minnesota Valley Refuge, participant; CIG including many about birds and cultural costs $150 per resources. But with little or no training Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has used the National participant. “We in interpretive techniques, the volunteers Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide workshop to had hoped for 15 often felt limited. Not now. train additional volunteers. As a result, nine new programs were added to the volunteers. Ten refuge’s activity calendar for 2007. (USFWS) people signed up, “Now, refuge volunteers are leading and then two had family groups to explore with all rained volunteers can make all the to drop out for personal reasons,” said their senses,” says Koenig. “We have difference in providing programs T Mara Koenig, refuge park ranger and a orientation and land navigation programs when staff hours are at a premium. trained CIG instructor. “Some funding so hunters can fine tune their skills in Just ask Minnesota Valley National purchased reference materials that staff topography map reading and compass Wildlife Refuge, which added nine and volunteers can use in the refuge and GPS navigation.” programs to its spring 2007 calendar library.” thanks to the National Association for In another program, visitors will Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive The new programs run the gamut: learn how to use digital cameras in Guide workshop. nature snowshoe hike, orienteering and the outdoors and then practice these land navigation, using one’s senses to skills on the refuge when attending the Serving three million people in the Twin discover nature, spring flora, phenology digital nature photography interpretive Cities area, Minnesota Refuge needed hike, nocturnal wildlife, digital wildlife program. extra hands to deliver interpretive photography and history of the bass programs to an ethnically and Volunteers in training learn how to ponds. With the new offerings, the culturally diverse population. The sharpen their observational skills to refuge nearly doubled its average refuge certified nine new volunteers read an audience. They also learn how number of monthly visitors last winter. with the NAI program. to incorporate tangible, intangible and Even more important, the refuge got the universal concepts into interpretive The Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) chance to offer programs that haven’t program. “With this training, volunteers workshop teaches participants how to been part of its smorgasbord before. will be able to help us create a higher sharpen their communication skills, “We are working to partner with a quality experience for visitors,” said capture the essential ingredients of state park on a fishing program for Koenig. “By letting volunteers know that first-rate interpretive programs and our Hmong residents.” says Koenig. they are respected members of the staff enhance visitor experiences. The “The new volunteers are publicizing and their work is valuable, they become course is designed for people who ◆ the program where they live and work, super enthusiastic.” want to understand the history of the including inside Minneapolis and St. interpretive profession. Ultimately, Paul and in the outlying suburbs. These the 32-hour workshop, usually taught are places where we don’t always direct either during four consecutive days our information.” or over two weekends, helps to boost volunteers’ confidence. To become

Pg 6 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Reflections on a Day in March Hosting the First Lady at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge by Barry Christenson Our refuge tour began with a boat Mrs. Bush and the others had a chance to trip to Eastern Island. There John visit with three of our refuge volunteers. n March 1, I led a tour of Midway Klavitter led the tour of what had been They talked about the natural history of OAtoll National Wildlife Refuge a highly developed island and is now Laysan albatross, the threats albatross along with Deputy Manager Mike dominated only by abandoned World face at sea and the reasons for banding. Johnson, Biologist John Klavitter and War II runways and wildlife. Mrs. After getting instructions from the our volunteers. We pointed out the Bush delighted in seeing Laysan ducks, volunteers, Mrs. Bush, the Secretary and numerous nesting seabird species, the a short-tailed albatross, a variety of others banded chicks from one of our migrant shorebirds, rare waterfowl, other seabirds, and even planted native reproductive plots. Then we traveled endangered marine mammals and the bunchgrass as part of our habitat to the beach where she learned about historic structures that make this refuge unique. Just another day on the refuge? Not at all. The visitors were First Lady Laura Bush and her guests, the Secretary of the Interior, the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, the chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, CNN news and a host of others. After many phone calls and e-mails that set this visit in motion, the real planning began when the advance team arrived at Midway Atoll Refuge a week before the First Lady’s visit – eight highly qualified members of the White House, Interior, Air Force and Secret Service. Each “movement” of the group was planned, rehearsed, timed, evaluated and modified for the big day. We also planned for bad weather. During a visit to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, First Lady Laura Bush spoke with Refuge Biologist John Klavitter, among others. Joining her for the visit were (from left), Interior Secretary At 1:15 a.m. on March 1, we watched Dirk Kempthorne, Council on Environmental Quality Chairman James Connaugton and Commerce the large blue and white Boeing 757 taxi Secretary David Simpson. (Shealah Craighead/White House) to the hangar. Weeks of discussion and days of planning were past and the visit had started. With the crisp discipline restoration efforts. Following lunch at the the endangered Hawaiian monk seal at of trained Secret Service agents, we Clipper House, our dining facility on the the National Marine Fisheries Service lined up the motorcade (well, a string of beach, she talked with many of the Clipper (NMFS) Captive Care project. Located golf carts). I led a parade of dignitaries House workers who are from Thailand, on our cargo pier beach, the NMFS crew through fields of Laysan albatross posing for a group photo and asking them cared for six female seals during their glowing white in our headlights. about their jobs and families. first winter in an attempt to increase their long term survival prospects. Most guests stayed at Charlie Turning Focus to Wildlife Mrs. Bush and the other guests threw Barracks, our motel. But Mrs. Bush, Deputy manager Mike Johnson led the seals their afternoon meal, a pail of her personal friend and one staff an afternoon tour of Sand Island. His herring. The NMFS crew in turn had member stayed at Midway House, history tours are the stuff of local a chance to explain their project and its which my wife Elise and I call home. legend and he captivated our guests importance for the long term survival of We quickly learned that Mrs. Bush is a with story after story about the colorful the species. wonderful, undemanding guest whom history of Midway. Then we turned our we had to convince that making oatmeal focus to wildlife. After a reception for everyone on the was not too much trouble! island – and right on time with our ever- present agenda – the now extremely continued pg 26

July/August 2007 | Pg 7 Refuge Update FOCUS . . .On Law Enforcement Protecting Refuge Resources: Law Enforcement in the National Wildlife Refuge System “Demands for law by Mark Chase planners and others who devoted an enforcement coverage unspecified amount of time to law hange has become a central theme enforcement activities. Now we employ by each officer have Cof all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service more than 200 full time officers and activities: change due to the world another 200 dual-function officers who increased along with the around us, the budget climate, national must devote at least 25 percent of their demographics and change for the sake time to law enforcement. diversity of crimes these of continuous improvement in being stewards of our nation’s resources. The Demands for law enforcement coverage officers confront.” National Wildlife Refuge System law by each officer have increased along enforcement program, perhaps as much with the diversity of crimes these or more than any program in the Service, officers confront. Where we used to has undergone dramatic change over be primarily game wardens enforcing the past five to six years. The Refuge strict conservation laws, the demands of System used to field a handful of full time society now require that Refuge System officers and more than 600 collateral- officers be trained and equipped to deal duty officers – managers, biologists, with the full range of crimes that are maintenance workers, outdoor recreation occurring on public lands.

Protecting the “Quilt of Conservation”

by Scott Kahan Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) are fee-title lands purchased by the U.S. Fish bird’s eye view of the and Wildlife Service to provide long-term Aprairie pothole region protection of wetland and grassland of the upper Midwest habitats. The Service also purchases reveals wetlands shining like conservation easements on private lands diamonds among the prairie surrounding the WPAs. Protecting grasses, agricultural fields prairie wetlands and grasslands was an being harvested and drainage innovative landscape level conservation activities that remove wetland strategy initiated 50 years ago with the habitat. Look down at the Small Wetland Acquisition Program landscape from a plane and (SWAP), which allowed the Service to use you will see that conservation revenue from the sale of federal Duck efforts are stitched together Stamps to purchase WPAs as well as like a quilt. easements on private lands in the prairie The habitat patches are pothole region. often units of the National Enforcing conservation easements is Wildlife Refuge System, mission critical law enforcement work. where wetlands and prairies Without annual enforcement, easement have been protected. But Zone Officer Brent Taylor inspects an easement wetlands are lost to the ditching who protects this quilt from unraveling? machines, grasslands to agriculture or managed by the Detroit Lakes Wetlands A dedicated team of law enforcement Management District in Minnesota. (USFWS) development. Once destroyed, habitats officers is entrusted with protecting the can be difficult to restore. Some Refuge System interests.

Pg 8 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 . . .Science in The Refuge System

. . .On Law Enforcement

Before 2000, law enforcement was managed by one regional coordinator, one coordinator in the Refuge System Headquarters and two staff members at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Today, each region has a full-time law enforcement chief and a complement of zone officers. There is a staff of seven in Headquarters, including a security manager for the Service. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) fields a staff of four, along with three other officers on long-term detail to the Department of Homeland Security.

From One Week of Training to 30 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service game warden Bruce Butler is on patrol in the southeast region. (USFWS) In the Service today, we have officers who were commissioned after one week spend more than 30 weeks in training to spend another two weeks learning about of on-the job-training with a special meet the demands of the job. laws specific to the National Wildlife agent. By the mid-1970s, officers were Refuge System as well as ten weeks in receiving three weeks of training at All law enforcement officers in the field training on a refuge. Continuing FLETC. By 1984, nine weeks of training Department of Interior receive 18 education, especially in dealing with such were required. Today, an officer will weeks of basic training; refuge officers social problems as drug and alcohol use, continued pg 19

habitats, like native prairie, can never Many seasoned refuge officers will tell the muddy field until our boots be fully restored. you that easement enforcement is some resembled oversized clown feet. We of the most difficult work they have made our way up to the top of a hill Inspecting Each Easement done. Visiting with an angry landowner where we could see the wetlands that Easement enforcement requires a at his home in an attempt to resolve an had been restored and spent the time sustained effort. Each year, refuge easement violation is an experience folks recounting how much effort it took to officers fly over and photograph the don’t quickly forget. Landowners vent get this violation resolved. landscape, inspecting each easement, over the loss of cropland when wetlands each square in the quilt. Drainage, fill with water, over the cost of the As we crossed the crest of the hill, filling and burning are noted. ditches/tiles they installed and the cost hundreds of ducks flew from the restored Grassland easements are inspected associated with restoring the wetlands. wetlands below us. We stood in silence, to make sure they are not hayed off, Landowners can perceive enforcement of listening to the willowing of the snipe plowed or developed. easements as a threat to their livelihood, and the calls of the sandhill cranes that and emotions sometimes run high. had also found this patch of habitat. Annual aerial inspections are followed by This is the tangible reward of easement confirmation on the ground, documenting Enforcing conservation easements also enforcement – offered by the critters and any violations for possible use in court. comes with costs: completing aerial deeply valued by all who have a passion At this point, the refuge officer may meet surveys, ground checking violations, for the resource. ◆ directly with the landowner. Although reviewing files, mapping wetlands, most landowners work with the Service conducting interviews and ensuring Scott Kahan is project leader at Detroit voluntarily to repair damage and abide compliance. These are necessary annual Lakes Wetland Management District. by their agreement, a few choose a expenses to save habitat. different course. These are the violations that will be referred to the Department This spring, a fellow law enforcement of Justice as a violation of the Refuge officer and I were visiting the site of Administration Act. a drainage violation that had been restored last fall. We slogged through

July/August 2007 | Pg 9 Refuge Update FOCUS . . .On Law Enforcement A Day in the Life of a Refuge Officer

by Kevin Gormley Marijuana on Refuges in the Midwest he job of ince 2005, refuge law enforcement officers have detected more marijuana Trefuge officers Sgrowing operations on national wildlife refuge lands in the Midwest Region. has evolved over Marijuana has been found on rural and urban refuges as well as Waterfowl the decades from Production Areas and islands. In addition to being illegal, these marijuana tour guide to park operations bring other invasive plants onto refuges and create potential hazards ranger to game for visitors. warden, search and rescue expert, At two of the recent illegal grows at Minnestoa Valley and Sherburne National first responder Wildlife Refuges in Minnesota, almost 500 marijuana plants were confiscated and EMT and street four people were charged with felonies. Midwest refuge law enforcement chief police officer. Chris Jussila said the violators knew how to grow the plants effectively to get the Today’s refuge best product. The plants had an estimated street value of almost $1.5 million. officer is all of the Officers from the Office of Law Enforcement and the Division of Refuge Law above. We will Four people were charged always maintain with felonies after refuge Enforcement deployed video surveillance cameras to catch the violators fertilizing law enforcement officers and pruning their marijuana plants. Jussila noted that this is labor and time our roots assisting discovered illegal marijuana intensive since it requires setting up surveillance equipment, looking through all the and welcoming our being grown at Sherburne videotapes and issuing search warrants. The video was valuable in identifying the refuge visitors, National Wildlife Refuge marijuana growers and providing evidence in court. but we are now in Minnesota. confronting

Finding Chemicals Instead of Crystals

igging for the unique selenite Brock has stayed in contact with the Dcrystals of Oklahoma’s Salt Scout’s parents. The boy suffered only Plains draws 30,000 visitors every year minor eye irritation when one vial broke. to Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. But the salt flats have been closed since Modern techniques to search April 21, when a 15-year-old Boy Scout for old chemicals unearthed one vial of chemical. The Brock says it will be necessary for the vial has been identified as World War Army experts to search the entire 300 II-era gas used for training purposes. acres of salt flats normally open to The site of the discovery was the former selenite crystal digging. Brock expects Great Salt Plains Bombing Range near technicians to use ground-penetrating Cherokee. radar and metal detectors to search most of this area. The crystal digging sites The Army’s 22nd Chemical Battalion, will remain closed until officials deem wearing white protective suits, has since them safe to reopen. A six-foot chain removed 133 more CAIS (Chemical link fence has been erected around the Agent Identification Set) vials from the immediate area where the first vials same area, each containing one of four were found. These vials were generally chemicals. The vials were not designed found about a foot below the surface. to be lethal, but as Refuge Manager Jon Brock says, they were designed to train Normally, the salt flats are open for adults at a distance, not to be found by digging from April to mid-October. kids at close distance. Selenite is a crystallized form of gypsum.

Pg 10 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 . . .Science in The Refuge System

. . .On Law Enforcement

criminal behavior that requires us to Routine Patrol Is Never Routine aid for stab wounds to her chest, throat have more expertise and training than in Recently, refuge officers were involved and back and comforting her until the the past. in a multi-agency search for a fugitive emergency medical technicians arrived. from justice. Why would refuge officers The prognosis looked very bleak when A few years ago, while attending the Law be involved? Because one morning, the she was airlifted to a local medical trauma Enforcement for Supervisors Training, suspect attempted twice to kill his hospital, but the quick actions of the officer the discussion topics were DUIs (Driving ex-girlfriend and then ran onto Patuxent saved the woman’s life. The suspect was under the Influence) and other alcohol- Research Refuge in Maryland during the later arrested and is awaiting trial for related activities that occur on national subsequent chase. County and federal multiple counts of attempted murder. wildlife refuges. One new refuge manager police officers, K-9 units and a local police stood up and stated that, “DUIs are a Refuge officers face a variety of issues helicopter were deployed to search the societal problem and not the responsibility on a daily basis, from assisting a refuge refuge for the fugitive. The search was of national wildlife refuges.” I disagreed. visitor who needs directions to confronting halted after the individual had not been As stewards of national wildlife refuges, a visitor who drew a pistol on the officer seen for two hours. we are responsible for the safety of our for no apparent reason. The routine patrol visitors. Specific training to deal with After another two hours had passed. I was for today’s refuge officer is never routine. DUI problems is indeed provided by conducting one last patrol and checking on We all have to be prepared physically and some regions. the security of the access gates when I was mentally to perform our job – including able to apprehend the fugitive. After a few expecting the unexpected. ◆ In recent years, refuge officers have also tense moments, the suspect surrendered. found an increase in marijuana gardens Kevin Gormley is refuge zone law on refuge land. Methadone labs and their On another beautiful morning in the middle enforcement officer in the Northeast toxic and dangerous remains have been of May, a female refuge visitor was stabbed Region. found, and we have seen trafficking of while walking on a boardwalk at Patuxent oxycontin on refuges as well. Societal Refuge. The suspect fled when Refuge problems are becoming refuge problems. Officer Jay Perez arrived. Officer Perez stayed with the victim, providing first

On the Salt Plains, crystals form just trained to identify the vials should they destroyed. The three Rs in this case are below the salt encrusted surface. be found closer to the surface. recognize that you may have a CAIS or Particles of sand and clay often form munition, retreat – do not touch, disturb a unique “hourglass” shape inside the The Army distributed the training sets or move it, and report – call 911. Brock crystals, a phenomenon found only in between 1928 and 1969 to train soldiers reiterated that “public safety remains our selenite crystals from the Salt Plains of in the safe identification, handling and first and foremost concern and turning northwest Oklahoma. decontamination of chemical agents. in these items with a complete and open Most of the vials were simply buried, an amnesty can avert a potential incident.” Brock says closing this popular attraction acceptable practice until the 1970s. has already affected both visitation at the The Department of Defense provides fact refuge as well as small area businesses Brock says there is no record of sheets on various chemical materials at that depend on tourism. The annual training sets ever having been delivered www.cma.army.mil. Birding and Crystal Festival was moved to the Salt Plains site and disposal away from the affected area and the records were either missing or never For photos and further information on digging events were cancelled. maintained. “No one had any idea CAIS visit the Department of Defense they were here,” he said. “It’s a new UXO Safety site at: http://www.denix. The salt flats actually extend for 10,000 experience for a refuge manager.” osd.mil/denix/Public/Library/Explosives/ acres on the refuge. Researchers UXOSafety/cais.html. sometimes work in areas closed to the Recognize, Retreat, Report general public, but Brock says permits to The Service is encouraging people Information about Formerly Used use these other parts of the Salt Plains who may have collected CAIS vials as Defense Sites can be found at: https:// will be modified to forbid any digging. souvenirs from the salt plains or other eko.usace.army.mil/usacecop/pub/ecop/ ◆ Researchers and refuge staff will also be sites to notify local law enforcement what_we_do/fuds/. agencies so they can be recovered and

July/August 2007 | Pg 11 Refuge Update . . .On Law Enforcement

Community Policing on National Wildlife Refuges he International Association of Participating Fully, in Uniform TChiefs of Police recommended Refuge law enforcement officers at in 2000 that the National Wildlife Sacramento Refuge Complex, for “Refuge employees and Refuge System adopt community example, participate fully in such refuge policing practices as a way to leverage outreach events as the Snow Goose volunteers play a key available resources in addressing the and Salmon Festivals, International law enforcement requirements of the Migratory Bird Day and National role by acting as law 21st century. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Refuge Week. Law enforcement Service formalized its community officers attend these events in full enforcement’s eyes policing program in 2003. uniform, including badges and weapons. Community policing extends beyond During the 28th Annual Endangered and ears...” traditional law enforcement to include Species Faire in Chico, California, prevention, problem-solving, community Sacramento Refuge Law Enforcement engagement and partnerships. Refuge Officer Gregg Burgess facilitated an employees and volunteers play a key role interactive game that taught children by acting as law enforcement’s eyes and the essentials of a productive habitat, ears as they work in the field and interact but officers also use these public with visitors. Many refuges also conduct opportunities to convey a specific law outreach and education programs for enforcement message, says Mark Chase, civic groups and students to increase chief of Refuge Law Enforcement. the level of awareness of crime in a community and its impacts on wildlife “It’s a law enforcement message habitat and recreational activities. grounded in biology,” says Chase. “If refuges are going to produce habitat for

Dinosaurs Under the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

by Bill Berg activities. Legislation pending in the House and Senate would put more teeth nterest in in laws governing paleo resources on Idinosaurs and federal lands. Refuge law enforcement paleontology officers are responsible for safeguarding spawned at the these resources and issuing paleo time of the movie research permits. Jurassic Park has raised the Several violations have been successfully stakes of managing prosecuted in the past five years, paleo resources but fines are minimal. For example, Remains of a baby Triceratops were found at on a national wildlife refuge. Monetary individuals have been cited under the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge values established when the South Refuge Administration Act for theft in Montana. The refuge is developing a new plan to manage paleo research requests. (Jack Dakota Tyrannosaurus rex specimen of government property for removing Horner/Montana State University) named “Sue” was sold for over $1 million a Triceratops horn, sharks teeth, an contributed to a rise in illegal paleo Albertosaurus tooth, a large T. Rex

Pg 12 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 . . .Science in The Refuge System

. . .On Law Enforcement

migratory birds, that habitat has to be “As more and more people come to Melvin takes his anti-drug message maintained. Law enforcement is one the refuges, they bring their troubles to students and teachers at middle of the tools to maintain the integrity with them, including drugs and alcohol. schools by bringing a display of drugs of habitat and protect the public People don’t always come to the refuge to and paraphernalia that he has collected investment in infrastructure, wetlands do what it was established for. People do on the refuge. He wants to prevent and other habitat.” illegal things with weapons and animals.” drug use among adolescents and show teachers what to look for, including the Chase adds that if the public becomes During a high school career day, Melvin various pipes used for smoking marijuana accustomed to seeing law enforcement discussed illegal transportation of or other drugs – even a crushed soda can. officers in non-law enforcement settings, animals in Cherry County, Nebraska, As the first full-time law enforcement an attitude of self-policing becomes where the refuge is located. The county officer at Fort Niobrara Refuge, Melvin ingrained in people – another important and the refuge are home to the Cherry says he saw a dramatic improvement aspect of community policing. County milk snake. Valuable because of during his seven-year tenure, from about its unique pale color, the snakes are sold Why the Gun? 30 drug violations a year during the first illegally on the Internet to people who two years, to about five a year at the end. ◆ Refuge law enforcement officers also take want them as pets. Melvin says students their messages to schools, primarily to were dumbfounded that such illegal Gregg Burgess, law enforcement officer teach youngsters to respect and conserve trafficking in animals would be taking at Sacramento National Wildlife the habitat that remains. Refuge officer place in their tiny community Refuge Complex in California, and Chuck Melvin visited elementary and of 2,300 people. Bruce Marto, chief of the Refuge System high schools when he was stationed at Branch of Law Enforcement Operations, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Refuge law enforcement officers contributed to this article. in Nebraska. The number one question frequently participate in community from the youngest students? “Why do events intended to build awareness about you wear a gun?” illegal drug activity as well. “This isn’t going on just in urban areas,” says Chase. Melvin answers the question by “On these rural public lands, we find explaining the changing role of refuges. hypodermic needles in the parking lots.”

femur and numerous small specimens of dinosaur-dominated ecosystem in North Permits only allow paleo activities during turtle scoots and claws. In addition to a America. Research is being conducted the summer to avoid conflicts with critical $450 fine, one violator was also banned on the refuge under a Special Use Permit wildlife periods and high public use from the refuge for five years. issued to Jack Horner of the Museum during hunting seasons. of the Rockies (MOR) at Montana State Where the Dinosaurs Roamed University. Flora, fauna and geological Currently, the refuge is developing One hundred and sixty-five million years specimens removed from the refuge a paleo management plan that will ago the Charles M. Russell National remain the property of the government help managers better evaluate Wildlife Refuge in Montana was home and are kept in a repository at the MOR. research requests. This plan will call to Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Many of the significant specimens are for systematic evaluation of potential Since the early 1900s, paleontologists on display at the Museum. The public disturbance to wildlife, size and location have been attracted to this area because displays are world class and attract of field camps, time of year, conflicts of the exposure of the Hell Creek thousands of visitors. with other public uses and purpose of Formation that surfaces throughout the research. This effort coupled with the eastern half of the 1.1 million-acre The fame of the paleo resources on the potential for stricter laws against refuge and is the geological stratum the refuge also attracts attention from theft of paleo resources will help protect that contains many fossils. The earliest numerous private, educational and and manage an ancient natural resource known fossil was removed in 1903 by P.T. commercial paleontologists seeking on the Charles M. Russell National Barnum and is currently on display at to conduct investigations on the Wildlife Refuge. ◆ the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. refuge. Requests are evaluated from a compatibility standpoint and to avoid Bill Berg is the deputy project leader at Current research focuses on conflicts with the wildlife purposes of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife documenting the evolutionary and refuge. Conditions of the Special Use Refuge in Montana. paleobiological aspects of the last

July/August 2007 | Pg 13 Refuge Update Protecting Unique Wildlife and Irreplaceable Habitats

he Cooperative Alliance for Refuge O Refuge visitation increased by nearly Resources Committee, “but the National TEnhancement (CARE), a coalition 10 million people, or 25 percent, in Wildlife Refuge System is one of the few of 21 wildlife, sporting, conservation and the decade prior to 2006. places we actually give back.” ◆ scientific organizations, has concluded that the National Wildlife Refuge System Operating with less money than in The full report and fact sheets on refuge needs $765 million in annual operations 2004, the Refuge System has reached funding in each state are available and maintenance funding by 2013 to a crisis point, according to CARE. In at http://www.fundrefuges.org/care/ achieve its wildlife conservation mission. jeopardy are refuge law enforcement, carehome.html. trail maintenance, habitat restoration, In a new report – Restoring America’s facilities maintenance, recreational Wildlife Legacy 2007 – CARE documents activities and educational programs. that refuges are operating at half the “Restoration is desperately needed on funding levels needed to maintain more than four million acres of degraded America’s unique wildlife and wetlands, desert, forest and grasslands. irreplaceable habitats. While Congress Public access to natural areas is restricted approved modest funding increases from due to closures and unsafe infrastructure,” 1998 to 2003, funding shortfalls since the report notes. Inadequate funding has then have required a 20 percent cut in led to a backlog of $1.53 billion in deferred national staffing levels with more than maintenance projects.

57 percent of national wildlife refuges NW59332 4/16/07 10:16 Page 1 expected to operate at a fiscal loss by CARE says FY 2013. that the Refuge System needs an “About a third of all wildlife refuges have additional $15 no staff at all,” said Congressman Ron million annually Kind of Wisconsin. “Not only does this just to keep pace hurt the hunters and anglers who can with inflation no longer gain access to these areas, but and recommends lack of staffing can also cause biological that the annual operations to cease and invasive species funding level to expand unchecked.” for the Refuge Providing a Community Resource System increase to $443 million The report outlines the importance of the for operations National Wildlife Refuge System to both and $320 million wildlife and people: for maintenance O 80 percent of the birds on the Pacific by 2013. flyway migrate through the Klamath “We take so Basin refuges in Oregon and much from the California. environment O Environmental education programs for our reached nearly 780,000 participants transportation in 2006. systems, our energy usage O There is a national wildlife refuge and even our in every state and within an hour’s food needs,” said drive of most major cities. Congressman O Refuges filter groundwater and Jim Saxton of rainwater before the water runs New Jersey, downstream to municipal water a senior supplies. member of the House Natural

Pg 14 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Restoring the Jewels of the Prairie by Ken Torkelson aterfowl Production Areas W(WPAs) in northeastern North Dakota are ablaze with color this summer – the result of a continuing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service effort to emulate wildlife habitat conditions of pre-settlement times. The vivid colors come from a variety of wildflowers, native grasses and small shrubs planted by the Devils Lake Wetland Management District to provide better wildlife habitat. The new mixtures create habitat that better represents the vegetation that would have originally been prevalent and is easier to manage. “Our attempts to restore elements from the original plant communities reflect our management vision of providing habitat for a diversity of wildlife, specifically grassland and wetland dependent birds,” says Cami Dixon, biologist for the Devils Lake WMD. She believes Canada wild rye – which is indeed native to North Dakota - is at its peak in Devils Lake Wetland grassland birds historically would have Management District, where project leader Roger Hollevoet is examining the results of the second year been attracted to the structure and of the seeding. (USFWS) composition of the native grasslands. weeds will constantly threaten our with a plethora of variables to consider, Grassland birds are a major concern efforts,” says Dixon, “especially in including soil types and quality, slope since they are declining more quickly the establishment phase, so we use and aspect, and precipitation. Dixon than other North American birds. aggressive management.” This involves says staff members have been creative North Dakota has more Waterfowl not only fire and grazing, but also in developing partnerships to make this Production Areas than any other state, integrated pest management, including project a reality. focused hand-spraying of Canada thistle but many are surrounded by tilled But even so early in the process, the cropland. “By restoring complexes and wormwood. Cool-season invasive grasses, specifically Kentucky bluegrass sight of those wildflowers in full bloom of wetlands and grasslands that form is one more reason to call WPAs the blocks of habitat, we believe we can and smooth brome, also are challenging. “Once the fields are established and “jewels of the prairie.” There should be reduce fragmentation on cropland- even more sparkle in time for the 50th dominated landscapes like those in functioning, the native species may be able to be more competitive,” said Dixon. anniversary of the Waterfowl Production northeastern North Dakota,” notes Area program in 2008. ◆ Dixon. “Essentially, this is optimal for the “The establishment phase is the most entire ecosystem.” difficult and critical.” Ken Torkelson is writer/editor in the North Dakota Wetland Habitat Office. Planting began in 2004. So far, 2,000 The initial phase is also the most labor acres have been seeded; another 1,000 intensive and expensive. “If we can acres are ready for planting this year. control weedy species prior to the Five hundred acres will be planted each actual seeding, the opportunity for year until 50,000 acres have been seeded success is higher,” explains Dixon. It with native vegetation. takes between 16 and 32 native species for an initial seeding, which means The prairie replication hasn’t been purchasing the seed is very expensive. without some challenges. “Noxious Each field presents unique challenges

July/August 2007 | Pg 15 Refuge Update Geocaching on the Upper Mississippi River High Tech Orienteering by Cindy Samples many, a GPS unit is a catalyst to get great for our students. They were outside, outside, to see a refuge in a new way and learning exactly how GPS units function.” t says it is about 40 feet that help us gently lead people to these places.” “Iway.” “So what is squawking in the I didn’t think the activity was ready for treetops?” “Did you find out what Ardea the general public until we tested it with herodias means?” “Awesome view, I’ve experienced geocachers, so I located never been here before!” three who put their skills to work. I learned that experienced geocachers These are comments by virtual record their finds just like a serious geocachers exploring the Upper birdwatcher records birds – they Mississippi River National Wildlife both have life lists. They suggested and Fish Refuge. “Geocaching” is a improvements to the Web site and the combination of geo, for earth, and cache, clues, such as adding “elevation change” for hiding or storing. Geocaching is a to one clue so a geocacher would know to high-tech scavenger hunt/orienteering go to the top of a bluff. activity using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit to find a treasure, or The first person to complete the virtual cache. A typical cache is a small container geocache was a trapper, who happened with a log book and treasure, usually a to notice the Virtual Geocache link trinket of little monetary value. However, when he visited our Web site for other hiding such a cache on a national wildlife information. He and his wife completed refuge is illegal. the route and came to the office to sign the log book and get his reward – a So, instead of searching for a canister refuge pin. with a treasure, virtual geocachers download clues and coordinates to find Another geocacher wrote in the log public places. The “treasures” are book, “Awesome string of caches. I never sites on the refuge, from tree frogs to would have ventured down to these areas paddlefish to spectacular views. Mary marked by a ‘boat ramp’ sign because I Stefanski, Winona District manager for Virtual geocachers download clues and don’t have a boat. I found more than boat the refuge, commented, “I think they coordinates and use a hand-held GPS unit to find ramps. Most spots had awesome paths, sites at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife will be surprised to see these places and and Fish Refuge. (USFWS) trails and viewing platforms. I even saw a think, ‘Wow! I’ve lived here all my life muskrat at Riecks Lake.” and I never knew they were here.’” Creating the Virtual Geocache was a The virtual geocache has attracted new Virtual Geocaching uses landmarks partnership between refuge staff and volunteers. Some are monitoring the and features already on the refuge. Winona State University recreation Web site entries at Geocaching.com, and The geocacher prints a page of clues intern Rory Ballard. Together they a “Cache in – Trash out” litter pick-up is from the refuge’s Web site. Each clue created the first Virtual Geocaching in the works. With “virtually” little effort includes coordinates leading to a place Series on the refuge which went online by the refuge staff, we are reaching new on the refuge. There, the geocacher can in March 2007. Given a map of the audiences and building our constituency find answers to such questions on the refuge with boat landings, kiosks and for the refuge. ◆ clue sheet as “Which four amphibians interpretive signs highlighted, Ballard start singing on the refuge in May?” or Cindy Samples is a refuge ranger at “GPS’d” the location, photographed it Upper Mississippi River National “What bird fishes the shoreline?” When and developed a clue. geocachers answer all 10 questions, they Wildlife and Fish Refuge. sign a log book and receive a reward. Ready for Primetime? I contacted Riverway Learning As refuge manager Don Hultman said, Community teachers Jamie Harper and “Technology is here to stay, and I think Leslie Lehnertz to see if their students we need to embrace it in a way that would be the first to try out the virtual also safeguards the resource and the geocache. Harper remarked, “This was experience we want visitors to have. To

Pg 16 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Fire Spotlights the Land of Trembling Earth

On May 6, lightning from a passing thunderstorm ignited a fire on Bugaboo Island, one of the many upland islands inside the refuge. Over the next four days, the new Bugaboo Scrub Fire tripled in size, forcing the evacuation of several hundred residents in Baker County, Florida, and briefly shutting down portions of interstate highways in Florida and Georgia. On May 8, the Big Turnaround Fire threatened the Davis Community on the edge of the refuge. About 200 residents were evacuated while fire crews worked around the clock to save the community. “It was hands-down some of the most impressive firefighting I have ever seen,” says Mark Ruggiero, Incident Commander for the Type I Team. Ruggiero says the firefighters’ grit and determination to save that community One of the largest fires in the history of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia burned more were the stuff that sets wildland than 300,000 acres by the middle of June. (Rocky Chesser/USFWS) firefighting apart from other occupations. by Shawn Gillette A Team Effort After a flyover of the fire at the end of May, President Bush also praised the “brave “This was truly a team effort,” says he U.S. Postal Service released men and women on the front lines fighting Tony Wilder, Incident Commander of the new 2007 Scenic American the fires.” The town of Folkston has T the Southern Area Type II Team. “In Landscape series “Okefenokee decided to dedicate its annual Okefenokee addition to our resources, we had local Swamp” International Postage Stamp Festival in October to these firefighters. volunteer fire departments, private on June 1. There was applause at the industry equipment and state and Folkston, Georgia, post office where the Largest Wildfire in Refuge History national resources working with us.” new stamp was unveiled, even as a huge This fire has become the largest wildfire Both Wilder’s Team and the Georgia column of smoke was visible to the west. in the eastern United States in modern Forestry Commission coordinated their history. Its benefits will be experienced in Of all the fires in drought-stricken suppression and control plans, and, the swamp for decades to come. Fire is a Georgia and Florida, the fire at wherever possible, combined resources. force of nature that sustains the diversity Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is Both agencies made protection of and richness of a wide variety of plant the most remarkable in terms of size, life and private/public property their and animal species, and is important in complexity, and for the lasting benefits highest objectives. maintaining the swamp’s wetland habitat. it will have on the Okefenokee, Choctaw Decades of experience have Indian word for “Land of Trembling (or “Fire is just as much a part of this swamp demonstrated that wildfire cannot be Quivering) Earth.” It had burned 75 as water lilies, alligators and the cypress fought successfully inside the Okefenokee percent of the 403,000-acre refuge by the tress,” says James Burkhart, supervisory Swamp. The swamp’s sheer size and its middle of June. ranger. “Without it, the swamp would dry- mosaic of habitat types render ground out and become a forested bog, losing many The fire ignited April 16 near Waycross, suppression efforts impractical. Incident of the unique plant and animal communities Georgia, when winds blew a tree managers typically have adopted a that have made the Okefenokee a world- into power cables to the north of the confine-and-contain strategy on the class resource.” ◆ Okefenokee Refuge. The fire escalated refuge. A combination of ground and and threatened the refuge’s northern aerial suppression tactics is used at these Shawn Gillette is refuge ranger at boundary, prompting a call for a Type II lines to prevent the fire from spreading Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Incident Management Team. outside the swamp. in Georgia.

July/August 2007 | Pg 17 Refuge Update Around California funded by a $100,000 Wild Birds Boat crews from San Francisco Bay Unlimited Pathways to Nature grant National Wildlife Refuge and the obtained by the Friends of Blackwater. the Refuge Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office The observatory includes exhibits on joined a multi-agency effort to guide waterfowl and birds of prey, a large two wayward humpback whales back observation window and spotting System to the Pacific Ocean. The cow and scopes looking out over wetlands, impoundments and the Blackwater River. One scope is accessible to information see http://www.mac-web. children and visitors in wheelchairs; the org/Projects/DiscoverOurWildSide/ entire observatory has elevator access. BywaysToFlyways.htm. Two monitors are focused on an eagle’s nest while two others show Oregon an osprey platform. The osprey and Baskett Slough Loop Trail on Baskett eagle Web cam videos may be seen Slough National Wildlife Refuge has at the Friends of Blackwater Web been designated as the nation’s 1,000th site at www.friendsofblackwater.org. Visitors witnessed quite a soap opera on the osprey platform when a female intruder appeared this spring. The male disappeared – possibly with the female intruder – and when his original mate left the nest to find food, crows ate her three eggs. “Lots of excitement, but no young to watch this year,” said Maggie Briggs, visitor services manager A humpback whale cow and calf breach in at Chesapeake Marshlands National the Sacramento River. Nineteen Service Wildlife Refuge Complex. personnel helped guide the whales back to the Pacific Ocean. (Sarah Wilkin/NOAA Michigan Fisheries Service) Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is also the beneficiary of a calf traveled through San Francisco Wild Birds Unlimited grant for its Bay, up the Sacramento River Delta, new wildlife observation deck. The Baskett Slough Loop Trail on Baskett Slough to West Sacramento. A huge effort deck was built by students from National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon was renamed to return the whales – nicknamed Lincoln Park High School’s agriscience in honor of former Refuge Manager Rich Delta and Dawn – began May 13 and program; an educational kiosk was Guadagno, who died helping to bring down United included boats and staff from the built by members of local carpentry, Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. (USFWS) California Department of Fish and labor and electrical unions as well Game, the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA as DTE Energy’s Trenton Channel and local law enforcement agencies. Power Plant and Green Team. The National Recreation Trail. The trail After a two-week stay in fresh waters, observation deck was dedicated on is being renamed in honor of Rich the whales eventually returned to the International Migratory Bird Day, Guadagno, the former manager of open ocean May 31. Nineteen U.S. when a new bird driving tour map was Baskett Slough Refuge, who died Fish and Wildlife Service personnel unveiled. The Byways to Flyways map helping to bring down United Flight assisted the rescue effort, including guides motorists to 27 birding spots 93 on September 11, 2001. Guadagno’s staff from Sacramento Refuge and the in Southeast Michigan and Southwest law enforcement badge was found in Sacramento FWO. Ontario, Canada. The observation the wreckage. deck, Byways to Flyways birding Maryland In nominating the trail for this locations map and an educational Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge special designation, Service Director kiosk were funded by a $100,000 has replaced an observation tower with H. Dale Hall said it is a “fitting way grant from Wild Bird Unlimited Inc. a brand new observatory, partially to honor a passionate outdoorsman Pathways to Nature fund. For more

Pg 18 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 and a dedicated FWS employee.” The Oregon Protecting Refuge National Recreational Trail Roundtable, Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife unanimous in its selection of this trail, Refuge is celebrating its centennial with Resources — continued from pg 8 noted that “no other trail nominated a local brew. Rogue Ales of Newport is this year has such powerful national bottling “Puffin Pale Ale” for sale in is often provided by state or local law connections.” During the dedication local stores and Rogue pubs around the enforcement jurisdictions. ceremony, Deputy Interior Secretary state. A portion of the proceeds from the In this issue of the Refuge Update, Lynn Scarlett said Guadagno’s “focus sale of Puffin Pale Ale will be donated you will read about a typical day in and passion drove him to make every to the Oregon Coast National Wildlife the life of a refuge officer as well as refuge where he was stationed not only Refuge Complex to support education outreach activities that take officers the best for wildlife, but also a place and outreach programs. into schools to promote careers in where people could make a connection wildlife management and educate to nature.” The label was designed by Matt How, visual information specialist at Oregon young people about conservation law. Coast Refuge Complex, and includes Refuge officers are even engaged in a message written by 2007 Legends drug prevention activities when they Award winner Dawn Grafe (see page 23). educate teachers about the kinds of People who purchase this collector’s item illegal drugs and paraphernalia that will learn that “at the dawn of the 20th might be found in the parking lot of a century just off the town of Oceanside, national wildlife refuge – or a school. Oregon, seabirds were being shot by You will also read about the refuge the thousands for sport and sea lions officer’s responsibility to enforce were being slaughtered for their skins easements that are critical to habitat and oil. Conservationists of the time, conservation and to protect cultural William L. Finley and Herman Bohlman, and historic resources – all the photographed the destruction and way back to the era when refuges brought it to the attention of President provided habitat for dinosaurs. This Theodore Roosevelt. Their insistence just scratches the surface of the on a sanctuary for these beleaguered breadth and complexities of the animals led Roosevelt to declare Three National Wildlife Refuge System’s law Arch Rocks a National Wildlife Refuge enforcement program. in 1907, the first established in the west. This brew marks 100 years of protection Protecting refuge resources and for the refuge’s quarter million seabirds.” the safety of visitors is fundamental responsibilities of the Refuge System. In Memoriam Both the goal and motivator for refuge Richard Hoppe, a 30-year veteran of the law enforcement is the furtherance U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose of our conservation mission through work included protecting endangered excellence in law enforcement. ◆ species, died at the age of 80 in Fort Rogue Ales of Newport, Oregon, is bottling Puffin Collins, Colorado. Hoppe was a World Mark Chase is chief of Refuge Law Pale Ale in honor of the 100th anniversary of Enforcement. Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. War II veteran who received his biology degree from the University of Wisconsin. Friends may send tributes to the family The loop trail and observation platform at www.mem.com. provide visitors with an opportunity to view unique native habitats of the Willamette Valley, including rare native oak savanna and upland prairie. This habitat supports the world’s largest endangered Fendera’s blue butterfly population.

July/August 2007 | Pg 19 Refuge Update Creating a Prairie Mosaic

t Devils Lake Wetland grasses, which AManagement District in North in turn has Dakota, private lands biologist Mark generated more Fisher is leading the charge against diverse wildlife. leafy spurge, Canada thistle, musk Fisher says thistle and absinthe wormwood. Fisher there are many has received the 2007 Pulling Together more butterflies Initiative (PTI) Award for his efforts, and grassland honoring his devotion to fighting weeds, songbirds. building partnerships and fulfilling the One field in PTI mission. the Nikolaisen WPA has 26 Supported by six federal agencies plant species, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife all from seed Service, PTI is a program of the grown in North National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Dakota within It is dedicated to managing or 200 miles of the eradicating invasive plants and planting area. increasing public awareness of their impact. Federal scientists have The PTI Devils Lake Wetland Management District in North Dakota has treated 60,000 estimated that non-indigenous weeds award also acres over the past six years of fighting such invasives as leafy spurge, Canada infest an additional 3 million acres each honored Fisher thistle, musk thistle and absinthe wormwood. (USFWS) year – about twice the size of Delaware. for building herbicide in that field? Can you use partnerships, not only with other biological or mechanical control?” Thanks to Fisher’s efforts in North federal, state and local agencies, but Dakota, 60,000 acres have been treated with private landowners. Fisher Fisher has led three tours so far, over the past six years. “We are recently worked with one farmer who looking to achieve long term control reaching at least 100 landowners who wanted to set aside a 320-acre parcel control 100 to 3,000 acres each. “What and get away from annual treatments,” for wildlife. Fisher helped create a explains Fisher. There are many ways excites me is sharing information so 15-species mix of native seed that will they can think about what they are to achieve that through integrated pest help the farmer reduce or eliminate his management. Mechanical and chemical doing. The tours themselves are like costs for getting rid of weeds. The land planting a seed.” ◆ options include mowing the weeds and will provide good quality habitat for spraying herbicides. Biological control waterfowl during the summer. After includes using beetles to eat the leafy The NFWS encourages applications August 1, the farmer is permitted to cut to PTI for community-based weed spurge as well as planting diverse and sell hay from the land. native grasses. management partnerships nationwide. For more information and current Fisher says the farmer loves birds and Competitive Exclusion funding priorities, visit http://www.nfwf. will now have birds and wildflowers on org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Browse_ “Research has shown that if you his own native prairie. The farmer is plant a diverse prairie mixture, it will All_Programs&Template=/CM/ spending his own time and some of his ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4790. reduce weed invasion,” says Fisher. own resources to prepare the site for the An herbicide may be used initially to new planting; that investment is used as kill most of the weeds. Once the site is a match for additional grants. clean, it is planted with what Fisher calls a prairie mosaic in which the native Fisher also leads big weed tours for species out-compete the invasives. landowners to demonstrate techniques for controlling weeds. “The most The model of invasive management at important thing we demonstrate is Devils Lake WMD is the 2,600-acre the effect of herbicides – leaching into Nikolaisen Waterfowl Production Area. the water table, leaching into sandy The invasives have been brought under soil.” Fisher asks farmers, “Do you control by planting a diversity of native have alternatives? Do you need to use

Pg 20 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 The Big Sit!™ May Be Coming to a Refuge Near You!

bigsit/bigsit.aspx, where observations to identify, the circle can be left to should be registered. Although it’s a get a closer look/listen to confirm totally non-competitive event open to the bird’s identity. However, any birders of all ages, there is recognition new bird species seen or heard for the best overall count and the best while confirming the original can’t state count as well as a special award from be counted unless it’s seen or heard Svaroski Optik. The registration fee is from an “anchor” who stayed behind being covered by Bird Watcher’s Digest. in your circle, or is seen by you when you return to your circle. The Big Sit!TM is painless data collection, providing a nice snapshot of the birdlife O Tally the number of species that around each circle. It may even turn up you observe and send it to the Web unexpected species. There’s no limit to site as soon as possible, but no how many people can occupy one circle. later than a month after the event. Here are a few logistical suggestions: Results are automatically posted and immediately added to the online O Have people bring some chairs. rankings. O People can bring food and drinks, as O Invite the media. The Big Sit! always by Bill Thompson III the refuge deems appropriate. attracts good coverage because it’s just goofy-sounding enough to get ome people call it a tailgate party O Welcome passers-by. Work in shifts. attention and provides great visuals for birders. The idea of doing a Big No one needs to sit in the circle for S and good interviews. Sit – sitting in one place and letting the the entire 24 hours. birds come to you – has been around for Refuge Friends organizations may be The Big Sit! is also an excellent at least 30 years, but it has been refined able to use the event as a fundraiser by opportunity for refuge staff and Friends to a high art in the past few years. taking per-bird pledges from members groups to share important information with the birding public. There are In 1992, the New Haven, Connecticut, and the public or accepting donations natural lulls in the birding activity when Bird Club started holding an annual on-site. Funds can be used to support participants can discuss any number of event called The Big Sit!™ on the second the Friends activities or other programs refuge-related topics. Sunday in October. By 2006, the idea at the refuge. The Big Sit! can also be a had spread to 164 The Big Sit! circles great way to recruit new members for a More ambitious Big Sitters equip registered in 36 states and nine countries Friends organization. themselves fully with optics, reference outside the United States. More than 750 Here are a few details to help organize books and field guides, all-weather gear, bird species were sighted. The Big Sit!: food, beverages, iPods, flashlights and everything else they can think of. Optics, The New Haven Bird Club has created O Find a birdy spot. The circle a field guide and a checklist are the rules and trademarked the name. location could be a spot where lots only essential elements. Extra optics Birders are encouraged to submit of birds can be seen and where lots and a spotting scope or two could be their count results from this free, fun, of visitors could see the circle – and shared among visitors. Shelter during non-competitive event. This year, Bird the birds. Consider observation foul weather should be considered when Watcher’s Digest is sponsoring the 24­ towers or decks, interpretive stops locating The Big Sit! circle. ◆ hour The Big Sit! during Refuge Week, along refuge driving routes, or a starting at midnight October 14 and space adjacent to the visitor center Bill Thompson III is the editor of Bird running all day on Sunday. National as possible circle locations. Measure Watcher’s Digest. wildlife refuges managers may want and mark a 17-foot diameter circle (a to consider organizing The Big Sit! long piece of rope can help mark the circles as part of Refuge Week and as boundaries). part of their “Children and Nature” programming. O Observations can only be made from within your 17-foot diameter circle. Circles should be registered on the official Big Sit! ebW site at http://www. O If a bird is seen or heard from birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/ within the circle but is too distant

July/August 2007 | Pg 21 Refuge Update High Tech History Preserve America Grants Go “New Media”

rom podcasts to electronic kiosks and Cambridge Main Street to develop strategically placed around Cambridge Fto downloadable audio files, this Web-based electronic kiosks to promote to attract travelers on their way to the year’s Preserve America grants are the refuge and other destinations in the Ocean City beaches. taking advantage of the most modern area. “Compared to the old method of technology to integrate history into marketing the refuge and area historic “Having our own Blackwater Web site refuge programming. The $10,000 sites by using brochures and print media, on all four kiosks and the Dorchester to $15,000 grants are awarded by the the electronic kiosk will greatly increase County Tourism Web site will present National Wildlife Refuge System and the great opportunities to promote National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. awareness of the refuge,” says Hook. In Hawaii, the PAST Foundation is Iowa on Your iPod organizing a teachers workshop in The Iowa Academy of Science is October that will develop podcasts developing 21 downloadable audio files and lesson plans about federal marine to highlight the geology, flora and fauna, research and management in the and human history of each of Iowa’s Hawaiian Islands. Teachers are being seven national wildlife refuges – DeSoto, invited from all school districts in Hawaii Neal Smith, Driftless Area, Port Louisa, to work with scientists from the U.S. Fish Union Slough, Upper Mississippi and and Wildlife Service and the National Boyer Chute. Teams of volunteer Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration teachers, biologists, geologists and (NOAA). The podcasts and lesson archaeologists will work with staff at plans they develop together will help each refuge to identify themes and write students and the public understand the scripts for the audio programs. government’s stewardship mandate for Visitors will be able to download the marine resources. audio series free of charge onto MP3 The project will teach the seafaring players, such as an iPod, or burn the files history of the Pacific Islands and how onto a CD to be played before visiting a network of government agencies and one of the refuges. The programs are programs has developed to manage The Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife expected to be available by January 2008 and research both natural and cultural Refuge will use a Preserve America grant to on a project Web site and available for place a touch screen monitor in this Eagle Tree resources, including the Northwestern use by each refuge. The Academy is also and three other electronic kiosks in Cambridge, producing related classroom activities for Hawaiian Islands Marine National Maryland, providing information about the refuge Monument, the Hawaiian Islands and surrounding historic sites. (USFWS) third through five grade classes on the ◆ Humpback Whale National Marine history of Iowa. Sanctuary and the Maritime Heritage the flow of information to the public and Program. The first podcast will focus on highlight the Refuge System’s ‘Big 6’ issues of management and jurisdiction public use priorities in a new manner,” while the second will discuss technology explains Friends Treasurer Tom Hook. and research used in maritime Using a touch screen in the refuge archaeological investigations. visitor center, visitors can browse Web A Touch Screen in an Eagle Tree sites for each partner as well as other On the opposite coast, the Friends tourist attractions and supporting of Blackwater National Wildlife area businesses. The system will also Refuge in Maryland are partnering be available for people to use in their with the Dorchester County Tourism own homes when they are making Department, Hyatt Chesapeake Resort travel plans. Three kiosks will be

Pg 22 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 And the Winners Are . . . project efficient and successful.” As Department Citation for Bravery liaisons for the Chincoteague Refuge Michael Rucinski has been recognized Volunteers, this couple also helps for highly courageous action in saving coordinate a high quality experience that three people who may otherwise have benefits volunteers and the refuge. drowned. Rucinski was fishing on Bluff Lake at Noxubee National Wildlife Steve Brimm, a 30-year veteran of the Refuge in March 2006 when he noticed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National two young boys beginning to slide down Fish Hatchery System, has been named the slope of a spillway. “In an instant, this year’s Federal Land Manager of the older boy fell into the swift water. the Year. For the past 11 years, Brimm The younger brother tried to grab for has been the project leader of the D.C. him and fell in just as quickly,” recalled Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Rucinski. The boys’ mother jumped in Spearfish, South Dakota. after them and soon all three were in Brimm nurtures key partnerships trouble. Rucinski rescued both boys and Dawn Grafe, supervisory park ranger at Oregon by taking an active role in the many helped their mother get back to shore. Coast National Wildlife Refuge, has won this organizations that work together to keep For his actions, Rucinski received the year’s Legends Award from the American the hatchery thriving, including the Department of the Interior’s Citizen’s Recreation Coalition. (USWFS) Fish Culture Section of the American Award for Bravery. American Recreation Coalition Fisheries Society and the nonprofit Distinguished Service Booth Society. Legends Award Dennis Widner received a Distinguished Service Award, the highest recognition Dawn Grafe, supervisory park ranger at for employees in the Department of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge, Interior. During his 35 years with the has won this year’s Legends Award Service, Widner worked on refuges in from the American Recreation Coalition. Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana The award recognizes extraordinary to restore and enhance wild land and turn individual effort among federal agencies marginal land back into prime habitat. to expand recreational opportunities. During this year’s 64th annual Grafe was the driving force behind Department of the Interior convocation the Oregon Coast Birding Trail, which ceremony, Meritorious Service Awards crosses six refuges, stretching along were given to Larry Mallard for his most of the 400-mile Oregon coast. She “ability to manage internal and external was also instrumental in obtaining a changes while contributing his common $559,100 Transportation Enhancement sense leadership” as project leader at Grant from the Oregon Department White River National Wildlife Refuge of Transportation to develop public in Arkansas; and Philip Street, retired use facilities at Nestucca Bay National Steve Brimm has been named this year’s Federal refuge fire chief, for his “exceptional Wildlife Refuge. The refuge will open to Land Manager of the Year. He is the project leader skills and professionalism in promoting the public for the first time next year. of DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in South Dakota. (USFWS) safe and effective fire operations.” Take Pride in America Also Honored… Glenn and Carolle Aldinger, volunteers He has helped develop a Hatchery Rob Jess, manager of the J.N. Ding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Helpers youth volunteer program as well Darling Refuge in Florida, has been in Virginia, have been honored with a as a youth outreach program that allows recognized as 2007 Citizen of the Year 2007 Department of the Interior Take middle school students to work on the by the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Pride in America award as individual refuge. The Hatchery Helpers program Chamber of Commerce. He is credited volunteers. The Aldingers also have been won its own Take Pride in America with protecting the Captiva and Sanibel honored by the refuge as “Cooks of the Award in 2003. Islands and educating residents about the Year” in 2005 for “cooking up projects water issues facing southwest Florida. ◆ and adding key ingredients to make the

July/August 2007 | Pg 23 Refuge Update Chief’s Corner — continued from pg 2

wildlife refuge at Pelican Island was to over the country, made up of Service and Hobe Sound and Arthur R. Marshall protect brown pelicans, devastated by non-Service folks alike. The team is led Loxahatchee Refuges, among others. those who sought their feathers. by chair Jon Andrew, Southeast Regional Today, the Refuge System is working Refuge Chief. Assistant Director for with the National Scenic Byways Occasionally, we need to remind ourselves Migratory Birds Paul Schmidt and I are Program to improve information on of our common roots and reinforce ex-officio team members. bird watching along many of the 126 connections. That is one aim of a 17­ Scenic Byways. member Birding Team, created by Fish National wildlife refuges can use and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale birding to bring real benefits to their The Birding Team and the Birding Hall less than a year ago. The Birding communities. One example is the annual Initiative are outlining important steps Team is not only considering how to Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del to help birders become knowledgeable harness birders’ enthusiasm for their Apache Refuge in New Mexico. It fills supporters of the Refuge System and pastime into support for the Refuge Soccoro hotels and restaurants with the lands that are the foundation of their System. The team is also looking at how people excited to see and photograph love of the outdoors. It’s another step in we can make national wildlife refuges sandhill cranes, waterfowl and raptors. birders’ and the Refuge System’s long, even more welcoming to birders and common history on behalf of wildlife their families. National wildlife refuges already partner conservation. ◆ with state birding trails and related We couldn’t have a more prestigious and tour routes. The Great Florida Birding enthusiastic group of experts from all Trail, for one, includes Ding Darling,

Women in the Outdoors: Scrapbooking to Hunting — continued from pg 5 says fly-fishing was very popular even bank were among 21 sponsors along with Turkey Federation coordinators Patty though it’s not readily available in the area. Squaw Creek Refuge. Two local Kiwanis Molinaro (outdoorwoman@windstream. clubs paid the registration fees for four net or 912-843-8110) or Tammy Mowry Kudrna recommends partnering with teen girls to attend the event. “It’s like a ([email protected] or as many organizations as possible, in day camp for grownups,” says Kudrna. ◆ 724- 284-9201). addition to the National Wild Turkey Federation, to run a WITO event. Ducks Refuges interested in hosting a WITO Visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and a local event may contact National Wild for more information.

Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri drew participants from five states for its Women in the Outdoors event. (Ellen Benitz/ National Wild Turkey Federation)

Pg 24 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Ocelot Recovery at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge by Jody Mays genetic defects. In fact, genetic evidence Efforts to promote community indicates that the only two known awareness of ocelots and encourage celots once roamed across most breeding populations left in Texas have local conservation have also been a Oof Texas and as far north as become isolated both from each other and priority at Laguna Atascosa Refuge. In Louisiana and Arkansas. As their from ocelot populations in Mexico and 1997, the non-profit Friends of Laguna habitats were cleared for agriculture, have indeed lost genetic diversity. Atascosa started an Adopt-an-Ocelot development and other uses, ocelot program through range and populations decreased. which participants Today, they are found only in the symbolically southernmost tip of Texas. “adopt” an ocelot For the first time in nearly two decades, and contribute to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ocelot ocelot conservation. Recovery Team is revising the 1990 The Friends, the Recovery Plan for the endangered ocelot. Valley Morning New research on ocelot movements, Star newspaper and habitat connectivity, genetic health and Laguna Atascosa other information will be used to make National Wildlife recommendations for ocelot recovery. Refuge also host Since most land in Texas is privately an annual Ocelot owned, an accurate count of ocelots is Conservation difficult but fewer than 100 are estimated Festival in to remain. The largest known breeding February. The population of 25-35 animals occurs on festival provides and in the vicinity of Laguna Atascosa Marea is a female ocelot first documented as a five week old kitten in 1997 on an opportunity National Wildlife Refuge. Ocelots also Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. For the first time in for visitors, area nearly two decades, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ocelot Recovery Team occur on Lower Rio Grande Valley and school students, is revising its 1990 Recovery Plan for the endangered ocelot. (Linda Laack conservation Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuges, and Marie Fernandez/USFWS) other public lands and private lands in partners and the area. residents of local Initiatives Promote Ocelot Recovery communities to have a close-up encounter To find enough habitat and resources The Service is working with partners with a live ocelot, thanks to the Naples to survive and reproduce, ocelots such as The Nature Conservancy and Zoo in Florida. The event also educates are forced to traverse an increasing Environmental Defense to protect and the public about the challenges facing gauntlet of obstacles. Once large, restore native brush habitat and to these elusive and endangered cats and contiguous tracts of dense, brushy create corridors of habitat connecting promotes local conservation efforts vegetation have become increasingly existing protected areas. A new Safe to protect and recover these fragile smaller fragments spaced further apart Harbor program has been established populations. Proceeds from these and criss-crossed with roads, cleared with Environmental Defense to promote programs are used by the Friends group areas, housing developments, fences native brush habitat protection and ocelot for ocelot conservation, education and and other obstacles. With more roads conservation on private lands. Other research. ◆ to cross, ocelots increasingly risk being landowner incentive programs encourage hit by cars. Collision with vehicles is restoration and protection of these Jody Mays is wildlife biologist at the leading documented cause of ocelot habitats. The Service is also working with Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife mortality in Texas. the Texas Department of Transportation Refuge in Texas. As a result, ocelots have become isolated to install wildlife crossings underneath into small pocket populations. Such roads that will allow ocelots and other isolation leads to inbreeding and a loss wildlife to cross safely. of genetic diversity that makes the ocelots more vulnerable to disease and

July/August 2007 | Pg 25 Refuge Update Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly— continued from pg 1 butterflies, down from 232 in 2005 and a encapsulates, creating an unsuitable enclosures at the center, hatched larvae high of 2,342 in 1999. micro-climate for the life cycle of the will be raised to the pupae stage, then butterfly,” Smith said. transported back to the refuge and Consulting biologist Travis Longcore placed at the base of buckwheat plants. suggests several possible causes for the Late last year the refuge outlined a new Eventually, as the habitat for the butterfly decline, including a continuing invasion plan that calls for clearing and improving improves, the natural population will grow of exotic weeds that are choking out the 10 acres of habitat each year – twice as and become self-sustaining. butterfly’s host plant, the naked-stem many acres as in the past. Volunteers buckwheat, as well as several large from the refuge Friends’ group and such Or at least that is the plan. arson fires that killed both buckwheat organizations as the California Native “We hope that this comprehensive and butterflies. Plant Society are expected to play a big approach, which involves restoration role in helping clear weeds and plant and captive breeding and developing Thick Carpet of Vetch seedlings. public-private partnerships, leads to The task facing the refuge is how to save the recovery of Lange’s and the two dune-dependent native plants – and the As they work the habitat and battle plants,” said Craig Aubrey, leader of Lange’s metalmark butterfly – when vetch, Smith and her team will assess the endangered species recovery team functioning sand dunes no longer exist. what works and what does not. Among at the Service’s Sacramento field office. The native plants need the shifting sand, other things, they will test different “We want those species to be here for steep banks and clear ground of real methods of controlling the weeds by future generations.” ◆ dunes. But the increasingly thick weed hand, heavy equipment or chemicals. base stabilizes the soil, which in turn They might even try grazing on a Jim Nickles is former deputy chief of leads to the growth of more weeds. limited basis. external affairs for the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. He is with the “It is not really a dune ecosystem any Equally important will be the effort to U.S. Geological Survey’s California longer,” said Refuge Manager breed Lange’s metalmark butterflies in Water Center. Christy Smith. captivity. Vetch, the refuge’s new worst culprit, Biologists hope to capture at least five covers the ground with a thick carpet, adult females this summer and transfer choking out plants like the naked-stem them in potted buckwheat plants to buckwheat. “Vetch is just horrible the San Diego Zoo’s Beckman Center because as it grows it covers and for Conservation Research. In netted

Reflections on a Day in March— continued from pg 7 efficient motorcade headed back to the Barry Christenson airport for the return trip to Hawaii. is refuge manager at Midway Atoll My lasting impressions include a new­ National Wildlife found respect for our First Ladies. As Refuge. I watched her answer question after question from the press and realized how demanding her schedule must be, I am in First Lady Laura Bush awe of her poise and ability to be under talked with refuge such scrutiny day after day. Our day volunteers and went with the First Lady, the Secretary of the to the beach, where Interior and all our guests is certainly she learned about the endangered Hawaiian a highlight for this refuge and me monk seal, among personally. It was a tremendous amount other issues. (Shealah of work and fun – I would do it again in a Craighead/White heartbeat. ◆ House)

Pg 26 Refuge Update | July/August 2007 Study Confirms Popularity of Outdoor Activities

ecord numbers of Americans are out of every $100 of goods and services bird watching and wildlife photography Rfinding their recreation outdoors. produced in national economy. have increased 13 percent since 2001. More than 87 million Americans – 38 Spending on wildlife watching increased percent of people 16 and older – hunted, The overwhelming majority – 71.1 19 percent to $44.7 billion last year, up fished or observed wildlife last year, million people – reported that they from $37.5 billion in 1996. according to the preliminary findings of observed wildlife when they took part in the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting outdoor activities, up from 66.1 million Americans in 2006 spent as much on and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. who did so in 2001, the last time the wildlife-associated recreational activities They spent about $120 billion in pursuing survey was assembled by the U.S. Fish as they spent on all spectator sports, outdoor recreation, roughly equal to $1 and Wildlife Service. The numbers of casinos, motion pictures, golf courses people engaging in activities such as and country clubs, amusement parks and arcades, combined. The preliminary data show decreases in both angling and hunting participation. The study found 30.0 million anglers in 2006, down 15 percent from 35.2 million anglers in 1996. The study includes some information on younger Americans, too: 1.6 million 6-to-15 year olds hunted, 8.4 million fished, and 11.5 million watched wildlife. According to the 2004 Banking on Nature study, national wildlife refuges generated more than $1.4 billion and created 24,000 private sector jobs from the nearly 39 million people who visited that year. ◆

More than 70 million people reported they observed wildlife when they took part in outdoor activities, according to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. (USFWS)

Selawik National Wildlife Refuge Joins GLORIA — continued from pg 3

helicopters to reach remote sites. Ayres is a very real phenomenon, says Ayres. She says there is an appreciation among says GLORIA is a way to contribute “They see it when they go hunting and the local community that the refuge is to an issue such as climate change in a the species aren’t there or they can’t participating in a project that is of great meaningful way. reach their traditional hunting grounds interest to them. “Climate change is one due to changing ice conditions. It’s not of the refuge’s top resource issues. How For native residents who subsist on the something people just read about.” could we not be involved in GLORIA?” ◆ resources of the refuge, climate change

July/August 2007 | Pg 27 Refuge Update Whatever Happened To… Whooping Cranes, Sonoran born this spring in a captive breeding that intrusion occurred. The colony Pronghorn, and Pelicans… enclosure on the refuge. “I was ecstatic,” catapulted to a near-record high last The only young whooping crane that said Coffeen. “We’re on a roll.” The year, possibly because chicks from an survived deadly storms in February enclosure now holds 43 animals, including earlier population boom returned as was found dead in April at the Halpata- the fawns, their mothers, two adult breeding adults. This year’s population Tastanaki Preserve in Florida. Eighteen bucks and nine yearlings from 2006. The is estimated at more than 22,000 birds. ◆ young cranes had migrated behind refuge’s wild population was 68 when it an ultralight last fall from Necedah was counted in December 2006, with an National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin to unknown number of fawns born in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge wild since then. The enclosure yearlings in Florida. As of mid-June, the cause of are gradually being reintroduced into death for the last crane was not known. the wild. (See a full story on the recovery project in the November-December 2006 A June report by the Whooping issue of Refuge Update.) Crane Eastern Partnership, of which the Service is a founding member, Chase Lake National Wildlife outlined strategies to reduce the risk Refuge, North Dakota of storm-related bird deaths. The The American white pelican colony appears to be having a typical year Partnership’s action plan includes Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North consideration of other wintering sites – which is great news after some 30,000 Dakota is once again home to one of the largest and less reliance on top-netted pens pelicans abandoned the refuge in 2004. nesting colonies of American white pelicans in from which the cranes are unable to The abandonment is blamed on coyotes North America. (Lee Karney/USFWS). escape. (The full report is available at and the pelicans are still not nesting on http://www.bringbackthecranes.org.) the peninsula where The Partnership reports outstanding reproduction of the captive flock this year with a strong possibility of providing up to 36 birds for the Class of 2007. Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Send Us Your Comments Refuge, Arizona Letters to the Editor or suggestions about Refuge Update can be e-mailed to Wildlife biologist Mike Coffeen reports [email protected] or mailed to Refuge Update, USFWS-NWRS, that 18 Sonoran pronghorn fawns were 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Room 634C, Arlington, VA 22203-1610.

STANDARD PRESORT POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RefugeUpdate PERMIT G-77 USFWS-NWRS 4401 North Fairfax Dr. Room 634C Arlington, VA 22203-1610