MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE PUXICO, MISSOURI

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1935

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Puxico, Missouri

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1985

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEW AND APPROVALS

MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Puxico, Missouri

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1985 INTRODUCTION

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is located in portions of Stoddard and Wayne counties in southeast Missouri, approximately 150 miles south of St. Louis. It was established in 1945 under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as a resting and wintering area for migratory waterfowl. The refuge contains 21,676 acres and lies in a linear basin formed in an ancient abandoned channel of the Mississippi River. The area is predominantly a bottomland hardwood swamp bordered on the west by the foothills of the Ozark Uplift and on the east by a terrace called Crowley's Ridge. Elevations along the top of these ridges range as high as 405' msl compared to the 340' msl elevation of the basin. Historically, the Mingo Swamp area was a haven for wildlife be-fore logging, drainage, and conversion to agriculture altered the area. Bankruptcy of the Mingo Drainage District in the 1930's set the stage for Federal acquisition and subsequent restoration of the swamp and its productivity. Peak waterfowl populations of 125,000 mallards and 50,000 Canada geese have been recorded. The refuge contains approximately 15,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods, 1,275 acres of cropland and moist soil units, 700 acres of grasslands, and 5,000 acres of marsh and water. There are seven natural areas on the refuge and 99 identified archaeological sites. In 1976, 7,730 acres were designated as a wilderness area. The Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center with 224 enrol lees is located on the southeast corner of the refuge. Recreational activities such as fishing; waterfowl, squirrel, turkey and deer hunting; canoeing; and wildlife observation are very popular on the refuge. Annual visitation to the refuge the past five years has averaged over 197,000 visits. Facilities available to the public include a visitor center, a cooperative association sales outlet, a 3/4 mile self-guided boardwalk trail, a 25 mile self-guided auto tour, a photography blind, four observation towers, picnic tables, and a picnic shelter. Page INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1

C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title ^3 2. Easements Nothing to Report' 3. Other Nothing to Report

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

E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel 13 2. Youth Programs 16 3. Other Manpower Programs 21 4. Volunteer Programs : 21 5. Funding 21 6. Safety 22 7. Technical Assistance 23 8. Other 23

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General Nothing to Report 2. Wetlands 23 3. Forests . . ' 25 4. Croplands 26 5. Grasslands 27 6. Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7. Grazing 27 8. Haying 28 Page HABITAT MANAGEMENT (Cont.) 9. Fire Management 29 10. Pest Control . 29 11. Water Rights Nothing to Report 12. Wilderness and Special Areas 30 13. WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report

G. WILDLIFE 1. WiIdlife Diversity 30 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species . . . •31 3. Waterfowl 33 4. Marsh and Water Birds 34 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 34 6. Raptors 35 7. Other Migratory Birds 35 8. Game Mammals 35 9. Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10. Other Resident Wildlife Nothing to Report 11. Fisheries Resources . 35 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13. Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14. Scientific Collections 38 15. Animal Control 38 16. Marking and Banding 38 17. Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report

H. PUBLIC USE 1. General 39 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 40 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers • 40 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 40 5. Interpretive Tour Routes 41 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 42 7. Other Interpretive Programs 42 8. Hunting 43 9. Fishing 46 10. Trapping 46 11. Wildlife Observation 46 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 46 13. Camping Nothing to Report 14. Picnicking 46 15. Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation .... Nothing to Report 17. Law Enforcement 46 18. Cooperating Associations 47 19. Concessions Nothing to Report Page I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction 47 2. Rehabilitation 48 3. Major Maintenance 52 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 52 5. Communications Systems 53 6. Computer Systems Nothing to Report 7. Energy Conservation 53 8. Other Nothing to Report

J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs { 54 2. Other Economic Uses Nothing to Report 3. Items of Interest 54 4. Credits 55

K. FEEDBACK 56

L. INFORMATION PACKET —- (inside back cover) A. HIGHLIGHTS The mess hall at the Mingo Job Corps Center was destroyed by fire (Section E-2). Development work was completed on the Pool 8 greentree reservoir (Section F-2). The first successful eagle nesting in Missouri in twenty years occurred on the refuge (Section G-2). Six bald eagles were hacked on the refuge this year (Section G-2). Six trumpeter swans were released on the refuge under a cooperative restoration program (Section G-3). All refuge banding quotas were met this year (Section G-16). The refuge's first historic weapons deer hunt was successfully conducted (Section H-8). A major cleanout project on a portion of Ditch 11 was successfully completed (Section 1-2). A sixty foot arch bridge was installed over Ditch 11 on the boardwalk trail (Section 1-2).

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Weather information for the vicinity of the refuge was recorded by the Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake. This official weather station is located approximately one mile from the southwest corner of the refuge. Rainfall for the year totaled 47.92 inches, which was three inches above the normal annual average of 44.74 inches. However six months actually had below average rainfall. Only three months had two or more inches above average rainfall. Monthly average temperatures were variable with six months being above average and six months below. In general, we had a much colder winter, a warmer spring and a drier summer than usual. January and February were unusually cold this year with average temperatures of 9.450F and 6.610F below average respectively. The coldest temperature of -190F occurred on January 20. A record low of -70F was set for February 2. Frozen conditions moved most ducks off the refuge and wild­ life out of the swamp to higher ground. A total of 25.25 inches of snow was recorded, with most coming in January as usual. Snow and frozen conditions persisted until late February. Many local residents commented they could not remember another winter like this one. 2

March had the highest rainfall of any month with 8.63 inches. High water conditions persisted through April, however, no serious flooding occurred this year. Water levels returned to normal by the end of May. The last spring frost occurred on April 19. Spring temperatures were noticeably warmer this year. Summer temperatures were near normal, however, rainfall was below average. The dry conditions adversely affected moist soil plant production, particularly in Rockhouse Marsh. The dry weather was beneficial to a contract dragline operation cleaning out Ditch 11 under an ARMM's project. The highest temperature of the year was 990F recorded on July 14, 20, and 29. Relative humidity remained high throughout the summer. The first frost of the fall occurred on October 2, about three weeks early. A record low of 390F was set for September 26. Fall precipitation was adequate with above average rainfall coming in August and November. However, supplemental pumping was required to flood several moist soil units. Forested areas on the refuge produced a banner mast crop this year. The seven inches of rain received in November flooded the lowland hardwood areas and produced superb waterfowl habitat which more than compensated for the poor moist soil plant production. The woods remained full of ducks until freeze up in mid-December. The year ended as it started with unusually cold temperatures. A record low of 160F was set for December 2. Average temperatures for the month were 4.450F below average but seemed much colder. One and a half inches of snow were recorded. The cold weather did not adversely affect the refuge's first primitive weapons deer hunt held December 21-23. Prior to the hunt there was some concern that frozen conditions might concen­ trate deer around the refuge pasture units, however, this did not occur. Also noteworthy is the fact that there were no major storms this year. All the tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and severe thunderstorms passed us by. 3

Normal Max. Min. Ave. Normal Month Free. Ave. Snow Temp. Temp. Temp. Ave. Temp. J 2.25" 3.50" 22.25" 640F -190F 24.950F 34.40F F 3.53 3.29 3.00 63 - 7 31.29 37.9

M 8.63 4.53 — 84 25 50.38 46.1

A 5.56 4.44 — 86 29 62.16 58.9

M 4.26 4.99 — 88 46 68.63 67.2

J 2.31 3.75 — 95 42 73.87 75.8

J 1.04 3.38 — 99 60 80.59 79.5

A 5.86 3.39 — 96 60 77.88 78.2

S 2.13 3.55 — 97 39 70.71 70.8

0 3.33 2.96 — 86 39 62.20 60.3

N 7.03 3.70 — 77 27 49.40 47.4 D 1.99 3.25 1.50 57 7 32.75 37.2 47.92 44.74 26.75

C. LAND ACQUISITION 1. Fee Title For the first time in recent memory, several individuals as well as banks called the refuge wanting to sell land. However, none of these tracts offered were considered high priority and no action was taken. In May, Assistant Manager Sipco participated in a site inspection of the Reeves Bottom area along with the principal landowner, Ecological Services and Realty personnel. This 2,000 acre tract of bottomland hardwoods is located in Dunklin County, Missouri and was identified by the Fish and Wildlife Service under category 7 in its list of 33 categories of high priority waterfowl habitat. A 1982 EIS prepared by Region 4 recommended acquisition of the area. The follow up report prepared by Ecological Services also recommended acquisition, especially since there was a willing seller and the Nature Conservancy was willing to acquire the land immediately. However, apparently the Conservancy could not obtain a "letter of intent" from the Service and no action has been taken as of this writing. If the area is acquired, it could possibly be managed as a satellite of Mingo. D. PLANNING 2. Management Plan After several years of working on parts 1, 2, and 3 of the management planning process we are finally close to meeting all the requirements. A program inspection by Regional Office personnel in December indicated that only three additional plans were needed. These are the marsh and water/moist soil, wildlife inventory, and forest management plans. During the year approval was received on our fishery plan and public use management plan as well as the annual water management and trapping proposals. No word was received on the sign plan submitted in December 1984. • 4 Work was started on a forest management plan by the Division 2 Forester stationed at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Baseline timber surveys were conducted in Pool 8 (2,000 acres). No reports or recommendations were received by the end of the year. Travel ceilings are a source of some concern since Mingo is responsible for paying all travel and per diem expenses. However, completion of the plan is anticipated in 1986. 3. Public Participation No formal public meetings were held during the year. Periodic news releases were issued during the year to keep the public informed on refuge programs and activities. With the refuge visitor center open seven days a week for the busiest eight and a half months during the year, individuals usually freely express their views to the receptionists on what they like or don't like about the refuge and its programs. Corrective action is taken, or an increased emphasis is placed on interpretation if similar complaints are received on a particular subject. In March, Manager Clawson attended a public hearing at Jefferson City, Missouri sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Environmental Quality. The Division's State Implementation Plan (SIP) was presented for visibility protection of Class I areas, which includes the Mingo Wilderness Area. No public opposition was presented against the plan. 5

4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates In May, the refuge staff met with representatives of the Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ecological Services to discuss the refuge's ARMM project for cleaning out a portion of Ditch 11. All environmental concerns and recommendations expressed by the group were incorporated into the Corps' 404 permit and complied with by the contractor and refuge.

State and FWS personnel conducted a site inspection of Ditch 11 as part of their 404 permit application review. 5/85 JM

5. Research and Investigations Graduate student research is an active program on the refuge due to our close proximity to the Gaylord Memorial Wildlife Laboratory. This facility is jointly financed by the University of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation under the direction of Dr. Leigh Fredrickson. The Laboratory was established in 1956 to train graduate students and provide a headquarters for study groups conducting field observational studies and research on wildlife management and ecological problems. The facility is located on the Duck Creek Wildlife Management Area which is adjacent to the refuge. During the year there were five continuing graduate student projects in progress. For the first time in several years, no new projects were initiated on the refuge. 6 "Wintering Strategies of Female Mallards Related to Dynamics of Lowland Hardwood Wetlands in the Upper Mississippi Delta" (33540-1) Graduate Student - Mickey Heitmeyer This PhD study was started in 1981 under the supervision of Dr. Leigh Fredrickson of the University of Missouri. All field work was completed in 1983. A copy of the student's dissertation was received during the year. Abstract Habitat dynamics of lowland hardwood wetlands and the wintering ecology of female mallards were studied from 1980-1983 in the Mingo Basin of southeastern Missouri. The Mingo Swamp is a complex of wetland types that are interconnected and distributed along broad elevational gradient in response to depth and timing of flooding. On-site rainfall, back­ water flooding and headwater flooding are the major water sources and are differentially important in maintaining community structure and ' function in different regions of the Mississippi Delta. Female mallards undergo a complete body molt (the prebasic molt) in late winter. The Alternate and Basic plumages of female mallards are different and provide camouflage for females in winter and summer habitats. The prebasic molt is completed by an individual in six to seven weeks and intensity of feather replacement is greatest in middle-last stages. The timing of the molt is influenced by age, pairing status, and habitat conditions. The physiological conditions of female mallards changes over the course of winter. The changes are related to changing metabolic demands, associated with different biological activities engaged in pairing status, mate fitness, weather, and habitat conditions. Adults and immatures have similar physiological conditions within a status group but adults initiate and complete all processes earlier than immatures. Body and nutrient reserve weights of females are greater in winters of increased precipi­ tation and milder temperatures. The levels of individual fatty acids present in lipid stores of female mallards were different among body storage areas and changed as the biological activity of females changed. The changes were related to changes in dietary intake and catabolism of fats. The timing of annual events and the use of foods and habitats by female mallards seems to adaptively coincide with seasonal and annual dynamics of resources in lowland hardwood wetlands. Female mallards consume more invertebrates during molting in fall and spring but consume mainly high energy acorns and/or agricultural grains in midwinter. Mallards use marsh type habitats in early fall but shift to flooded forests for most of the remainder of the time they spend on southern lowland hardwood wetlands. Forested wetlands traditionally provided resources that allowed mallards to complete the prealternate molt, pairing, the prebasic molt, and reserve deposition use for spring migration and eventual reproduction. Factors currently limiting the ability of southern wetlands to provide adequate resources to wintering mallards include disturbance, habitat loss and degradation, and improper water level management. "Limnology of Lowland Hardwood Wetlands 1n Southeast Missouri" (33540-3) Graduate Student - Glenn D. Wylle This PhD study was begun in 1981 under the supervision of Dr. John Jones of the University of Missouri. All field work was completed in 1933. A copy of the student's dissertation was received during the year. Abstract A broad-based limnological study was conducted from 1981 to 1983 on various wetlands of the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and the Duck Creek Wildlife Area in southeast Missouri. Investigations encompassed water chemistry dynamics, primary production, detritus processing, and zoo- plankton dynamics as related to the management schemes of the aquatic habitats in the study area. Waters in the Mingo-Duck Creek area are soft, unbuffered, and eutrophic. Differentially managed habitats were identified by their water chemistry. Water chemistry of the autumnally-flooded greentree reservoirs was dramatically altered by release of nutrients into the water from inundated leaf litter. Flooded forest at the Mingo area also showed this nutrient flux in relation to rainfall events. The marsh areas, Rockhouse and Monopoly, have moderately high nutrient concentrations attributable to both organic and inorganic origins. Pool 1 and Lick Creek were permanently inundated and had minimal interactions with terrestrial areas, which resulted in the lowest nutrient concentrations of the sites. Algal biomass was usually N-limited in moist sites, but growth of macro- phytes did not depend on nutrients in the water column. Rates of aquatic community metabolism depended on the relative importance of phytoplankton versus macrophyte growth in sites. Macrophyte production in Pool 1 and both marshes was similar to other productive habitats, and estimates of macrophyte production (dry wt.) were on the order of 500 g/m2 for Nelumbo, 200 g/m^ for Brasenia, and 100 g/m2 for Myriophyllum, Ceratophyl1 urn, and Nitella. Leaves of the aquatic plants Nelumbo and Brasenia decomposed more rapidly than pin oak leaves. Nelumbo and Brasenia leaves demonstrated an 80% weight loss in nine and three months, respectively, while pin oak leaves lost 30% of initial weight in nine months and 50% by 21 months. The percent content of N, P, and ash in decomposing leaves generally increased over time. Detritus seems to be a short-term nutrient sink that con­ centrates nutrients for detritus-based secondary production or conserves them for later uptake by trees. Concentrations of zooplankton in greentree reservoirs rapidly increased and then diminished over time in a pattern similar to both that of macro- invertebrate detritivores and concentrations of nutrients in the water. This pattern suggests that inundation of lowland forest rapidly makes nutrients available for secondary production, but this effect diminishes after a few months. Drainage of water from greentree reservoirs when nutrient content is high may result in a net removal of nutrients and lessened tree productivity over time. 8 "Breeding and Foraging Behavior of Red-shouldered Hawks in Southeastern Missouri" (33540-4) Graduate Student - Margaret Parker This study was started in 1982 under the supervision of Professor John Fasborg of the University of Missouri. It was funded by the Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation. All field work was completed in 1983. No progress report or thesis has been received. "The Effects of Flooding on Pin Oaks in Southeastern Missouri" (33540-5) Investigator - Allen Black This project started out as a post-doctorate study by University of Missouri Professor Allen Black to determine the effects of greentree reservoirs on pin oaks. Professor Black transferred after the study started and the field work was picked up by research technicia-ns at the Gaylord Lab. Results of the study were published in Oecologia (64:14-20) in an article entitled: "Water Relations of Quercus palustris: Field Measurements on an Experimentally Flooded Stand. Abstract Field measurements of water relations were used to examine the response of mature Quercus palustris (20 m tall), a flood tolerant tree, to experimental flooding treatments. Flooding treatments included: 1) flood­ ing in the dormant season, 2) short-term flooding in the growing season and 3) long term (<2 years) continuous flooding. Dormant season flooding has no apparent effect on phenology or physiology during the following growing season. Short-term flooding in the growing season caused immediate but reversible stomatal closure without significant development of water stresses. Within ten days after the growing season flooding treatment water relations measurements were not significantly different from pre- treatment measurements or controls. Although no significant differences in water relations were found in growing season measurements on continuously flooded trees, continuous flooding reduced reproductive fitness and caused premature autumn coloration and leaf abscission. Unlike upland Quercus species, Quercus palustris does not show evidence of water limitation late in the growing season. Stomatal conductance increased early in the growing season but showed no clear mid- or late- growing season trends. No evidence of mid-day stomatal closure was found throughout the growing season. Stomatal conductance was correlated to both xylem pressure potential and phyotsynthetically active radiation. Combined osmotic and matric potentials decreased to -2.43 MPa by Julian day 140 and remained constant throughout the growing season. Pre-dawn xylem pressure potentials exceeded -0.4 MPa throughout the growing season. 9 "The Relationship Among Wetland Invertebrate Abundance, Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics in Bottomland Hardwood Ecosystems" (33540-6) Graduate Student - Dan Batema This project was started in 1982 under the direction of Dr. Leigh Fredrickson and Dr. Gray Henderson of the University of Missouri. The following progress report was submitted to the refuge. This study on bottomland hardwoods is designed to provide important information on habitat quality for waterfowl by attempting to better understand some of the functional processes of these wetlands. Litter decomposition is a major controlling factor in energy and nutrient dynamics, yet little is known of this process in bottomland hardwoods. Decomposition processes, coupled with a dynamic water regime, have important influences on how plants and animals respond in bottomlands.' Sixteen plots, representing two forest types (pin oak-sweetgum and overcup oak-red maple) and two flooding regimes (natural flooding and^ greentree reservoir), have been monitored since October 1982 for nutrient inputs, nutrient exchanges at the forest floor, litter decomposition and wetland invertebrate abundance. A major focus of this study is to determine what influence both forest type and flooding regime may have on ecosystem function. The decomposition or weight loss of litter is dependent on type of leaf species. The species analyzed increased in weight loss in the following order: overcup oak, pin oak, sweetgum, red maple. Red maple loses about 50% of its original weight within four months compared to 25% for overcup oak. Decomposition rates are greater on naturally occurring sites than on greentree reservoir sites. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are immobilized in leaf litter on all sites, with more being immobilized on greentree sites. Mineralization takes place about one to two years later. Nutrient inputs to the forest floor have been analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. For both throughfall and litterfall seasonal trends are apparent. Nutrient concentrations in throughfall are lowest in the winter and tend to increase throughout spring and late summer. Leaffall nutrient concentrations are lowest in early summer and highest" at leaf senescence in the fall. Thus, nutrients enter the system just prior to and during fall flooding. Nutrients in the soil show some distinct forest type differences. Pin oak-sweetgum sites have lower amounts of all nutrients analyzed except for Na. Also, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are consistently higher on naturally flooded sites than on greentree reservoir sites. Similar analyses of water indicate that swamp water is poorly buffered and that pin oak-sweetgum sites are more acidic than overcup oak-red maple sites. Invertebrates respond rapidly to flooding and within four weeks peak numbers of invertebrates occur. Chironomid larvae, isopods, fingernail clams, amphipods and oligochaetes are the dominant organisms in bottom­ land hardwood sites. Pin oak sites tend to have more chironomids, isopods. 10 and oligochaetes with few amphipods and fingernail clams. Overcup oak sites are characterized more by amphipods, fingernail clams, and isopods with fewer oligochaetes and chironomids. For both flooding regimes, pin oak sites have greater densities of invertebrates in fall than over- cup oak sites, but in spring overcup oak sites have greater densities. Invertebrates functional feeding groups are dominated by shredders and collectors. "Wintering Ecology of Drake Mallards in the Mingo Basin" (33540-7) Graduate Student - Dan Combs This PhD study was begun in 1983 under the supervision of Dr. Leigh Fredrickson of the University of Missouri. The following progress report was submitted to the refuge. • 4 Investigation of the wintering ecology of male mallards in the Mingo Basin was initiated in October 1983 and will be completed in March 1986. Three major approaches are used in this study: waterfowl censuses of all habitat types, behavioral observations of male mallards, and collection of drake mallards from various habitat types. Several factors influenced the facets of wintering ecology being investigated, including water levels, food availability, hunting pressure, and ice cover. During 1983-84, dry conditions, an extensive two month freeze, and a mast failure resulted in intensive mallard use of dead timber zones. Little food was available, and mallards fed extensively on beggartick (Bidens) but were in poor body condition. During 1984-85, the study area was frozen for two months, and few acorns were produced, but water conditions were better than during the previous year. Mallards loafed in the dead timber zones and fed primarily in the moist soil units and in flooded agricultural fields off of the study area. The primary foods in collected mallards were wild millet (Echinochloa) and waste grain, and drakes were in much better condition than during the first field season. Live timber zones have been the primary habitat used this year except during a one month period when the timber habitat was frozen and other habitats were available. Male mallards fed primarily on acorns, and mast production was much greater than during the previous two winters. Fat deposits were similar in ducks collected during this year and last, and drake mallards were generally in better condition than those collected during the first field season. Mallards have, thus, been exposed to a variety of environmental factors during the last three winters and have met their wintering needs in different ways. Their ability to cope with adverse conditions may depend upon the availability of a variety of habitats in the form of a wetland complex. "Studies on Wetland Propagule Banks with Emphasis on Their Significance Ecological Management" (33540-8) Graduate Student - Parvaiz Nairn This study was started in June 1983 under the supervision of Dr. Craig Davis of the Botany Department at Iowa State University. Some field work was conducted during the year, however, no progress report was received. 11

"Management and Biomass Production of Moist Soil Plants" (33540-9) Graduate Student - James Kelley Jr. This is one of two research studies started in 1984 under Cooperative Agreement (No. 14-15-009-1509) between the Missouri Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and the University of Missouri. The project is being funded by the Service and is under the direction of Dr. Leigh Fredrickson. Objectives of the project are to determine the nutrient content, biomass, and food value of moist soil plants used by waterfowl, and to develop management programs to optimize forage production for Swan Lake and Mingo National Wildlife Refuges. The following progress report was received. Past moist soil research has focused on seed and invertebrate production. Little is known about the management conditions which enhance browse and belowground plant production or the nutritional value of these resources to waterfowl. A pilot study conducted on Mingo Refuge in 1984 determined that shallowly discing areas at an early date (late June), followed by irrigation, enhanced biomass production of chufa (a perennial). Irrigating deeply-disced sites maximized production of annual Cyperus species and spikerush. The shallow disc-irrigation treatment was implemented on moist soil units (MSU) 1, 3, and 5 in early July 1985. Above and belowground plant biomass was sampled in early October on the treated units and three untreated units (MSU 2, 4, and 6). Chufa belowground production on MSU 1 and 3 was 140 and 87 lbs/acre respectively, while MSU 5 had almost no chufa. Instead, MSU 5 had 80 lbs/acre of annual Cyperus roots, while MSU 1 and 3 had less annual Cyperus biomass. Aboveground production of spikerush (browse) was similar among the three treated units with 47, 42, and 42 lbs/acre for MSU 3, 1, and 5 respectively. The untreated units had lower biomass densities of these plants. Seasonal biomass production of chufa was documented in summer and fall 1985. Weekly sampling determined that peak aboveground biomass of chufa was attained in early July. Belowground biomass reached a minimum in mid-June and was highest in early November. These life-history traits will hopefully provide insights into the response of chufa to variou's management practices. Data analysis is currently underway. Plant parts will be evaluated for nutrient content. "The Utilizations of Rootstocks and Browse by Waterfowl on Moist Soil Impoundments" (33540-10) Graduate Student - Donald McKenzie The following progress report was submitted to the refuge. Previous research has documented the importance to waterfowl of moist soil invertebrate and seed resources. Moist soil impoundments also provide other potentially important food resources such as rootstocks and browse. Little data exists to demonstrate the importance of these moist soil resources to waterfowl, though many authors have documented consumption of rootstocks and browse by waterfowl in other habitats and other areas. Evidence of the utilization of these moist soil resources by waterfowl would provide managers greater flexibility and opportunity in managing for waterfowl on moist soil impoundments. Data collection began in early November upon flooding of the study units Use of moist soil habitat here by waterfowl appears to be a function of water levels, food availability and ice cover in all habitats. Within the moist soil complex, units treated with discing and irrigation have received higher waterfowl use than adjacent control areas. This higher use may be due in part to better food resources, but other factors such as water levels, vegetation structure, human disturbance, tradition and social interactions appear also to be important in influencing waterfowl distributions. Mallards consume primarily seeds (especially Echinochloa and Bidens) and invertebrates (mainly isopods) while geese primarily eat shoots, rhizomes and roots of Polygonum, Diodia, Lippia and Eleocharis. Chufa (Cyperus esculentus) tubers occur occasionally in mallards and geese, but this year appear to be consumed only incidentally.

Graduate student Don McKenzie examining a moist soil unit plot sample. 13 E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel

14 9 6 8 3 2 7 5 10 1

1. Gerald L. Clawson Refuge Manager GS-12 EOD 1971 PFT 2. Eric T. Sipco Assistant Manager GS-11 EOD 1977 PFT 3. Jerry D. Kuykendall Assistant Manager GS-9 EOD 1934 PFT 4. Debra L. Kimbrell Assistant Manager (Trainee) GS-7 EOD 1/84 PFT transferred to Mark Twain NWR 5. Judy L. McClendon Secretary GS-5 EOD 1977 PFT 6. Brenda L. Foster Information Receptionist GS-3 EOD 1982 PFT 7. Richard L. Sebree Engineering Equipment Operator WG-8 EOD 1969 PFT 8. Howard G. She!ton Maintenance Worker WG-8 EOD 1965 PFT 9. Douglas J. Siler Maintenance Worker WG-6 EOD 1977 PFT 10. Charles A. Walk Tractor Operator WG-7 EOD 1962 CSFT Career Seasonal 4/1 - 11/22 11. Thomas W. McGowen Custodial Worker WG-2 EOD 1977 PI 12. Judy A. Greenlee Information Receptionist GS-1 3/15-11/30 TPT 13. Tracy L. Reed Student Trainee (Biology) GS-4 1/7--5/31 14. John McClure Green Thumb Worker-21 hours/week EOD 3/28 14 Personnel changes during the year were as follows: Debra Klmbrell - GS-485-7 - transferred to the Calhoun Division of Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge effective COB 3/30/85 as Assistant Refuge Manager. Judy Greenlee - GS-304-1 - appointed under the "Stay-in-School" program, Judy worked as a information receptionist on weekends and holidays in the visitor center from March 15 through November 30.

Information Receptionist Judy Greenlee 5/85 JM Tracy Reed - GS-499-4 - coop education student with previous work experience at DeSoto and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges. From Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tracy worked from January 7 through May 31 prior to returning to school at Iowa State University. John McClure - appointed under the Green Thumb program - a retired workers' program where employees work less than full time for public service agencies. Funds and ceilings are provided by the program. 15

Coop Student Tracy Reed and Green Thumb Worker John McClure 4/85 GLC

Richard Sebree - Engineering Equipment Operator underwent open heart surgery in early November and has been on extended sick leave since October 23. Brenda Foster - Information Receptionist promoted from GS-304-2 to GS-304-3 effective May 12. The following table compares on board strength for the past five years.

Year PET PPT or Seasonal Temporary Total PTE 1985 9 3 1 10.10 1984 9 2 1 10.01 1983 9 2 1 9.84 1982 7 3 4 10.99 1981 63 3 9.25 16 2. Youth Programs

10 11 12

1. Larry Payton Crew Leader 2. Stephen Cookson Crew Leader 3. William Robison Enrol lee 4. Michael Siler Enrol 1ee 5. Brian Hancock Enrol lee 6. Brian Boner Enrol 1ee 7. Bethel King Enrol lee 8. Bobby Conner Enrol lee 9. Marsha Welch Enrol 1ee 10. Sara Green Miller Enrol lee 11. Michelle Delay Enrol lee 12. Hope Corbin Enrol lee

Ten enrollees worked in the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program in 1985. The crew leaders, Stephen Cookson and Larry Payton, returned for the third consecutive year. Both were teachers in the Puxico school system and were provided under contract with the system at a cost of $n3.47/day. A twelve passenger van was again leased from the East Missouri Action Agency Headstart program at Farmington for transportation. The YCC program went smoothly with no reportable accidents or major incidents. Major work projects included trail construction and general clean up in the Sweet cabin area, fence and corral construction in the Sifford pasture, lawn mowing, vehicle clean up, and general recreation facility maintenance.

YCC crew cleaning up around the Sweet cabin environmental education site. 7/85 SC 18

Sweet cabin site after the clean up project was completed. 7/85 SC

The Job Corps program survived one more year with no major changes or cut backs other than loss of their cement finishing program. Considerable attention in the news media to proposed federal budget cuts focused on elimination of certain programs including Job Corps, and this kind of negative response took its toll in staff morale and performance. On July 14 the $500,000 mess hall burned - the result of an arson fire set by two corpsmen. Immediately following the fire, a high level review was con­ ducted by Department of Labor officials looking for major program deficiencies. None were found. In September a budget investigation meeting was called by Congressman Bill Emerson attended by Washington Office personnel from Department of Labor, Department of Interior Youth Program Office, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Although nothing seemed to be resolved at the time, it does appear the Job Corps program is headed for some major long term changes. This was all that remained at Job Corps' $500,000 mess hall after burning. 7/85 JM

Job Corps projects on the refuge this year included construction of a levee system for a forty acre moist soil unit at Flatbanks, addition of two tables and completion of native stone veneer on the visitor center picnic shelter, and construction of a concrete base for the gasoline pumps at the maintenance shop. The carpenters also prefabricated some outdoor toilets for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and the welders constructed a number of pipe gates for Crab Orchard and Mingo. On-center projects included additional work on a large warehouse facility, con­ version of the supply building to a temporary mess hall, installation of a new gymnasium floor, and a major renovation of the electrical service into the welding shop. Off-center projects included continuation of heavy equipment work at Three Rivers College and on the Wayne County road system. Job Corps' bricklaying crew installing rock veneer on picnic shelter columns. 8/85 JM

The completed picnic shelter. 8/85 JM 21

Cement masonary crew constructing a concrete gas pump pad after installation of a new gas tank. 8/85 GLC

3. Other Manpower Programs The refuge received its first Green Thumb worker on March 28. John McClure, a senior citizen from Puxico, began working 21 hours per week. He soon took over recreation area clean up and numerous other odd jobs freeing up regular personnel for other duties. The program has been highly beneficial. 4. Volunteer Programs The Scenic Rivers Audubon Club provided two volunteers to work each of the two Sundays of the spring auto tour. The volunteers were stationed at Fry Bluff with spotting scopes to aid visitors viewing wildlife and wildflowers. Jim Moroni, local photographer, volunteered his services on several occasions when refuge photographs were needed. 5. Funding Refuge funding for operation and maintenance was adequate. Funding for the past five years is shown as follows: 22

272,000 272,000

261,000

242,327

226,130

+5% +7% +8% +4% 0% FY81 FY82 FY83 FY84 FY85

Additional special funding available over the last five years was as follows: FY81 - $144,000 (BLHP) for moist soil rehab and equipment purchases FY82 - $7,000 (YCC) plus $25,500 EOY gravel and equipment purchases FY83 - $17,700 (YCC) FY84 - $18,990 (YCC) plus $74,000 ARMM's project which included purchases of gravel, farm tractor, and boardwalk foot bridge FY85 - $18,500 (YCC) plus $54,500 ARMM's project which included Ditch 11 cleanout Refuge 08iM funding has not kept up with the cost of doing business. In FY84 labor costs totaled 87% of the 0&M budget; in FY85 they totaled 89%. Accelerated Refuge Maintenance and Management (ARMM) funding has been necessary to maintain day to day operations. 6. Safety Monthly safety meetings were held with program responsibilities rotated among employees. Safety films made available through the regional safety office were shown as follows: 23

January "The Scoffer" and "The Forgetter" February "The Disorderly Worker" and "The Hothead" March "Housekeeping Means Safekeeping" Apri 1 "Your Way Out" May "Roll of Drums" June "Big Lift" July "Above All, Keep Your Head" August "What's Your Home Safety I.Q." September "Neosho" October "Flash Point" November "Safety Attitudes" December "Everything To Lose"

Support from the regional safety office was excellent in the 'form of materials and films for safety meetings. A general station health and safety inspection was made on August 9 by Howard Shelton and an electrical inspection made on December 3 by Shelton and Siler. No major problems were identified. A general station safety inspection was made by Regional Safety Office Earl Markwell on December 10-11. The report is not yet available. The station safety committee consisted of Clawson, McClendon, and Siler. One reportable accident occurred during the period. This was a backing up accident on July 2 by Ann Wildman, a Missouri Department of Conservation employee working on the cooperative eagle hacking project. Damage to the refuge vehicle was $480. There was no reportable YCC accidents. The station safety record of calendar days without a lost time accident stands at 2,190 at the end of the year. 7. Technical Assistance The refuge routinely provides plans for bird feeders, wood duck and bluebird houses through our visitor center information program. Clawson served on the Cotton Boll Girl Scout Council property committee and as Council advisor for conservation activities. 8. Other Items A general refuge inspection was conducted December 9-12 by Regional Office personnel and Division Biologist Cummings.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 2. Wetlands Rockhouse and Monopoly marshes continue to be managed on an alternate draw­ down basis with Rockhouse being drawn down this year. The spring period was wetter than normal which prevented the planned drawdown in March. Drawdown was completed in mid-June. The late drawdown stressed the fish 24 population in Ditch 11, but no significant kill occurred. American lotus flourished and covered over 90% of the pool prior to drawdown and sub­ sequently reduced moist soil plant production. Moist soil production was fair. Water was diverted from Monopoly in mid-October to initiate re- flooding of Rockhouse. Ample November rains completed the job. Monopoly remained flooded all summer and was 95% covered with lotus which provided good wood duck brood habitat. It also provided a resting area during the fall migration. November rains put water in bottomland hard­ wood portions of the refuge. With the good mast crop, this attracted ducks. Everywhere there was water in the timber, there were mallards and wood ducks. A combination of rainfall and water diverted from Duck Creek filled Pool 8 (greentree reservoir) by mid-November creating excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. Moist soil unit habitat conditions were fair to good. June and July were drier than normal which resulted in reduced plant production. As usual, however, there was considerable variation between units and units which were lightly disced and irrigated seemed to benefit from it. Pumping was required to refill most units, and waterfowl responded to the habitat as it became available. The flooded timber and excellent mast crop overshadowed the moist soil units this year, however. Wetland development work included the following: Pool 8 - Project funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation involved a radial gate, three lift gate structures and some dike work. This 1,120 acre greentree reservoir is now completed and was filled in November and, for the first time, excess water was available from Pool 8 to flood moist soil unit 3.

Water control structure and new access road constructed by the MDC as part of the Pool 8 development. 12/85 GLC 25 Moist Soil Units - A stoplog structure was constructed in the southeast corner of MS-4N, culverts were replaced in the three stoplog structures on MS-9 which drain into Ditch 10, and the stoplog structure on MS-10 was replaced. A quarter mile levee was constructed and two culverts installed for water control structures on MS-12 (Flatbanks). Rockhouse Marsh - Ditch 11 was cleaned out from Ditch 6 to the vicinity of the visitor center sewage lagoon near Ditch 3. This will be a significant aid in dewatering Rockhouse in future years. 3. Forest Seven firewood permits were issued in 1985. Permits are valid for one year and allow a person to salvage up to three pickup loads of wood for a nominal fee of $5.00. No other timber cutting permits were'issued pending development of a timber management plan. Some progress was made on development of a forest management plan. 'Roger Boykin, Division 2 Forester stationed at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, began work on Mingo with an initial visit in September. Several subsequent visits were made gathering background information and inventory data. A plan should be produced during the next year and some forest management work initiated.

Forester Roger Boykin conducting timber survey in Pool 8. 12/85 JM 26 4. Croplands Crop production was slightly lower in 1985 than the previous year. Refuge permittees farmed 575 acres plus 229 acres of moist soil units for a total of 804 acres. Corn averaged 60 bushels/acre and soybeans 20 bushels/acre compared to 70 bushels and 25 bushels in 1984. The refuge farming program is essentially a corn/soybean rotation with option to substitute milo for corn if conditions warrant. The refuge receives a third of the corn or milo which is normally left in the field. The permittee receives all the soybeans in return for providing all fertilizer and seeding wheat in the beans following harvest. The wheat is plowed down the following spring. Following several years of deer depredation complaints from a neighboring farmer, a portion of Unit 19 in the southwest part of the refuge was converted from grassland to crops this year in an attempt to- hold deer on the refuge. Primary purpose of the farming program, however, is to provide habitat diversity and benefit the wintering goose flock. Deer and turkey also use the corn fields in the winter, particularly if there is a mast crop failure, and deer make good use of soybean fields during, the growing season. Moist soil units are normally farmed one year out of three for the purpose of controlling woody vegetation. The permittee works up the entire unit with the acreage then divided 1/3 refuge, 2/3 cooperator with the cooperator share usually in milo and the refuge share in Japanese millet. Millet production was poor in MSU 8-9, but good in units 4N and 10. The following table shows crop acreages in 1985. Total Wheat Japanese Unit Permittee Acres Corn Mi 1 o Beans Planted Harvested Millet 2 W. Payne 100 57 43 43 3 R. Walk 51 51 4 G. Payne 85 35 50 50 5 R. Walk 40 40 40 6 6. Payne 105 55 50 50 • 8 6. Payne 98 45 53 53 10 R. Cookson 40 30 10 12 R. Cookson 16 16 19 Cunningham 40 20 20 20 MS-3 R. Cookson 63 42 21 MS-9 R. Cookson 78 52 26 MS-10 R. Cookson 50 34 16 MS-4N R. Cookson 38 25 13 804 243 148 311 272 86 In addition, refuge staff planted wheat in the eighteen acre goose pen field - a low wet field along a primary public access which receives heavy goose use. 27

5. Grasslands The refuge has 751 acres of grasslands in seventeen management units. This includes both bottomland and upland pastures. The predominant grassland type is tall fescue with some ladino clover. A few units are predominately redtop and timothy with some clover. In 1984, 27 acres in grazing unit 18 were planted to Blackwell switchgrass, a warm season grass. Haying and grazing are used as management tools on most of the grass­ land units to maintain these areas. The units would eventually revert back to woodlands if no management occurred. The grassland units provide excellent browse for geese in support of refuge waterfowl use objectives. They also provide food and cover for a variety of other species, habitat diversity, economic benefits to the local coifimunity, and offer refuge visitors excellent viewing areas to see wildlife. 7. Grazing % Grazing was permitted on nine units totaling 490 acres. Six of the seven permittees from the previous year returned. One individual dropped out of the program and his unit was given to the permittee grazing an adjacent unit. Total acres grazed this year was 67 acres less than last year. Forty acres in unit 19 were cross fenced and farmed to reduced crop depredations by deer on private farmland next to the refuge. Also, 27 acres in unit 18 were converted to a warm season grass, but not grazed. The grazing season ran from April 1 through October 15 on seven of the units. It was extended through November 15 on units 11 and 18 again this year, to accommodate additional economic use of the refuge without interfering with the fall auto tours. The grazing rate fee for the season was $4.92 per AUM, compared to a $5.05 rate last year. Cows with calves were counted as 1.25 AUM and yearlings as .75 AUM. The grazing rate is calculated each year using the three year average beef price formula described in the Refuge Manual and data furnished by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The 1985 rate represented a 2% decrease from the previous rate and reflected a continued decline ifi beef prices from a peak price in 1979. The new rate was well received by all permittees. Each permittee was required to top dress a portion of his unit with fertilizer or limestone in accordance with soil sample recommendations. The permittee's grazing fees were reduced by one-half to $2.46/AUM to cover the cost of purchasing and applying these soil amendments. Permittees were also required to mow their entire unit at the end of the grazing period to facilitate wildlife use and prevent brush encroachment. AUM rates and refuge receipts from the grazing program are shown in the following table. 28 Unit Acres AUM1S Receipts Permittee GU-11 45 172.50 $ 424.35 Jerry Koppman GU-7 & 15 116 285.70 702.82 Claud Walk GU-17 57 146.00 359.16 Wayne El ledge 6U-18 90 207.00 509.22 E.G. El ledge GU-19 45 138.13 339.80 George Sifford GU-16, 21 & 22 137 493.27 1,213.44 Herman Wilfong Totals 490 1,442.60 $3,548.79

Fence maintenance on each grazing unit was the responsibility of the individual permittee. The refuge provided materials. Boundary line fences which bordered on a grazing unit were maintained by the refuge.' Very little fence repair was required during the year. 8. Haying ' Haying is usually confined to units where grazing is not feasible due to a lack of water or inadequate fencing. However, some of the grazing units with an excess of forage are usually available for haying also. Haying privileges on each individual unit are allocated on a sealed bid basis. Twelve units were put out for bids this year with a total of 285 acres. Bids were received and accepted on ten of the units. A negotiated bid was later accepted on one of the unbid units (#8), and another additional unit (#7) that had more excess forage than first estimated. Two units were not hayed when the permittee asked to be released from his bids. These grazing units were later cut by the grazing permittee. Therefore, a total of ten units were actually hayed, two of which were also grazed. Acreages hayed in the grazing units were less than the total available since permittees were allowed to selectively cut these units. However, permittees were required to completely cut the other units to promote new growth and prevent brush encroachment. Interest in the haying program was very good again this year. There were a total of six bidders with an average bid per ton of-$5.76. Bids ranged from a low of $1.01 to a high of $12.52 per ton. Last year there were ten bidders with the highest bid being $10.06 and the average $4.98 per ton. Another hard winter and relatively dry summer reduced most farmers' hay reserves and they were anxious to replenish their stocks. During normal years with good growing conditions, it is difficult to find anyone interested in haying on the refuge, particularly the more isolated units. Units were hayed beginning July 1. The late date for haying use was set to give some protection to nesting birds. Total forage yield this year was 317 tons compared to 303 tons last year. Receipts were also up with $1,758.36 collected compared to $1,525.31 last year. Specific information on the haying program is shown in the following table. 29

Unit # Acres B1d/Ton Total Tons Receipts Permittee 38 3.00 33 99.00 Claud Walk 15 3.00 20.9 62.70 Claud Walk 12 35 12.51 38.55 482.26 Ellsworth Hancock 14 22 NO BID 17* 25 4.01 137.98 553.30 E-C- Elledge 18* 89 4.01 E.C. Elledge 20 20 9.01 13.55 122.09 Keith Hancock 21 20 4.50 Permittee released from bid 22 20 4.50 Permittee released from bid 22a 3 10.01 5.04 50.45 Keith Hancock 25-1 8 12.52 27.75 347.43 Keith Hancock 25-3 18 1.01 40.72 41.13 Ellsworth Hancock 25-4 9 1.01 Ellsworth Hancock Total 323 317.49 $ 1758.36 * Unit also grazed

9. Fire Management There were no prescribed burns or wildfires on the refuge this year. One building fire occurred at the Job Corps Center which is covered in the manpower program section. One staff member was taken off the list of individuals available for fire fighting duty due to heart problems. At the end of the year the refuge had six employees trained in fire suppression. However, nobody has taken the required step test. It is anticipated that all individuals will take this test next year and that our fire crew will be significantly reduced in size. 10. Pest Control The main form of pest control on the refuge involves the use of herbicides by cooperative farmers to reduce crop competition. Farmers were only permitted to use those herbicides submitted on a pesticide use proposal and approved by the Regional Office. No insecticides or EPA restricted use herbicides were used on the refuge during the year. No serious pest control problems were noted. The following table shows the chemicals used, acreage involved, and the amount of active ingredients applied on the refuge. Herbicide Acres Pounds AI 2, 4-D 211 6.60 2, 4-DB 20 .47 Alachlor 333 408.25 Atrazine 212 236.25 Bentazon 281 133.50 30 In addition, one pound AI of Prometon was applied by refuge personnel to control vegetation growing through cracks in asphalt areas. In October a representative from the Missouri Department of Agriculture inspected our Public Operator Pesticide Licenses. Four staff members are certified public operators to use restricted pesticides, should we ever need them. Everything was found to be in order. Two gypsy moth traps were set out on the refuge in June in conjunction with a surveillance program by the North-Central Forest Experiment Station. The traps were removed on September 15 and returned. No gypsy moths were caught. 12. Wilderness and Special Areas • * In February, the refuge received a draft State Implementation Plan (SIP) from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources concerning visibility protection for Federal Class I Areas. The plan was originally required by EPA regulations published in 1980. Several persons from the Missouri Air Pollution Control Program visited the refuge that year prior to drafting a plan. However, court litigation delayed implementation of the EPA regulations. On October 23, 1984 new EPA regulations were proposed again requiring a SIP. Missouri complied and drafted the required plan. In March, Manager Clawson attended a Visibility SIP Review Meeting and subsequent public hearing to discuss the EPA visibility regulations, existing visibility conditions, visual monitoring and SIP requirements. No opposition was presented to the plan at the hearing. The plan called for establishing one or two "Integral Vistas" in the Wilderness Area to gather baseline visibility data and evaluate visibility impairment trends. However, this idea was dropped in accordance with Service policy that there be no integral vistas on refuges. In October, the refuge received a draft Visibility Monitoring Plan and cooperative agreement from the Missouri Air Pollution Control Program for the Mingo Class I Area. The plan called for one Viewpoint (observation platform below Visitor Center) from which human eye observations would be used to view spatially distributed target sites at known distances and record judgement ratings. Observations would be made weekly by trained refuge personnel. Any man-made impairment of visibility observed would be photographed and all records furnished to the Department of Natural Resources. No action was taken on the proposal by the end of the year.

G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity Mingo National Wildlife Refuge contains the most diverse wildlife popu­ lations in Missouri. The combination of lowland hardwoods, open marshes, croplands, pastures, moist soil units, old fields, Ozark upland forest, and Crowley's Ridge is a complex not found anywhere else in the state. 31

Because of this diversity of habitat there is an equal diversity of wild­ life. In all Mingo is known to host over 240 species of birds, 38 mammals, 60 reptiles and amphibians, and 49 species of fish. 2. Endangered Species There is two nationally listed endangered species encountered at Mingo, bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Peregrines are a rare visitor to the refuge while bald eagles are more common, particularly during the late fall and winter months. There were two confirmed sightings of peregrines this year, one in January and the other in December. Bald eagle numbers begin to build in October, peak in December-January,' and tail off as spring approaches. The eagle population peaked at fifty birds this year. ^ Species listed on Missouri's state endangered list that occur on Mingo include: osprey, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, barn owl, Swainson's warbler, river otter and green water snake. A hacking program begun in 1981 to reintroduce bald eagles as a nesting species in Missouri was continued in 1985. This year six birds were successfully hacked on the refuge. On June 4 two eaglets from Patuxent were placed in the hacking tower. Following this, on June 24 two siblings from a nest in Minnesota were placed in the tower. On July 11 the Patuxent birds were released, and on the following day a twelve week old eagle from Wisconsin was placed in the tower. This bird was released three hours later to make room for one of the released Patuxent eagles who was having problems. The Patuxent bird was subsequently rereleased on July 18. On July 22 our sixth eagle, another Minnesota bird arrived and was placed in the tower. We released the siblings and the sixth bird on August 1. Four of the six eagles were radio tagged the day prior to their release. Upon release the eagles would remain in the vicinity of the tower for several days, and then move out onto the refuge. After a three or four week period, all the eagles had departed the refuge, whereabouts unknown. 32

Eagle hacking tower with four young eagles at Fox Pond. 7/85 JM

In 1981 we reported a pair of bald eagles had built'a nest in a large cypress tree in Monopoly Lake. In 1982, the pair continued to add to the nest and played house, only to disappear in June. During 1983 two eagles again showed up at the nest site and made a nesting attempt. However tragedy struck, quite literally, when a bolt of lightening killed one of the birds and destroyed two eggs. In 1934 we reported a pair of eagles stayed around the nest from February through April and then departed. Conjecture is one of these eagles was a product of the hacking program. This year brought good news; for the first time in at least twenty years, bald eagles successfully nested in Missouri. The nest on Monopoly Lake produced two eagles. 33

Successful eagle nest in Monopoly Lake. 7/85 JM

3. Waterfowl Peak waterfowl populations for the past five years are shown in the table below. Year Canada Geese + Duck * 1985 26,200 76,500 1984 23,000 54,500 1983 30,150 98,200 1982 50,000 85,725 (Feb) 1981 14,000 42,000 + January-February * November-December 34 During peak concentrations mallards comprise about 80% of the ducks present on Mingo; however, many other species occur in lesser numbers. The abundance of acorns and optimum water conditions created excellent conditions for ducks this year. The Canada goose population peaked at 26,200 birds in January. Canada geese make up the vast majority of all geese found on Mingo. Small flocks of snow geese are occasionally observed, though seldom are there more than 200-300 birds. Wood duck production for the past five years is presented below.

Year # Successful Nests # Unsuccessful Attempts # Not Used Total # Boxes 1985 56 (51%) 27 (25%) 26 (24%) 109 1984 52 (52%) 15 (15%) 34 (34%) 101 1983 47 (47%) 17 (17%) 36 (36%) 100' 1982 42 (42%) 12 (12%) 47 (46%) 101 1981 42 (44%) 7 ( 7%) 46 (49%) 95

Production results from the box program were 453 wood ducks and fifty hooded mergansers. Estimated total refuge production was 907 wood ducks and 101 hooded mergansers. A few Canada geese, spillovers from the resident flock of giant Canadas at Duck Creek State Wildlife Area, nest on Mingo each year. Mingo continues in a cooperative effort with the Missouri Department of Conservation to establish a migratory trumpeter swan flock in Missouri. Six subadult birds were obtained from LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge and released on Monopoly Lake. The cygnets were neck collared and radio tagged. All six birds subsequently died from either predators or other natural causes. Currently there are two adult swans on the refuge, products of the 1982 release. Two tundra swans also spent about a month on the refuge this fall. 4. Marsh and Water Birds Mingo is the home of a variety of marsh and water bird species. Commonly observed birds in this category include: little blue heron, green heron, great blue heron, yellow-crowned night heron, pied-billed grebe, cattle egret, sora rail, American bittern, Virginia rail, great egret, least bittern, and black-crowned night heron. 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species The more commonly seen shorebirds are common snipe, pectoral sandpiper, spotted sandpiper, semipalmated sandpiper, and greater yellowlegs. 35

6. Raptors Raptors observed on Mingo include red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, marsh hawk, American kestrel, bald eagle, turkey vulture, black vulture, barred owl, great-horned owl, and screech owl. Other raptors seen, but not as numerous as the above include osprey, rough- legged hawk, broad-winged hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, peregrine falcon, saw-whet owl, barn owl, and short-eared owl. 7. Other Migratory Birds The refuge conducted two mourning dove coo counts. Results of the past five years are shown below.

Route #0050 (Butler/Stoddard Co.) Route #0072 (New Madrid Co.) Year Doves Seen Total Calls Doves Seen Total Calls 1985 62 216 37 258 1984 56 144 56 221 1983 56 151 46 235 1982 37 215 30 181 1981 52 83 49 197

The Christmas bird count at Mingo was held December 21. The Farmington Chapter of the Audubon Society observed 82 species. No unusual sightings occurred. 8. Game Mammals Several of Missouri's game mammals occur on the refuge: white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, gray and red fox, coyote, and beaver. Squirrel numbers were down considerably, but should bounce back with the excellent mast crop and mild winter. The beaver population continues to expand creating management problems with water control structures and flooding. Otter populations also appear to be on the increase. All other game mammal populations have remained consistent in numbers with only seasonal fluctuations. 11. Fisheries Resources The fisheries management plan was approved in 1985. Fisheries management of the majority of Mingo waters consists of occasional shocking, limited stocking and enforcement of fishing regulations. Most refuge impoundments are subject to annual flooding and summer drawdowns for waterfowl management. Management of the ditches, creeks, and rivers is restricted by seasonal flooding. May and Fox ponds are two impoundments where active management does occur for fisheries. 36 Fisheries Biologist Chuck Surprenant shocked and netted Fox and May ponds and the old Mingo River in April. Results are presented below.

MAY POND SPECIES/ PERCENT MEAN TOTAL LENGTH MEAN RELATIVE SIZE RANGE* NUMBER COMPOSITION1 LENGTH* RANGE* WEI6HT2 Largemouth bass 76 (48.1) 1.0- 7.9 12 15.8 5.8 5.3- 6.5 77% 7.9-11.9 62 81,6 10.1 8.3-11.7 78% 12.0+ 2 2.6 12.7 12.1-13.2 77%

Bluegill sunfish 50 (31.6) • 3.0- 5.9 10 20.0 4.3 3.7- 5.2 83% 6.0+ 40 80.0 7.0 6.1- 8.3 84% Warmouth sunfish 11 ( 7.0) 3.0- 5.9 1 9.0 5.6 - 6.0+ 10 91.0 7.0 6.3- 7.9 Redear sunfish 6 ( 3.8) 3.0- 5.9 2 33.3 3.2 2.4- 4.1 6.0+ 4 66.7 8.2 7.5- 8.9 Green sunfish 1 ( 0.6) 3.0- 5.9 - - --

6.0+ 1 100.0 6.1 - Channel catfish 2 ( 1.3) ALL 2 100.0 15.0 11.2-18.8 91% Golden shiner 12 ( 7.6) ALL 12 100.0 7.7 2.6- 9.0

TOTAL 158 (100.0)

1 SINKING EXPERIMENTAL GILL NET OVER NIGHT Channel catfish 5 (100.0) 17.2 12.5-18.6 85% 37 FOX POND SPECIES/ PERCENT MEAN TOTAL LENGTH MEAN RELATIVE SIZE RANGE* NUMBER COMPOSITION1 LENGTH* RANGE* WEIGHT2

Largemouth bass 53 (40.2) 1.0- 7.9 4 7.5 2.9 2.6- 3.1 - 8.0-11.9 7 13.2 9.6 8.1-11.6 84% 12.0+ 42 79.2 16.3 12.4-21.6 94% Bluegill sunfish 69 (52.3) 3.0- 5.9 59 85.6 - - 91% 6.0+ 10 14.4 6.4 6.1- 6.7 84% Channel catfish 4 ( 3.0) • ALL 4 100.0 ' 17.0 16.1-17.9 77% Golden shiner 6 ( 4.5) % ALL 6 100.0 5.8 4.3- 7.6 -

TOTAL 132 (100.0)

*Measured in inches Parenthesis indicate percent composition of the total number of fish Other values indicate percent composition of the total for the species. 2Relative weight = Actual weight x 100 Standard weight

OLD MINGO RIVER MEAN TO AL LENGTH RELATIVE SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH1 RANGE1' WEIGHT

Chain pickerel 1 19.3 - -

Gizzard shad 6 9.3 5.9-12.6 -

Shortnose gar 2 23.5 21.1-25.9 -

White crappie 3 6.9 6.7- 7.1 -

Brown bullhead 2 11.1 11.1-11.2 - Channel catfish 3 9.7 8.0-11.3 87% Golden shiner 4 8.6 7.8- 9.1 _ 38 Two fish stockings occurred in September: 600 8" channel catfish were released in Mingo River and another 500 were stocked in May Pond. 14. Scientific Collections A total of 43 mallards were collected on Mingo during the fall for the mallard project conducted by Dan Combs. Don Mckenzie collected eight Canada geese and 22 mallards between November 1 and December 31 for the moist soil/tuber project. Missouri Department of Conservation trapped 61 turkeys on the refuge this year. Missouri uses these turkeys to trade with other states for wildlife stockings. • * Various college classes are routinely given permits to collect fish, reptiles, and amphibians for identification and release in conjunction with field trips to Mingo. 15. Animal Control Beaver continue to be a major nuisance on Mingo by plugging water control structures, tunneling through dikes and roads, girdling large trees, and flooding fields. The refuge issued a permit to one trapper in 1985 to trap beaver. As of December 31, he had removed 134 beavers. To ameliorate deer depredations on private land adjacent to our south boundary, forty acres of a pasture unit was planted to soybeans and milo. 16. Marking and Banding In 1985 Mingo banding quotas were 300 Canada geese and 250 mallards of each sex. The geese were also neck collared in support of a research project being conducted by Dr. Donald Rusch. Dr. Rusch is associated with the Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Station. For ease of reporting, data transcends calendar year 1985 and carries into 1986. As of February 10, 1986, 309 Canada geese had been banded and neck collared, and 286 male mallards and 257 female mallards were banded. This makes the second year in a row the goose banding quota has been achieved which is no small feat at Mingo. MDC employee Ron Gaines assisting with the goose banding operation. 12/85 JM

H. PUBLIC USE 1. General Annual visitation to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge declined in 1985; for the past four years visitation has decreased from a high of 231,337 to the current figure of 160,415. This represents a 32% drop in general public use. Heaviest use of the refuge occurs from the middle of March on through the middle of November. The lowest period of public use occurs in the winter months of January and February. In 1985, during the spring months of March, April, and May visitation totaled 58,099 visits or 36% of the annual visitation. During the warm summer months of June, July, and August 45,727 visits were recorded, which represented 28% of the annual visitation. Visitor numbers for the fall months of September, October, and November were 39,723 visits or 24% of the annual total. Last and least were the bleak winter months of December, January, and February when there were 16,867 visits, which was 10% of the total. 40 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students The outdoor classroom program for students is a high emphasis program. The refuge actively recruits schools, scouts, church groups, and other youth groups to participate in the environmental education program. The refuge provides environmental education lesson plans (there are eighteen different plans available) to students and teachers, equipment to conduct the exercise, and an environmental education site. Our policy is to let the teacher or group leader direct the activity. Environmental education demand has remained steady for the past five years. In hopes of increasing environmental education activities a letter was mailed to seventy local schools advertising the educational materials and opportunities available on the refuge. However,, response was minimal. Listed below are environmental education figures for the past five yeafrs. Year Visits Activity Hours 1985 1,719 6,896 1984 2,043 10,556 1933 1,620 7,296 1982 1,603 5,602 1981 1,717 6,774 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers The refuge participated in workshops involving teachers from Southwest and Southeast Missouri State Universities. These workshops are a coordinated effort involving the universities and the Missouri Department of Conservation. A segment of their curriculum is to visit the refuge and to become acquainted with the environmental education resources available to them at Mingo. 4. Interpretive Foot Trails There are two interpretive foot trails on Mingo, the Boardwalk Nature Trail and the Red Mill Pond Observation Blind Trail. The Boardwalk is a major attractant to the refuge visitor. The trail is constructed of a raised boardwalk traversing bottomland hardwoods and Rockhouse Marsh. It is an .8 mile loop with an additional .2 of a mile spur leading to an observation tower overlooking Rockhouse Marsh. There is a self-guiding interpretive brochure explaining lowland hardwood ecology, and numbered stops along the way. Trail use is recorded by a standard compressed air activated traffic counter. The counter is located under a section of the Boardwalk. When a visitor steps on this section, the walk compresses the hose and the counter records the hiker. During 1985, 15,091 visitors used this trail. 41 The Red Mill Pond Observation Blind Trail is a 1/8 mile boardwalk which terminates at an observation blind overlooking Red Mill Pond. Birdwatchers and photographers can make excellent use of this blind when water conditions are right. A seven stop interpretive brochure discusses wood duck nesting requirements and the various models of wood duck houses. Several different types of wood duck houses are mounted along the trail. A new interpretive brochure for this trail was published in the fall of 1984. Funding was made available from the sales of the Midwest Interpretive Association. No use figures for this trail are kept. 5. Interpretive Auto Tour The auto tour route is open each Sunday in October and November to allow public viewing of waterfowl, resident game and autumn colors. .A self-4 guiding brochure interprets various refuge management techniques, refuge development, and wildlife habitats to the visitor as they drive the twenty mile long tour route. In 1985, 4,524 visitors drove the fall auto touV for a total of 9,048 activity hours. The same auto tour is open the middle two Sundays in April for a spring wildflower tour. This year, 913 people recorded 2,754 activity hours on this tour.

Swedish Rotary Exchange Group at Fry Bluff on the auto tour route. 4/85 GLC 42 An addition to the preceding two tours was the homecoming tour. Each year, during the month of August, the community of Puxico celebrates its annual homecoming. Native sons and daughters return home to renew acquaintances and visit relatives. In support of this event the refuge opened the auto tour for homecoming week. Over 240 visitors drove the tour route for a total of 480 activity hours. 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations The visitor center continues to be the center of the interpretive program at Mingo. Exhibits, dioramas, audio-visual shows, and displays that deal with wildlife management, swamp ecology, archaeology, geology, and history are housed here. Several exhibit and audio-visual changes were accomplished this year. System 70 displays regarding National Wildlife Refuges and environmental education were added. The System 70 duck stamp- display'was remodeled. Two slide shows were developed for use in the mini-theater. They are "Man-The Hunter" and "Man and Wildlife-Endangered Species: How and Why". Both shows were produced by the National Sports Shooting Foundation. The refuge now has four slide shows available for use in the mini-theater. In 1985, 14,110 visitors visited the interpretive center. Once again the refuge sponsored a National Hunting and Fishing Day poster contest. Two local schools, Puxico and Greenville, participated. The posters were judged by refuge employee Howard Shelton, Missouri Department of Conservation employee Danny Crigler, and a local artist Jane Moroni. First, second and third place winners were selected for each division from the separate schools. These winning posters were then forwarded to the national competition where an entry from Puxico won a $50 saving bond. The refuge joined with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Water Patrol in setting up an exhibit at the Cape Girardeau District Fair. Our part included an information booth, the System 70 display on National Wildlife Refuges, and a mounted bald eagle and golden eagle. A considerable amount of literature and verbal information was dispensed during this six day event. The Conservation Department estimates over 80,000 people viewed our exhibits. In support of National Hunting and Fishing Day activities the refuge manned information booths at Wappapello Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project and at the West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau. In November, Refuge Clerk Judy McClendon assisted other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel in manning an information booth at the National Future Farmers of America convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 7. Other Interpretive Programs Several overlooks exist along the main bluff road and the auto tour route. One of these. Monopoly overlook, has a self-interpretive panel explaining the history of Monopoly Lake. 43

8. Hunting A. Squirrel Squirrel hunting is allowed on Mingo Refuge from the Saturday preceding Memorial Day through September 30. As in all of our hunts, with the exception of the historic weapons deer hunt, hunters are required to sign in and out at the hunter check stations. These stations are kiosk type structures located at the major entrances and exits to the hunting area. In addition to their name and address the hunters are also required to record hours hunted and their kill. In 1985, 228 hunters killed 86 squirrels, for a .37 success rate. This compares to a five year average of .88 success rate. • 4 B. Deer The archery deer season ran from October 1 through December 31. The T985 season totals were 3,831 hunter visits, with 25 bucks and 14 does killed. Harvest figures for the past five years are shown below. Hunter Success Year Bucks Does Total Deer # Hunter Visits (Deer killed per 1985 25 14 39 3,831 1.0 1984 35 15 50 5,064 .9 1983 66 32 98 5,873 1.6 1982 41 21 62 5,513 1.1 1981 35 40 75 6,655 1.1 Note that there has been a 43% decline in hunter numbers from the 1981 data, but hunter success has remained fairly consistent for the past five years. 1985 Deer Harvested By Month Month Hunter Visits Bucks Does Activity Hours October 1,452 5 9 7,173 November 1,267 12 1 6,537 December 1,112 8 4 5,226 On December 21, 22, and 23 Mingo hosted its first historic weapons managed deer hunt. The hunt was a cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation. There were 1,150 hunters who applied for the 125 permits. Only 84.8% (106 hunters) of those selected hunted. They killed eighteen bucks and twenty does for a 36.8% success rate. Of the 38 deer killed 37 were by muzzleloaders and one by archery. The largest deer was a 153 pound (field dressed) nine point buck. 44 Of the eight managed primitive weapons deer hunts in Missouri, Mingo had the highest success rate.

Successful hunter in the refuge's first historic weapons deer hunt. 12/85 GLC

C. Turkey During the spring firearms turkey season, 198 hunters expended 693 activity hours and harvested nineteen turkeys. Year # Turkey Harvested # Hunters Success Rate 1985 19 198 9.5% 1984 23 387 5.9% 1983 21 451 4.6% 1982 25 337 7.4% 45

Two turkeys - the one with the gun is National Elk Refuge Manager John Wilbrecht 4/85 GLC

The archery turkey season begins October 1 and ends December 31. Hunters harvested two turkeys this year. D. Waterfowl Mingo's wade and shoot waterfowl hunting area experienced an excellent year. Dry conditions off the area and an abundant mast crop produced optimum mallard habitat. The waterfowl season in Missouri's southern zone is divided into two periods, November 2 to December 1 and December 27 to January 5. During the first period 612 hunters bagged 758 ducks (89% mallard and 10% wood duck), for a success rate of 1.25 birds per hunter. During the second period, five hunters killed three ducks and one Canada goose for a .8 success rate. Harvest Summary for the Wade and Shoot Area Year Ducks Geese Hunters # Bird/Hunter 1985 771 1 615 1.25 1984 17 5 93 .23 1983 305 6 259 1.20 1982 315 0 378 .83 1981 847 1 572 1.48 46

9. Fishing Fishing continues to be one of the more popular activities at Mingo. In 1985, 42,294 fishing visits and 147,917 activity hours were recorded on the refuge. The majority of the use is from locals who make repeat visits Year Visits Activity Hours 1985 42,294 147,917 1984 47,596 169,719 1983 54,280 183,000 1982 71,261 238,272 1981 86,234 301,121

10. Trapping Beaver trapping is covered under Section G - Wildlife (Animal Control). 11. Wildlife Observation Wildlife observation continues to be the most popular use of Mingo. During 1985, 47,986 visitors recorded 61,406 activity hours in this activity. Most wildlife observation that occurs at Mingo is the casual drive through, but there are several groups who travel 150-200 miles to visit the refuge for a more intense experience. 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Collection of blackberries, mushrooms, and, to a lesser extent, nuts occurs on Mingo. There are never large numbers of people involved, but it remains popular among a few locals. Wildlife photography is also a form of recreation practiced by a relatively small but constant number of people. Visitors with good camera equipment and the ability to use it are most abundant during the spring and fall. 14. Picnicking Picnic tables are provided at May Pond and the Flatbanks area, both very popular fishing spots. The majority of use is by fishermen with an occasional non-fishermen utilizing the tables. However, the non-fishermen are often on the refuge engaged in some type of wildlife recreation (ie wildlife observation) consequently all picnicking is recorded as wildlife oriented. 17. Law Enforcement Enforcement efforts centered about refuge activities. Excellent cooperation exists with the State agents. During the historic weapons hunt three State agents were detailed to the refuge to assist in enforcement and several cases were made. Throughout the year the local agent Michael Plunkett patrols the refuge on a regular basis. 47 In October Refuge Officer Eric Sipco was sent to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge for a law enforcement detail to assist Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents during the Wisconsin Canada goose season. Eric also continues to be program coordinator for the Division 2 law enforcement refresher training session. Below is a summary of 1985 cases. Violation # Fine FOC/State Court Fishing without permit 3 $ 50 FOC Fishing without permit 2 41.50 State Court Unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm 4 35 FOC Unauthorized use of a trolling motor 1 25 FOC Littering 1 25 -FOC * Unauthorized possession of a bow and arrow 3 35 FOC Unauthorized possession of lead shot 1 50 FOC Horseback riding in closed area 2 25 F0C+ * Unauthorized entry before legal hours 4 25 FOC Unauthorized entry 1 25 FOC Fraudulently secure a resident archer's tag 1 50+cost State Court Take deer on improper tag 1 300+cost State Court Fail to check deer on day taken 1 150+cost State Court Total 24 + case pending

18. Cooperative Associations Mingo experienced a very successful year of sales in cooperation with Midwest Interpretive Association. A total of 3,796 items were sold for an annual gross sale of $4,557.56. This is an 5% increase in sale items, with a corresponding 1% increase in gross sales. We increased the number of sale items from 133 to 146>. During the year the Association financially assisted the refuge through sales receipts by converting cassette tapes to continuous 8-track tapes for use in the mini-theater, purchasing a cable for the computer printer, and donating several library books.

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1. New Construction Construction of four water control structures associated with Pool 8 was completed. Funding was provided by Missouri Department of Conservation in accordance with a cooperative waterfowl hunting agreement. 48 A new culvert and stoplog structure was installed in the southeast corner of moist soil unit 4 north. Work was accomplished force account. The Mingo Job Corps constructed a levee on the north and west sides of grazing unit 22. Approximately twenty acres of this 67 acre pasture unit is being converted to a moist soil unit. Surveying and layout was accomplished by Lyle Stemmerman of the Kansas City Wildlife Assistance Office. Lyle's work was of excellent quality. Two 24" culverts have been installed in the west levee for drainage. A stock pond was dug in grazing unit 11 by the refuge staff, and a new pond in unit 22 was constructed by Job Corps. 2. Rehabilitation • * An ARMM's project to clear silt and snags from Ditch 11 was completed by E. Hessling Construction Company, Inc. of Dexter, Missouri. The contractor cleaned 3 3/4 miles of ditch. The cost breakdown included a dragTine with a 1 1/2 cubic yard bucket, operator, and oiler for $45 per hour. Six hundred hours were expended for a total contract price of $27,000.

Cleanout of Ditch 11 by contract dragline operator. 8/85 GLC Ditch 11 after cleanout. 9/85 JM

The boardwalk bridge crossing Ditch 11 was replaced. A eO'xe' laminated wood footbridge was purchased from Iron Mountain Forge Company for $13,785. Hessling Construction was hired to place the bridge over the ditch. The refuge crew built the foundations and installed the bridge.

Old bridge over Ditch 11 on the refuge boardwalk trail. 7/85 JM 50

New laminated wooden arch bridge. 7/85 JM

A 48" road culvert was replaced on Red Mill Drive and a 18" road culvert was replaced on the road to the observation blind. Three 18" culverts were replaced in moist soil units 8 and 9. The stop- log structure and the 18" culvert were replaced at moist soil unit 10. The eagle hacking tower was blown over the last of May rendering it use­ less. The refuge crew, with an assist from Ozark Border Electric Company resurrected the structure. The entire top side had to be rebuilt. The tower was strengthened by pouring concrete in each leg hole and adding a guide wire from each leg to anchor bolts.

r The eagle hacking tower being rebuilt. 5/85 GLC

A 1,000 gallon fuel tank and a fuel pump was installed at the shop. The new pump is dual purpose, dispensing unleaded and regular, thereby eliminating one pump. Concrete work for the pump island and cover to the tanks was accomplished by the Mingo Job Corps. All other work was by the refuge staff. The steel tank cost $387 and the pump was $600. In April an old schoolhouse building (888 sq. ft.) was put up for bid and sold for $500 to a local resident. The bidder dismantled the structure board by board over a three month period and removed it from the refuge. The building was not historically significant. Mr. Wayne Griffith dismantling the old schoolhouse building on the refuge. 5/85 GLC

3. Major Maintenance Electric garage door openers were installed on the three overhead shop doors. Refuge staff cross fenced grazing unit 19. New stock gates were installed in grazing units 18 and 19. Refuge roads were periodically bladed and all roadsides were mowed. 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement A levee plow was transferred to Mingo from Swan Lake. The rear axle bearing on the backhoe was replaced. A new Mita DC-213RE copier was purchased. 53 ROP's was installed on the D-8. Ed Pennington of Oklahoma accomplished the work at a cost of $4,000.

Refuge D-8 dozer with new certified ROP device. 3/85 ES

5. Communications Systems A General Electric six watt portable radio with a sixty watt amplifier was purchased for $2,400. This unit replaced the Motorola micor in the Chevrolet Luv. The Motorola was installed in a maintenance truck. A surplus Motorola micor was transferred from law enforcement and installed in one of the shop trucks. All refuge radios are programmed to State Conservation frequencies. The refuge entered a lease/purchase agreement with AT&T for a Merlin 8/20 electronic telephone system. 7. Energy Conservation Electrical and Fuel Usage 1985 1984 % Change Electrical 67,640 77,838 - 13.2 Gasoline 4,642 3,946 + 17.6 Propane 5,485 5,120 - 4.2 Diesel 2,155 1,186 + 81.7 Diesel (Pumping) 388 0 The dozer was used to provide the dragline a roadway along 3 3/4 mile of Ditch 11. This caused the increase in diesel consumption. 54 J. OTHER ITEMS 1. Cooperative Programs Cooperative programs with the Missouri Department of Conservation include waterfowl hunting, turkey trapping, eagle hacking, and trumpeter swan restoration. All are covered in other sections of the report. The cooperative agreement with the University of Missouri-Gaylord Lab for use of the old refuge office building continued in effect. Cooperative research studies are discussed under Section D - Planning (Research and Investigations). 3. Items of Interest Refuge revenue sharing checks to the counties were identical to the previous year. Amounts received in 1985 were as follows: Stoddard County $29,687 Wayne County $23,231 Assistant Manager Eric Sipco continued as a member of the regional law enforcement training committee and coordinated law enforcement refresher training for Division 2 held at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge April 1-5. Employee training received during the year was as follows: 40 Hours Law Enforcement Refresher Training: -Clawson, Sipco, Kuykendall, 4/1-5, Crab Orchard Heavy Equipment Operator Training: -Sebree, She!ton, Siler, Walk, 4/3-12, Crab Orchard Supervisory Training: -Personal Effectiveness and Productivity (OPM-24 hours) - Sipco, 1/8-10, St. Louis, MO -Solving Performance and Conduct Problems (NISC correspondence course) - Sipco -Role of Managers and Supervisors in EEO (OPM-24 hours) - Clawson, 9/10-12, Chicago, IL Pre-retirement Counseling (OPM-24 hours): -Clawson, Sebree, 1/29-31, Crab Orchard Administrative Workshop (Regional Office Support Services); -Sipco, 3/19-21, St. Paul, MN Purple Loosestrife Control Training (Monsanto Chemical Company): -Sipco, 2/26, Minneapolis, MN 55 4. Credits Sections E, F 1-4, J, K, and editing - Clawson Sections A, B, C, D, F 5-13 - Sipco Sections G, H, I - Kuykendall Typing - Foster Proofreading - McClendon K. FEEDBACK Output report summaries are slow in getting to the field. Fiscal year 1984 reports were received over a year late. It would be helpful to have these summaries by the end of the calendar year for use in preparing the annual narrative report. Submission of payrolls prior to the end of a pay period is creating an unnecessary hassle which is getting worse. Surely there is a way to report employees' time and attendance after the fact rather than trying to guess what's going to happen.

MINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE is an important link in a chain of wildlife refuges within the Mississippi Flyway. Located in southeast Missouri, it lies 35 miles north of Arkansas and 40 miles west of the Mississippi River. Here, amidst hardwood swamplands bordered by picturesque hills, waterfowl find excellent habitat during the winter months complete with open water, protection, ample food, and cover. THINGS TO SEE AND DO VATION BLIND TRAIL is another boardwalk that ends at an observation blind where waterfowl can frequently be The refuge is open for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and seen and photographed. Booklets are provided describ­ nature study during daylight hours from March 15 ing points of interest along the way for both trails. The through September 30. Limited picnic facilities are also BLUFF TRAIL, which begins at the Visitor Center^ pro­ available. During the remainder of the year, visitors vides a fascinating walk when wildflowers are blooming should stop at refuge headquarters before venturing in the spring. It also furnishes an interesting view of the into the interior of the refuge. steep limestone bluffs bordering the swamp. If possible, a visit to the refuge should begin with a ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION is an important pro­ tour of the new visitor center overlooking Rockhouse gram at Mingo and school groups from alTover south­ Marsh. Here, visitors can gain a basic understanding of east Missouri visit the refuge each year. Refuge workers Mingo area history, geology, and wildlife by viewing at­ are glad to provide orientation and lesson plans to help tractive exhibits. make visits to the refuge valuable learning experiences. CANOEING on Mingo River, Stanley Creek, or on the FISHING for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish is a many miles of ditches within the refuge is probably the popular activity on the refuge. Special regulations also best way to experience the beauty and ecological diver­ permit the taking of nongame fish such as carp and buf­ sity of the interior of Mingo Swamp. falo with nets and seines for personal use. Boats with­ HIKING TRAILS on the refuge also allow the visitor to out motors are permitted. " closely observe Mingo swamps and uplands. On the LIMITED HUNTING is permitted. Interested hunters BOARDWALK NATURETRAIL, you can enjoy the beauty should contact the Refuge Manager for current of Mingo without getting your feet wet. The OBSER­ regulations. depressed state of the economy, expensive and only moderately successful drainage attempts, poor farming practices, and numerous fires caused economic and ec­ ological bankruptcy in Mingo. In the late 1930's, interest began to develop in pur­ chasing the Mingo areas as a National Wildlife Refuge. Even though the area had many scars from improper land use and most of the wildlife was gone, its former ca­ pacity as a producer of wildlife and timber was still remembered. In 1945, the purchase of refuge lands began and through careful management, most of the productivity of the swamp was restored. The 21,676 acre refuge is now able to accomplish its primary objective—provid­ ing food and shelter for migratory waterfowl.

MANAGEMENT Management at Mingo emphasizes the natural pro­ ductivity of the swamp. Acorns from oak trees provide an important source of food for dabbling ducks as well Hooded Merganser as for turkey, deer, and squirrel. Open marsh areas pro- ^ duce seed bearing moist soil plants such as wild millet as well as large numbers of invertebrates, both of which are important to waterfowl and other waterbirds. Water levels are manipulated through use of water control structures, ditches and dikes, helping produce an an­ nual crop of natural food. Food for wildlife is also produced by farming about 600 acres. Most^of this land is tilled by neighboring The first settlers in the area quickly began to exploit farmers on a sharecrop basis. The refuge's share of the HISTORY OF MINGO SWAMP the swamp. By 1890, the vast cypress and tupelo forest crop is left standing in the field for wildlife. At one time, the Mississippi River flowed through the supported a thriving lumber industry. After the timber Waterfowl managemenfalso concentrates on the area where the refuge is now located. About 18,000 years was removed, large ditches were dug through the construction and placement of man-made nesting ago, the river shifted east and a dense swamp began to swamp to drain the area for farming. Over a million dol­ habitat for wood ducks. Many predator-proof nest boxes form in the abandoned channel. From the very begin­ lars was spent in an effort that was only partially suc­ have been installed. These wood duck boxes, combined ning, Mingo Swamp was a haven for wildlife of many cessful. This was in contrast to many otherdrainage pro­ with food and cover on the refuge, have resulted in a dra­ kinds. Numerous Indian artifacts discovered on the ref­ jects that have successfully drained hundreds of thou­ matic increase in numbers of this strikingly beautiful uge furnish evidence of past use by Indian people proba­ sands of acres of hardwood swamplands in southeast­ bird. A few hooded mergansers also nest in these boxes bly attracted to the area by its abundant wildlife. ern Missouri. By the time of the Great Depression, fhe each year. Bobcat MINGO National Wildlife Refuge is one of a system of refuges administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser­ vice and dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. The financial base for this system was firmly established in 1934 through the passage of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act. This Act requires waterfowl hunters to pur­ chase annually a migratory bird or "duck stamp." Funds collected from duck stamp sales have been used to pur­ chase numerous refuges that provide habitats neces­ sary to sustain a variety of wildlife for both hunters and nonhunters to enjoy.

1983-84 Duck Stamp—Phil V. Scholer

For Further Information Contact: Refuge Manager Mingo National Wildlife Refuge R.R. #1, Box 103 Puxico, Missouri 63960 Telephone: 314/222-3589

As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned - public lands and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their develop­ ment is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation com­ munities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Department of the Interior

RF-3-33540-1-8/83 mioovsum

BIRDS Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

This bird list contains 246 species which have been recorded on the refuge. Another 35 birds, listed under Accidentals have been reported but are not normally expected to be present. Sp—Spring March-May S—Summer June-August F—Fall September-November W—Winter December-February a—abundant—common species that is very numerous c—common—almost certain to be seen in suitable habitat u—uncommon—present but not certain to be seen r—rare—seen at intervals of 2-5 years (E)— Endangered 'Indicates species known to breed on or near Mingo Rflicciim SPECIES Sp S F W SPECIES Sp S F W SPECIES Sp S F W Mingo National Wildlife Refuge BIRDS . American Black Duck Sanderling Eastern Phoebe* . Mallard Semipalmated Sandpiper... Great Crested Flycatcher* Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, located in the boot- . Northern Pintail Least Sandpiper Eastern Kingbird* heel section of southeastern Missouri, was establish­ . Blue-winged Teal ... White-rumped Sandpiper... Horned Lark* ed in 1944 primarily as a resting and feeding area for . Northern Shoveler Western Sandpiper Purple Martin* migrating and wintering waterfowl. The refuge's . Gad wall Baird's Sandpiper Tree Swallow* . American Wigeon . Pectoral Sandpiper* 21,676 acres lie in an ancient channel of the Northern Rough-winged Swallow . Canvasback Dunlin Mississippi River and embrace a wide variety of Bank Swallow* .^Redhead Stilt Sandpiper habitat types. About 16,000 acres are bottomlands, Cliff Swallow* . Ring-necked Duck Dowitchers Spp bounded east and west by limestone bluffs and steep Barn Swallow* . Lesser Scaup Common Snipe hills. Much of the refuge is timbered with oaks being . Common Goldeneye . American Woodcock Blue Jay* the dominant species. Water levels are manipulated . Bufflehead Wilson's Phalarope American Crow* _ Hooded Merganser* Fish Crow* to produce natural waterfowl foods, resulting in wide Ring-billed Gull _ Common Merganser seasonal variations in the size of flooded areas. To Herring Gull Black-capped Chickadee _ Red-breasted Merganser supplement natural foods about 700 acres of bottom­ Common Tern Carolina Chickadee* _ Ruddy Duck land are farmed in corn, milo and soybeans each year. Forster'sTern Tufted Titmouse* Pastures, upland forest and abandoned fields in _ Black Vulture* Black Tern Red-breasted Nuthatch _ Turkey Vulture* White-breasted Nuthatch* various stages of succession provide other types of Rock Dove* _ Osprey Brown Creeper Mourning Dove* wildlife habitat. The diversity of habitats supports a Mississippi Kite* Black-billed Cuckoo* Carolina Wren* large variety and number of birds. Bald Eagle (E) Yellow-billed Cuckoo* Bewick's Wren* Northern Harrier House Wren* Common Barn-owl* . Sharp-shinned Hawk* Winter Wren Eastern Screech-owl * SPECIES Sp S F W _ Cooper's Hawk* Sedge Wren* Great Horned Owl* _ Northern Goshawk Marsh Wren Common Loon Red-shouldered Hawk* Barred Owl* Pied-billed Grebe _ Broad-winged Hawk Long-eared Owl., Horned Grebe Red-tailed Hawk* .. Short-eared Owl Eared Grebe ^ . _ Rough-legged Hawk Northern Saw-whet Owl .... American White Pelican .... _ Golden Eagle Common Nighthawk* Double-crested Cormorant . American Kestrel* Chuck-will's-widow* _ Peregrine Falcon (E) Whip-poor-will* American Bittern Least Bittern _ Wild Turkey* Chimney Swift* Great Blue Heron* _ Northern Bobwhite* Ruby-throated Hummingbird Great Egret _ Yellow Rail Belted Kingfisher* Snowy Egret _ King Rail Red-headed Woodpecker*.. Little Blue Heron* _ Virginia Rail Red-bellied Woodpecker* .. Cattle Egret* _ Sora Yellow-bellied Sapsucker... Green-backed Heron* Purple Gallinule Downy Woodpecker* Black-crowned Night Heron* Common Moorhen Hairy Woodpecker* Yellow-crowned Night Heron' American Coot Pileated Woodpecker* White Ibis Lesser Golden-Plover Northern Flicker* Tundra Swan Semipalmated Plover Olive-sided Flycatcher* Trumpeter Swan . Killdeer* Eastern Wood-Pewee* Greater White-fronted Goose Greater Yellowlegs Yellow-bellied Flycatcher... Snow Goose Lesser Yellowlegs Acadian Flycatcher* Canada Goose* Solitary Sandpiper Alder Flycatcher Wood Duck* . Spotted Sandpiper* Willow Flycatcher Green-winged Teal _ Upland Sandpiper.. Least Flycatcher SPECIES Sp S F W SPECIES Sp S F W Golden-crowned Kinglet Ovenbird Accidental Birds Ruby-crowned Kinglet Northern Waterthrush Blue-gray Gnatcatcher* Louisiana Waterthrush* Red-necked Grebe Merlin Eastern Bluebird* Kentucky Warbler* Western Grebe Gyrfalcon Veery Mourning Warbler Anhinga Ring-necked Pheasant Gray-cheeked Thrush Common Yellowthroat* Tricolored Heron Whooping Crane Swainson's Thrush Hooded Warbler* Glossy Ibis Sandhill Crane Hermit Thrush Wilson's Warbler Roseate Spoonbill Willet Wood Thrush* Canada Warbler Wood Stork American Avocet American Robin* Yellow-breasted Chat* Fulvous Whistling-duck Franklin's Gull Gray Catbird* SummerTanager* Mute Swan Least Tern Northern Mockingbird* Scarlet Tanager*.. Ross' Goose Caspian Tern Snowy Owl Brown Thrasher* Northern Cardinal* Brant Cinnamon Teal Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Cedar Waxwing Rose-breasted Grosbeak Western Meadowlark Blue Grosbeak Greater Scaup Loggerhead Shrike* Yellow-headed Blackbird Indigo Bunting* Oldsquaw European Starling* White-winged Scoter Sharp-tailed Sparrow Dickcissel* Black Scoter Red Crossbill White-eyed Vireo* Rufous-sided Towhee* Swainson's Hawk White-winged Crossbill Bell's Vireo* American T ree Sparrow Prairie Falcon Solitary Vireo Chipping Sparrow* Yellow-throated Vireo* Field Sparrow* ... Warbling Vireo* Vesper Sparrow .. Philadelphia Vireo Lark Sparrow Sighting Notes Red-eyed Vireo* Savannah Sparrow Blue-winged Warbler Grasshopper Sparrow Time in Field Date,. Golden-winged Warbler Le Conte's Sparrow* Weather Tennesee Warbler Fox Sparrow Orange-crowned Warbler Song Sparrow* Observers Nashville Warbler Lincoln's Sparrow Species Total Northern Parula* Swamp Sparrow Yellow Warbler* White-throated Sparrow Location Chestnut-sided Warbler White-crowned Sparrow Magnolia Warbler Harris' Sparrow Cape May Warbler Dark-eyed Junco Black-throated Blue Warbler . Lapland Longspur Yellow-rumped Warbler Bobolink Black-throated Green Warbler Red-winged Blackbird* Blackburnian Warbler Eastern Meadowlark* Birdwatching is encouraged. Yellow-throated Warbler Rusty Blackbird Please check at the refuge office Pine Warbler Brewer's Blackbird for times and places of entry. Prairie Warbler Common Grackle* PLEASE OBEY POSTED SIGNS. Palm Warbler Brown-headed Cowbird* Bay-breasted Warbler Orchard Oriole* For Further Information Contact: Blackpoll Warbler Northern Oriole* Refuge Manager Cerulean Warbler Purple Finch Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Black and White Warbler* ... Pine Siskin R.R. # Box 103 American Redstart* American Goldfinch* Puxico, Missouri 63960 Prothonotary Warbler* Evening Grosbeak Phone (314) 222-3589 Worm-eating Warbler House Sparrow*.. Swainson's Warbler DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RF3-33540-2-12/83

• Mingo NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Huntinq Map & Regu ations REFUGE SIGNS-KNOW THEIR MEANING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ^ NO WADE PUBLIC HUNTING AREA ZONE IN HUNTING AREA BEYOND THIS SIGN UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY PROHIBITED CLOSED AREA

REFUGE BOUNDARY AREA OPEN TO SANCTUARY AREA- HUNTING WATERFOWL HUNTING SIGN-UNAUTHORIZED HUNTING AT OFF LIMITS TO PROHIBITED BOUNDARY- ENTRY PROHIBITED SPECIFIC TIMES THE PUBLIC UNLESS WADE IN AREA OTHERWISE SPECIFIED •u.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1985—567-356 Hunting Regulations

AREA A AREA B

Spring Firearms Turkey Open; concurrent None with state season

Squirrel (.22 rifle or Open; concurrent None shotgun) with state season; closes Sept. 30

Archery Deer and Turkey Open; concurrent None (longbow only during firearm with state season season with firearm permit)

Waterfowl Pool 8; concurrent None with state season1

Historic Weapons Deer None Varies; consult refuge manager2

HUNTING ON THE REFUGE IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

All hunters must register at the main refuge entrance, McGee Gate, or at Duck Creek headquarters before entering the refuge, and record hours hunted and kill when leaving. Hunters are permitted on the refuge from one hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. v Dogs are permitted for waterfowl hunting only.

The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited.

All stands must be removed from the refuge by the close of the season.

1 Waterfowl hunting is permitted in Pool 8 under a cooperative program administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Contact Duck Creek Wildlife Management Area (Route 1, Puxico, Missouri 63960, 314/222-3337) for information, regulations, and permit applications.

2By special permit only. Contact Refuge Manager, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (Route 1, Box 103, Puxico, Missouri 63960, 314/222-3589) for information, regulations, and permit applications.

RF-33540-6-4/85 MINGO MAMMALS National Wildlife Refuge

The 21,673 acre Mingo National Wildlife Refuge RODENTS. Rodents are the most common contains a variety of habitats from lowland forests mammals in the world. They are so successful and swamps to upland fields, forests, and rock partly because of their ability to adapt to a variety bluffs. This variety of habitats supports a variety of of habitats including water (beaver), forest floor wild mammals. (deer mouse), trees (squirrels), fields (woodchuck), and bluffs (chipmunks). Many mammals are abundant but seldom seen. Woodchuck However, you can tell they are there by evidence Eastern Chipmunk such as the grass tunnels of mice or the lodges of Eastern Gray Squirrel beavers. Other mammals are more easily seen. If Eastern Fox Squirrel you canoe or walk quietly through the refuge, you Southern Flying Squirrel may see squirrels, rabbits, or perhaps a raccoon. Beaver Look for deer along the roads or in fields as you Rice Rat drive around the refuge. Western Harvest Mouse Deer Mouse White-footed Mouse MARSUPIALS. Few members of the pouched Cotton Mouse mammal group are found outside of Australia. Only Golden Mouse one, the familiar opossum, lives in Missouri. Hispid Cotton Rat Eastern Woodrat Opossum Southern Bog Lemming Prairie Vole Pine Vole Muskrat INSECT EATERS. Worms and insects are the main Norway Rat foods for these small mammals. The mouse-like House Mouse shrews and moles are the best known members.

Shorttail Shrew FLESH EATERS. This group of animals varies from Least Shrew the huge grizzly bear down to the the tiny least Eastern Mole weasel. Although primarily carnivores, they will eat other things such as fruit. Carnivores help keep the population of rodents and rabbits in check.

BATS. These are the only true flying mammals. You Coyote can often see bats at dusk, flitting about after Red Fox flying insects. Gray Fox Raccoon Little Brown Bat Longtail Weasel Red Bat Mink Striped Skunk River Otter Bob Cat

RABBITS. These jumping relatives of rodents are EVEN-TOED MAMMALS. Many of our domestic often seen on the refuge. Swamp rabbits, larger, stock including sheep and cattle belong to this darker cousins of cottontails, were once common group. However, the only wild member of this in Southeast Missouri, but today Mingo is one of group in Missouri is the white-tail deer. You can the few places they are seen. often see deer browsing in refuge fields in the early morning or evening. Eastern Cottontail Swamp Rabbit White-tail Deer

For additional information contact: >-• Refuge Manager Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Puxico, Mo. 63960 Ph.(314)222-3589 Hir.M ;

REFUGE BOUNDARY

REFUGE ROAD OPEN TO

PUBLIC ALL YEAR

REFUGE AUTO TOUR ROUTE

(SEASONAL)

COUNTY AND STATE ROADS

PUBLIC ROAD-GRAVEL SURFACE . .

MARSH

DITCH

WILDERNESS AREA

OBSERVATION TOWER

BOAT LAUNCH

HEADQUARTERS VISITOR CENTER BOARDWALK NATURE TRAIL OBSERVATION BLIND TRAIL

to St. Lo!^^ ILL, Al I \ t \ Cope <3 prardea^^

/ro MINGO 1SyXa Puxico 1

Poplar Bluff & pj Ky. ST. FRANCIS RIVER S-\' < 'vi Term. [

to Memphis