National Wildlife Refuge Suffolk,

Annual Narrative Report Calendar Year 1998

I) S Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System REVIEW AND APPROVALS

GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Suffolk, Virginia

ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

Calendar Year 1998 INTRODUCTION

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern , was established in 1974 when Union Camp Corporation donated 49,100 acres to the Nature Conservancy which then conveyed the area to the Department of the Interior. The refuge now incorporates over 109,000 acres within the cities of Suffolk and Chesapeake, Virginia and the counties of Camden, Gates, and Pasquotank, North Carolina. It is the largest refuge that is administered within Region 5.

The refuge is composed of forested wetlands that have been greatly altered by drainage and repeated logging operations. Lake DrUmmond, a 3,100 acre lake, is located in the heart of the swamp and is one of two natural lakes in Virginia (the other is in the western part of the state).

The primary purpose of the refuge can be traced to two public laws. The Dismal Swamp Study Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-478) authorized a study to determine the feasibility and desirability of protecting the Great Dismal Swamp and the . The resulting study basically recommended establishment of the refuge, created several areas of management emphasis which have become refuge purposes, and directed that use of the Dismal Swamp Canal would not adversely affect the refuge.

Human occupation of the Great Dismal Swamp began nearly 13,000 years ago. By 1650, few native Americans remained in the area, and European settlers showed little interest in the swamp.

In 1665, William Drummond, a governor of North Carolina, discovered th lake which now bears his name. William Byrd II led a surveying party into the swamp to draw a dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina in 1728. George Washington first visited the swamp in 1763 and organized the Dismal Swamp Land Company that was involved in draining and logging portions of the swamp. A five mile ditch on the west side of the refuge still bears his name.

Logging activities within the swamp proved to be commercially successful, and regular logging operations continued as late as 1976. The entire swamp has been logged at least once, and many areas have been burned by periodic wildfires.

Presently, refuge staff are in the early phases of implementing various habitat management techniques, primarily directed at forest and water management, in an attempt to restore and protect the natural diversity of the Great Dismal Swamp. Most of these activities are still basically experimental, for many unknown factors related to the swamp's environment and responses to various habitat management techniques still exist. TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. HIGHLIGHTS 1

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1

C. LAND ACQUISITION 2 1. Fee Title 2 2. Easements 3 3. Other NTR D . PLANNING 5 1. Master Planning NTR 2. Management Plans 5 3. Public Participation NTR 4. Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates NTR 5. Research and Investigations 5 6. Other , NTR

E. ADMINISTRATION 7 1. Personnel 7 2. Youth Programs NTR 3. Other Manpower Programs NTR 4. Volunteer Program 8 5. Funding 8 6. Safety 9 7. Technical Assistance NTR 8. Other 9

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 10 1. General 10 2. Wetlands 12 3 . Forests 13 4. Croplands NTR 5. Grasslands NTR 6. Other Habitats NTR 7. Grazing NTR 8 . Haying NTR 9. Fire Management 13 10. Pest Control NTR 11. Water Rights NTR 12. Wilderness and Special Area 13 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring NTR

G. WILDLIFE 15 1. Wildlife Diversity 15 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species 15 3. Waterfowl 15 4. Marsh and Water Birds 17 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species . . . NTR 6 . Raptors NTR 7. Other Migratory Birds 17 8. Game Mammals 17 9. Marine Mammals NTR 10. Other Resident Wildlife 18 11. Fisheries Resources NTR 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking NTR 13. Surplus Animal Disposal NTR 14. Scientific Collections NTR 15. Animal Control NTR 16. Marking and Banding NTR 17. Disease Prevention and Control NTR

H. PUBLIC USE 18 1. General 18 2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students 18 3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers 18 4. Interpretive Foot Trails 19 5. Interpretive Tour Routes NTR 6. Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations NTR 7. Other Interpretive Programs 19 8. Hunting 19 9. Fishing 2 0 10. Trapping NTR 11. Wildlife Observation 21 12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 21 13. Camping 22 14. Picnicking NTR 15. Off-Road Vehicling NTR 16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 22 17. Law Enforcement 22 18. Cooperating Associations 24 19. Concessions NTR

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 25 1. New Construction NTR 2. Rehabilitation NTR 3. Major Maintenance 25 4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement 25 5. Communications Systems NTR 6. Computer Systems NTR 7. Energy Conservation NTR 8. Other NTR

J. OTHER ITEMS 25 1. Cooperative Programs 25 2. Other Economic Uses NTR 3. Items of Interest 27 4 . Credits 27

L. INFORMATION PACKET Inside.Back Cover A. HIGHLIGHTS

Using Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds, the refuge was expanded by 1827 acres after years of inactivity. (Section C.l)

1280 acres of pocosin habitat were maintained by burning, creating quite a stir in Norfolk. (Section F.9)

Approximately 110 aces of mature pine understory was burned. (Section F.9)

The refuge worked with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, other ecosystem team members (Roanoke-Tar-Neuse- Cape Fear), and stakeholders to address human-bear interaction issues. (Section J.l)

Refuge staff continued to participate on the Roanoke-Tar- Neuse-Cape Fear ecosystem team and various committees. (Section J.l)

B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

1998 Weather Data*

30 Year % Temp. Extremes Avg. Month Rainfall Averacre diff Max Min Temo

January 5 . 83 3 . 64 +60 75 16 47 February 8.2 3.65 + 125 69 22 47 March 3 .81 3 . 95 - 3 86 20 52 April 3 .91 3.76 + 4 83 30 60 May 3 . 51 3 . 98 -12 94 41 69 June 2 .88 4 .49 -36 97 41 76 July 5 . 70 6.73 -15 100 52 76 August 4.35 5 . 92 -26 96 50 73 September 3.29 4.37 - 8 95 39 67 October 2 . 2 3 .20 -31 90 31 61 November 1. 79 3.45 -45 77 25 51 December 5 . 52 3 .28 +68 81 18 49 TOTAL 50 . 99 50 .42 + 1 100 16 61

*Weather data from Remote Access Weather Station located on west side of refuge.

Rainfall in 1998 was extremely close to normal in total for the year, but unusually high in the winter. It tended to be lower than normal in the spring and summer months, but never approached drought conditions. The high temperature of 100

1 degrees Fahrenheit was in July this year. In 1997, the highest temperature of the year occurred in late June. June and July had the same average temperature. The net effect was good hydrologic recharge in the winter up until evapotranspiration began in the early spring. At that point, the rainfall began dropping off.

The last freeze was in April as usual, and the first one in October.

C. LAND ACQUISITION

1. Fee Title

The refuge incorporates 108,835 acres within the following cities and counties in Virginia and North Carolina:

Chesapeake (VA) 48,391 acres Suffolk (VA) 35,632 acres Gates County (NC) 11,841 acres Camden County (NC) 9,099 acres Pasquotank County (NC) 3,872 acres

At long last, the refuge was able to pick up some land. Migratory Bird Conservation Act funds purchased 1827 acres on the northeast corner of the refuge in Chesapeake, Virginia. The willing seller had been offering the property for several years. This tract will provide wood duck habitat, neotropical migratory bird habitat, and provide a very important buffer for the North Ditch Bog area, where as many as 18 bald eagles have been counted roosting at one time.

Using the Clean Water Act, Section 404 Mitigation Trust Fund, The Nature Conservancy purchased ten acres of the Bruff Tract (Tract 67) for the refuge. The parcel is immediately south of the Railroad Ditch. The transfer to the Service is expected to take place in 1999. Refuge staff and volunteers removed old fencing and developed the restoration plan. Water monitoring units were installed.

Willing sellers continued to contact the refuge for updates on the progress of the land acquisition program. Unfortunately, no progress was made in obtaining acquisition funds, despite the efforts of Senator Warner and Senator Robb of Virginia to pursue funding for the refuge.

The tracts that have been offered and are still available are as follows:

A. Hitch (Tract 14c, acres) : This tract borders the northeastern refuge boundary (Tracts 10, 14) . It

2 consists of primarily maple/gum forested wetlands. Portions of this tract was logged in 1996. The City of Chesapeake's road master plan would eventually place a road that would affect this tract.

B. N.B. Brothers (Tract 65, 200+ acres) : Consists of young stands of maple/gum forested wetlands within Suffolk.

C. White Estate (Tract 21c, 400 acres) : The late Moses White had apparently specified his desire to sell this North Carolina parcel, located in Gates County along Highway 158, to the refuge.

D. Bruff (tract 67, 20 acres) : The Nature Conservancy closed on 10 of the 20 acres early in the year. It will likely be transferred to the Service in 1999.

The Gambardella tract, adjacent to the Washington Ditch entrance, has not been offered to the Service, but is within the acquisition boundary. The landowners harvested the timber. The timber was old growth oak and mixed forest, a rapidly disappearing forest type that is very important to many wildlife, especially black bear.

2. Easements

A total of eighteen roads are currently used for vehicle and equipment access to the refuge or have occasionally been used in the past. In addition to these access points, several other right-of-ways have been transferred to the refuge since 1974, when the refuge was established. Most of these are located along the western boundary and have not been used as public access points.

3 GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ACCESS RIGHT-OF-WAYS

Right-of-Ways Degree of Refuge Control

Road Name Width Ownership Fee Title Easemt Permission

Lamb USFWS X North Kirk Jericho Lane 100 1 USFWS X Badger 16 ' Brothers X 60 ' Badger X Washington 50 ' Gambardella X Baines X Brinkley X Railroad USFWS X Corapeake Hunt Cross 46 ' Daniels X Weyerhaeuser USFWS X Insurance 100 ' USFWS X Bull Blvd. 100 ' Rhodes X Williams X White X Edge 40 ' Edge X Portsmouth 100 1 USFWS X Tract 55R 16 ' Brinkley X Tract 61c/R 15 ' Perry X Tract 61a,R 15 ' Perry X Tract 69R 20 ' Case X Tract 99R 15 ' Perry X

4 D. PLANNING

2. Management Plans

The Fire Management Plan was completed and distributed in February and March. Very few comments were received.

5. Research and Investigations

Great Dismal Swamp NR 9 8 - "Songbirds of the Great Dismal Swamp." (51580-98-01)

Biologist Don Schwab, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), and his assistant, local bird enthusiast Tom Gwynn, began their mist-netting and banding efforts in April. This is all part of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survival (MAPS) study for non-game birds. The following is a summary of banding operations on Jericho Ditch:

l.Ten nets were operated on nine days for a total of 520 net hours. 2.150 individuals, down 8% from 1997, of 18 species were banded. 3.97 work hours were spent on the refuge associated with this project. 4.19 visitors stopped by the station and 41 individuals were seen during netting operations. 5.Five most commonly netted birds for 1998:

1. Prothonotary warbler 46 (-10 from 1997, #1 in 1997) 2. Common yellow throat 18 (-17 from 1997, #2 in 1997) 3. Worm-eating warbler 12 (+7 from 1997, #5 in 1997) 4. Ovenbird 9 (-7 from 1997, #3 in 1997) 5. Carolina Wren 5 (-5 from 1997, #4 in 1997)

The same five species were most commonly encountered in 1997 and 1998.

Great Dismal Swamp NR 98 - "Population Density, Home Range, and Habitat Preference of the Swainson's Warbler." (51580- 98-02)

Dr. Gary Graves of the Smithsonian Institution, Division of birds, visited the refuge from May 18-31, 1998. This was his tenth consecutive field season in the Swainson's warbler study. he continued to census the Swainson's warbler populations along Lynn Ditch, Jericho Ditch and Jericho Lane. The populations appear to be stable.

5 Since 1989 Dr. Graves has banded a total of 131 (including 1 female and 1 nestling) Swainson's warbler on the Refuge. In 1998 a moderate number (n=14) of territorial males were banded, nine of which were banded in previous years. These nine were located on territory.

The mortality rate of the trees girdled in September 1992 was extensive, greater than ninety percent. As he anticipated there is a considerable amount of shrubs, vines and tree sapling regeneration occurring in these treatment plots.

Great Dismal Swamp NR 98 - "Atlantic White Cedar Wetland Restoration Project for the Atlantic Division of the Navy." (51580-98-03)

Mr. Jason bill of the Newport News office of Geo-Marine has taken over this project, replacing D.A. Brown. Mr. Bill has taken over the monitoring of the Atlantic white cedar wetland restoration project for the Atlantic Division of the Navy. The purpose is to monitor wells placed within the Atlantic white cedar sites.

Great Dismal Swamp NR 98 - "Wetland Enhancement with Atlantic White Cedar: Bare Root Stock Survivability in 12 Wetland Types." (51580-97-03)

Dr. Bob Atkinson of Christopher Newport University and his graduate students continued work on their 1997 research of Atlantic white cedar thanks to a large grant the college received in 1997. Dr. Atkinson and his students planted bare root Atlantic white cedar in various locations in southeastern Virginia, including a site in the refuge off of Corapeake Ditch. They continued to monitor survival rates as they may relate to vegetative associations, wetland hydroperiods, substrates, soil chemistry, and proximity to open water/marine environments.

6 E. ADMINISTRATION

1. Personnel

Name Position EOD

Lloyd A. Gulp, Jr. Refuge Manager GS-13 4/10/88 Cynthia L. Britton Deputy RM GS-12 2/22/94 Ralph M. Keel Biologist GS-11 5/27/86 Teresa M. Cherry ORP GS-09 3/12/89 David J. Brownlie Forester/FMO* GS-11 7/29/90 Sally D. Leary Office Assist. GS-6 1/13/80 Helen K. Marlin Refuge Clerk GS-4 12/06/87 Bailey White Equip. Oper. WG-11 3/15/78 Dane Winningham Maint. Mech. WG-08 7/24/83 Bryan Poovey Forester GS-09*6/15/91 Gary S. Elkins Tractor Oper. WG-06*4/04/93 Clint Williams Facility Mgr.* GS-09 6/15/91 Jennifer Schwab College Coop (1) GS-03 6/27/94 Bobby Carmon Tractor Op.*(l) WG-06 5/02/93 Chad Suppa For. Tech.*(2) GS-04 *Fire funded positions (1) Permanent part-time (2) Seasonal

STAFFING PATTERN

PERMANENT YEAR FULL TIME PART TIME TEMP TOTAL FY 1998 10 3 1 14 FY 1997 12 2 1 14 FY 1996 12 1 1 14 FY 1995 13 1 1 15 FY 1994 12 1 1 14 .25

Tractor Operator Gary Elkins was brought back on part time after a back injury and surgery. He is unable to perform all of his original duties, but is being accommodated by the refuge, and is proving very useful.

Maintenance Mechanic Dane Winningham was terminated at the end of August. His medical condition no longer permitted him to perform his duties.

Intern Art Canterberry joined the refuge staff in March and volunteered over 300 hours assisting the biologist and forester.

Deputy Refuge Manager Britton spent four weeks at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge as acting manager in

7 Seated (left to right); Schwab, Keel, Britton, Carmon, Leary, Brownlie. Mariin Standing (left to right): Cherry, Poovey, Williams, White (DIS-98-1, LAC, 1/98) March/April.

4. Volunteer Program

In Fiscal Year 1998, volunteers worked on projects such as staffing the deer hunt check station, roving interpreter, programs/tours, litter pickup, landscaping, and trail maintenance. Two volunteers put in over 300 hours assisting the refuge with bear bait stations, local government involvement, and producing the proceedings from the Third Great Dismal Swamp Symposium, held in 1997.

5. Funding

The refuge was funded to cover minimum costs (salaries and fixed costs), fire operations, and some maintenance. In addition, the refuge received habitat management related funds. A total of $34 thousand was spent on a few more water monitoring units and associated equipment for the study of hydrology in Atlantic white cedar stands. Fencing was purchased and installation contracted to protect the units from bears and vandals. the fees from the refuge deer hunt in 1998 generated $ 8705.00. The refuge became part of the Demonstration Fee Program with the addition of an archery-only hunt. As a result, the refuge was able to keep about 80% of the fees collected. Much was expended on overtime and per diem for law enforcement assistance, as the refuge's two collateral duty law enforcement officers are not sufficient to ensure the public safety on over 100,000 acres.

FUNDING LEVELS (BY SUBACTIVITY)

FY 1260(1) 9200(2) 8550(3) TOTAL

1998 473,900(4) 416,000 889,900 1997 518,000(4) 272,000 11,000 801,000 1996 488,334 215,889 30,000 734,223 1995 486,998 230,000 716,998 1994 450,226 195,000 646,226

(1) Refuge operations (2) Fire management (3) Southern pine beetle control (4) 34,000 was habitat project

8 6. Safety

The major objective of the refuge safety program was to provide a safe and healthy work environment, correct hazards that could lead to personal injury or property damage, and to make safety an integral part of each employee's daily activities. Formal training, such as Defensive Driving and fire fighting safety, was provided to appropriate staff.

8. Other

The staff began to be accustomed to continuous change in administrative procedures. Methods of requesting funds for projects and accounting for funds received became more complex. More and more accounting was done at the station level on the automated system.

Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) Landfill Expansion

SPSA continued work to meet Section 404 permit application requirements. By the end of 1998, were still working on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement based on the Habitat Evaluation Procedure requested by the Service and other information. The Habitat Evaluation Procedure indicated that the proposed mitigation site would have higher quality habitat for the wildlife analyzed than the existing site.

U. S. Highway 17

Highway 17 is located approximately along the eastern boundary of the refuge. Between it and the refuge lies the Dismal Swamp Canal, an alternative route on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is in the process of planning to widen this road to four lanes. During their planning process, they developed five alternatives. One follows the existing corridor completely. Two follow the existing corridor, with some relocations for sensitive sites. The last two, which are best from a habitat standpoint, would require displacing many families and some businesses. The Service, the Corps of Engineers, the City of Chesapeake, and EPA have all asked VDOT to look at other alternatives that would not displace people, and would be better environmentally. The Corps has proposed what is known as the C Alternative which would provide for safe crossing for black bear, impact less wetlands, and displace no homes or businesses. VDOT has been totally unresponsive. It has been speculated that they located the two environmentally better alternatives in the location that displaces people and therefore creates controversy intentionally, so that only the alternatives closer to the refuge would turn out to be viable.

9 Currently, the refuge is emphasizing the need to permit wildlife passage from the refuge to blocks of habitat to the east. In order to avoid disrupting various species' ability to disperse and maintain genetically viable populations, the Service has asked VDOT to consider wildlife passages. Particularly at risk is the black bear. The refuge hosts the largest black bear population in eastern Virginia. At present it serves as a reservoir population that supplies surrounding areas. The landscape is such that young adult males can disperse into new areas and be successful in reproducing. The young males move the most during June, July and August. The frequency of bears up trees in neighborhoods and crossing highways is increasing. With development hemming in the refuge more and more, this value is becoming increasingly less desireable, as human-bear interactions increase. The highway widening is one example of this trend. The highway most definitely needs to be widened, as it is hazardous in its current condition. However, there are ways of widening highways that allow for habitat and wildlife passage considerations to be incorporated. Much research has been done on this issue in Florida with respect to the Florida panther and the Florida black bear. Research suggests that bears will use these passages if designed correctly.

VDOT insists that the only reason the corridors function in Florida is because there is publicly owned land on both sides of the road. North Carolina Department of Transportation is much more progressive. They are designing corridors on a road not far south of this refuge that includes passages that connect private land to private land. When the road goes through Alligator River NWR, it will likely be comprised of a large amount of bridging.

F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT

1. General

The refuge is a forested wetland that has been greatly altered by ditching and repeated logging operations. Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acre natural lake, is located in the heart of the swamp.

One of the basic purposes of the refuge is to restore the natural biological diversity of the Great Dismal Swamp to the extent possible. This long-term process will focus on habitat manipulation. Major components of the program are experimental, for the restoration of 100,000+ acres of forested wetlands is not a common practice.

Within the refuge, five major forest types and three non-forest types of plant communities comprise the swamp vegetation. The forest types include pine, Atlantic white-cedar, maple-blackgum, cypress-gum, and mesic hardwoods. The non-forest types include

10 emergent wetlands, a sphagnum bog, and evergreen shrub pocosin communities.

Red maple-black gum is the most abundant and widely distributed plant community (60%) and is increasing in area. Cypress-gum, formerly a predominant forest cover type in the swamp, today accounts for only 12% of the total cover.

Another important forest type is Atlantic white-cedar, covering approximately 7% of the refuge. Stands of cedar are disappearing along the coastal plain and also in the refuge. The altered hydrology, historic logging, and exclusion of wildfire have all contributed to the decrease of this type in the refuge.

Forest management activities are focused on the maintenance of existing forest communities, especially Atlantic white-cedar, cypress-gum, and mesic hardwoods. In the Atlantic white-cedar stands, maintenance requires cutting decadent stands and either replanting or encouraging natural regeneration.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) retained general oversight authority through deed restrictions over the approximately 49,100 acres of the refuge that were donated through TNC from Union Camp Corporation in 1973. Thus, refuge management has maintained continuous contact with representatives from the Virginia Chapter of TNC in order to communicate and interpret the refuge's experimental habitat restoration program.

The refuge incorporates only a remnant of the original Great Dismal Swamp. By some estimates, about 85% of the historical Great Dismal Swamp has been cleared, drained, and converted to agricultural, commercial, and residential development. Regulatory protection of the swamp's forested wetlands was developed too late to maintain most of the swamp. Furthermore, the advent of wetlands protection regulations did not stop the loss of swamp habitat outside the refuge boundaries, as evidenced by the continued habitat losses over the past two decades.

Concerns over habitat loss have led some local groups to suggest that the Service consider refuge expansion. A significant number of refuge neighbors perceive that local governments and regulatory protection are unable, or unwilling to protect the remaining swamp habitat- Thus, refuge staff have begun preparing another new Preliminary Project Proposal (PPP) for expansion of the acquisition boundary. Funding for acquisition, however, has been uncertain, so alternative means of protecting these areas are being explored.

In 1998, the land on the western edge of the refuge boundary continued to see rapid conversion from agriculture to "farmette" development-low density residential development. This change will most likely result in a decrease in available food for certain species of wildlife. In addition, and more significantly, it will

11 increase and diversify the interactions between humans and wildlife.

1. Wetlands

Before being altered by man's activities, the natural hydrologic cycle of the Great Dismal Swamp exhibited considerable surface flooding in the winter and spring. As temperatures climbed in spring and summer, and evapotranspiration withdrew considerable water from the system, surface flooding was rare by summer. The more than 150 miles of roads and ditches that have been constructed over the past two centuries resulted in accelerated drainage from the swamp. Most of the swamp is now drier than it was 200 years ago. However, in some places the road beds serve as dikes, inhibiting the natural surface flow of the water and making a few areas wetter.

Surface water is received by inflows through breaks in the Suffolk Escarpment from watersheds to the west of the refuge. The major inflow to the Virginia portion of the refuge is the Cypress Swamp drainage, and the major inflow in North Carolina is the Corapeake Swamp drainage which receives water from Taylor and Adams Swamps. Other minor inflows are Moss Swamp in Virginia, and Hall Pocosin, Folly Ditch, and Acorn Hill Millpond in North Carolina.

The refuge has been divided into seven water management units (WMU) with the basic goal of slowing down the drainage of the water somewhat, without causing damage to the roads and water control structures. Water management consists of adjusting the water control structures to hold water in the ditches into the growing season. This year, staff continued to progress toward establishing one setting for each water control structure. This setting would be appropriate all year without causing unacceptable flooding of management sites. In the case of an unusual storm event, the screwgates at the two diversion structures (Washington and Cross) would be opened. If staff needed to release more water in order to accomplish a specific management objective, the stoplog structures could be adjusted accordingly.

Water level gauges throughout the refuge provide a measurement of the water levels. Many of the older gauges are not set to mean sea level (MSL). Levels recorded at these stations measure the fluctuations at that site only. Refuge staff are in the process of replacing all of the gauges with MSL gauges. Old data will be transposed to MSL levels. Staff will be able to compare readings at different parts of the refuge, and relate the measurements to the one foot contour GIS layer in development. Funding was received this year to purchase and install continuous water monitoring equipment. Eventually staff hope to be able to develop a simple hydrologic model of the refuge to aid in management decisions.

12 Funding was received to complete installation of water monitoring units to study the hydrology of parts of the refuge in Atlantic white cedar. During calendar year 1998, fencing was purchased and installed to protect the units from bears and vandalism.

Water Management Unit 1

This 31,500 acre unit currently contains seven operational water control structures (WCS), twenty one cross-flow culverts, one fixed-level weir and six defunct WCS's.

Water Management Unit 2

This 13,300 acre water management unit currently contains one water control structure (WCS), seven cross-flow culverts, and at least eight beaver dams.

Water Management Unit 3

This 16,700 acre water management unit presently contains eleven water control structures, eight cross-flow culverts, and one non­ functional water control structure.

Water Management Unit 4

This 17,200 acre unit has seven water control structures, eight cross-flow culverts, four defunct water control structures, and at least one beaver dam.

Water Management Unit 5

This 24,000 acre unit has three water control structures, two cross-flow culverts, and two defunct water control structures.

Water Management Unit 6

This 3,600 acre unit has no operable WCS's, just one defunct structure and four beaver dams.

Lake Drummond

Lake water levels are controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a ten-gated dam on the Feeder Ditch, about 0.8 mile east of the 3,100 acre lake. Excess water (level greater than 3.6) from the lake is spilled via the Feeder Ditch by the Corps to maintain navigational depths in the 22-mile long Dismal Swamp Canal. The Canal connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River in North Carolina and is a part of the Intra- Coastal Waterway. When the water level in the lake is below 3.6, the canal is closed.

9. Fire Management

13 Refuge personnel loaded the ping-pong ball machine and the balls onto the helicopter in preparation to burn two square miles of the refuge. (DIS-98-2, Staff, 4/98)

Personnel from refuges in Region 4 and 5 as well as National Park Sen/ice crews joined the aerial ignition crew for the pre-ignition briefing. (DTS-98-3, staff, 4/98) The main control lines on the northern edge of the blocks were burned out prior to the aerial ignition. (DIS-98-4, slatT, 4/98)

The helicopter dropped fire along east-west strips starting from the northern portion of the blocks. (DTS-98-5* staff 4/98) Extreme fire behavior in the southeastern corner of the western block sent smoke and ash higher than anticipated. (DIS-9S-6, staff, 4/98) Several small prescribed burns were conducted on the Administrative Complex area during the winter and early spring. A total of 110 acres were burned to reduce fuel loading, open up the understory of the pine stands, and safeguard the administrative office and maintenance compound.

On April 29, refuge staff ignited 1280 acres in the "Blocks" portion of the refuge. This area is near located southeast of Lake Drummond off the Corapeake Ditch Road. Two of the burn blocks of about 640 acres each were ignited by helicopter. The burn itself went very well, with most objectives accomplished. Fuel loadings were reduced so that future burns could be conducted to maintain fire-dependent pocosin habitat, preventing it from becoming more red maple/gum forest. Fuel reduction is also very important to keep wildfires that occur at a manageable level.

Refuge staff had help from other refuges in the area, the North Carolina State Parks, and many others. The day of the burn, all went well.

Unfortunately, that evening, an inversion set in. The large acreage and heavy fuels produced a large amount of smoke. Some of that smoke was trapped by the inversion. Many people woke up the next morning smelling the smoke, and called their local fire departments. Having been notified, the fire departments were able to reassure the callers. Refuge staff fielded several hundred calls that day. The media came out in force. If there was anyone in the area who had not heard of the Great Dismal Swamp, they knew of it by the end of that day. Most folks that called in to complain were reassured and understanding once staff explained what the refuge was trying to do. Certainly, in the case of a wildfire, the smoke could have easily been much worse, and persisted for much longer.

12. Wilderness and Special Areas

The refuge has been recognized as a prominent state and national resource. As a National Natural Landmark, periodic status reports on the condition of the area are submitted to the National Park Service. The North Carolina portion of the refuge has been designated as a Natural Heritage Area by the state's Natural Heritage Program. This voluntary program does not prohibit active habitat management or future development of educational and interpretive facilities. The specific features which drew this state designation include:

- One of the largest remaining stands of Atlantic white-cedar (7,000 acres) in public ownership.

- The northern-most pocosin community type under public protection.

14 - A 60 acre remnant marsh.

- Several rare plant species including the log fern (Dryoptoris celsa), the silky camelia (Stewartia malacodendron), and the dwarf trillium, (Trillium pusilium virginianum).

G. WILDLIFE

1. Wildlife Diversity

The presence of five forest cover types as well as marsh, bog, pocosin, and a shallow 3,100 acre blackwater lake provides a variety of habitats. Some cover types occupy a disproportionate share of the swamp. For example, the maple-black gum type covers approximately 60% of the refuge, while mesic hardwoods and some other community types each comprise less than 1% of the cover. The interspersion of types is less than ideal for wildlife diversity. Maple-gum and Atlantic white-cedar are dispersed throughout the refuge, but mesic hardwoods and loblolly pine are limited mainly to the elevated mineral soils along the western and northern perimeters. Mast producing hardwoods, especially the oaks in the mesic areas, are extremely important forage. Most of the remaining mesic oak type is along the Suffolk escarpment on the western boundary of the refuge. These stands contain a variety of age class oaks and other mesic hardwoods. Much is in private ownership and within the acquisition boundary. A major tract of it is slated for timber harvest in 1998.

The refuge itself contains 43 tree species, 26 shrubs, 21 vines, 17 ferns, 60 herbaceous plants, and over nine species of grasses, sedges and rushes, which support the wildlife diversity that is listed here:

Mammals 42 species Birds 209 species Reptiles and amphibians 62 species Fish 27 species

2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species

Bald eagles were observed throughout the year, with most of the observations occurring in the late fall-early winter period. Most of the eagles were seen at the North Ditch bog and Lake Drummond.

The process to delist the Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew continued. The proposal was sent through the regional office to the Washington Office, where it awaits approval.

3. Waterfowl

Great Dismal Swamp's mission is much broader than managing for waterfowl, but the area's seasonally flooded forests and marshes

15 Lake Drummond

Species 1/21 2/9 2/21 11/6 11/21 12/09 12/18 Tundra swan 9 50 Mallard 10 4 4 5 2 15 Ring-neck duck 12 10 Scaup 175 Hooded Merganser 120 Black duck 4 4 Cormorant 4 Common loon 1 Grebe 1 Lesser scaup 65 Green winged teal 45 Wigeon 10 15 19 48 Ruddy Duck 10 Ring bill gull 105 Cool 2 Gadwail 20

Edge-Jarvis Field

Species 1/21 2/9 2/21 11/6 11/21 12/09 12/18

Mallard 4 100 35 Black Duck 30 15 Green winged leal 25 Wigeon 35 Tundra swan 27 2500 Gadwail 2 4 Turkey vulture Northern harrier 1

Willams Farm

Species 1/21 2/9 2/21 11/6 11/21 12/09 12/18

Tundra Swan 631 300

17 have been well known for providing outstanding nesting and brood habitat for wood ducks. In recent years, a better appreciation has been developed for the refuge's role in providing wintering habitat for tundra swans and snow geese. Back Bay NWR staff have been incorporating a Great Dismal Swamp route in their aerial surveys as part of an ecosystem team project. They have been assisting since before it became an ecosystem item. They survey Lake Drummond, the Edge/Jarvis farm field inholding, and the Williams Farm east of the Dismal Swamp Canal. This year's survey results were showed significantly less use than last year. It is believed that the two mild winters resulted in some waterfowls staying further north than usual in some cases.

16 4. Marsh and water birds

Great blue herons, green-backed herons, black-crowned night- herons, and several species of egrets were observed using the ditches and marsh areas throughout the refuge.

7. Other Migratory Birds

With over 100,000 acres of contiguous forested swamp, the refuge is important neotropical migratory bird habitat. Over 200 species of birds utilize the refuge. Of the 90+ species which nest in the refuge, over 60 are neotropical migrants. The refuge represents one of the few areas east of the Mississippi River where neotropical migrant populations are stable, for they are declining elsewhere.

During April and May, as the peak of the spring migration of neotropical migratory birds approached, more and more sightings were reported by refuge staff and visitors. Species observed included Swainson's warbler, hooded warbler, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, cerulean warbler, blue-winged warbler, yellow-billed cuckoo, wood thrush, scarlet tanager, summer tanager, swallow- tailed kite, and blue-gray gnatcatcher. Many birders came to the refuge for a glimpse of Swainson's warbler, because the refuge is one of the best places to find them.

The official 25-mile Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in Virginia was conducted on June 3, 1998. The top five species were common grackle, prothonotary warbler, common yellowthroat, gray catbird, and eastern towhee. For the second year the prothonotary warbler has been the second most common bird, where previously was always the most common breeder. The common grackle was the most commonly encountered species for the third year in a row.

8. Game Mammals Approximately 131 deer were harvested during 13 days of either- sex hunting. No deer were taken during the new archery hunt held on the first three Saturdays in December. The largest deer checked was a 148 lb. (field-dressed), 3.5 year old buck. Does comprised 31% of the harvest, compared to 44% in 1997. This is the lowest percentage of does since 1981, and since our participation in the DMAP antlerless program.

The reported harvest is based on 108 deer examined at the refuge check station and others verified in the field during routine hunter contacts or reliable reports on the hunter sign-in rosters. Complete age, sex and weight data were collected on 102 deer or 78% of the reported harvest.

The deer kill was up 46% over 1997. Even though the number of permits decreased, the additional 1.5 hunt days may have accounted

17 for part of the increased harvest.

10. Other Resident Wildlife

Refuge staff and volunteers installed bait stations to attract bears to scraped areas throughout the refuge. They returned to the locations for two days and noted bear visits. Some volunteers were fortunate enough to see bears. The volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see parts of the refuge they had never seen.

The fourth of July butterfly count was conducted on August 6. The most common butterfly was the Carolina satyr, followed by the zebra swallowtail.

H. PUBLIC USE

1. General

Public Use data will correspond to FY 98 this year, instead of the calendar year. Numbers will be from the Refuge Management Information System Public Use Report.

The refuge was known to have been covered in 3 2 articles and at least 3 0 TV spots. Five news releases were issued to cover the following topics: announcement of the fall white-tailed deer hunt, recognizing assistance from volunteers helping to plant long-leaf pine seedlings, changes in the prescribed burning program, sending firefighters to Florida, delivering revenue sharing checks, and the Great Dismal Swamp Coalition spring bird walk.

2. Outdoor Classrooms - Students

A variety of educational groups ranging from elementary to college level visited the refuge for environmental education field trips. Most of the groups received a brief refuge orientation before they ventured on their own to hike or bike the trails. A total of 695 students were taught on-site, with 24 teachers participating in workshops. The environmental education package "Man and the Great Dismal Swamp" was given to most of the groups prior to their visit. This pre-trip planning proved to be extremely beneficial in preparing the group for their visit, especially for first time visitors.

3. Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers

The educational package "Man and the Great Dismal Swamp" was made available to all visiting groups prior to their visit to help them maximize their experience at the refuge. The package consists of a teacher's guide and 30-minute video and takes the place of the typical teacher workshop in preparing the teacher for the visit. The teacher is able to read the material, implement suggested activities, and show the students the video before their visit.

18 4. Interpretive Foot Trails

The only interpretive foot trail at the refuge is located at the Washington Ditch entrance. The wheelchair accessible Dismal Town Boardwalk Trail, approximately 3/4 mile long, meanders through a variety of habitat. General refuge information is provided in a kiosk located at the trail head. Interpretive panels along the trail educate the public on various issues and management activities. These panels were made possible by a donation from the Suffolk-Nansemond Izaak Walton League of America. The panels cover such topics as historical use of the swamp, the effect of human modifications and resulting habitat changes, and management of the refuge. Two new panels, also funded by the Izaak Walton League of America were in production this year. A total of 21,228 visited this and other refuge trails.

7. Other Interpretive Programs

Refuge staff and volunteers assisted with presenting a variety of on-site programs to civic and church groups, and off-site programs to schools, church, and civic groups. A total of 2121 individuals participated in these programs. Groups included museums, schools, scouts, Audobon Society, Rotary and Ruritan Clubs, church groups, Elder Hostel program, universities, and senior citizen groups.

8. Hunting

Hunting for white-tailed deer was the only hunting permitted on the refuge. This year, three archery-only days were added. A Black Bear hunt was considered, but staff decided that more environmental documentation, although not required, would be wise in light of assured opposition.

News releases announcing the refuge's 18th annual white-tailed deer management hunt and application procedures were sent to local newspapers in July and August. The office received numerous phone calls requesting information on the hunt after several newspapers ran the articles. Beginning October 1, the refuge's telephone answering service provided hunt information on weekends and after hours. As a result, hunters were provided with 24-hour refuge hunt information throughout the season.

All individuals interested in participating in the refuge hunt had to apply for the required refuge permit. This was the ninth year that a $10.00 non-refundable permit fee was required with each application. The refuge began accepting applications on August 1 with September 15 established as the deadline. All individuals who applied for a hunt permit received one. A total of 885 permits were issued in 1998, a significant decrease from 1997 when 1,023 permits were issued.

19 The refuge was open for scouting on September 25 and 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hunters with valid hunting permits were allowed vehicle access to look for a place to hunt. Many new hunters took advantage of the opportunity to become, familiar with the refuge.

As in the past, four refuge entrances were established as hunter entrances. A maximum hunter capacity, based on miles of maintained roads at each location, was established at each entrance. Hunt participants were taken on a first-come, first-served basis on each hunt day.

A maximum of 750 hunters were permitted on the refuge on each hunt day. The four access entrances and their capacity were as follows:

Portsmouth Ditch Road 125 Jericho Lane 250 Railroad Ditch Road 100 Corapeake- Virginia 125 Corapeake- North Carolina 150

The refuge hunting season began on October 1 and was scheduled to be held on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, weather permitting, through November 7. The last two Thursdays were scheduled as rain make-up days. Fair weather prevailed throughout most of the season, as a result, the refuge was open to hunting 13 days, as scheduled. Questionable weather resulted in the first Saturday's opening being delayed until noon. Hunter visits were up 7% over 1997, even though the number of permits purchased was 13.5% less.

The refuge hunts have always been a period of unusually hectic and long days. Operations began at 2:00 a.m., as the latest weather forecasts were monitored for potential hazardous weather and staff/volunteers prepared to open the entrances and staff the check station. Hunt-related law enforcement operations, focused primarily on assuring compliance with the safety regulations, were coordinated on various locations. Each evening's closure had to include sufficient inspections at each entrance to assure that all hunters had safely departed. These additional chores were accomplished while maintaining other basic refuge administrative and wildlife management objectives.

9. Fishing

Lake Drummond is the only area open to fishing on the refuge. The 3,100 acre fresh-water lake, located in the center of the refuge, was open to fishing year-round from sunrise to sunset. Year-round access to the Lake is gained via the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Feeder Ditch on the eastern boundary of the refuge. The Lake has a 25 horsepower limitation and a fresh water fishing license is

20 required.

Special use permits were issued to allow vehicle access through the refuge to Lake Drummond daily from April 1 - June 15 during daylight hours. All individuals who requested a permit received one, but access was limited to twelve vehicles each day due to limited parking and boat launching facilities. Reservations were required and taken on a first-come, first-served basis. This activity is not advertised because of the limited nature of the facilities.

Individuals were responsible for signing themselves in and out each time they entered and left the refuge. A kiosk located at the entrance of Railroad Ditch Road, the access road to the Lake provided information about this activity as well as housed the sign in/out register. The register assisted staff in recording accurate visitor hours for fishing as well as determining if all permittees had safely left for the day.

A total of 59 permits were issued for this activity in 1998, a decrease from 86 permits issued in 1997.

Individuals who entered Lake Drummond via the Feeder Ditch were recorded by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. A total of 918 fishing visits were recorded in FY 98 from both sides of the refuge.

11. Wildlife Observation

The Washington Ditch and Jericho Lane entrances continued to be the only two areas that have been developed for public use. Both have informational kiosks with varying interpretive messages. The wheelchair accessible 3/4 mile long self-interpretive Dismal Town Boardwalk Trail which leads visitors through a variety of refuge habitats provided an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation. The trail is becoming increasingly popular for birders as well.

Over 100 miles of access roads were open to hiking and biking. The Washington Ditch road, 4.5 miles in length and one of the most popular trails, led visitors to Lake Drummond and offered an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation. Jericho Lane Entrance continued to be the favorite area for birders although the Washington Ditch entrance received a significant amount of use by birders as well. Birding continued to be the most prominent activity in the spring.

12. Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Other wildlife oriented recreational activities which occurred on the refuge throughout the year included hiking, biking, photography, fishing and boating. Most access for these activities

21 was gained via the Washington Ditch and Jericho Lane entrances. Boating and fishing activities were limited to Lake Drummond. Boating visits were recorded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Lake Drummond Reservation. Total boating visits from both sides totalled 3, 664 for FY98.

13. Camping

Camping is not permitted in the refuge; however, camping is allowed at the Lake Drummond Reservation which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In March, 1996, the Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed a Memorandum of Agreement which granted the refuge administration of the campground at the Reservation. As a result of this cooperative effort, the refuge recruited volunteers to staff the campground during the busy season to distribute refuge brochures. A total of 1,205 camping visits were recorded by Corps contractors at the Lake Drummond Reservation.

16. Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation

Dog retrieval was the only non-wildlife oriented public use occurring on the refuge. Fourteen special use permits were issued to individuals and hunt clubs to allow vehicle access through the refuge to retrieve hunting dogs during the hunting season. A $25.00 non-refundable fee was charged for each permit which allowed up to five individuals access. The permits covered the Virginia and North Carolina hunt season occurring between October 1, 1997 though the first week of January 1998. Permittees were required to contact refuge headquarters daily to obtain gate combinations and information on current road conditions. Access was granted from 8:30 a.m. to sunset and was not permitted when roads were saturated.

17. Law Enforcement

Refuge law enforcement operations continued to concentrate on peak public use periods. Dumping, ATV trespass and vandalism continue to be a problem. Illegal hunting, especially for bears, has increased over the past several years. With no less than 12 organized hunting clubs along the refuge boundary, evidence of trespass is widespread. The size of the refuge makes coverage by three collateral duty officers impossible, and violators are aware of this.

Refuge Officers Mark McGee and James Willett from Chincoteague NWR provided much needed assistance during the October 1-3 opening weekend of the annual deer hunts. The officers mad a road hunting case using "Bucky" the deer decoy only minutes after hunters were admitted to the refuge. Other violations encountered included possession of alcohol, no hunter orange, and failure to tag big game.

22 Two vehicles were broken into on November 1 at the Jericho Lane parking area. The driver's side window was shattered in both vehicles to gain entry. A total of $6.00 in change was taken from the two vehicles. Suffolk Police Department investigated the incident but found no evidence or prints on the vehicle. The remote nature of refuge parking areas make vehicles parked there prime targets for such activities.

A local landowner reported illegal bear hunting in the refuge adjacent to his property on November 12. Officers Poovey and Keel responded to the area where they met state officers. The officers contacted four hunters in possession of two bears along the refuge boundary. After questioning, officers learned that the hunters had no idea on whose land they had been hunting, committing several violations. Since this portion of the refuge is mostly unposted, refuge officers had to let the state officers prosecute the cases. Rather than a possible $1000 fine in federal court, each subject received a ticket costing $105.

On December 2, Officer Poovey encountered a vehicle behind a "NO MOTOR VEHICLES" sign. After a six mile chase through the refuge at high speeds, the vehicle was finally stopped with Officer Keel's timely assistance. The driver of the vehicle had entered the refuge legally on a dog retrieval permit, and tried to take a short-cut down the closed road. The passenger, however, was not included on the permit, and his presence in the vehicle was a violation.

A refuge volunteer reported four off-road vehicles entering the refuge on December 31. Officer Poovey responded to Jericho Lane, where he met the volunteer. The vehicles had entered the refuge through a short wheel-chair accessible boardwalk at Jericho Lane, and proceeded east on Hudnell Ditch where they were contacted. The group consisted of a father and three young sons. Each of the youngsters had received a motorcycle for Christmas and the refuge seemed like an ideal place to ride.

23 The following is a summary of the violations encountered by the refuge officers this year:

Possession of a loaded firearm 4 on a refuge road.

Possession of a loaded firearm 1 in a vehicle.

Insufficient hunter orange. 2

Failure to tag Big Game. 4

Hunt from a tree into which 1 a metal object has been driven.

Hunt without a state license. 2

Entry without a permit. 6

Failure to comply with permit conditions. 1

Failure to comply with a "NO MOTOR VEHICLES SIGN." 1

Reckless Driving • 1

ATV trespass on an NWR 7

Unauthorized possession of alcohol. 5

Two search and rescue operations were conducted this hunting season. The first involved a couple who dialed "911" on their cellular phone when they were unable to find their way back to the road with a compass. Two refuge employees, two Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wardens, and about seven units from the Suffolk Police and Nansemond-Suffoik Rescue Squad were on the scene in short order. The couple was back on the road before dark and slipped past a TV crew that had shown up. The second incident took on a greater urgency when staff learned that lost hunter was diabetic. After making voice contact with the hunter, two refuge employees, with assistance once again from Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries staff, had the hunter on his way home by midnight.

18. Cooperating Associations

The Great Dismal Swamp Coalition met four times during 1998. They

24 monitored the proposed widening of US highway 17 in Chesapeake, Virginia. They sponsored a guided bird walk in April, with Virginia Biologist Don Schwab leading. They also monitored the proposal to expand the Southeastern Public Service Authority's landfill in Suffolk, Virginia. Coalition members contacted their representatives on various issues including land acquisition and funding for a visitor center.

I. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

3. Major Maintenance

The maintenance of over 10 0 miles of roads consumed much of the maintenance staff's time, as well as that of other staff members. All 140 miles of refuge roads were mowed. Grading, boomaxing, and spotfilling consumed much time also.

In the early summer, much of the staff mobilized to replace two water control structures at Insurance Ditch. The existing pipes were no longer sufficient, and the road had all but collapsed. The adjacent neighbor needed access to log his property. This project became the number one priority and remained so until completed.

4. Equipment Utilization and Replacement

Two vehicles were purchased this year, a four-wheel drive Dodge Dakota, and a four-wheel drive Dodge Ram with dual rear tires.

J. OTHER ITEMS

1. Cooperative Programs

Work continued on the proceedings of the Third Great Dismal Swamp Symposium which was held on January 6 and 7 at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Approximately 30 speakers presented papers on Dismal Swamp topics ranging from spiders to black bears to history. It is estimated that 300-500 people participated over the course of the two days. The event was sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Old Dominion University, the Izaak Walton League of America, and the Great Dismal Swamp Coalition. In order to publish the proceedings and donate copies to libraries and schools, Izaak Walton League members raised approximately $12,000. Donors included the Camp Foundations, Inc., Charles B. Pond III, Society of American Foresters, and the Izaak Walton League of America. By the end of 1998, final edits were underway.

The Great Dismal Swamp refuge focused its ecosystem efforts again this year with the Roanoke-Tar-Neuse-Cape Fear ecosystem team. Refuge Manager Gulp and Deputy Manager Britton continued to provide representation for this station. The first priority of the team was to develop the land conservation effort from the approved

25 Preliminary Project Proposal (PPP) that covers much of northeastern North Carolina. The group decided that instead of doing individual environmental assessments for each station covered in the PPP, they would work toward completing a full-fledged Environmental Impact Statement for the entire project, and attempt to rally some citizen leadership on the process. They developed two position descriptions for individuals to do the outreach, manage the public meetings, etc. The Team awaits funding.

The refuge continued to cooperate with the Army Corps of Engineers in the management of the Lake Drummond Reservation Campground. The refuge provided some volunteer support and visitor information services, while the Corps' contractor performed the maintenance functions.

The refuge continued to provide road maintenance and water management assistance on portions of the adjacent North Carolina Dismal Swamp State Natural Area. The 14,000 acre natural area has effectively become a part of the refuge's activity, as any habitat or road maintenance projects inevitably affect the natural area.

Biologist Keel cooperated with other biologists throughout the state by coordinating mourning dove surveys and woodcock routes at the request of the Office of Migratory Bird Management.

Fanner's Home Administration Properties

The refuge has responsibility for the management of 22 conservation easements on Farmer's Home Administration Properties (FmHA) (now Consolidated Farm Services Agency) with a total of at least 250 acres in 13 counties and cities across southern Virginia. The station received no funding for the administration of these easements yet again. The boundaries are not posted, as the surveys have not yet been completed on most of them.

FmHA{CFSA) Conservation Easement Summary

County/City Tract Name Acres Recorded Brunswick Roberts 30 N Brunswick Washington 6 N Brunswick Hager 14 N Brunswick Marston unk N Brunswick Quinn unk N Brunswick Boyce 1. 3 N Charlotte Siebert 8 N Chesapeake Sawyer 7 Y Greensville Holloway 10 N Halifax Comer 10 Y Halifax Fears 18 Y Isle of Wight Snavely 19 N Isle of Wight Warren unk N Lunenburg Gibbs 17 Y

26 Lunenburg Gunn 19 N Patrick Ayers 5 N Patrick Coleman 15 N Pittsylvania Keatts 5 Y Pittsylvania Richardson unk N Southampton Fowler 3 N Southampton Buhls 9 N Surry Blout 14 N Sussex Spiers 45 .9 N

Biologist Keel assisted the current landowner with some advice about a pond project on the Snavely property.

3. Items of Interest

Deputy Manager Britton participated in the City of Suffolk's Comprehensive Plan development over the course of the year. Several rounds of public meetings were sponsored by Suffolk's planning department. Most folks were interested in seeing Suffolk retain its rural nature, and provide for open space.

Outdoor Recreation Planner Cherry and Great Dismal Swamp Coalition Vice President Vicki Stuart travelled to Tennessee in March to meet with representatives from Friend's Groups and trainers. They returned inspired with ideas to raise funds, educate the public, and provide advocacy for the refuge and the Service.

4. Credits

Ralph Keel- F-2, Wetlands Bryan Poovey- Section H-17, Law Enforcement Jennifer Schwab- D-5, Research and Investigations Cindy Britton - Editing and all other sections

27