CRAB ORCHARD NARRATIVE REPORT January-December 1966 NARRATIVE REPORT

19 6 6

U, S. DEPARTAIENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Post Office Box J' Carterville, Illinois 629I8 CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

REFUGE STAFF

Administrative, Managerial and Technical

L. A. MEHRHOFF • PROJECT MANAGER MARVIN P. DUNCAN REFUGE MANAGER G. H. HUNTER ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER L. E. HOVELL REFUGE MANAGER C. W. WINGARD. . oTransferred August 15 . . .ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN D. G. ROSE Transferred July 2 REFUGE MANAGER R. G. JOHNSON FORESTER H. T. GUALDONI CLERK (TYPING) M. SUE SPEES «CLERK-STENOGRAPHER JO ANN WILKINS. . Resigned September 2 CLERK-STENOGRAPHER ROSE M. CASSIDY.. E. 0. D. September • • FISCAL ACCOUNTING CLERK ESTHER M. DUNGEY CLERK-STENOGRAPHER ARLIE JACK STOCK CONTROL CLERK E. H. NICHOLS U. S. GAME MANAGEMENT AGENT R. W. PRIEST REFUGE MANAGER GORDON TRIPP FIRE CONTROL AID JAMES F. VOELZER. .E. 0. D. November 9 REFUGE MANAGER WESLEY F. JAM€S. .E. 0. D. November 3. . . ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT J. R. RICE BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE) DONALD AUTRY BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN (SUMMER) B. G. MILLER BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN (SUMMER) M. J. ARMBRUSTEe BIOLOGICAL AID (SUMMER)

Construction, Operations and Maintenance

J. J. PICKER FOREMAN III, MIXED GANG W. E. ELLIOTT FOREMAN II, SHOP R. L. BASLER FIREFIGHTER, SUMERVIbORY A. G. BOLES FOREMAN, MUNICIPAL UTILITIES (WATER & SEWER) W. T. CAMPBELL FOREAIAN II, MIXED GANG F. L. NORTON FORE AAA N II, MIXED GANG P. E. EASTWOOD FIREFIGHTER J. T. GIBBENS FIREFIGHTER W. E. WEBB FIREFIGHTER

- Continued - K. W. SU/VWERS FIREFIGHTER H. L. DAVIS GUARD L. J. GASS GUARD H. Lm SUMMERS GUARD C. B. ORANGE GUARD J. E, STEPHENS GUARD J. C. COX FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR J. C. LILLICH FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OBERATOR L. R. PARKS .o FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR W. R. WALL IN FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR H. L. GARNER FILTER & DISPOSAL PLANT OPERATOR H. P. BUTLER BUILDING RE PA IRAIAN J. C. CALCATERRA BUILDING REPAIRMAN C. L. DAVIS BUILDING REPAIRMAN W. C. HERRING OPERATOR GENERAL L, MORSE OPERATOR GENERAL L. R. TIPPY OPERATOR GENERAL E. E. DARNELL OPERATOR GENERAL R. £• GOLDSMITH OPERATOR GENERAL J. E. I€LLY MECHANIC, AUTOMOTIVE R. H, HOWELL MECHANIC, AUTOMOTIVE J. H. MOORE. . GARAGE SERVICEMAN J. W. BOOTH MA I NTENANCEMAN D. ELLIOTT MA I NTE NANCE MAN T. GAL I NES MA I NTE NANCE MAN W. J. STAGEY o MA I NTE NANCE MAN C, ADAMS MA INTENANCEMAN J, L. SMITH LABORER C. L. FLORA LABORER G. STAPLETON LABORER C. L. JERALDS LABORER R. L, VENEGONI LABORER 25 Employees WAE Laborers CONTENTS Page

I. General A. Weather Conditions * • I B. Habitat Conditions , 2 1. Water , 2 2. Food and Cover 5

II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds B. Upland Game Birds 6 C. Big Game Animals 6 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals 6 E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows, Ravens, and Magpies 7 F. Other Birds 7 G. Fish.... 7 H. Reptiles. 7 I. Disease 7 III. Refuge Development and Maintenance A. Physical Development 10 B. Plantings 12 C. Collections and Receipts 1]^ D. Control of Vegetation E. Planned Burning 1^ F. Fires IV. Resource Management A. Grazing 16 B. Haying,.... |6 C. Fur Harvest 16 D. Timber Removal 16 E. Commercial Fishing 17 F. Other Uses 17

V. Field Investigation or Applied Research A. Progress Reports 19 -B* Bureau Projects 19 -C«» Cooperative Projects 21 -a- -fi» VI. Public Relations A. Recreational Uses 25 B. Refuge Visitors 26 C. Refuge Participation 51 D. Hunting 58 E. Violations,. I4O F. Safety 1+2 VH—-0tkea?-»«aB -A*—ii^ifi^-ef-iftteresi. —£ke4eg?3-$ke C-—g£g&a4«i^e-. CONTENTS - (Cont'd.)

VII. Industrial Activities A. Water Use kk B. Facility Development and Maintenance 1+5 C» Industrial Lease Management h9 D. Lease Prospects 5C

VIII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 5^ B. Personnel .55 C. Photographs 55 D. Credits for This Report 56 E. Signature 57

N. R. FORMS Appended Page I

GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions

Precipi tation Max. Mi n. Month Norma 1 Snowfa 1 1 Temp. Temp.

January i+.IO 3.68 6.914 65 -5

February 2.6h 3.75 2.05 65 -2

March 1.08 h.63 75 18

Apr i 1 8.16 h.k0 - « 77 26

May 3-92 89 32

June 3.89 3.6U - - 95 he

Ju 1 y .25 3.16 - - 105 52

August 2.37 i+.OI - - 9h 53

September 3.21 3.56 - - 93 39

October I.83 3-h6 - - sh 29

November 5*59 3.30 - - 76 21

December 5-78 3.27 il.OO 69 • 3

Annua 1 Totals - i+2.82 h5*kh 12.99 Extremes: 105 -5

Total rainfall for the year 1966 was just 2.62" below normal. April, with 18 days of rain measuring 8.16 inches, was our wettest month. November and December, with 5»59 Qnd 5»78 Inches, helped bring our annual rainfall to the near norm.

July, with only .25 inches of rain and five continuous days (10th - li+th) of 100-plus degree temperature, was not only our driest month, but was the contributing factor in poor crop yields.

Although rainfall was near the norm, crop yields were poor. Early plantings were delayed by April's rains. Late plantings failed to pro­ duce due to July's excessive heat and dryness.

Weather data for the year was obtained from records at the Forest Service Wood Pilot Plant located at V.T.I, on the refuge. Page 2

B» Habitat Conditions

Water

Crab Orchard Lake - Lake level at the beginning of the year was l-g- feet below the spillway level of 1405,0 feet, MSL, Heavy rains in early January brought the lake level to l+0i4,8 feet on January 10th. The gate valve was opened on January 5th and re­ mained open until April 1+th, During this time the lake remained at or near the spillway level. Heavy rains in late April raised the lake to I+O6.85 feet on April 28th, Lake levels remained at or above spillway elevation until June 27th, A gradual drop in the lake level began in mid-July and continued into October, reach­ ing the 1405-9 foot elevation on October 17th, Because of frequent and heavy precipitation, the gate valve was opened on October 20th and remained open during the remainder of the year. The lake level at the close of the year was l+Ol+.O feet; one foot above the ap­ proved fall drawdown elevation.

Little Grassy Lake - The lake level was at the spillway eleva- tion of 500,00 feet, MSL, at the beginning of the year. The lake level remained near the spillway elevation until late April, Heavy rains brought the lake level to a peak of 5OO06 feet on April 27th, Lake levels remained near the spillway elevation until mid-July when a gradual drop began. The level had reached I|.99,0 feet on October 20th when the valve was opened to further draw the lake down for a beach improvement project. The valve was closed on November 8th when the lake level reached 1+97,5 feet. Rains raised the lake level to l499»7 feet at the end of the year.

Devils Kitchen Lake - The lake level was at the spillway ele­ va t iorT^T^ToTo^TeeTTlASL, at the beginning of the year. With minor fluctuations, the lake level remained at the spillway ele­ vation until mid-April, By April ll+th, the lake level had risen to 5'0,6 feet, and the lake remained over spillway elevation during the remainder of the month. Heavy rains in early May raised the lake level to its peak of 511,0 feet on May l6th. The lake level receded to the spillway elevation by the end of May and remained at that level until a gradual drop began in mid-July, The lake level had dropped to 509«0 feet by the end of November, but December rains brought the level up to 510,0 feet by the end of the year. Page 3

2. Food and Cover

For all practicable purposes, corn available for geese in the fields was gone by December 3'* 1966. The amount of corn planted this year was reduced by 61+5 acres over that planted in I965, and along with dry weather and a late plant, combined to produce about a Lpfo drop in the production compared to the 1965 crop.

Winter wheat for use as a green browse for geese was greatly increased from 1+26 acres in 1965 to 997«5 acres in 1966. The pro­ duction was good, and excellent utilization resulted.

As a result of the heavy utilization of the wheat crop and the poor corn crop, the majority of geese were forced to feed off of the refuge by December 3'* some traveling as far as 60 miles to feed,

Pasture land has received higher utilization by geese this year. This is also the first year that they have utilized the middle of standing corn fields in appreciable numbers. We believe the reason for the greater use of pasture lands and standing corn is a direct result of limited available food.

Four and one-half acres of supplementary winter food plots for up land game now exist wi th in Areas I and III. Proso M i I let and AM lo were seeded, but due to late planting and dry weather, the yield was of poor qua Ii ty. Page h

II. WILDLIFE

A* ^'gratoT Birds

I • Geese

The wintering goose flock reached its peak during the week of February 18, with a population of 57,000 birds. The northward migra­ tion began between March L\. and March II, with a loss of 13,000 birds, and by March 17, only 1,200 birds remained.

The breeding population increased by 15 birds over 19^5, to a total of 35* However, production remained the same; ten birds were produced.

The fall migrants began arriving in September with 350 birds reported on the 23rd. By October 7, the population reached 19,800. Numbers gradually increased thereafter, and 142,000 birds were counted on December 29.

Due to an inadequate supply of food available, geese were ob­ served leaving the refuge at feeding time in large flocks as early as mid-December. Reports show some of the birds traveled as far as sixty miles from the refuge for food.

Use days for Canada geese totaled 5*698,663, with a peak number of 57,000.

Snow and Blue geese were reported from September 23 to December 16, inclusive, with a peak number of 2,250 on November I4 and 10, and a total of 12,362 use days.

Seven White-fronted geese were reported on October 28, 1966, and a Cackling goose was shot just north of the refuge in December.

2. Ducks

Five Year Totals of Duck Use Days and Peak Numbers

Year 1966 1965 19614 1963 1962

Use Days 8314,006 823,662 80l4,l|72 852,8146 633,853

Peak Nos. 9,080 li4,OI7 10,076 I2,l;83 8,991 Page 5

The peak number of ducks at Crab Orchard was reported on Decem­ ber 25, a marked decline over the peak number since 1962. Total number of ducks using the refuge during the year also declined. 1% believe the decline was mainly caused by a lack of suitable water­ fowl food this year.

Three Old Squaw ducks were sighted in Crab Orchard Lake by a local sportsman In November.

The breeding population of ducks this year was estimated at 125 birds, producing about I85 young. The most prominent of the nesting species, with approximately 1+0 nesting pairs, is the Wood duck, followed by the Mallard with about 20 nesting pairs. The estimates of Wood duck pairs and broods are considered conserva­ tive due to the inaccessibility of many areas. The overall breeding population is down from past years and is believed to be due, in part, to flooding of the pothole areas and loss of loafing areas.

During this past hunting season, several experienced hunters were requested to record sightings of ducks, by species and numbers, that they observed while hunting, ffesults of this survey indicated that a large number of Green Wing Teal and Scaup utilized the refuge for a few days and then moved on without being noted on the weekly census. The extent of this previously unnoticed utilization has not yet been determined.

3. Water and Marsh Birds

Most significant was the increase of American Egrets from 29U in I965 to 367 in 1966, and the increase of Great Blue Herons from i+SI in 1965 to 629 in I966. Both of these species have been ap­ pearing in declining numbers over the past few years, and the in­ crease, although not great, is encouraging.

I4. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns

A marked decline in Shorebirds occurred during 1966. The reason for the decline is believed to be a result of dry weather conditions and the resulting lack of mud flats after the draw down of water in Crab Orchard Lake.

5. Mourning Doves

Banding of Mourning Doves began on June 6, 1966, and continued through August 31, I966. As in the past, wire traps were used, but this year were complemented by the additional use of cannon nets. Page 6 A total of I63 doves were banded. Of this number 60 were caught by cannon net. After studying the time, cost, and results obtained from use of the cannon nets, we believe the use of the cannon net at Crab Orchard for the purpose of trapping doves is not practical.

B. Upland Game Birds

Qua iI - Habitat improvement in the public hunting area continues. Supplementary winter food plots were increased, and general ob­ servations reveal birds in close proximity to a I I food plots. Actual data on utilization of the food plots has not been determined at this time.

Turkey - Several observations have been reported, and although small m number of actual birds, it is nonetheless encouraging. One flock of seven birds was observed twice on Chamnesstown Road north of the East trap site. We believe these birds migrated from the Pine Hill area of the Shawnee National Forest, approximately 60 miles south­ east of Crab Orchard.

C. Big Game Anima Is

The refuge deer population of 3,055 reported as of December 31, I965* has been adjusted to 2,300, based on information received from marked deer recovered during the special 1966 deer hunt. As theorized in 1965, the special hunt apparently resulted in a W5% reduction of deer killed on the highway compared to the figure of 102 killed in 1965.

The doe:fawn index increased slightly over the past year. This can be attributed, in part, to the special deer hunt. Various road killed deer indicate the condition of the animals to be excellent. Frequency of general sightings has decreased, especially in the closed portion of the refuge.

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals.

Numerous wild dogs are known to utilize the refuge in a predator- prey relationship with deer. However, no studies have been made on this subject, so that conclusions cannot be drawn concerning the ex­ tent or effectiveness of the predation.

The refuge population of fur animals and rodents remains at a relatively low level. Page 7

E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls and Crows

Of the numerous sightings of hawks that have been reported, the Sparrow and Red-tailed Hawk appear to be the dominant species present.

Nine sightings of Bald Eagles were recorded, the most numerous being five individuals (2 adults, 5 immatures) reported on December 29, I9660 Two recorded sightings of Golden Eagles were also noted, the most numerous being two adults on December 29, 1966.

No unusual observations were recorded for Owls and Crows,

F. Other Birds

Seven Avocets were sighted on October 28, I966. Previous sightings have been reported, but the Avocet is considered rare in this area. The refuge bird list is presently under revision.

G. F ish Bass, crappie, suntish and catfish were predominant in the creel this year. No stocking was done in 1966.

H. Rept i les

No unusual observations.

I. Disease

The loss of Canada geese to suspected "crop impaction" took a sharp rise to an estimated loss of 2,500 birds.

The following tables compare soybean acreage, goose population, rainfall, water and food conditions for the past three years in re­ lationship to the estimated number of Canada geese lost due to "crop impact ion". Page 8

Ge ne ra I Wa te r Ava i lable Est imated Fa I I Rainfal I* Condition for Soybean Food Loss of Year (Oct. - Dec.) Entire Year Acreage Condi tions Geese

1961+ Below Normal Norma I ,062 Adequate 700

1965 Below Normal Wet (High) 1,180.5 Exce1 lent 100

1966 Above Normal Dry (Low) U35 Poor 2,500

•Fall Ra infa 1 1

Prec ipi tat ion Norma 1

Year Oct. Nov. Dec. Oct. Nov. Dec.

1961+ Trace 2065" 2.71" 3.U6" 3.30" 3.27"

1965 1.07" 0.79" 1 .65" 3.1+6" 3.30" 3.27"

1966 1.83" 5.59" 5.78" 3.36" 3.50" 3.27"

Three Year Weekly Canada Goose Population Level (Oct. - Dec.)

October November

Week 1 2 3 k 5 6 7 8 9

1961+ l+,000 12,300 19,000 25,000 28,500 26,500 26,500 31,350 3l+,970

1965 2,100 7,600 15,000 37,950 2k,000 25,885 25,000 23,1+50 23,i450

1966 — 19,800 19,1+00 17,000 23,500 29,000 29,000 32,500 32,700

December Week 10 I I 12 •3 Ik Total 196I+ 39,000 1+5,000 31,000 31,000 32,000 386,120

1965 30,000 1+2,000 39,825 36,500 38,000 370,760 1966 1+9,000 50,000 1+2,000 1+2,000 J42,000 1+27,900 Page 9

It should be noted that the rainfall data for November 1966 is deceiving in relationship to water conditions during the period when the majority of geese are affected by crop impaction. From past ob­ servations, it has been determined that the period beginning the first week in October until the last week in November encompasses the time geese generally contract "crop impaction".

Data concerning the time lapse required for the birds to exhibit symptoms of crop impaction is not definite. However, it has been sug­ gested from past studies that the time may vary from a few days to three weeks.

The rainfall that occurred in November and produced an above average fall for the month, came in the last two weeks. By this time the birds affected were on a decline.

It can be stated that during the time of peak "crop impaction", available food was low and water levels low.

The soybean crop was extremely late this year owing to late planting. Several fields were invaded before harvest commenced. On fields harvested, farmers were directed to plow immediately after the harvest to reduce the available soybeans. Strict compliance to this request was not obtained, consequently beans were readily available. In an effort to evaluate the soybean impaction problem, soybeans will not be planted next year on any refuge fields. Page 10

III, REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A, Physical Development

1, General Wildlife and Biological Development

— Trapped and banded 1,529 geese. Trapped and banded I65 doves, — Transferred 10 geese to Ontario Waterfowl Research Foundation, — Shipped 6 geese to Patuxent for autopsy, — Planted 14.5 acres of scattered food plots in Areas I and III, — Planted 6 acres of newly cleared ground to winter wheat - Devi Is Kitchen. — Cleared 16 acres of brush in Areas I and III for upland plantings* — Constructed one, and repaired five ponds in Areas I and III, Trap site maintenance - new wiring and blind repairs, — Constructed 9 new stainless steel cannon, — Installed 25 new wood duck boxes and maintained existing boxes, — Through contract, blasted 80 small potholes with ammonium nitrate. — Cleared brush from around nitrate blown potholes, — Aerial seeded Crab Orchard Bay to Japanese Millet, — Planted emergent vegetation on three ponds. Graveled one mile of census road.

2. SoiI and Moisture

-- Spot sprayed all Johnson grass. — Burned brush from 625 acres. — Rebuilt I65O feet of dike in A-27. Bu i 11 1+ ponds. — FiI led 8 we I Is. Seeded A-35, 80 acres. — Repaired 12 ponds. — Tested soil on i^0 acres. — Disced and sowed 997 acres wheat. — Wrote Soil and Moisture Plan. Mowed 200 acres. — Sloped and filled 1500 feet for riprap, A-27. -- Wrote farming and grazing permits. — Inspected all pasture and farming units. — Shared corn harvest. -- Investigated goose damage to crop. — Constructed 3,000 feet ditch, A-27. — Made necessary reports. — Surveyed proposed ponds in A-l6. Page I I

Recreational Maintenance

Cleanup of public use areas and trash collection required 315 man days; a reduction of 200 man days from 1965* Mowing of public use areas required 190 man days; a reduction of 6l man days from I965« Stained 2i40 picnic tables. Stained 15 WPA toi lets. 120 man days were spent routing, assembling, and installing recreation signs in Areas I and III. Spread 350 tons of beach sand at the CarterviIle, Hogan, Lookout Point, Crab Orchard, and Group Picnic Area beaches. Graded 10 miles of roads in the recreation area four times during the year. Constructed and installed 16 barbeque grills. Installed fiberglass roof on concrete block toilet at the Sail­ boat Basin. Removed dead trees and limbs in all areas of heavy public use. Installed 14,016 feet of water line into the Playport boat dock. Sailboat Basin, and Information Trailer. Installed life guard towers at Carterville, Hogan, Lookout Point, and Crab Orchard beaches. Installed three LWCF collection booths. Truck spread I50 tons of class $3 rock on recreation roads. Cleaned, repaired, and painted three refuge patrol boats. Constructed lake vista on Hogan Point entrance road. Checked and repaired 15 public boat docks on Crab Orchard Lake. Treated 500 harrier posts with penta. Constructed land fills for Crab Orchard and Little Grassy dump grounds. Removed piling from Carterville, Hogan, and Crab Orchard beach areas. Installed 3^0 barrier posts at recreation parking areas. Landscaped Group Picnic Area 2 site. Constructed parking lot and sloped beach area for public beach at Little Grassy Lake. Constructed check dams, hand-placed 3° tons of riprap, seeded and mulched slopes on Lines 8, 9, 16, and I? at Devils Kitchen. Checked posting on refuge public hunting area.

I}.. Forestry

— Treated 2,000 pine fence posts with penta. Fire trail maintenance included mowing 1+2 miles and grading lij. mi les. — Culvert repairs and replacement on Johnson Ridge and Burklow f ire tra iIs. Page 12

Timber Inventory completed for the refuge. This included an additional II4, 192 acres. Site preparation work completed on 93 acres in Devils Kitchen area. To be planted in White Oak in spring of I9£>7»

B. Plantings

I. Aquatic and Marsh Plants

No aquatic surveys have been conducted for three years. However, casual observations indicate an abundance of Potamogeton in Devils Kitchen Lake, along with limited supplies of American Lotus (NeI umbo pentopetala). Creeping Waterprimrose (Jussica diff ila), and Coonta iI (CerotophyIlum). A very good supply of Duckweed (Lemnaceae) exists In the bay area of Crab Orchard Lake, the streams on the East end of the lake, and the farm ponds.

In June I966 a wildlife workshop was organized in cooperation with an agricultural class from Southern Illinois University. The Little Grassy Summer Camp was used as headquarters for the project.

The class was divided into three groups; one being assigned to aquatic transplanting. One day per week for six weeks was allotted for the workshop.

Softstem bull rush (So irpus vaIi dus), Cattail (Typha angustifoIia), and American Pondweed (P. d i ve"rs i f o I i us) were introduced to severa I farm ponds that have been utilized by ducks. Although these trans~ plants were held to a minimum, the survival rates appear to be good, and indications are that a good supply will exist to meet the demands of the coming season.

2. Trees and Shrubs

Planting in calendar year I966 was limited to three acres of walnuts. Nuts of superior trees were planted in late October on a 10 x 12 foot spacing with two seeds per hole. Results are not yet ava ilable.

5« CuItivated Crops

The story can be summed up by saying "wet spring, dry summer, and slow drying".

No corn was planted by refuge personnel this year because of orders from Washington. Page 15

Share croppers were slow planting crops because of spring rain­ fall. Planting of hay crops benefited from this rain, and good stands resulted. Corn planted in this period resulted in poor stands.

In June the rain stopped, and the wind blew. Soils dried ex­ tremely fast, and some fields were not planted in A-5 because of this. Crops became stunted in the hot, dry weather. Had it not been for a few scattered showers during corn poI Iinization, crops would have been much lower in yields. These showers were localized, and a wide range of yields resulted,

A few fall rains caused very slow drying of corn. This area is not geared for these conditions due to lack of corn drying apparatus. Moisture content fell as little as ,5 of a point per week, Graneries were overloaded with wet corn and refused to buy it faster than their few driers could handle it.

Soybeans took a second growth and were docked heavily.

These conditions caused a very late harvest. Some of the corn was not picked yet on December 3' (37 acres in B-6).

Yields of corn varied from 0 to 100 bushels per acre. Average yield was 1+0 bushels. Soybeans ran from 0 to 27 bushels per acre. Average was about 12 bushels. Hay was short and yields were low. Mi lo heads fa 1 led to fill properly and Millet planted in A-i|l was a complete fa i lure.

Wheat was slow in germinating and was short when the geese arrived, but good for browse. Red clover fields were good and received heavy goose use.

To complicate matters further, the field trialers insisted that going around corn fields is not satisfactory, so they mowed strips through the corn to shorten the route taken by horses. Then they did not stay on these routes, and the horses knocked down some of the corn. These trails served as landing strips for geese, and three large fields of standing corn were harvested by geese before the per­ mittees got their share. These fields had not been used until after harvest in previous years.

Open spots due to spring moisture in other fields attracted geese Into unharvested corn. Therefore, many adjustments were necessary at harvest time. Because of the low yields, late harvest and heavy goose use, these adjustments were not completely satisfactory. Three per­ mittees did not get the corn coming to them. Therefore, next year no adjustment will be made for goose damage. We hope this will en­ courage earlier planting and earlier harvest. Page 11+

Beans were also heavily damaged, but no adjustment is made for this. Many geese died from crop impaction. Permittees were asked to disc the fields as soon as harvest was accomplished. One per­ mittee refused, because geese had eaten 37 acres of beans before harvest. This permit will not be renewed next year.

C, Collections and Receipts

We received a boxcar load of wheat from DeSoto Refuge to be used for winter browse plantings this year. We also received a boxcar load of corn for our trapping program. The refuge share of the corn crop In the open area will be used for trapping and feeding after February, Millet, Smartweed and Rye were received from Squaw Creek for plantings. Quantities are listed on NR forms.

D, Control of Vegetation

Most of the vegetation control on this refuge is accomplished by permittees at their personal expense. This is in the form of Pre-merge treatments and farm spraying of row crops. All opera­ tions are listed on the NR-12 form. Generally speaking, Pre-merge treatments of atrazine, amiben, and ramrod give very good results, 2,i4-D is not successful, Randox and Randox-T gives fair results, 2,l4.-D - 2,]4-5T mixtures on brush gives fair results.

^' Planned Burning

None o

P# Forest and Range Fires

The National Fire Danger Rating System used at Crab Orchard recorded 29 days above a timber index of 21, The highest reading was 79*

Twenty out of the 29 days occurred in the spring fire season between the middle of March and the first week of April, Actual fires were held to two within the refuge and one outside.

The two fires within the refuge were small in size, one and three acres, respectively. The only damage was to a clover field under permit. Page 15

The other fire was on private land but was threatening a refuge pine plantation. It was larger in size, li+ acres to be exact. The main source of fuel was grass with the only damage occurring to a multiflora rose hedge separating the two fields.

Fall fire season recorded only 9 days exceeding a spread of 21, The scattering of precipitation reduced the usual fire hazards. Only one fire was reported. This was caused by a permittee's tractor catching fire and igniting dry grass. Area burned was l/2 acre, no damage,

An important factor is that Crab Orchard Refuge is 1^,508 acres in size and yet receives an average l4r million public use days per year. In addition, the refuge is over 50^ forested. This creates an extremely high fire hazard potential. We believe that much of our public relations work and methods of recreation use are a con­ tributing factor to our relatively low occurrence of fires. Page 16

IV, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A, Grazing

Early rains caused heavy growth in pastures. This forage held up well through the season. Although growth slowed considerably in the drier months, the A,U,Mo rate was low enough so that very little overbrowsing occurred.

B, Hayi ng

All clover and lespedeza is in rotation and was discussed under Cultivated Crops,

C, Fur Harvest

None*

D, Timber Removal

Pine thinning continues to be a major forestry program on Crab Orchard, Production for calendar year 1966 was up 100^ over 1965. Total production was around 60,000 posts. Production should increase to 150,000 posts in I967.

Managerial changes and equipment replacement have been the chief reasons for the increase. Present production levels have reached 1,000 posts cut and 800 posts peeled a day, Shortleaf pine still remains the major source of supply.

Local farmers still maintain a fairly level demand for black locust posts. This year's total was 3,500. We expect an increase next year as we now have a market for rail fencing. We have 23h acres of black locust ready for cutting, averaging 750 posts per acre. Present supply is ahead of demand.

After 2^- years and two foresters, the Timber Inventory for Crab Orchard Refuge was completed on December 3* 1966. It is the first major inventory to be completed and placed on Forest Land Use cards in Region III. The completion of an additional ll|, 192 acres in 1966 made i t poss ible,

A new Forest Management Plan is underway, and we plan to in­ augurate several forestry practices that are wildlife and recreation oriented. Page I?

E • Commercial Fishing

Six special use permits were issued for commercial fishing of Carp, Buffalo, Drum, Bullheads, Turtles and Shad in Crab Orchard Lake. AM fishing was done between February 17 and April 30. The use of trammel nets was authorized by the Illinois Department of Conservation. The following table summarizes the catch in pounds for the year.

Permittee Buffalo Carp Drum Turtles

1. Otis Beasley & Jack Green, 1270 315 Grafton, I IIino is.

2. Russell Alorgan & Paul DeSherilla, Chester, III. 2300 I30 - 75

3. Robert A. Crank, Grafton, III. & 68 I4J4 - 5 Howard House, Alton, III.

J4. Paul Kimmel, Ralph Tweedy, & - - - - Rufus Tweedy, Wolf Lake, III.

5. Winstead R. Wright, Wm. R. IO67 1+18 25 27 Wright, & Irving Ring, Jonesboro, III.

6. Ross DeSherila & Elmer 5853 850 59 37 Varble, Grafton, Ml.

TOTAL - 10,558 1,757 8i+ li^

The permit of Morgan and DeSherilla was revoked on March lii, for non-compliance with the terms of the permit. The permit of Crank and House was revoked for non-compliance on March 16. The permit of Winstead Wright was revoked on A\arch 22, after Mr. Wright pleaded guilty in State court for violation of State fishing regu­ lations on refuge water*.

F. Other Uses

Annual revenue received from all phases of recreational opera­ tions are listed in the following table. Page 18

RECREATIONAL REVENUES

Concessions:

Crab Orchard Campground - $2,665.59

Devils Kitchen - \s609,Uh Little Grassy - 5,098.09 Pirates Cove - 5,891.80 Southern Sports - 5,1+81+.96 Camp Leases - 1+02.00 Use Permits - 25.00 Land & Water Conservation Fees - 29,978.00

TOTAL - $1+7, I5I+.88 Page 19

V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OR APPLIED RESEARCH

A. Progress Reports

I. Small Game Habitat Management Plan (Bureau Project)

This study was started in July of this year by Donald C. Autry, Wildlife Aid employed on the refuge. Following a Wildlife Manage­ ment study outline, Mr. Autry was to; (l) cover map existing vege­ tation; (2) conduct a complete literature review of Upland Management practices in the general area; (3) determine overall management practices to provide optimum upland habitat for quail and rabbits; and ik) write a complete plan on findings and recommendations.

The plan has been written but not critically reviewed or accepted as such. Area I (the public use portion around Crab Orchard Lake) and Area III (Devils Kitchen and Little Grassy public use areas) will be the selected sites for implementation of this plan.

\ 2. Recoil less Cannon - Field Tests (Bureau Project)

In cooperation with Central Technology, Inc., field tests were conducted on the recoiI less cannons recently developed by C.T.I. The first series of tests were complete 'in February. Results of the test are summarized as follows:

Performance - Superior to present cannons in use with regard to thrust and power. Slight afterburn experienced, indicating possible net damage by burning.

Noise - Greater than the present cannons. When fired over birds, the remainder of the untrapped birds traveled 1+00 - 500 yards from the test site. More study is needed in noise factors.

Fire Hazards - Several shots were made with wood shavings, dry straw, and fine grasses placed over, around and behind the cannons without experiencing any burning or ignition of fuels. However, it is believed that the blast scattered the loose material (30 - i+O feet); thereby reducing the possibility of a f i re.

Other Items - The chain repair link to which the net bridle ropes are attached came loose and had to be hammered closed on two occasions. The permanent detonating wires were damaged on the ends due to the snap of the recoiI less cannons (a pull free method of contact would be desirable). Page 20

On December 13, another in a series of tests was conducted. The cannon had been changed since the February test in that there were three basic components and now there are two, and the gas parts were reduced in numbers and enlarged. Another change was in the charge a faster burning powder is used next to the ignition.

Performance - To further test the thrust and power of the cannons, two 30 x 60 foot nets were tied together to create a 60 x 60 foot net. Four cannons were used to pull the nets. Test shots were conducted for an entire week. Results Indicated the cannon could conceivably throw a 60 x 60 foot net successfully.

Noise - As indicated in the first test, the cannon are louder than the cannon presently used. The noise factor is difficult to evaluate at Crab Orchard, since the geese are subjected to frequent test explosions from the 01 in Mathieson plant nearby.

Fire Hazards - Although no specific tests were conducted with grass fuels, the new charge appeared to burn more rapidly. No afterburn was evident as in the first tests.

It would appear that CTI is well on their way in developing a worthy cannon for application to the net trapping program. Should new developments occur, they will be reported. j5« Band ing (Bureau Project)

Candda goose banding data from January I, through December 3'» 1966:

1966

Month AM JM AF_ JF_ Tota

January mm. None — February 1+8 12 33 Hi 107 March I5l| 78 93 70 395 October I7it 89 117 76 1+56 November 61 60 61 39 221 December 11+2 58 93 57 350

579 297 397 256 1,529

Adults - 976 Ma les - 876

Immatures - 553 Fema les - 653 Page 21

Due to the special deer hunt and attendance at the Regional Conference, no trapping was done in January.

Dove banding started on June 6, and continued through August 2, Trapping was accomplished through 15 wire traps and cannon netting methods. The results are summarized as follows:

AM AF I Total

95 29 39 163

Retraps - 18

Of the total doves trapped, 60 were trapped with the cannon net. This was the second year of experimenting with the cannon net on doves. Based on two years trial, we do not believe using the cannon net for dove trapping is practicable at this station.

I4. Crab Orchard Refuge White-tailed Deer (Cooperative Project)

Donald C. Autry, Research Assistant from Southern Illinois University, continued his field work on the white-tailed deer. Mr. Autry assisted refuge personnel a great deal on preparations for the special deer hunt in the closed area. Through the efforts of several S.I.U. students, a large volume of data were collected at the check stations during the special deer hunt. Along with a thesis on the dynamics of the family relationship of white-tailed deer on the refuge, Mr. Autry will write another paper which con­ siders the movement responses of the animals during the special deer hunt. The latter paper will be submitted in June of 1967.

All of the data collected from the special deer hunt has not been fully analyzed and prepared for computer processing, but in brief summation, the following information was obtained:

(1) Reproduction: Of 6I4I female deer examined, 61+.3 percent were pregnant. The most productive age classes were 2^ and 5^ year old females. Fawns generally conceived later than older deer.

(2) Food Habi ts: Rumen contents from 1+70 deer were collected. A sample of 80 animals showed corn as the most important food by volume and weight, with honeysuckle second and lit' ter forage third. Page 22

(3) Age Structure; Jaws from 7^42 deer were aged by the tooth- wear method:

Age Class Percent of Total

Fawns 38

1^ 20.8

2i 11.9

52 11.2 hh 7.9

52" and older 9.ij.

(1+) Parasi tes: One ear from i459 deer were examined for ecto- parasites; infestation for the entire sample was 20.6 percent, Males showed a much higher rate of infestation than females.

5» Environmental and Physiological Aspects of Soybean Impaction in Canada Geese (Cooperative Project J

Following the Wildlife Management study outline, Robert Jarvls, graduate student from S.I.U., launched this study in the fall of I966. Previous investigations of Canada goose losses were conducted by Gerald Wise in I96I4 and 1965, under a study title of "Canada Goose Mortality on Crab Orchard Refuge". Mr. Wise has his thesis paper in rough draft and hopes to have it completed by June of 1967*

Mr. Jarvis focused his initial research on the general aspects of soybean impaction in Canada geese and to obtain mortality estimates during the fall of I966. The next two years of his research will be to determine the cause or causes of impaction.

During the months of October and November, surveys for sick and dead geese were made twice a week. Based on study areas on the lake and ponds, Mr. Jarvis suggested a total mortality of 3,'00 geese. To obtain this figure, Mr. Jarvis assumed various correction factors and percent of area coverage estimates. (it should be noted that refuge officials estimated a mortality of 2,500 geese — NR-5).

Several of the following studies have been reported on in past narratives. For the most part, these studies have been completed, at Page 23

least from the standpoint of field work. When the formal paper is available, we will report on the overall findings.

I. The Crab Orchard Ref ucje Wh i te-ta i led Deer - by Robert Hawk ins. The status of this paper is reportedly in rough draft form for a M.S. thesis. Mr. Hawkins completed his part of this long-range study in March of I965» As mentioned previously, Donald Autry continued with this study, and he too will complete a M.S. thesis by August 1967.

ly?. Behav ior and Movement of Canada Geese - by Denn1s Rave Ii ng. Mr. Raveling is expected to complete his dissertation sometime in the fall of 1967* All of the field work has been accomplished to date.

3. Land Ut iIization by Wi nter i ng Canada Geese - by WendelI Crews. Mr. Crews has reportedTy completed his field work, but it is not known whether he plans to complete a paper toward a M.S. degree. Wendell is presently employed with the Bureau and stationed at Horicon NWR.

6. Tree Fer11 Iization (Cooperative Project)

The spring of 1966 saw the start of a tree fertilization study by Dr. Neely and Dr. Himelick of the Illinois Natural History Survey. Crab Orchard Ftefuge is one of five locations throughout the State.

Their work plan included applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to both surface and sub-surface soils around designated trees. Four variables were used.

NPK - surface NPK - hole N - surface PK - no treatment

This was applied to 30 pecan, 100 sugar maple, and 100 sweet gum. The trees will be treated each year and measured each fall through tree diameter increase.

7» Walnut Study (Cooperative Project)

The U.S.F.S. continues to collect data from the two black walnut sites located on the refuge. The sites were picked to test the vari­ ous conditions affecting the growth and quality of the walnut. Actual tests included the release of the trees through various combinations of overstory and understory competition. Page 2h

Diameter growth records on a I I 176 trees have been kept for the past two growing seasons. The increases ranged from 0.00 to 1.15 inches. No attempt has been made at this time to separate the in­ creases by the degree of overstory or understory release. The com­ prehensive analysis will be completed only after data is collected on at least 5 growing seasons. Page 25

VI . PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. JRecreat iona I Uses

Based on the 12-hour use day, there were 757,J425 recreational use days on the refuge this year as compared to 828,375 days in I965. This represents an 8.5^ decrease in public use from the I965 season.

We believe the decrease is mainly attributable to the inclement weather during the first three weeks in May and the extremely hot weather during mid-July. We do not believe the introduction of Land and Water Conservation fees this year was a major factor in reduced public use. More public use occurred during the A'lemorial Day and July Fourth holiday periods this year than in 1965 when no fees were charged. Weekly use figures during June and early July this year were nearly the same as they were in 1965. Undoubtedly there were people who refused to visit the refuge because they objected to pay­ ing the fee, but the major portion of the family groups and local users, who make up the bulk of our public use, accepted the new fee and continued to visit the area regularly. We found many users during the summer who, once they had a better understanding of the program, thought it might be a good thing.

The Crab Orchard campground received increased use this year even though camping use in May was drastically reduced because of bad weather. The concessionaire installed additional electrical outlets, picnic tables, and completed construction of a permanent registration building and living quarters.

The Little Grassy Lake concessionaire enjoyed a good season, and received heavier camping use. The Playport Boat Dock, Devils Kitchen, and the Pirates Cove concessions operated at about the same level as in I965.

An audit of a I I concessions was made in late May by Mr. Chester Lund, Regional Property Officer. The audit indicated that conces­ sion operations are generally satisfactory.

The annual refuge open house was held on Sunday, November 13. A route of travel through the closed area was open to the public from 1:00 P.M. until 1^30 P.M. Approximately 3,900 people In 1,096 cars used this opportunity to see portions of the refuge not gener­ ally seen by the visiting public. Page 26

A graduate study on recreational use and the Land and Water Conservation fee at Crab Orchard was completed during the summer by a Southern Illinois University student.

For the second year in a row, no drownings occurred on the refuge public use area. An elderly deer hunter, with a history of heart trouble, died from a heart seizure on January 10, I966, while participating in the refuge controlled deer hunt.

Bo Refuge Visitors

JANUARY

Date Name Title or Organization Purpose of Visit

9 Harry Stiles Regional Office Deer Hunt

10 Norman Klaus Dept. of Econ. DeveI. Industrial Plants Harry Stiles Regional Office Refuge Operations, Herb Di11 picnic she Iter.

I I Mr. Carpenter Regional Office Job Corps Admin, and Howard Woon Regional Office n tt n 12 Mr. Benjamin Wash ington Off ice n tt tt Mr. Lander 0E0 n n » Mr. Huenecke !l If If Mr. Swanson Washington Office tt tt tt Mr. Troudy tt tt ft Mr. Knecht 0E0 tt tt tt

12 Frank Ligns Regional Office Trapping bald eagles

19 Bob NeI son Nat' I. Audubon Hardwoods

20 Jim Lockhart Un iversi ty of III. 15 Min. Tape on CO. Dan Dunmire III. Dept. Conserv. Forest Research SIU

FEBRUARY

W. 1. Brandon Fie Id Trial Club Revised special Carl Parsons Field Trial Club conditions for club. Ernest Hayworth Sa i Iboat Club Operations and Dr. Don Shoemaker Sa i Iboat CIub improvements, Don Vogler Sai Iboat Club tt tt

Warden Richardson Marion Prison Expansion of buildings Page 27

9 Lowell Johnson 0E0 J. C. Activities

10 Lowe 11 Johnson GEO Job Corps Mr.

11 Director Gottschalk Central Office Refuge Tour George Wi1Ih i te So. III. Reporter 1 ntervlew

21 Goodman Larson Regional Office Job Corps and Com­ and Sidney C. Brashears Tamarac Job Corps munity Relations. 22

MARCH h Glenn Smith State Warden Commercial fishing

1 1 James Allen Conservation Dept. Refuge lakes

15 Jerry Kladvia Forest Service Post prices

17 Art Ferguson Job Corps, Washington Job Corps

15 Karl Schee1 FBI Invest igation Norman H i1 ton Deputy Fire Marshal Investigation

21 Norman H i1 ton Deputy Fire Marshal 1 nvest igat ion

29 Harry St iles Regional Office 1 nspect ion thru Howard Woon Regional Office Job Corps 31 Joe Knecht Reg iona1 Of f ice Job Corps

29 Bi11 Au1tfather Regional Office Timber A'igmt. thru V7 APRIL

1+ Lowe 11 Johnson 0E0 Job Corps

5 Robert Harris SIU Securi ty OffIce Law enforcement Capt. Kirk tt tt tt it it Joe Miff 1 in it n it tt tt Richard Powers it it tt it n T, A. Lipe it » it tt tt

6 Howard Woon Regiona1 Office Work proposa1s and Harry Stiles Regional Office it it 7 Ed Stevenson R.O. Eng i neer n it Jim Shaw R. 0. Rea1ty Cour tesy Bill Harth State of 11 1 i no is it John Appe1 get R.O. Federal Aid it Page 28

20 Glair RoI Iings Regional Office S & M Plans

21 Sam Parr Dept. of Conserv. Refuge Tour Jim He Ifrick » tt tt tt tt Mr. Kee ler I I I. HIghway Dept Highway Signs Mr. Gum tt tt tt n tt

10 Chester 0. Lund Regional Office Concession Aud i t thru \h

20 John M. Wood Univ. of I I IInois Tour of Refuge Frank Williams England Tour of Refuge

23 Bob Schimmel Outdoor III. magazine Black bear story Robert Leonard U.S. Forest Service Recreat ion Paul Stencke U. S. Forest Service tt

JUNE

I George Qu incy Dept. of Alines Magazine inspector

7 Bob NeI son Forestry Dept. ITFA Meeting

8 Mr. BurweI I Regional Office Camping leases

8 Harry Stiles Reg iona I Off ice Inspection thru I I

Howard Huenecke Wash ington Off ice Tour of Job Corps 15 Howard Woon Regional Office tt tt tt tt

16 Pete Carter Reg i on I Refuge discussion

JULY

Director Crafts BOR Tour & discussion Roman Koonings Tt of LWCF program

Jerry McMuI Iian U.S.F.S. Refuge Tour Robert Ph iI Iips tt tt « RonaId A. Mart in C. S. Commission Personnel Inspection

12 Joe Richey Regional Office Engineering problems Page 29

AUGUST

I BiI I AuItfather Regional Office Wa Inut workshop thru 5

AI Ph iI Iips State Fire Marshal J, C, Inspection

9 Ray Lybarger Job Corps Courtesy Les I ie Broom Dixon Springs Center Camping show George Brooks Dixon Springs Center Camping show

9 Goodman Larson Regional Office Personnel problems thru i i

10 Mr, Burk GSA Automotive ma int.

25 Ed Larrie BOR Land acquisition Ra My Schaar n it it

26 Larry Wi throw III, Dept, of Conserv. Courtesy Don Curry » tt n tt tt

SEPTEMBER

\k Harry St iles Regional Office J, C, Projects Art Ferguson it tt Sam St, Arnold tt it James Monnie Mark Twain Refuge Biological data

OCTOBER

13 Howard Woon Regional Office J, C, Projects

25 Clark Wingard Regional Office I nspect ion

NOVEMBER

7 Director Gottschalk Washington Office I nspect ion and 8 8 James Monnie Mark Twain Refuge Census 17 James Monnie Mark Twa in Refuge Goose kill data Page 30

18 John Wanamaker Princip ia Co 1 lege Tour of refuge

21 Mr. Standard GEO Inspection Team J. C. problems

29 James Monn ie Mark Twain Refuge Goose census Dr. Bill Green Upper Mississippi » tt

DECEMBER

1 Dr. Bi11 Green Upper Mississipp i Goose census Mr. Winship Regional Office it tt Mr. Monnie Mark Twain » tt

2 Bi11 Au1tfather Regional Office Forestry

5 Dan Johnson Federal Aid, Minn. Refuge receipts

6 Bob Sharp Fishery Division Refuge Tour Del Robinson it it

7 Bi1 1 Aultfather Regional Office Forestry James Monnie A^.ark Twain Refuge Goose kill data

13 Clark Wingard Regional Office J. C. projects

15 Jim Gillett Mark Twa in Refuge Surplus property Dick Vasse tt tt tt it tt

16 Clark Wingard ftegional Office 1nspect ion Mr. Kl inshann Job Corps tt Mr. Modisette Job Corps it

30 Harry St iles Regional Office 1 nspection

FREQUENT VISITORS

Art Re id, Southern I I I i no i san Karl Malzahn VTI Fred Graper, FBI Claude Grace FBI Miles Camery U. S. Game Agent Page 51

C. Refuge Participation

JANUARY 5 Mehrhoff taped 20 minute radio interview for distribution to stations in Illinois.

8 Mehrhoff taped 15 minute radio interview for Sportsmen Case (Chicago, I I Iinois).

12 Mehrhoff and Duncan attended seminar on Canada geese at S.I.U,

2]L\. Mehrhoff, Duncan, Nichols, Wingard, Novell, Johnson, Priest thru and Rose attended Regional Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 28

FEBRUARY 5 Duncan attended annual game supper at COSA. 8 Mehrhoff presented slide talk for Eldorado Civil Club, EI dorado, I I Iino is.

II Duncan and Hove I I attended TAP meeting in Marion, Illinois.

Ii4 Mehrhoff attended National Security Seminar, Carbondale.

15 Duncan attended Job Corps Work Projects Program in Minneapolis, thru Minnesota. 17

18 & Mehrhoff attended annual Wildlife Society meeting, DeKalb, 19 Illinois. Presented J>0 minute slide talk on Crab Orchard Deer Hunt.

22 Nichols and Priest attended Illinois Police Association meeting in Carbondale.

23 Duncan attended recreation council meeting at Muddy, Illinois.

2k Mehrhoff presented 1+0 minute talk to 50 Marion Senior High students on operations of Crab Orchard Refuge.

MARCH

Nichols and Priest attended law enforcement meeting at S.I.U. sponsored by S.I.U. Security Office. Page 52

2 Mehrhoff gave three talks to 500 students at Herrin High Schoo I •

5 Mehrhoff gave 1^ hour slide talk to i+l 01 in employees.

Duncan and Nichols attended COSA meeting.

I4 Rose conducted tour of refuge and fish hatchery for 5' sixth graders from Christopher school.

5 Rose presented talk on goose management of Mississippi Valley flock to 20 S.I.U. senior and graduate students.

17 Duncan presented program to 114-5 students at Marion Senior High School.

20 Johnson, Rose, Priest, Rice, Hove I I and Nichols presented thru Wildlife Week programs to 6i40 students of Marion, Johnston 26 City, Carterville and Herrin schools.

21 One hour program was presented by Mehrhoff to meeting of S.I.U. instructors on dry kiln operations.

2I4 Mehrhoff attended Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Nichols, Priest and Johnson attended Illinois Police Associa­ tion meeting in Harrisburg.

28 Nichols and Hove I I attended Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting in Mt. Vernon.

APRIL

I4 Duncan and Nichols attended Report Writing Course in Kansas thru City, Missouri. 6

II4 Johnson conducted tour for 30 S.I.U. Forestry students.

II4 Hovel I, Basler, Campbell attended safety school at Marion thru Prison. 18

18 Johnson attended Refuge Manager's Training School at Arden thru Hills. 5/20 19 Nichols and Priest attended Illinois Police Association meeting, Cairo, Illinois.

29 Rose and Rice attended Wood Duck Workshop at Havana, Illinois. Page 33

MAY

2 Rose conducted tour for 32 students from Lincoln School, Marion.

3 Mehrhoff presented talk to V.T.I, students.

Priest presented talk to 15 V.T.I, students on refuge regu­ lations and information on L.W.C.F.

5 Mehrhoff attended George Rogers Clark Recreation Parkway meet Ing•

7 Rose conducted tour for 12 Cub Scouts from Carterville.

8 Priest and Harry Davis attended Police Training Course at thru Southern I IIino Is UnIvors Ity Grassy Lake facilities. 21

10 Mehrhoff, Duncan and Nichols attended annual meeting of COFTC at West Frankfort.

11 Rose conducted tour for II students from Carbondale Com­ munity High School.

Rose conducted tour for Cub Scouts.

18 Rose represented refuge at Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselors meeting in Herrin.

19 Rose conducted tour for h*? fourth graders and 3 adults from South Side Grade School.

20 Duncan presented program and movie to West Side School, Herrin - 225 students.

Rose conducted tour for fifth graders and 3 adults from Mar ion.

23 Mehrhoff attended meeting In Carbondale for Shawnee Con­ servation Development Council.

Mehrhoff attended SI I board meeting in West Frankfort.

JUNE Johnson attended the joint meeting of the ITFA and the Society of American Foresters meeting In Paducah, Kentucky. Page 3h

5 Johnson presented talk to 75 parents and children at Little Grassy faciIities.

7 Nichols attended local law enforcement officers meeting at S. I .U.

9 Duncan attended COSA meeting,

15 A^ehrhoff presented one hour talk on outdoor recreation to teachers attending summer classes at S.I.U,

21 Johnson presented talk to 50 Girl Scouts in Marion.

2J4 Johnson presented talk to 120 Girl Scouts in Herrin.

27 Mehrhoff gave report on L.W.C.F. at SI I meeting in A^arion.

Hove I I gave talk to 50 children in Marion Park.

29 Mehrhoff attended Southern Illinois Recreation meeting. Presented talk on effects of L.W.C.F. on Crab Orchard.

JULY

7 Nichols attended COSA board meeting.

ill Nichols attended monthly community relations council meeting at Job Corps Center.

21 Duncan and Nichols attended COSA board meeting.

27 Nichols and Priest attended IPA meeting in Mt. Vernon.

AUGUST

2 Johnson attended Walnut Workshop at S.I.U., Carbondale, thru k 3 Duncan and Priest attended Illinois Recreation Council meeting at Muddy, Illinois.

1+ Novell attended Agricultural Advisory board meeting.

7 Johnson and Tripp conducted tour for 30 S.I.U. Forestry students. Page 35

10 Nichols and Priest attended IPA meeting in West Frankfort.

11 Mehrhoff and Duncan attended oral exam on graduate study for recreation on Crab Orchard.

SEPTEMBER I Novell attended Agricultural Advisory Board meeting.

5 Mehrhoff attended National Conference on policy issues in thru outdoor recreation in Logan, Utah. 9 6 Novell attended farmers meeting in West Frankfort.

15 Rice to Horicon Refuge to participate in hazing program. thru 10/8

15 & Novell to Horicon on equipment transfer. 16

18 Mehrhoff attended meeting of Refuge Managers at Mark Twain thru National Wildlife Refuge, Quincy, Illinois. 20

25 Nichols to Horicon Refuge to participate in hazing program, thru 10/9 26 Mehrhoff attended SI I meeting in Benton.

OCTOBER

I Duncan presented talk at COSA's annual barbecue.

I4 Mehrhoff to S.I.U. for breakfast with police officials.

Novell attended Agricultural Advisory Board meeting.

5 Duncan to Horicon Refuge to participate in hazing program, thru 9

5 Johnson attended ITFA meeting in Bloomington, Illinois. thru 7 Page 56

11 Johnson conducted refuge tour for 20 Girl Scouts from Marion, li* Novell conducted tour for 60 Carterville students,

15 Novell conducted tour for 120 S.I,U, students on pothole blasting demonstration,

17 Nichols gave slide talk to Aden's Club, Zion Christian Church, Marion,

17 Duncan attended L.W.C.F. training program in Washington, D.C. thru 21

20 Novell attended TAP meeting in Marion,

26 Nichols and Priest attended IPA meeting in Murphysboro,

Duncan attended meeting of Southern Illinois Recreation Council meeting at Harrisburg,

28 Mehrhoff attended meeting of outdoor education council at Carbondale,

NOVEMBER

1 Novell attended farm advisory council meeting.

2 Priest attended local law enforcement meeting at S.I.U.

Mehrhoff attended dinner meeting of Southern Illinois Outdoor Education Counci I.

3 Duncan and Johnson conducted tour for U. S. Forest Service representatives from Harrisburg.

8 Novell presented slide talk on migration to 60 students at Carterville School.

12 Duncan attended Vizsla National Field Trials.

13 REFUGE OPEN HOUSE.

18 Rice, Hove I I and Voelzer conducted tour for Principia College students.

Mehrhoff was Bureau representative at AUngo Conservation Center - one year of operation. Page 37

22 Voelzer conducted tour for 27 students.

23 Voelzer and Rice conducted tour for 30 sixth grade students.

29 Duncan presented slide talk to i+O members of Rotary Club, Benton, I I I inois.

Rice, Hove 11 and Voelzer conducted tour for 100 Carbondale students.

DECEMBER

1 Duncan attended COSA meeting.

2 Voelzer conducted two tours for Game Management classes, S. I .U., J4O students.

6 Nichols attended law enforcement meeting at S.I.U.

8 Nichols attended meeting at SI I on I967 camping show.

Duncan attended community relations council meeting at Job Corps.

12 Mehrhoff attended Midwest Wildlife Conference in Chicago, thru li*

13 Rice conducted tour for JO pupils.

20 Voelzer and Rice conducted tour for i+l pupils from Jefferson Schoo I.

21 Hove I I attended TAP meeting in Marion. Page 58

D» Hunt i ng

Squirrel hunters enjoyed a good season this year. There is good squirrel hunting area in this locality, and the hunting pres­ sure is well dispersed.

Mourning dove hunting was only fair on the public hunting area of the refuge. The Cambria Neck area provided good shooting the first few days, and Carterville Beach area provided some good pass shooting in late September.

The early teal season, September 17 - 25, received only light hunting pressure on Crab Orchard Lake. Success was fairly good, however, with an estimated 100 teal bagged.

The regular duck season, October 22 to December 5, on Crab Orchard Lake was very good. Local hunters bagged an estimated 800 ducks with mallards, scaup, ringnecks, widgeon and canvasbacks mak­ ing up the bulk of the kill. Devils Kitchen Lake received only light hunting pressure with few ducks bagged there.

One duck hunter on Crab Orchard Lake, who keeps detailed records of hunting from his blind, reports 100 ducks taken during the season. An additional 17 cripples were lost. He reported that 56I shots were fired, or an average of 5*6 shots per retrieved bird.

Goose hunters in the Crab Orchard Refuge area also enjoyed a good season this year. Hunters in this area bagged 2,291; geese of the 18,000 quota for Southern Illinois. The season, November 1I4. - December 23, ran through the 23rd before the quota was reached and the season closed. The season did not re-open, as scheduled, from December JO - January 5«

A cackling goose was bagged near Carterville this year. This was the first one recorded at the refuge in its 20-year history.

Goose hunting in the Crab Orchard Refuge area is concentrated on hunting clubs, refuge public hunting areas, and surrounding pri­ vate non-clubbed lands. The great majority of geese bagged are taken on hunting clubs. Clubs accounted for 1,575 geese killed this year. The refuge public hunting area accounted for an esti­ mated I1.32 geese killed, and private non-clubbed lands for only an estimated 287 geese.

The heaviest hunting pressure occurs at the Carterville "firing line" on the public hunting area. It is not uncommon to have 75 to 100 hunters in this area on a Saturday or Sunday. Most of them Page 39 use makeshift blinds fashioned from dead vegetation. Some bring their own portable blinds. Blinds are spaced, in places, no more than 30 to 50 yards apart. High shooting is the rule, and when a goose does fall, a foot race often ensues to see who gets the bird. It is an unforgettable sight to see a flock of Canadas fly far overhead and hear upward of 50 shots fired, and the flock never break formation. Despite this type of hunting, more geese are killed at the Carterville firing line area than any other place on the refuge public hunting area.

Goose kill figures were compiled weekly by the refuge law en­ forcement officer and forwarded to G,M,A, Camery, Anna, Illinois, These figures were based on club kill records, registers kept at the two major public hunting areas, field spot checks, and records kept by private individuals,

A comparison of the 1966 goose season with the previous six seasons foI lows:

Number of Pub 1ic Hunt ing Private Non- Season Year Clubs Club Kill Area Kill Clubbed Ki 1 1 Tota 1 s

1966 33 1,575 li32 287 2,291+ 1965 37 26I4 279 107 650 19614 h3 1,533 305 276 2,1 ll+ 1963 h3 1,5^7 395 228 2,170 1962 U2 1,910+ 532 2149 2,725 1961 1,289 872 h2h 2,585 I960 2,861+ 1,307 33k 5,005

Bow and arrow hunting for deer is a popular sport in this area, and there is a lot of good deer country available in which to hunt. On opening day, 35 cars were noted in prime deer areas and weekend bow hunting remained popular throughout the season. Even though bow hunters have an 80-day season, very few deer were taken.

Shotgun deer hunters killed 192 deer in Williamson County the first 3""day season, November 18 - 20, Hunting pressure was heavy, as usual. The hunting pressure was much lighter the second 3-ciay season, December 9-11, and only 31 deer were killed, A large majority of the deer are killed on the public hunting area of the refuge. The Devils Kitchen area was again the best deer area.

Quail hunting on the public hunting area was good. The quail population appeared to be up from last year. The Group Picnic area, the Cambria area, and Carterville firing line areas are favorite quail hunting spots. Hunting pressure was about average for the year.

Rabbit hunting on the refuge public hunting areas was fair. Hunting pressure was relatively light. Page l+O

E. Violations

The following violations were processed by refuge personnel this year:

Vio la t ion Number F i nes & Costs

Hunt without license - 5 I 175.00 Take, or attempt to take geese before season - 5 130.00 Over-possession of Canaoa geese - 4 195.00 Hunt deer without proper clothing - 3 90.00 Shoot across State highway - 2 60.00 Hunt in closed area of refuge - 2 Dism issed Over bag limit on Mallards - 1 30.00 Carry loaded gun in auto - 1 50.00 Hunt with unplugged shotgun - 2 60.00 Take geese without being in blind or pit - 1 30.00 Loan hunting license to another - 1 30.00 Illegal purchase of Canada geese - 1 Pend ing Take waterfowl without a "duck stamp" - 1 30.00 Hunt deer without a back tag - 1 30.00 Fish without license - 5 90.00 Leave trammel nets set overnight - 3 30.00 Two not gu11ty Fish in closed area of refuge 1 30.00 Falsify State fishing license - 1 30.00 Refuge trespass - 15 315.00 Speeding on refuge roads - 15 250.00 1 1 lega 1 park!ng - 14 ho •oo Fail to stop at stop sign - 63.00 Operate motorboat without life preserver for each person aboard - 8 120.00 Pull waterskier without observer - 6 180.00 Operate motorboat at night without running 1ights - 3 i+5.00 Operate motorboat without fire extinguisher - 2 66.00

Illegal possession of alcoholic beverages - 17 1,299.80 Swim in prohibited area - 3 150.00 Drive motor vehicle on other than designated road - 2 50.00 Littering - 2 51.00 Throw bottle through car windshield (littering) - Paid for broken windshield (90.21) and 2 fuI I days of work on refuge - (Court ordered).

TOTALS - 122 13,6814.80 Page i+l

An additional 55 cases were handled in which no charges were fi led.

Federal cases were handled before the Do S. Commissioner in Carbondale. State cases were filed in Circuit Court, Marion.

The following incidents were also investigated, wholly or in part, by refuge personnel:

Incident Number

Theft - 20 Motor vehicle accidents - || Boating accidents - 5 Accidents to using public - I|. Vanda I i sm - ]+ Break-in, open doors, windows, etc. I|. Disorderly conduct - 3 Abandoned vehicle - 3 Recovery of stolen property - 2 Littering - 2 Trespass - 2 Death on refuge - 2 Aircraft landing on Crab Orchard Lake - I Car fire - I Al isce I laneous - 6 "TO-

Excellent cooperation was received throughout the year from the Illinois State Police, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, the Southern Illinois University Police, the Carbondale Police De­ partment, and U.S.G.M.A. Miles Camery. The Illinois Conservation Department assigned a boat and personnel to Crab Orchard Lake for assistance in enforcing boat regulations and boater safety during the summer months. Page i+S

F. Safety

The following list of accidents occurred during the year:

Employee Descr iption Date Classi f ication of Accident Days Lost

1/10/66 Usi ng Pub Iic Death by Heart Attack. 0 6/22/66 Usi ng Pub Iic Death by Drowning. 0 6/28/66 Laborer Burns. 20 7/22/66 Swi tchman Object in Eye. 0 10/12/66 Laborer Cut Thumb. 0 10/20/66 Garage Serviceman Insect in Ear. 0 12/3/66 Using Pub Iic Death by Blast. 0

On January 10, Mr. Frank Ealy died of a heart attack while deer hunting during the refuge controlled deer hunt.

On June 22, I966, two men were pumping powder submerged in water from one pit to another at the U. S. Powder Company. The men worked for SchiI Ii Transportation Company. A spark from the generator on the pumper truck caused a flash fire. One man was severely burned. The second man was burned and apparently dived into the pond and drowned.

On July 28, one of the refuge laborers was burning brush in Area 13. Believing one of the brush piles was burning too slowly, he climbed on top of it and poured diesel fuel onto the center of the pile from a can which may have had a small amount of gasoline mixed with the fuel. A flash fire occurred, and the laborer dived off the brush pile, severely bruising his knees and suffering second and third degree burns on his face, hands, arms and back. The employee was hospitalized, and 20 man days were lost. This was the only lost-time accident on the refuge this year.

More than 8,000 pounds of nitroglycerin blew up at the U. S. Powder Company plant on December 3* One man disappeared, and no part of the body or clothing was found. Another man was hurt by the blast. All buildings in the area were damaged, and many vehicles were damaged. The blast knocked out the electric power and steam backed up in the lines, scalding a third man. Cause of the blast is unknown.

There have been 186 calendar days since the last lost-time accident. This totaled 8613.5 man days of working time.

The following employees completed a standard course in first aid and received a Red Cross card and a certificate from Southern Illinois Un iversi ty: Page 1+3

Marvin Duncan Paul Eastwood Clark Wingard Kenneth Summers Roger Priest Layman Summers Robert Johnson Jack Stephens John Pickar William Webb Doug las EI Iiott Jewell Gibbens Harry Davis Carl Orange Lewis Gass

The following employees completed a Supervisor's course in Safety this year: Leroy E« Hovel I, Rolla Basler, William Campbell. This course covered such topics as:

Occupational Health Hazards Layout and Housekeeping Protective Equipment Hazards of Working Surfaces Fire Prevention and Protection Safety Inspection Accident Causes Supervisory Responsibility

This course totaled 30 hours of instruction by a safety engineer from the Department of Labor. It was a very good course and gave a new outlook on Safety. It should be required for all supervisors.

The Refuge acquired two D-I4 cats on surplus this year, and built protective cabs for both.

Fire escape ladders were placed on a I I two-story residences this year

A protective earth embankment was built around our fuel storage area large enough to contain any fire that might result in that area.

Safety meetings were conducted once monthly throughout the year. The meetings attempted to cover every phase of Crab Orchard Refuge operations and included many home safety tips.

Crab Orchard Refuge personnel have continued the driving record, without an accountable accident, to 1,215,21+7 miles. We almost lost the record when a private vehicle backed into a parked refuge truck on July I3« However, the Safety Committee ruled that the accident was not accountable since the government vehicle was properly parked and no government driver was involved in the accident. Page

VII. INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES

A. Water Use

I• Industrial Consumption

Production of treated water continues to increase each year, up approximately 70,000,000 gallons above last year. Primarily, this was caused by increased production and employment of our in­ dustrial tenants and increased enrollment in the Vocational Technical Institute of Southern Illinois University.

The amount of sewage treated reflected a similar increase for the same reasons.

The demand for treated water and sewage should continue to in­ crease in the future as the University and industries expand their faci I i ties.

Below is a tabulation of the gallons treated:

1963 1966

Water - 306,31+0,000 375,687,000

Sewage - 70,296,000 77,567,000

2. Municipal Use

With rainfall still slightly below normal (2.62 inches) this year, the surrounding cities maintaining pumping stations on Crab Orchard Lake, had to continue pumping water from Crab Orchard. Only the City of Herrin pumped less water than last year, the other three cities combined in pumping 107,503,^00 gallons more over last year.

Following is the tabulation of the gallons of water pumped and the revenues received per city: Page h3

Ga1 Ions Amount

Marion - 60,790,900 11,215.82

Herrin - 97,500,700 1,91+6.01

Carterv i 1 le - 93,565,000 1,871.60

Carbondale - 1, I70,32i|,000 23,l+o6.U+

1,1+21,980,600 128,1+39.87

Annual Fees - 1+00.00

128,839.87

B. Facility Development and Maintenance

I. Buildings and Grounds

— Remodeled upstairs of Quarters 281+. — Remodeled and decorated Quarters 280. — Rebuilt Little Creek Bridge. — Wired corn crib for use of electric motor for loading and unload ing. — Decorated Quarters 282. — Ditched and back sloped Ogden Road, Area 7. Installed new condensate pump in wash house. — Repaired shop condensate lines. — Remodeled and painted fur shed. — Maintenance repairs on 7 lift stations. — Major repairs on 7 fire hydrants. Installed 1+* concrete culvert at Skinner Bottom Road. — Minor road maintenance throughout refuge. Excavated for sanitary landfills. Area 1+ and Tank 3» Industrial building. Areas 3 and 7 - door repairs. Installed safety dike around bulk fuel storage tanks. Area 1+. Painted all shop doors and window trim. — Painted all shop area buildings (Contract). — Mowed all closed area roads throughout growing season. Built 1+ lifeguard stands. — Built 3 L.W.C.F. collection booths. — Constructed information trailer site, including installation of water, sewer and electrical facilities. — Installed 10" control valve. Lift Station 6. — Roof coated industrial buildings. Areas 3 and 7. — Painted interior of office and outside trim. Page 1+6

Painted two Refuge entrance signs. Repaired kitchen area. Quarters 272. Built new storage shed, sewage plant. Built new Wolf Creek Bridge. Built and installed 7 safety ladders on quarters for second f I oor fire e sea pe s. Sloped and placed riprap on Piney Point. Installed new 52t smoke stack at water plant. Remodeled downstairs of Quarters 275. Installed new combination storm and screen windows on a I I Government Quarters. Checked all Government Quarters heating units, making minor repa irs. Re-wired fire tower. Dredged shoreline - Playport area. Winterized several industrial buildings. Annual fire and building inspection on all leased industrial areas and buildings. Built new unloading ramp at Oil House. Repaired sewer line to Quarters 285. Constructed wood duck nests. Picked up garbage truck from Necedah Refuge. Installed bumper guards in shop parking lot. Installed drainage culvert in shop parking lot. Installed new hot water heaters in fire station. Quarters 279, Quarters 291, and Devils Kitchen Quarters. Repaired water lines in shop. Repaired main water lines to 01 in Mathieson. Built boat racks for pickups - Horicon trip.

2. Equ ipment

A\ajor shop work accomplished this year is as follows:

— Performed ijl major and minor tuneups. Repaired ij. speedometers. Repaired or replaced 13 generators or alternators. — RebuiIt 15 starters. Installed 7 two-way radios. — Re-wired 2 tractors. — Repaired II heaters. -- Cleaned, repaired or rebuilt 17 carburetors. Replaced or repaired 15 clutches. Installed U joints in k units. — Overhauled 5 transmissions. Page i+T

Made 2 cab protectors for dozers. Overhauled 3 gasoline engines complete. Installed 17 exhaust systems. Complete valve jobs on 3 engines. Installed I new engine in cat tractor. Repaired 12 hoists on hydraulic systems. 21 major brake jobs. Repaired 9 rotary mowers. Front end repairs to 22 vehicles. Paint jobs 2 units. Steam cleaned 10 vehicles. Major repairs to 8 differentials. Anti-freeze installed in all units with liquid cooling systems. Replaced head gaskets on 3 engines. Made repairs to I4 lawn mowers. Installed new shock absorbers on 9 units. Installed 5 new door glasses. Major repairs to 3 power take-off units. Repaired 6 radiators. Timing cover oil seals on 2 units. Repairs to 3 water pumps. Major repairs on 6 chain saws. Installed new mud flaps on 3 trucks. Electrical repairs on 18 units. Replaced 3 door locks. Installed engine supports on 2 engines. Repaired I gas gauge and 2 gas tanks. Installed I new power steering unit. Installed 2 spotlights. Repaired or replaced I|. windshield wiper motors. Major repairs to 2 tracks on heavy tractors. Installed 2 door openers on shop doors. 2 Electronic, siren and P.A. systems installed. Installed I new portable panama pump. Installed I new engine on diaphragm v/ater pump. Performed regular maintenance and safety checks on all equipment on a calendar or mileage basis.

3. Ra iI road

Sixty-nine man days were spent on track maintenance during the year. This consisted of replacing cross ties, aligning track, level ing and gauging.

Major jobs were:

— Cleaned all railroad crossing. Repaired railroad trestle to Area 3» — Repaired Crab Orchard Creek trestle. Job Corps replaced several hundred railroad cross ties. Cleaned log jams from around all trestles. Page i+S i|. Water and Sewage

The daily operation of the water and sewage facilities was routine. No major breakdowns occurred nor renovations required during the year.

The grease problem at Lift 6, serving the Federal Penitentiary, has been partially solved requiring less maintenance.

In addition to the regular production and maintenance work, the following jobs were accomplished:

Installed gate valves at Lifts 5 and 6 to regulate flow. — Replaced drive chain on final tank at sewage plant. Installed new foot valve on vertical pump in clear well. Installed foot valve in sump on raw water pump. — Painted interior surfaces of four 250,000 gallon elevated water tanks (Contract). — Installed safety hand rails on aerator tanks, sewage plant. Repaired two 16", one 8", and one 12" water line breaks. Repaired several 10" sewer line breaks. All sewer line areas mowed twice during growing season.

5. Fire and Security

Ihere were no major industrial building fires the past year. Refuge firemen and guards made 3 industrial runs and suppressed I4. grass fires. The fire fighting crew was also called upon to assist in the suppression of a building and grass fire outside, but ad­ jacent to the refuge.

Personnel wrote 26 tickets on Refuge violations, II of which were prosecuted and 15 were given as warnings. Twenty-three in­ cident reports were written during the year.

Items of maintenance accomplished in addition to the regular security patrol are as follows:

Serviced and recharged all hand fire extinguishers for buildings equ ipment. Cut grass and weeds from around 100 fire hydrants twice during the summer months.

— Painted shower room and all exterior wood trim on fire station bu i Iding .

-- Using pumper truck, pressure cleaned the interior of our 1+ elevated 250,000 gallon water storage tanks prior to painting. Page h9

— Flushed and winterized 150 fire hydrants.

— Assisted in the maintenance and repair of refuge radios.

C. Industrial Lease Management

Writing of industrial leases, building inspection and repair, and rental collections absorbs all the time that can be devoted to this operation. The year 1966 was a good one for the larger industries, but some of the smaller ones were plowed under. Collection of delinquent accounts is difficult where operations are marginal. Two companies folded and left us with rental unpaid. Even after the settlement of the sale of assets, there was not enough to pay our rental charges. Constant inspection and urging is necessary to keep these industries aware of their commitments to the refuge. Whenever buildings or grounds need additional care, it is up to our staff to urge these tenants to police, repair or paint the facilities.

Total lease footage decreased this year because of company consoli­ dation, movement to new locations, or bankruptcy. In 1965, l,307*U8l|. square feet were used, but by the end of 1966 this had dropped to 1,223,651 square feet. We had eight industrial tenants that dropped out during the calendar year. We added only three new ones. The larger companies, such as 01 in Mathieson, U. S. Powder, Diagraph Bradley and S.I.U. continued to add to their existing facilities. Additions boosted the amount of floor space under leasej however, it was not enough to off­ set the companies that folded.

This year two companies on the refuge filed bankruptcy proceedings. Whitby Brothers Piano Company, which had been In operation for just a few months, ended up in a court battle between the stockholders and eventually wound up in receivership. The refuge was involved in this because of some |2,500 worth of rental due, and when the smoke finally cleared, the Judge paid off the creditors, but there was no money left for building rental. Things were not a total loss, since there was about |I5»000 worth of improvements to the building which accrued to the Government. It was only through the office of the Circuit Judge that we were able to hold these improvements in the building. We felt that im­ provements were installed property and could not be removed. The Judge said that he would take the recommendation of the refuge as to what prop­ erty was installed, and with this kind of backing, we were able to hold all of the improvements as additions to the building. The buildings were then leased to another company which is now in the process of manufactur­ ing pianos. Page 50

The Grinnell Sash and Door Company, which had been an industrial tenant since 195' ancl has had tough sledding every year, finally closed its doors and filed bankruptcy proceedings* The company did not owe the refuge any rental at the time of closing; however, since closure, the buildings are still occupied by the equipment and mater­ ials, and we are now billing the receiver for the occupied footage. We hope that when the assets are sold we can recover this back rent.

A new division of 01 in Mathieson Chemical Corporation moved into a portion of Load Line I and is manufacturing 81 mm. mortar flares for the military. This is a portion of Olin's Pyrotechnic Division, and we hope that if this operation goes smoothly, this Division will occupy additional floor space.

At the close of the year, there were 28 industrial tenants, ex­ clusive of S.I.U. and U. S. Penitentiary. These industrial tenants paid to the refuge $285,079.01+ during the year. Unbelievable as it may seem, this is only an |8.00 increase of the revenue received dur­ ing the calendar year 1965* Our industrial leasing program continued to return to the Government an overall operations cost of 98%, The consumption of treated water increased during the year since the U. S. Powder plant is in full production of ammonium nitrate. Rail shipments constitute much of their transportation, so income from the railroad increased to about 90^ of the operational costs.

Total industrial employees, exclusive of refuge and Job Corps, increased by 37 people. In addition to those employed by the in­ dustries, 225 students are utilizing refuge facilities under lease to the Technical and Adult Education Center of S.I.U. These students are going full time under the Manpower Training Program. S.I.U. in­ forms us that they expect 100 percent of them will assume jobs as soon as they graduate.

For comparative analysis, see Table I.

D. Lease Prospects

Industrial leasing prospects for 19^7 appear to be good. At the present time, we are negotiating with three companies who would like to acquire 20,000 to 30,000 square feet each. One of these com­ panies is a manufacturer of pleasure boats and houseboats, another is a distributing warehouse for sporting goods, and the third is a manu­ facturer from the northern part of the State looking for expansion space. We have very little footage available for leasing, and if we can acquire two of the three plants, it will place our committed available space at nearly 100 percent. Page 51

We have been advised by the Monsanto Chemical Company that they are giving up the warehouse operations in this area, and are soon releasing about 50,000 square feet of storage space. We will proba­ bly have a difficult time in re-leasing these buildings.

We anticipate that 01 in Mathieson Company, U. S. Powder, and Central Technology, Inc. will continue to increase their operations since the majority of their production is being used in the national defense program. The Solid Propellant Division of 01 In Mathieson recently received a new defense contract of two million dollars for continued production of their jet starter cartridges. They are also producing military flares and other pyrotechnic devices. TABLE NO. I - INDUSTRIAL LEASING, REVENUE, & EMPLOYMENT

Lease Footage Monetary Return Total No. Employed 1/ 1/66 12/31/66 Rent Wat. & Sew. Swi tch ing tofal 1/ 1/66 12/51/66

Allen Ind. 52,250 62,500 #10,1+76.95 | 229.00 $ 975.00 #11,679.95 20 11+ Khute Aronson 2,021 176.82 ymmm 176.82 1 Brick Craft 2,170 189.91 — 189.91 — mm. C.T. 1. i+,056 8,777 1,137.80 180.00 1,317.80 12 CO. Field Trial — 25.OO 72.21 97.21 — — CO. Sports Club — 25.OO 158.21 183.21 -- Coles Asphalt 10,250 — 256.26 256.26 — — Dept. of Justice — 13,151.01 60.00 13,211.01 239 251 Diagraph Bradley 98,808 98,808 I6,76U.36 6?l|.8l+ 300.00 17,689.20 11+5 156 East Side Lumber 35,850 35,850 7,380.08 72.00 795.00 8,21+7.08 9 8 Egyptian Indus. 5*291+ 1,069 21I+.50 2I1+.50 — Egyptian Woodcraft 21,218 1,118.20 21+.00 1,1)|?.20 5 Electric & Mach ine 9,370 9,370 2,069.00 lW|.00 2,213.00 10 10 G.S.A. 63,29U 63,291; 10,619.16 1+8.00 10,667.16 10 7 Great Lakes 50,971 30,971 5,260.68 1+8.00 825.00 6,135.68 6 5 Grinne11 36,01+1 36, Oli 1 4,887.70 250.77 1,785.00 6,925.1+7 60 60 Han ley 1,069 17.82 17.82 — Wa rre n He i dbre de r 1,069 1,069 98.01 --- 98.01 — -- Marion CD. 5,25i+ 5,25i+ 837.OO ™. 837.OO 1 1 Marion Metal 10,250 10,250 1,557.56 1,557.56 2 2 Midwest Brush 6,060 12,005 I,1M.28 71+.55 15.00 1,555.85 15 19 Monsanto Chem. 33,250 35,250 1+,9I7.72 960.00 5,877.72 2 2 NatM. Repro. 3,891 3,891 778.20 66.00 8ijl+.20 2 2 Norge l+,22l+ 3l+,97l+ 5,512.61+ -.— 5,512.6U 1 — 01 In Mathieson 172,768 l9l+,61+5 29,550.88 17,619.66 570.00 ltf,5l+0.5l+ 1+17 1+03 Petrof Trading 56,507 26,050 l+,708.5l+ 18.00 l+,726.5l+ 1 5 Prope1 lex 1,069 1,069 106.90 106.90 Sch i111 Transport 3,321+ 5,521+ 661+.80 72.00 15.00 751.80 10 10 Ben Schl 1 11 10,250 10,250 1,557.56 31+5.00 1,882.56 2 2 S.I.U. (University) 19,835 19,835 1,986.36 360OO 2,022.36 2 2 S. 1 .U.o Geo logy 2,021 2,021 3i+5o56 5l;5.56 — mm S.1.U. Veterans — 2,1+10.83 2,Ifl0.83 58 102 S.I.U. Tech. & Adult 1+5,812 1^5,812 10,387.88 1, 108.01 11,1+95.89 50 28 (225 S.I.U. T. Center 17,522 19,31+5 3,632.80 3li7oOO 3,979.80 68 107 TABLE NO. I - INDUSTRIAL LEASING, REVENUE, & EMPLOYMENT

Lease Footage Monetary Return Total No. Employed 1/1/66 12/31/66 Rent Wat. & Sew . Switching Total 1/1/66 12/31/66

So, III* Woodwork. 3U68 mmmmm 1 1+07.67 —. —— $ 1+07.67 5 — Supreme Plating 1492.81+ I,lf9l4.86 1,987.70 2 2 Technical Tape 97,669 56,910 9,995.06 72.00 10,065.06 2 2 Trojan Powder 17,101+ 20,511 1,978.02 — 120.00 2,098.02 — — Turco Mfg. 50,750 2,686.1i3 2,686.1+3 — Universal Match 7,i+83 7,1483 — 7l48.1il4 — — U, S. Powder 555,198 355,297 1;0,002.20 35,816.15 18,855.00 92,673.55 152 121 Whitby. Bros* 50,750 — 683.31+ — 683.31+ 5 —— Uni ted Church 10,250 1,879.15 5I+.00 75.00 2,008.13 k Job Corps — 1,866.29 120.00 1,986.29 — McDonaId 10,250 72.61 72.61

TOTALS, 1966 1,223,651 $185,207.65 $7l+,056.59 $25,815.00 $285,079.01+ 1,356 +225 students

TOTALS, 1965 1,507,^81+ $l87,36i+.76 $59,790.1+1 $22,070.00 $285,071.39 1,299 Page 52

VIII. OTHER ITEMS

A» Items of Interest

I • Land and Water Conservation Fees

Crab Orchard was one of several areas designated to collect entrance fees from recreationists in 1966. A collection plan was drafted and subsequently approved. Twelve sites were selected for fee collection and posted as such. Three collection booths were constructed and positioned at the major use entrances. An office- type trailer equipped with public toilets and air conditioning was purchased. The trailer unit was located off the west county road and functioned as a field headquarters, fee card sales and general information stations.

Seven part time fee collectors, seven lifeguards, and two recrea­ tional patrolmen were hired under the L.W.C.F. Lifeguards were sta­ tioned at four public beaches — Carterville, Hogan, Lookout and Crab Orchard. Fee collectors were stationed at the information trailer, collection booths, and also served as roving collectors. Roving col­ lectors attempted to cover the entrances not covered by booth stations, which involved some nine areas. Part time patrolmen assisted with the collections on a roving basis. Fee card sales were brisk during May and June. From mid-July on, the sale of annual cards dropped pro­ gressively. Daily fee cards predominated sales throughout the summer.

As suggested by higher echelon, the I966 recreation fee program would be a "soft sell11 approach. Under no circumstances would anyone be prosecuted for non-compliance with the L.W.C.F. fee program. With this type of approach, a feeling of being tied, or handicapped, per­ sisted during the collection period. Fortunately, only a few instances of unwillingness to pay entrance fees were experienced, and only through careful handling were problems avoided.

During the collection period. May I to September 15, a total of #29,978.00 was collected through sale of fee cards and user fees. A breakdown of receipts follows:

Type of Fee Amount

17.00 annual $16, li42.00 $3.00 30-day 1,611.00 $1.50 30-day 88.50 #1.00 daily I 1,296.00 $0.50 daily I9O.5O User fee - group picnic areas 650.00

Total - #29,978.00 Page 53

2« Horicon DetaiI

Several personnel from Crab Orchard were "selected" for assign­ ments at Horicon Refuge this fall to assist in the hazing program. Assignments included: preparing and constructing scaring devices, placement of scaring devices, servicing scaring equipment, night­ time fireworks, patrolling, and goose trapping. Total man days for Crab Orchard personnel amounted to 1+0 days, including travel time.

3« Job Corps Operations

The Crab Orchard Job Corps Center has completed 18 months of operations with the emphasis on conservation-recreation projects. Through a we 11 balanced program of education, conservation work and recreation, the corpsmen have continued to assist the Crab Orchard Refuge in carrying out its objectives. The Refuge has attempted to utilize the corpsmen in as many varied jobs as possible. By con­ tinually varying the types of projects, we hope to hold the interest of the corpsmen and prevent them from becoming discouraged with routine or drudgery jobs. Since the corpsmen are divided into two groups, one group will spend a week on education, while the other group spends a week on refuge work programs. The rotation of these two groups also prevents repetition.

Primary objectives of the Job Corps program is to enrich and improve the lives of corpsmen assigned to the Crab Orchard Center. This was to be accomplished through a balanced program of work, edu­ cation and recreation. It was necessary for the Crab Orchard staff to understand these corpsmen are not skilled employees such as we were used to handling, but the majority were underprivileged youths who had little or no experience in any type of work.

Much of the work accomplishments was in the form of Bureau assistance rather than a capitalized improvement. As of the close of December, 1966, an estimated value of |I00,000 has been placed on the contribution made by the Job Corpsmen.

Listed below are the projects completed, those that are still In progress, and those planned for 196?.

Projects completed to January I, 196?:

— Timber stand improvement 30 Acres — Cambria Neck Picnic Area Improvement 5 Acres — Picnic table construction 30 each — Paint recreation area toilets 15 each — Habitat improvement 10 acres Page 5U

Shore Iine riprap 3,725 tons Group Picnic Area shelter & fireplace, I each 800 sq. ft. Pasture seeding 160 acres Painting refuge water plant 31,800 sq. ft/ Barbeque fireplace. Group Area No. I I each Wildlife pond - dam and controls 6 acres Road bridge - 1+0* single span I each Recreation area water Iine 7,500 ft. and ij. fountains Railroad tie replacement 650 crossties Bureau assistance projects: — Refuge shop - I Corpsman, continually Refuge water plant - I Corpsman, continually — Refuge recreation area maintenance - 2 Corpsmen, May to September. Small conservation projects (generally under Refuge supervisors): — Assist with refuge deer hunt — Assist refuge in post-hunt search for dead and crippled deer — Waterfowl banding — Prune, clean up, mow and disc pecan grove — Wood duck nest check — Construct Horicon hazing devices 1+0 units — Rye seeding 10 acres — Post peeling (from pine thinning) 2,000 posts — Assist in fire trail mowing 1+2 m i les Farm land cleanup 80 acres Projects in progress:

Area 7 wildlife pond (Series of 1+ pounds to impound 50-60 acres of water). Shoreline riprap placement 7,500 tons — Carterville Beach change houses 2 each -« Timber stand improvement 50 acres

Planned Projects during 1967:

Construct picnic tables 1+0 each Vehicle road bridge I each Picnic she Iter I each Refuge equipment storage building 1,1+1+0 sq. ft. Tree planting 1+0 acres Refuge utility buildings 8' x 10' 10 each Railroad tie replacement 750 each Page 55

B* Personnel

Several personnel changes have taken place at Crab Orchard during the past year. Mr. David Rose transferred as Area Wetland Manager at Hastings, Nebraska. Dave started his Bureau service at Crab Orchard in 1962 after finishing his studies at Southern Illi­ nois University. Mr. James f. Voelzer entered on duty November 9, to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Rose. Jim had recently been dis­ charged from the armed forces, as a reconnaissance pilot, after serving in Viet Nam. Prior to entering the armed services, Jim re­ ceived his B.S. degree at Utah State University.

Mr. Clark Wingard, after six years at Crab Orchard, was trans­ ferred to the Regional Office in Minneapolis as an Engineering Technician. Clark hasn't completely forsaken us, however, as he pays us frequent visits on his Job Corps inspections.

Mr. Wesley F. James entered on duty November 1st, as an Admin­ istrative Assistant. Wes moved his family from Minneapolis to Crab Orchard after retiring from the Navy with 21 years of service.

On September 2nd, Mrs. Jo Ann Wilklns resigned her position as Clerk-Stenographer to accept an offer in her home town. Mrs. Sue Spees moved from Fiscal Accounting Clerk to fill the vacancy as our Clerk-Stenographer receptionist. On September 7fh we welcomed Mrs. Rose M. Cassidy, who entered on duty as our Fiscal Accounting Clerk. Rose had prior government service working as Personnel appointments clerk for ^ years at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, I I Iino is.

April marked the beginning of our summer work program requiring the hiring of nine (9) WAE's to accomplish our objectives. This does not include the sixteen (l6) WAE's hired under the L.W.C.F. program. By the end of October our work program had been completed, and the last of our WAE's were terminated.

Outstanding Performance ratings were given to Leon Davis, William Herring, G. Hi ley Hunter, and James Smith in recognition of their work.

A new coordinated wage rate survey was made in August, becoming effective October 23rd for the Wage Board employees. Hourly rates were increased from 10 to 13 cents.

Lodge 2086 of the AFGE, representing the employees at Crab Orchard, was granted exclusive recognition July 20, 1966. We are now in the process of negotiating a basic agreement contract in accordance with Executive Order No. IO988. Page 56

At long last we finally received recognition for having 100^ participation in the U, S. Savings Bond program. Crab Orchard has been 100^ in the purchase of savings bonds since I958» December 28th, we received the Concord Minute Man Award from the Treasury Department signed by Henry H, Fowler, Secretary of the Treasury, This award reflects the fine cooperation from each and every em­ ployee at Crab Orchard,

C. Photographs (by Manager Duncan)

Photographs are appended.

D, Credits for This Report

Section I - (A) Gualdoni, (B-l) Nichols, (B-2) Rice and VoeIzer,

Section I I - Rice and Voelzer,

Section III- (A-1, E) Duncan, (A-2, B-3, C, D) Hove I I, (A-3) Nichols, (A-l;, B-2, F) Johnson, (B-l) Rice and Voelzer,

Section IV - (A, B) Hovel I, (C), Duncan, (D) Johnson, (E) Priest, (F) Nichols,

Section V - (A-I, 2, 3, k, 5) Duncan, (A-6, 7) Johnson,

Section Vl - (A) Nichols, (B, C) Mrs, Spees, (D, E) Priest, (F) Hove I I,

Section VII- (A, B) Hunter, (C, D) Mehrhoffe

Section VIII- (A-I, 2) Duncan, (A-3) Swenson (Job Corps), (B) Hunter, NR Forms - (1-5) Rice and Voelzer, (Ic) Priest, (6) Nichols, (7 & II) Johnson, (8, 8a, 12) Hove I I,

Report assembled and edited by Nichols, Report typed and assembled by Dungey* Page 57

SIGNATURE PAGE

Submitted by:

('Signature

Date: February 10, I967 Project Manager Title

Approved, Regional Office:

Date: /reAlU0*y /I, 7

(Signa

Regional Refuge Supervisor OFFICE FIRST ROW: R. Cassidy, H. Gualdoni, B. Dungey and S. Spees. SECOND ROW: W. James, H. Hunter, A. Mehrhoff and A. Jack. RI-15-67

WILDLIFE

FIRST ROW: G. Stapleton, R. Johnson, R. Priest and J. Rice.

SECOND ROW: G. Tripp, J. Voelzer, L. Hovel I, M. Duncan and A. Mehrhoff.

Rl-15-67

WATER PLANT

L to R: L. Parks, H. Garner, J, Li Mich, J» Cox, A. Boles and W, WaI I in.

RI-i4-67

RECREATION

FIRST ROW: C. Adams and R. Venegonl

SECOND ROW: E. Nichols, W. Campbell, C. Flora and L. Rosenberger (WAE).

RI-6-67

SHOP

FIRST ROW: J. Kslly, B, Stacey and J. Moore.

SECOND ROW: R. Woodsum (WAE), W. Herring, W. Elliott and R. Howe I I.

RI-7-6?

MAINTENANCE

FIRST ROW: L. Tippy, T. Galines, J. Galea terra, E. Darnell, D. Elliott, F. Norton and J. Booth.

SECOND ROW: J. Pickar, J. Payne (WAE), J. DeJulio (WAE), C. Jeralds, L. Morse, R. Goldsmith, J. Smith and L. Davis. (Missing: H. Butler).

Rl-10-67

FIRE STATION

FIRST ROW: J. Gibbens, U Gass, H. Davis and C. Orange.

SECOND ROW: K. Summers, R. Basler, P. Eastwood, L. Summers, J. Stephens and W. Webb.

RI-2-67

Office type trailer equipped with public toilets, first aid supplies, two-way radio, etc. This unit served as a field station for the L.W.C.F. collection and information program.

RI0-I2-66

Wildlife Aid Gene Miller discussing recreation opportunities with refuge visitor. Photo shows interioif of collection- information trailer.

RIO-10-66

Refuge shop building after receiving a new face lifting. Many industries followed this example of area beautifIcation.

Rl1-17-66

Ed Nichols on left and ftoger Priest pose with twelve Canada geese confiscated in over-possession case.

R21-3-66

A group of high school students are observing the aerial seeding operations in Crab Orchard Bay. The moist soils unit on the right is seeded annually to Japanese millet. R7-9-66

Performance tests were conducted on the recoiless cannon developed by Central Technology, Inc. (See Section V - Refuge Projects).

RI6-I1-66

Job Corpsmen assisting refuge crew with pile driving operations* Corpsmen later completed construction of the bridge.

R10-6-66

Corpsmen installing water IIne for recreation areas at Lookout Point and Crab Orchard sites,

Rl1-3-66

v

.''vol

BHKIIHHii^HIB Nitroglycerin production and storage area. Stuff is produced in covered building in lower center, then trans­ ferred by pipe to storage building. Storage was earth covered, concrete reinforced building, similar to those^ shown here. Concrete was about I foipt thick and about 2 feet of earth covering. Nothing remains of the building or contents. Crater left by blast is SO1 wide and 15* deep. Interior of building had lead lined floor. Nitro­ glycerin was stored In stainless steel tanks of about 2,000 pounds capacity in each. There were six tanks in the building and four were full. At the time of explosion there was one man In the tank room. Cause of explosion Site layout of U, S. Powder plant on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Center of explosion is circle in right center of photo. Note the shock waves from the blast travelled in four directions. This was due to the building design and breaks In the earth barrier. Damage to other buildings was most extensive in these four directions. Ammonium nitrate plant in upper left corner was slightly damaged and production was resumed within three days of the blast. Other buildings nearer the blast are still under repair. Production of nitroglycerin will start in March. Typical building damage suffered by exposed structures; fortunately most buildings within mile were protected by earth embankments. Most damage to building was caused by concrete and earth missiles. Chunks of concrete up to 500 pounds were hurled l/2 mile to crash into buildings or equipment. Plant officials are redesigning the building to prevent this tvoe of damaae in case of other exolosions. Corpsmen, under the supervision of Work Leader Russell Massie, constructed a fireplace and barbeque for Group Picnic Area No, I, Corpsmen constructed two of these fireplaces, and the workmanship was Improved on the second one. mm

Many corpsmen expressed an interest in learning to operate heavy equipment. Thus, the competrtion for bulldozer operators became quite keen. Refuge staff selected an area for a wildlife pond, and turned the project over to corpsmen supervisors. They completed the planning and assigned corpsmen the jobs of building the pond. We hope the corpsmen will be able to construct four ponds a year for the wildlife program. Areas of the Crab Orchard Lake shoreline required sloping and placement of riprap. Corpsmen, under the super­ vision of Work Leader Roy Taylor, have sloped these shores and are now engaged in piecing the riprap. Riprap is scheduled for two miles of shoreline each year. Job Corpsmen, under the supervision of Work Leader Amos Snyder, construct a shelter in the new Group Picnic Area No. 2. Design of this structure was similar to the one in Group Picnic Area No. I. Completed project included fireplace, landscaping, seeding and swimming beach. Corpsmen completed this project In time for the summer use period.